Casters and trolleys

Abstract

To make it easier to operate the caster brakes. [Solution] The caster 1 has a wheel 4 and a brake lever 5 that is pivotably supported and operates when braking the wheel 4 and when releasing the brake on the wheel 4. The brake lever 5 has an operating part 55 which is the target of operation and at least a portion of which overlaps with the tire 42 of the wheel 4 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel 4. The operating part 55 is formed to be wide in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel 4.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a caster and a cart provided with the caster, and particularly to a caster provided with a braking mechanism and a cart provided with the caster.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional caster provided with a braking mechanism, a main body member that pivotally supports a wheel rotatably, a braking member that is pivotally supported by the main body member and rotates in a braking direction in which a braking portion approaches the wheel to press the outer peripheral surface of the wheel, an operating portion provided on the braking member, and a braking operation member pivotally supported by the main body member are provided. By rotating the tip side of the braking operation member downward, the braking operation member presses the operating portion and the braking member rotates in the braking direction, and the braking member presses the outer peripheral surface of the wheel by this rotation in the braking direction. A caster configured as such is known (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, specifically, the braking operation member is operated by placing a foot or the like on a tread plate on the tip side of the braking operation member. Therefore, if the tread plate on the tip side of the braking operation member is small, the visibility of the tread plate is poor (in other words, it is difficult to find), and the area of the operation target portion (that is, the portion where a foot or the like is placed) is small, making it difficult to operate the braking operation member.

[0005] Furthermore, in the conventional casters described above, the wheel is locked by pushing down the footplate at the front of the brake operating member with the toes or other body part to lower the footplate, and the wheel is unlocked by pulling up the footplate at the front of the brake operating member with the toes or other body part to raise the footplate. In other words, in the conventional casters described above, in order to unlock a locked wheel, it is necessary to insert the footplate or other body part further below the lowered footplate at the front of the brake operating member and pull up the footplate, which presents a problem in that it is difficult to operate in order to unlock a locked wheel. In addition, while it is easy to apply force and operate by pushing down the footplate at the front of the brake operating member with the toes or other body part to push down the footplate, it is more difficult to apply force and operate compared to pushing down the footplate.

[0006] Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention aims to provide a technology that makes it possible to operate the brakes on the casters more easily. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the caster according to the present invention comprises a wheel and a brake lever that is pivotably supported and operates when braking the wheel and when releasing the brake on the wheel, wherein the brake lever has an operating portion that overlaps with the tire of the wheel in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the wheel's rotation axis, and at least a portion of the operating portion is wider than the portion of the brake lever other than the operating portion in the axial direction of the wheel's rotation axis.

[0008] The caster according to the present invention may be configured such that, in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel, the width of at least a portion of the operating part is 1.2 times or more and 3 times or less the maximum width of the part of the brake lever other than the operating part.

[0009] The caster according to the present invention comprises a wheel and a brake lever that is pivotably supported and operates when braking the wheel and when releasing the brake on the wheel, wherein the brake lever has an operating portion that overlaps with the tire of the wheel in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the wheel's rotation axis, and the width of at least a portion of the operating portion in the axial direction of the wheel's rotation axis may be 1.7 times or more and 3.7 times or less the width of the tire.

[0010] The caster according to the present invention has a brake release unit that operates when the brake on the wheel is released, and the brake release unit has an operating pedal that is supported to swing, and the swinging end of the operating pedal is pushed down and swings, pushing up the swinging end of the brake lever, thereby the brake lever swings and the brake on the wheel is released.

[0011] In the caster according to the present invention, the width of at least a portion of the swinging end of the operating pedal in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel may be 1.7 times or more and 3.7 times or less the width of the tire of the wheel.

[0012] The caster according to the present invention includes a wheel, a brake lever that is pivotably supported and operates when braking and releasing the wheel, and a brake release unit that operates when releasing the wheel, wherein the brake release unit has a pivotably supported operating pedal, and at least a portion of the pivoting end of the operating pedal in the axial direction of the wheel's rotation axis may be formed to be wider than the wheel's tire.

[0013] In the caster according to the present invention, the width of at least a portion of the swinging end of the operating pedal in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel may be 1.7 times or more and 3.7 times or less the width of the tire.

[0014] The caster according to the present invention may be configured such that at least the portion of the brake lever that is operated has distinctive identifiability.

[0015] The caster according to the present invention may be configured such that at least the swinging end of the operating pedal has a distinctive identifiable feature.

[0016] The caster according to the present invention may be configured such that the color of at least the operating portion of the brake lever and the color of at least the swinging end of the operating pedal are different from each other.

[0017] The caster according to the present invention may be configured such that at least the swinging end of the operating pedal has a distinctive identifiable feature.

[0018] The caster according to the present invention may have an operating portion of the brake lever that overlaps with the tire of the wheel in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel, and the colors of at least the operating portion of the brake lever and at least the swing end of the operating pedal may be different from each other.

[0019] Furthermore, the trolley according to the present invention may be equipped with any of the above-mentioned casters.

[0020] In the trolley according to the present invention, when the orientation of the casters is aligned in the front-rear direction, the brake lever may not intersect with the front-rear frame members and the left-right frame members that constitute the frame body of the trolley's loading platform in a plan view, and when the casters are facing inward in the left-right direction of the loading platform, the brake lever may intersect with the left-right frame members in a plan view. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, in one respect, it becomes possible to make it easier to operate the caster brake. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] This is a view showing a caster according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a wheel unlocked state. [Figure 2] It is a partial exploded perspective view of the caster of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a side view showing the wheel unlocked state of the caster of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a rear view showing the wheel unlocked state of the caster of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a plan view showing the wheel unlocked state of the caster of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a side view showing the wheel locked state of the caster of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] It is a rear view showing the wheel locked state of the caster of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] It is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of the caster of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] It is a side view for explaining the positional relationship of each part in the wheel unlocked state of the caster of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] It is a plan view for explaining the positional relationship of each part in the wheel locked state of the caster of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] It is a side view for explaining the positional relationship of each part in the wheel locked state of the caster of FIG. 1. [Figure 12] It is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of a mechanism for applying braking to the wheel of the caster of FIG. 1. [Figure 13] It is a side view showing a state during the transition from the wheel locked state to the wheel unlocked state of the caster of FIG. 1. [Figure 14] It is a side view showing a cart according to an embodiment of the present invention including the caster of FIG. 1. [Figure 15] It is a rear view of the cart of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] This is a view showing a caster according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a wheel unlocked state. [Figure 17]Figure 16 is a plan view showing the unlocked state of the caster wheels. [Figure 18] Figure 16 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of the caster. [Figure 19] This figure shows a caster according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing the wheel in the unlocked state. [Figure 20] Figure 19 is a plan view showing the unlocked state of the caster wheels. [Figure 21] Figure 19 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of the caster. [Figure 22] This figure shows a caster according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing the wheel in the unlocked state. [Figure 23] Figure 19 is a plan view showing the unlocked state of the caster wheels. [Figure 24] Figure 19 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of the caster. [Figure 25] This figure shows a caster according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing the wheel in the unlocked state. [Figure 26] Figure 25 is a plan view showing the wheel unlocked state of the caster. [Figure 27] This figure shows a caster according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing the wheel in the unlocked state. [Figure 28] Figure 27 is a plan view illustrating the structure of the caster's brake lever. (A) shows the state before the extension parts are attached. (B) shows the state after the extension parts are attached. [Figure 29] Figure 27 shows the extension part of the caster's brake lever. [Figure 30] This figure shows an example where the operating part of the brake lever of the caster according to Embodiment 1 is provided with a unique identifiable feature, and is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state. [Figure 31] Figure 30 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of the caster. [Figure 32]This figure shows an example of a case where the brake lever of the caster according to Embodiment 1 is provided with a unique identifiable feature, and is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state. [Figure 33] Figure 32 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of the caster. [Figure 34] This figure shows an example where the horizontal portion of the operating pedal of the brake release part of the caster according to Embodiment 1 is provided with a unique identifiable feature, and is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state. [Figure 35] Figure 34 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of the caster. [Figure 36] This figure shows an example where the operating pedal for the brake release part of the caster according to Embodiment 1 is provided with a unique identifiable feature, and is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state. [Figure 37] Figure 36 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of the caster. [Figure 38] This figure shows an example of a case where the operating part of the brake lever of the caster according to Embodiment 2 is provided with a unique identifiable feature, and is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state. [Figure 39] Figure 38 is a plan view showing the unlocked state of the caster wheels. [Figure 40] Figure 38 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of the caster. [Figure 41] This figure shows an example of a case where the brake lever of the caster according to Embodiment 2 is provided with a unique identifiable feature, and is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state. [Figure 42] Figure 41 is a plan view showing the unlocked state of the caster wheels. [Figure 43] Figure 41 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of the caster. [Figure 44] This figure shows an example where the horizontal portion of the operating pedal for the brake release part of the caster according to Embodiment 2 is provided with a unique identifiable feature, and is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state. [Figure 45] Figure 44 is a plan view showing the unlocked state of the caster wheels. [Figure 46] Figure 44 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of the caster. [Figure 47] This figure shows an example where the operating pedal for the brake release part of the caster according to Embodiment 2 is provided with a unique identifiable feature, and is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state. [Figure 48] Figure 47 is a plan view showing the wheel unlocked state of the caster. [Figure 49] Figure 47 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of the caster. [Figure 50] This figure shows an example of a case where the operating part of the brake lever of the caster according to Embodiment 3 is provided with a unique identifiable feature, and is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state. [Figure 51] Figure 50 is a plan view showing the unlocked state of the caster wheels. [Figure 52] Figure 50 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of the caster. [Figure 53] This figure shows an example of a case where the brake lever of the caster according to Embodiment 3 is provided with a unique identifiable feature, and is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state. [Figure 54] Figure 53 is a plan view showing the unlocked state of the caster wheels. [Figure 55] Figure 53 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of the caster. [Figure 56] This figure shows an example where the horizontal portion of the operating pedal for the brake release part of the caster according to Embodiment 3 is provided with a unique identifiable feature, and is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state. [Figure 57] Figure 56 is a plan view showing the unlocked state of the caster wheels. [Figure 58] Figure 56 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of the caster. [Figure 59] This figure shows an example where the operating pedal for the brake release part of the caster according to Embodiment 3 is provided with a unique identifiable feature, and is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state. [Figure 60]Figure 59 is a plan view showing the unlocked state of the caster wheels. [Figure 61] Figure 59 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of the caster. [Figure 62] This figure shows an example of a case where the operating part of the brake lever of the caster according to Embodiment 4 is provided with a unique identifiable feature, and is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state. [Figure 63] Figure 62 is a plan view showing the unlocked state of the caster wheels. [Figure 64] Figure 62 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of the caster. [Figure 65] This figure shows an example of a case where the brake lever of the caster according to Embodiment 4 is provided with a unique identifiable feature, and is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state. [Figure 66] Figure 65 is a plan view showing the unlocked state of the caster wheels. [Figure 67] Figure 65 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of the caster. [Figure 68] This figure shows an example where the horizontal portion of the operating pedal for the brake release part of the caster according to Embodiment 4 is provided with a unique identifiable feature, and is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state. [Figure 69] Figure 68 is a plan view showing the unlocked state of the caster wheels. [Figure 70] This is a plan view showing the wheel lock state of the caster in Figure 68. [Figure 71] This figure shows an example where the operating pedal for the brake release part of the caster according to Embodiment 4 is provided with a unique identifiable feature, and is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state. [Figure 72] Figure 71 is a plan view showing the wheel unlocked state of the caster. [Figure 73] Figure 71 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of the caster. [Figure 74] This figure shows an example of a case where the operating part of the brake lever of the caster according to Embodiment 5 is provided with a unique identifiable feature, and is a plan view showing the wheel unlocked state. [Figure 75] This figure shows an example of a case where the brake lever of the caster according to Embodiment 5 is provided with a unique identifiable feature, and is a plan view showing the wheel unlocked state. [Figure 76] This figure shows an example of a case where an extension part attached to the operating part of the brake lever of a caster according to Embodiment 6 is provided with distinctive identifiability, and is a plan view showing the wheel unlocked state. (A) is a diagram of the state before the extension part is attached. (B) is a diagram of the state after the extension part is attached. [Figure 77] This figure shows an example of a case where the brake lever (including the extension part) of the caster according to Embodiment 6 is provided with distinctive identifiability, and is a plan view showing the wheel unlocked state. (A) is a diagram of the state before the extension part is attached. (B) is a diagram of the state with the extension part attached. [Figure 78] This is a bottom view showing a trolley according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the adjustment of the mounting position of the casters attached to the trolley, and illustrating the state in which the casters are facing in the front-to-back direction. [Figure 79] This diagram illustrates a state where one of the casters of the trolley in Figure 78 is facing left or right. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Structures and parts not related to the essential points of the present invention will be omitted from the illustration and description as appropriate, and even if they are not illustrated or described, it will be assumed that the necessary structures and parts for a caster equipped with a brake mechanism are appropriately provided.

