Trundle assembly and carrier comprising same

Abstract

The trundle assembly comprises a wheel and a connecting base, the wheel comprises a tire, a spoke, a hub and an axle, the axle is installed in the hub in a pivoted mode, the connecting base comprises a base body and a fork-shaped component, the base body and the fork-shaped component are fixedly connected with each other, and the tail ends of the fork-shaped component are fixedly connected to the two ends of the axle respectively; the caster assembly further comprises a magnetic induction lighting mechanism comprising a permanent magnet fixedly mounted to the hub, a coil winding fixedly mounted to the axle such that the coil winding rotates relative to the permanent magnet within a cavity defined by the permanent magnet, and at least one luminophor embedded in the seat body, and the coil winding is electrically connected with at least one luminous body. The utility model further provides a carrier which comprises a frame, a seat and the trundle assembly. According to the invention, illumination towards the front of a driving route can be provided for a pusher, and a rotatable seat is also provided for a vehicle-mounted person, so that interaction with other people is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a non-motorized vehicle, and more particularly to a caster assembly and a vehicle comprising the same. Background Art

[0002] Currently available human-powered carts can be driven by the occupant (e.g., wheelchairs, shopping carts, etc.) or by someone other than the occupant (e.g., pet strollers, child strollers). Generally speaking, the seat of these types of vehicles is stationary relative to the frame. However, in scenarios where the occupant is driven by another person, it may be desirable for the occupant to not always face a fixed direction, but rather to be able to change the orientation of the seat and the occupant, or even adjust the seat's shape to suit the occupant's sitting posture.

[0003] Furthermore, considering that potential users may use such vehicles to travel at night or on roads with insufficient lighting, it is also desirable that the vehicle can provide the driver with a better view of the route ahead, whether in the application scenario where the vehicle is driven by the occupant or driven by someone else. This requires that the vehicle, or at least its wheels, be equipped with light-emitting devices. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to overcome the problems of the prior art described above, according to a first aspect of the present application, a caster assembly is provided, comprising a wheel and a connecting seat, wherein the wheel comprises a tire, spokes, a hub, and an axle, the axle being pivotally mounted in the hub, the connecting seat comprising a seat body and a fork-shaped member, the seat body and the fork-shaped member being fixedly connected to each other, and the distal ends of the fork-shaped member being fixedly connected to both ends of the axle respectively;

[0005] The caster assembly also includes a magnetic induction lighting mechanism, which includes a permanent magnet, a coil winding and at least one light-emitting body. The permanent magnet is fixedly mounted to the wheel hub, and the coil winding is fixedly mounted to the wheel axle, so that the coil winding rotates relative to the permanent magnet within the cavity defined by the permanent magnet. At least one light-emitting body is embedded in the seat body, and the coil winding is electrically connected to the at least one light-emitting body.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the luminous bodies include first type luminous bodies, which are arranged to horizontally surround the base body and embedded therein, so that the interface of the first type luminous bodies is flush with the side surface of the base body.

[0007] According to another embodiment, the light-emitting body includes a second type of light-emitting body, which is embedded in the side surface of the seat body so that the interface of the second type of light-emitting body is at least partially flush with the side surface, and the direction of the second type of light-emitting body is opposite to the direction of the distal end of the fork-shaped part.

[0008] According to yet another embodiment, the caster assembly further includes an AC / DC rectifier unit and a voltage stabilizing unit, and the coil winding, the AC / DC rectifier unit, the voltage stabilizing unit and at least one of the light-emitting bodies are electrically connected in sequence.

[0009] According to yet another embodiment, the connection base further includes a male connector, and the male connector extends vertically upward from the top surface of the connection base.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present application, a vehicle is further provided, comprising a frame, a seat, and a caster assembly according to the first aspect of the present application, wherein the caster assembly is rotatably plugged into the frame, and the seat is mounted to the frame.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the frame comprises a handle, and the handle is telescopic relative to the frame.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the seat is rotatable or non-rotatable relative to the frame.

[0013] According to another embodiment, when the seat is rotatable relative to the frame, the seat and the frame are mounted in a shaft-hole fit, wherein the seat has one of a connecting shaft and a connecting hole, and the frame has the other of the connecting shaft and the connecting hole;

[0014] The first locking device includes a turntable and a bolt, the turntable is fixedly connected to the seat so that the turntable rotates with the seat, and the turntable is provided with a recess for accommodating the bolt;

[0015] The connecting shaft or the connecting hole of the frame is provided with a bolt hole for the bolt to be inserted into, so that when the seat is rotated to the specified angular position, the bolt is aligned with the bolt hole and inserted therethrough.

