Foldable hidden universal wheel for luggage case

Abstract

The utility model provides a foldable hidden universal wheel for a luggage case. The foldable hidden universal wheel comprises a storage frame, a wheel support, a trundle assembly and a lock catch. The trundle assembly is rotationally connected with the wheel support through a rotating shaft, and the wheel support is hinged to the storage frame through a rotating shaft. The lock catch is movably installed on the storage frame and can reciprocate towards the wheel support through a reciprocating driving assembly (comprising a toggle switch and a reset spring), the lock catch is inserted into or separated from a clamping groove in the wheel support, and therefore the wheel support is locked or unlocked. The design of the toggle switch enables the operation to be simple and convenient, and the toggle plate is movably arranged in the strip-shaped storage groove and is prevented from protruding out of the surface of the luggage case. The lock catch is composed of a linkage block and an insertion block, and the insertion block is movably installed in the second strip-shaped sliding hole to ensure smooth movement. The universal wheel is simple in structure, low in cost, easy and convenient to operate and capable of stably keeping the trundle assembly in the needed state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model particularly relates to a universal wheel for a foldable and concealed luggage case. Background Art

[0002] Suitcases with handles and casters are convenient and labor-saving, making them widely used during travel. Casters on the market are generally universal, meaning they rotate 360 ​​degrees within a plane but cannot be folded or stored. When these suitcases are checked at airports, the casters can easily strike other boxes or objects when workers carry them or when they turn on conveyor belts, posing a risk of damage.

[0003] To meet the above requirements, the Chinese invention patent application document with publication number "CN106274286A" discloses a 180-degree retractable wheel set for suitcases, which is mainly composed of a wheel shell, a rotating shaft, a wheel bracket, a wheel assembly, a positioning member, and a sliding member. One end of the rotating shaft is provided with a knob. When the wheel assembly needs to be stored, first, manually pull the sliding member to the bottom, and a space for the wheel bracket to rotate will be formed between the first fixing member and the positioning member. Secondly, the human hand turns the knob, and it must be turned 180 degrees to completely place the wheel assembly in the wheel shell. Finally, the human hand pulls the sliding member upward to the top to limit the wheel assembly in the wheel shell to ensure that the wheel assembly is hidden in the wheel shell. (Based on paragraph 0025 of the description of the public document)

[0004] While this movable wheel assembly allows for concealed wheel storage, it is complex, costly, and extremely cumbersome to operate, requiring multiple manual adjustments. The user must perform multiple steps, including manually moving the slider to a specific position, rotating the knob 180 degrees, and then moving the slider again to lock the position, to complete the wheel assembly. This multi-step, multi-position manual operation not only increases the user's difficulty and time, but can also lead to damage or malfunction of the caster due to improper operation. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a foldable and concealed universal wheel for a luggage case in view of the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art, which has a simpler structure, lower cost and is easier to operate.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a foldable and concealed universal wheel for a suitcase, comprising a storage frame, a wheel bracket, and a caster assembly, wherein the caster assembly is rotatably connected to the wheel bracket, the wheel bracket is linked to a rotating shaft, and both ends of the rotating shaft are hinged to the storage frame, and the utility model is characterized in that it also includes a lock movably mounted on the storage frame, the wheel bracket is provided with a plurality of groups of slots spaced apart along the circumferential direction at the end thereof facing the lock buckle, and the lock buckle is linked to a reciprocating drive assembly, which can drive the lock buckle to reciprocate toward the wheel bracket to achieve the lock buckle insertion or disengagement from the slot.

[0007] When the caster assembly needs to be stored, the reciprocating drive assembly drives the lock buckle to move away from the wheel bracket, causing the lock buckle to exit a set of preset slots on the wheel bracket, thereby releasing the lock of the wheel bracket. The caster assembly is then rotated around the rotating axis into the storage frame to achieve the folding and storage of the caster assembly. Once the caster assembly is placed in the storage frame, the reciprocating drive assembly will automatically drive the lock buckle to insert into the corresponding set of slots, so that the caster assembly can be stably stored in the storage frame and will not slip out. Furthermore, during processing, the spacing angle between each two adjacent sets of slots, or the number of slots processed, can be reasonably controlled to ensure that the caster assembly can be stably maintained at the desired angle at different angles. Compared with the existing technology, the solution for achieving caster assembly storage has a simpler structure, lower cost, and is easier to operate.