[0024] In this description of the present invention, the vertical direction is defined along each mutually orthogonal axis shown in each figure (specifically, each axis of the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system), and upward and downward directions are defined according to the direction of the arrows. Furthermore, the front-to-back direction is defined along each mutually orthogonal axis (specifically, each axis of the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system), and forward and backward directions are defined according to the direction of the arrows. In addition, the left-to-right direction is defined along each mutually orthogonal axis shown in each figure, and left and right directions are defined according to the direction of the arrows. The vertical direction follows the vertical plane, and the front-to-back and left-to-right directions follow the horizontal plane.

[0025] A line of sight from above, along the vertical direction, is a plan view, and a line of sight from below is a bottom view. Similarly, a line of sight from the front, along the front-to-back direction, is a front view, and a line of sight from the rear is a rear view. Furthermore, a line of sight along the left-to-right direction is a side view. For each component, the surface visible in the plan view is the front surface, the surface visible in the bottom view is the back surface, and the surface visible in the side view is the side surface.

[0026] However, the terms top (front) and bottom (back), front (front) and back (back), and left and right (side) are merely distinctions used to explain the present invention and do not define the direction or orientation from a specific viewpoint when the caster or trolley is in use according to the present invention.

[0027] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state of caster 1 according to Embodiment 1, as an example of a specific configuration of the caster according to the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the structure related to the brake release part 10 of caster 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figures 3 to 5 show the wheel unlocked state of caster 1 according to Embodiment 1, and Figures 6 to 8 show the wheel locked state of caster 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0028] (Overall structure) The caster 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes a wheel 4, a brake lever 5 that is pivotably supported and operates when braking the wheel 4 and when releasing the brake on the wheel 4, and a brake release unit 10 that operates when releasing the brake on the wheel 4. The brake release unit 10 has a pivotably supported operating pedal 8, and when the pivoting end of the operating pedal 8 (specifically, the horizontal part 83) is pushed down and pivots, it pushes up the pivoting end of the brake lever 5, causing the brake lever 5 to pivot and the brake on the wheel 4 to be released.

[0029] The caster 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes a mounting plate 2, a base member 3, a wheel 4, a brake lever 5, and a brake release part 10.

[0030] The mounting plate 2 is attached to the underside of, for example, the loading platform (not shown) of a trolley using fasteners such as bolts. The caster 1 is attached to, for example, the loading platform of the trolley via the mounting plate 2.

[0031] The base member 3 is provided so as to be rotatable around an axis along the vertical direction (in other words, the perpendicular direction) relative to the mounting plate 2, and has a mounting portion 31 connected to the mounting plate 2, a pair of arm-shaped fork portions 32 extending downward from each of the left and right ends of the mounting portion 31, and a pair of fixing portions 33 connected to each of the pair of fork portions 32. The pair of fork portions 32 and the pair of fixing portions 33 each face each other in the left and right directions.

[0032] The wheel 4 has a circular wheel 41 in side view and a tire 42 provided on the outer circumference of the wheel 41. The wheel 4 is disposed between a pair of fork portions 32 and a fixed portion 33 of the base member 3 and is rotatably attached to the base member 3 (specifically, the fork portions 32) via a connecting shaft 6.

[0033] The connecting shaft 6 is positioned with its axial direction aligned with the left-right direction (in other words, the horizontal direction), and passes through the lower ends of each of the pair of fork portions 32 of the base member 3, and the center of the wheel 41 in a side view, along the left-right direction. The wheel 4 is rotatably supported on the base member 3 (specifically, the fork portion 32) via the connecting shaft 6. Reference numeral 63 in the figure indicates a nut that is screwed onto the end of the connecting shaft 6 opposite the head 61.

[0034] The caster 1 supports the wheel 4 on, for example, the loading platform of a trolley (not shown) via the mounting plate 2, base member 3, and connecting shaft 6, so that the wheel 4 can rotate freely around an axis along the vertical direction and around an axis along the horizontal direction.

[0035] The pair of fixing parts 33 of the base member 3 are for supporting the brake lever 5 relative to the base member 3. The pair of fixing parts 33 are configured as a pair of parts that protrude backward from the upper part of the rear end of each of the pair of opposing fork parts 32, while facing each other. Although the pair of fixing parts 33 may be formed as separate members from the pair of fork parts 32 and attached to the pair of fork parts 32, forming the pair of fork parts 32 and the pair of fixing parts 33 as a single unit improves, for example, strength and ease of processing and assembly.

[0036] In the example shown in the figure, a top plate portion 34 is formed that spans the upper ends of a pair of fork portions 32 and fixing portions 33, connected to the mounting portion 31 of the base member 3.

[0037] An axial hole 35 is formed in each of the pair of fixing portions 33 of the base member 3, near the rear end and close to the upper end, and extending in the left-right direction.

[0038] Below each of the pair of fixing portions 33 of the base member 3, an arc-shaped groove 36 is formed, centered on the central position of the shaft hole 35 in a side view. The arc-shaped groove 36 is formed as a concave, generally arc-shaped through hole in a side view.

[0039] The brake lever 5 is pivotably attached to the base member 3 (specifically, a pair of fixing parts 33).

[0040] Furthermore, the brake release unit 10 is attached to the base member 3 (specifically, a pair of fork sections 32).

[0041] (Brake lever) The brake lever 5 is a structure / mechanism that operates when braking the wheel 4 to lock its rotation, or when releasing the brake on the wheel 4 to release the lock on its rotation (including when it is operated).

[0042] The state in which wheel 4 is not braked and its rotation is not locked (i.e., wheel 4 rotates) is referred to as the "wheel unlocked state" (see Figures 3 to 5), and the state in which the brake lever 5 is operated to brake wheel 4 and its rotation is locked (i.e., wheel 4 does not rotate) is referred to as the "wheel locked state" (see Figures 6 to 8).

[0043] The brake lever 5 has a pair of side plates 52 that face each other in the left-right direction, a first upper plate 53 that straddles the front (in other words, base end) portion of the upper end of the pair of side plates 52, a second upper plate 54 that straddles the rear (in other words, swing end) portion of the upper end of the pair of side plates 52, and an operating portion 55 that extends rearward from the rear end of the second upper plate 54. The operating portion 55 extends rearward from the rear ends of the pair of side plates 52.

[0044] Each of the side panels 52 of the pair is aligned with a vertical plane.

[0045] The brake lever 5 includes a first upper plate 53 at the end (in other words, the base end) that connects to the pair of fixing parts 33 of the base member 3, and the cross-sectional shape of the brake lever 5 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is formed in a U-shape. The brake lever 5 also includes a second upper plate 54 at the opposite end (in other words, the pivot end), and the cross-sectional shape of the brake lever 5 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is formed in a U-shape. The brake lever 5 is positioned so that it opens forward and downward, with the wheel 4 side being the opening.

[0046] A pivot shaft 51 is positioned between a pair of opposing fixed parts 33 of the base member 3, and serves as the pivot axis of the brake lever 5. The pivot shaft 51 supports the brake lever 5 so that it can pivot relative to the base member 3 (specifically, the fixed parts 33).

[0047] The pivot shaft 51 is positioned so that its axial direction is aligned with the left-right direction (in other words, the horizontal direction), and it passes through the shaft holes 35 provided near the upper and rear ends of each of the pair of fixed portions 33 of the base member 3, as well as passing through a position near the front end of the brake lever 5.

[0048] The brake lever 5 is pivotably supported on the base member 3 (specifically, the fixed part 33) via a pivot shaft 51, and the operating part 55 at the end opposite to the side supported by the pivot shaft 51 (in other words, the base end) (in other words, the pivot end) swings between a position away from the tire 42 (see Figures 1 and 3 to 5; wheel unlocked state) and a position close to the tire 42 (see Figures 6 to 8; wheel locked state).

[0049] The brake lever 5 swings along a vertical plane that runs in the front-rear direction, and the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5 is positioned higher when the wheel is unlocked than when the wheel is locked, and lower when the wheel is locked than when the wheel is unlocked.

[0050] The brake lever 5 is formed so that its outer dimensions (in other words, its width) in the left-right direction are slightly smaller than the left-right distance (in other words, its inner dimensions) between a pair of opposing fixing parts 33, and the front end portion (in other words, the upper end portion; this is the portion where the cross-sectional shape of the brake lever 5 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is formed in a U-shape with a downward opening) is inserted between the pair of fixing parts 33.

[0051] A pivoting shaft hole 56 is formed in each of the pair of side plates 52 that face each other in the left-right direction of the brake lever 5, in the portion that is inserted between the pair of fixing parts 33 of the base member 3, and which penetrates along the left-right direction.

[0052] The pivot shaft 51, which is positioned so that its axis is aligned with the left-right direction (in other words, the horizontal direction) and is arranged between a pair of opposing fixing parts 33 of the base member 3 (specifically, passing through the shaft hole 35), is inserted through pivot shaft holes 56 formed in each of the pair of opposing side plates 52 of the brake lever 5 in the left-right direction, thereby allowing the brake lever 5 to pivot freely relative to the base member 3 (specifically, the fixing part 33).

[0053] A locking shaft hole 57 is formed in the vicinity of the pivot shaft hole 56 formed in each of the pair of side plates 52 that face each other in the left-right direction of the brake lever 5, at a position where, in a side view, the brake lever 5 is pivotably supported on the base member 3 (specifically, the fixing part 33) and overlaps with the arc groove 36. The locking shaft hole 57 penetrates each of the pair of side plates 52 in the left-right direction.

[0054] A locking shaft 58 is provided that passes through the base member 3 (specifically, the fixing part 33) and the base end of the brake lever 5. The locking shaft 58 is positioned so that its axis is aligned with the left-right direction (in other words, the horizontal direction), and passes through the arc groove 36 of the base member 3 and the locking shaft hole 57 of the brake lever 5.

[0055] In the wheel unlocked state, when the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5 is not pressed down, the locking shaft 58 is located at the rear end of the arc groove 36 (see Figure 3). When the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5 is pressed down from this state, the locking shaft 58 moves forward within the arc groove 36 and is pressed against the front end of the arc groove 36, resulting in the wheel being locked (see Figure 6).

