Self-resetting caster

Abstract

The application relates to an automatically-resetting caster, which comprises a mounting plate and a caster body rotatably connected to the mounting plate, wherein the caster body comprises a caster support and a wheel connected to the lower end of the caster support, the caster further comprises a rolling assembly installed between the mounting plate and the caster support and used for rotating the caster body, and the caster further comprises a reset mechanism used for automatically resetting the caster body after the caster body rotates relative to the mounting plate, wherein the reset mechanism can automatically reset the caster body to the initial direction under the action of no external force, the upper end of the reset mechanism is connected to the mounting plate, and the lower end of the reset mechanism passes through the rolling assembly and is connected to the caster support. The application breaks through the limitation of the traditional caster by rotatably connecting the mounting plate and the caster body through the rolling assembly, matching the reset mechanism which is connected to the mounting plate at the upper end and connected to the caster support after passing through the rolling assembly, and realizes the combination of the functions of free rotation and automatic resetting of the caster.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of caster technology, specifically to an automatic reset caster. Background Technology

[0002] Casters are a common type of mobile support component. They are mechanical accessories that are installed on the bottom of appliances to make them easy and flexible to move. They are widely used in scaffolding, shelves, instruments, machinery, furniture, vehicles, robots and other fields, bringing great convenience to people in transportation, home and travel.

[0003] With the rapid development of logistics technology, rolling friction is widely used in various mobile devices such as logistics transfer vehicles, automated equipment, and warehousing handling tools. Its core function is to reduce the resistance to movement of equipment and improve handling efficiency by replacing sliding friction with rolling friction. In scenarios such as logistics sorting, automated production lines, and precision equipment handling, some equipment (such as logistics transfer vehicles) needs to run in a straight line along a fixed track, which strictly requires that the orientation and direction of movement of the casters be consistent.

[0004] Currently, casters on the market are mainly divided into two categories: fixed casters and swivel casters. Fixed casters have a fixed wheel direction and can only travel in a straight line in one direction. Although they can meet the orientation requirements, they are not flexible and cannot adapt to the scenario of equipment turning and adjusting. Swivel casters can rotate freely 360 degrees and adjust the direction flexibly, but they lack orientation constraint function and are prone to directional deviation when running along the track.

[0005] For example, in the application of logistics transfer vehicles, when the vehicle automatically travels to a designated location and needs to enter the next designated main track to continue moving forward, after the robot lifts the vehicle, the casters need to automatically reset and maintain the same initial direction, i.e., a straight line, before entering the main track. However, when equipment using existing omnidirectional casters moves along the track in a straight line, inconsistent caster directions can easily lead to hard collisions and friction between the casters and the track edges. This not only causes wear on the casters and deformation and damage to the track, but also causes instability such as shaking and deviation during equipment movement, affecting transportation accuracy. Especially in automated operations where logistics transfer vehicles are lifted and transferred to the main track by robots, the randomness of the omnidirectional casters' direction can cause the transfer vehicle to get stuck or collide when entering the track, and in severe cases, even cause equipment failure, reduce operational efficiency, and increase maintenance costs.

[0006] Traditional fixed casters are inconvenient to operate when the equipment needs to be turned or adjusted because they cannot be flexibly adjusted in direction, making them difficult to adapt to the needs of multi-station switching in automated operations.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a caster that combines directional flexibility with automatic orientation and reset functions to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology. Utility Model Content

[0008] This invention overcomes the shortcomings of the above-mentioned technology and provides an automatically resetting caster.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An automatically resetting caster includes a mounting plate and a caster body rotatably connected to the mounting plate. The caster body includes a caster bracket and a wheel connected to the lower end of the caster bracket. The caster also includes a rolling assembly mounted between the mounting plate and the caster bracket for rotating the caster body. The caster further includes a reset mechanism for automatically resetting the caster body after it rotates relative to the mounting plate. The reset mechanism allows the caster body to automatically reset to its initial direction without external force. The upper end of the reset mechanism is connected to the mounting plate, and the lower end passes through the rolling assembly and is connected to the caster bracket.

[0010] In some embodiments, the reset mechanism includes a first connecting frame fixedly mounted on the caster bracket, a spring mounted within the first connecting frame, a guide member mounted within the first connecting frame and located at the upper end of the spring, and a guide rail seat fixedly mounted on the mounting plate. The guide rail seat includes a guide inclined track, the guide member abuts against the guide inclined track, the upper end of the first connecting frame is rotatably connected to the guide rail seat, and the guide member can move along the guide inclined track and compress the spring to achieve automatic reset of the caster body.

