Multi-directional steering flexible trundle

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of trundles, and discloses a multidirectional steering flexible trundle which comprises a three-dimensional steering device and a plane steering wheel, the three-dimensional steering device comprises a three-dimensional steering head, one end, deviating from the three-dimensional steering head, of the three-dimensional steering device is fixedly connected with the bottom surface of a cart, and the plane steering wheel comprises a plane steering wheel base block and a steering trundle body. The plane turning wheel base block is fixedly connected with the three-dimensional turning head, the side, away from the plane turning wheel, of the three-dimensional turning head is coaxially connected with a three-dimensional turning rod, the three-dimensional turning rod is sleeved with a structural sleeve rod, a ball groove is formed in the structural sleeve rod, the three-dimensional turning rod is provided with a three-dimensional turning ball corresponding to the ball groove, and the three-dimensional turning ball is rotationally clamped in the ball groove. The three-dimensional multi-angle steering cart is compact and reasonable in structural design, the steering trundles can steer towards any angle in the plane, the cart can move in any direction in the plane, the steering trundles can steer at multiple angles in the three-dimensional direction, and the cart can steer and run on the uneven ground and the irregular slope conveniently.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of caster technology, specifically a multi-directional flexible caster. Background Technology

[0002] Trolleys are widely used in modern logistics, warehousing, industrial production, and daily life. As a key component of the trolley, the casters serve the dual function of supporting the weight of the trolley and enabling flexible steering; their performance directly affects the user experience. A well-designed and high-performance caster allows the trolley to move easily in various scenarios, greatly improving work efficiency and convenience.

[0003] However, existing swivel casters have many limitations in practical applications. In flat terrain, traditional swivel casters do offer relatively easy steering, providing a degree of flexibility for cart movement. But their drawbacks become glaringly apparent when dealing with complex terrain. The situation becomes problematic when one side of the cart is on a slope and the other on flat ground. Due to the angle between the two contact surfaces, coupled with the influence of gravity, the caster experiences uneven lateral forces. These lateral forces significantly hinder steering, making steering extremely difficult. For example, in construction sites, mines, and other locations with complex and varied ground conditions, carts often encounter situations where one wheel is on a slope and the other on flat ground. In such cases, the difficulty of steering with traditional casters severely impacts material transport efficiency and may even cause the cart to tip over, leading to safety accidents.

[0004] In real-world applications, perfectly flat surfaces are extremely rare, while complex terrain with varying slopes is common. For example, roads in older residential areas often have potholes and slopes of different angles due to years of neglect. Similarly, in logistics warehouses, the ground may experience unevenness due to the stacking and handling of goods. Under these complex conditions, traditional casters cannot steer flexibly, forcing users to expend considerable physical effort and time adjusting the cart's direction. This not only reduces work efficiency but also increases labor intensity. Furthermore, frequent forced steering accelerates caster wear, shortens their lifespan, and increases operating costs.

[0005] Given the shortcomings of existing steering casters in navigating complex terrains, the development of a caster capable of adapting to various terrains and possessing flexible steering capabilities is particularly urgent. This new type of caster can not only improve the applicability of carts in different scenarios and reduce the labor intensity of users, but also increase work efficiency and reduce equipment wear and tear, which is of great significance for promoting the development of related industries and improving people's quality of life. Utility Model Content

[0006] Technical problems to be solved

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a multi-directional flexible caster, which solves the problems mentioned in the background art, such as the difficulty of steering traditional casters on complex terrain.

[0008] (II) Technical Solution

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a multi-directional steering flexible caster, comprising a three-dimensional steering device and a planar steering wheel. The three-dimensional steering device includes a three-dimensional steering head, and one end of the three-dimensional steering device facing away from the three-dimensional steering head is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of a trolley. The planar steering wheel includes a planar rotating wheel base block and a steering caster. The planar rotating wheel base block is fixedly connected to the three-dimensional steering head, and the steering caster is disposed on the side of the planar rotating wheel base block facing away from the three-dimensional steering device and in contact with the ground.