[0056] In this case, with the wheels unlocked (see Figure 3), both the upper surface of the first upper plate 53 and the upper surface of the second upper plate 54 of the brake lever 5 are inclined downwards toward the rear, and the degree of the downward slope of the second upper plate 54 is adjusted to be gentler than the degree of the downward slope of the first upper plate 53.

[0057] Furthermore, when the wheels are unlocked (see Figure 3), the shape of the operating part 55 (specifically, the degree of bending of the operating part 55 relative to the second upper plate 54) is adjusted so that the upper surface of the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5 is horizontal.

[0058] Furthermore, because the upper surface of the second upper plate 54 of the brake lever 5 has a gentle downward slope and the upper surface of the operating part 55 is horizontal, it becomes easy and reliable to press down the operating part 55 by placing your toes or the like on the area from the second upper plate 54 to the operating part 55. As a result, for example, if a trolley equipped with casters 1 suddenly starts to move, the brake lever 5 can be easily and reliably operated to lock the wheels.

[0059] On the other hand, when the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5 is pushed up from a down position, the locking shaft 58 moves backward within the arc groove 36 and is pressed against the rear end of the arc groove 36, resulting in the wheel being unlocked (see Figure 3).

[0060] (Brake release mechanism) The brake release unit 10 is a structure / mechanism that operates (including operating by a mechanism) to release the brake on the wheel 4 when it is in a state where the brake is applied and the rotation is locked (i.e., wheel locked state) and the rotation is not locked (i.e., wheel unlocked state).

[0061] Specifically, the brake release unit 10 swings the brake lever 5, which is in a state where the brake is applied to the wheel 4 and the rotation of the wheel 4 is locked (i.e., wheel locked state), thereby releasing the brake on the wheel 4 and leaving the rotation of the wheel 4 unlocked (i.e., wheel unlocked state).

[0062] The brake release unit 10 is located below the brake lever 5 (especially the brake lever 5 in the wheel unlocked state).

[0063] The brake release unit 10 includes a support frame 7 fixedly attached to the base member 3, an operating pedal 8 swingably attached to the support frame 7, and a biasing member 9 interposed between the support frame 7 and the operating pedal 8.

[0064] In the example shown in the figure, the support frame 7 is formed as a separate component from the base member 3 and attached to the base member 3. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration, and at least a part of the base member 3 and at least a part of the support frame 7 may be formed as a single integrated component.

[0065] The support frame 7 has a pair of arm portions 71 that face each other in the left-right direction, a connecting portion 72 that connects the rear ends of the pair of arm portions 71 in the left-right direction, and a pair of bearing portions 73 that protrude backward from the rear surface of the connecting portion 72.

[0066] Each of the pair of arm portions 71 and connecting portion 72 is a strip-shaped plate with its surface aligned with a vertical plane, and the pair of arm portions 71 and connecting portion 72 are connected in a U-shape with a front opening in a plan view.

[0067] The distance between a pair of opposing arm portions 71 in the left-right direction (in other words, the inner dimension) is formed to be slightly larger than the outer dimension between a pair of opposing fork portions 32 of the base member 3 in the left-right direction (in other words, the width), and the front end portion of each of the pair of arm portions 71 is positioned outside each of the pair of fork portions 32.

[0068] A connecting through hole 74 is formed near the front end of each of the pair of arm portions 71.

[0069] The support frame 7 is arranged such that a pair of arm portions 71 face each other in the left-right direction, and each of the pair of arm portions 71 is positioned to align with the front-rear direction (or generally align with the front-rear direction) when viewed from the side.

[0070] The support frame 7 is positioned so that, in a side view, the connecting through holes 74 formed near the front end of each of the pair of arm portions 71 and the connecting shaft holes 37 formed near the lower end of each of the pair of fork portions 32 of the base member 3 overlap.

[0071] The connecting shaft 6 then passes through the pair of fork portions 32 of the base member 3 (specifically, the connecting shaft hole 37), the wheel 41 of the wheel 4, and the pair of arm portions 71 of the brake release portion 10 (specifically, the connecting through hole 74) along the left-right direction.

[0072] In the example shown in the figure, a first engaging piece 75 and a second engaging piece 76 are formed near the front end of each of the pair of arm portions 71. The first engaging piece 75 abuts against and engages with the rear end of the fork portion 32 of the base member 3, and the second engaging piece 76 abuts against and engages with the lower end of the fork portion 32 of the base member 3, thereby preventing the support frame 7 from rotating relative to the base member 3.

[0073] In the example shown in the figure, the cross-sectional shape of the end of the shaft portion of the connecting shaft 6 closest to the head 61 is formed to be rectangular (this portion is referred to as the "rectangular portion 62"), and the cross-sectional shape of the connecting shaft hole 37 formed in the fork portion 32 on the head 61 side of the pair of fork portions 32 of the base member 3, and the cross-sectional shape of the connecting through hole 74 formed in the arm portion 71 on the head 61 side of the pair of arm portions 71 of the support frame 7 are also formed to be rectangular in side view.

[0074] Furthermore, the rectangular portion 62 of the connecting shaft 6 enters and fits into the connecting shaft hole 37 of the base member 3 and the connecting through hole 74 of the support frame 7, thereby preventing the support frame 7 from rotating relative to the base member 3.

[0075] The connecting portion 72 is a strip-shaped plate whose surface is aligned with a vertical plane, and connects the rear ends of a pair of arm portions 71 that face each other in the left-right direction.

[0076] The pair of bearing portions 73 are provided so as to protrude backward from the rear surface of the connecting portion 72, facing each other in the left-right direction.

[0077] Each of the pair of bearing portions 73 has a pivoting connecting shaft hole 77 that penetrates through in the left-right direction.

[0078] The operating pedal 8 has a main body portion 81, a contact portion 82 connected to the front end of the main body portion 81, and a horizontal portion 83 connected to the rear end of the main body portion 81.

[0079] A through hole 84 is formed in the main body portion 81 near the front end (and below the contact portion 82), extending in the left-right direction.

[0080] The operating pedal 8 is pivotably connected to the support frame 7 (specifically, a pair of bearing portions 73) via a pivoting connecting shaft 78.

[0081] The oscillating connecting shaft 78 is positioned so that its axial direction is aligned with the left-right direction (in other words, the horizontal direction), and passes through the oscillating connecting shaft holes 77 in each of the pair of bearing portions 73 of the support frame 7, and through the through hole 84 in the main body portion 81 of the operating pedal 8. The oscillating connecting shaft 78 supports the operating pedal 8 so that it can swing freely with respect to the support frame 7 (specifically, the pair of bearing portions 73).

[0082] The operating pedal 8 is pivotably connected via a pivoting connecting shaft 78, which is positioned so that its axis is aligned with the left-right direction (in other words, the horizontal direction), and pivots along a vertical plane aligned with the front-rear direction relative to the support frame 7 (specifically, a pair of bearing portions 73).

[0083] In the example shown in the figure, the axial position 78c of the pivoting connecting shaft 78, which is the pivoting center of the operating pedal 8, is in the following positional relationship (see Figures 9 and 11). a) It is located behind the axis position 51c of the pivot axis 51, which is the pivot center of the brake lever 5. (i) It is located below the axial center position 51c of the pivot axis 51, which is the pivot point of the brake lever 5. (c) It is located behind the axis position 6c of the connecting shaft 6, which is the rotation center of wheel 4. (e) It is located below the axis position 6c of the connecting shaft 6, which is the rotation center of the wheel 4. (e) It is located behind the outer circumference of wheel 4. (c) It is located in front of the operating portion 55 (including the rear end position 55r) of the brake lever 5. (k) It is located below the operating portion 55 (including the rear end position 55r) of the brake lever 5.

[0084] The operating pedal 8 is biased by a biasing member 9 so that it maintains a predetermined posture (referred to as the "basic posture") when no external force is acting on it.

[0085] In the example shown in the figure, a double torsion spring is used as the biasing member 9, and the operating pedal 8 is biased by the biasing member 9 in a direction that causes the horizontal portion 83 to rotate upward.

[0086] The main body 81 is formed such that its upper surface slopes upward when the operating pedal 8 is in its basic position (in the example shown in the figure, the lower surface is formed to be horizontal).

[0087] The degree of the slope on the upper surface of the main body 81 when the operating pedal 8 is in its basic position is adjusted to be the same as (or approximately the same as) the degree of the slope on the lower surface of the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5 when the wheels are locked (see Figure 6).

[0088] A contact portion 82 is provided at the front end of the main body portion 81, such that its upper surface remains sloped upwards toward the front. The front end of the contact portion 82 protrudes forward from the front end (front surface) of the main body portion 81.

[0089] In the example shown in the figure, the operating pedal 8 is biased by the biasing member 9 to rotate so that the horizontal section 83 moves upward. The lower surface (lower end) of the contact portion 82 of the operating pedal 8 contacts (in other words, catches) the upper surface (upper end) of the connecting portion 72 of the support frame 7, thereby maintaining the basic posture when no external force is acting on the operating pedal 8.

[0090] The degree of the slope of the upper surface of the contact portion 82 when the operating pedal 8 is in its basic position is adjusted to be the same as (or approximately the same as) the degree of the slope of the lower surface of the second upper plate 54 of the brake lever 5 when the wheel is locked (see Figure 6).

[0091] A horizontal section 83 is provided at the rear end of the main body 81, with its upper surface connected to it. The horizontal section 83 is formed so that its upper surface is horizontal when the operating pedal 8 is in its basic position (in the example shown in the figure, the lower surface is also formed to be horizontal).

[0092] The dimensions of each part may be adjusted so that the rear end position 55r of the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5 when the wheel is unlocked is the same as (or approximately the same as; see Figure 9) or further back than the rear end position 83r of the horizontal part 83 of the operating pedal 8 in the basic position. In addition, the outer dimensions 55w (in other words, width) of the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5 in the left-right direction may be adjusted so that it is the same as (or approximately the same as) or larger than the outer dimensions 83w (in other words, width) of the horizontal part 83 of the operating pedal 8 in the left-right direction (see Figure 10).

[0093] As a result, when the caster 1 is viewed from above when the wheels are unlocked (in other words, in a plan view), the horizontal portion 83 (and the main body portion 81) of the operating pedal 8 is obscured by the operating portion 55 (and the second upper plate 54) of the brake lever 5 (see Figure 5).

[0094] Therefore, for example, when the caster 1 is attached to a trolley, the user of the trolley can determine that the wheels are unlocked if, when looking at the caster 1 from above (in a plan view), the horizontal part 83 (and the main body part 81) of the operating pedal 8 is not visible.

[0095] Furthermore, the dimensions of each part may be adjusted so that the rear end position 55r of the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5 when the wheels are locked is in front of the rear end position 83r of the horizontal part 83 of the operating pedal 8 in the basic position (see Figure 10).

[0096] As a result, when the caster 1 is viewed from above when the wheels are locked (in other words, in a plan view), the horizontal portion 83 (and the main body portion 81) of the operating pedal 8 will not appear to overlap with the operating portion 55 (and the second upper plate 54) of the brake lever 5.

[0097] Therefore, for example, when the caster 1 is attached to a trolley, the user of the trolley can determine that the wheel is locked if the horizontal part 83 (and the main body part 81) of the operating pedal 8 is visible when viewing the caster 1 from above (in a plan view).

[0098] To make the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 easily distinguishable from the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5, the colors of the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 and the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 may be different from each other. For example, at least one of the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 and the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 may be formed using a material of a predetermined color or be colored.

