Quick-release mechanism for suitcase casters

Abstract

This provides a quick-release mechanism for suitcase casters that results in a more compact structure, easier operation, and a simpler appearance. [Solution] The wheel base 1 is provided with an axle insertion seat hole 11, a lock plate groove is recessed on the upper surface of the wheel base, an axle lock plate 2 is arranged in the lock plate groove and is slidable laterally along the axle insertion seat hole, a retaining plate is provided to cover the opening of the lock plate groove, a window hole 13 communicating with the lock plate groove is provided at the bottom of the wheel base, an operating projection 23 of the axle lock plate protrudes from the window hole, and when the operating projection operates and slides the axle lock plate, it slides along the window hole, and the lock plate body 21 engages the axle lock plate with the axle The axle lock plate is in contact with a lock spring that drives it to slide to a stop position, a lock hole 14 is provided at one end of the window opening, a mounting seat is provided on the lock plate body of the axle lock plate, the operating projection is movably connected to the mounting seat, and has a locked position in which it engages with the lock hole and a unlocked position in which it can slide along the window opening, and when the axle lock plate is in the axle locking position, the operating projection is in a position corresponding to the lock hole, and the operating projection can be operated to switch between the locked position and the unlocked position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an accessory for a suitcase, and more specifically to a quick detachment structure for a caster for a suitcase.

Background Art

[0002] The caster of a suitcase is a component that is prone to damage in a suitcase. In order to extend the service life of the suitcase, the current market designs the caster for the suitcase to be quickly detachable. As one of the conventional quick detachment structures for a caster for a suitcase (for example, the quick detachable roller for a suitcase disclosed in Chinese Patent Publication No. 106827955A), the following is adopted. A sliding space is provided on the base of the roller, and a axle lock plate that slides linearly along the radial direction of the axle is slidably provided in the sliding space. A window hole for protruding the operating end of the axle lock plate is provided on the bottom surface of the base. One end of the axle lock plate is a locking end, and the other end of the axle lock plate abuts against a lock spring. Driven by the lock spring, the axle lock plate is held at a locking position where its locking end engages with the locking groove of the axle. By sliding the axle lock plate through the operating end, the locking end of the axle lock plate is retracted from the locking groove of the axle to release the lock, and the caster body can be removed from the wheel pedestal. The axle lock plate is of a sliding type, and by directly operating and sliding the axle lock plate when unlocking, detachment from the locking groove of the axle can be achieved, so the removal of the caster is easy, and the removal process is smooth and highly reliable. However, in the detachable design of the above-mentioned roller for a suitcase, although the axle lock plate is held at the locking position of the axle by the lock spring, when the roller for the suitcase receives an impact due to a collision, there is a risk that the lock of the roller for the suitcase will be released and it will fall off.

[0003] To solve the above problems, the applicant has designed a quick-release structure for suitcase casters with a locking function (see the quick-release structure for suitcase rollers with a locking function disclosed in Japanese Patent Registration Publication No. 220842071U). Conventional casters employ a sliding axle lock plate that is integrally molded (the sliding body, locking end, and operating end of the axle lock plate are integrally molded). The wheel base is further designed with a sliding lock member (referred to as the "lock plate lock member" in the document) for locking the axle lock plate. The sliding lock member simultaneously has an operable end that protrudes to the outside of the wheel base. However, due to the limited structural space of the wheel base, the design volume of the operable end of the sliding lock member is small, resulting in the disadvantage of inconvenient operation. Furthermore, in the above configuration, there are two protruding structures on the bottom surface of the wheel base, which is not only inconvenient to operate but also unsightly. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a quick-release structure for suitcase casters that is simple in structure and compact, in order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To achieve the above objective, this invention provides the following technical solution.