[0010] Preferably, a steering shaft is provided inside the planar rotary wheel base block. A shaft groove and a female groove are opened at the center of the planar rotary wheel base block. A male ring corresponding to the female groove is provided on the steering shaft. The male ring is slidably engaged in the female groove. The steering shaft is fixed in the planar rotary wheel base block by the male ring and is rotatably connected to the planar rotary wheel base block.

[0011] Preferably, a wheel fixing plate is welded to the side of the steering shaft away from the plane wheel base block, and two sets of lugs are provided on the side of the wheel fixing plate away from the steering shaft. The center bearing of the steering caster is connected to a rotating shaft, and the two ends of the rotating shaft are fixedly connected to the two sets of lugs respectively. The steering caster is fixedly mounted on the wheel fixing plate through the two sets of lugs and the rotating shaft.

[0012] Preferably, a three-dimensional steering rod is coaxially connected to the side of the three-dimensional steering head away from the planar steering wheel. A structural sleeve is provided on the outer sleeve of the three-dimensional steering rod, and a ball groove is provided inside the structural sleeve. A three-dimensional steering ball corresponding to the ball groove is provided on the three-dimensional steering rod, and the three-dimensional steering ball is rotatably engaged in the ball groove.

[0013] Preferably, an anti-slip block is provided on the structural sleeve near the three-dimensional steering head, and multiple sets of auxiliary positioning grooves are provided on the anti-slip block.

[0014] Preferably, the structural sleeve has a thickened section on the side away from the three-dimensional steering head, and a reset cavity is formed in the thickened section. The three-dimensional steering ball has a three-dimensional steering extension rod on the side away from the three-dimensional steering rod, and the three-dimensional steering extension rod extends into the reset cavity. The end of the three-dimensional steering extension rod is coaxially connected to a reset disk. The reset disk has multiple sets of highly elastic ribs on the side away from the three-dimensional steering extension rod. One end of the multiple sets of highly elastic ribs is fixedly connected to the reset disk, and the other end of the multiple sets of highly elastic ribs is fixedly connected to the side wall of the reset cavity.

[0015] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0016] Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides a multi-directional steering flexible caster, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. This multi-directional steerable caster is equipped with a planar steerable wheel and a three-dimensional steerable structure. The steerable caster can turn at any angle in the plane, and the trolley can move in any direction in the plane. Moreover, the steerable caster can turn at multiple angles in the three-dimensional direction, which makes it easy for the trolley to turn and move on uneven ground and irregular slopes.

[0018] 2. It is equipped with a ball groove and a three-dimensional steering ball. The three-dimensional steering ball can rotate in the ball groove, and the direction of rotation is not limited to a single plane, so that the steering caster can rotate around the three-dimensional steering ball in three-dimensional space.

[0019] 3. Equipped with a reset plate and high-elasticity ribs, after the steering caster rotates in three-dimensional space, the reset plate deflects accordingly, stretching the high-elasticity ribs that are opposite to the direction of rotation. The elastic energy of the high-elasticity ribs drives the device to reset, so that the space rotation returns to the correct direction. The rotation is smooth and the reset is simple. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the planar steering wheel structure of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional steering device of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary positioning groove structure of this utility model.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Three-dimensional steering device; 2. Planar steering wheel; 3. Three-dimensional steering head; 4. Planar wheel base block; 5. Steering caster; 6. Steering shaft; 7. Groove; 8. Ring; 9. Wheel fixing plate; 10. Ear; 11. Shaft; 12. Three-dimensional steering rod; 13. Structural sleeve rod; 14. Ball groove; 15. Three-dimensional steering ball; 16. Anti-slip block; 17. Auxiliary positioning groove; 18. Three-dimensional steering extension rod; 19. Reset cavity; 20. Reset plate; 21. High-elasticity rib bundle. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0026] Please see Figure 1-4 This utility model provides a technical solution:

[0027] A multi-directional steering flexible caster includes a three-dimensional steering device 1 and a planar steering wheel 2. The three-dimensional steering device 1 includes a three-dimensional steering head 3. One end of the three-dimensional steering device 1 away from the three-dimensional steering head 3 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of a trolley. The planar steering wheel 2 includes a planar rotating wheel base 4 and a steering caster 5. The planar rotating wheel base 4 is fixedly connected to the three-dimensional steering head 3. The steering caster 5 is located on the side of the planar rotating wheel base 4 away from the three-dimensional steering device 1 and contacts the ground.

