Wheel mechanism

Abstract

To provide a wheel mechanism that prevents abnormal vibration of wheels. The wheel mechanism (1, 1') includes a fixed base (10), a wheel base (12), a wheel (14), a fixed tube (16), and a gasket (18, 20), and the gasket (18, 20) is arranged around the fixed tube (16) to prevent the wheel (14) with the wheel base (12) from moving up and down and to prevent abnormal vibration of the wheel (14). In one embodiment, the upper gasket (18) is arranged between the fixed base (10) and the wheel base (12). In another embodiment, the lower gasket (20) is arranged between the wheel base (12) and the fixed tube (16). When the wheel base (52) is pivotally connected to the fixed base (50) by a rotating shaft (56), at least one elastic member (58) may be selectively arranged between at least two of the fixed base (50), the wheel base (52), and the rotating shaft (56) to prevent abnormal vibration of the wheel (54).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheel mechanism, and more particularly to a wheel mechanism capable of preventing abnormal vibration (shimmying) of a wheel.

Background Art

[0002] A baby stroller is a tool used when a parent takes a baby or a child shopping. Currently, when the baby stroller moves, the wheels move up and down, and abnormal vibration (shimmy) occurs. At this time, the wheels may not rotate stably due to the abnormal vibration. Furthermore, since the upper and lower parts collide with each other due to the abnormal vibration, noise is generated, and the comfort of the baby stroller is impaired.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a wheel mechanism capable of preventing abnormal vibration of wheels, thereby solving the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] This is achieved by the wheel mechanisms according to claims 1, 6 and 14. The dependent claims relate to corresponding further improvements and refinements.

[0005] As will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description, the wheel mechanism described in the claims includes a fixed base, a wheel base, wheels, a fixed tube and an upper gasket. The wheels are pivotally connected to the wheel base. The fixed tube pivotally connects the wheel base and the fixed base. The upper gasket is disposed between the fixed base and the wheel base.

[0006] Preferably, the upper gasket is sleeved on the fixed tube.

[0007] Preferably, the wheel mechanism further includes a lower gasket disposed between the wheel base and the fixed tube.

[0008] Preferably, the lower gasket is disposed at the lower end of the fixed tube.

[0009] Preferably, the fixed base has a fixing hole, the wheel base has a through hole, the end of the fixed tube passes through the through hole and is fixed to the fixing hole, and the fixed tube pivotally connects the wheel base to the fixed base.

[0010] As will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description, the wheel mechanism recited in the claims includes a fixed base, a wheel base, wheels, a fixed tube, and a lower gasket. The wheels are pivotally connected to the wheel base. The fixed tube pivotally connects the wheel base to the fixed base. The lower gasket is disposed between the wheel base and the fixed tube.

[0011] Preferably, the lower gasket is disposed at the lower end of the fixed tube.

[0012] Preferably, the wheel mechanism further includes an upper gasket disposed between the fixed base and the wheel base.

[0013] Preferably, the upper gasket is sleeved on the fixed tube.

[0014] Preferably, the fixed base has a fixing hole, the wheel base has a through hole, the end of the fixed tube passes through the through hole and is fixed to the fixing hole, and the fixed tube pivotally connects the wheel base to the fixed base.

[0015] Preferably, the fixed tube is fixed to the fixed base, the fixed tube has a through hole, the wheel base has a rotating shaft, the rotating shaft is rotatably disposed in the through hole, and the fixed tube pivotally connects the wheel base and the fixed base.

[0016] Preferably, the upper part of the rotating shaft abuts against the fixed tube.

[0017] Preferably, the wheel base has a directional plate fixed to the rotating shaft, and the lower gasket is disposed on the directional plate.

[0018] As will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description, the wheel mechanism recited in the claims includes a fixed base, a wheel base, a wheel, a rotating shaft, and at least one elastic member. The wheel is pivotally coupled to the wheel base. The rotating shaft is disposed on one of the fixed base and the wheel base. The wheel base is pivotally coupled to the fixed base by the rotating shaft. At least one elastic member is disposed between at least two of the fixed base, the wheel base, and the rotating shaft.

