Lightweight caster

Abstract

The utility model discloses a light -duty trundle, light -duty trundle includes support, wheel and stop component. Wheel rotation is connected in the support. Brake assembly includes pedal and elastic sheet, one end fixed mounting of elastic sheet is in the support, the pedal rotation is connected in the support, the pedal rotation can drive the elastic sheet adhere or separate the outer periphery of wheel, and the elastic sheet is close to one side of wheel and is equipped with the convex part, and the elastic sheet is equipped with through -hole, when the pedal drive the elastic sheet adhere in the wheel, the convex part extrude the outer periphery of wheel, make the outer periphery of wheel take place elastic deformation, and part outer periphery of wheel protrudes in the through -hole.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Casters, as an important auxiliary moving component, are widely used in furniture, office desks and chairs, medical equipment, industrial trolleys, and warehouse racking. To secure items in a specific position and prevent accidental slippage, many casters are equipped with braking components. Currently, common braking components primarily achieve braking through friction. A brake pad or metal spring is pressed directly against the wheel surface, utilizing the friction between the brake pad and the wheel surface to stop the wheel from rolling. However, when the wheel surface or the ground is contaminated with water or oil, the coefficient of friction decreases significantly, leading to reduced braking force or even slippage failure. Under continuous vibration or slight external thrust, the wheel may still experience slight rolling. After prolonged use, the contact surface becomes too smooth, resulting in decreased braking effectiveness and requiring periodic replacement, increasing maintenance costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in related technologies. To this end, this utility model proposes a lightweight caster.

[0004] This utility model embodiment provides a lightweight caster, the lightweight caster comprising: Support; The wheel is rotatably connected to the support. A braking assembly includes a pedal and a spring. One end of the spring is fixedly mounted to the support. The pedal is rotatably connected to the support. Rotating the pedal can drive the spring to engage with or disengage from the outer circumferential surface of the wheel. The spring has a protrusion on the side near the wheel and a through hole. When the pedal drives the spring to fit against the wheel, the protrusion squeezes the outer peripheral surface of the wheel, causing the outer peripheral surface of the wheel to undergo elastic deformation, and part of the outer peripheral surface of the wheel protrudes into the through hole.

[0005] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the spring sheet has an annular portion on the side near the wheel, and the annular portion surrounds the through hole.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the pedal has a first side and a second side; when the pedal rotates to make the first side and the spring piece fit together, the spring piece separates from the wheel; when the pedal rotates and the second side fits together with the spring piece, the second side presses down on the spring piece and causes the protrusion to squeeze the outer peripheral surface of the wheel.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the distance between the first side and the rotation center of the pedal is less than the distance between the second side and the rotation center of the pedal.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the lightweight caster further includes a pin, which is inserted through and fixedly connected to the support. The axis of the pin is in the front-to-back direction. The pin is inserted through the pedal, and the pedal can rotate around the axis of the pin.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the spring sheet is provided with a first connecting hole, the support is provided with a second connecting hole, and the lightweight caster further includes a rivet. The rivet passes through both the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole, and the spring sheet and the support are fixedly connected by the rivet.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the support includes a fixed seat and a base. The fixed seat is located above the base and is rotatably connected to the base via a bearing. The wheel and the pedal are both rotatably connected to the base, and one end of the spring piece is fixedly installed on the base.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this utility model, a bolt is fixedly provided on the fixing base, and the bolt is used to connect with the article.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the protrusion is a hemisphere, frustum, or pyramid protruding toward the wheel.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the base is provided with a rotating shaft, the axis of which is in the front-to-back direction, and the rotating shaft is inserted through and rotatably connected to the wheel.

[0014] The lightweight caster according to the embodiments of this utility model has at least the following technical effects: 1. When it is necessary to lock the vehicle, turn the pedal to make the spring plate fit against the outer circumference of the wheel. The protrusion presses against the outer circumference of the wheel, causing the wheel to deform elastically. Part of the outer circumference of the wheel protrudes into the through hole. The protrusion and the through hole cooperate to lock the wheel, making the wheel unable to roll.