[0028] Furthermore, a steering shaft 6 is provided within the planar caster base 4. The planar caster base 4 has a shaft groove and a female groove 7 at its center. A male ring 8 corresponding to the female groove 7 is provided on the steering shaft 6. The male ring 8 is slidably engaged within the female groove 7. The steering shaft 6 is fixed within the planar caster base 4 by the male ring 8, and the steering shaft 6 is rotatably connected to the planar caster base 4. Both the female groove 7 and the male ring 8 are circular, allowing the steering shaft 6 to rotate circumferentially relative to the planar caster base 4, thus providing arbitrary angle rotation of the steering caster 5 within its plane.

[0029] Furthermore, a wheel fixing plate 9 is welded to the side of the steering shaft 6 away from the plane wheel base block 4. Two sets of lugs 10 are provided on the side of the wheel fixing plate 9 away from the steering shaft 6. The center bearing of the steering caster 5 is connected to the rotating shaft 11. The two ends of the rotating shaft 11 are fixedly connected to the two sets of lugs 10 respectively. The steering caster 5 is fixedly installed on the wheel fixing plate 9 through the two sets of lugs 10 and the rotating shaft 11.

[0030] Furthermore, a three-dimensional steering rod 12 is coaxially connected to the side of the three-dimensional steering head 3 opposite to the planar steering wheel 2. A structural sleeve 13 is fitted over the three-dimensional steering rod 12, and a ball groove 14 is provided inside the structural sleeve 13. A three-dimensional steering ball 15 corresponding to the ball groove 14 is provided on the three-dimensional steering rod 12, and the three-dimensional steering ball 15 is rotatably engaged in the ball groove 14. The three-dimensional steering ball 15 can rotate within the ball groove 14, enabling the steering caster 5 to rotate in three-dimensional space with the center of the three-dimensional steering ball 15 as the rotation point. The rotation constraint is affected by the three-dimensional steering rod 12 and the opening of the ball groove 14.

[0031] Furthermore, an anti-slip block 16 is provided on the structural sleeve rod 13 near the three-dimensional steering head 3, and multiple sets of auxiliary positioning grooves 17 are provided on the anti-slip block 16. The auxiliary positioning grooves 17 are used to lock the three-dimensional steering rod 12, and simple positioning can prevent excessive steering wear. Moreover, the multiple sets of auxiliary positioning grooves 17 correspond one-to-one with multiple sets of high-elasticity rib bundles 21, which facilitates the reset of the device.

[0032] Furthermore, the structural sleeve rod 13 has a thickened section on the side opposite to the three-dimensional steering head 3, and a reset cavity 19 is formed within the thickened section. The three-dimensional steering ball 15 has a three-dimensional steering extension rod 18 on the side opposite to the three-dimensional steering rod 12, extending into the reset cavity 19. A reset disk 20 is coaxially connected to the end of the three-dimensional steering extension rod 18. Multiple sets of highly elastic ribs 21 are provided on the side of the reset disk 20 opposite to the three-dimensional steering extension rod 18. One end of each set of highly elastic ribs 21 is fixedly connected to the reset disk 20, and the other end is fixedly connected to the side wall of the reset cavity 19. When three-dimensional steering occurs, the reset disk 20 will deflect along with the three-dimensional steering rod 12, stretching the highly elastic ribs 21 that are opposite to the steering direction. The highly elastic ribs 21 have a certain degree of elasticity and provide tension to drive the reset, making it easier for the device to perform three-dimensional steering on a flat surface, and enabling timely reset after steering on a slope, resulting in smooth steering.

