A luggage caster that is easy to assemble

Abstract

The application relates to the field of caster assembly, in particular to a luggage caster convenient to assemble, which comprises a base, a metal caster connecting shaft, a caster frame and casters, the casters are rotationally connected to the two sides of the caster frame respectively, the metal caster connecting shaft is arranged in the base and inserted into the caster frame, so that the caster frame rotates around the metal caster connecting shaft, an annular groove is arranged on the outer periphery of the metal caster connecting shaft, and an elastic expansion structure is arranged in the caster frame; the elastic expansion structure is extruded and expanded by the metal caster connecting shaft and is clamped and fixed in the annular groove. The luggage caster can greatly simplify the assembly steps, save the assembly time and energy, improve the assembly efficiency, effectively reduce the noise generated in the use process and improve the experience of users.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of caster assembly, and in particular to a suitcase caster that is easy to assemble. Background Technology

[0002] As an indispensable companion for modern travel, the human-centered design and versatility of suitcases directly impact the travel experience. With the booming global tourism industry and increasingly frequent business travel, consumers' expectations for suitcases have moved beyond basic carrying capacity, demanding higher levels of mobility, environmental adaptability, and durability. Especially in complex terrain environments such as airports and train stations, the suitcase's ability to move flexibly has become a critical requirement. Whether dragging long distances, turning in narrow passages, or navigating rough roads, the performance of the casters, as the core moving component of the suitcase, directly determines the user's operating experience and the overall lifespan of the suitcase. Existing suitcase caster structures mainly consist of a base, a metal caster connecting axle, a caster frame, and the casters. The lower part of the caster frame is connected to the casters, while the upper part is rotatably connected to the base via the metal caster connecting axle. This structural design allows the casters to rotate relative to the connecting seat, thus enabling the suitcase to move. Specifically, the bottom of the metal caster connecting shaft is connected to the caster frame via a horizontally positioned metal pin inside the caster frame. This connection method allows relative rotation between the caster connecting shaft, the base, and the caster frame, thus meeting the requirements for caster installation and use. However, this existing luggage caster structure has significant drawbacks in practical applications. Firstly, assembly is cumbersome, requiring time and effort to insert the caster connecting shaft and then connect the caster frame and shaft with the metal pin. Furthermore, since the assembled metal pin is exposed, it and the caster connecting shaft are susceptible to rust due to environmental factors over long-term use, which can affect the caster's rotational flexibility. Secondly, friction occurs between the metal pin and the metal caster connecting shaft during rotation, easily generating noise and negatively impacting the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0003] To improve the ease of assembly of luggage casters and reduce noise, this application provides an easy-to-assemble luggage caster.