[0015] 2. When the spring clip presses against the wheel, the annular portion and the convex portion work together to apply pressure to the wheel surface. The annular portion more effectively concentrates the pressure around the through hole, guiding material deformation. As the annular portion compresses the wheel, it guides and gathers the material from the outer circumference of the wheel towards the through hole, causing the wheel material to bulge into the through hole. This results in a larger volume of wheel material protruding into the through hole, forming a stronger "pin" structure, improving the reliability of the interlock and its shear resistance, and ensuring stable locking even under heavy loads or impacts.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a lightweight caster according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front view of a lightweight caster according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a lightweight caster according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 4 These are schematic diagrams of the spring sheet structure of some embodiments of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first side of the present invention abutting against the spring sheet in some embodiments; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in which the second side of the present invention abuts against the spring sheet in some embodiments.

[0018] Icon labels: Support 100; Fixing seat 110; Base 120; Bolt 130; Shaft 140; Wheel 150; Braking assembly 200; pedal 210; first side 211; second side 212; spring 220; protrusion 230; through hole 240; annular portion 250; Pin 300; first connecting hole 310; second connecting hole 320; rivet 330. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. If "first" or "second" is used in the description, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0023] The embodiments of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] According to some embodiments of this utility model, refer to Figures 1 to 6 The lightweight caster includes a support 100, a wheel 150, and a braking assembly 200. The wheel 150 is rotatably connected to the support 100. The braking assembly 200 includes a pedal 210 and a spring 220. One end of the spring 220 is fixedly mounted to the support 100, and the pedal 210 is rotatably connected to the support 100. Rotation of the pedal 210 can drive the spring 220 to bend towards and conform to the outer peripheral surface of the wheel 150, or to detach from the outer peripheral surface of the wheel 150 under elastic action. The side of the spring 220 near the wheel 150 has a protrusion 230, and the spring 220 has a through hole 240. When the pedal 210 drives the spring 220 to conform to the wheel 150, the protrusion 230 presses against the outer peripheral surface of the wheel 150, causing the outer peripheral surface of the wheel 150 to undergo elastic deformation, and part of the outer peripheral surface of the wheel 150 protrudes into the through hole 240. The protrusion 230 is a hemisphere, frustum, or pyramid protruding towards the wheel 150. A hemisphere has a gentle contact surface, resulting in less stress concentration on the wheel 150 surface, making it suitable for softer wheel surface materials. A pyramid, with its sharp edges, can generate stronger local pressure on a harder wheel surface with less force, achieving reliable deformation and locking, and offering wider adaptability. The mechanical locking mechanism between the protrusion 230 and the through hole 240 enhances braking reliability and vibration resistance, effectively preventing minor rolling under vibration.

[0025] The synergistic effect of the protrusion 230 and the through hole 240 transforms into a mechanical interlock, avoiding reliance on the friction coefficient between the contact surfaces and preventing brake failure or reduced effectiveness due to factors such as water, oil, and wear.

[0026] The outer circumferential surface of the wheel 150 is preferably made of a material with good elasticity, such as polyurethane, thermoplastic rubber or other artificial elastomers, to ensure that it can generate sufficient elastic deformation to protrude into the through hole 240 when squeezed by the protrusion 230, and can quickly return to its original shape after the external force is removed, so as to ensure the reliability and repeatability of the braking function.

[0027] The spring 220 is made of materials with high elastic limit and fatigue strength, such as spring steel or manganese steel, to ensure that it can still provide stable pressure and reliable springback recovery after repeated bending drives.

[0028] When the vehicle needs to be locked, rotating the pedal 210 causes the spring 220 to bend and fit against the outer circumference of the wheel 150. The protrusion 230 presses against the outer circumference of the wheel 150, causing the wheel 150 to undergo elastic deformation. Under the elastic deformation, part of the outer circumference of the wheel 150 protrudes into the through hole 240. The protrusion 230 and the through hole 240 cooperate with each other to lock the wheel 150, preventing the wheel 150 from rolling.

[0029] According to some embodiments of this utility model, refer to Figures 2 to 4 The spring piece 220 has an annular portion 250 on the side near the wheel 150, and the annular portion 250 surrounds the through hole 240. When the spring piece 220 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the wheel 150, the annular portion 250 compresses the outer peripheral surface of the wheel 150, causing the wheel 150 to undergo elastic deformation and protrude into the through hole 240. The annular portion 250 can increase the amount of deformation of the outer peripheral surface of the wheel 150 located at the through hole 240, ensuring that part of the outer peripheral surface of the wheel 150 can protrude into the through hole 240.

