Caster device with locking mechanism

Abstract

This product provides a caster device with a simple locking mechanism that offers excellent durability and ease of operation. [Solution] The invention comprises a first caster 10 having a rotatable first wheel 11 and a first locking member 15, a second caster 20 having a rotatable second wheel 21 and a second locking member 25, and an interlocking mechanism 30 that interlocks the first locking member 15 and the second locking member 25, wherein the first locking member 15 has an operating part 16 and is configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the first wheel 11 is rotatable and a locked position in which the first wheel 11 is locked to prevent rotation by operating the operating part 16, and the second locking member 25 is configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the second wheel 21 is rotatable and a locked position in which the second wheel 21 is locked to prevent rotation by operating the operating part 16 via the interlocking mechanism 30.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a caster device with a lock mechanism, and more particularly to a caster device with a lock mechanism which is attached to an attached object such as a suitcase or a bag, enables the attached object to move on a road surface or a floor surface, and can prevent unintended movement of the attached object. [Background Art]

[0002] Generally, casters are attached to the bottom of suitcases, bags and the like, and are configured to be movable on road surfaces and floor surfaces. Also, among such casters, a brake device that brakes the rotation of the caster is also known (see Patent Document 1). [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-64028 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned conventional brake device brakes the braking caster by manually operating an operation unit provided on the case body of the suitcase, thereby axially moving a brake wire with a braking unit connected to the operation unit.

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned conventional brake device, since the operation unit for brake operation is provided on the case body, the structure is complicated and the number of parts increases, so there is room for improvement in terms of durability and cost. Furthermore, since the control unit is located on the suitcase itself, when operating it manually with one's fingers, depending on the size of the suitcase and the location of the control unit, it may be necessary to bend down to operate it. For example, it may be difficult to manually operate the control unit on a crowded train, so there was room for improvement.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a caster device with a locking mechanism that is simple, highly durable, and also highly operable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In view of these challenges, one aspect of the present invention comprises the following configuration. A caster device with a locking mechanism, comprising: a first caster having a rotatable first wheel and a first locking member for locking the rotation of the first wheel; a second caster having a rotatable second wheel and a second locking member for locking the rotation of the second wheel; and an interlocking mechanism for interlocking the first locking member and the second locking member, wherein the first locking member has an operating part and is configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the first wheel is rotatable and a locked position in which the first wheel is locked to prevent rotation by operation of the operating part; and the second locking member is configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the second wheel is rotatable and a locked position in which the second wheel is locked to prevent rotation by operation of the operating part via the interlocking mechanism. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The caster device with a locking mechanism of the present invention, as configured above, has a simple and highly durable locking mechanism, and furthermore, since the operating part is provided on one caster, and multiple casters can be linked and switched between the unlocked and locked states by operating this operating part, it also offers excellent operability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a caster device with a locking mechanism according to the present invention being attached to a suitcase. [Figure 2] This is a schematic front view illustrating the basic structure of the caster device with a locking mechanism. [Figure 3] This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the basic structure of the caster device with a locking mechanism. [Figure 4] Figure 4(a) is a schematic perspective view illustrating the interlocking mechanism of the caster device with a locking mechanism. Figure 4(b) is a schematic perspective view showing the arrangement of the main body and slider of the interlocking mechanism. Figure 4(c) is a schematic perspective view showing the main body of the interlocking mechanism. [Figure 5] This is a schematic front view illustrating the operation of the caster device with a locking mechanism. Figure 5(a) shows the operating part in an unoperated state (unlocked state), and Figure 5(b) shows the operating part in an operated state (locked state). [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating another embodiment 2 of the first caster in the caster device with the locking mechanism, where Figure 6(a) shows the non-operated state (unlocked state) of the operating part, and Figure 6(b) shows the operated state (locked state) of the operating part. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating another embodiment 3 of the first caster in the caster device with the locking mechanism. Figure 7(a) shows the operating part in an unoperated state (unlocked state), and Figure 7(b) shows the operating part in an operated state (locked state). [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating another embodiment 4 of the caster device with the locking mechanism. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, embodiments of the caster device A with a locking mechanism (brake mechanism) according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the caster device with a locking mechanism according to the present invention being attached to a suitcase as the object to be attached. Figure 2 is a schematic front view illustrating the basic structure of the caster device with a locking mechanism, and Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the basic structure of the caster device with a locking mechanism. Note that Figures 2 and 3 show only one wheel from each of the pair of left and right first wheels 11 and left and right second wheels 21. Also, Figure 3 shows the vehicle with the base sections 10A and 20A and the fork sections 10B and 20B shown in Figure 2 removed.

[0011] (Overall structure) In this embodiment, an example is described in which a caster device A with a locking mechanism (brake mechanism) is attached to a suitcase 1 as the object to be attached. The suitcase 1 is composed of, for example, a rear shell 2, a front shell (not shown), a handle 3, and a caster device A with a locking mechanism. This suitcase 1 is configured as a well-known type of openable and closable suitcase in which, for example, one side of the rear shell 2 and one side of the front shell (not shown) are rotatably connected by a connector such as a hinge.

[0012] The caster device A with a locking mechanism can also be configured to be attached to the rear shell 2 and / or the front shell (not shown). Furthermore, the object to which the locking caster device A is attached is not limited to suitcases. For example, it can be attached to bags, trolleys, chairs, furniture, step ladders, and other objects.

