Universal caster directional mechanism

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of universal caster directional mechanism, the utility model includes caster mounting bracket, caster frame and universal caster, one end of caster frame is connected with caster mounting bracket and the other end of caster frame is connected with universal wheel, wherein, directional structure further includes, directional structure includes sleeve and bearing seat, bearing seat is welded on caster mounting bracket, sleeve is connected with caster mounting bracket by bearing seat, and sleeve includes first side plate, second side plate and baffle, the left and right ends of baffle are connected with the one end of first side plate, second side plate respectively, the other end of first side plate is connected with the other end of second side plate by penetrating bearing seat with shaft bolt.The utility model structure is simple, convenient to operate, can be switched between universal and directional mode quickly, effectively solve the problem that the direction of equipment such as displacement machine, sickbed is difficult to control when being straightly pushed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of caster technology, and in particular to a universal caster orientation mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Medical equipment such as patient transfer machines and hospital beds are typically designed with four omnidirectional steering wheels to facilitate rotation and relocation in confined spaces. However, this design has significant drawbacks when long-distance straight-line movement is required: because all wheels can turn freely, it is difficult to precisely control the direction of the equipment during movement, making it prone to veering off course and scraping against door frames, walls, or other furniture. This can not only damage the equipment but also cause inconvenience to the operator and even pose safety risks to the patient.

[0003] Currently, although some casters have built-in directional locking functions, their structures are often complex, inconvenient to operate, or have high manufacturing costs. Therefore, there is a need for a mechanism that is simple in structure, reliable in operation, and can quickly switch between omnidirectional and directional modes. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings mentioned above, this utility model provides a universal caster orientation mechanism, which has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and can quickly switch between universal and orientation modes, effectively solving the problem of difficulty in controlling the direction of equipment such as transfer machines and hospital beds when they are pushed in a straight line.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a universal caster orientation mechanism, comprising a caster mounting bracket, a caster frame, and a universal caster. One end of the caster frame is connected to the caster mounting bracket, and the other end of the caster frame is connected to the universal caster. The mechanism also includes an orientation structure comprising a retaining sleeve and a bearing seat. The bearing seat is welded onto the caster mounting bracket, and the retaining sleeve is connected to the caster mounting bracket via the bearing seat. The retaining sleeve includes a first side plate, a second side plate, and a baffle. The left and right ends of the baffle are respectively connected to one end of the first side plate and one end of the second side plate. The other end of the first side plate is connected to the other end of the second side plate via a shaft bolt penetrating the bearing seat.

[0006] Preferably, the lower end of the baffle is provided with a positioning groove, the shape of which is adapted to the outer contour of the caster frame.

[0007] Preferably, the sleeve has a U-shaped structure, and the first side plate, the second side plate, and the baffle can fit over the caster frame from the side or above.

[0008] Preferably, the sleeve is provided with a limiting block, which includes a first limiting block and a second limiting block. The first limiting block is located at the top of the first side plate, and the second limiting block is located at the top of the second side plate. The first limiting block and the second limiting block are arranged opposite each other on the left and right.

[0009] Preferably, the first limiting block and the first side plate, and the second limiting block and the second side plate are all integrally formed or welded and fixedly connected.

[0010] Preferably, the first side plate, the second side plate, and the baffle are integrally formed.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0012] 1. This utility model can achieve instant switching between omnidirectional and directional modes with just a simple flipping action, without the need for tools, and can be done by hand, which greatly improves the efficiency of operation.

[0013] 2. The entire mechanism of this utility model consists of only a few parts such as a ferrule, shaft bolts and welding seat. It utilizes the principle of pure mechanical limiting, has no complex parts, has a low failure rate, a long service life and low manufacturing cost.

[0014] 3. In the universal mode, the ferrule is precisely lifted and fixed by the limiting block, which completely avoids collisions with the caster frame and other moving parts, ensuring smooth and safe operation of the equipment.

[0015] 4. This utility model has a compact structure and requires minimal modification to existing omnidirectional casters. It can be widely used in various equipment that require directional control, such as transfer machines, hospital beds, and trolleys, and facilitates functional upgrades of existing equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the open state structure of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the closed-state structure of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the card sleeve structure of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples, but the examples given are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0022] like Figures 1-5As shown, this utility model adds a key directional structure to the conventional swivel caster assembly, which includes a caster mounting bracket 5, a caster frame 6 that can rotate relative to it, and a swivel caster installed at the bottom of the caster frame 6.

[0023] In this embodiment, the directional structure includes a retaining sleeve 1 and a bearing seat 7. The retaining sleeve 1 is a one-piece molded U-shaped metal component, consisting of a first side plate 8, a second side plate 9, and a baffle 10 connecting the two. A bearing seat 7 is welded onto the caster mounting bracket 5. The retaining sleeve 1 is rotatably connected to the bearing seat 7 via a shaft bolt 4. Specifically, the shaft bolt 4 passes sequentially through the through hole at the upper end of the first side plate 8, the mounting hole of the bearing seat 7, and the through hole at the upper end of the second side plate 9, and is finally locked with a nut. Thus, the entire retaining sleeve 1 can be rotated around the shaft bolt 4 as the axis.