[0016] According to yet another embodiment, the carrier is in the form of a child stroller, a pet stroller, a shopping trolley or a wheelchair.

[0017] Based on the above configuration, the present application can provide the pusher with lighting in the direction of the driving route, especially lighting in the direction of the ground in front of the wheel. Furthermore, the light-emitting body in the caster assembly does not need to be powered by an external power supply, battery unit, etc., but is powered by a permanent magnet and a coil winding that generate electricity by induction based on the principle of magnetic induction. This brings the following advantages: when the vehicle stops, the above mechanism does not generate electricity, thereby saving electricity; and when the vehicle is traveling, the above mechanism instantly provides electricity to the light-emitting body for lighting; and the user does not need to pay extra attention to the remaining battery power or locate the light-emitting body to replace the battery unit. On the other hand, the present application also provides the vehicle occupants with a rotatable seat and a swingable / retractable footrest on the seat, so that the vehicle occupants can adjust the seat orientation and sitting posture to interact with others. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0019] Figures 1a-1c shows a perspective view of a carrier according to the first aspect of the present application;

[0020] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a caster assembly according to the second aspect of the present application;

[0021] Figure 3 A simple schematic diagram showing circuit connections from a coil winding to a light emitting body according to another embodiment of the present application; and

[0022] Figure 4 A perspective view showing the connection between a seat and a vehicle frame according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0023] List of reference numerals:

[0024] 100, 100a, 100b, 100c-vehicle; 200-front wheel; 210-wheel; 211-tire; 212-spoke; 213-hub; 214-axle; 220-connecting seat; 221-seat body; 222-fork-shaped component; 223-male connector; 224-first type of light-emitting body; 225-second type of light-emitting body; 300, 300"-rear wheel; 400, 400', 400"-frame; 410, 410"-handlebar; 420-mounting seat; 421-connecting hole; 422-bolt hole; 430'-rod; 500, 500"-seat; 501-connecting shaft; 502-turntable; 503-recess; 504-bolt. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of this application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "X-axis", "Y-axis", "Z-axis", "vertical", "parallel", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

[0027] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] Reference Figure 1a , which shows a perspective view of a carrier according to the first aspect of the present application. The carrier 100 can be in the form of a child stroller, a pet stroller, a shopping cart or a wheelchair. In the present embodiment, the carrier 100a is a pet / child stroller. The carrier 100a includes front wheels 200, rear wheels 300, a frame 400 and a seat 500. The front wheels 200 are rotatably plugged into the frame 400, and the seat 500 is rotatably mounted to the frame 400. The carrier 100a also includes a first locking device, which can lock the seat 500 and the frame 400 when the seat 500 is rotated to a specified angular position relative to the frame 400 (for example, toward the front of the carrier 100a) to keep them stationary relative to each other.

[0029] Also refer to Figure 1b In this embodiment, the vehicle 100b is a shopping cart. The vehicle 100b includes a front wheel 200, a rear wheel 300, and a frame 400'. Similarly, the front wheel 200 is rotatably plugged into the frame 400'. The frame 400' includes a handle 410, which is retractable relative to the frame 400', so that the user can adjust the extension length of the handle 410 as needed to adapt to his or her own posture. Furthermore, the vehicle 100b may also include a seat (not shown). For example, a bag may be placed between two rods 430' of the frame 400' extending along the direction of travel of the vehicle 100b to serve as a seat.

[0030] Further reference Figure 1c In this embodiment, the vehicle 100c is a wheelchair. The vehicle 100c includes a front wheel 200, a rear wheel 300", a frame 400", and a seat 500". Similarly, the front wheel 200 is rotatably plugged into the frame 400", and the seat 500" is fixedly mounted to the frame 400". The frame 400" includes a handle 410".

[0031] Whether it is Figure 1a In the embodiment shown in FIG1b , the front wheel 200 is rotatably connected to the frame 400, 400'. This means that the front wheel 200 not only rotates about its own axle but also rotates in the horizontal plane relative to the frame 400, 400', thereby enabling steering of the vehicle 100. The rear wheel 300 is connected to the frame 400, 400', but can only rotate about its own axle and cannot rotate in the horizontal plane relative to the frame 400, 400'. In other words, the rear wheel 300 cannot rotate in the horizontal plane relative to the frame 400, 400'. In other words, the rear wheel 300 can only roll to follow the travel path of the vehicle 100.

