Caster

Abstract

To provide a caster having sufficient brake performance with a space saved.SOLUTION: The caster comprises: a base panel part having a hole part; a caster main body part turnably connected to the base panel part; a wheel part rotatably supported on the caster main body part; a gear part having a plurality of teeth, integrally fixed to the wheel part; an engagement part mounted on the caster main body to be movable between an engagement position at which the part engages with any of the plurality of teeth and a separation position at which the part disengages from any of the teeth; and an actuation shaft part that has an input part provided at one end part and an output part provided at the other end part and is passed turnably to the hole part, which is passed into the hole part to be movable between a first position at which when external force is applied to the input part, the output part presses the engagement part to move the engagement part from the separation position to the engagement position and a second position at which the external force applied to the input part is released so that the pressing to the engagement part by the output part is released and the engagement part is moved from the engagement position to the separation position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a caster having a braking function. [Background technology]

[0002] A caster with a brake that restricts rotation in the forward direction has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This caster has a wheel, a housing that holds the wheel, a brake shoe that is rotatable relative to the housing, and a release member that releases the brake shoe from contact with the wheel. This caster is configured so that the brake shoe contacts the wheel due to its own weight, and the brake shoe is released from contact with the wheel by operating the release member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-154910 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is a need for casters with sufficient braking performance to restrict rotation in the forward direction. However, there are cases where installation space does not allow for the installation of large brake shoes or the like near the casters. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a caster that is space-saving and has sufficient braking performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The above problems are solved by the present invention as follows. That is, the caster of the present invention (1) comprises a base part having a hole part, A caster main body portion rotatably connected to the base portion; A wheel portion rotatably supported on the caster main body portion; a gear portion having a plurality of teeth and integrally fixed to the wheel portion; an engaging portion attached to the caster body so as to be movable between an engaging position in which the engaging portion is engaged with any of the plurality of teeth and a spaced position in which the engaging portion is spaced from any of the plurality of teeth; an operating shaft portion having an input portion provided at one end and an output portion provided at the other end opposite to the one end, the operating shaft portion being rotatably passed through the hole portion, the operating shaft portion being movable between a first position where an external force is applied to the input portion, causing the output portion to press the engaging portion and move the engaging portion from the separated position to the engaged position, and a second position where the external force is released from the input portion, causing the output portion to release its pressure on the engaging portion and move the engaging portion from the engaged position to the separated position; Equipped with.

[0006] The caster of the present invention (2) is the caster according to (1), The caster main body has a pair of wall portions located on both sides of the wheel portion, the pair of wall portions facing each other, The engaging portion is provided within a region surrounded by the pair of walls.

[0007] The caster of the present invention (3) is the caster according to (1) or (2), One or more rotation restriction pieces are provided between the caster body and the operating shaft, The operating shaft portion is configured to be rotatable together with the caster main body portion, the base portion includes a base portion main body and a bush portion located in the hole portion and fixed to the base portion main body, the bushing portion has a flange portion facing the input portion and one or more groove portions provided in the flange portion and extending in a radial direction of the operating shaft portion, The one or more rotation restriction pieces engage with the one or more groove portions as the operating shaft portion moves from the second position to the first position to restrict the rotation of the operating shaft portion, and move away from the one or more groove portions as the operating shaft portion moves from the first position to the second position to release the restriction on the rotation of the operating shaft portion.

[0008] Further, the caster of the present invention (4) is the caster according to any one of (1) to (3), The gear portion is provided adjacent to the wheel portion and is concentric with the wheel portion.

[0009] Further, the caster of the present invention (5) is the caster according to any one of (1) to (4), The output portion was arc-shaped.