[0019] Preferably, at least one elastic member is disposed between the fixed base and the wheel base and around the rotating shaft.

[0020] Preferably, at least one elastic member is ring-shaped and sleeved on the rotating shaft.

[0021] Preferably, at least one elastic member has at least one protrusion, and at least one protrusion abuts against one of the fixed base and the wheel base.

[0022] Preferably, the fixed base has a through hole, at least one elastic member is disposed in the through hole, the rotating shaft is disposed on the wheel base, the rotating shaft is rotatably disposed in the through hole, and at least one elastic member is disposed between the fixed base and the rotating shaft.

[0023] Preferably, the wheel base has a through hole, at least one elastic member is disposed in the through hole, the rotating shaft is disposed on the fixed base, the rotating shaft is rotatably disposed in the through hole, and at least one elastic member is disposed between the wheel base and the rotating shaft.

[0024] Hereinafter, the present invention will be further illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a wheel mechanism 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the wheel mechanism 1 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the wheel mechanism 1 shown in FIG. 1.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the wheel mechanism 1 of the present invention includes a fixed base 10, a wheel base 12, a wheel 14, a fixed tube 16, and an upper gasket 18. The wheel 14 is pivotally connected to the wheel base 12 so that the wheel 14 can rotate. In this embodiment, two wheels 14 are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the wheel base 12. The fixed tube 16 pivotally connects the wheel base 12 to the fixed base 10. In this embodiment, the fixed base 10 has a fixing hole 100, and the wheel base 12 has a through hole 120. The end of the fixed tube 16 passes through the through hole 120 of the wheel base 12 and is fixed to the fixing hole 100 of the fixed base 10, and the fixed tube 16 pivotally connects the wheel base 12 to the fixed base 10. Therefore, the wheel base 12 provided with the wheels 14 can rotate around the fixed base 10.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the upper gasket 18 may be sleeved on the fixed tube 16, and the upper gasket 18 may be sleeved at any position between the opposing ends of the fixed tube 16, for example, at the middle segment of the fixed tube 16 or at a position one-third away from either end of the fixed tube 16. Therefore, after the wheel mechanism 1 is assembled, the upper gasket 18 is disposed between the fixed base 10 and the wheel base 12. The upper gasket 18 contacts the inner surface 102 of the fixed base 10 and the upper surface 122 of the wheel base 12 to prevent the wheel 14 provided with the wheel base 12 from moving up and down and to prevent abnormal vibration of the wheel 14. Further, since the upper gasket 18 is disposed between the fixed base 10 and the wheel base 12, it is possible to further prevent the inner surface 102 of the fixed base 10 and the upper surface 122 of the wheel base 12 from colliding and generating noise. In this embodiment, the upper gasket 18 can be made of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), rubber or other elastic materials according to practical applications.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a wheel mechanism 1' according to another embodiment of the present invention. The main difference between the wheel mechanism 1' and the above-described wheel mechanism 1 is that, as shown in FIG. 4, the wheel mechanism 1' further includes a lower gasket 20 disposed between the wheel base 12 and the fixed tube 16. In this embodiment, the lower gasket 20 is disposed at the lower edge 160 of the fixed tube 16. Therefore, after the wheel mechanism 1' is assembled, the lower gasket 20 abuts against the bottom surface 124 of the wheel base 12 and the lower edge 160 of the fixed tube 16, preventing the wheel 14 from moving up and down together with the wheel base 12 and preventing abnormal vibration of the wheel 14. Further, since the lower gasket 20 is disposed between the wheel base 12 and the fixed tube 16, it is possible to further prevent the lower surface 124 of the wheel base 12 and the lower edge 160 of the fixed tube 16 from colliding with each other and generating noise. In this embodiment, the lower gasket 20 can be made of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), rubber or other elastic materials according to practical applications.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a wheel mechanism 1'' according to another embodiment of the present invention. The main difference between the wheel mechanism 1'' and the above-described wheel mechanism 1' is that the wheel mechanism 1'' includes only the lower gasket 20 without including the upper gasket 18. In other words, the present invention can dispose only the lower gasket 20 between the wheel base 12 and the fixed tube 16 without disposing the upper gasket 18.