[0008] The above-mentioned universal wheel for the foldable hidden suitcase can be further configured as follows: the reciprocating drive assembly includes a toggle switch, the toggle switch includes a dial plate distributed on the upper side and a connecting block distributed on the lower side, the connecting block is detachably connected to the lock by a screw, a contact strip protruding outward is provided in the middle of the dial plate, and the lock is linked to a reset spring.

[0009] To stow the caster assembly, the user simply flips the toggle switch. The toggle switch, via the connecting block, moves the latch away from the wheel bracket, allowing the latch to smoothly retract from a set of slots in the wheel bracket. At this point, the return spring is compressed, providing the spring force to reset the latch. The caster assembly can then be manually rotated into the storage frame. Once the latch aligns with a set of slots, the return spring automatically pushes the latch back into place, effectively locking it into the slot. Manual reset of the latch is no longer necessary, ensuring the caster assembly remains securely in the storage frame. To deploy the caster assembly, the user flips the toggle switch again, unlocking the wheel bracket. The caster can then be manually moved to its operational position. The latch automatically snaps into its corresponding slot under the action of the return spring, ensuring the caster assembly remains securely in its operational position. In summary, compared to the prior art, the universal wheel design of this application is significantly simpler to operate during stowage. Simply flipping the toggle switch and then moving the wheel is sufficient, requiring no additional manipulation, and the caster assembly remains securely in its desired position. Among them, the touch strip is designed to facilitate manual control of the toggle switch.

[0010] The above-mentioned universal wheel for the foldable hidden suitcase can be further configured as follows: the length of the shift plate is longer than the length of the connecting block, the storage frame is provided with a first strip sliding hole, the connecting block is movably arranged in the first strip sliding hole and can reciprocate along the first strip sliding hole, a strip storage groove is provided above the first strip sliding hole, the strip storage groove and the first strip sliding hole are parallel to each other, and the shift plate is movably arranged in the strip storage groove.

[0011] The toggle plate is positioned within the strip-shaped receiving slot and is longer than the connecting hole. This prevents the toggle switch from sliding out of the first strip-shaped sliding hole and from protruding from the luggage compartment. The first strip-shaped sliding hole guides the toggle switch's movement, preventing it from wobbling.

[0012] The above-mentioned universal wheel for the foldable hidden luggage case can be further configured as follows: the lock includes a linkage block and an insertion block, the storage frame is provided with a second strip sliding hole parallel to the first strip sliding hole, one end of the insertion block extends toward the wheel bracket, the middle part is movably installed in the second strip sliding hole, and the other end is connected to the side of the linkage block, the end of the linkage block is provided with a guide hole arranged parallel to the second strip sliding hole, the storage frame is provided with a guide seat opposite to the guide hole, one end of the return spring is inserted into the guide hole, and the other end is in contact with the guide seat, and the side of the guide seat is detachably connected to the limit plate by a screw.

[0013] The second sliding hole guides the lock, ensuring smooth insertion and removal from the slot. The guide seat, in conjunction with the guide hole, guides the return spring, enhancing its stability and preventing side-to-side wiggle. A stop plate facilitates installation of the return spring and further limits its position to prevent side-to-side wiggle.

[0014] The above-mentioned universal wheel for the foldable hidden suitcase can be further configured as follows: the caster assembly includes a rotating support frame and two sets of rollers, the two sets of rollers are symmetrically arranged at the lower end of the rotating support frame and the rollers are rotatably connected to the rotating support frame, the upper end of the rotating support frame is linked to a rotating shaft, the upper end of the rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the middle part of the wheel bracket, and the rotating shaft and the rotating shaft are arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0015] The caster can rotate 360 ​​degrees relative to the wheel bracket in the horizontal plane.