[0099] (Operation of the brake release mechanism) When the caster 1 is in the wheel unlocked state (see Figures 3 to 5), the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5 is positioned above the operating pedal 8 of the brake release part 10, separated from the operating pedal 8.

[0100] As shown in the example in the figure, when the caster 1 is in the wheel unlocked state, the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 (including the rear end position 55r) is positioned above the axial center position 6c of the connecting shaft 6, which is the rotation center of the wheel 4. On the other hand, the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 of the brake release unit 10 (in other words, the swinging end; including the rear end position 83r) may be positioned below the axial center position 6c of the connecting shaft 6, which is the rotation center of the wheel 4 (see Figure 9). The horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 of the brake release unit 10 (in other words, the swinging end; including the rear end position 83r) may also be positioned below the axial center position 6c of the connecting shaft 6, which is the rotation center of the wheel 4, even when the caster 1 is in the wheel locked state (see Figure 11).

[0101] When the caster 1 is in the wheel unlocked state, if the operating part 55 (and the second upper plate 54) of the brake lever 5 is pushed down by the toes or the like, the brake lever 5 rotates in a direction that moves the operating part 55 downward, the locking shaft 58 moves forward within the arc groove 36 and is pressed against the front end of the arc groove 36, and the wheel locks.

[0102] When the wheel is locked, the end of the leaf spring 59, which is located inside the base member 3, contacts the outer surface of the tire 42 of the wheel 4, applying braking to the wheel 4 and locking its rotation.

[0103] In the example shown in the figure, specifically, an engagement shaft 38 is provided in front of the pivot shaft 51 and the locking shaft 58, positioned so that its axial direction is aligned with the left-right direction (in other words, the horizontal direction), and is attached to pass through a pair of fork portions 32 in the left-right direction.

[0104] Furthermore, a strip-shaped leaf spring 59 is formed by bending it into a V-shape when viewed from the side, and an engaging shaft 38 is inserted through the bent portion, and it is arranged inside the base member 3 (see Figure 12). The upper end of the rearward-facing open ends of the leaf spring 59 engages with the upper circumferential surface of the oscillating shaft 51, and the lower end engages with the lower circumferential surface of the locking shaft 58. An upward step 591 is formed at the lower end of the rearward-facing open ends of the leaf spring 59, in the direction from the open end to the bent portion.

[0105] Then, as the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is pushed down and the locking shaft 58 moves forward within the arc groove 36, the locking shaft 58 slides against the upper surface of the lower end of the rearward-opening ends of the leaf spring 59, passing over the raised step 591 in the direction from the open end to the bent portion. With the locking shaft 58 pressed against the front end of the arc groove 36, the lower surface of the lower end of the rearward-opening ends of the leaf spring 59 comes into contact with the outer surface of the tire 42 of the wheel 4, applying braking to the wheel 4 and locking the rotation of the wheel 4.

[0106] In this invention, the mechanism for applying braking to the wheel 4 of the caster 1 is not limited to a specific method or structure, and the mechanism including the engaging shaft 38 and leaf spring 59 shown in the figure is merely one example of a mechanism for applying braking to the wheel 4.

[0107] When the caster 1 is in the wheel-locked state (see Figures 6 to 8), the operating portion 55 (and the second upper plate 54) of the brake lever 5 is positioned close to the main body 81 (and the contact portion 82) of the operating pedal 8 and directly above the main body 81 (and the contact portion 82). When the caster 1 is in the wheel-locked state, the lower surface of the operating portion 55 (and the second upper plate 54) of the brake lever 5 may be in contact with / abutting the upper surface of the main body 81 (and the contact portion 82) of the operating pedal 8.

[0108] As shown in the example in the figure, when the caster 1 is in the wheel-locked state, the rear end position 55r of the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5 may be positioned below the axis position 6c of the connecting shaft 6, which is the rotation center of the wheel 4 (see Figure 11).

[0109] Furthermore, as shown in the example in the figure, the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 may be positioned below the operating portion 55 (including the rear end position 55r) of the brake lever 5, whether the caster 1 is in the wheel unlocked or wheel locked state (see Figures 9 and 11).

[0110] When the caster 1 is in the wheel-locked state, if the horizontal part 83 of the operating pedal 8 (and the part near the rear end of the main body 81) is pressed down by the toes or the like, the operating pedal 8 rotates in a direction that moves the horizontal part 83 downwards.

[0111] At this time, the upper end of the contact portion 82 of the operating pedal 8 contacts the lower surface of the second upper plate 54 of the brake lever 5, and as the operating pedal 8 rotates, the upper end of the contact portion 82 gradually pushes up the second upper plate 54. Specifically, in the example shown in the figure, the upper end of the contact portion 82 is configured to push up the portion that bends downward / forward in a protruding shape because the degree of inclination of the second upper plate 54 and the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 are connected and the degree of inclination of the second upper plate 54 and the operating portion 55 are different (see Figure 13).

[0112] As a result, the brake lever 5 rotates in a direction that moves the operating part 55 upward, the locking shaft 58 moves backward within the arc groove 36 and is pressed against the rear end of the arc groove 36, and the wheel is unlocked.

[0113] At this time, as the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 is pushed down and the locking shaft 58 moves backward within the arc groove 36, the locking shaft 58 slides over the upper surface of the lower end of the rearward-opening ends of the leaf spring 59, passing over the raised step 591 (or a lower step when moving from the bent portion to the open end). With the locking shaft 58 pressed against the rear end of the arc groove 36, the lower surface of the lower end of the rearward-opening ends of the leaf spring 59 separates from the outer surface of the tire 42 of the wheel 4, releasing the brake on the wheel 4 and unlocking the rotation of the wheel 4 (see Figure 12).

[0114] (Cart) The caster according to the present invention may be used, for example, by being attached to a trolley.

[0115] Figures 14 and 15 show a trolley 100 according to an embodiment, which is an example of a specific configuration of a trolley according to the present invention, and is equipped with a caster 1 according to Embodiment 1, which is an example of a specific configuration of a trolley according to the present invention.

[0116] The trolley 100 has a frame body 110 composed of multiple frame members, and a load-receiving plate (not shown in the drawing) attached to the upper side of the frame body 110, with casters 1 attached to the lower side of the frame body 110. The frame body 110 and the load-receiving plate correspond to the loading platform of the trolley 100.

[0117] Corner members 130 are provided at each of the four corners of the rectangular frame body 110 in plan view, for connecting and joining the frame members that make up the frame body 110.

[0118] The corner member 130 has insertion holes provided along the vertical direction at positions and portions corresponding to the four corners in a plan view of the frame body 110.

[0119] The insertion hole of the corner member 130 is formed as a hollow section into which a pipe material 140 (specifically, a single pipe, a steel pipe, etc.) can be freely inserted and removed along the vertical direction. A receiving member (not shown in the drawing) is attached to the lower end of the insertion hole, and the pipe material 140, which is inserted along the vertical direction from the upper end opening of the insertion hole, is supported by abutting against the receiving member.

[0120] The pipe material 140, which is inserted into the insertion hole and supported, is used as an operating rod that can be grasped by an operator and function like a handle when moving the trolley 100. Specifically, the pipe material 140 may be, for example, a single-pipe pipe or a steel pipe.

[0121] In the example shown in the figure, the pipe material 140 is detachably attached to and removed from the corner member 130 of the trolley 100. However, the detachability of the pipe material 140 from the trolley 100 is not an essential feature of the present invention, and the pipe material 140 may be made non-detachable from the trolley 100. Furthermore, the form of the trolley to which the casters according to the present invention are attached is not limited to the trolley 100 in the example shown in the figure. For example, any form of trolley equipped with casters for loading and transporting goods or luggage may be used.

[0122] The casters 1 are attached to the corners of the lower surface of the frame body 110 of the trolley 100, which is rectangular in plan view. In the example shown in the figure, four casters 1 are attached to one trolley 100, but five or more casters 1 may be attached.

[0123] (Embodiment 2) Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state of caster 1A according to Embodiment 2, as an example of a specific configuration of the caster according to the present invention. Figure 17 is a plan view showing the wheel unlocked state of caster 1A according to Embodiment 2, and Figure 18 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of caster 1A according to Embodiment 2.

[0124] This embodiment differs in structure from Embodiment 1 in that the outer dimensions 55w (in other words, width) of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 in the left-right direction are wider. However, other structures and configurations are the same as those of Embodiment 1, and the same reference numerals are used for structures and configurations equivalent to those of Embodiment 1, so their explanation is omitted.

[0125] The operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is the main part that is operated when operating the brake lever 5 (i.e., the pivoting end, which is the main part that is touched by the toes, etc.). At least a portion of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 overlaps with the tire 42 of the wheel 4 in a direction perpendicular to the axis direction of the rotation axis of the wheel 4 (connecting shaft 6 in the example shown in the figure) (in the state shown in the figure, the front-rear direction). Also, the "left-right direction" in the description of the caster 1A is the axis direction of the rotation axis of the wheel 4 (connecting shaft 6 in the example shown in the figure).

[0126] The caster 1A according to Embodiment 2 includes a wheel 4 and a brake lever 5 that is pivotably supported and operates when braking the wheel 4 and when releasing the brake on the wheel 4. The brake lever 5 has an operating portion 55 which is the target of operation and at least a part of it overlaps with the tire 42 of the wheel 4 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel 4, and the operating portion 55 is formed to be wide in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel 4. Note that the widening may be at least a part of the structure corresponding to the target of operation of the brake lever 5.

[0127] The caster 1A according to Embodiment 2 may be attached to at least the corner portions of the lower surface of the frame body 110 of the trolley 100, which has a rectangular shape in plan view, similar to the caster 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0128] Because the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is formed to be wider in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel 4 (connecting shaft 6 in the example shown in the figure), the visibility (in other words, ease of finding) of the operating portion 55 is improved, and the area of ​​the part to be operated (i.e., the part that can be touched with the toes, etc.) when the operating portion 55 is pressed down by placing the toes, etc. on it is increased, making it easier and more reliable to operate the brake lever 5.

[0129] Because the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is formed to be wide in the direction of the axis of rotation of the wheel 4 (connecting shaft 6 in the example shown in the figure), it becomes easier to place the toes or other body parts on the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 regardless of which direction the caster 1A is facing when attached to the trolley 100, or regardless of where the user of the trolley 100 is positioned around the trolley 100, making it easier and more reliable to operate the brake lever 5.

[0130] In Embodiment 2, the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is formed to be wider in the left-right direction than the rest of the brake lever 5 (i.e., the rest of the brake lever 5 other than the operating portion 55). The degree to which the operating portion 55 is wider is set appropriately, taking into consideration factors such as improving the identifiability and visibility of the operating portion 55 by making it wider than the rest of the brake lever 5, and ensuring (in other words, enlarging) the area of ​​the rest of the brake lever 5.

[0131] The outer dimensions 55w (in other words, width) of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 in the left-right direction are, for example, 1.2 times or more, preferably 1.4 times or more, more preferably 1.6 times or more, and even more preferably 1.8 times or more, of the maximum width in the left-right direction of the brake lever 5 excluding the operating portion 55 (specifically, in the example shown in the figure, the outer dimensions 54w (in other words, width) of the second upper plate 54 in the left-right direction).

[0132] On the other hand, if the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is extremely wide in the left-right direction, it may, for example, protrude outward from the platform of the trolley in a plan view, making it more likely to hit surrounding walls or objects, or it may easily hit the user's feet when the caster 1A turns around an axis along the vertical direction. For this reason, it is preferable that the width of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 in the left-right direction is not excessive.