[0011] In some embodiments, the reset mechanism further includes a first rolling bearing installed in the guide rail seat, the outer ring of the first rolling bearing being fixedly connected to the guide rail seat, and the upper end of the first connecting frame being fixedly connected to the inner ring of the first rolling bearing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the guide includes a second connecting frame and a second rolling bearing connected to the second connecting frame. The second connecting frame includes a vertical rod and a horizontal rod perpendicular to the vertical rod. The vertical rod is installed inside the first connecting frame. The inner ring of the second rolling bearing is fixedly installed on the horizontal rod. The horizontal rod extends outward so that the second rolling bearing abuts against the guide inclined track.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first connecting frame includes a connecting plate and a hollow tube connected to the upper end of the connecting plate. The two ends of the connecting plate are respectively connected to the caster bracket. The upper end of the hollow tube is fixedly connected to the inner ring of the first rolling bearing. The spring is installed inside the hollow tube. The vertical rod is installed inside the hollow tube and abuts against the upper end of the spring. A guide groove is provided on the side wall of the hollow tube for the horizontal rod to move up and down therein.

[0014] In some embodiments, inserts are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the connecting plate, and slots for inserts are correspondingly provided on the caster bracket. The reset mechanism also includes a protective cover that encloses the hollow tube, spring, guide member and guide rail seat.

[0015] In some embodiments, the guide rail base includes a central hole, and the guide inclined rail includes a protrusion, a groove, and an inclined arc surface symmetrically disposed on both sides of the protrusion and the groove on the outer periphery of the central hole, wherein the height of the protrusion is higher than that of the groove.

[0016] In some embodiments, the upper end of the guide rail base is symmetrically provided with insertion posts on both sides of the central hole, and the mounting plate is provided with insertion holes for inserting the insertion posts.

[0017] In some embodiments, the rolling assembly includes an inner annular ring fixedly connected to a mounting plate, an outer annular ring formed on a caster bracket and rotatably connected to the outer side of the inner annular ring, and a plurality of balls circumferentially disposed between the inner and outer annular rings. A first annular groove for accommodating the balls is formed on the outer wall surface of the inner annular ring, and a second annular groove for accommodating the balls is formed on the inner wall surface of the outer annular ring.

[0018] In some embodiments, the annular outer ring has a mounting hole for mounting balls, the wall of the mounting hole is provided with threads, and a screw is threaded into the mounting hole.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: This design overcomes the limitations of traditional casters by using a rotating connection between the mounting plate and the caster body via a rolling assembly. This, combined with a reset mechanism that connects to the mounting plate at the top and passes through the rolling assembly at the bottom to the caster bracket, achieves a combination of free rotation and automatic reset for the casters. When the caster is lifted off the ground, without external force applied, the caster body automatically resets under the combined action of the reset mechanism and the rolling assembly. This prevents damage to the rails and casters caused by directional deviations when the transport vehicle enters the track, avoiding malfunctions caused by misalignment between the wheels and the track. After reset, all casters return to their initial direction, ensuring uniform wheel orientation and even force distribution when the transport vehicle travels straight along the track, preventing swaying and deviation, and improving transport accuracy. The rolling assembly effectively reduces friction loss, and the reset mechanism prevents hard collisions between the casters and the track. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is one of the three-dimensional diagrams of the casters in this case.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the reset mechanism in this case.

[0022] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the overall structure of the casters in this case.

[0023] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the reset mechanism in this case.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of the caster body and rolling components in this case.

[0025] Figure 6 This is the second 3D diagram of the casters in this case. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following embodiments further illustrate the features of this utility model and other related features in detail, so as to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art: For ease of description and understanding, please refer to the attached diagram for descriptions related to positional relationships such as "up" and "down" in this case.