[0006] A quick-release structure for suitcase casters is provided, comprising a wheel base, an axle insertion seat hole provided in the wheel base, a lock plate groove recessed in the upper surface of the wheel base, an axle lock plate positioned within the lock plate groove that is slidable laterally along the axle insertion seat hole, a retaining plate covering the opening of the lock plate groove to restrict the axle lock plate within the lock plate groove, a window hole communicating with the lock plate groove provided at the bottom of the wheel base, the axle lock plate having a lock plate body, a locking end located at one end of the lock plate body, and an operating projection connected to the lock plate body for operating and sliding the lock plate body, the operating projection protruding from the window hole and slidable along the window hole, and the lock plate body in contact with a lock spring that drives the axle lock plate to the axle locking position. A quick-release structure for suitcase casters, comprising: a locking hole provided at one end of the window opening; a mounting base provided on the locking plate body; an operating projection movably connected to the mounting base and having a locked position in which it engages with the locking hole and a unlocked position in which it can slide along the window opening; and when the axle locking plate is in the axle locking position, the operating projection is in a position corresponding to the locking hole, and the operating projection is operable to switch between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0007] Preferably, the operating projection slides linearly into the mounting base, the sliding direction of the operating projection on the lock plate body is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the lock plate body on the wheel base, and the lock hole is a locking groove provided on the side of the window hole.

[0008] Preferably, the mounting end of the operating projection includes a regulating plate and a return hook locking portion formed at the bottom of the regulating plate, the return hook locking portion includes a pair of elastic return hook plates arranged opposite each other, the mounting seat portion is provided with a connecting hole, one end of the connecting hole is connected to a positioning sliding groove extending in the sliding direction of the operating projection, the regulating plate is guided and fitted into the positioning sliding groove and regulating-fits with the bottom of the positioning sliding groove, a locking step is provided at the other end of the connecting hole, the connecting hole is an elongated hole extending in the sliding direction of the operating projection, the return hook locking portion is inserted into the connecting hole, the return hook head of the elastic return hook plate is hooked onto the locking step, and the return hook locking portion is slidable along the connecting hole.

[0009] Preferably, the elastic return hook plate is provided with a tactile projection, and the wall of the connecting hole is formed with tactile recesses that correspond one-to-one with the locked position and unlocked position of the operating projection.

[0010] Preferably, reinforcing ribs are provided between the two elastic return hook plates to connect them.

[0011] Preferably, the locking plate body is further provided with a connecting seat, and the locking end is a metal part manufactured independently of the locking plate body, the locking end is assembled to the connecting seat, and the locking end is made of metal.

[0012] Preferably, the connecting seat includes a support plate, the support plate is provided with an insertion hole along the thickness direction of the locking plate body, the locking end includes a plate-shaped body, the plate-shaped body has an insertion projection protruding from it, the plate-shaped body is supported by the support plate, and the insertion projection is inserted into the insertion hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] By adopting the aforementioned technical solutions, we break away from the conventional practice of integral injection molding, designing the operating projection and the locking plate body as separate components, and adopting a lockable and unlockable design for the operating projection used to push the locking plate body. This achieves integration of functional components, resulting in a more compact structure, easier operation, and a simpler appearance. At the same time, the locking end is also made separate from the locking plate body, enabling processing with different materials, and adopting a stronger metal design for the locking end. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the quick-attach / detachment structure for suitcase casters according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of the quick-attach / detachment structure for suitcase casters of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is an exploded view of the quick-attach / detachment structure for suitcase casters of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an exploded view of the axle locking plate of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a structural diagram of the operating projection of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Referring to Figures 1-6, the quick-release structure for suitcase casters disclosed in this invention is used to lock and unlock the axle of a suitcase caster. The axle is provided with an annular lock groove, and is equipped with a wheel base 1. The wheel base 1 is provided with an axle insertion seat hole 11, and the axle is inserted into the axle insertion seat hole 11. A lock plate groove 12 is recessed in the upper surface of the wheel base 1, and an axle lock plate 2 that can slide laterally along the axle insertion seat hole 11 is arranged in the lock plate groove 12. A retaining plate 1-1 is provided to cover the opening of the lock plate groove 12, restricting the axle lock plate 2 to the lock plate groove 12. A window hole 13 communicating with the lock plate groove 12 is provided at the bottom of the wheel base 1. The axle lock plate 2 consists of a lock plate body 21, a locking end 22 located at one end of the lock plate body 21, and an operating projection 2 connected to the lock plate body 21 for operating and sliding the lock plate body 21. The axle lock plate 2 has an axle locking position in which the locking end 22 corresponds to the position of the axle insertion seat hole 11 and locks into the lock groove of the axle, the operating projection 23 protrudes from the window hole 13 and when the operating projection 23 operates and slides the axle lock plate 2 it slides along the window hole 13, the lock plate body 21 is in contact with a lock spring 3 that drives the axle lock plate 2 to slide to the axle locking position, a lock hole 14 is provided at one end of the window hole 13, a mounting seat portion 211 is provided on the lock plate body 21, the operating projection 23 is movably connected to the mounting seat portion 211 and has a lock position in which it engages with the lock hole 14 and a lock release position in which it can slide along the window hole, when the axle lock plate is in the axle locking position the operating projection is in a position corresponding to the lock hole and the operating projection 23 can be operated to switch between the lock position and the lock release position. When the axle lock plate 2 is in the axle locking position, the operating projection 23 can be operated and engaged into the lock hole 14 (as shown in Figure 1), and the operating projection 23 is locked and connected to the lock plate body 21, so the axle lock plate 2 is locked in the axle locking position. When the operating projection is operated to the unlock position, the operating projection can be operated and slid along the window hole, releasing the axle lock plate from the axle locking position, completing the unlocking of the axle, and allowing the caster to be removed.By integrating the operations for double-locking the axle locking plate and unlocking the axle into a single operating projection, it is possible to design the projection to be larger, which further improves ease of operation.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the operating projection 23 slides linearly into the mounting seat portion 211 and fits in that direction, the sliding direction of the operating projection 23 on the lock plate body 21 is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the lock plate body 21 on the wheel base 1, and the lock hole 14 is a locking groove provided on the side of the window hole 13. When the axle lock plate is in the axle locking position, the operating projection is operated laterally, the operating projection engages with the locking groove, locking the position of the operating projection, making the operation simple and convenient. Of course, in another embodiment, the movable method of the operating projection may be a rotational type, and the lock hole may be a circular hole, but the rotational operation method is limited in size on the caster, so the above structure requires effort to operate.