[0133] Therefore, the outer dimension 55w (in other words, width) of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 in the left-right direction is, for example, 3 times or less, preferably 2.8 times or less, more preferably 2.6 times or less, more preferably 2.4 times or less, and even more preferably 2.2 times or less.

[0134] Therefore, the outer dimension 55w (in other words, width) of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 in the left-right direction is preferably 1.2 times or more and 3 times or less, preferably 1.4 times or more and 2.8 times or less, more preferably 1.4 times or more and 2.6 times or less, more preferably 1.6 times or more and 2.4 times or less, even more preferably 1.8 times or more and 2.2 times or less, and most preferably about 2 times.

[0135] In the example shown in the figure, the left-right outer dimension 54w of the second upper plate 54, the left-right outer dimension of the pair of side plates 52 that face each other in the left-right direction (in other words, the total width of the opposing pair), and the left-right outer dimension of the first upper plate 53 are all the same. However, even if these dimensions are different from each other, the above-mentioned relationship between outer dimension and width is the relationship between the left-right outer dimension 55w of the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5 and the outer dimension of the maximum width in the left-right direction of the brake lever 5, excluding the operating part 55.

[0136] In Embodiment 2, the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is also formed to be wider in the left-right direction than the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8. The degree to which the operating portion 55 is wider is set appropriately, taking into consideration factors such as improving the identifiability and visibility of the operating portion 55 by being wider than the horizontal portion 83, and securing (in other words, enlarging) the area of ​​the part to be operated.

[0137] The left-right outer dimension 55w (in other words, width) of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is, for example, 1.4 times or more, preferably 1.6 times or more, more preferably 1.8 times or more, more preferably 2 times or more, more preferably 2.2 times or more, more preferably 2.4 times or more, more preferably 2.6 times or more, more preferably 2.8 times or more, and even more preferably 3 times or more.

[0138] On the other hand, as mentioned above, if the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is extremely wide in the left-right direction, it may, for example, protrude outward from the platform of the trolley in a plan view and easily hit surrounding walls or objects, or it may easily hit the feet of the trolley user when the caster 1A turns around an axis along the vertical direction. For this reason, it is preferable that the degree of width of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 in the left-right direction is not excessive.

[0139] Therefore, the left-right outer dimension 55w (in other words, width) of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is, for example, 4 times or less, preferably 3.9 times or less, more preferably 3.8 times or less, more preferably 3.7 times or less, more preferably 3.6 times or less, more preferably 3.5 times or less, more preferably 3.4 times or less, more preferably 3.3 times or less, and even more preferably 3.2 times or less.

[0140] Therefore, the left-right outer dimension 55w (in other words, width) of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is, for example, 1.4 times or more and 4 times or less, preferably 1.6 times or more and 3.9 times or less, more preferably 1.8 times or more and 3.8 times or less, more preferably 2 times or more and 3.7 times or less, more preferably 2.2 times or more and 3.6 times or less, more preferably 2.4 times or more and 3.5 times or less, more preferably 2.6 times or more and 3.4 times or less, more preferably 2.8 times or more and 3.3 times or less, even more preferably 3 times or more and 3.2 times or less, and most preferably about 3.1 times.

[0141] In Embodiment 2, the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is also formed to be wider in the left-right direction than the tire 42 of the wheel 4. The degree to which the operating portion 55 is wider is set appropriately, taking into consideration factors such as improving the identifiability and visibility of the operating portion 55 by being wider than the tire 42, and securing (in other words, enlarging) the area of ​​the part to be operated.

[0142] The outer dimensions 55w (in other words, width) of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 in the left-right direction are, for example, 1.7 times or more, preferably 1.9 times or more, preferably 2.1 times or more, more preferably 2.3 times or more, and even more preferably 2.5 times or more.

[0143] On the other hand, as mentioned above, if the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is extremely wide in the left-right direction, it may, for example, protrude outward from the platform of the trolley in a plan view and easily hit surrounding walls or objects, or it may easily hit the feet of the trolley user when the caster 1A turns around an axis along the vertical direction. For this reason, it is preferable that the degree of width of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 in the left-right direction is not excessive.

[0144] Therefore, the outer dimensions 55w (in other words, width) of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 in the left-right direction are, for example, 3.7 times or less, preferably 3.5 times or less, more preferably 3.3 times or less, even more preferably 3.1 times or less, and still more preferably 2.9 times or less.

[0145] Therefore, the outer dimensions 55w (in other words, width) of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 in the left-right direction are, for example, 1.7 times or more and 3.7 times or less, preferably 1.9 times or more and 3.5 times or less, more preferably 2.1 times or more and 3.3 times or less, even more preferably 2.3 times or more and 3.1 times or less, even more preferably 2.5 times or more and 2.9 times or less, and most preferably about 2.7 times.

[0146] (Embodiment 3) Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state of caster 1B according to Embodiment 3, as an example of a specific configuration of the caster according to the present invention. Figure 20 is a plan view showing the wheel unlocked state of caster 1B according to Embodiment 3, and Figure 21 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of caster 1B according to Embodiment 3.

[0147] This embodiment differs in structure from Embodiment 1 in that the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 has a wider outer dimension 83w (in other words, width) in the left-right direction. However, other structures and configurations are the same as those of Embodiment 1, and the same reference numerals are used for structures and configurations equivalent to those of Embodiment 1, so their explanation is omitted.

[0148] The horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 is the main part that is operated when operating the operating pedal 8 (i.e., the swinging end, which is the main part that the toes of the feet are placed on). At least a portion of the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8, which is the part that is operated, overlaps with the tire 42 of the wheel 4 in a direction perpendicular to the axis direction of the rotation axis of the wheel 4 (connecting shaft 6 in the example shown in the figure) (in the front-rear direction in the state shown in the figure). Also, the "left-right direction" in the description of the caster 1B is the axis direction of the rotation axis of the wheel 4 (connecting shaft 6 in the example shown in the figure).

[0149] In the example shown in the figure, the main body 81 of the operating pedal 8 is also formed to be wide, with the same external dimensions in the left-right direction as the horizontal portion 83. However, it is sufficient that at least the horizontal portion 83 is formed to be wide in the left-right direction; in other words, only the horizontal portion 83 may be formed to be wide in the left-right direction.

[0150] The caster 1B according to Embodiment 3 includes a wheel 4, a brake lever 5 that is pivotably supported and operates when braking the wheel 4 and when releasing the brake on the wheel 4, and a brake release part 10 that operates when releasing the brake on the wheel 4. The brake release part 10 has a pivotably supported operating pedal 8, and the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8, which serves as the pivot end, is formed to be wide in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel 4. Note that the widening may be at least a part of the structure corresponding to the pivot end of the operating pedal 8.

[0151] The caster 1B according to Embodiment 3 may be attached to at least the corner portions of the lower surface of the rectangular frame body 110 of the trolley 100, similar to the caster 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0152] Because the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 is formed to be wider in the left-right direction, the visibility (in other words, ease of finding) of the horizontal portion 83 is improved, and when the toes or other objects are placed on the horizontal portion 83 and the horizontal portion 83 is pressed down, the area of ​​the part to be operated (i.e., the part that the toes or other objects are placed on) is increased, making it easier and more reliable to operate the operating pedal 8.

[0153] In Embodiment 3, the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 is formed to be wider in the left-right direction than the brake lever 5. The degree to which the horizontal portion 83 is wider is set appropriately, taking into consideration factors such as improving the identifiability and visibility of the horizontal portion 83 by being wider than the brake lever 5, and securing (in other words, enlarging) the area of ​​the operating target.

[0154] The left-right outer dimension 83w (in other words, width) of the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 is, for example, 1.2 times or more, preferably 1.4 times or more, more preferably 1.6 times or more, and even more preferably 1.8 times or more, of the maximum left-right width of the brake lever 5 (specifically, in the example shown in the figure, the left-right outer dimension 54w (in other words, width) of the second upper plate 54).

[0155] On the other hand, if the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 is extremely wide in the left-right direction, it may, for example, protrude outward from the platform of the trolley in a plan view, making it more likely to hit surrounding walls or objects, or the caster 1B may easily hit the user's feet when turning around an axis along the vertical direction. For this reason, it is preferable that the width of the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 in the left-right direction is not excessive.

[0156] Therefore, the left-right outer dimension 83w (in other words, width) of the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 is, for example, 3 times or less, preferably 2.8 times or less, more preferably 2.6 times or less, more preferably 2.4 times or less, and even more preferably 2.2 times or less.

[0157] Therefore, the left-right outer dimension 83w (in other words, width) of the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 is preferably 1.2 times or more and 3 times or less, preferably 1.4 times or more and 2.8 times or less, more preferably 1.4 times or more and 2.6 times or less, more preferably 1.6 times or more and 2.4 times or less, even more preferably 1.8 times or more and 2.2 times or less, and most preferably about 2 times.

[0158] In the example shown in the figure, the left-right outer dimension 54w of the second upper plate 54, the left-right outer dimension of the pair of side plates 52 that face each other in the left-right direction (in other words, the total width of the opposing pair), and the left-right outer dimension of the first upper plate 53 are all the same. However, even if these are different dimensions, the above-mentioned relationship between outer dimension / width is the same as the relationship between the left-right outer dimension 83w of the horizontal part 83 of the operating pedal 8 and the outer dimension of the maximum width of the brake lever 5 in the left-right direction.

[0159] In Embodiment 3, the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 is also formed to be wider in the left-right direction than the tire 42 of the wheel 4. The degree to which the horizontal portion 83 is wider is set appropriately, taking into consideration factors such as improving the identifiability and visibility of the horizontal portion 83 by being wider than the tire 42, and securing (in other words, enlarging) the area of ​​the part to be operated.

[0160] The left-right outer dimension 83w (in other words, width) of the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 is, for example, 1.7 times or more, preferably 1.9 times or more, preferably 2.1 times or more, more preferably 2.3 times or more, and even more preferably 2.5 times or more, of the left-right outer dimension 42w (in other words, width) of the tire 42 of the wheel 4.

[0161] On the other hand, as mentioned above, if the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 is extremely wide in the left-right direction, it may, for example, protrude outward from the platform of the trolley in a plan view and easily hit surrounding walls or objects, or the caster 1B may easily hit the user's feet when turning around an axis along the vertical direction. For this reason, it is preferable that the width of the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 in the left-right direction is not excessive.

[0162] Therefore, the left-right outer dimension 83w (in other words, width) of the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 is, for example, 3.7 times or less, preferably 3.5 times or less, more preferably 3.3 times or less, more preferably 3.1 times or less, and even more preferably 2.9 times or less.

[0163] Therefore, the left-right outer dimension 83w (in other words, width) of the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 is, for example, 1.7 times or more and 3.7 times or less, preferably 1.9 times or more and 3.5 times or less, more preferably 2.1 times or more and 3.3 times or less, even more preferably 2.3 times or more and 3.1 times or less, even more preferably 2.5 times or more and 2.9 times or less, and most preferably about 2.7 times.

[0164] (Embodiment 4) Figure 22 is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state of caster 1C according to Embodiment 4, as an example of a specific configuration of the caster according to the present invention. Figure 23 is a plan view showing the wheel unlocked state of caster 1C according to Embodiment 4, and Figure 24 is a plan view showing the wheel locked state of caster 1C according to Embodiment 4.

[0165] This embodiment differs in structure from Embodiment 1 in that the outer dimensions 55w (in other words, width) of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 in the left-right direction and the outer dimensions 83w (in other words, width) of the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 in the left-right direction are formed to be wider. However, other structures and configurations are the same as those of Embodiment 1, and the same reference numerals are used for structures and configurations that are the same as those of Embodiment 1, so their explanation is omitted.