[0027] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this invention provides an automatically resetting caster, specifically including a mounting plate 1 and a caster body 2 rotatably connected to the mounting plate 1. In specific implementation, the mounting plate 1 is a flat plate structure with pre-set mounting holes and a certain load-bearing capacity, serving as a connection carrier between the caster and an external device (such as a logistics transfer vehicle), thereby securely connecting the caster to the external device. The caster body 2 includes a caster bracket 21 and a wheel 22 connected to the lower end of the caster bracket 21. The caster bracket 21 connects and supports the wheel 22 and other components, providing a supporting connection function. The rotatable connection between the caster body 2 and the mounting plate 1 enables the caster to rotate freely. A rolling assembly 3 is installed between the mounting plate 1 and the caster bracket 21 to allow the caster body 2 to rotate flexibly relative to the mounting plate 1, reducing rotational resistance between them, avoiding excessive friction leading to jamming or component wear, and extending the overall service life. The caster in this case also includes a reset mechanism 4 for automatically resetting the caster body 2 after it rotates relative to the mounting plate 1. The reset mechanism 4 allows the caster body 2 to automatically reset to its initial direction without external force. The upper end of the reset mechanism 4 is connected to the upper part of the mounting plate 1, and the lower end passes through the rolling assembly 3 and connects to the caster bracket 21. This ensures a stable connection between the reset mechanism 4, the mounting plate 1, and the caster bracket 21, thereby guaranteeing the smoothness and accuracy of automatic reset. Simultaneously, it interacts with the rolling assembly 3 to achieve automatic reset after turning. It should be noted that "without external force" refers to the caster's natural state when it is lifted and not in contact with the ground; the initial direction is the direction the caster was in when it left the factory, i.e., the direction when the caster is not rotating, maintaining a straight-line driving direction.

[0028] In some applications of casters, the wheels need to maintain the same direction on the track. For example, in logistics transfer vehicles, which typically have at least four casters, after the vehicle reaches its designated location, a robot lifts it. At this point, the caster body 2 automatically resets, maintaining the same initial direction—the direction the casters were in when they left the factory. All four wheels 22 face the same direction, i.e., a straight line, allowing them to run on the main track. This effectively prevents damage to the track, caster damage, and unstable movement caused by inconsistent wheel directions. Through the combined action of the reset mechanism 4 and the rolling assembly 3, this design achieves both free steering of the casters and automatic reset of the caster body 2. This significantly improves the operational stability and safety of equipment equipped with these casters in specific scenarios, extends the service life of the casters and tracks, reduces maintenance costs, and improves overall work efficiency.

[0029] like Figures 1-4 As shown, specifically, the reset mechanism 4 of this case includes a first connecting frame 41 fixedly mounted on the caster bracket 21, a spring 42 installed within the first connecting frame 41, a guide member 43 installed within the first connecting frame 41 and located above the spring 42, and a guide rail seat 44 fixedly mounted on the mounting plate 1. The guide rail seat 44 is fixed to the mounting plate 1 to support and fix the upper end of the reset mechanism 4, providing a movement path and guiding constraint for the guide member 43. The first connecting frame 41 is fixed to the caster bracket 21, providing mounting support for the spring 42 and the guide member 43. The upper end of the first connecting frame 41 is rotatably connected to the guide rail seat 44, realizing the force transmission between the reset mechanism 4 and the caster body 2, converting the rotation of the caster body 2 relative to the mounting plate 1 into the sliding of the guide member 43 relative to the guide rail seat 44, while simultaneously transmitting the reset force of the spring 42. The spring 42 is installed within the first connecting frame 41, with its upper end abutting against the guide member 43, providing storage and release of reset potential energy for the reset mechanism 4. The guide member 43 is positioned between the spring 42 and the guide rail seat 44. It provides directional guidance by sliding along the guide rail seat 44 and converts potential energy by compressing / releasing the spring 42, thereby achieving automatic reset of the caster body 1. The guide rail seat 44 includes a guide ramp rail 441, on which the guide member 43 abuts. The guide member 43 can move along the guide ramp rail 441 and compress the spring 42, thus achieving automatic reset of the caster body 2. The inclined guide rail 441 provides a movement path for the guide member 43 through a specially designed inclined guide rail structure, guiding the sliding direction of the guide member 43 using the rail slope, and simultaneously providing a rotational support point for the first connecting frame 41.