[0013] A caster device A with a lock mechanism, as shown in Figure 2, comprises: a first caster 10 having a first lock member 15 that locks rotation of a first wheel 11, a second caster 20 having a second lock member 25 that locks rotation of a second wheel 21, and an interlocking mechanism 30 that interlocks the first lock member 15 and the second lock member 25, wherein the first lock member 15 of the first caster 10 also functions as an operation unit for performing a locking operation.

[0014] This caster device A with a lock mechanism is attached to, for example, the bottom of a rear shell 2 of a suitcase 1, and switches the first caster 10 and the second caster 20 in an interlocked manner between a locked state in which the respective wheels 11 and 21 cannot rotate and an unlocked state in which the wheels can rotate, whereby the suitcase 1 is configured to be movable on a road surface or a floor surface and to prevent unintended movement.

[0015] Hereinafter, an example of a specific structure of the caster device A with a lock mechanism will be described. (First Caster) The first caster 10, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, comprises: a first base portion 10A fixed to the bottom of the rear shell 2 of the suitcase 1, a first fork portion 10B rotatably provided at a lower portion of the first base portion 10A, a pair of left and right first wheels 11 rotatably provided on the first fork portion 10B, and a first lock member 15 rotatably (oscillatingly) provided on the first fork portion 10B. <Wheel> The pair of left and right first wheels 11, as shown in Figure 3, each has a circular first wheel body 12 rotatably provided on the first fork portion 10B, and a first elastic tire 13 is externally fitted and fixed or adhesively fixed to the outer circumference of the rim of the first wheel body 12. Furthermore, on the inner side surface of the pair of left and right first wheel bodies 12, a circular annular first locked portion 14 having a plurality of first locking recesses 14a that engage (lock) with a first locking projection 16b provided on an operation lever 16 of the first lock member 15 is provided.

[0016] The first locked portion 14 is formed by providing a plurality of protrusions projecting toward the center side at predetermined intervals (pitch) in the circumferential direction, whereby a plurality of first locking recesses 14a that are relatively recessed are respectively formed between the circumferentially adjacent protrusions at predetermined pitch in the circumferential direction. These first locking recesses 14a are formed, for example, as trapezoidal recesses that gradually expand toward the axle side (center side). The pair of left and right first locked portions 14 are provided such that the positions of the plurality of first locking recesses 14a respectively coincide in the left-right direction.

[0017] In this example, the circular annular first locked portion 14 formed with a plurality of first locking recesses 14a is configured to be provided on the inner side surface of the first wheel 12, but the plurality of first locking recesses 14a may alternatively be configured to be formed directly on the inner side surface of the first wheel 12.

[0018] <First Locking Member> As shown in Fig. 3, the first locking member 15 is configured to include an operation lever 16 and a first cable connecting portion 17 connected to the first cable w1 of the interlocking mechanism 30. The operation lever 16 and the first cable connecting portion 17 can be integrally molded from a synthetic resin material, for example.

[0019] The first locking member 15 functions as an operation unit by including the operation lever 16, and is configured to be movable between an unlocked position where the first wheel 11 is allowed to rotate and a locked position where the first wheel 11 is locked against rotation in response to operation of the operation lever 16.

[0020] Specifically, the first locking member 15 is supported on the first fork portion 10B (see Figure 2) of the first caster 10 so as to be pivotable (rotatable) via a torque hinge (friction hinge) 16a, for example, which generates friction on the shaft to control its rotation. In other words, the first locking member 15 is configured to pivot (rotate) in the direction of a force greater than a certain torque when the operating lever 16 is operated, and to maintain the angular position of the first locking member 15 (operating lever 16) when there is no load or only a small torque is applied. In other words, the operating lever 16 can be held at predetermined angular positions between the unlocked position (non-operated position) and the locked position (operated position).

[0021] The configuration for maintaining the angular position of the operating lever 16 is not limited to the above example. For example, an engaging projection or engaging recess may be provided on the first locking member 15 side, and an engaging recess or engaging projection may be provided on the first fork portion 10B side, and the angular position of the operating lever 16 may be maintained by engaging the engaging projection or engaging recess on the first locking member 15 side with the engaging recess or engaging projection on the first fork portion 10B side in the unlocked position (non-operated position) and the locked position (operated position) of the operating lever 16.

[0022] [Operating lever] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a pair of outwardly projecting first locking protrusions 16b are formed on the outer surface of the operating lever 16. Note that Figures 2 and 3 show only one of the first locking protrusions 16b on the left or right side. This first locking projection 16b is provided to protrude horizontally from the outer surface of the operating lever 16 near the torque hinge 16a in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in Figure 3), and is formed in a size and shape that allows it to be inserted into the first locking recess 14a provided on each first wheel 11.

[0023] When the operating lever 16 is in the unlocked position (non-operating position), the pair of left and right first locking projections 16b provided on the operating lever 16 are not engaged with the respective first locking recesses 14a provided on the pair of left and right first wheels 11, so that each first wheel 11 is rotatable. Furthermore, when the operating lever 16 is in the locked position (operating position), the pair of left and right first locking projections 16b provided on the operating lever 16 engage with the respective first locking recesses 14a provided on the pair of left and right first wheels 11, respectively, so that each first wheel 11 is locked and unable to rotate (brake state).