[0166] The operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is the main part to be operated when operating the brake lever 5 (i.e., the pivoting end, the main part to which the toes, etc., are placed), and the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 is the main part to be operated when operating the operating pedal 8 (i.e., the pivoting end, the main part to which the toes, etc., are placed). The operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5, which is the part to be operated, overlaps with the tire 42 of the wheel 4 at least in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the wheel 4's rotation axis (connecting shaft 6 in the example shown in the figure) (in the state shown in the figure, the front-rear direction), and the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8, which is the part to be operated, overlaps with the tire 42 of the wheel 4 at least in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the wheel 4's rotation axis (connecting shaft 6 in the example shown in the figure) (in the state shown in the figure, the front-rear direction). In addition, the "left-right direction" in the description of the caster 1C is the axial direction of the wheel 4's rotation axis (connecting shaft 6 in the example shown in the figure).

[0167] In the example shown in the figure, the main body 81 of the operating pedal 8 is also formed to be wide, with the same external dimensions in the left-right direction as the horizontal part 83. However, it is sufficient for at least the horizontal part 83 of the main body 81 to be formed to be wide in the left-right direction; in other words, only the horizontal part 83 of the main body 81 may be formed to be wide in the left-right direction.

[0168] The caster 1C according to Embodiment 4 includes a wheel 4 and a brake lever 5 that is pivotably supported and operates when braking the wheel 4 and when releasing the brake on the wheel 4. The brake lever 5 has an operating portion 55 as an operating target portion, at least a part of which overlaps with the tire 42 of the wheel 4 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel 4. The operating portion 55 as an operating target portion is formed to be wide in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel 4, and furthermore, the horizontal portion 83 as the pivoting end of the operating pedal 8 is formed to be wide. Note that the widening may be at least a part of the structure corresponding to the operating target portion of the brake lever 5, and at least a part of the structure corresponding to the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8.

[0169] The caster 1C according to Embodiment 4 may be attached to at least the corner portions of the lower surface of the frame body 110 of the trolley 100, which has a rectangular shape in plan view, similar to the caster 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0170] Because the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is formed to be wider in the left-right direction, the visibility (in other words, ease of finding) of the operating portion 55 is improved, and when the operating portion 55 is pressed down by placing the toe or the like on the operating portion 55, the area of ​​the part to be operated (i.e., the part that the toe or the like is placed on) is increased, making it easier and more reliable to operate the brake lever 5.

[0171] In Embodiment 4, the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is formed to be wider in the left-right direction than the rest of the brake lever 5 (i.e., the rest of the brake lever 5 other than the operating portion 55). The degree to which the operating portion 55 is wider is set appropriately, taking into consideration factors such as improving the identifiability and visibility of the operating portion 55 by making it wider than the rest of the brake lever 5, and ensuring (in other words, enlarging) the area of ​​the rest of the brake lever 5.

[0172] In Embodiment 4, the relationship between the left-right outer dimension 55w of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 and the maximum left-right width of the brake lever 5 excluding the operating portion 55 (specifically, the left-right outer dimension 54w of the second upper plate 54 in the example shown in the figure) is the same as the relationship between these in Embodiment 2.

[0173] In Embodiment 4, the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is also formed to be wider in the left-right direction than the tire 42 of the wheel 4. The degree to which the operating portion 55 is wider is set appropriately, taking into consideration factors such as improving the identifiability and visibility of the operating portion 55 by being wider than the tire 42, and securing (in other words, enlarging) the area of ​​the part to be operated.

[0174] In Embodiment 4, the relationship between the left-right outer dimension 55w of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 and the left-right outer dimension 42w of the tire 42 of the wheel 4 is the same as the relationship between them in Embodiment 2.

[0175] Furthermore, because the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 is formed to be wider in the left-right direction, the visibility (in other words, ease of finding) of the horizontal portion 83 is improved, and when the toes or other objects are placed on the horizontal portion 83 and the horizontal portion 83 is pressed down, the area of ​​the part to be operated (i.e., the part that the toes or other objects are placed on) is increased, making it easier and more reliable to operate the operating pedal 8.

[0176] In Embodiment 4, the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 is formed to be wider in the left-right direction than the brake lever 5. The degree to which the horizontal portion 83 is wider is set appropriately, taking into consideration factors such as improving the identifiability and visibility of the horizontal portion 83 by being wider than the brake lever 5, and securing (in other words, enlarging) the area of ​​the operating target.

[0177] In Embodiment 4, the relationship between the left-right outer dimension 83w of the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 and the maximum left-right width of the brake lever 5 (specifically, the left-right outer dimension 54w of the second upper plate 54 in the example shown in the figure) is the same as the relationship between these in Embodiment 3.

[0178] In Embodiment 4, the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 is also formed to be wider in the left-right direction than the tire 42 of the wheel 4. The degree to which the horizontal portion 83 is wider is set appropriately, taking into consideration factors such as improving the identifiability and visibility of the horizontal portion 83 by being wider than the tire 42, and securing (in other words, enlarging) the area of ​​the part to be operated.

[0179] In Embodiment 4, the relationship between the left-right outer dimension 83w of the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 and the left-right outer dimension 42w of the tire 42 of the wheel 4 is the same as the relationship between them in Embodiment 3.

[0180] Furthermore, the outer dimensions 55w of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 in the left-right direction and the outer dimensions 83w of the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 in the left-right direction may be set to the same dimension, or they may be set to different dimensions.

[0181] (Embodiment 5) Figure 25 is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state of caster 1D according to Embodiment 5, as an example of a specific configuration of the caster according to the present invention. Figure 26 is a plan view showing the wheel unlocked state of caster 1D according to Embodiment 5.

[0182] This embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in structure and configuration in that it does not have a brake release section 10 and the outer dimensions 55w (in other words, width) of the operating section 55 of the brake lever 5 in the left-right direction are wider. However, other structures and configurations are the same as those of Embodiment 1, and the same reference numerals are used for structures and configurations that are the same as those of Embodiment 1, so their explanation is omitted.

[0183] The operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is the main part that is operated when operating the brake lever 5 (i.e., the pivoting end, which is the main part that is touched by the toes, etc.). At least a portion of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 overlaps with the tire 42 of the wheel 4 in a direction perpendicular to the axis direction of the rotation axis of the wheel 4 (connecting shaft 6 in the example shown in the figure) (in the state shown in the figure, the front-rear direction). Also, the "left-right direction" in the description of the caster 1D is the axis direction of the rotation axis of the wheel 4 (connecting shaft 6 in the example shown in the figure).

[0184] The caster 1D according to Embodiment 5 does not have a brake release part 10. Therefore, when releasing the brake on the wheel 4 from a wheel-locked state, where the brake is applied to the wheel 4 by pushing down the operating part 55 (and the second upper plate 54) of the brake lever 5 with the toes or the like, and bringing the wheel into an unlocked state, the toes or the like are inserted below the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5, which is in the pushed-down state, and moved upward (i.e., the operating part 55 is pushed up from the back), causing the brake lever 5 to rotate in the direction in which the operating part 55 moves upward, releasing the brake on the wheel 4 and bringing the wheel into an unlocked state.

[0185] Specifically, the brake lever 5 in the depressed state refers to the brake lever 5 in the position shown in Figures 6 to 8 and Figures 10 and 11.

[0186] The caster 1D according to Embodiment 5 includes a wheel 4 and a brake lever 5 that is pivotably supported and operates when braking the wheel 4 and when releasing the brake on the wheel 4. The brake lever 5 has an operating portion 55 which is the target of operation and at least a part of it overlaps with the tire 42 of the wheel 4 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel 4, and the operating portion 55 is formed to be wide in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel 4. Note that the widening may be at least a part of the structure corresponding to the target of operation of the brake lever 5.

[0187] The caster 1D according to Embodiment 5 may be attached to at least the corner portions of the lower surface of the frame body 110 of the trolley 100, which has a rectangular shape in plan view, similar to the caster 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0188] Because the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is formed to be wider in the left-right direction, the visibility (in other words, ease of finding) of the operating portion 55 is improved, and when the operating portion 55 is pressed down by placing the toe or the like on the operating portion 55, the area of ​​the part to be operated (i.e., the part that the toe or the like is placed on) is increased, making it easier and more reliable to operate the brake lever 5.

[0189] In Embodiment 5, the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is formed to be wider in the left-right direction than the rest of the brake lever 5 (i.e., the rest of the brake lever 5 other than the operating portion 55). The degree to which the operating portion 55 is wider is set appropriately, taking into consideration factors such as improving the identifiability and visibility of the operating portion 55 by making it wider than the rest of the brake lever 5, and ensuring (in other words, enlarging) the area of ​​the rest of the brake lever 5.

[0190] In Embodiment 5, the relationship between the left-right outer dimension 55w of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 and the maximum left-right width of the brake lever 5 excluding the operating portion 55 (specifically, the left-right outer dimension 54w of the second upper plate 54 in the example shown in the figure) is the same as the relationship between these in Embodiment 2.

[0191] In Embodiment 5, the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is also formed to be wider in the left-right direction than the tire 42 of the wheel 4. The degree to which the operating portion 55 is wider is set appropriately, taking into consideration factors such as improving the identifiability and visibility of the operating portion 55 by being wider than the tire 42, and securing (in other words, enlarging) the area of ​​the part to be operated.

[0192] In Embodiment 5, the relationship between the left-right outer dimension 55w of the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 and the left-right outer dimension 42w of the tire 42 of the wheel 4 is the same as the relationship between them in Embodiment 2.

[0193] (Embodiment 6) Figure 27 is a perspective view showing the wheel unlocked state of caster 1E according to Embodiment 6, which is an example of a specific configuration of the caster according to the present invention.

[0194] This embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 in structure and configuration in that it does not have a brake release section 10 and that an extension part 551 with a wider outer dimension 551w (in other words, width) in the left-right direction is attached to the operating section 55 of the brake lever 5 (see Figure 28). However, other structures and configurations are the same as those of Embodiment 1, and the same reference numerals are used for structures and configurations equivalent to those of Embodiment 1, so their explanation is omitted.

[0195] The extension part 551 attached to the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5 corresponds to the main operating part when operating the brake lever 5 (i.e., the pivoting end, which is the main part that the toes or other body parts touch). At least a portion of the extension part 551, which corresponds to the operating part of the brake lever 5, overlaps with the tire 42 of the wheel 4 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the wheel 4's rotation axis (connecting shaft 6 in the example shown in the figure) (in the state shown in the figure, the front-rear direction). Also, the "left-right direction" in the description of the caster 1E refers to the axial direction of the wheel 4's rotation axis (connecting shaft 6 in the example shown in the figure).

[0196] The caster 1E according to Embodiment 6 does not have a brake release part 10. Therefore, when releasing the brake on the wheel 4 from a wheel-locked state, where the wheel 4 is braked by pushing down the extension part 551 (and the operating part 55 and the second upper plate 54) attached to the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5 with the toes of a foot, the brake lever 5 rotates in a direction that moves the extension part 551 and the operating part 55 attached to the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5 in the pushed-down state, thereby releasing the brake on the wheel 4 and bringing it into an unlocked state.

[0197] Specifically, the brake lever 5 in the depressed state refers to the brake lever 5 in the position shown in Figures 6 to 8 and Figures 10 and 11.

[0198] The caster 1E according to Embodiment 6 includes a wheel 4 and a brake lever 5 that is pivotably supported and operates when braking the wheel 4 and when releasing the brake on the wheel 4. The brake lever 5 has an extension part 551 as an operating target portion, at least a portion of which overlaps with the tire 42 of the wheel 4 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel 4, and the extension part 551 as an operating target portion is formed to be wide in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel 4. Note that the widening may be at least a part of the structure corresponding to the operating target portion of the brake lever 5.

