A directional universal wheel assembly and walking device

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of universal wheel, concretely is a kind of directional universal wheel assembly and walking equipment, including pedestal, universal wheel assembly, switching component and driving part, universal wheel assembly includes support and rotating shaft, universal wheel rotation drives rotating shaft synchronous rotation;Switching component is hingedly connected on pedestal by hinging shaft, and the first end of switching component is provided with directional piece, and reset element is sleeved on hinging shaft;Driving part is movably arranged on pedestal, and driving part is configured to be able to accept external driving force and generate displacement, when driving part is in first position, separate with the second end of switching component, directional piece is engaged with rotating shaft under the action of reset element, so that universal wheel presents directional state;When driving part is in to second position, driving part drives switching component to rotate and overcome the force of reset element, directional piece is separated from rotating shaft, so that universal wheel presents universal state.The present application has the advantages of convenient operation, locking reliable, simple structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of omnidirectional wheel technology, specifically a directional omnidirectional wheel assembly and a walking device. Background Technology

[0002] Casters are a common type of moving mechanism found at the bottom of mobile devices (such as trolleys, suitcases, and office furniture). Their key feature is that the wheels can rotate freely around vertical and horizontal axes, enabling flexible multi-directional movement. However, in certain applications, such as when long-distance straight-line pushing or preventing equipment from slipping, the flexibility of casters can become a disadvantage. In these situations, users often prefer the wheels to lock their direction, rolling only in a straight line, i.e., in a "directional" state.

[0003] Currently, some casters on the market have directional locking functions, typically using direct mechanical locking of the wheel or wheel frame. However, these traditional structures often suffer from inconvenient operation, unreliable locking, or complex structures. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a caster assembly that is compact, easy to operate, reliably locked, and can quickly and stably switch between directional and omnidirectional states to meet the high performance and high reliability requirements of modern mobile equipment for its walking mechanisms. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the problems mentioned above, the directional caster wheel assembly and walking device provided by this utility model have the advantages of convenient operation, reliable locking, and simple structure.

[0005] This utility model provides a directional universal wheel assembly, comprising:

[0006] Base;

[0007] The caster assembly is located at the bottom of the base. The caster assembly includes a support and a caster wheel located at the bottom of the support. The support has a rotating shaft, and the rotation of the caster wheel drives the support and the rotating shaft to rotate synchronously.

[0008] The switching component, in conjunction with the omnidirectional wheel component, allows the omnidirectional wheel to switch between directional and omnidirectional states.

[0009] Furthermore, the switching assembly is hinged to the base via a hinge shaft. The switching assembly includes a first end and a second end located on opposite sides of the hinge shaft, and the first end is provided with an orienting member for locking the rotation shaft.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a drive member, which is movably mounted on the base. The drive member is configured to accept external driving force and generate displacement. The drive member has a first position and a second position. When the drive member is in the first position, it is separated from the second end, and the directional member engages with the rotating shaft under the action of the reset element, so that the universal wheel is in a directional state. When the drive member is in the second position, the drive member pushes the second end and drives the switching assembly to rotate against the force of the reset element. The directional member disengages from the rotating shaft, so that the universal wheel is in a universal state.

[0011] Furthermore, the switching assembly includes a swing arm, the middle part of which is hinged to the base via the hinge shaft, and the directional member is disposed at one end of the swing arm near the rotation axis, the axis of the hinge shaft being parallel to the axis of the rotation axis.

[0012] Furthermore, a reset element is mounted on the hinge shaft to put the guide member in the locked position.

[0013] Furthermore, the reset element is a torsion spring, with one end of the torsion spring engaging with the base and the other end engaging with the switching assembly.

[0014] Furthermore, the directional component is a limiting pin, and a limiting hole is provided on the rotating shaft for the limiting pin to be inserted. The limiting pin is inserted into the limiting hole to make the universal wheel oriented.

[0015] Furthermore, a mounting groove is provided at the first end, and a pin is provided in the mounting groove. The limiting pin is rotatably connected to the pin through a bushing.

[0016] Furthermore, the caster assembly also includes a wheel frame, which is fixed to the bottom of the base. A sleeve is formed on the wheel frame for a rotating shaft to pass through. The rotating shaft is rotatably disposed inside the sleeve. A clearance hole communicating with a limiting hole is provided on the sleeve. A limiting pin passes through the clearance hole and is inserted into the limiting hole.