[0004] This application provides an easily assembled suitcase caster, including a base, a metal caster connecting shaft, a caster frame, and casters. The casters are rotatably connected to both sides of the caster frame. The metal caster connecting shaft passes through the base and is inserted into the caster frame, allowing the caster frame to rotate around it. An annular groove is provided on the outer circumference of the metal caster connecting shaft, and an elastic expansion structure is provided inside the caster frame. The elastic expansion structure expands under pressure from the metal caster connecting shaft and springs back into the annular groove. By adopting the above technical solution, when assembling the suitcase caster, the metal caster connecting shaft is inserted into the base and then into the caster frame, causing the caster frame to rotate around the metal caster connecting shaft. When the metal caster connecting shaft enters the elastic expansion structure inside the caster frame, the elastic expansion structure expands under pressure from the metal caster connecting shaft. As the metal caster connecting shaft continues to be inserted, when the elastic tensioning structure reaches the annular groove, it is no longer compressed and springs back to its initial state, thus being secured within the annular groove. This assembly method, compared to the traditional method of inserting the caster connecting shaft first and then connecting it with a metal pin, eliminates the need for additional pins, greatly simplifying the assembly process, saving time and effort, and improving assembly efficiency. Simultaneously, since the caster frames are all made of plastic, there is no friction generated by the rotation between the metal pin and the metal caster connecting shaft, effectively reducing noise during use and enhancing the user experience. Preferably, the elastic tensioning structure includes at least two symmetrically distributed elastic tensioning blocks integrally formed with the caster frame, with a deformable gap between adjacent elastic tensioning blocks, and each elastic tensioning block enclosing a locking hole through which the metal caster connecting shaft passes. By adopting the above technical solution, the elastic tensioning structure is composed of at least two symmetrically distributed elastic tensioning blocks integrally formed with the caster frame, with a deformable gap between adjacent elastic tensioning blocks, and each elastic tensioning block enclosing a locking hole. When the metal caster connecting shaft is inserted into the locking hole, the elastic expansion block, due to its elasticity and deformable gap, will compress and expand. Afterwards, the elastic expansion block will spring back to its initial state and lock into the annular groove on the outer circumference of the metal caster connecting shaft, thus connecting the caster frame and the metal caster connecting shaft. This structure simplifies caster assembly. Preferably, the locking hole is a tapered hole, with its diameter gradually decreasing from top to bottom.By adopting the above technical solution, since the locking hole is a tapered hole with a gradually decreasing diameter from top to bottom, when the metal caster connecting shaft is inserted into the locking hole, the larger upper part of the hole provides a certain guiding space for the insertion of the metal caster connecting shaft, making it easier to align and insert. As the metal caster connecting shaft moves downward, it gradually contacts the portion with the gradually decreasing diameter, generating a greater squeezing effect on the elastic expansion structure, causing the elastic expansion structure to expand more tightly and spring back to lock into the annular groove of the metal caster connecting shaft. This not only improves the convenience of assembly but also enhances the connection stability between the caster frame and the metal caster connecting shaft. Preferably, the top of the base is recessed with a mounting groove, and the metal caster connecting shaft is disposed at the bottom of the mounting groove. By adopting the above technical solution, a mounting groove is recessed at the top of the base, and the metal caster connecting shaft is disposed at the bottom of the mounting groove. This structural design provides a specific installation position for the metal caster connecting shaft. During installation, the metal caster connecting shaft only needs to be aligned with the bottom of the mounting groove, avoiding the complex positioning and connection operations of traditional methods, and reducing the time and effort required for assembly. Meanwhile, the mounting groove provides some protection for the metal caster connecting shaft, reducing the probability of rust due to external environmental influences, preventing rusted parts from affecting the caster's rotational flexibility, and minimizing exposed contact between metal components. Preferably, the top of the metal caster connecting shaft extends horizontally outward with an annular abutment platform. The bottom of the mounting groove has a first through hole, and the caster frame has a second through hole coaxial with the locking hole. The metal caster connecting shaft passes through the first through hole and the second through hole sequentially, and the annular abutment platform abuts against the bottom of the mounting groove. By adopting the above technical solution, the annular abutment platform extending horizontally outward from the top of the metal caster connecting shaft, with its integrated design, abuts against the bottom of the mounting groove after the metal caster connecting shaft passes through the first through hole at the bottom of the mounting groove and the second through hole coaxial with the locking hole on the caster frame. This structure limits the position of the metal caster connecting shaft after installation, preventing axial movement during use, improving the overall stability of the caster structure, and thus enhancing the caster's durability and reliability. Preferably, the top of the metal caster connecting shaft is provided with an annular abutment platform that is interference-fitted with it, the bottom of the mounting groove is provided with a first through hole, the caster frame is provided with a second through hole coaxial with the locking hole, the metal caster connecting shaft passes through the first through hole and the second through hole in sequence, and the annular abutment platform abuts against the bottom of the mounting groove.By adopting the above technical solution, an annular abutment platform with an interference fit is provided at the top of the metal caster connecting shaft. In this split-type design, during assembly, the base is inserted from above the metal caster connecting shaft, and the caster frame is inserted from below, so that the annular boss is located between the first and second through holes and abuts against the base and caster frame respectively. Then, the annular abutment platform is interference-fitted with the metal caster connecting shaft, allowing it to be securely fixed to the top of the metal caster connecting shaft. After the metal caster connecting shaft is installed, the annular abutment platform abuts against the bottom of the mounting groove. This structural design restricts the axial movement of the metal caster connecting shaft, preventing it from wobbling or coming off during use, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the overall caster structure. Preferably, an annular boss is provided on the outer periphery of the metal caster connecting shaft, located between the first and second through holes and abutting against the base and caster frame respectively. The base is provided with a protective ring surrounding the annular boss. By adopting the above technical solution, a protective ring is provided around the annular boss on the base. This protective ring prevents external dust, moisture, and other impurities from contacting the annular boss, avoiding rust caused by the external environment. This ensures the connection between the metal caster connecting shaft and the base and caster frame, improving the caster's rotational flexibility and service life. Preferably, each elastic expansion block has an arc-shaped protrusion adapted to the annular groove. By adopting the above technical solution, since each elastic expansion block has an arc-shaped protrusion adapted to the annular groove, when the elastic expansion structure is squeezed open by the metal caster connecting shaft and springs back into the annular groove, the arc-shaped protrusion can better fit the annular groove. This adaptation increases the contact area between the elastic expansion block and the annular groove, making the connection tighter and more stable, thereby improving the connection stability between the metal caster connecting shaft and the caster frame. Preferably, there are four elastic expansion blocks, which are evenly spaced and symmetrically arranged. By adopting the above technical solution, four elastic expansion blocks are set and symmetrically arranged at even intervals. These four elastic expansion blocks can apply force to the metal caster connecting shaft from multiple directions. The evenly spaced distribution ensures that the force on each elastic expansion block is more uniform, avoiding excessive or insufficient force in certain areas, thus guaranteeing the stable locking of the elastic expansion blocks to the metal caster connecting shaft. The symmetrical arrangement further enhances the stability and balance of the overall structure, making the connection between the caster frame and the metal caster connecting shaft more robust and reliable, improving the stability and durability of the luggage casters during use. Preferably, the cross-section of the annular groove is a C-shaped groove, and the opening width of the C-shaped groove is greater than the bottom width.By adopting the above technical solution, the cross-section of the annular groove is set as a C-shaped groove with an opening width greater than the bottom width. When the elastic expansion structure rebounds and is locked in the annular groove, the elastic expansion structure can more easily enter the groove due to the wide opening of the C-shaped groove. After entering, the narrow bottom of the groove can better restrict the position of the elastic expansion structure and prevent it from falling out, thereby making the connection between the metal caster connecting shaft and the caster frame more stable.