[0030] Understandably, the annular portion 250 is a protruding structure surrounding the through hole 240. When the spring piece 220 presses against the wheel 150, the annular portion 250 and the protrusion 230 jointly apply pressure to the surface of the wheel 150. The annular portion 250 more effectively concentrates the pressure in the peripheral area of ​​the through hole 240, guiding material deformation. When the annular portion 250 compresses the wheel 150, it guides and gathers the material on the outer circumference of the wheel 150 towards the through hole 240, thereby more effectively causing the material of the wheel 150 to protrude into the through hole 240. This results in a larger volume of wheel 150 material protruding into the through hole 240, forming a stronger "pin" structure, which significantly improves the reliability and shear resistance of the interlock, ensuring the stability of the lock even under large loads or impacts.

[0031] According to some embodiments of this utility model, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6The pedal 210 has a first side surface 211 and a second side surface 212. One side of the first side surface 211 and one side of the second side surface 212 are connected to form an angle. When the pedal 210 rotates and the first side surface 211 and the spring piece 220 are in contact, the spring piece 220 separates from the wheel 150. When the pedal 210 rotates and the second side surface 212 is in contact with the spring piece 220, the second side surface 212 presses down on the spring piece 220 and causes the protrusion 230 to press against the outer peripheral surface of the wheel 150, forming a mechanical interlock. The distance between the first side surface 211 and the rotation center of the pedal 210 is L1, and the distance between the second side surface 212 and the rotation center of the pedal 210 is L2, where L1 is less than L2. Therefore, when the pedal 210 rotates and the spring piece 220 changes from being in contact with the first side surface 211 to being in contact with the second side surface 212, the pedal 210 can apply downward pressure to the spring piece 220, causing the spring piece 220 to bend downward and fit against the outer peripheral surface of the wheel 150. (Refer to...) Figure 6 When pedal 210 rotates to its final position, the second side 212 makes stable contact with the spring piece 220, forming a self-locking or over-dead-point state. Since L1 is less than L2, the spring piece 220 is in a compressed state at this time. If pedal 210 is to be unlocked by rotating in the opposite direction, it must pass through the angle formed between the first side 211 and the second side 212. The distance between this angle and the rotation center of pedal 210 is greater than L2, meaning that the spring piece 220 needs to be bent further downwards to allow the first side 211 to re-fit with the spring piece 220. The spring piece 220 itself has an upward rebound tendency, meaning that the spring piece 220 will generate a force that presses tightly against the second side 212, thus forming a self-locking mechanism. When the user's foot leaves pedal 210, pedal 210 will also remain stably in the locked position due to the reaction force of the spring piece 220, without the need for continuous force, thus achieving self-locking.

[0032] According to some embodiments of this utility model, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The lightweight caster also includes a pin 300, which is inserted through and fixedly connected to the support 100. The axis of the pin 300 is in the front-to-back direction. The pin 300 is inserted through the pedal 210, which can rotate around the axis of the pin 300. The pin 300 is made of high-strength, wear-resistant metal material. The pin 300 is fixedly connected to the support 100 to ensure that the rotation center of the pedal 210 is constant relative to the support 100 and the wheel 150.

[0033] According to some embodiments of this utility model, refer to Figures 2 to 4The spring plate 220 has a first connecting hole 310, and the support 100 has a second connecting hole 320. The lightweight caster also includes a rivet 330, which passes through both the first connecting hole 310 and the second connecting hole 320. The spring plate 220 and the support 100 are fixedly connected by the rivet 330. The rivet 330 connection forms a non-removable whole after installation, preventing the bolt 130 from loosening in the vibration environment of the caster during long-term operation, thereby preventing the spring plate 220 from losing its force or failing due to loosening of the fixed end.