[0030] In the initial state when the caster is not subjected to external force, the spring 42 is in a relatively extended state. Its upward elastic force pushes the guide 43 to tightly abut against the bottommost reset reference position of the guide ramp track 441. At this time, the compression of the spring 42 is minimal, or the spring 42 is not compressed at all and abuts against the guide 43. The caster body 1 maintains its initial straight direction under the constraint of the reset mechanism 4. When the caster body 2 is subjected to lateral force (such as the turning of the transfer vehicle, ground impact, etc.) and rotates relative to the mounting plate 1, the first connecting frame 41 fixed to the caster bracket 21 rotates synchronously, driving the guide 43 to slide upward along the guide ramp track 441 towards the top of the guide ramp track 441. As the sliding distance increases, the compression of the spring 42 by the guide 43 gradually increases, and the spring 42 continues to store elastic potential energy until the guide 43 reaches the maximum energy storage value at the top of the guide ramp track 441. When the caster is lifted and there is no external ground force, the elastic potential energy stored in the spring 42 is released, generating a downward thrust on the guide member 43. Under the combined action of the elastic force and the slope of the guide ramp 441, the guide member 43 slides downward along the guide ramp 441, causing the first connecting frame 41 to rotate in the opposite direction. At the same time, the caster body 2 rotates synchronously in the opposite direction relative to the mounting plate 1 through the rolling assembly 3, until the guide member 43 returns to the bottom of the guide ramp 441, the caster body 2 returns to its initial straight direction, and the spring 42 returns to its initial extended state. After the reset is completed, the guide member 43 remains stably locked at the bottom point of the guide ramp 441. The elastic force of the spring 42 keeps the guide member in close contact with the track, restricting the caster body 2 from rotating arbitrarily, ensuring that the caster runs in a straight line along the track in a consistent direction, and avoiding damage to the track or caster caused by deviation.

[0031] Continue to refer to Figures 1-4 As shown, further, the reset mechanism 4 also includes a first rolling bearing 45 installed within the guide rail seat 44. The outer ring of the first rolling bearing 45 is fixedly connected to the guide rail seat 44, and the upper end of the first connecting frame 41 is fixedly connected to the inner ring of the first rolling bearing 45. It should be noted that the first rolling bearing 45 can be a commercially available rolling bearing. Existing rolling bearings all include an inner ring, an outer ring, and rolling elements between the inner and outer rings to ensure relative movement between the inner and outer rings. By setting the first rolling bearing 45, the upper end of the first connecting frame 41 can rotate more smoothly within the guide rail seat 44, eliminating rotational friction between the guide rail seat 44 and the first connecting frame 41, providing smooth support for their relative rotation, and reducing resistance interference during the reset process. The first rolling bearing 45 has low rotational resistance and low wear, maintaining smooth rotation performance for a long time; avoiding jamming, abnormal noise, or component wear caused by dry friction, extending the overall service life of the reset mechanism 4; and ensuring that the rotation of the first connecting frame 41 and the sliding action of the guide member 43 are synchronized, improving reset stability.

[0032] Specifically, continue to refer to Figures 1-4 As shown, the guide member 43 includes a second connecting frame 431 and a second rolling bearing 432 connected to the second connecting frame 431. The second connecting frame 431 is used to connect and support the second rolling bearing 432, providing connection support between the guide member 43 and the first connecting frame 41. The second connecting frame 431 specifically includes a vertical rod 4311 and a horizontal rod 4312 perpendicular to the vertical rod 4311, forming an overall T-shaped structure. The vertical rod 4311 is installed inside the first connecting frame 41, and the inner ring of the second rolling bearing 432 is fixedly installed on the horizontal rod 4312. The horizontal rod 4312 extends outward so that the second rolling bearing 432 abuts against the guide inclined track 441. The vertical rod 4311 of the second connecting frame 431 is installed inside the first connecting frame 41, providing a stable support structure for the entire guide member 43, ensuring that it will not easily shake or shift during operation. The outward extension of the crossbar 4312 allows the second rolling bearing 432 to abut against the guide ramp track 441, effectively preventing interference between the second rolling bearing 441 and other components during movement and ensuring its stability. The inner ring of the second rolling bearing 441 is fixedly mounted on the crossbar 4312. When the caster rotates, driving the guide member 43 to move, the second rolling bearing 432 can roll along the guide ramp track 441, greatly reducing the friction between the guide member 43 and the guide ramp track 441. This structure, on the one hand, makes the caster more flexible and easier to rotate under external force, reducing the force required for rotation and improving the smoothness of caster rotation; on the other hand, it also reduces energy loss during the automatic reset process after the external force on the caster disappears, making the reset process faster and more accurate, further improving the performance of the caster's automatic reset function.