[0005] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. Due to the elastic expansion structure being squeezed and expanded by the metal caster connecting shaft and then springing back and locking into the annular groove, the connection between the caster frame and the metal caster connecting shaft is realized, avoiding the step of using a metal pin for connection. There is no need to first insert the caster connecting shaft and then use a metal pin to connect the caster frame and the caster connecting shaft, thus making caster assembly more convenient. 2. A mounting groove is recessed at the top of the base, and the metal caster connecting shaft is placed at the bottom of the mounting groove. This avoids the metal pin being exposed, reduces the chance of the metal pin and caster connecting shaft being exposed to the external environment, and thus reduces the possibility of the metal pin and caster connecting shaft rusting due to the external environment, ensuring the flexibility of the caster rotation. 3. Since the elastic tensioning structure is composed of at least two symmetrically distributed elastic tensioning blocks integrally formed with the caster frame, and there is a deformable gap between adjacent elastic tensioning blocks, and each elastic tensioning block surrounds to form a locking hole, the elastic tensioning block is integrally formed with the caster frame, and the friction generated when the elastic tensioning block rotates with the metal caster connecting shaft will not produce metallic noise, thereby reducing the noise generated during use and improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the luggage casters in Embodiment 1, which are easy to assemble. Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the caster frame for the luggage casters in Embodiment 1, which is easy to assemble; Figure 3 This is an assembly structure diagram of the caster frame and metal caster connecting shaft of the luggage caster, which is easy to assemble according to Embodiment 1; Figure 4 This is a side view of the luggage casters for easy assembly in Embodiment 1; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 AA cross-section view.

