Gimbal caster with adaptive terrain function

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of truckle, disclose self -adaptation topographic function's universal truckle, including outer wheel and inner rod, the outer wall of outer wheel is provided with adaptive mechanism, the outer wall fixedly connected with connecting piece of outer wheel, the outer wall fixedly connected with fixed column of inner rod, the outer wall top of connecting piece is provided with back mechanism, the outer wall of outer wheel is provided with storage mechanism, the outer wall of outer wheel is provided with drainage mechanism, the outer wall of connecting piece is provided with brake mechanism, the adaptive mechanism includes first buffer pad, the outer wall fixedly connected in the inner wall of outer rod of first buffer pad, the outer wall top of first buffer pad is fixedly connected with first spring, in the utility model, two buffer pads of outer rod inside first spring are buffered to it, and support the buffer part through the outer wall support subassembly, guarantee its running stability, whole mechanism makes universal wheel can better self -adaptation topographic operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of caster technology, and in particular to a swivel caster with adaptive terrain function. Background Technology

[0002] Universal casters are mobile devices that can be freely steered. They consist of a wheel frame, a bracket, and ball bearings. Their flexibility makes it convenient to move equipment. Special designs can meet requirements such as quiet operation, anti-static properties, and high temperature resistance. Installation methods include screw fixing, plug-in type, and flat type, which can be adapted to different equipment structures. Through proper selection and installation, it can not only improve the efficiency of movement but also ensure operational stability and extend the service life of the equipment.

[0003] Traditional swivel casters rely on ball bearings and a wheel frame for free steering. Their core principle is to reduce rotational friction through balls within a circular track, allowing the wheel to rotate flexibly around a vertical axis. While this design meets basic steering needs, it suffers from insufficient steering precision, ball wear and detachment, and obstruction by foreign objects on complex terrain. Existing technologies improve durability by optimizing bearing sealing, improving wheel materials, and enhancing support strength. However, their operating principle remains based on rotation around a fixed axis, failing to overcome the limitations of rigid structures. Lacking terrain-adaptive capabilities, the wheel's contact area with the ground decreases drastically when encountering uneven surfaces or slopes, leading to uneven load distribution, equipment tilting or slipping, and weak obstacle-crossing ability, making them unsuitable for highly dynamic and complex scenarios. Therefore, swivel casters with terrain-adaptive functionality are proposed to address these issues. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the above shortcomings, this utility model provides an adaptive terrain-adaptive omnidirectional caster, which aims to improve the problem in the prior art where the contact area between the wheel and the ground is drastically reduced when encountering uneven surfaces or slopes, resulting in uneven load distribution, which can cause equipment to tilt or slip, and weaken obstacle-crossing ability.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an adaptive terrain-adaptive caster, comprising an outer wheel and an inner rod, wherein the outer wall of the outer wheel is provided with an adaptive mechanism, a connector is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the outer wheel, a fixing column is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the inner rod, a return mechanism is provided at the top of the outer wall of the connector, a storage mechanism is provided on the outer wall of the outer wheel, a drainage mechanism is provided on the outer wall of the outer wheel, and a braking mechanism is provided on the outer wall of the connector; The adaptive mechanism includes a first buffer pad, the outer wall of which is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer rod, a first spring fixedly connected to the top of the outer wall of the first buffer pad, a second buffer pad fixedly connected to the top of the outer wall of the first spring, a limit ring fixedly connected to the bottom of the outer wall of the inner rod, a lubrication groove provided on the inner wall of the outer rod, a second spring fixedly connected to the outer wall of the inner rod, and a support assembly fixedly connected to the outer wall of the outer rod.

[0006] As a further description of the above technical solution: The return mechanism includes a fixed base, the bottom of the outer wall of the fixed base is fixedly connected to the top of the outer wall of the connector, a dust cover is fixedly connected to the top of the outer wall of the fixed base, a return column is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the dust cover, a return spring is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the return column, and a fixed plate is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the return column.

[0007] As a further description of the above technical solution: The storage mechanism includes multiple blades, the outer walls of which are fixedly connected to the outer wall of the fixed column, and the outer wall of the outer wheel is provided with multiple embedding grooves.