[0033] Furthermore, continue to refer to Figures 1-4 As shown, the first connecting frame 41 includes a connecting plate 411 and a hollow tube 412 connected to the upper end of the connecting plate 411. Although the first connecting frame 41 consists of two parts, the two parts are integrally formed to ensure strength and facilitate production. The two ends of the connecting plate 411 are respectively connected to the caster bracket 21, providing a stable support for the entire reset mechanism 4, ensuring that the reset mechanism 4 can remain stable and not shake during the rotation and reset process of the caster body 2.

[0034] The upper end of the hollow tube 412 is fixedly connected to the inner ring of the first rolling bearing 45, allowing the first connecting frame 41 to rotate smoothly with the aid of the first rolling bearing 45. A spring 42 is installed inside the hollow tube 412, and a vertical rod 4311 is also installed inside the hollow tube 412 and abuts against the upper end of the spring 42. The hollow tube 412 provides installation space and support for the spring 42, preventing accidental lateral deformation and protecting it from external interference and damage, thus making the compression and release process of the spring 42 more stable and reliable. The vertical rod 4311, installed inside the hollow tube 412 and abutting against the upper end of the spring 42, provides linkage support between the guide member 43 and the spring 42. When the caster body 2 rotates, the guide member 43 drives the vertical rod 4311 to compress the spring 42. The change in the elastic force of the spring 42 is accurately transmitted to the guide member 43, thereby achieving automatic reset of the caster body 2. A guide groove 4121 is provided on the side wall of the hollow tube 412 for the crossbar 4312 to move up and down in it, so as to avoid interference with the movement of the guide member 43 and provide precise guidance for the movement of the crossbar 4312. This ensures that the crossbar 4312 can move up and down along the prescribed path, thereby ensuring that the guide member 43 can move accurately along the guide inclined track 441, making the automatic reset process of the caster body 2 more accurate and error-free.

[0035] like Figures 1-5 As shown, further, insert strips 4111 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the connecting plate 411, and slots 211 for inserting the insert strips are correspondingly provided on the caster bracket 21. The cooperation between the insert strips 4111 and the slots 211 ensures stable installation of the connecting plate 441 and the caster bracket 21 while facilitating assembly and disassembly. This eliminates the need for riveting, welding, or adding screws for fixing, saving material and installation costs. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the reset mechanism 4 also includes a protective cover 46 that encloses the hollow tube 412, spring 42, guide member 43 and guide rail seat 44, thereby protecting the internal structure of the reset mechanism 4 and providing good protection against dust and foreign objects from entering, which could cause the reset mechanism 4 to malfunction, and effectively improving the service life of the reset mechanism 4.

[0036] In specific implementation, refer to Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the guide rail seat 44 includes a central hole 442 for accommodating and mounting the first rolling bearing 45. The guide inclined track 441 includes a protrusion 4411, a groove 4412, and an inclined arc surface 4413 symmetrically disposed on both sides of the protrusion 4411 and the groove 4412, wherein the height of the protrusion 4411 is higher than that of the groove 4412. The guide inclined track 441 is generally in the shape of a hollow cylindrical tube with an oblique cut, that is, a track surface with a generally heart-like shape. The protrusion 4411 is located at... Figure 4 The top of the guide ramp track 441; the groove 4412 is located at... Figure 4 The bottom of the guide ramp track 441 is the position where the guide member 43 abuts in the initial state. The guide ramp track 441 serves as the movement track for the second rolling bearing 432. When the second rolling bearing 432 passes the protrusion 4411 (apex), it automatically returns to the groove 4412 (bottom point) under the automatic guidance of the inclined arc surfaces 4413 on both sides. It should be noted that this structure divides the guide ramp track 441 into two halves, namely the inclined arc surfaces 4413 on both sides, forming a structure that allows the caster body 2 to rotate 360 ​​degrees. When the caster body 2 rotates more than 180 degrees in one direction, that is, after passing the protrusion 4411 (apex), it automatically returns to its original position under the elastic force of the spring 42; the same applies to the other direction. This structure of the guide ramp track 441 in this case enables the caster body 2 to rotate 360 ​​degrees, achieving the effect of a swivel wheel, while also achieving automatic return, greatly improving the performance of the caster.