[0007] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Base; 2. Metal caster connecting shaft; 3. Caster frame; 4. Caster; 11. Mounting groove; 12. First through hole; 13. Protective ring; 21. Annular abutment platform; 22. Annular groove; 23. Annular boss; 31. Second through hole; 32. Elastic expansion structure; 321. Elastic expansion block; 322. Deformable gap; 323. Locking hole; 324. Arc-shaped protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0008] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-5 This application will be described in further detail.

[0009] Example 1 This application provides an easy-to-assemble suitcase caster, referring to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The system includes a base 1, a metal caster connecting shaft 2, a caster frame 3, and casters 4. The top of the metal caster connecting shaft 2 is rotatably connected to the base 1, and the bottom of the metal caster connecting shaft 2 is rotatably connected to the caster frame 3. Casters 4 are connected to both sides of the caster frame 3. The metal caster connecting shaft 2 and the caster frame 3 are quickly connected via an elastic expansion structure 32. The elastic expansion structure 32 expands under the pressure of the metal caster connecting shaft 2 and then springs back to lock into place, facilitating the assembly of the suitcase casters while avoiding the rusting and noise issues associated with exposed metal pins. This is because the design of the elastic expansion structure 32 allows for automatic locking during assembly; simply inserting the metal caster connecting shaft 2 eliminates the need for additional metal pins, thus avoiding the rusting and noise problems caused by exposed metal pins.

[0010] Specifically, in this embodiment, the base 1 is provided with a mounting groove 11 and a first through hole 12. The mounting groove 11 is provided on the top of the base 1, and the bottom of the mounting groove 11 has a first through hole 12 that vertically penetrates the base 1. The metal caster connecting shaft 2 is inserted into the first through hole 12 and rotatably connected to the base 1. The base 1 is made of plastic and is used to connect other parts of the suitcase to provide support.

[0011] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Specifically, in this embodiment, the metal caster connecting shaft 2 is a split structure, including a connecting shaft body and an annular abutment platform 21 disposed on the top of the connecting shaft body. The annular abutment platform 21 is interference-fitted with the connecting shaft body. The outer periphery of the metal caster connecting shaft 2 is provided with an annular groove 22 and an annular boss 23. When the metal caster connecting shaft 2 is inserted into the first through hole 12, the annular abutment platform 21 is interference-fitted onto the top of the metal caster connecting shaft 2, so that the bottom of the annular abutment platform 21 can abut against the bottom of the mounting groove 11. The annular abutment platform 21 can increase the contact area between the metal caster connecting shaft 2 and the base 1, and improve the stability of the connection.

[0012] The annular groove 22 has a C-shaped cross-section, with the opening width of the C-shaped groove being wider than the bottom width. This C-shaped groove design makes it easier for the elastic expansion block 321, mentioned below, to be inserted and secured. When the elastic expansion block 321 rebounds, the larger opening width of the C-shaped groove facilitates the entry of the elastic expansion block 321, while the smaller bottom width better secures the elastic expansion block 321. This shape design of the C-shaped groove ensures a tighter and more stable fit between the elastic expansion block 321 and the annular groove 22 during the securing process.

[0013] The annular boss 23 is located between the base 1 and the caster frame 3, with its top and bottom abutting against the base 1 and the caster frame 3 respectively. Specifically, the base 1 is provided with a protective ring 13 surrounding the annular boss 23. The annular boss 23 further increases the contact area between the metal caster connecting shaft 2 and the base 1 and the caster frame 3, improving the stability of the connection. The protective ring 13 can be made of rubber, which provides cushioning and protection, preventing external dust and debris from entering, and also reducing friction and noise between the metal caster connecting shaft 2 and the base 1. The annular boss 23 and the metal caster connecting shaft 2 are integrally formed, with the protective ring 13 located on the outer periphery of the annular boss 23. The assembly method of this embodiment is as follows: First, insert the base 1 from above the metal caster connecting shaft 2, and at the same time insert the caster frame 3 from below the metal caster connecting shaft 2, so that the annular boss 23 is located between the first through hole 12 and the second through hole 31 and abuts against the base 1 and the caster frame 3 respectively. Then, the annular abutment platform 21 is installed on the top of the metal caster connecting shaft 2 with an interference fit.