[0024] [First cable connection part] The first cable connecting portion 17 is formed in a substantially U-shape, for example, from a pair of left and right plate-shaped extension members 17a and a plate-shaped first connecting body 17b that connects one end (tip) of the pair of left and right extension members 17a.

[0025] The extension member 17a of the first cable connecting portion 17 is provided to be connected to the end of the operating lever 16 on the torque hinge 16a side, and is configured to rotate (oscillate) downward when the operating lever 16 is rotated (oscillated) upward around the torque hinge 16a. In other words, when the operating lever 16 is rotated (oscillated) upward to the operating position (locked position), the first rope connecting part 17 is configured to rotate (oscillate) downward, pulling the first rope w1 downward.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the first connecting body 17b of the first cord connecting portion 17 has a first locking slit 17b1 formed therein for locking the first locking ball W1d, which is connected to the other end of the first cord W1. This first locking slit 17b1 is formed to be larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the first cord W1 and smaller than the diameter of the first locking ball W1d, and is configured to allow the other end of the first cord W1 to be connected to the first connecting body 17b.

[0027] (Second anchor) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second caster 20 is composed of a second base portion 20A fixed to the bottom of the rear shell 2 of the suitcase 1, a second fork portion 20B rotatably mounted below the second base portion 20A, a pair of left and right second wheels 21 rotatably mounted on the second fork portion 20B, and a second locking member 25 rotatably mounted on the second fork portion 20B.

[0028] <Wheels> As shown in Figure 3, the pair of left and right second wheels 21 have circular second wheels 22 that are rotatably mounted on the second fork portion 20B, and elastic second tires 23 are fitted and fixed or bonded to the outer circumference of the rim of the second wheel 22. Furthermore, the pair of left and right second wheels 22 are provided with a circular, annular second locking portion 24 on its inner surface, which has a plurality of second locking recesses 24a that engage (lock) with the second locking projection 26a provided on the second locking member 25.

[0029] The second locking portion 24 is formed by creating a plurality of protrusions projecting toward the center at required intervals (pitch) in the circumferential direction, thereby creating a plurality of relative recesses 24a between adjacent protrusions in the circumferential direction at required pitches. These second locking recesses 24a are formed, for example, as trapezoidal recesses that gradually widen toward the axle side (center side). The left and right pair of second locking portions 24 are provided such that the positions of the plurality of second locking recesses 24a coincide in the left-right direction.

[0030] In this example, the circular annular second locking portion 24, which has a plurality of second locking recesses 24a formed thereon, is provided on the inner surface of the second wheel 22. However, the plurality of second locking recesses 24a may also be formed directly on the inner surface of the second wheel 22.

[0031] <Second locking member> As shown in Figure 3, the second locking member 25 is composed of a pair of left and right plate-shaped oscillating members 26, a plate-shaped second cable connecting portion 27 that connects one end of the pair of left and right oscillating members 26, and an axial connecting shaft 28 that connects the other ends of the pair of left and right oscillating members 26. Each oscillating member 26 and the second cable connecting portion 27 can be integrally molded from, for example, a synthetic resin material, and the connecting shaft 28 can be a rod-shaped member made of synthetic resin or metal.

[0032] The second locking member 25 is configured to move between an unlocked position, which allows the second wheel 21 to rotate, and a locked position, which locks the second wheel 21 so that it cannot rotate, via the interlocking mechanism 30, by operating the operating part (operating lever 16) of the first locking member 15.

[0033] Specifically, the second locking member 25 is pivotably (rotatably) supported on the second fork portion 20B (see Figure 2) of the second caster 20 via a connecting shaft 28. The pivoting member 26 and the second cable connecting portion 27 are configured to be biased downward (clockwise in the figure) by a torsion spring 29, which is an example of an operating spring. This torsion spring 29 functions as an operating spring that constantly biases the pair of left and right second wheels 21 to a rotatable unlocked position by biasing the second locking member 25 downward, thereby disengaging the second locking projection 26a formed on the pivoting member 26 from the second locking recess 24a provided on the second wheel 22.

[0034] [Oscillating member] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, each of the left and right swing members 26 has a second locking projection 26a that protrudes outward on its outer surface. This second locking projection 26a is provided on the outer surface of the rocking member 26 closer to the connecting shaft 28 in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in Figure 3), projecting horizontally, and is sized and shaped to be detachably inserted into the second locking recess 24a provided on each second wheel 21.

[0035] When the operating lever 16 of the first locking member 15 is in the unlocked position (non-operated position), no operating force (tensile force on the second rope w2) from the interlocking mechanism 30, which will be described later, acts on the second locking member 25, and therefore the second locking member 25 is in the unlocked position. Consequently, the second locking projection 26a provided on each oscillating member 26 is in an unengaged state (unlocked state) with the second locking recess 24a provided on the left and right pair of second wheels 21, and each second wheel 21 becomes rotatable.

[0036] Furthermore, when the operating lever 16 of the first locking member 15 is in the locked position (operating position), an operating force (tensile force on the second rope w2) is applied to the second locking member 25 by the interlocking mechanism 30, which will be described later. Therefore, the second locking member 25 is positioned in the locked position against the biasing force of the torsion spring 29, and each second locking projection 26a provided on each oscillating member 26 engages with each second locking recess 24a provided on the left and right pair of second wheels 21 (locked state), so that each second wheel 21 is locked and unable to rotate (brake state).