[0037] Furthermore, such as Figures 1-5 As shown, the upper end of the guide rail base 44 has symmetrically arranged insertion posts 443 on both sides of the central hole 442, and the mounting plate 1 has insertion holes 11 for inserting the insertion posts 443. The cooperation between the insertion posts 443 and the insertion holes 11 ensures stable installation of the guide rail base 44 and the mounting plate, while facilitating disassembly and assembly. There is no need for fixing the connection by riveting, welding, or adding screws, saving material and installation costs.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5As shown, specifically, the rolling assembly 3 includes an inner annular ring 31 fixedly connected to the mounting plate 1, an outer annular ring 32 formed on the caster bracket 21 and rotatably connected to the outside of the inner annular ring 31, and a plurality of balls 33 circumferentially disposed between the inner annular ring 31 and the outer annular ring 32. A first annular groove 311 for accommodating the balls 33 is formed on the outer wall of the inner annular ring 31, and a second annular groove 321 for accommodating the balls 33 is formed on the inner wall of the outer annular ring 32. That is, the structure and principle of the rolling assembly 3 in this case are similar to ball bearings in the prior art; however, it is designed as a separate unit for ease of manufacturing and for facilitating the connection and assembly of the mounting plate 1 and the caster body 2, as well as for more stable rotation. This ensures that the rolling assembly 3 will not wobble or shift during the rotation of the caster body 2. The outer annular ring 32 formed on the caster bracket 21 is rotatably connected to the outside of the inner annular ring 31. This structure allows the caster bracket 21 to rotate flexibly relative to the mounting plate 1, providing the necessary structural support for the rotation function of the caster. In practical implementation, for ease of manufacturing, the outer annular ring 31 and the caster bracket 21 are integrally molded. The inner annular ring 31 is fixedly connected to the mounting plate 1, providing a stable support base for the entire rolling assembly 3. For ease of manufacturing, the inner annular ring 31 can be integrally stamped with the mounting plate 1. In another embodiment, the connection and fixing method between the inner annular ring 31 and the mounting plate 1 is preferably welding, but it can also be riveting or screw connection for easy disassembly, maintenance, and replacement. The design of the first annular groove 311 and the second annular groove 321 provides a precise movement track for the ball bearing 33, ensuring that the ball bearing 33 can roll stably between the inner annular ring 31 and the outer annular ring 32 without derailment or jamming. The first annular groove 311 and the second annular groove 321, combined with this precise guiding design of the ball bearing 33, make the rotation of the caster body 2 smoother and more stable, better adapting to various complex movement scenarios.

[0039] Furthermore, continue to refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, a mounting hole 322 for installing the ball bearing 33 is provided on the outer ring 32, facilitating the external installation or removal of the ball bearing 33, or the addition of lubricating oil, avoiding the need to disassemble multiple parts, thus providing convenience. A thread 323 is provided on the wall of the mounting hole 322, and a screw 324 is threaded into the mounting hole 322. In practical implementation, the mounting hole 322 is sealed by using the screw 324 threaded connection to prevent the ball bearing 33 from accidentally leaking out and to prevent foreign objects from entering. Simultaneously, the threaded connection facilitates easy installation and removal.

[0040] When installing the ball bearings 33, simply insert them one by one through the mounting holes 322 into the space formed by the first annular groove 311 and the second annular groove 321 between the inner annular ring 31 and the outer annular ring 32. The operation is simple and direct, requiring no tedious disassembly of the caster's multiple components. When replacing the ball bearings 33 or adding lubricant to ensure smooth caster rotation, this can also be done through the mounting holes 322. When adding lubricant, simply inject it into the mounting holes 322. The lubricant will then flow into the area where the ball bearings 33 are located, lubricating the contact surfaces of the ball bearings 33, the inner annular ring 31, and the outer annular ring 32, effectively reducing wear and extending the caster's service life. When the ball bearing 33 needs to be replaced, first use screw 324 to unscrew the mounting hole 322, then remove the old ball bearing 33 through the mounting hole 322, insert the new ball bearing 33, and finally reseal the mounting hole 322 with screw 324. This design greatly improves the convenience of caster maintenance and reduces the time required for maintenance.

[0041] As stated above, this case protects an automatically resetting caster, and all technical solutions that are the same as or similar to this case should be considered to fall within the protection scope of this case.