[0014] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5Specifically, in this embodiment, the caster frame 3 is provided with a second through hole 31 and an elastic expansion structure 32. The second through hole 31 is coaxially arranged with the first through hole 12. The elastic expansion structure 32 expands under the pressure of the metal caster connecting shaft 2 and springs back to lock into the annular groove 22, which facilitates the assembly of luggage casters and avoids the use of exposed metal pins that may rust, affecting rotation flexibility and generating noise. Specifically, the elastic expansion structure 32 includes four symmetrically distributed elastic expansion blocks 321 integrally formed with the caster frame 3. A deformable gap 322 is provided between adjacent elastic expansion blocks 321. The four elastic expansion blocks 321 surround to form a locking hole 323 through which the metal caster connecting shaft 2 can pass. The locking hole 323 is coaxially arranged with the second through hole 31. Since the caster frame 3 in this embodiment is made of plastic material and the elastic expansion blocks 321 are integrally formed with the caster frame 3, the elastic expansion blocks 321 have a certain degree of elasticity. The deformable gap 322 allows the elastic expansion blocks 321 to expand outward when compressed by the metal caster connecting shaft 2. The locking holes 323 formed by the elastic expansion blocks 321 are evenly distributed around the circumference, ensuring uniform clamping force on the metal caster connecting shaft 2. When the metal caster connecting shaft 2 is inserted into the locking hole 323, the elastic expansion blocks 321 are compressed, the deformable gap 322 decreases, and the elastic expansion blocks 321 expand outward. Afterward, the elastic expansion blocks 321 spring back and lock into the annular groove 22, thus fixing the metal caster connecting shaft 2. This structure utilizes the elastic deformation of the elastic expansion blocks 321 to achieve locking with the metal caster connecting shaft 2, resulting in easy assembly and a secure connection.

[0015] The four elastic expansion blocks 321 are evenly spaced and symmetrically arranged. Their even distribution on the circumference ensures a more uniform clamping force on the metal caster connecting shaft 2. This evenly spaced and symmetrical arrangement ensures that the compression and deformation of each elastic expansion block 321 are essentially the same when the metal caster connecting shaft 2 is inserted, thus achieving better locking.

[0016] The locking hole 323 formed by the four elastic expansion blocks 321 is a tapered hole, with the diameter of the tapered hole gradually decreasing from top to bottom. This tapered hole design makes it easier to guide the metal caster connecting shaft 2 when it is inserted, thus playing a guiding role. As the metal caster connecting shaft 2 is gradually inserted, the diameter of the hole gradually decreases, and the compression on the elastic expansion blocks 321 gradually increases, thereby better achieving expansion and locking.

[0017] Each elastic expansion block 321 is provided with an arc-shaped protrusion 324 that matches the annular groove 22. The matching of the arc-shaped protrusion 324 with the annular groove 22 allows the elastic expansion block 321 to be better secured within the annular groove 22 upon rebound. The shape of the arc-shaped protrusion 324 matches the shape of the annular groove 22, which increases the securing area and stability.

[0018] The implementation principle of this embodiment is as follows: The luggage caster in this embodiment, through the cooperation of the elastic expansion structure 32 and the annular groove 22, facilitates the assembly of the luggage caster and avoids the rusting and noise problems caused by using exposed metal pins. The design of structures such as the elastic expansion block 321, the locking hole 323, the annular abutment platform 21, the annular boss 23, and the protective ring 13 further improves the installation stability, durability, and noise reduction performance of the caster. Compared with the prior art, the caster in this embodiment has significant improvements in assembly convenience, rotation flexibility, and noise reduction, providing users with a better user experience.