[0016] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 The structure of the embodiment of the utility model is shown in FIG. Figure 1 ;

[0018] Figure 2 The structure of the embodiment of the utility model is shown in FIG. Figure 2 ;

[0019] Figure 3 This is an exploded diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a wheel bracket according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 This is an exploded diagram of the reset spring, lock catch, and toggle switch of an embodiment of the utility model;

[0022] Figure 6 This is an exploded schematic diagram of a caster assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a storage frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Label annotation: storage frame 1, first strip sliding hole 1a, strip storage groove 1b, guide seat 1c, second strip sliding hole 1d; wheel bracket 2, card slot 2a; caster assembly 3, rotating support frame 3a, roller 3b, rotating shaft 3c; rotating shaft 4; lock 5, linkage block 5a, insertion block 5b, guide hole 5c; limit plate 6; toggle switch 7, toggle plate 7a, connecting block 7b, contact strip 7c; reset spring 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 7 The foldable hidden universal wheel for a suitcase shown includes a storage frame 1, a wheel bracket 2, and a caster assembly 3. The caster assembly 3 is rotatably connected to the wheel bracket 2. The wheel bracket 2 is linked to a rotating shaft 4. Both ends of the rotating shaft 4 are hinged to the storage frame 1. It also includes a lock 5 movably mounted on the storage frame 1. The wheel bracket 2 is provided with a plurality of groups of slots 2a arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction at the end facing the lock 5. The lock 5 is linked to a reciprocating drive assembly. The reciprocating drive assembly includes a toggle switch 7. The toggle switch 7 includes a dial plate 7a distributed at the top and a connecting block 7b distributed at the bottom. The connecting block 7b is detachably connected to the lock 5 by screws. A contact strip 7c protruding outward is provided in the middle of the dial plate 7a. The lock 5 is linked to a reset spring 8.

[0027] The length of the toggle plate 7a is longer than the length of the connecting block 7b. The storage frame 1 is provided with a first strip-shaped sliding hole 1a. The connecting block 7b is movably mounted within the first strip-shaped sliding hole 1a and can reciprocate along the first strip-shaped sliding hole 1a. A strip-shaped receiving groove 1b is provided above the first strip-shaped sliding hole 1a and is parallel to the first strip-shaped sliding hole 1a. The toggle plate 7a is movably mounted within the strip-shaped receiving groove 1b. The toggle plate 7a is movably mounted within the strip-shaped receiving groove 1b and is longer than the connecting hole. This prevents the toggle switch 7 from sliding out of the first strip-shaped sliding hole 1a and from protruding from the luggage compartment. The first strip-shaped sliding hole 1a guides the movement of the toggle switch 7, preventing it from rocking side to side.

[0028] The lock catch 5 comprises a linkage block 5a and an insert block 5b. The receiving frame 1 is provided with a second strip-shaped sliding hole 1d parallel to the first strip-shaped sliding hole 1a. The insert block 5b has one end extending toward the wheel bracket 2, its center movably mounted within the second strip-shaped sliding hole 1d, and its other end connected to the side of the linkage block 5a. The end of the linkage block 5a is provided with a guide hole 5c parallel to the second strip-shaped sliding hole 1d. The receiving frame 1 is provided with a guide seat 1c opposite the guide hole 5c. One end of the return spring 8 is inserted into the guide hole 5c and the other end is abutted against the guide seat 1c. A limit plate 6 is removably connected to the side of the guide seat 1c via screws. The second strip-shaped sliding hole 1d guides the movement of the lock catch 5, ensuring smooth insertion and removal from the slot 2a. The guide seat 1c cooperates with the guide hole 5c to guide the return spring 8, enhancing its elastic stability and preventing it from swinging. A limit plate 6 facilitates the installation of the return spring 8 and further limits its position to prevent it from swinging.

[0029] The caster assembly 3 includes a rotating support frame 3a and two sets of rollers 3b. The two sets of rollers 3b are symmetrically arranged at the lower end of the rotating support frame 3a and are rotatably connected to the rotating support frame 3a. The upper end of the rotating support frame 3a is connected to a shaft 3c. The upper end of the rotating shaft 3c is rotatably connected to the middle of the wheel bracket 2. The rotating shaft 3c and the rotating shaft 4 are arranged perpendicular to each other. This enables the caster to achieve 360-degree rotation relative to the wheel bracket 2 in the horizontal plane.