[0008] As a further description of the above technical solution: The drainage mechanism includes multiple support bars, and the outer walls of the multiple support bars are fixedly connected to the inner walls of an outer wheel. The outer walls of the outer wheel are provided with multiple drainage holes.

[0009] As a further description of the above technical solution: The braking mechanism includes a brake pad, the outer wall of which is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connector, and a locking element is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the brake pad.

[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution: The support assembly includes a slip ring, the inner wall of which is slidably connected to the outer wall of the inner rod, and a rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the slip ring. The outer wall of the outer wheel is provided with a slide rail.

[0011] As a further description of the above technical solution: An inner wheel is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connector, and a fixing button is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the inner wheel.

[0012] As a further description of the above technical solution: The outer wall of the second spring is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer rod, and the outer wall of the limiting ring is slidably connected to the inner wall of the outer rod.

[0013] This utility model has the following beneficial effects: In this invention, since the entire outer wheel adopts multiple wheel blades and is equipped with special buffer components, when passing through uneven road surfaces, the first and second buffer pads inside the outer rod, along with the first internal spring, buffer the surface, allowing it to pass through the road surface smoothly and filter out the bumps. The buffer components are effectively supported by the outer wall support assembly, ensuring the stability of its operation. The entire mechanism enables the omnidirectional wheel to adapt well to the terrain.

[0014] In this utility model, a fixed base and a dust cover are fixedly connected to the return mechanism, which provides a basis for the stable operation of the return mechanism. Through the return column and the return spring, the universal wheel can quickly return to the center when it rotates at a certain angle due to the preload of the return spring itself, without the need for manual intervention. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the omnidirectional caster with adaptive terrain function proposed in this utility model; Figure 2 This is a front view of the omnidirectional caster with adaptive terrain function proposed in this utility model; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the outer rod of the omnidirectional caster with adaptive terrain function proposed in this utility model; Figure 4 This is a partial exploded view of the outer wheel of the omnidirectional caster with adaptive terrain function proposed in this utility model; Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the return mechanism of the omnidirectional caster with adaptive terrain function proposed in this utility model.