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a wheel mechanism 3 according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the wheel mechanism 3 shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the rotating shaft 320 shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the wheel mechanism 3 shown in FIG. 6.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the wheel mechanism 3 of the present invention includes a fixed base 30, a wheel base 32, a wheel 34, a fixed tube 36, and a lower gasket 40. The wheel 34 is pivotally connected to the wheel base 32 so that the wheel 34 can rotate. The fixed tube 36 pivotally connects the wheel base 32 to the fixed base 30. In this embodiment, the fixed tube 36 is fixed to the fixed base 30. Further, a through hole 360 is provided in the fixed tube 36, and a rotating shaft 320 is provided in the wheel base 32. The rotating shaft 320 is rotatably disposed in the through hole 360, and the fixed tube 36 pivotally connects the wheel base 32 to the fixed base 30. As shown in FIG. 9, the restraint pin 42 is inserted into the fixed base 30 and the fixed tube 36 from the side surface of the fixed base 30 and abuts against the restraint recess 322 of the rotating shaft 320, so that the rotating shaft 320 can be rotatably restrained within the through hole 360 of the fixed tube 36. Therefore, the wheel base 32 provided with the wheel 34 can rotate around the fixed base 30.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 9, the lower gasket 40 is disposed between the wheel base 32 and the fixed tube 36. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the wheel base 32 can have a direction plate 324 fixed to the rotating shaft 320. As shown in FIG. 8, the rotating shaft 320 may have a step 326. The step 326 is used to be welded and positioned with the direction plate 324 so as to determine the length of the rotating shaft 320 exposed from the direction plate 324. The lower gasket 40 can be disposed on the direction plate 324. Therefore, after the wheel mechanism 3 is assembled, the lower gasket 40 abuts against the direction plate 324 of the wheel base 32 and the lower edge 361 of the fixed tube 36, preventing the wheel 34 having the wheel base 32 from moving up and down and preventing abnormal vibration of the wheel 34. Further, since the lower gasket 40 is disposed between the wheel base 32 and the fixed tube 36, it is possible to further prevent the direction plate 324 of the wheel base 32 and the fixed tube 36 from colliding and generating noise. In this embodiment, the lower gasket 40 can be made of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), rubber, or other elastic materials according to practical applications. Preferably, the top of the rotating shaft 320 may abut against the fixed tube 36 to prevent the lower gasket 40 from being crushed. Further, the lower gasket 40 can be interference-fitted to the rotating shaft 320 to prevent dust intrusion. Further, the lower gasket 40 can also be interference-fitted to the lower edge 361 of the fixed tube 36. Further, a lubricant may be added to the outer periphery of the lower gasket 40 so that no noise is generated while the lower gasket 40 and the fixed tube 36 are being impacted.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a wheel mechanism 5 according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the wheel base 52 shown in FIG. 10.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the wheel mechanism 5 includes a fixed base 50, a wheel base 52, a wheel 54, a rotating shaft 56, and at least one elastic member 58. The wheel 54 is pivotally connected to the wheel base 52 so that the wheel 54 can rotate. The rotating shaft 56 is disposed on the wheel base 52, and the wheel base 52 is pivotally connected to the fixed base 50 by the rotating shaft 56. Accordingly, the wheel base 52 provided with the wheel 54 can rotate around the fixed base 50. In this embodiment, the wheel mechanism 5 can include four elastic members 58. The four elastic members 58 can be disposed around the rotating shaft 56 on the wheel base 52. Note that the number and position of the elastic members 58 can be determined according to the actual use, and thus the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. In this embodiment, the elastic member 58 is circular, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the elastic member 58 may be rectangular, elliptical, or other shapes according to the actual use. After the wheel mechanism 5 is assembled, the elastic member 58 is disposed between the fixed base 50 and the wheel base 52 to prevent the wheel 54 having the wheel base 52 from moving up and down and to prevent abnormal vibration of the wheel 54. Further, since the elastic member 58 is disposed between the fixed base 50 and the wheel base 52, it is possible to further prevent noise from occurring due to a collision between the wheel base 52 and the fixed base 50. In this embodiment, the elastic member 58 can be made of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), rubber, or other elastic materials according to practical applications.