[0034] According to some embodiments of this utility model, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The support 100 includes a fixed base 110 and a base 120. The fixed base 110 is located above the base 120, and the fixed base 110 and the base 120 are rotatably connected by bearings. The wheel 150 and the pedal 210 are both rotatably connected to the base 120, and one end of the spring piece 220 is fixedly installed on the base 120. This allows the base 120 and the wheel 150 on it to rotate freely 360 degrees around the axis of the fixed base 110, realizing the omnidirectional steering function of the wheel 150.

[0035] According to some embodiments of this utility model, a bolt 130 is fixedly installed on the mounting base 110. The bolt 130 is used to connect with an object, such as a table, chair, or cabinet. The bolt 130 connection provides a strong axial clamping force, ensuring a stable connection between the caster and the object and reliably transmitting the load. Simultaneously, its detachable nature facilitates quick replacement when the caster eventually fails or needs to be replaced with a different type of caster, providing convenience for end users or maintenance personnel.

[0036] According to some embodiments of this utility model, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The base 120 is provided with a rotating shaft 140, the axis of which is in the front-to-back direction. The rotating shaft 140 passes through and is rotatably connected to the wheel 150. The rotating shaft 140 provides load-bearing and low-friction rotational support for the rolling of the wheel 150. The rotating shaft 140 is usually made of metal materials such as high-carbon steel.

[0037] In this specification, the reference to the term "some embodiments" means 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.

[0038] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A lightweight caster, characterized in that, include: Support (100); The wheel (150) is rotatably connected to the support (100); The braking assembly (200) includes a pedal (210) and a spring (220). One end of the spring (220) is fixedly mounted on the support (100). The pedal (210) is rotatably connected to the support (100). Rotation of the pedal (210) can drive the spring (220) to conform to or disengage from the outer circumferential surface of the wheel (150). The spring (220) has a protrusion (230) on the side near the wheel (150) and a through hole (240). When the pedal (210) drives the spring (220) to fit against the wheel (150), the protrusion (230) squeezes the outer peripheral surface of the wheel (150), causing the outer peripheral surface of the wheel (150) to undergo elastic deformation, and part of the outer peripheral surface of the wheel (150) protrudes into the through hole (240).

2. The lightweight caster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring piece (220) has an annular portion (250) on the side near the wheel (150), and the annular portion (250) surrounds the through hole (240).

3. The lightweight caster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pedal (210) has a first side (211) and a second side (212); when the pedal (210) rotates and the first side (211) and the spring piece (220) are in contact, the spring piece (220) is separated from the wheel (150); when the pedal (210) rotates and the second side (212) is in contact with the spring piece (220), the second side (212) presses down on the spring piece (220) and causes the protrusion (230) to press against the outer peripheral surface of the wheel (150).

4. The lightweight caster according to claim 3, characterized in that, The distance between the first side (211) and the rotation center of the pedal (210) is less than the distance between the second side (212) and the rotation center of the pedal (210).

5. The lightweight caster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lightweight caster also includes a pin (300), which is inserted through and fixedly connected to the support (100). The axis of the pin (300) is in the front-back direction. The pin (300) is inserted through the pedal (210), and the pedal (210) can rotate around the axis of the pin (300).

6. The lightweight caster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring plate (220) is provided with a first connecting hole (310), the support (100) is provided with a second connecting hole (320), and the lightweight caster also includes a rivet (330). The rivet (330) passes through both the first connecting hole (310) and the second connecting hole (320). The spring plate (220) and the support (100) are fixedly connected by the rivet (330).

7. The lightweight caster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support (100) includes a fixed seat (110) and a base (120). The fixed seat (110) is located above the base (120). The fixed seat (110) and the base (120) are rotatably connected by a bearing. The wheel (150) and the pedal (210) are both rotatably connected to the base (120). One end of the spring piece (220) is fixedly installed on the base (120).

8. The lightweight caster according to claim 7, characterized in that, A bolt (130) is fixedly installed on the mounting base (110), and the bolt (130) is used to connect to the item.

9. The lightweight caster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion (230) is a hemisphere, frustum, or pyramid that protrudes toward the wheel (150).

10. The lightweight caster according to claim 7, characterized in that, The base (120) is provided with a rotating shaft (140), the axis of which is in the front-to-back direction, and the rotating shaft (140) is inserted through and rotatably connected to the wheel (150).

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