[0032] The front wheel 200, as the driving wheel, must have the ability to control the steering of the vehicle 100. In order to achieve the above purpose, the front wheel 200 is in the form of a caster assembly. Figure 2, which shows a perspective view of a caster assembly according to an embodiment of the present application. The caster assembly includes a wheel 210 and a connecting seat 220. The wheel 210 includes a tire 211, a spoke 212, a hub 213 and an axle 214, wherein the axle 214 is pivotally mounted in the hub 213. The connecting seat 220 includes a seat body 221 and a fork-shaped component 222, the seat body 221 and the fork-shaped component 222 are fixedly connected to each other, for example, integrally formed, and the distal ends of the fork-shaped component 222 are respectively fixedly connected to the two ends of the axle 214. Each front wheel 2 also includes a magnetic induction lighting mechanism, which includes a permanent magnet, a coil winding and at least one light-emitting body. The permanent magnet is fixedly mounted to the inner ring of the hub 213, while the coil winding is fixedly mounted to the axle 214, for example, wound around the outer circumference of the axle 214. This allows the coil winding to rotate relative to the permanent magnet within the cavity defined by the permanent magnet. Consequently, when the wheel 210 rotates while the axle 214 remains stationary, the coil winding cuts through the magnetic field of the permanent magnet. At least one light-emitting element is embedded in the seat body 221, and the coil winding is electrically connected to the at least one light-emitting element. As a result, the electrical energy generated by the coil winding using the principle of magnetic induction is instantly supplied to the at least one light-emitting element, causing it to illuminate.

[0033] The connecting base 220, specifically the base body 221, includes a male connector 223, such as a latch. The male connector 223 extends vertically upward from the top surface of the connecting base 220. Conversely, the frame 400, specifically its front and bottom portions, includes a female connector hole (not shown) coaxial with and complementary in shape to the male connector 223. Inserting the male connector 223 into the female connector hole allows the caster assembly to rotate horizontally relative to the frame 400, thereby enabling steering of the vehicle 100.

[0034] In this embodiment, the at least one illuminant includes a first-type illuminant 224 and a second-type illuminant 225. The first-type illuminant 224 is a ring-shaped LED that horizontally surrounds and is embedded in the base body 221. The first-type illuminant 224 is configured so that its interface facing the outside world is flush with the side surface of the base body 221. In other words, the interface between the side surface of the base body 221 and the first-type illuminant 224 is continuous and smooth. Similarly, the second-type illuminant 225 is embedded in the side surface of the base body 221, and its interface facing the outside world is also at least partially flush with the side surface of the base body 221. Furthermore, the second-type illuminant 225 is oriented so that its direction and the direction of the fork-shaped member 222 are opposite to each other when projected on a horizontal plane. It should be noted that the fork-shaped member 222 does not extend vertically downward from the seat body 221, but rather extends obliquely downward from the seat body 221. The advantage of this arrangement is that when the user pushes the vehicle 100, the front wheel 2 is subjected to the friction of the ground, forcing the front wheel 2 to maintain its direction consistent with the travel route. This means that the distal end of the fork-shaped member 222 must point obliquely downward toward the rear of the travel route. Conversely, the second-type light-emitting element 225 is oriented toward the front of the travel route, and the light it emits provides the user with a field of view of the travel route ahead. Preferably, the second-type light-emitting element 225 does not need to be oriented horizontally toward the front, but rather, while being oriented toward the front of the travel route, forms a certain angle with the horizontal plane so that it points obliquely downward toward the ground, allowing the user to more clearly observe the road conditions.

[0035] Reference Figure 3 , which shows a simple schematic diagram of the circuit connection from the coil winding to the light-emitting body according to another embodiment of the present application. In order to ensure that the first type light-emitting body 224 and / or the second type light-emitting body 225 can provide continuous and stable lighting, the caster assembly can also be configured to include an AC / DC rectifier unit and a voltage stabilizing unit. The coil winding, the AC / DC rectifier unit, the voltage stabilizing unit, the first type light-emitting body 224 and / or the second type light-emitting body 225 are electrically connected in sequence. In this way, the alternating current generated by the coil winding is first converted into direct current by the AC / DC rectifier unit, and then processed by the voltage stabilizing unit to have a stable voltage, and finally supplied to the first type light-emitting body 224 and / or the second type light-emitting body 225, thereby ensuring that the light emitted by the first type light-emitting body 224 and / or the second type light-emitting body 225 has a constant illumination and does not flicker.

[0036] Returning to FIG. 1 , the frame 400 includes a handle 410 . The handle 410 is retractable relative to the frame 400 , so that the user can adjust the extension length of the handle 410 as needed to suit his or her posture.