[0017] In some technical solutions, the driving component is a manually operated part, and the manually operated part is at least partially exposed to the outside.

[0018] In other technical solutions, the driving component is the output end of a power drive, which is fixedly mounted on a base and used to drive the driving component to move between a first position and a second position.

[0019] Furthermore, the power actuator is one of the following: an electric actuator, a linear motor, or a cylinder.

[0020] This utility model also provides a walking device, including any of the above-mentioned directional universal wheel assemblies.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0022] (1) The directional universal wheel assembly of this utility model realizes the rapid switching between the directional and universal states of the universal wheel through the linkage design of the switching component and the driving component. At the same time, it uses the reset element to automatically reset and lock, which solves the problems of cumbersome operation and insufficient reliability of the traditional solution. It has the advantages of convenient operation, reliable locking, simple structure and automatic reset function.

[0023] (2) The present invention specifically sets the switching component as a swing arm with a central hinge, with the driven part and the directional part located at both ends, forming a lever-like structure, thereby converting the linear motion of the driving part into the rotational locking action of the swing arm. The overall structure is simple, and the force transmission path is clear and reliable, ensuring stable switching between the universal wheel and the directional wheel. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a directional caster wheel assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a switching component structure provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a caster wheel assembly provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the universal joint between the driving component and the switching component in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the driver and switching components separated and in a directional state according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Wherein: 1-base, 2-caster assembly, 21-support, 22-caster, 23-rotation shaft, 24-wheel frame, 241-sleeve, 242-clearance hole, 243-guide protrusion, 3-switching assembly, 31-first end, 32-second end, 33-directing component, 34-reset element, 35-driven component, 36-swing arm, 37-hinge shaft, 38-shoulder sleeve, 39-pin, 4-drive component. Detailed Implementation

[0031] 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. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0032] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 5 The present invention will be described in detail with specific embodiments.

[0033] See Figure 1 To be continued Figure 5 This utility model provides a directional omnidirectional wheel assembly that can be applied to mobile devices such as suitcases, strollers, and scooters. The mobile device can also be a mobile chassis used in conjunction with other functional modules, serving as a basic moving component. The directional omnidirectional wheel assembly includes a base 1, an omnidirectional wheel assembly 2, a switching assembly 3, and a drive component 4. The base 1 provides the mounting foundation for the omnidirectional wheel assembly 2, the switching assembly 3, and the drive component 4. The base 1 is used in a broad sense and is not specifically limited to a plate-like structure or a frame structure; different mobile devices have different bases 1. Figure 1 The diagram is for illustrative purposes only. The universal wheel assembly 2 is located at the bottom of the base 1. The universal wheel assembly 2 includes a support 21 and a universal wheel 22 located at the bottom of the support 21. The support 21 has a rotating shaft 23. The rotation of the universal wheel 22 drives the support 21 and the rotating shaft 23 to rotate synchronously, thereby realizing universal movement.

[0034] The switching assembly 3 is hinged to the base 1 via a hinge shaft 37. The switching assembly 3 includes a first end 31 and a second end 32 located on opposite sides of the hinge shaft 37. The first end 31 is provided with a guide member 33 for locking the rotating shaft 23. The purpose of the guide member 33 is to cooperate with the rotating shaft 23 to restrict or release it. Therefore, the specific structure of the guide member 33 is not limited. For example, the guide member 33 can be a limiting pin, with a limiting hole (through hole or blind hole) on the rotating shaft 23, the size and depth of which match the limiting pin. The limiting pin is inserted into the limiting hole to restrict the rotating shaft 23. Alternatively, the guide member 33 can be a brake pad or a pawl, etc. Rotation of the switching assembly 3 causes the guide member 33 to mechanically interfere with the rotating shaft 23 to achieve locking. A reset element 34 is mounted on the hinge shaft 37, which provides a continuous reset force to the switching assembly 3, ensuring stability in the locked state.

