Caster assembly and mobile-fixed switching device

Abstract

This utility model relates to a caster assembly and a movable-fixed switching device, including a bracket, a pedal, a roller, a connecting rod, and an elastic element. The connecting rod is rotatably connected to the axles of the pedal and the roller. When the pedal rotates in both directions, it can push or pull the connecting rod, causing the roller to switch between a first position and a second position, with the first position being higher than the second position. When the roller switches from the first position to the second position, if the roller is in the first position, the elastic element tends to keep the roller in the first position; if the roller is in the second position, the elastic element tends to keep the roller in the second position. The caster assembly of this application allows for quick lowering and raising of the roller by stepping on or kicking the pedal, eliminating the need to bend over or squat to tighten bolts. The movable-fixed switching device of this application not only allows for free switching between a movable and a non-movable state, but also provides a convenient and quick switching operation, saving time and effort.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of caster assembly technology, and in particular to caster assemblies and a mobile-fixed switching device. Background Technology

[0002] The frame is the basic structural component of a bicycle, and other parts are usually mounted directly or indirectly to the frame. The conventional practice for assembling a bicycle is to use assembly jigs to hold the frame in place before installing other parts onto the frame.

[0003] Chinese patent document CN119347423A discloses a single-line assembly machine for bicycles, which can be used to assemble bicycles and allows the machine to switch freely between a movable and a stationary state by raising and lowering its casters. However, raising and lowering the casters requires manually turning an adjusting nut, which is very inconvenient. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides a caster assembly and a mobile / fixed switching device to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: The caster assembly provided in this application includes a bracket, a rotatable pedal mounted on the bracket, a movable roller mounted on the bracket, a connecting rod, and elastic elements at both ends acting on the bracket and the connecting rod respectively. One end of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the pedal, and the other end is rotatably connected to the axle of the roller. When the pedal rotates in both directions, it can push or pull the connecting rod, causing the roller to switch between a first position and a second position, where the first position is higher than the second position. When the roller switches from the first position to the second position, the length of the elastic element shortens. When the roller is in the first position, the elastic element tends to keep the roller in the first position; when the roller is in the second position, the elastic element tends to keep the roller in the second position.

[0006] Optionally, the pedal is rotatably connected to the bracket via a first shaft, the pedal is rotatably connected to the connecting rod via a second shaft, and the axle of the roller is mounted in the corresponding hole on the connecting rod.

[0007] Preferably, the bracket includes two side plates, each side plate having axle guide holes adapted to the axle of the roller, the roller being located between the two side plates, and the two ends of the axle being respectively installed in the axle guide holes of one of the side plates; there are two connecting rods and two elastic elements, each connecting rod being connected to one end of the axle, and each elastic element acting on one of the connecting rods.

[0008] Preferably, the wheel axle guide hole is a vertically arranged circular bar hole.

[0009] Optionally, the pedal has ear plates on both sides, each ear plate being adapted to one of the side plates, and each ear plate being rotatably connected to one of the side plates, or both ear plates being rotatably connected to both side plates via a first shaft.

[0010] Preferably, the elastic element is a spring, with its two ends connected to the bracket and the connecting rod, respectively.

[0011] Optionally, the caster assembly also includes a fixed base and a support foot, with the upper end of the support foot connected to the fixed base and one side of the bracket connected to the fixed base; when the roller is in the first position, the bottom surface of the roller is higher than the bottom surface of the support foot; when the roller is in the second position, the bottom surface of the roller is lower than the bottom surface of the support foot.

[0012] Preferably, the bracket is rotatably connected to the fixed base, and the bracket can rotate in the horizontal plane relative to the fixed base.

[0013] Preferably, the bracket can rotate in the horizontal plane around the supporting foot.

[0014] The mobile-fixed switching device provided in this application includes a chassis, a support frame, and the aforementioned caster assembly. There are at least three caster assemblies. The caster assemblies are mounted on the chassis via the support frame. The chassis has clearance holes for rollers to pass through corresponding to the position of each caster assembly. When the roller is in the first position, the bottom surface of the roller is higher than the bottom surface of the chassis. When the roller is in the second position, the bottom surface of the roller is lower than the bottom surface of the chassis.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, this application has at least the following beneficial effects: 1. The caster assembly of this application can quickly lower and raise the rollers by stepping on or kicking the pedal, eliminating the need to bend over or squat to tighten bolts. It is convenient and quick to operate, which helps to improve work efficiency and customer satisfaction. 2. The caster assembly of this application can rotate in the horizontal plane relative to the bracket, which facilitates the adjustment of the pedal position and makes operation more convenient; 3. The mobile-fixed switching device of this application can not only freely switch between a mobile state and a non-mobile state, but also the switching operation is convenient and quick, saving time and effort.