[0199] The caster 1E according to Embodiment 6 may be used by being attached to at least the corner portions of the lower surface of the frame body 110 of the trolley 100, which has a rectangular shape in plan view, similar to the caster 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0200] The extension part 551 attached to the operating section 55 of the brake lever 5 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape in plan view, with the edges of the rectangle bent downwards to form a shape roughly resembling the lid of a box (see Figure 29).

[0201] A notch 554 is formed in the front bent portion of each edge of the extension part 551, into which the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 fits.

[0202] A pair of through holes 555 are formed in the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5, extending vertically through them. Similarly, a pair of through holes 552 are formed in the extension part 551, also extending vertically through them. The through holes 555 of the operating portion 55 and the through holes 552 of the extension part 551 are formed in positions that overlap each other when the operating portion 55 and the extension part 551 are stacked vertically.

[0203] With the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 inserted into the notch 554 of the extension part 551, the extension part 551 is positioned on the upper surface of the operating portion 55.

[0204] The positions of the through-hole 552 in the extension part 551 and the through-hole 555 in the operating part 55 are adjusted so that they overlap each other in the vertical direction. Then, a joining member 553 such as a rivet is used to join the through-hole 552 of the extension part 551 and the through-hole 555 of the operating part 55, thereby fixing and attaching the extension part 551 to the operating part 55.

[0205] Because the extension part 551 attached to the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5 is formed to be wider in the left-right direction, the visibility (in other words, ease of finding) of the extension part 551 (and the operating part 55 via the extension part 551) is improved, and the area of ​​the part to be operated (i.e., the part that can be touched by the toes, etc.) when the toes, etc. are placed on the extension part 551 (and the operating part 55 via the extension part 551) and the extension part 551 is pushed down becomes larger, making it easier and more reliable to operate the brake lever 5.

[0206] In Embodiment 6, the extension component 551 attached to the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 is formed to be wider than the brake lever 5 in the left-right direction. The degree to which the extension component 551 is wider is set appropriately, taking into consideration factors such as improving the identifiability and visibility of the extension component 551 by being wider than the brake lever 5, and securing (in other words, enlarging) the area of ​​the operating portion.

[0207] In Embodiment 6, the relationship between the left-right outer dimension 551w of the extension part 551 and the maximum left-right width of the brake lever 5 (specifically, the left-right outer dimension 54w of the second upper plate 54 in the example shown in the figure) is the same as the relationship between the left-right outer dimension 55w of the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5 and the left-right outer dimension of the maximum width of the brake lever 5 excluding the operating part 55 in Embodiment 2.

[0208] In Embodiment 6, the extension part 551 attached to the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5 is also formed to be wider in the left-right direction than the tire 42 of the wheel 4. The degree to which the extension part 551 is wider is set appropriately, taking into consideration the improvement of the identifiability and visibility of the extension part 551 due to being wider than the tire 42, and the securing (in other words, enlargement) of the area of ​​the operating target part.

[0209] In Embodiment 6, the relationship between the left-right outer dimension 551w of the extension part 551 and the left-right outer dimension 42w of the tire 42 of the wheel 4 is the same as the relationship between the left-right outer dimension 55w of the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5 and the left-right outer dimension 42w of the tire 42 of the wheel 4 in Embodiment 2.

[0210] (Unique identifiability) In the caster 1 of Embodiment 1, the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 may be colored (in other words, tinted). Specifically, the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 may be colored differently from the other parts of the caster 1 (especially the brake lever 5) (specifically, for example, the side plate 52, the first upper plate 53, and the second upper plate 54) (see Figures 30 and 31). In other words, the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 may be given a distinctive distinguishing feature from the other parts. In the example shown in the figures, only the top surface of the operating portion 55 is colored (in other words, tinted), but the sides of the operating portion 55 may also be colored so that the portion corresponding to the operating portion 55 is colored.

[0211] In addition to the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5, the second upper plate 54 may also be colored differently from the other parts of the caster 1 (specifically, the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5) and the second upper plate 54 (specifically, for example, the side plate 52 and the first upper plate 53). In other words, the second upper plate 54, in addition to the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5, may also be given a distinctive distinguishing feature from the other parts.

[0212] In other words, at least the swinging end of the brake lever 5 (for example, the operating part 55, or the operating part 55 and the second upper plate 54) may be colored (in other words, colored, having a different color from other parts, and having a distinctive distinguishability from other parts).

[0213] Furthermore, at least the swinging end of the brake lever 5 (for example, the operating part 55, or the operating part 55 and the second upper plate 54) may be color-different from at least the operating pedal 8 of the brake release unit 10, or in other words, it may be provided with a distinctive distinguishing feature from at least the brake release unit 10 (especially the operating pedal 8).

[0214] Regarding the caster 1 of Embodiment 1, the entire brake lever 5 may be made to have a different color from the other parts of the caster 1 (see Figures 32 and 33). In other words, the entire brake lever 5 may be made to have a distinctive distinguishing feature from the other parts.

[0215] Furthermore, the brake lever 5 (in its entirety) may be color-different from at least the operating pedal 8 of the brake release unit 10, or in other words, it may be given a distinctive distinguishing feature from at least the brake release unit 10 (especially the operating pedal 8).

[0216] Furthermore, at least the swinging end of the brake lever 5 (for example, the operating part 55, or the operating part 55 and the second upper plate 54) may be a different color from at least the swinging end of the operating pedal 8 of the brake release unit 10 (for example, the horizontal part 83, or the horizontal part 83 and the main body part 81). In other words, it may be provided with a distinctive distinguishing feature from at least the swinging end of the operating pedal 8 of the brake release unit 10.

[0217] The caster 1 of Embodiment 1, or the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 of the brake release unit 10, may be colored (in other words, tinted). Specifically, the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 may be colored differently from the other parts of the caster 1 (especially the operating pedal 8) (specifically, for example, the main body portion 81 and the contact portion 82) (see Figures 34 and 35). In other words, the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 may be given a distinctive distinguishing feature from the other parts. In the example shown in the figures, only the upper surface of the horizontal portion 83 is colored (in other words, tinted), but the sides of the horizontal portion 83 may also be colored so that the portion corresponding to the horizontal portion 83 is colored.

[0218] In addition to the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 of the brake release unit 10, the main body portion 81 may also be made to have a different color from the other parts of the caster 1 (specifically, the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8) and the main body portion 81 (specifically, for example, the contact portion 82). In other words, the main body portion 81 of the operating pedal 8, in addition to the horizontal portion 83, may also be made to have a distinctive distinguishing feature from the other parts.

[0219] In other words, at least the swinging end of the operating pedal 8 of the brake release unit 10 (for example, the horizontal part 83, or the horizontal part 83 and the main body part 81) may be colored (in other words, it may be colored, have a different color from other parts, and have a distinctive distinguishing feature from other parts).

[0220] Furthermore, at least the swinging end of the operating pedal 8 of the brake release unit 10 (for example, the horizontal part 83, or the horizontal part 83 and the main body part 81) may be at least different in color from the brake lever 5, or in other words, it may be provided with at least a distinctive distinguishing feature from the brake lever 5.

[0221] Regarding the caster 1 of Embodiment 1, the entire operating pedal 8 of the brake release unit 10 may be made to have a different color from the other parts of the caster 1 (see Figures 36 and 37). In other words, the entire operating pedal 8 may be made to have a distinctive distinguishing feature from the other parts.

[0222] Furthermore, the operating pedal 8 (the entirety) of the brake release unit 10 may be color-different from that of the brake lever 5, or in other words, it may be given a distinctive distinguishing feature from that of the brake lever 5.

[0223] Furthermore, at least the swinging end of the operating pedal 8 of the brake release unit 10 (for example, the horizontal part 83, or the horizontal part 83 and the main body part 81) may be a different color from at least the swinging end of the brake lever 5 (for example, the operating part 55, or the operating part 55 and the second upper plate 54), or in other words, it may be provided with a distinctive distinguishing feature from the swinging end of the brake lever 5.

[0224] The operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 and the entire brake lever 5 of the caster 1A in Embodiment 2 (see Figures 38 to 40 and 41 to 43), as well as the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 of the brake release portion 10 and the entire operating pedal 8 (see Figures 44 to 46 and 47 to 49), are described in the same way as in Embodiment 1 when these parts / the whole have a unique distinctiveness from other parts.

[0225] The operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 and the entire brake lever 5 of the caster 1B in Embodiment 3 (see Figures 50 to 52 and 53 to 55), as well as the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 of the brake release portion 10 and the entire operating pedal 8 (see Figures 56 to 58 and 59 to 61), are described in the same way as in Embodiment 1 when these parts / the whole have a unique distinctiveness from other parts.

[0226] The operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 and the entire brake lever 5 of the caster 1C of Embodiment 4 (see Figures 62 to 64 and 65 to 67), as well as the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 of the brake release portion 10 and the entire operating pedal 8 (see Figures 68 to 70 and 71 to 73), are described in the same way as in Embodiment 1 when these parts / the whole have a unique distinctiveness from other parts.

[0227] The operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 and the entire brake lever 5 of the caster 1D in Embodiment 5 (see Figures 74 and 75) are described in the same way as in Embodiment 1 when these parts / the whole have a unique distinctiveness from other parts.

[0228] The extension component 551 attached to the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5 of the caster 1E in Embodiment 6, and the entire brake lever 5 including the extension component 551 (see Figures 76 and 77), are described in the same way as in Embodiment 1 when these parts / the whole have a distinctive distinguishing feature from other parts.

[0229] A part of the caster that has a distinctive distinguishing feature from other parts (referred to as the "distinctive distinguishing part") may, for example, have different colors due to different materials of the distinctive distinguishing parts (in other words, have a distinctive distinguishing feature from other parts), or the distinctive distinguishing parts may have different colors due to being colored (have a distinctive distinguishing feature from other parts), or another component may be attached to the distinctive distinguishing part to make it different in color (have a distinctive distinguishing feature from other parts), or a predetermined processing may be applied to the distinctive distinguishing part to make it different in color (have a distinctive distinguishing feature from other parts).

[0230] The distinctive identification part may be configured such that, for example, a unique identifiability is provided to other parts by any of the following a to e, or a combination of several of the following a to e is used to provide a unique identifiability to other parts. a) Application of paints that do not possess optical properties (e.g., reflective, fluorescent, phosphorescent, etc.) (i.e., coloring) b) Application of a paint with optical properties (e.g., reflective, fluorescent, phosphorescent, etc.) (i.e., coloring) c) Applying a seal that does not possess optical properties (e.g., reflectivity, fluorescence, phosphorescence, etc.) d) Application of a seal with optical properties (e.g., reflectivity, fluorescence, phosphorescence, etc.) e) Attachment of a cover member that does not have optical properties (such as reflectivity, fluorescence, phosphorescence, etc.) f) Attachment of a cover member that has optical properties (such as reflectivity, fluorescence, phosphorescence, etc.) g) Surface concavo-convex processing (such as embossing) h) Surface smoothing processing (such as polishing, mirror finish))

[0231] By enabling the caster to have a unique identification part, specifically, for example, by making any one of the following 1 to 4 have unique identification with respect to other parts to serve as the unique identification part, when operating the caster (specifically, when performing an operation of applying braking to the wheel or releasing the braking of the wheel), the operation target part / portion can be distinguished from other parts / portions of the caster and be easily visible, so that the operation of the caster can be performed smoothly and reliably. 1) The operation part 55 of the brake lever 5, or the operation part 55 and the second upper plate 54 2) The whole brake lever 5 3) The horizontal part 83 of the operation pedal 8 of the brake release part 10, or the horizontal part 83 and the main body part 81 4) The whole operation pedal 8 of the brake release part 10

[0232] (Mounting position of the caster) Figures 78 and 79 are bottom views showing the cart 100A according to the embodiment as an example of a specific configuration mode of the cart according to the present invention, and are diagrams for explaining the adjustment of the mounting position of the caster 1F attached to the cart 100A.