[0035] The driving component 4 is movably mounted on the base 1. The driving component 4 is configured to accept external driving force and generate displacement. The driving component 4 has a first position and a second position. When the driving component 4 is in the first position (e.g., ...), ... Figure 5 When the drive member 4 is extended (as shown), it separates from the second end 32 of the switching assembly 3. At this time, the directional member 33 engages with the rotating shaft 23 under the action of the reset element 34, locking the rotation of the rotating shaft 23 and causing the universal wheel 22 to be in a directional state; when the drive member 4 is in the second position (as shown), Figure 4 When the drive member 4 is in its retracted state, the drive member 4 pushes or presses down the second end 32, and drives the switching assembly 3 to rotate around the hinge shaft 37 against the force of the reset element 34. This rotation causes the directional member 33 of the first end 31 to disengage from the rotating shaft 23, releasing the rotating shaft 23 and allowing the omnidirectional wheel 22 to regain its free rotation capability and be in an omnidirectional state. Specifically, when the drive member 4 is in its initial position (i.e., under no external force), the reset element 34 forces the directional member 33 of the first end 31 to mechanically lock the rotating shaft 23. At this time, the rotating shaft 23 cannot rotate, and the omnidirectional wheel 22 can only roll in a straight line. When an external force is applied to move the drive member 4, the drive member 4 pushes the second end 32 of the switching assembly 3, causing the switching assembly 3 to rotate around the hinge shaft 37 and overcome the force of the reset element 34. The directional member 33 of the first end 31 then disengages from the rotating shaft 23, the rotating shaft 23 regains its free rotation, and the omnidirectional wheel 22 achieves omnidirectional movement. After the external force disappears, the reset element 34 drives the switching component 3 to reset, and the directional component 33 mechanically locks the rotating shaft 23 again.

[0036] This application, through the ingenious design of the switching component 3, the directional component 33, and the driving component 4, effectively converts the linear motion of the driving component 4 into the rotational motion of the switching component 3, and finally into the locking action of the directional component 33. Mode switching can be achieved without additional operation, and the force transmission path is clear and reliable, ensuring stable switching between the omnidirectional wheel state and the directional wheel state.

[0037] In some embodiments, the drive unit 4 is a manual operating part, and at least part of the manual operating part is exposed to the outside, making it convenient for the user to operate directly with their feet or hands. The manual operating part can be implemented by means of buttons, levers, etc. Specifically, when the user needs to switch the omnidirectional wheel state, the manual operating part is subjected to external force to move along the guide structure on the base. During the movement, the manual operating part contacts the second end 32 of the switching component 3 and pushes it to rotate around the hinge axis 37. At this time, the reset element 34 accumulates elastic potential energy. When the external force is removed, the elastic restoring force of the reset element 34 drives the switching component 3 to rotate in the opposite direction, causing the directional part 33 to re-engage with the rotating shaft 23. Through the reciprocating motion of the manual operating part, the engagement and disengagement states of the directional part 33 and the rotating shaft 23 are alternately controlled, thereby realizing the switching of the omnidirectional wheel 22 between the directional state and the omnidirectional state. Moreover, the operating force is directly transmitted through the manual operating part, eliminating the need for a power drive module and a complex transmission chain. The operation path is end-to-end and no power supply is required, reducing manufacturing costs.

[0038] In other embodiments, the driving component 4 is the output end of a power actuator, which is fixedly mounted on a base and used to move the driving component 4 between a first position and a second position. The power actuator can be an electric actuator, a linear motor, or a cylinder, but is not limited to these. When the power actuator is triggered, the output end drives the driving component 4 to move along a predetermined trajectory. When the driving component 4 is in the first position, the power actuator remains stationary or retracted, and the driving component 4 is separated from the second end 32 of the switching assembly 3. The reset element 34 forces the switching assembly 3 to rotate and engages the directional component 33 with the rotating shaft 23, at which point the caster wheel 22 is in a directional state. When the power actuator is activated, the output end pushes the driving component 4 to the second position. The driving component 4 contacts and pushes against the second end 32 of the switching assembly 3, causing the switching assembly 3 to rotate against the force of the reset element 34. The directional component 33 disengages from the rotating shaft 23, and the caster wheel 22 returns to its omnidirectional state. During this process, the start and stop of the power actuator can be precisely controlled by electronic control signals or pneumatic control. The above design achieves automated control of the caster wheel's state switching.