[0037] [Second cable connection part] The second cord connecting portion 27 is formed in the shape of a plate, for example, connecting one end of a pair of left and right swinging members 26. As shown in Figure 3, the second cord connecting portion 27 has a second locking slit 27a for locking the second locking ball W2d, which is coupled to the other end of the second cord W2. The second locking slit 27a is formed to be larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the second cord W2 and smaller than the diameter of the second locking ball W2d, so that the other end of the second cord W2 can be connected to the second cord connecting portion 27.

[0038] When the operating lever 16 of the first locking member 15 is rotated from the non-operating position to the operating position, the second rope connecting portion 27 of the second locking member 25 is subjected to a pulling force from the second rope w2 of the interlocking mechanism 30, which will be described later, causing the second locking member 25 to rotate (oscillate) upward.

[0039] (Interlocking mechanism) Next, the interlocking mechanism 30 will be described. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the interlocking mechanism of the caster device A with a locking mechanism. Figure 4(a) is a schematic perspective view showing the arrangement of the main body and slider of the interlocking mechanism. Figure 4(b) is a schematic perspective view showing the main body of the interlocking mechanism. Figure 4(c) is a schematic perspective view showing the slider of the interlocking mechanism.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the interlocking mechanism 30 comprises a main body 31, a slider 35 slidably housed in a receiving recess 32g formed in the main body 31, and a first cord w1 and a second cord w2 connected to one and the other longitudinal end of the slider 35, respectively. The slider 35 is elastically biased toward the other longitudinal end of the main body 31 (left side in the left-right direction of Figure 2) by an elastic member S, such as a coil spring. This interlocking mechanism 30 functions to link the first caster 10 and the second caster 20, which are located on the underside of the rear shell 2 of the suitcase 1, between a locked state and an unlocked state. The following describes an example of the specific configuration of the interlocking mechanism 30.

[0041] <Main body> As shown in Figure 4, the main body 31 includes a housing 32 that slidably houses and holds the slider 35, and cable support parts 33 and 34 that extend longitudinally from one end and the other end of the housing 32 in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in Figure 4).

[0042] [Housing] The housing portion 32 is formed in a container shape with one side open, and for example, as shown in Figure 4(b), it has a pair of plate-shaped upper wall portions 32a and lower wall portions 32b that are spaced apart at a predetermined distance in the vertical direction and extend in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in Figure 4), a plate-shaped one-end wall portion 32c and other-end wall portion 32d that connect the one longitudinal end and the other end of the upper wall portion 32a and the lower wall portion 32b, respectively, a plate-shaped side wall portion 32e that is connected to one side edge of the upper and lower wall portions 32a, 32b and the one-end and other-end wall portions 32c, 32d, and a projection portion 32f that is provided projecting substantially perpendicularly (orthogonally) from the inner surface of the side wall portion 32e. This housing portion 32 is integrally formed from, for example, a synthetic resin material.

[0043] The housing recess 32g of the housing portion 32 is defined by upper and lower wall portions 32a, 32b, one end and the other end wall portions 32c, 32d, and a side wall portion 32e, and the slider 35 is housed in this housing recess 32g so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in Figure 4). The opening of the storage recess 32g can be covered by a removable lid (not shown) positioned opposite the side wall 32e.

[0044] Furthermore, the one-end and other-end wall portions 32c and 32d of the housing portion 32 function as position restrictors (stoppers) that abut against the left-right ends 37c and 38c (see Figure 4(c)) of the slider 35, thereby restricting its movement. In other words, when the operating lever 16 of the first locking member 15 is in the non-operated position (unlocked position), the other end 38c of the slider 35 abuts against the other-end wall portion 32d of the housing portion 32, and when the operating lever 16 is in the operated position (locked position), the one end 37c of the slider 35 abuts against the one-end wall portion 32c of the housing portion 32, thereby restricting its movement.

[0045] Furthermore, the protrusion 32f provided on the side wall portion 32e of the housing portion 32 forms a support portion that supports one end of the elastic member S (see Figures 2 and 3) that presses the slider 35 toward the other end in the left-right direction. The elastic member S is positioned inside the through hole 36 of the slider 35, with one end supported by the protrusion 32f and the other end held toward the other end of the slider 35, thereby elastically biasing the slider 35 toward the other end in the left-right direction of the housing portion 32.

[0046] [Cable support part] The cable support sections 33 and 34 are connected to each end wall section 32b of the housing section 32 so as to extend longitudinally and substantially perpendicularly to each other, and function to support the covering sections w1a and w2a of the first cable w1 and second cable w2 connected to the slider 35. These cable support portions 33 and 34 are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, for example, having slit-shaped openings 33a and 34a extending in the longitudinal direction on their upper surfaces, and are integrally formed together with the housing portion 32 from a synthetic resin material.

[0047] [Slider] As shown in Figure 4(c), the slider 35 is formed in the shape of a roughly rectangular frame with a horizontally elongated through-hole 36 in the central part, and is integrally formed from, for example, a synthetic resin material. This slider 35 is slidably housed in the housing recess 32g of the main body 31.