[0033] Structural Description:

[0034] Three-dimensional steering device 1: The three-dimensional steering drive structure of the device is fixedly connected to the bottom of the trolley at one end. Through the cooperation of components such as three-dimensional steering head 3, three-dimensional steering rod 12, and three-dimensional steering ball 15, the caster wheel can be turned at multiple angles in three-dimensional space.

[0035] Planar steering wheel 2: The structure responsible for planar steering, consisting of a planar wheel base block 4 and steering casters 5, connected by components such as a steering shaft 6, enabling the trolley to move in any direction within the plane;

[0036] Three-dimensional steering head 3: a connecting component of three-dimensional steering device 1, one end of which is connected to three-dimensional steering device 1 and the other end is fixed to planar wheel base block 4, serving to connect three-dimensional steering device 1 and planar steering wheel 2;

[0037] Planar swivel base block 4: The basic component of the planar steering wheel 2, with a steering shaft 6 inside, and a shaft groove and a recessed groove 7 in the center for installing and fixing the steering shaft 6, providing support for the planar steering of the steering caster 5;

[0038] Steering caster 5: A component that directly contacts the ground. It is installed on the side of the flat wheel base block 4 away from the three-dimensional steering device 1 and is connected to the wheel fixing plate 9 through the rotating shaft 11 to realize the movement and steering of the trolley.

[0039] Steering shaft 6: The key rotating component of the planar steering wheel 2. It is slidably engaged with the planar wheel base block 4 through the male ring 8, and can rotate circumferentially relative to the planar wheel base block 4, thereby driving the steering caster 5 to turn in the plane.

[0040] Yin groove 7: A circular ring structure formed at the center of the planar rotary base block 4, which cooperates with the male ring 8 to realize the fixed and rotatable connection of the steering shaft 6 within the planar rotary base block 4;

[0041] Male ring 8: A circular ring structure set on the steering shaft 6, which is slidably engaged in the female groove 7, fixing the steering shaft 6 in the planar wheel base block 4 and enabling the steering shaft 6 to rotate relative to the planar wheel base block 4;

[0042] Wheel fixing plate 9: A component used to fix the steering caster 5. It is welded to the side of the steering shaft 6 away from the plane wheel base block 4, and two sets of lugs 10 are provided on the other side to provide installation positions for the steering caster 5.

[0043] Ear 10: A structure on the wheel fixing plate 9, arranged in pairs, used to connect the rotating shaft 11 at the center of the steering caster 5, so as to realize the fixed connection between the steering caster 5 and the wheel fixing plate 9;

[0044] Rotating shaft 11: A component that connects the steering caster 5 and the wheel fixing plate 9. Both ends are fixed to two sets of lugs 10 respectively, so that the steering caster 5 can rotate around it to realize the steering function of the trolley.

[0045] Three-dimensional steering rod 12: a transmission component of the three-dimensional steering device 1, coaxially connected to the side of the three-dimensional steering head 3 away from the planar steering wheel 2, with an outer sleeve rod 13, and achieves three-dimensional steering through the cooperation of the three-dimensional steering ball 15 and the ball groove 14.

[0046] Structural sleeve 13: a protective and positioning component of the three-dimensional steering device 1, sleeved on the outside of the three-dimensional steering rod 12, with a ball groove 14 inside for installing the three-dimensional steering ball 15, and also equipped with an anti-slip block 16 and a reset cavity 19;

[0047] Ball groove 14: A structure formed inside the structural sleeve 13, which is rotatably engaged with the three-dimensional steering ball 15, providing rotation space for the three-dimensional steering ball 15, limiting its rotation range, and realizing the three-dimensional steering of the caster;

[0048] Three-dimensional steering ball 15: The core steering component of the three-dimensional steering device 1, which is rotated and engaged in the ball groove 14, can realize the three-dimensional rotation of the steering caster 5 with it as the center, so that the trolley can turn in complex terrain.