[0037] Reference Figure 4, which shows a perspective view of the connection between a seat and a vehicle frame according to another embodiment of the present application. As described above, the seat 500 and the vehicle frame 400 of the vehicle 100a are rotatable relative to each other. In this case, the seat 500 and the vehicle frame 400 are mounted together using a shaft-hole fit. The seat 500 has a downwardly extending connecting shaft 501 at its bottom, while the vehicle frame 400 includes a mounting base 420 corresponding to the mounting shaft 501, which is provided with a connecting hole 421. Thus, the seat 500 and the vehicle frame 400 are assembled together using the shaft-hole fit. Of course, the opposite configuration, where the seat 500 has the connecting hole and the vehicle frame 400 has the connecting shaft, is also possible. Furthermore, the first locking device described above includes a turntable 502 disposed at the bottom of the seat 500. The turntable 502 has a recess 503, and a bolt hole 422 is provided on the sidewall of the connecting hole 421. The first locking device also includes a bolt 504, which is attached to the turntable 502 by passing through the recess 503 and rotates therewith. In contrast, the mounting base 420 is stationary (relative to the surrounding environment), which means that the opening direction of the bolt hole 422 is also stationary. When the seat 500 is rotated to a specified angular position, that is, when the bolt 504 is aligned with the bolt hole 422, the bolt 504 is inserted into the bolt hole 422 under the action of a spring (not shown), thereby locking the seat 500 on the mounting base 420 and preventing it from rotating.

[0038] In another embodiment, the seat 500 may further include a footrest (not shown) that is pivotally connected to the seat 500. Thus, the user can adjust the swing angle of the footrest relative to the seat 500 as needed. For example, when the footrest is in a vertical position, the footrest acts as a barrier to protect the passenger in the seat; and when the footrest is in a horizontal position, the passenger can extend his feet horizontally to obtain a comfortable riding experience.

[0039] It should be understood that what is described in the above drawings and specific embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the present application, and are not exhaustive of the possible implementation methods of the present application. Those skilled in the art may make various changes to the above specific implementation methods within the scope of protection of the present application without departing from the main purpose of the present application.

Claims

1. A caster assembly comprising a wheel and a connecting base, wherein the wheel comprises a tire, spokes, a hub, and an axle, the axle being pivotally mounted in the hub, the connecting base comprising a base body and a fork-shaped member, the base body and the fork-shaped member being fixedly connected to each other, and the distal ends of the fork-shaped member being fixedly connected to both ends of the axle; It is characterized in that It also includes a magnetic induction lighting mechanism, which includes a permanent magnet, a coil winding and at least one light-emitting body. The permanent magnet is fixedly mounted to the wheel hub, and the coil winding is fixedly mounted to the wheel axle, so that the coil winding rotates relative to the permanent magnet in the cavity defined by the permanent magnet. At least one light-emitting body is embedded in the seat body, and the coil winding is electrically connected to the at least one light-emitting body.

2. The caster assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The luminous bodies include first-type luminous bodies, which are arranged to horizontally surround the seat body and embedded therein, such that interfaces of the first-type luminous bodies are flush with side surfaces of the seat body.

3. The caster assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The light-emitting body includes a second type of light-emitting body, which is embedded in the side surface of the seat body so that the interface of the second type of light-emitting body is at least partially flush with the side surface, and the direction of the second type of light-emitting body is opposite to the direction of the distal end of the fork-shaped component.

4. The caster assembly according to claim 3, wherein: It also includes an AC / DC rectifier unit and a voltage stabilizing unit, and the coil winding, the AC / DC rectifier unit, the voltage stabilizing unit and at least one of the light-emitting bodies are electrically connected in sequence.

5. The caster assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The connecting seat further comprises a male connector, which extends vertically upward from the top surface of the connecting seat.

6. A vehicle comprising a frame, a seat and a caster assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The caster assembly is rotatably plugged into the vehicle frame, and the seat is mounted to the vehicle frame.

7. The carrier according to claim 6, characterized in that The frame includes a handle that is telescopic relative to the frame.

8. The carrier according to claim 6, characterized in that: The vehicle further comprises a first locking device, which locks the seat and the frame to keep them stationary relative to each other when the seat rotates to a specified angular position relative to the frame.

9. The carrier according to claim 8, characterized in that The seat and the frame are mounted in a shaft-hole arrangement, wherein the seat has one of a connecting shaft and a connecting hole, and the frame has the other of the connecting shaft and the connecting hole; The first locking device includes a turntable and a bolt, the turntable is fixedly connected to the seat so that the turntable rotates with the seat, and the turntable is provided with a recess for accommodating the bolt; The connecting shaft or the connecting hole of the frame is provided with a bolt hole for the bolt to be inserted into, so that when the seat is rotated to the specified angular position, the bolt is aligned with the bolt hole and inserted therethrough.

10. The carrier according to claim 9, characterized in that: The carrier is in the form of a child stroller, a pet stroller, a shopping trolley or a wheelchair.

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