[0019] Example 2 The difference between this embodiment and the above embodiment is that the annular abutment platform 21 and the metal caster connecting shaft 2 are integrally formed. The annular boss 23 that abuts against the base 1 and the caster frame 3 is not provided on the outer periphery of the metal caster connecting shaft 2. The assembly method of this embodiment is to directly insert the metal caster connecting shaft 2 into the first through hole 12 and the second through hole 31 from top to bottom, so that the elastic expansion block 321 rebounds and is locked in the annular groove 22. The luggage caster structure of this embodiment achieves quick assembly.

[0020] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A suitcase caster that is easy to assemble, characterized in that, The system includes a base (1), a metal caster connecting shaft (2), a caster frame (3), and casters (4). The casters (4) are rotatably connected to both sides of the caster frame (3). The metal caster connecting shaft (2) passes through the base (1) and is inserted into the caster frame (3) so that the caster frame (3) can rotate around the metal caster connecting shaft (2). The outer circumference of the metal caster connecting shaft (2) is provided with an annular groove (22). The interior of the caster frame (3) is provided with an elastic expansion structure (32). The elastic expansion structure (32) is expanded by the metal caster connecting shaft (2) and rebounds and is locked in the annular groove (22).

2. The easily assembled suitcase caster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic expansion structure (32) includes at least two symmetrically distributed elastic expansion blocks (321) integrally formed with the caster frame (3). A deformable gap (322) is provided between adjacent elastic expansion blocks (321). Each elastic expansion block (321) surrounds and forms a clamping hole (323) through which the metal caster connecting shaft (2) can pass.

3. The easily assembled suitcase caster according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clamping hole (323) is a tapered hole, and the diameter of the tapered hole gradually decreases from top to bottom.

4. The easily assembled suitcase caster according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base (1) has a recessed mounting groove (11) at the top, and the metal caster connecting shaft (2) is located at the bottom of the mounting groove (11).

5. The easily assembled suitcase caster according to claim 4, characterized in that, The metal caster connecting shaft (2) has an annular abutment platform (21) extending horizontally outward from the top. The bottom of the mounting groove (11) has a first through hole (12). The caster frame (3) has a second through hole (31) coaxial with the locking hole (323). The metal caster connecting shaft (2) passes through the first through hole (12) and the second through hole (31) in sequence. The annular abutment platform (21) abuts against the bottom of the mounting groove (11).

6. The easily assembled suitcase caster according to claim 4, characterized in that, The metal caster connecting shaft (2) is provided with an annular abutment platform (21) that is interference-fitted with it. The bottom of the mounting groove (11) is provided with a first through hole (12). The caster frame (3) is provided with a second through hole (31) that is coaxial with the locking hole (323). The metal caster connecting shaft (2) passes through the first through hole (12) and the second through hole (31) in sequence. The annular abutment platform (21) abuts against the bottom of the mounting groove (11).

7. The easily assembled suitcase caster according to claim 6, characterized in that, The metal caster connecting shaft (2) is provided with an annular boss (23) on its outer periphery. The annular boss (23) is located between the first through hole (12) and the second through hole (31), and abuts against the base (1) and the caster frame (3) respectively. The base (1) is provided with a protective ring (13) surrounding the annular boss (23).

8. The easily assembled suitcase caster according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the elastic expansion blocks (321) is provided with an arcuate protrusion (324) that is adapted to the annular groove (22).

9. The easily assembled suitcase caster according to claim 2, characterized in that, The number of elastic expansion blocks (321) is four, and the four elastic expansion blocks (321) are evenly spaced and symmetrically arranged.

10. The easily assembled suitcase caster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the annular groove (22) is a C-shaped groove, and the opening width of the C-shaped groove is greater than the bottom width of the groove.

Images