[0048] One longitudinal end of the slider 35 constitutes a first connecting portion 37 that is connected to the end of the first cable w1. This first connecting portion 37 has a first support hole 37a for detachably inserting and supporting a substantially cylindrical first locking column w1c (see Figure 3) fixed to one end of the first cable w1, and a slit 37b that communicates with the first support hole 37a and allows the first cable w1 to be inserted.

[0049] Furthermore, the other end of the slider 35 in the longitudinal direction constitutes a second connecting portion 38 that is connected to the end of the second cable w2. This second connecting portion 38 has a second support hole 38a for detachably inserting and supporting a substantially cylindrical second locking column w2c (see Figure 3) fixed to one end of the second cable w2, and a slit 38b that communicates with the second support hole 38a and allows the second cable w2 to be inserted.

[0050] The slider 35 is connected to the first cable w1 and the second cable w2 by inserting the first and second locking posts w1c and w2c of the first cable w1 and the second cable w2 into the first support hole 37a and the second support hole 38a, respectively.

[0051] Furthermore, a substantially cylindrical holding portion 39 is formed on the second connecting portion 38 side of the slider 35, protruding into the through hole 36. This holding portion 39 holds the other end of an elastic member S, such as a coil spring, and is configured to be held by being fitted into the other end of the elastic member S, for example.

[0052] [First chord, second chord] As shown in Figure 3, the first cord w1 and the second cord w2 are made of linear members such as metal wire, and each cord w1 and w2 is covered by synthetic resin covering parts (outer tubes) w1a and w2a that protect each cord w1 and w2 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction.

[0053] Furthermore, one end of each cord w1, w2 is integrally connected to, for example, a horizontally oriented cylindrical locking column w1c, w2c, and the other end of each cord w1, w2 is integrally connected to, for example, a spherical locking sphere w1d, w2d. The first rope w1 and the second rope w2 are connected to the first connecting portion 37 and the second connecting portion 38 of the slider 35 via their respective locking posts w1c and w2c, and are also connected to the first rope connecting portion 17 and the second rope connecting portion 27 of the first locking member 15 via their respective locking balls w1d and w2d.

[0054] (Operation of caster device with locking mechanism) Next, the operation of the caster device A with a locking mechanism, configured as described above, will be explained. Figure 5 is a schematic front view illustrating the operation of the caster device A with a locking mechanism, where Figure 5(a) shows the non-operated state (unlocked state) of the operating part, and Figure 5(b) shows the operated state (locked state) of the operating part.

[0055] <Unlocked state> As shown in Figure 5(a), in the unlocked state (normal use state) in which the suitcase 1 can be moved on a road or floor, the operating lever 16 of the first locking member 15 is held in the unoperated position, and the first wheel 11 of the first caster 10 and the second wheel 21 of the second caster 20 are in an unlocked state that allows them to rotate freely.

[0056] Specifically, in the non-locked state where the operating lever 16 is in the non-operating position, the first locking projection 16b provided on the operating lever 16 is not engaged with the first locking recess 14a provided on the first wheel 11 (non-locked state), and the first wheel 11 can rotate freely. Furthermore, since the oscillating member 26 of the second locking member 25 is biased downward by the torsion spring 29 (see Figure 3), the second locking projection 26a provided on the oscillating member 26 is in a disengaged state (unlocked state) with the second locking recess 24a provided on the second wheel 21, and the second wheel 21 can also rotate freely.

[0057] Furthermore, in the unlocked state where the operating lever 16 is in the non-operated position, no tensile force acting on the first cord w1 connecting the slider 35 and the first locking member 15 due to the operation of the operating lever 16 is present. Therefore, the slider 35 of the interlocking mechanism 30 maintains a state in which the other end face 38c (see Figure 4(c)) of the second connecting portion 38 abuts against the other end wall portion 32d (see Figure 4(b)) of the housing portion 32 due to the biasing force of the elastic member S.

[0058] Furthermore, in this state, no tensile force is acting on the second cable w2 connecting the slider 35 and the second locking member 25. Therefore, the swinging member 26 and the second cable connecting portion 27 of the second locking member 25 remain biased downward by the torsion spring 29. Consequently, the second locking projection 26a provided on the swinging member 26 is disengaged (unlocked) from the second locking recess 24a provided on the second wheel 21, and the second wheel 21 can rotate freely.

[0059] <Locked state> As shown in Figure 5(b), the operating lever 16 of the first caster 10 is rotated (oscillated) upward. This operation can be performed, for example, by grasping the operating lever 16 with your fingers and pushing it upward, or by pushing the tip of the operating lever 16 upward with your toes. When the operating lever 16 is moved to the operating position, the first locking projection 16b provided on the operating lever 16 engages with the first locking recess 14a provided on the first wheel 11, so that the first wheel 11 of the first caster 10 is locked and cannot rotate.

[0060] In this locked state, the operating lever 16 is held in the operating position by the frictional force of, for example, a torque hinge (friction hinge) 16a on the first fork portion 10B of the first caster 10.