[0049] Anti-slip block 16: A component installed on the structural sleeve rod 13 near the three-dimensional steering head 3, which has multiple sets of auxiliary positioning grooves 17 to lock the three-dimensional steering rod 12, prevent excessive steering wear, and assist in device reset;

[0050] Auxiliary positioning groove 17: A structure formed on the anti-slip block 16, which cooperates with the three-dimensional steering rod 12 to play a simple positioning role, prevent the three-dimensional steering rod 12 from rotating excessively, and corresponds one-to-one with the high elastic rib bundle 21, which facilitates the device reset.

[0051] Three-dimensional steering extension rod 18: A component connecting the three-dimensional steering ball 15 and the reset plate 20. One end is connected to the side of the three-dimensional steering ball 15 away from the three-dimensional steering rod 12, and the other end extends into the reset cavity 19, driving the reset plate 20 to move.

[0052] Reset cavity 19: A space opened in the thickened section of the structural sleeve rod 13 to accommodate the three-dimensional steering extension rod 18 and the reset plate 20, providing installation space for the reset plate 20 and the high elastic rib bundle 21, and realizing the reset function of the device;

[0053] Reset plate 20: a key component of the steering reset mechanism, coaxially connected to the end of the three-dimensional steering extension rod 18. After steering, it will deflect and stretch the high elastic rib bundle 21, and use the elasticity of the high elastic rib bundle 21 to achieve device reset.

[0054] High-elasticity rib 21: An elastic component connected to the side wall of the reset plate 20 and the reset cavity 19. When the reset plate 20 deflects, it is stretched, generating a pulling force to drive the device to reset, ensuring that the caster can return to the correct position in time after turning on flat and sloping surfaces.

[0055] Working Principle: The multi-directional steering caster mainly consists of a three-dimensional steering device 1 and a planar steering wheel 2. These two components work together to provide the trolley with excellent steering flexibility, allowing it to move freely on both flat ground and complex slopes. The planar steering wheel 2 plays a crucial role in planar steering. The steering shaft 6 within the planar wheel base block 4 is fixed and rotated via a sliding engagement between a male ring 8 and a central groove 7. When the trolley needs to change direction on a plane, an external force acts on it, causing the planar wheel base block 4 to rotate around the steering shaft 6. Because the steering shaft 6 is rotatably connected to the planar wheel base block 4, this structural design allows the planar steering wheel 2 to easily turn at any angle within the plane. The steering caster 5 is fixedly connected to two sets of lugs 10 on the wheel fixing plate 9 via a central pivot 11. When the planar wheel base block 4 rotates, the steering caster 5 rotates accordingly, enabling the trolley to move freely in all directions on a plane, greatly improving its maneuverability on a horizontal surface. Three-dimensional steering relies on the three-dimensional steering device 1. The three-dimensional steering ball 15 on the three-dimensional steering rod 12 is rotatably engaged with the ball groove 14 inside the structural sleeve rod 13. This design gives the casters the ability to steer in three-dimensional space. When the trolley travels on uneven ground or irregular slopes, the three-dimensional steering ball 15 can rotate flexibly within the ball groove 14, driving the entire three-dimensional steering device 1 and the planar steering wheel 2 to steer at multiple angles in three-dimensional directions, allowing the trolley to adapt to terrain changes and smoothly pass through various complex road conditions. In the steering reset mechanism, the reset plate 20 and the high-elasticity rib bundle 21 play a key role. After the casters perform three-dimensional steering, the three-dimensional steering extension rod 18 drives the reset plate 20 to deflect, and the reset plate 20 stretches the high-elasticity rib bundle 21 that is opposite to the direction of rotation. The high-elasticity rib bundle 21 has good elasticity and generates tension after being stretched. Under the action of this tension, the reset plate 20 drives the three-dimensional steering extension rod 18 and the three-dimensional steering rod 12 to rotate in the opposite direction, realizing the reset of the device. For example, after the trolley completes a turn on a slope, the tension of the high-elasticity rib 21 quickly returns the casters to their correct position, ensuring the trolley remains stable during subsequent travel. Simultaneously, the anti-slip block 16 and its auxiliary positioning groove 17 on the structural sleeve 13 also play a crucial role. The auxiliary positioning groove 17 engages the three-dimensional steering rod 12, providing simple positioning and preventing over-steering from causing component wear. Furthermore, the auxiliary positioning groove 17 corresponds one-to-one with the high-elasticity rib 21, further enhancing the accuracy and stability of the reset. Through the coordinated operation of the planar steering wheel 2, the three-dimensional steering device 1, and the reset mechanism, the multi-directional flexible casters achieve flexible steering and timely reset in both planar and three-dimensional space, providing efficient, convenient, and stable steering support for the trolley's use, effectively meeting the mobility needs in different scenarios.