[0039] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 The switching component 3 includes a swing arm 36, the middle of which is hinged to the base 1 via a hinge shaft 37. A guide member 33 is disposed at the end of the swing arm 36 near the rotation shaft 23, and the axis of the hinge shaft 37 is parallel to the axis of the rotation shaft 23. The middle of the swing arm 36 is fixed to the base 1 by the hinge shaft 37 to form a fulcrum. When the driving member 4 pushes the second end of the swing arm 36, the swing arm 36 rotates around the hinge shaft 37, causing the guide member 33 disposed at the first end of the swing arm 36 to move away from the rotation shaft 23. Since the hinge shaft 37 is parallel to the axis of the rotation shaft 23, the swing plane of the swing arm 36 always remains perpendicular to the axis of the rotation shaft 23, and the movement path of the guide member 33 is constrained to be radially aligned with the rotation shaft 23. Under the action of the reset element 34, the guide member 33 at the first end of the swing arm 36 can be precisely inserted into the limiting hole of the rotation shaft 23. When the driving member 4 is released, the swing arm 36 rotates in the opposite direction under the action of the reset element 34, and the guide member 33 exits the limiting hole along its original path. It should be noted that the swing angle of the swing arm 36 in this application is small, and no large positioning offset will occur during the locking process.

[0040] In the preferred embodiment, see Figure 2The reset element 34 is a torsion spring, with one end engaging with the base 1 and the other end engaging with the switching assembly 3. Preferably, the swing arm 36 has a receiving space at the hinge shaft 37. The torsion spring is fitted onto the hinge shaft 37 and located within the receiving space. The reset function is achieved by utilizing the circumferential torque characteristic of the torsion spring. After the switching assembly 3 rotates to the locked position, the elastic potential energy stored in the torsional deformation of the torsion spring continuously applies a rebound torque to the switching assembly 3. This torque is converted into a continuous and stable pressing or holding force of the directional member 33 on the rotating shaft 23. This ensures a very stable locked state, effectively resisting the vibration and impact generated during wheel operation, preventing the directional member 33 from accidentally dislodging due to vibration, and greatly enhancing the reliability of the lock.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the directional component 33 is a limiting pin, and the rotating shaft 23 has a limiting hole for the insertion of the limiting pin (the limiting hole is blocked by the clearance hole 242 in the figure). The limiting hole and the clearance hole 242 are coaxially arranged. When the limiting pin is inserted into the limiting hole under the action of the torsion spring, the rotating shaft 23 cannot rotate, thereby achieving directional locking and making the caster wheel oriented.

[0042] In a more preferred embodiment, to ensure that the limiting pin can be accurately and smoothly inserted into the limiting hole and completely disengaged in the universal position, a mounting groove (not shown in the figure) is provided at the first end of the swing arm 36. A pin 39 is provided in the mounting groove, and the limiting pin is rotatably connected to the pin 39 through a bushing 38. The rotational setting of the limiting pin makes it no longer a rigid fixed component, but a floating component with a small margin of movement. Under the action of the torsion spring, the limiting pin is pressed against the rotating shaft 23, and the limiting pin can rotate slightly around the pin 39. During the process of the limiting pin being inserted into the limiting hole, if there are small manufacturing tolerances, assembly errors, or deformation of the wheel axle due to force, the rigid structure may cause the limiting pin to hit the outer wall of the rotating shaft 23 and fail to be inserted smoothly. This floating design allows the limiting pin to adaptively adjust its angle to adapt to the alignment deviation that may exist when the switching component 3 rotates, so that its axis is automatically aligned with the axis of the limiting hole, thereby greatly improving the success rate and smoothness of insertion.

[0043] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 The caster wheel assembly 2 also includes a wheel frame 24, which is fixed to the bottom of the base 1. A sleeve 241 is formed on the wheel frame 24 for the rotating shaft 23 to pass through. The rotating shaft 23 is rotatably disposed in the sleeve 241. A clearance hole 242 communicating with the limiting hole is provided on the sleeve 241. The limiting pin passes through the clearance hole 242 and is inserted into the limiting hole.

[0044] In some embodiments, see Figure 3The outer periphery of the clearance hole 242 is provided with a guide protrusion 243 protruding towards the switching component 3. The guide protrusion 243 has a positioning curved surface that fits against the outer peripheral surface of the bushing 38. This structure serves a dual function of guiding and positioning: during the switching process, it guides the movement of the bushing 38 (and the limiting pin); in the oriented state, the positioning curved surface fits against the outer wall of the bushing 38, which can eliminate the shaking caused by structural gaps and make the locking more stable. In a more preferred embodiment, when the caster 22 is in the released state, the oriented member 33 (i.e., the limiting pin) is always located in the clearance hole 242, but disengaged from the limiting hole, allowing the rotating shaft 23 to rotate freely. This structural design ensures that when the caster 22 needs to be locked, there is no need to reposition it, and the limiting pin can be accurately inserted into the limiting hole.