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a wheel mechanism 5' according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the fixed base 50 shown in FIG. 12, and FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the elastic member 58 shown in FIG. 13. The main differences between the wheel mechanism 5' and the above-described wheel mechanism 5 are that, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the rotating shaft 56 of the wheel mechanism 5' is disposed on the fixed base 50, and the elastic member 58 of the wheel mechanism 5' is ring-shaped. In this embodiment, the elastic member 58 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 56 and abuts against the fixed base 50. The elastic member 58 can be press-fitted with the rotating shaft 56 so that the elastic member 58 does not come off the rotating shaft 56 when the wheel base 52 is removed from the fixed base 50. The shape of the elastic member 58 can be a shape according to the actual use, such as an elliptical shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, etc. In another embodiment, the elastic member 58 shown in FIG. 13 can also be replaced with the four elastic members 58 shown in FIG. 11 according to the actual use. As shown in FIG. 12, after the wheel mechanism 5' is assembled, the elastic member is disposed between the fixed base 50 and the wheel base 52, preventing the wheel 54 having the wheel base 52 from moving up and down, and preventing abnormal vibration of the wheel 54. Further, since the elastic member 58 is disposed between the fixed base 50 and the wheel base 52, it is possible to further prevent the wheel base 52 and the fixed base 50 from colliding with each other and generating noise. The elastic member 58 may be press-fitted to the contact surface of the wheel base 52 so that the elastic member 58 is surely in close contact with the wheel base 52.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 14, the elastic member 58 can have at least one protrusion 580. In this embodiment, the elastic member 58 can have two protrusions 580. Note that the number and position of the protrusions 580 can be determined according to the actual application, so the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. After the wheel mechanism 5' is assembled, the protrusion 580 abuts against the wheel base 52. In other words, the elastic member 58 can be partially in contact with the wheel base 52 by the protrusion 580. In another embodiment, the elastic member 58 may not have the protrusion 580. At this time, the elastic member 58 is in surface contact with the wheel base 52. In another embodiment, the elastic member 58 can also be partially in contact with the fixed base 50 by the protrusion 580.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 15, FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a wheel mechanism 5'' according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 15, a through hole 500 is provided in the fixed base 50, and the rotating shaft 56 is disposed on the wheel base 52. The main difference between the wheel mechanism 5'' and the above-described wheel mechanism 5 is that the elastic member 58 of the wheel mechanism 5'' is disposed in the through hole 500 of the fixed base 50. Then, by rotatably disposing the rotating shaft 56 in the through hole 500 of the fixed base 50, the elastic member 58 is disposed between the fixed base 50 and the rotating shaft 56 to prevent the wheel 54 having the wheel base 52 from moving up and down, thereby preventing abnormal vibration of the wheel 54. Further, since the elastic member 58 is disposed between the fixed base 50 and the rotating shaft 56, it is possible to further prevent the rotating shaft 56 and the fixed base 50 from colliding and generating noise. The elastic member 58 may be press-fitted onto the contact surface of the rotating shaft 56 so that the elastic member 58 is surely in close contact with the rotating shaft 56. In another embodiment, the elastic member 58 can also be embedded at the end of the rotating shaft 56.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 16, FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a wheel mechanism 5''' according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 16, a through hole 520 is formed in the wheel base 52, and a rotating shaft 56 is disposed on the fixed base 50. The main difference between the wheel mechanism 5''' and the above-described wheel mechanism 5 is that the elastic member 58 of the wheel mechanism 5''' is disposed in the through hole 520 of the wheel base 52. Then, since the rotating shaft 56 is rotatably disposed in the through hole 520 of the wheel base 52, the elastic member 58 is disposed between the wheel base 52 and the rotating shaft 56, preventing the wheel 54 provided with the wheel base 52 from moving up and down, and preventing abnormal vibration of the wheel 54. Further, since the elastic member 58 is disposed between the wheel base 52 and the rotating shaft 56, it is possible to further prevent the rotating shaft 56 and the wheel base 52 from colliding and generating noise. The elastic member 58 may be press-fitted to the contact surface of the rotating shaft 56 so that the elastic member 58 is surely in close contact with the rotating shaft 56. In another embodiment, the elastic member 58 can also be embedded at the end of the rotating shaft 56.