[0056] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A multi-directional steering caster, characterized in that: The device includes a three-dimensional steering device (1) and a planar steering wheel (2). The three-dimensional steering device (1) includes a three-dimensional steering head (3). One end of the three-dimensional steering device (1) away from the three-dimensional steering head (3) is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the trolley. The planar steering wheel (2) includes a planar wheel base block (4) and a steering caster (5). The planar wheel base block (4) is fixedly connected to the three-dimensional steering head (3). The steering caster (5) is located on the side of the planar wheel base block (4) away from the three-dimensional steering device (1) and contacts the ground.

2. The multi-directional steering caster according to claim 1, characterized in that: The planar rotary wheel base block (4) is provided with a steering shaft (6). The center of the planar rotary wheel base block (4) is provided with a shaft groove and a female groove (7). The steering shaft (6) is provided with a male ring (8) corresponding to the female groove (7). The male ring (8) is slidably engaged in the female groove (7). The steering shaft (6) is fixed in the planar rotary wheel base block (4) by the male ring (8), and the steering shaft (6) is rotatably connected to the planar rotary wheel base block (4).

3. A multi-directional steering caster according to claim 2, characterized in that: The steering shaft (6) is welded to a wheel fixing plate (9) on the side away from the plane wheel base block (4). The wheel fixing plate (9) is provided with two sets of lugs (10) on the side away from the steering shaft (6). The steering caster (5) is connected to a rotating shaft (11) by a central bearing. The two ends of the rotating shaft (11) are fixedly connected to the two sets of lugs (10) respectively. The steering caster (5) is fixedly installed on the wheel fixing plate (9) through the two sets of lugs (10) and the rotating shaft (11).

4. A multi-directional steering caster according to claim 1, characterized in that: The three-dimensional steering head (3) is coaxially connected to a three-dimensional steering rod (12) on the side away from the planar steering wheel (2). The three-dimensional steering rod (12) is fitted with a structural sleeve rod (13). A ball groove (14) is provided inside the structural sleeve rod (13). A three-dimensional steering ball (15) corresponding to the ball groove (14) is provided on the three-dimensional steering rod (12). The three-dimensional steering ball (15) is rotated and engaged in the ball groove (14).

5. A multi-directional steering caster according to claim 4, characterized in that: An anti-slip block (16) is provided on the structural sleeve (13) near the three-dimensional steering head (3), and multiple sets of auxiliary positioning grooves (17) are provided on the anti-slip block (16).

6. A multi-directional steering caster according to claim 4, characterized in that: The structural sleeve (13) has a thickened section on the side away from the three-dimensional steering head (3), and a reset cavity (19) is opened in the thickened section. The three-dimensional steering ball (15) has a three-dimensional steering extension rod (18) on the side away from the three-dimensional steering rod (12). The three-dimensional steering extension rod (18) extends into the reset cavity (19). The end of the three-dimensional steering extension rod (18) is coaxially connected to a reset disk (20). The reset disk (20) has multiple sets of high-elasticity rib bundles (21) on the side away from the three-dimensional steering extension rod (18). One end of the multiple sets of high-elasticity rib bundles (21) is fixedly connected to the reset disk (20), and the other end of the multiple sets of high-elasticity rib bundles (21) is fixedly connected to the side wall of the reset cavity (19).

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