[0016] Of course, implementing any of the solutions of this utility model does not necessarily require achieving all of the advantages described above at the same time. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the caster assembly when the roller is in the first position in the embodiment; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the caster assembly when the roller is in the first position in the embodiment; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the caster assembly when the roller is in the second position in the embodiment; Figure 4 This is a front view of the caster assembly when the rollers are in the second position in the embodiment; Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the bracket in the embodiment; Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the pedal in the embodiment; Figure 7 This is a front view of the connecting rod in the embodiment; Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the movable and fixed switching device when the roller is in the second position in the embodiment; Figure 9 This is a side view of the movable fixed switching device when the roller is in the second position in the embodiment; Figure 10 This is a side view of the movable fixed switching device when the roller is in the first position in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0020] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features described in this utility model can be combined with each other. It should also be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments; similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the utility model product is usually placed in during use, or the orientation or positional relationship that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art. They are only used to facilitate the description of this utility model and to simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] Please see Figures 1-4 The caster assembly disclosed in this embodiment includes a bracket 1, a support foot 2, a pedal 3, a roller 4, a connecting rod 5, an elastic element 6, and a fixed base 8. The upper end of the support foot 2 is connected to the fixed base 8, and one side of the bracket 1 is connected to the fixed base 8. The fixed base 8 has multiple fixing holes 81, which facilitate the installation of the caster assembly.

[0024] The pedal 3 is rotatably mounted on the bracket 1, and the axle 41 of the roller 4 is movably mounted on the bracket 1; the lower end of the connecting rod 5 is rotatably connected to the axle 41 of the roller 4, and the upper end of the connecting rod 5 is rotatably connected to the pedal 3; the two ends of the elastic element 6 act on the bracket 1 and the connecting rod 5 respectively.

[0025] When pedal 3 rotates in both directions, it can push or pull linkage 5 to switch roller 4 between a first position and a second position. When roller 4 is in the first position, its bottom surface is higher than the bottom surface of support foot 2; when roller 4 is in the second position, its bottom surface is lower than the bottom surface of support foot 2. When roller 4 switches from the first position to the second position, the length of elastic element 6 shortens; when roller 4 switches from the second position to the first position, the length of elastic element 6 lengthens. When roller 4 is in the first position, elastic element 6 applies a pulling force to linkage 5, allowing roller 4 to overcome gravity and remain in the first position; while when roller 4 is in the second position, elastic element 6 applies a pulling force to linkage 5 to prevent linkage 5 from rotating, thus keeping roller 4 in the second position.

[0026] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5The bracket 1 includes two side plates 11. Each side plate 11 has a first hole 12 that is adapted to a first shaft 71. Both ends of the first shaft 71 are respectively installed in the first hole 12 of one of the side plates 11. Each side plate 11 has a wheel axle guide hole 13 that is adapted to a wheel axle 41. The wheel of the roller 4 is located between the two side plates 11, and both ends of the wheel axle 41 are respectively installed in the wheel axle guide hole 13 of one of the side plates 11.

[0027] Of course, the axle 41 can move up and down in the axle guide hole 13, thereby adjusting the up and down position of the roller 4. In an exemplary embodiment, the axle guide hole 13 is a circular hole, and the axle 41 can slide up and down along the axle guide hole 13. When the roller 4 switches from the first position to the second position, the axle 41 slides from the upper end of the axle guide hole 13 to the lower end of the axle guide hole 13; when the roller 4 switches from the second position to the first position, the axle 41 slides from the lower end of the axle guide hole 13 to the upper end of the axle guide hole 13.

[0028] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 6 The pedal 3 has ear plates 31 on both sides, each ear plate 31 being adapted to one of the side plates 11. The first position of each ear plate 31 is rotatably connected to one of the side plates 11, or both ear plates 31 and the side plates 11 are connected to a horizontally arranged first shaft 71. Correspondingly, there are two connecting rods 5. The second position of each ear plate 31 is rotatably connected to one of the connecting rods 5 via a second shaft 72. The two ends of the axle 41 of the roller 4 are rotatably connected to one of the connecting rods 5. Of course, the wheel of the roller 4 is located between the two connecting rods 5 and also between the two ear plates 31 of the pedal 3.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the ear plates 31 on both sides of the pedal 3 have a second hole 32 adapted to the first shaft 71 and a third hole 33 adapted to the second shaft 72, and the two ends of the first shaft 71 are respectively installed in the second hole 32 of the ear plate 31. Preferably, the two side plates 11 of the bracket 1 are located between the two ear plates 31 of the pedal 3.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, please refer to Figure 7 The connecting rod 5 has a fourth hole 51 that matches the second shaft 72 and a wheel axle hole 52 that matches the wheel axle 41. The second shaft 72 is installed in the third hole 33 of the corresponding ear plate 31 and the fourth hole 51 of the corresponding connecting rod 5, realizing the hinge connection between the corresponding ear plate 31 and the connecting rod 5. The two ends of the wheel axle 41 of the roller 4 are respectively installed in the wheel axle hole 52 of one of the connecting rods 5, realizing the connection between the connecting rod 5 and the roller 4.