[0061] Furthermore, when the operating lever 16 is rotated to the operating position, a tensile force is applied to the first cable w1 connecting the slider 35 and the first locking member 15 (that is, the first cable w1 is pulled by the first cable connecting portion 17 of the first locking member 15), and the slider 35 of the interlocking mechanism 30 slides against the biasing force of the elastic member S (moving to the right in the figure), and one end surface 37c of the first connecting portion 37 (see Figure 4(c)) comes into contact with one end wall portion 32c of the housing portion 32 (see Figure 4(b)).

[0062] Furthermore, the sliding movement of the slider 35 also exerts a tensile force on the second cable w2 connecting the slider 35 and the second locking member 25 (i.e., the second cable w2 is pulled by the slider 35). As a result, the oscillating member 26 and the second cable connecting portion 27 of the second locking member 25 rotate upward (oscillate counterclockwise) around the connecting shaft 28 against the biasing force of the torsion spring 29 (see Figure 3). Consequently, the second locking projection 26a provided on the oscillating member 26 engages with the second locking recess 24a provided on the wheel 21, and the second wheel 21 enters a locked state in which its free rotation is restricted.

[0063] As described above, the caster device A with a locking mechanism of the present invention allows the second locking member 25 to be activated in conjunction with the first locking member 15 (operating lever 16) of the first caster 10, thereby locking the rotation of the first and second wheels 11 and 21 of the first caster 10 and the second caster 20. This results in a simpler locking mechanism with improved durability. Furthermore, since the operating lever 16, which serves as the control unit, is provided on the first caster 10, the control unit (operating lever 16) can be operated not only with the fingers but also with the toes, thereby improving operability.

[0064] Next, other embodiments of the caster device A with a locking mechanism (brake mechanism) according to the present invention will be described. The other embodiments described below are modified versions of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 2, so the modified parts will be described mainly, and identical components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0065] (Embodiment 2) Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another embodiment 2 of the first caster in a caster device with a locking mechanism. Figure 6(a) shows the operating part in an unoperated state (unlocked state), and Figure 6(b) shows the operating part in an operated state (locked state). This embodiment 2 is a modification of the configuration of the first locking member 15 of the first caster 10 of embodiment 1 shown in Figure 2.

[0066] <First Caster> As shown in Figure 6, the first caster 40 is composed of a pair of left and right first wheels 11 and a first locking member 45 positioned between the pair of left and right first wheels 11. Note that Figure 6 shows only one of the pair of first wheels 11, in the left-right direction.

[0067] The first locking member 45 has an operating lever 46 as an operating part, and is configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the first wheel 11 is rotatable and a locked position in which the first wheel 11 is locked so that it cannot rotate, by operating this operating part (operating lever 46). The configuration of the torque hinge 16a and the first locking projection 16b of the first locking member 45 is the same as in the first embodiment, but this first locking member 45 has a first rope connecting part 47 formed on the tip side (free end) of the operating lever 46 for locking the first locking ball w1d of the first rope w1.

[0068] This first cord connecting portion 47 can be constructed, for example, by forming a groove (notch) on the tip side (free end) of the operating lever 46, which has a width larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the first cord W1 and smaller than the diameter of the first locking ball W1d. In other words, the first cord W1 is inserted through the groove (notch), and the first locking ball w1d is supported on the upper surface of the operating lever 46.

[0069] The first cable w1 is positioned so as to surround the lower part of the axle (not shown) of the first wheel 11 in a U-shape, and is positioned so that a tensile force (i.e., the first cable w1 is pulled by the operating lever 46) is applied to the first cable W1 when the operating lever 46 is rotated upward as shown in Figure 6(b).

[0070] In this first caster 40 as well, when the operating lever 46 (Figure 6(a)) in the non-operating position is rotated (oscillated) upward to the operating position (Figure 6(b)), the first locking projection 16b provided on the operating lever 46 engages with the first locking recess 14a provided on the first wheel 11, so that the first wheel 11 of the first caster 40 is locked and cannot rotate.

[0071] (Embodiment 3) Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another embodiment 3 of the first caster in a caster device with a locking mechanism. Figure 7(a) shows the operating part in an unoperated state (unlocked state), and Figure 7(b) shows the operating part in an operated state (locked state). This embodiment 3 is a modification of the first caster 10 of embodiment 1 shown in Figure 2, with some changes to the configuration of the first locking member 15 and some changes to the configuration of the wheel 11.

[0072] <First Caster> As shown in Figure 7, the first caster 50 is composed of a pair of left and right first wheels 11' and a first locking member 55 positioned between the pair of left and right first wheels 11'. Note that Figure 7 shows only one wheel in the left-right direction for each of the pair of first wheels 11'.

[0073] The first locking member 55 has an operating lever 56 as an operating part, and is configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the first wheel 11' is rotatable and a locked position in which the first wheel 11' is locked to prevent rotation by operating this operating part (operating lever 56).

[0074] This first locking member 55 includes an operating lever 56 as an operating part and a first cable connecting part 57 that rotates (oscillates) in conjunction with the rotation (oscillation) operation of the operating lever 56. By operating this operating part (operating lever 56), it is configured to move between an unlocked position in which the first wheel 11' is rotatable and a locked position in which the first wheel 11' is locked to prevent rotation.

[0075] The first locking member 55 is configured to lock the first wheel 11' by rotating (swinging) the operating lever 56 downward. A first locking projection (not shown) is formed at a predetermined position on the operating lever 56, and the first wheel 11' is provided with a plurality of first locking recesses (not shown) that engage (lock) with the first locking projection of the operating lever 56 when the operating lever 56 is operated.