[0024] In this embodiment, the lower edge of the baffle 10 is recessed inward to form a positioning groove 3. The shape of the positioning groove 3 precisely matches the outer contour of the caster frame 6 when it is in a straight line. When the sleeve 1 falls, the positioning groove 3 can tightly lock the caster frame 6. At the same time, the sleeve 1 is provided with a limiting block 2, which includes a first limiting block 11 and a second limiting block 12. The first limiting block 11 is provided at the top of the first side plate 8; the second limiting block 12 is provided at the top of the second side plate 9, symmetrical to the first limiting block 11. The first limiting block 11 and the second limiting block 12 are integrally formed with the first side plate 8 and the second side plate 9, respectively.

[0025] In this embodiment, the working principle of this utility model is based on mechanical limiting. Through a rotatable sleeve 1, the steering freedom of the caster frame 6 is forcibly restricted when needed, thereby realizing a quick and reliable switch between omnidirectional and directional modes.

[0026] In this embodiment, the working process is as follows:

[0027] 1. Orientation mode: When the equipment needs to be pushed in a straight line over a long distance (such as through a corridor or door frame), the operator flips the ferrule 1 downward from the pick-up position. The ferrule 1 rotates clockwise (or counterclockwise) around the shaft bolt 4 and falls down. When the ferrule 1 falls to the bottom, the positioning slot 3 at the lower end of its baffle 10 will accurately fit into and lock the upper part of the caster frame 6.

[0028] The ferrule 1 is rigidly fixed to the caster mounting bracket 5 by the bearing seat 7 and the shaft bolt 4, and the ferrule 1 itself cannot rotate horizontally. Therefore, the caster bracket 6 and the swivel casters below it, which are tightly bound by the ferrule 1, lose their steering ability and are forcibly locked in the preset straight forward direction. When the equipment is pushed, all casters equipped with this mechanism can only roll in one direction, thus effectively preventing deviation and collision.

[0029] 2. Universal Mode: When the equipment needs to move, rotate, or shift within a small space, the directional restriction needs to be released, and the operator flips the ferrule 1 upwards. When the ferrule 1 is raised to a certain angle, the first limit block 11 and the second limit block 12 will stably rest against specific positions on the upper surface of the caster mounting bracket 5.

[0030] The ferrule 1 is raised and fixed in a higher position, and its positioning slot 3 is completely detached from the caster frame 6, no longer causing any interference. The caster frame 6 regains its freedom, and the swivel casters can turn 360 degrees freely to meet the needs of flexible movement. At the same time, the raised ferrule 1 is reliably positioned by the limiting block 2, preventing it from falling off due to vibration during equipment movement and avoiding accidental interference with surrounding components. When not in use, the ferrule 1 can be flipped over and placed on the wheel frame through the limiting block 2 to prevent interference with other accessories during operation.

[0031] In this embodiment, the core of the device is to restrict the rotational freedom of the casters through a mechanical structure, so that the casters lose their steering ability and can only roll in a single direction, thereby meeting the linear movement requirements of a specific scenario.

[0032] Those skilled in the art can connect all electrical components and their compatible power supplies in this case via wires, and should select appropriate controllers according to actual conditions to meet control requirements. The specific connection and control sequence, and the sequential operation order between each electrical component to complete the electrical connection, are well-known technologies in the field, and will not be described further regarding electrical control.

[0033] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

[0034] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the technical solution of this patent and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this patent application.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this patent application, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0036] In this specification, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this specification according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] In this specification, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0038] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0039] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A universal caster orientation mechanism, comprising a caster mounting bracket, a caster frame, and a universal caster, wherein one end of the caster frame is connected to the caster mounting bracket and the other end of the caster frame is connected to the universal caster, characterized in that, It also includes an orientation structure, which includes a ferrule and a bearing seat. The bearing seat is welded onto the caster mounting bracket. The ferrule is connected to the caster mounting bracket through the bearing seat. The ferrule includes a first side plate, a second side plate, and a baffle. The left and right ends of the baffle are respectively connected to one end of the first side plate and one end of the second side plate. The other end of the first side plate is connected to the other end of the second side plate through a shaft bolt penetrating the bearing seat.

2. The universal caster orientation mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lower end of the baffle is provided with a positioning slot, the shape of which is adapted to the outer contour of the caster frame.

3. The universal caster orientation mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The sleeve has a U-shaped structure, and the first side plate, the second side plate, and the baffle can fit over the caster frame from the side or above.

4. The universal caster orientation mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sleeve is provided with a limit block, which includes a first limit block and a second limit block. The first limit block is located at the top of the first side plate, and the second limit block is located at the top of the second side plate. The first limit block and the second limit block are arranged opposite each other.

5. A universal caster orientation mechanism as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first limiting block and the first side plate, and the second limiting block and the second side plate are all integrally formed or welded and fixedly connected.

6. The universal caster orientation mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first side plate, the second side plate, and the baffle are integrally molded.

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