[0018] Furthermore, the mounting end of the operating projection 23 includes a regulating plate 231 and a return hook locking portion 232 formed at the bottom of the regulating plate 231, the return hook locking portion 232 includes a pair of elastic return hook plates 2321 arranged opposite each other, the mounting seat portion 211 is provided with a connecting hole 2111, and a positioning sliding groove 2112 extending along the sliding direction of the operating projection 23 is connected to one end of the connecting hole 2111, the regulating plate 231 is the positioning sliding groove 21 The connecting hole 2111 is guided and fitted into the connecting hole 2111, and is regulated and fitted into the bottom of the positioning sliding groove 2112. A locking step 2113 is provided at the other end of the connecting hole 2111, and the connecting hole 2111 is an elongated hole extending along the sliding direction of the operating projection 23. The return hook locking portion 232 is inserted into the connecting hole 2111, and the return hook head of the elastic return hook plate 2321 is hooked onto the locking step 2113, allowing the return hook locking portion 232 to slide along the connecting hole 2111. The return hook locking portion is inserted into the connecting hole, the operating projection is restricted by the regulating plate at one end of the connecting hole, and is regulated by the locking step at the other end of the connecting hole by the return hook head of the return hook plate, thereby restricting the operating projection from sliding within the connecting hole. The regulating plate simultaneously fits into the positioning sliding groove, achieving positioning and sliding guidance, and ensuring that the sliding of the operating projection is stable and reliable.

[0019] The elastic return hook plate 2321 is provided with a tactile projection 2322, and the wall of the connecting hole 2111 is molded with a tactile recess 2114 that corresponds one-to-one with the locked position and unlocked position of the operating projection 23. This ensures that when switching between the locked and unlocked positions by operating the operating projection, there is a tactile sensation and the position of the operating projection is accurate, and that when the operating projection operates the axle lock plate to unlock it, the operation is smooth and reliable. In addition, a reinforcing rib 2323 is provided between the two elastic return hook plates 2321 to connect them. By increasing the strength of the return hook locking part, the strength of the operating projection is increased.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, as another embodiment of the present invention, the lock plate body 21 is further provided with a connection seat 212. The locking end 22 is a metal part processed independently of the lock plate body, and the locking end 22 is assembled to the connection seat 212. The locking end can be made of metal, thereby improving the service life.