[0016] Legend: 1. Outer wheel; 2. Adaptive mechanism; 201. First buffer pad; 202. First spring; 203. Lubrication groove; 204. Limiting ring; 205. Second buffer pad; 206. Second spring; 207. Support assembly; 2071. Rotating shaft column; 2072. Slide rail; 2073. Slip ring; 3. Automatic return mechanism; 301. Fixing plate; 302. Return column; 303. Return spring; 304. Dust cover; 305. Fixing base; 4. Storage mechanism; 401. Wheel blade; 402. Embedded groove; 5. Drainage mechanism; 501. Drain hole; 502. Support bar; 6. Braking mechanism; 601. Brake pad; 602. Locking element; 7. Outer rod; 8. Inner rod; 9. Fixing column; 10. Connecting element; 11. Inner wheel; 12. Fixing button. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0018] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 This utility model provides an embodiment of an adaptive terrain-following caster, comprising an outer wheel 1 and an inner rod 8. The inner rod 8 serves as a telescopic movable component, sliding in cooperation with the outer rod 7. The outer rod 7 encloses the inner rod 8 and provides guiding support, limiting the sliding direction and range of the inner rod 8. It transmits loads and provides elastic buffering. The outer wheel 1 is the core rolling component of the caster, bearing loads by contacting the ground and rotating, enabling flexible movement of equipment or structures. The outer wall of the outer wheel 1 is provided with an adaptive mechanism 2, and a connector 10 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the outer wheel 1, forming the frame of the entire device. A fixing post 9 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the inner rod 8, used to fix the inner rod 8 and the wheel blades 401. A return mechanism 3 is provided at the top of the outer wall of the connector 10. A storage mechanism 4 is provided on the outer wall of the outer wheel 1, including multiple wheel blades 401 for adapting to different road surfaces. The buffer structure works in conjunction with the storage mechanism 4. The outer walls of the multiple wheel blades 401 are all fixedly connected to the outer wall of the fixing post 9. Multiple embedded... The groove 402 is used to fit the wheel blade 401. The outer wall of the outer wheel 1 is provided with a drainage mechanism 5. The drainage mechanism 5 includes multiple support bars 502, which are used to provide drainage channels. The outer walls of the multiple support bars 502 are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer wheel 1. The outer wall of the outer wheel 1 is provided with multiple drainage holes 501, which facilitate the timely discharge of water stains. The outer wall of the connector 10 is provided with a braking mechanism 6, which includes a brake pad 601. It achieves deceleration or braking of the universal wheel through frictional resistance. The outer wall of the brake pad 601 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connector 10. The outer wall of the brake pad 601 is rotatably connected with a locking member 602, which fixes the wheel position through mechanical buckle to prevent accidental slippage. The adaptive mechanism 2 includes a first buffer pad 201, the outer wall of which is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer rod 7. A first spring 202 is fixedly connected to the top of the outer wall of the first buffer pad 201, which absorbs impact force through compression and rebound, reducing vibration and rigid collisions during equipment movement. A second buffer pad 205 is fixedly connected to the top of the outer wall of the first spring 202. A limit ring 204 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the outer wall of the inner rod 8, which limits the maximum extension and retraction displacement of the inner rod 8 within the outer rod 7. A lubrication groove 203 is provided on the inner wall of the outer rod 7. A second spring 206 is fixedly connected to the outer rod 7, which assists the outer rod 7 in sharing the load, enhancing the overall elastic support and dynamic balance. A support assembly 207 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the outer rod 7. The support assembly 207 includes a slip ring 2073, which facilitates the sliding of the pivot column 2071. The inner wall of the slip ring 2073 is slidably connected to the outer wall of the inner rod 8. The outer wall of the slip ring 2073 is rotatably connected to the pivot column 2071, which is used to support the buffer component. A slide rail 2072 is opened on the outer wall of the outer wheel 1. The slide rail 2072 is the sliding track of the pivot column 2071. Specifically, the inner rod 8, as a telescopic movable component, achieves linkage with the outer rod 7 through sliding. The outer rod 7, as the outer structure, wraps around the inner rod 8 and provides directional support, limiting the range of motion of the inner rod 8 within a specific path. When transmitting external pressure, it buffers the force through elastic deformation. The outer wheel 1, as the core rolling unit, directly contacts the ground, bearing the weight of the equipment through its own rotation and ensuring mobility. An adaptive mechanism 2 is installed on the outer surface of the outer wheel 1 to enhance environmental adaptability. The surface of the outer wheel 1 is constructed with an overall frame through the connector 10. The fixing column 9 on the outer side of the inner rod 8 is used to connect the inner rod 8 and the wheel blade 401. A return mechanism is set at the top of the connector 10. 3. To maintain the stability of the motion trajectory, a storage mechanism 4 is integrated on the outer side of the outer wheel 1. The storage mechanism 4 includes multiple wheel blades 401, which can adapt to complex terrain by unfolding and retracting. The outer sides of the wheel blades 401 are all tightly connected to the fixed posts 9. Multiple embedding grooves 402 are opened on the surface of the outer wheel 1. The shape of the groove corresponds to the contour of the wheel blades 401 to achieve fitting. A drainage mechanism 5 is configured on the outer side of the outer wheel 1. Its main body is composed of multiple support bars 502. The support bars 502 are fixed to the inner wall of the outer wheel 1 to form a drainage channel. Multiple drainage holes 501 are distributed on the surface of the outer wheel 1 to facilitate the rapid discharge of water and avoid accumulation. A braking mechanism 6 is installed on the outer side of the connecting piece 10, which includes brake pads 601. The friction contact surface generates resistance to control the wheel deceleration. The brake pad 601 is fixed to the inner wall of the connector 10 and hinged to the locking member 602 on the outer side. The locking member 602 fixes the wheel position to prevent displacement through a mechanical locking structure. The adaptive mechanism 2 includes a first buffer pad 201, which is fixed to the inner wall of the outer rod 7 and connected to the top of a first spring 202. The spring absorbs vibration energy through compression and rebound, reducing rigid impact when the equipment moves. The top of the first spring 202 is connected to a second buffer pad 205 to form a double shock absorption structure. A limiting ring 204 is fixed to the bottom of the inner rod 8 to limit the maximum extension and contraction of the inner rod 8 within the outer rod 7 through physical blocking. The inner wall of the outer rod 7 has an opening. A lubrication groove 203 stores lubricating medium to reduce sliding friction. A second spring 206 is installed on the outside of the inner rod 8. The second spring 206 works in conjunction with the spring inside the outer rod 7 to share the load, improving the overall support strength and dynamic balance. A support assembly 207 is fixed on the outside of the outer rod 7. The assembly includes a slip ring 2073. The inner wall of the slip ring 2073 slides in contact with the outside of the inner rod 8 to ensure smooth movement. A pivot column 2071 is hinged to the outside of the slip ring 2073. The pivot column 2071 serves as a support frame to enhance the stability of the buffer component. A slide rail 2072 is opened on the outside of the outer wheel 1. The slide rail 2072 provides a directional sliding track for the pivot column 2071 to maintain the movement trajectory.