[0045] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 The second end 32 of the switching component 3 is provided with a driven member 35 that cooperates with the driving member 4. The force of the driving member 4 is transmitted to the switching component 3 through the driven member 35. Preferably, the driven member 35 is a lever provided at the second end 32. The axis of the lever is parallel to the axis of the rotating shaft 23, and the lever is separately provided from the driving member 4.

[0046] This utility model also provides a walking device, including any of the aforementioned directional omnidirectional wheel assemblies, such as a handcart, suitcase, or sweeper. For example, the walking device is a flatbed handcart, with four of the aforementioned directional omnidirectional wheel assemblies installed on its bottom. When goods need to be moved flexibly, it maintains an omnidirectional state; when a long distance needs to be pushed in a straight line, it can be switched to a directional state manually or electrically, making operation easy and effortless. As another example, the walking device is a suitcase, with at least two of the aforementioned directional omnidirectional wheel assemblies installed on its bottom. When the suitcase needs to travel a long distance in a straight line, it can be switched to a directional state manually or electrically, making operation easy and effortless. This application does not limit the type of walking device; any walking device with the aforementioned omnidirectional wheel assemblies falls within the protection scope of this application.

[0047] Since the walking device of this application adopts all the technical solutions of the directional universal wheel assembly in the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above directional universal wheel assembly embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0048] The present invention has been further described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be understood that the specific description herein should not be construed as limiting the substance and scope of the present invention. Various modifications made by those skilled in the art to the above embodiments after reading this specification are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A directional omnidirectional wheel assembly, characterized in that, include: Base; A caster wheel assembly is provided at the bottom of the base. The caster wheel assembly includes a support and a caster wheel provided at the bottom of the support. The support has a rotating shaft. The rotation of the caster wheel drives the support and the rotating shaft to rotate synchronously. The switching component, in conjunction with the omnidirectional wheel assembly, switches the omnidirectional wheel between a directional state and an omnidirectional state.

2. The directional omnidirectional wheel assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching assembly is hinged to the base via a hinge shaft. The switching assembly includes a first end and a second end located on opposite sides of the hinge shaft. The first end is provided with a directional member for locking the rotation shaft.

3. The directional caster wheel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a drive member movably disposed on the base, the drive member being configured to receive an external driving force and generate displacement, the drive member having a first position and a second position; When the driving member is in the first position, it separates from the second end, and the directional member engages with the rotating shaft under the action of the reset element, so that the universal wheel is in a directional state; when the driving member is in the second position, the driving member pushes the second end and drives the switching component to rotate against the force of the reset element, and the directional member disengages from the rotating shaft, so that the universal wheel is in a universal state.

4. The directional caster wheel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The switching assembly includes a swing arm, the middle part of which is hinged to the base via the hinge shaft. The directional member is disposed at one end of the swing arm near the rotation axis, and the axis of the hinge shaft is parallel to the axis of the rotation axis.

5. The directional caster wheel assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, A reset element is fitted onto the hinge shaft to lock the orienting member in the locked position.

6. The directional caster wheel assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The reset element is a torsion spring, one end of which engages with the base and the other end with the switching assembly.

7. The directional caster wheel assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The directional component is a limiting pin, and the rotating shaft has a limiting hole for the limiting pin to be inserted. The limiting pin is inserted into the limiting hole to make the universal wheel oriented.

8. The directional caster wheel assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first end is provided with a mounting groove, and a pin is provided in the mounting groove. The limiting pin is rotatably connected to the pin through a bushing.

9. The directional caster wheel assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The universal wheel assembly also includes a wheel frame, which is fixed to the bottom of the base. A sleeve is formed on the wheel frame for the rotating shaft to pass through. The rotating shaft is rotatably disposed in the sleeve. A clearance hole communicating with the limiting hole is provided on the sleeve. The limiting pin passes through the clearance hole and is inserted into the limiting hole.

10. The directional caster wheel assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive unit is a manually operated part, and the manually operated part is at least partially exposed to the outside.

11. The directional caster wheel assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The driving component is the output end of a power driver, which is fixedly mounted on the base and is used to drive the driving component to move between a first position and a second position.

12. The directional caster wheel assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The power drive is one of the following: an electric actuator, a linear motor, or a cylinder.

13. A walking device, characterized in that, Includes the directional caster wheel assembly as described in any one of claims 1-12.

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