[0021] Furthermore, the connection seat 212 includes a support plate 2121. The support plate 2121 is provided with an insertion hole 2122 along the thickness direction of the lock plate body 21. The locking end 22 includes a plate-shaped body 221. An insertion protrusion 222 protrudes from the plate-shaped body 221. The plate-shaped body 221 is supported by the support plate 2121, and the insertion protrusion 222 is inserted into the insertion hole 2122. The connection structure of the locking end is simple, convenient to assemble, and reliable in structure.

[0022] The quick detachment structure of the suitcase caster provided by the present invention breaks the convention of integral injection molding of the conventional axle lock plate, separates the operation protrusion and the lock plate body, and adopts a design that can be locked and unlocked for the operation protrusion for pushing the lock plate body, realizing the integration of functional parts, making the structure more compact, the operation more convenient, and the appearance more concise. At the same time, the locking end is also separated from the lock plate body to realize processing with different materials, and a high-strength metal design is adopted for the locking end.

Claims

1. A quick-release structure for suitcase casters is provided, comprising a wheel base, an axle insertion seat hole provided in the wheel base, a lock plate groove recessed in the upper surface of the wheel base, an axle lock plate positioned within the lock plate groove that is slidable laterally along the axle insertion seat hole, a retaining plate covering the opening of the lock plate groove to restrict the axle lock plate within the lock plate groove, a window hole communicating with the lock plate groove provided at the bottom of the wheel base, the axle lock plate having a lock plate body, a locking end located at one end of the lock plate body, and an operating projection connected to the lock plate body for operating and sliding the lock plate body, the operating projection protruding from the window hole and slidable along the window hole, and the lock plate body in contact with a lock spring that drives the axle lock plate to the axle locking position. A locking hole is provided at one end of the window opening, a mounting seat is provided on the locking plate body, and an operating projection is movably connected to the mounting seat and has a locked position in which it engages with the locking hole and an unlocked position in which it can slide along the window opening, and when the axle locking plate is in the axle locking position, the operating projection is in a position corresponding to the locking hole, and the operating projection is operable to switch between the locked position and the unlocked position. A quick-release mechanism for suitcase casters, characterized by its features.

2. The operating projection slides linearly into the mounting base and engages with it, the sliding direction of the operating projection on the locking plate body is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the locking plate body on the wheel base, and the locking hole is a locking groove provided on the side of the window opening. The quick-attach / detachment structure for suitcase casters according to feature 1.

3. The mounting end of the operating projection includes a regulating plate and a return hook locking portion formed at the bottom of the regulating plate, the return hook locking portion includes a pair of elastic return hook plates arranged opposite each other, the mounting seat portion is provided with a connecting hole, one end of the connecting hole is connected to a positioning sliding groove extending in the sliding direction of the operating projection, the regulating plate is guided and fitted into the positioning sliding groove and regulating-fits with the bottom of the positioning sliding groove, a locking step is provided at the other end of the connecting hole, the connecting hole is an elongated hole extending in the sliding direction of the operating projection, the return hook locking portion is inserted into the connecting hole, the return hook head of the elastic return hook plate is hooked onto the locking step, and the return hook locking portion is slidable along the connecting hole. The quick-release structure for suitcase casters according to feature 2.

4. The elastic return hook plate is provided with a tactile projection, and the wall of the connection hole is formed with tactile recesses that correspond one-to-one with the locked and unlocked positions of the operating projection. The quick-attach / detachment structure for suitcase casters according to feature 3.

5. Between the two elastic return hook plates, a reinforcing rib is provided to connect the elastic return hook plates. The quick-attach / detachment structure for suitcase casters according to feature 3.

6. The locking plate body is further provided with a connecting seat, and the locking end is a metal part manufactured independently of the locking plate body, the locking end is assembled to the connecting seat, and the locking end is made of metal. The quick-attach / detachment structure for suitcase casters according to feature 1.

7. The connecting seat includes a support plate, the support plate is provided with an insertion hole along the thickness direction of the locking plate body, the locking end includes a plate-shaped body, the plate-shaped body has an insertion projection protruding from it, the plate-shaped body is supported by the support plate, and the insertion projection is inserted into the insertion hole. The quick-attach / detachment structure for suitcase casters according to feature 6.

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