[0019] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 5The return mechanism 3 includes a fixed base 305, which is used to connect other components. The bottom of the outer wall of the fixed base 305 is fixedly connected to the top of the outer wall of the connector 10. A dust cover 304 is fixedly connected to the top of the outer wall of the fixed base 305, which is used to prevent dust from entering the return component. A return column 302 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the dust cover 304. A return spring 303 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the return column 302. The return column 302 and the return spring 303 work together to automatically return the universal wheel to center after it deviates from a certain angle without manual intervention. A fixed plate 301 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the return column 302 to ensure the stability of the return mechanism 3. Specifically, the return mechanism 3 includes a fixed base 305, which serves as a base for connecting other components. Its bottom is fixed to the top surface of the connector 10, and its top is rigidly connected to the dust cover 304. The dust cover 304 uses a closed structure to prevent external dust from entering the interior. A return column 302 is installed inside the dust cover 304, and a return spring 303 is fixedly fixed around the outside of the return column 302. The return column 302 and the return spring 303 work together through elastic deformation to allow the caster to automatically return to its initial position after deviating from the preset angle without additional manual adjustment. A fixed plate 301 is fixedly connected to the outside of the return column 302 to ensure the stability and anti-displacement capability of the overall structure of the return mechanism 3.

[0020] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The inner wall of the connector 10 is fixedly connected to an inner wheel 11 for connecting the shaft to ensure operational stability. The inner wall of the inner wheel 11 is fixedly connected to a fixing button 12 for reinforcing the connector 10 and the inner wheel 11. The outer wall of the second spring 206 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer rod 7, and the outer wall of the limiting ring 204 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the outer rod 7. Specifically, the inner wall of the connector 10 is rigidly connected to the inner wheel 11. The inner wheel 11, as the core component of the connecting shaft, ensures the smooth operation of the equipment. The inner wall of the inner wheel 11 integrates a fixing button 12, which enhances the connection strength between the connector 10 and the inner wheel 11 and improves the overall structural stability.