[0030] The operating method of this embodiment is as follows: (1) When the caster assembly 3 needs to be stored, the user simply toggles the toggle switch 7 7 . The toggle switch 7 actuates the lock catch 5 away from the wheel bracket 2 via the connecting block 7 b, and the insert block 5 b smoothly exits the set of slots 2 a in the wheel bracket 2 . At this point, the return spring 8 is compressed, providing elastic force to reset the lock catch 5 . Then, when the caster assembly 3 is manually rotated into the storage frame 1 , once the insert block 5 b aligns with the set of slots 2 a, the return spring 8 automatically pushes the lock catch 5 back into place, i.e., the insert block 5 b is inserted into the slots 2 a. Manual reset of the lock catch 5 is no longer necessary, ensuring that the caster assembly 3 is stably stored in the storage frame 1 . (2) When the caster assembly 3 needs to be deployed, the user toggles the toggle switch 7 a again. The toggle switch 7 a activates the lock catch 5 away from the wheel bracket 2 via the connecting block 7 b, and the insert block 5 b smoothly exits the set of slots 2 a in the wheel bracket 2 , unlocking the wheel bracket 2 . The caster can be manually moved to the working position, and the insert block 5b will automatically insert into the corresponding slot 2a under the action of the return spring 8, so that the caster assembly 3 can be stably maintained in the working position. In summary, compared with the existing technology, the universal wheel provided by this embodiment is extremely simple to operate when it is stored. Only the manual shifting of the shifting plate 7a and then the wheel can be moved. No excessive operation is required, and the caster assembly 3 can be stably maintained in the desired position.

Claims

1. A foldable, concealed universal wheel for a luggage case, comprising a storage frame, a wheel bracket, and a caster assembly, wherein the caster assembly is rotatably connected to the wheel bracket, the wheel bracket being linked to a rotating shaft, and both ends of the rotating shaft being hinged to the storage frame, characterized in that: It also includes a lock that is movably mounted on the storage frame. The wheel bracket is located at the end facing the lock and is provided with several groups of slots spaced circumferentially. The lock is linked to a reciprocating drive component, which can drive the lock to reciprocate toward the wheel bracket to enable the lock to be inserted into or out of the slot.

2. The foldable, concealed universal wheel for a luggage case according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reciprocating drive assembly includes a toggle switch, which includes a dial plate distributed on the top and a connecting block distributed on the bottom. The connecting block is detachably connected to the lock by a screw. A contact strip protruding outward is provided in the middle of the dial plate, and the lock is linked to a reset spring.

3. The foldable, concealed universal wheel for a luggage case according to claim 2, characterized in that: The length of the shift plate is longer than that of the connecting block. The storage frame is provided with a first strip sliding hole. The connecting block is movably arranged in the first strip sliding hole and can move back and forth along the first strip sliding hole. A strip storage groove is provided above the first strip sliding hole. The strip storage groove and the first strip sliding hole are parallel to each other. The shift plate is movably arranged in the strip storage groove.

4. The foldable, concealed universal wheel for a luggage case according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lock buckle includes a linkage block and an insertion block. The storage frame is provided with a second strip sliding hole parallel to the first strip sliding hole. One end of the insertion block extends toward the wheel bracket, the middle part is movably installed in the second strip sliding hole, and the other end is connected to the side of the linkage block. The end of the linkage block is provided with a guide hole arranged parallel to the second strip sliding hole. The storage frame is provided with a guide seat opposite to the guide hole. One end of the return spring is inserted into the guide hole, and the other end is in contact with the guide seat. The side of the guide seat is detachably connected to the limit plate by a screw.

5. The universal wheel for a foldable concealed luggage case according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The caster assembly includes a rotating support frame and two sets of rollers. The two sets of rollers are symmetrically arranged at the lower end of the rotating support frame and the rollers are rotatably connected to the rotating support frame. The upper end of the rotating support frame is linked with a rotating shaft, and the upper end of the rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the middle part of the wheel bracket. The rotating shaft and the rotating shaft are arranged perpendicular to each other.

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