Claims

1. An automatically resetting caster, comprising a mounting plate (1) and a caster body (2) rotatably connected to the mounting plate (1), the caster body (2) comprising a caster bracket (21) and a wheel (22) connected to the lower end of the caster bracket (21), characterized in that: The caster also includes a rolling assembly (3) installed between the mounting plate (1) and the caster bracket (21) for rotating the caster body (2); the caster also includes a reset mechanism (4) for automatically resetting the caster body (2) after it rotates relative to the mounting plate (1). The reset mechanism (4) can automatically reset the caster body (2) to the initial direction without external force. The upper end of the reset mechanism (4) is connected to the upper and lower ends of the mounting plate (1), and the lower end passes through the rolling assembly (3) and is connected to the caster bracket (21).

2. The self-resetting caster according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reset mechanism (4) includes a first connecting frame (41) fixedly installed on the caster bracket (21), a spring (42) installed in the first connecting frame (41), a guide member (43) installed in the first connecting frame (41) and located at the upper end of the spring (42), and a guide rail seat (44) fixedly installed on the mounting plate (1). The guide rail seat (44) includes a guide inclined rail (441). The guide member (43) abuts against the guide inclined rail (441). The upper end of the first connecting frame (41) is rotatably connected to the guide rail seat (44). The guide member (43) can move along the guide inclined rail (441) and compress the spring (42) to realize the automatic reset of the caster body (2).

3. The self-resetting caster according to claim 2, characterized in that: The reset mechanism (4) further includes a first rolling bearing (45) installed in the guide rail seat (44), the outer ring of the first rolling bearing (45) is fixedly connected to the guide rail seat (44), and the upper end of the first connecting frame (41) is fixedly connected to the inner ring of the first rolling bearing (45).

4. The self-resetting caster according to claim 2, characterized in that: The guide member (43) includes a second connecting frame (431) and a second rolling bearing (432) connected to the second connecting frame (431). The second connecting frame (431) includes a vertical rod (4311) and a horizontal rod (4312) perpendicular to the vertical rod (4311). The vertical rod (4311) is installed inside the first connecting frame (41). The inner ring of the second rolling bearing (432) is fixedly installed on the horizontal rod (4312). The horizontal rod (4312) extends outward so that the second rolling bearing (432) abuts against the guide inclined track (441).

5. The self-resetting caster according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first connecting frame (41) includes a connecting plate (411) and a hollow tube (412) connected to the upper end of the connecting plate (411). The two ends of the connecting plate (411) are respectively connected to the caster bracket (21). The upper end of the hollow tube (412) is fixedly connected to the inner ring of the first rolling bearing (45). The spring (42) is installed inside the hollow tube (412). The vertical rod (4311) is installed inside the hollow tube (412) and abuts against the upper end of the spring (42). A guide groove (4121) is provided on the side wall of the hollow tube (412) for the horizontal rod (4312) to move up and down in it.

6. The self-resetting caster according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connecting plate (411) is symmetrically provided with inserts (4111) on both sides, and the caster bracket (21) is provided with corresponding slots (211) for inserts to be inserted. The reset mechanism (4) also includes a protective cover (46) that wraps the hollow tube (412), spring (42), guide (43) and guide rail seat (44).

7. The self-resetting caster according to claim 2, characterized in that: The guide rail base (44) includes a central hole (442), and the guide inclined rail (441) includes a protrusion (4411), a groove (4412) disposed on the outer periphery of the central hole (442), and an inclined arc surface (4413) symmetrically disposed on both sides of the protrusion (4411) and the groove (4412). The height of the protrusion (4411) is higher than that of the groove (4412).

8. The self-resetting caster according to claim 7, characterized in that: The upper end of the guide rail base (44) is symmetrically provided with inserts (443) on both sides of the central hole (442), and the mounting plate (1) is provided with insertion holes (11) for inserting the inserts (443).

9. The self-resetting caster according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rolling assembly (3) includes an annular inner ring (31) fixedly connected to the mounting plate (1), an annular outer ring (32) formed on the caster bracket (21) and rotatably connected to the outer side of the annular inner ring (31), and a plurality of balls (33) circumferentially arranged between the annular inner ring (31) and the annular outer ring (32). A first annular groove (311) for accommodating the balls (33) is provided on the outer wall surface of the annular inner ring (31), and a second annular groove (321) for accommodating the balls (33) is provided on the inner wall surface of the annular outer ring (32).

10. The self-resetting caster according to claim 9, characterized in that: The annular outer ring (32) has a mounting hole (322) for mounting a ball (33), and the wall of the mounting hole (322) is provided with a thread (323), and a screw (324) is threaded into the mounting hole (322).

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