[0021] Working principle: First, the outer wheel 1 uses multiple sets of wheel blades 401 and works in conjunction with special buffer components. When the equipment passes through rough roads, the first buffer pad 201 and the second buffer pad 205 inside the outer rod 7 cooperate to wrap the first spring 202, absorbing the impact of the road surface through elastic deformation and efficiently filtering vibration energy. The support component 207 on the outside of the outer rod 7 is linked with the pivot column 2071 through the slip ring 2073 to provide support for the buffer structure, ensuring the stability and directional controllability of the component movement during the buffering process. The pivot column 2071 slides directionally along the slide rail 2072 on the surface of the outer wheel 1, further optimizing the force distribution and energy transfer path. The overall design, through the combination of multi-level buffering and dynamic support, enables the omnidirectional wheel to autonomously adjust the spread of the wheel blades 401 and the buffering strength according to the terrain changes, thereby maintaining stable operation under complex road conditions and achieving adaptability. Furthermore, the return mechanism 3 forms a basic support structure through the fixed base 305 and the dust cover 304. The fixed base 305 serves as a connecting hub to connect with external components, and the dust cover 304 covers the top of the mechanism to form a sealing barrier, effectively preventing dust from entering the internal space. The return column 302 and the return spring 303 work together, utilizing the elastic deformation characteristics of the spring to automatically reset the universal wheel after it deviates from the set angle. The preload of the return spring 303 drives the return column 302 to quickly correct the direction, without the need for manual adjustment throughout the process. The fixed plate 301 enhances the overall anti-offset capability of the return mechanism 3 through rigid connection, ensuring that the force on each component is uniform during the correction process. The inner wall of the dust cover 304 is tightly fixed to the return column 302, forming a stable axial constraint. The extension and retraction movement of the return column 302 is controlled by the elastic potential energy of the return spring 303, generating a reverse force when the universal wheel turns, prompting it to return to its initial position. The rigid connection between the fixed base 305 and the connecting piece 10 further ensures the structural integrity of the mechanism during operation.

[0022] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A swivel caster with adaptive terrain function, comprising an outer wheel (1) and an inner rod (8), characterized in that: The outer wall of the outer wheel (1) is provided with an adaptive mechanism (2), the outer wall of the outer wheel (1) is fixedly connected with a connector (10), the outer wall of the inner rod (8) is fixedly connected with a fixing column (9), the top of the outer wall of the connector (10) is provided with a return mechanism (3), the outer wall of the outer wheel (1) is provided with a storage mechanism (4), the outer wall of the outer wheel (1) is provided with a drainage mechanism (5), and the outer wall of the connector (10) is provided with a braking mechanism (6). The adaptive mechanism (2) includes a first buffer pad (201), the outer wall of the first buffer pad (201) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer rod (7), a first spring (202) is fixedly connected to the top of the outer wall of the first buffer pad (201), a second buffer pad (205) is fixedly connected to the top of the outer wall of the first spring (202), a limit ring (204) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the outer wall of the inner rod (8), a lubrication groove (203) is provided on the inner wall of the outer rod (7), a second spring (206) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the inner rod (8), and a support assembly (207) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the outer rod (7).

2. The omnidirectional caster with adaptive terrain function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The return mechanism (3) includes a fixed base (305), the bottom of the outer wall of the fixed base (305) is fixedly connected to the top of the outer wall of the connector (10), a dust cover (304) is fixedly connected to the top of the outer wall of the fixed base (305), a return column (302) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the dust cover (304), a return spring (303) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the return column (302), and a fixed plate (301) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the return column (302).

3. The omnidirectional caster with adaptive terrain function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage mechanism (4) includes multiple blades (401), the outer walls of the multiple blades (401) are fixedly connected to the outer wall of the fixed column (9), and the outer wall of the outer wheel (1) is provided with multiple embedded grooves (402).

4. The omnidirectional caster with adaptive terrain function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drainage mechanism (5) includes multiple support bars (502), the outer walls of the multiple support bars (502) are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer wheel (1), and the outer wall of the outer wheel (1) is provided with multiple drainage holes (501).

5. The omnidirectional caster with adaptive terrain function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The braking mechanism (6) includes a brake pad (601), the outer wall of which is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the connector (10), and a locking member (602) is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the brake pad (601).

6. The omnidirectional caster with adaptive terrain function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support assembly (207) includes a slip ring (2073), the inner wall of which is slidably connected to the outer wall of the inner rod (8), and the outer wall of the slip ring (2073) is rotatably connected to a pivot column (2071). The outer wall of the outer wheel (1) is provided with a slide rail (2072).

7. The omnidirectional caster with adaptive terrain function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the connector (10) is fixedly connected to an inner wheel (11), and the inner wall of the inner wheel (11) is fixedly connected to a fixing button (12).

8. The omnidirectional caster with adaptive terrain function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the second spring (206) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the outer rod (7), and the outer wall of the limiting ring (204) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the outer rod (7).

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