[0040] As described above, in the present invention, by disposing a gasket around the fixed tube, it is possible to prevent the wheel having a wheel base from moving up and down, and to prevent abnormal vibration of the wheel. In one embodiment, the upper gasket is disposed between the fixed base and the wheel base, and it is possible to prevent the fixed base and the wheel base from colliding with each other and generating noise. In another embodiment, the lower gasket is disposed between the wheel base and the fixed tube, and it is possible to prevent the wheel base and the fixed tube from colliding with each other and generating noise. Also, in the present invention, it goes without saying that the upper gasket and the lower gasket may be simultaneously disposed around the fixed tube to improve the effect of preventing abnormal vibration of the wheel. Further, in another embodiment, when the wheel base is pivotally connected to the fixed base by a rotating shaft, the present invention can selectively dispose at least one elastic member between at least two of the fixed base, the wheel base, and the rotating shaft in order to prevent abnormal vibration of the wheel.

[0041] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the above description. Modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. a fixed base (10, 30), a wheel base (12, 32), wheels (14, 34) pivotally connected to the wheel base (12, 32), fixed tubes (16, 36) pivotally connecting the wheel base (12, 32) to the fixed base (10, 30), lower gaskets (20, 40) disposed between the wheel base (12, 32) and the fixed tubes (16, 36) and abutting against a lower edge (160) of the fixed tube (16), a wheel mechanism (1’, 1’’, 3).

2. The wheel mechanism (1’, 1’’) according to claim 1, wherein the lower gasket (20) is disposed on a lower edge (160) of the fixed tube (16).

3. The wheel mechanism (1’) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an upper gasket (18) disposed between the fixed base (10) and the wheel base (12).

4. The wheel mechanism (1’) according to claim 3, wherein the upper gasket (18) is sleeved on the fixed tube (16).

5. The fixed base (10) has a fixing hole (100), the wheel base (12) has a through hole (120), an end of the fixed tube (16) passes through the through hole (120) and is fixed to the fixing hole (100), and the fixed tube (16) pivotally connects the wheel base (12) to the fixed base (10). The wheel mechanism (1’, 1’’) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The fixed tube (36) is fixed to the fixed base (30), the fixed tube (36) has a through hole (360), the wheel base (32) has a rotating shaft (320), the rotating shaft (320) is rotatably disposed in the through hole (360), and the fixed tube (36) pivotally connects the wheel base (32) to the fixed base (30). The wheel mechanism (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The wheel mechanism (3) according to claim 6, wherein a top of the rotating shaft (320) abuts against the fixed tube (36).

8. The wheel base (32) has a direction plate (324) fixed on the rotating shaft (320), and the lower gasket (40) is disposed on the direction plate (324). The wheel mechanism (3) according to claim 6 or 7.

Images