[0076] The operating lever 56 is supported on the first fork portion (not shown) of the first caster 50 so as to be pivotable (rotatable) via, for example, a torque hinge 16a, and is configured to hold the operating lever 56 in a non-operating position (Figure 7(a)) and an operating position (Figure 7(b)).

[0077] Furthermore, a first contact portion 56a is formed at the end of the operating lever 56 (the end on the torque hinge 16a side) so as to protrude toward the first rope connecting portion 57. When the operating lever 56 is not operated, the upper surface of this first contact portion 56a is positioned to contact the lower surface of the second contact portion 57c provided on the first rope connecting portion 57. When the operating lever 56 is rotated downward (operated to the operating position), the second contact portion 57c of the first rope connecting portion 57 is pushed up by the first contact portion 56a of the operating lever 56, and as a result, the first rope connecting portion 57 rotates (oscillates) downward.

[0078] The first cable connecting section 57 includes a pair of left and right plate-shaped oscillating members 57a, a strip-shaped first connecting body 57b that connects one end of the pair of left and right oscillating members 57a, and an axial connecting shaft 58 that connects the other ends of the pair of left and right oscillating members 57a. Each oscillating member 57a and the first connecting body 57b can be integrally molded from, for example, a synthetic resin material, and the connecting shaft 58 can be a rod-shaped member made of synthetic resin or metal.

[0079] This first rope connecting portion 57 is supported by the first fork portion (not shown) of the first caster 50 via a connecting shaft 58 so as to be able to swing (rotate).

[0080] The first connecting member 57b has a locking slit 57b1 formed therein for locking the first locking ball w1d, which is connected to the other end of the first cord w1. This slit 57b1 is formed to be larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the first cord w1 and smaller than the diameter of the first locking ball w1d, and is configured to allow the other end of the first cord w1 to be connected to the first connecting member 57b.

[0081] Furthermore, a second contact portion 57c is formed at the end of the oscillating member 57a (the end on the connecting shaft 58 side) so as to protrude toward the operating lever 56 side. When the operating lever 56 is rotated downward, this second contact portion 57c is pushed up by the first contact portion 56a, and as a result, the first cable connecting portion 57 rotates (oscillates) downward.

[0082] In this first caster 50 as well, when the operating lever 56 (Figure 7(a)) in the non-operating position is rotated (oscillated) downward to the operating position (Figure 7(b)), a first locking projection (not shown) provided on the operating lever 56 engages with a first locking recess (not shown) provided on the first wheel 11', thereby locking the first wheel 11' of the first caster 50 so that it cannot rotate.

[0083] (Embodiment 4) Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another embodiment 4 of the caster device with a locking mechanism. This embodiment 4 is a modification of embodiment 1 shown in Figure 2, in which a third caster 60 is added in addition to the first caster 10 and second caster 20, and a part of the configuration of the interlocking mechanism 30 is changed.

[0084] In this embodiment 4, for example, the suitcase 1 can be configured such that a first caster 10 and a second caster 20 are provided on the rear shell 2 (see Figure 1) side, and a third caster 60 is provided on the front shell (not shown) side, which is rotatably connected to one side of the rear shell 2.

[0085] The third caster 60 of this embodiment 4 has the same structure as the second caster 20 of embodiment 1 described above. The interlocking mechanism 30' is linked to the operation of the operating lever 16 of the first caster 10, and is configured to link the third caster 60 to a locked state and an unlocked state, similar to the second caster 20. This interlocking mechanism 30' has the same basic structure as the interlocking mechanism 30 shown in Figure 4, but the structure for connecting to the third rope w3, which is interlocked with the third caster 60, has been partially modified.

[0086] Specifically, the slider 35' of the interlocking mechanism 30' has a first connecting portion 37 formed at one longitudinal end of the slider 35' which is connected to the end of the first cord w1, and a second connecting portion 38' formed at the other longitudinal end which is connected to the ends of the second cord w2 and the third cord w3. The connection structure between the second connecting portion 38' and the second cord w2 and the third cord w3 is the same as in the embodiment 1 described above.

[0087] Furthermore, the housing portion 32' that constitutes the main body portion 31' of the interlocking mechanism 30' has been partially modified to accommodate the second connecting portion 38' of the slider 35', as the shape of the second connecting portion 38' has been changed (enlarged) to connect the end of the second cable w2 and the end of the third cable w3. Furthermore, one end of the housing portion 32' in the longitudinal direction is provided with a cable support portion 33 that supports the covering portion w1a of the first cable w1, and the other end in the longitudinal direction is provided with a pair of upper and lower cable support portions 34' that support the covering portions w2a and w3a of the second cable w2 and the second cable W3, respectively.

[0088] In this embodiment 4, the operation of the operating lever 16 of the first caster 10 allows the first caster 10, the second caster 20, and the third caster 60 to be linked, thereby switching each of the wheels 11, 21, and 61 between a locked state where rotation is impossible and an unlocked state where rotation is possible.

[0089] With the above configuration, in other embodiments as well, the locking mechanism of the caster device is simple and highly durable, and furthermore, since the operating part is provided on one caster, and multiple casters can be linked and switched between the unlocked and locked states by operating this operating part, it is highly operable. Furthermore, because the control unit is located on the caster side, it offers excellent operability, as it can be operated not only with fingers but also with toes.