[0233] As shown in Figures 78 and 79, a caster 1F is attached to the underside of the frame body 110 of the trolley 100A, with an extension part 551 that has a wider outer dimension (in other words, width) in the left-right direction, as in the caster 1E according to Embodiment 6, attached to the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5. However, the caster that is attached to the underside of the trolley after the mounting position is adjusted is not limited to the caster 1F in the example shown in the figures, and any caster that includes a brake lever 5 that includes the operating part 55 and the extension part 551 (in other words, the main operating target part when operating the brake lever 5) may be used.

[0234] In the trolley 100A shown in Figures 78 and 79, when the orientation of the caster 1F is aligned in the front-rear direction, the mounting position of the caster 1F is adjusted so that the brake lever 5 does not intersect (in other words, does not straddle or cross) the front and rear frame members 111 and 112 and the left and right frame members 113 and 114 that constitute the frame body 110 in a plan view (and bottom view) (Figure 78).

[0235] The fact that the brake lever 5 does not intersect (in other words, does not straddle or cross) the front and rear frame members 111, 112 and the left and right frame members 113, 114 that constitute the frame body 110 in a plan view (and a bottom view) means that the brake lever 5 does not exceed the range enclosed by the front and rear frame members 111, 112 and the left and right frame members 113, 114 that constitute the frame body 110, and does not protrude outside the frame body 110 (in other words, the loading platform of the trolley 100A). However, at least a part of the brake lever 5 (for example, the part / part corresponding to the operating section 55 or extension part 551, which is the main operating target part when operating the brake lever 5) may be such that (i.e., it does not straddle but overlaps) the front and rear frame members 111, 112 and the left and right frame members 113, 114 that constitute the frame body 110 in a plan view (and a bottom view).

[0236] In the trolley 100A shown in Figures 78 and 79, the mounting position of the caster 1F is adjusted such that when the caster 1F is facing inward in the left-right direction, the brake lever 5 intersects (in other words, straddles or crosses; however, it does not intersect with the front and rear frame members 111 and 112) with the left and right frame members 113 and 114 that constitute the frame body 110 in a plan view (and bottom view) (Figure 79).

[0237] The fact that the brake lever 5 intersects (in other words, straddles or crosses) the left and right frame members 113 and 114 that constitute the frame body 110 in a plan view (and a bottom view) means that at least a part of the brake lever 5 (for example, the part corresponding to the operating section 55 or the extension part 551, which is the main operating target when operating the brake lever 5) protrudes outside the frame body 110 (in other words, the loading platform of the trolley 100A) in a plan view (and a bottom view), beyond the area enclosed by the left and right frame members 113 and 114 that constitute the frame body 110.

[0238] In a plan view (and bottom view), when the caster 1F is facing inward towards the loading platform in the left-right direction, the point of intersection with the left and right frame members 113 and 114 constituting the frame body 110 is the brake lever 5, which is located on the outside of the frame body 110 (in other words, the loading platform of the trolley 100A) when the orientation of the caster 1F is aligned with the left-right direction.

[0239] In the example shown in the figure, when the caster 1F is facing left in a plan view (and bottom view), the right frame member 113 and the brake lever 5 intersect (Figure 79).

[0240] In the example shown in the figure, when the caster 1F is facing to the right in a plan view (and bottom view), the left frame member 114 and the brake lever 5 intersect.

[0241] The orientation of caster 1F is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel (connecting shaft 6 in the example shown in the figure). That is, in a plan view (and bottom view), when the orientation of caster 1F is aligned with the front-rear direction, the axis of rotation of the wheel is aligned with the left-right direction, and when the orientation of caster 1F is aligned with the left-right direction, the axis of rotation of the wheel is aligned with the front-rear direction.

[0242] The mounting position of the caster 1F is adjusted so that when the orientation of the caster 1F is aligned in the front-to-back direction, the brake lever 5 does not intersect with the front and rear frame members 111, 112 and the left and right frame members 113, 114 that make up the frame body 110 in a plan view (and bottom view) (Figure 78). This prevents the caster 1F, especially the brake lever 5, from hitting or getting in the way of the feet of the worker using the trolley 100A when moving it along the front-to-back direction, thereby improving the comfort of use.

[0243] Furthermore, when the mounting position of the caster 1F is facing inward in the left-right direction, the brake lever 5 is adjusted so that it intersects with the left and right frame members 113 and 114 that constitute the frame body 110 in a plan view (and bottom view) (Figure 79). This allows the spacing between the casters 1F in the left-right direction to be increased, which in particular improves stability when loading and transporting goods or luggage on the frame body 110 (in other words, the loading platform of the trolley 100A). Note that in a plan view (and bottom view), the long side of the loading platform of the trolley 100A is the front-to-back direction, and the short side is the left-to-right direction.

[0244] (Effects and Benefits) According to the casters 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E of Embodiments 1 to 6, the operating portion 55 of the brake lever 5, which is the part that is operated, is formed to be wider in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel 4, and the horizontal portion 83 of the swinging end of the operating pedal 8 of the brake release portion 10 is formed to be wider. As a result, the visibility (in other words, ease of finding) of the operating portion of the brake lever 5 (i.e., the part that can be touched with the toes, etc.) can be improved, and the area of ​​the operating portion of the brake lever 5 can be increased, which in turn makes it easier and more reliable to operate the brake lever 5.

[0245] According to the casters 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C of Embodiments 1 to 4, the horizontal portion 83 (in other words, the swinging end) of the operating pedal 8 of the brake release unit 10 is pushed down and swings, pushing up the swinging end side (specifically, the operating part 55 side) of the brake lever 5, thereby swinging the brake lever 5 and releasing the brake on the wheel 4. In addition to operating the operating part 55 of the brake lever 5 by pushing down with the toes to lock the wheel 4, the horizontal portion 83 of the operating pedal 8 of the brake release unit 10 can also be operated by pushing down with the toes to unlock the wheel 4. In other words, both locking and unlocking the wheel can be achieved by pushing down with the toes, which means that it can be achieved with an easy operation that allows for easy application of force, making it possible to operate the brake of the caster 1 more easily.

[0246] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the specific configurations of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above. The present invention also includes forms in which modifications and changes are made to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0247] The caster according to the present invention can facilitate the braking operation of the caster. For example, by attaching the caster to the lower surface of the loading platform (not shown) of a trolley, it is useful in the technical field related to trolleys for loading and transporting articles and luggage.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0248] 1 Caster (Embodiment 1) 1A Caster (Embodiment 2) 1B Caster (Embodiment 3) 1C Caster (Embodiment 4) 1D Caster (Embodiment 5) 1E Caster (Embodiment 6) 1F Caster 2 Mounting Base 3 Base Member 31 Mounting Portion 32 Fork Portion 33 Fixing Portion 34 Top Plate Portion 35 Shaft Hole 36 Arc Groove 37 Connecting Shaft Hole 38 Engagement Shaft 4 Wheel 41 Wheel 42 Tire 5 Brake Lever 51 Rocking Shaft 52 Side Plate 53 First Upper Plate 54 Second Upper Plate 55 Operation Portion 551 Extension Component 552 Through-Hole of Extension Component 553 Joining Member 554 Notch 555 Through-Hole of Operation Portion 56 Rocking Shaft Hole 57 Locking Shaft Hole 58 Locking Shaft 59 Leaf Spring 591 Rising Step 6 Connecting Shaft 61 Head 62 Rectangular Portion 63 Nuts 10 Brake release section 7. Support frame 71 Arm section 72 Connecting part 73 Bearing section 74 Connection through hole 75 First engaging piece 76 Second engaging piece 77 Swivel connecting shaft hole 78. Swiveling coupling shaft 78a Nut 8. Operation pedals 81 Main body 82 Contact part 83 Horizontal section 84 Through holes 9. Biasing member 100 carts 100A Trolley 110 frame body 111 Front frame member 112 Rear frame member 113 Right-side frame member 114 Left frame member 130 Corner members 140 pipe material

Claims

1. Wheels and, It has a brake lever that is pivotably supported and operates when braking the wheel and when releasing the brake on the wheel, The brake lever has an operating portion that overlaps with the tire of the wheel in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the wheel's rotation axis, In the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel, at least a portion of the operating part is formed to be wider than the portion of the brake lever other than the operating part. A caster characterized by its features.

2. In the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel, the width of at least a portion of the operating part is 1.2 times or more and 3 times or less the maximum width of the part of the brake lever other than the operating part. The caster according to feature 1.

3. Wheels and, It has a brake lever that is pivotably supported and operates when braking the wheel and when releasing the brake on the wheel, The brake lever has an operating portion that overlaps with the tire of the wheel in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the wheel's rotation axis, In the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel, the width of at least a portion of the operating part is 1.7 times or more and 3.7 times or less the width of the tire. A caster characterized by its features.

4. It has a brake release mechanism that operates when releasing the brake on the aforementioned wheel, The aforementioned brake release unit has an operating pedal that is supported so as to be swingable, The pivot end of the operating pedal is pushed down and pivots, pushing up the pivot end of the brake lever, which causes the brake lever to pivot and release the brake on the wheel. A caster according to any one of the features 1 to 3.

5. In the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel, the width of at least a portion of the swing end of the operating pedal is 1.7 times or more and 3.7 times or less the width of the tire of the wheel. The caster according to feature 4.

6. Wheels and, A brake lever that is pivotably supported and operates when applying and releasing the brake on the wheel, It has a brake release unit that operates when releasing the brake on the aforementioned wheel, The aforementioned brake release unit has an operating pedal that is supported so as to be swingable, In the axial direction of the wheel's rotation axis, at least a portion of the swing end of the operating pedal is formed to be wider than the tire of the wheel. A caster characterized by its features.

7. In the axial direction of the rotation axis of the wheel, the width of at least a portion of the swinging end of the operating pedal is 1.7 times or more and 3.7 times or less the width of the tire. The caster according to feature 6.

8. At least the portion of the brake lever that is operated has a distinctive identifiability. A caster according to any one of the features 1 to 3.

9. At least the swinging end of the aforementioned operating pedal is provided with a distinctive identifiable feature. The caster according to feature 4.

10. The color of at least the operating portion of the brake lever and the color of at least the swinging end of the operating pedal are different from each other. The caster according to feature 4.

11. At least the swinging end of the aforementioned operating pedal is provided with a distinctive identifiable feature. The caster according to feature 6.

12. The brake lever has an operating portion that overlaps with the tire of the wheel in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the wheel's rotation axis, The color of at least the operating portion of the brake lever and the color of at least the swinging end of the operating pedal are different from each other. The caster according to feature 6.

13. A caster comprising the caster described in any one of claims 1, 3, and 6, A trolley characterized by the following features.

14. When the orientation of the caster is aligned in the front-rear direction, the brake lever does not intersect with the front-rear frame members and the left-right frame members that constitute the frame body of the trolley's loading platform in a plan view, and when the caster is facing inward in the left-right direction of the loading platform, the brake lever intersects with the left-right frame members in a plan view. The trolley according to feature 13.

Images