[0031] In some embodiments, the elastic element 6 is a spring, with its two ends connected to the bracket 1 and the connecting rod 5, respectively. (See also...) Figure 1 , Figure 7In an exemplary embodiment, the bracket 1 has a spring hole adapted to the spring, and the connecting rod 5 has a locking position 53 or hole adapted to the elastic element 6. The two ends of the spring are hooked onto the bracket 1 and the connecting rod 5, respectively. Since there are two connecting rods 5, there are also two corresponding elastic elements 6, and the two elastic elements 6 are respectively connected to one of the connecting rods 5.

[0032] To facilitate the operation of the pedal 3, in some embodiments, the bracket 1 is rotatably connected to the fixed base 8, allowing the bracket 1 to rotate relative to the fixed base 8 in the horizontal plane, thus facilitating the adjustment of the pedal 3's position. There are many ways to achieve this rotatable connection between the bracket 1 and the fixed base 8, and those skilled in the art can design it appropriately as needed. For example, the bracket 1 may have a circular hole 14, through which the bracket 1 is loosely fitted onto the fixed base 8, achieving a rotatable connection. Preferably, the support foot 2 is coaxial with the circular hole 14, meaning the bracket 1 can rotate 360° around the support foot 2 in the horizontal plane.

[0033] The working principle of the caster assembly in this embodiment: Assuming the initial state, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 , Figure 2 In the first position, roller 4 is in contact with the ground, the bottom surface of support foot 2 is in contact with the ground, the bottom surface of roller 4 is higher than the bottom surface of support foot 2, and roller 4 is not in contact with the ground. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 Pressing down on pedal 3 causes it to rotate counterclockwise, pushing linkage 5 to move. Linkage 5 simultaneously moves axle 41 downwards along axle guide hole 13 to its lower end, while roller 4 descends to the second position. When the wheel needs to be retracted, pulling up on pedal 3 causes it to rotate clockwise, pulling linkage 5 to move. Linkage 5 simultaneously moves axle 41 upwards along axle guide hole 13 to its upper end, while roller 4 returns to the first position. At this point, axle 41 cannot move further upwards.

[0034] In this embodiment, the caster assembly allows for the rapid lowering and raising of the rollers 4 by operating the pedal 3, eliminating the need for operations such as tightening bolts. This makes the operation convenient and quick, improving work efficiency and customer satisfaction.

[0035] Please see Figure 8 This embodiment also discloses a mobile-fixed switching device, which includes a chassis 9 and at least three of the aforementioned caster assemblies. The chassis 9 has a flat bottom surface for large-area contact with the ground or foundation. The caster assemblies are mounted on the chassis 9 via support frames 10. The chassis 9 has clearance holes 91 corresponding to the position of each caster assembly for the roller 4 and support foot 2 to pass through. The lower end of the support foot 2 passes through the clearance hole 91, and the bottom surface of the support foot 2 is flush with the bottom surface of the chassis 9 to contact the ground.

[0036] It is worth noting that the number of caster assemblies should be set reasonably according to needs; in principle, three casters are sufficient to achieve a balanced support effect.

[0037] To make the mobile-fixed switching device more stable, in some embodiments, the caster assembly of the chassis 9 is evenly arranged on the same circumference around the center of the chassis 9.

[0038] It is worth noting that the shapes of the chassis 9 and the clearance hole 91 are reasonably set according to the needs; preferably, the chassis 9 is a circular disc and the clearance hole 91 is a circular hole.

[0039] To facilitate connection with other components, there is a connection structure in the center of the chassis 9, such as connection holes.

[0040] like Figure 8 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment, the support frame 10 includes an inverted L-shaped plate. The bottom end of the vertical plate of the inverted L-shaped plate is fixedly connected to the chassis 9, and the horizontal plate of the inverted L-shaped plate is located above the chassis 9. A caster assembly is mounted on the horizontal plate of the inverted L-shaped plate. In some embodiments, the fixing seat 8 is fixedly connected to the horizontal plate of the inverted L-shaped plate by bolts, and the bracket 1 is rotatably connected to the fixing seat 8. The bracket 1 can rotate 360° around the support foot 2 in the horizontal plane. Preferably, the support foot 2 is located at the center of the clearance hole 91. It is worth noting that the inverted L-shaped plate needs to withstand the reaction force, so the strength of the inverted L-shaped plate must be sufficient to prevent deformation under the reaction force. To increase its strength, the inverted L-shaped plate is provided with reinforcing ribs.