[0090] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations described above, and can be modified as appropriate without altering the essence of the invention.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case in which the operating levers 16, 46, 56, which serve as the operating parts for the first locking members 15, 45, 55, are operated by rotation (oscillation) has been described. However, this operating part may also be configured as an operating part that slides (moves linearly) between a non-operating position (unlocked position) and an operating position (locked position).

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the second locking member 25 is configured to have a swinging member 26, and the swinging member 26 is oscillated (rotated) via the interlocking mechanisms 30, 30' to move the second wheel 21 between a rotatable unlocked position and a non-rotatable locked position. However, the second locking member 25 may also be configured to have a moving member that slides (moves linearly) between the unlocked position and the locked position.

[0093] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described the case in which the operating levers 16, 46, and 56, which serve as the operating parts, are operated manually with fingers or toes, these operating levers may also be configured to rotate (oscillate) by being driven by a motor (automatic operation). In this case, for example, by mounting a touch sensor or a click sensor on the operating lever, the operating lever can be configured to rotate by touch operation or click operation.

[0094] <Summary> As described above, the above embodiment discloses the following invention. (1) A caster device with a locking mechanism, comprising: a first caster having a rotatable first wheel and a first locking member for locking the rotation of the first wheel; a second caster having a rotatable second wheel and a second locking member for locking the rotation of the second wheel; and an interlocking mechanism for interlocking the first locking member and the second locking member, wherein the first locking member has an operating part and is configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the first wheel is rotatable and a locked position in which the first wheel is locked to prevent rotation by operation of the operating part; and the second locking member is configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the second wheel is rotatable and a locked position in which the second wheel is locked to prevent rotation by operation of the operating part via the interlocking mechanism. (2) The caster device with a locking mechanism according to (1) above, characterized in that the first locking member has an operating lever as the operating part, and a first locking projection is formed on the outer surface of the operating lever so as to be removably inserted into a first locking recess provided on the first wheel, and a second locking projection is formed on the outer surface of the second locking member so as to be removably inserted into a second locking recess provided on the second wheel. (3) The interlocking mechanism comprises a main body, a slider slidably housed in a receiving recess formed in the main body, and a first rope and a second rope connected to the slider, respectively, wherein the first locking member has a first rope connecting portion connected to the first rope of the interlocking mechanism, and the second locking member has a second rope connecting portion connected to the second rope of the interlocking mechanism, characterized in that the caster device with a locking mechanism according to (1) or (2) above. (4) The caster device with a locking mechanism according to (3) above, characterized in that the first cable connecting portion comprises a pair of left and right extension members connected to the operating lever, and a first connecting body that connects the tips of the pair of left and right extension members. (5) The caster device with a locking mechanism according to (3) above, characterized in that the first cable connecting portion is formed at the free end of the operating lever. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 1 suitcase 10. First Anchor 11,11' 1st wheel 14 First locked part 14a First locking recess 15. First locking member 16 Operating levers 16b 1st locking protrusion 17 First cable connection part 17a Extension member 17b 1st connector 20 Second Caster 21 2nd wheel 24 Second locked part 24a Second locking recess 25 Second locking member 26. Oscillating member 26a Second locking protrusion 30,30' Interlocking mechanism 31,31' Main body 32,32' Enclosure 32g storage recess 35,35' Slider 40, 50 First Caster 45, 55 First locking member 46, 56 Operating levers 60 Third Caster w1 1st chordate w2 Second Cord

Claims

1. A first caster having a rotatable first wheel and a first locking member that locks the rotation of the first wheel, A second caster having a rotatable second wheel and a second locking member that locks the rotation of the second wheel, An interlocking mechanism that interlocks the first locking member and the second locking member, A caster device with a locking mechanism, The first locking member has an operating part and is configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the first wheel is rotatable and a locked position in which the first wheel is locked so that it cannot rotate, by operating the operating part. The second locking member is configured to be movable between an unlocked position, which allows the second wheel to rotate, and a locked position, which locks the second wheel so that it cannot rotate, via the interlocking mechanism, by operating the operating unit. A caster device with a locking mechanism, characterized by the above features.

2. The first locking member has an operating lever as the operating part, and a first locking projection is formed on the outer surface of the operating lever, which is inserted into a first locking recess provided on the first wheel in a manner that allows for insertion and removal. The outer surface of the second locking member is formed with a second locking projection that is removably inserted into a second locking recess provided on the second wheel. Caster device with locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a caster device with locking mechanism as described in claim 1.

3. The interlocking mechanism comprises a main body, a slider slidably housed in a recess formed in the main body, and a first cord and a second cord, respectively, connected to the slider. The first locking member has a first rope connecting portion that is connected to the first rope of the interlocking mechanism, The second locking member has a second rope connecting portion that is connected to the second rope of the interlocking mechanism. Caster device with locking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that it is a caster device with a locking mechanism.

4. The first cable connecting portion includes a pair of left and right extension members connected to the operating lever, and a first connecting body that connects the tips of the pair of left and right extension members. The caster device with a locking mechanism according to claim 3.

5. The first cable connecting portion is formed at the free end of the operating lever. The caster device with a locking mechanism according to claim 3.

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