[0041] The working principle of the mobile-fixed switching device in this embodiment is as follows: Assume that initially, roller 4 is in the first position, the bottom surfaces of chassis 9 and support feet 2 are in contact with the ground, the bottom surface of roller 4 is higher than the bottom surfaces of support feet 2 and chassis 9, and roller 4 is not in contact with the ground. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 When the pedal 3 is pressed down, the pedal 3 drives the axle 41 to move downward along the axle guide hole 13 to the lower end of the axle guide hole 13. At the same time, the roller 4 moves down from the corresponding clearance hole 91 on the chassis 9. The chassis 9 is lifted off the ground under the action of the reaction force, and the friction between the chassis 9 and the ground is released. At the same time, multiple rollers 4 replace the chassis 9 and the support feet to contact the ground. At this time, the entire mechanism can be easily moved.

[0042] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 10Once the device has moved to the predetermined position, the pedal 3 is pulled or kicked upwards, causing the axle 41 to move upwards along the axle guide hole 13 to the upper end of the axle guide hole 13. The chassis 9 then re-contacts the ground under its own weight and reaction force. The device's own weight ensures that the position is fixed, and the chassis is not prone to slipping with the ground, resulting in good stability and safe use.

[0043] This application only requires operating the pedal to quickly lower and raise the roller 4, eliminating the need for operations such as tightening bolts, saving time and effort, and making it convenient and quick to operate, which helps to improve work efficiency and customer satisfaction.

[0044] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A caster assembly, characterized in that, include: Support (1); A rotatable pedal (3) is mounted on the bracket (1); A movable roller (4) is mounted on the bracket (1); A connecting rod (5) rotatably connected at one point to the pedal (3) and rotatably connected at another point to the axle (41) of the roller (4); and Elastic elements (6) that act on the support (1) and the connecting rod (5) at both ends respectively; When the pedal (3) rotates in both directions, the pedal (3) can push or pull the connecting rod (5) to switch the roller (4) between a first position and a second position. The first position is higher than the second position. When the roller (4) switches from the first position to the second position, the length of the elastic element (6) becomes shorter. When the roller (4) is in the first position, the elastic element (6) tends to keep the roller (4) in the first position; when the roller (4) is in the second position, the elastic element (6) tends to keep the roller (4) in the second position.

2. The caster assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pedal (3) is rotatably connected to the bracket (1) via the first shaft (71), and the pedal (3) is rotatably connected to the connecting rod (5) via the second shaft (72). The axle (41) of the roller (4) is installed in the corresponding hole on the connecting rod (5).

3. The caster assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The bracket (1) includes two side plates (11), and the side plates (11) have wheel axle guide holes (13) adapted to the wheel axle (41) of the roller (4). The wheel of the roller (4) is located between the two side plates (11), and the two ends of the wheel axle (41) are respectively installed in the wheel axle guide hole (13) of one of the side plates (11). There are two connecting rods (5) and two elastic elements (6). The two connecting rods (5) are respectively connected to one end of the wheel axle (41), and the two elastic elements (6) act on one of the connecting rods (5).

4. The caster assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The wheel axle guide hole (13) is a vertically arranged circular bar hole.

5. The caster assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pedal (3) has ear plates (31) on both sides. The ear plates (31) on both sides are adapted to one of the side plates (11). The ear plates (31) on both sides are rotatably connected to one of the side plates (11), or the two ear plates (31) and the two side plates (11) are rotatably connected through the first shaft (71).

6. The caster assembly according to claim 1, 4, or 5, characterized in that, The elastic element (6) is a spring, and the two ends of the spring are connected to the bracket (1) and the connecting rod (5) respectively.

7. The caster assembly according to claim 1, 4, or 5, characterized in that, It also includes a fixed base (8) and a support foot (2), with the upper end of the support foot (2) connected to the fixed base (8) and one side of the bracket (1) connected to the fixed base (8); When the roller (4) is in the first position, the bottom surface of the roller (4) is higher than the bottom surface of the support foot (2); when the roller (4) is in the second position, the bottom surface of the roller (4) is lower than the bottom surface of the support foot (2).

8. The caster assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bracket (1) is rotatably connected to the fixed seat (8), and the bracket (1) can rotate in the horizontal plane relative to the fixed seat (8).

9. The caster assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bracket (1) can rotate in the horizontal plane around the supporting foot (2).

10. A mobile-fixed switching device, characterized in that, It includes a chassis (9), a support frame (10), and a caster assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the caster assembly has at least three casters; The caster assembly is mounted on the chassis (9) via a support frame (10). The chassis (9) has clearance holes (91) for the rollers (4) to pass through at the position of each caster assembly. When the roller (4) is in the first position, the bottom surface of the roller (4) is higher than the bottom surface of the chassis (9); when the roller (4) is in the second position, the bottom surface of the roller (4) is lower than the bottom surface of the chassis (9).

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