[0010] Moreover, the caster of the present invention (6) is a base portion having a hole; A caster main body portion rotatably connected to the base portion; A wheel portion rotatably supported on the caster main body portion; a gear portion having a plurality of teeth and integrally fixed to the wheel portion; an engaging portion attached to the caster body so as to be movable between an engaging position in which the engaging portion is engaged with any of the plurality of teeth and a spaced position in which the engaging portion is spaced from any of the plurality of teeth; an operating shaft portion having an input portion provided at one end and an output portion provided at the other end opposite to the one end, the operating shaft portion being rotatably passed through the hole portion, the operating shaft portion being passed through the hole portion so as to be movable between a first position where the engagement portion is allowed to move and moved from the separated position to the engagement position when an external force on the input portion is released, and a second position where the engagement portion is pulled by the output portion and moved from the engagement position to the separation position when an external force is applied to the input portion; Equipped with.

[0011] Moreover, the caster of the present invention (7) is a base portion having a hole; A caster main body portion rotatably connected to the base portion; A wheel portion rotatably supported on the caster main body portion, the wheel portion having a wheel; a second engagement portion provided on the wheel; an engaging portion attached to the caster body so as to be movable between an engaging position engaged with the second engaging portion and a spaced position spaced from the second engaging portion; an operating shaft having an input portion provided at one end and an output portion provided at the other end opposite to the one end, configured to be rotatable with the caster main body and passed through the hole so as to be rotatable, the operating shaft being movable between a first position where an external force is applied to the input portion, causing the output portion to press the engaging portion and move the engaging portion from the separated position to the engaged position, and a second position where the external force is released from the input portion, causing the output portion to release its pressure on the engaging portion and move the engaging portion from the engaged position to the separated position; Equipped with.

[0012] Further, the caster of the present invention (8) is the caster according to (7), the engaging portion has a cam surface that converts the direction of the operating force of the operating shaft portion into a different direction; a moving direction of the operating shaft from the first position to the second position is a direction along a radial direction of the wheel unit, The direction of movement of the engaging portion from the separated position to the engaged position is the direction in which a support shaft supporting the wheel portion extends. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, a caster that saves space and has sufficient braking performance can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the caster of the first embodiment from above. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the caster shown in FIG. 1 from below. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the caster shown in FIG. 1 . [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the caster shown in FIG. 1 with a part cut away, showing a state in which the operating shaft is in a second position. FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the caster shown in FIG. 4 in a state where the operating shaft is in a first position. [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view showing the swivel restricting piece and groove of the caster shown in FIG. 1 in a state where they are separated from each other. FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the swivel restricting piece of the caster shown in FIG. 6 is engaged with a groove portion. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical direction of the caster shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which an engagement portion is in a separated position. FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the engaging portion shown in FIG. 8 is in an engaged position. [Figure 10] 10 is a front view showing the caster of the second embodiment from the front direction. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical direction of the caster shown in FIG. 10, showing a state in which an engagement portion is in a separated position. FIG. [Figure 12] 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical direction of the caster shown in FIG. 10, showing a state in which an engagement portion is in a separated position. FIG. [Figure 13] 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the engaging portion shown in FIG. 11 is in an engaged position. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the engaging portion shown in FIG. 12 is in an engaged position. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical direction of the caster of the third embodiment. [Figure 16] 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F16-F16 of the caster shown in FIG. 15. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a caster of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. The caster of the present invention is arranged, for example, at the four corners of a cart or the like and is used to move the cart or the like. The caster of the present invention is a so-called swivel caster that can turn in any direction and can both restrict turning and brake when locked. [First embodiment]

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the caster 11 comprises a base portion 12 having a hole portion 12A and attached to an attachment object such as a trolley, a caster main body portion 13 rotatably connected to the base portion 12, a wheel portion 14 rotatably supported on the caster main body portion 13, a gear portion 15 fixed integrally to the wheel portion 14, an engagement portion 16 movably provided on the caster main body portion 13, an operating shaft portion 17 passed through the hole portion 12A of the base portion 12, a rotation restricting portion 18 (rotation restricting piece 53) interposed between the caster main body portion 13 and the operating shaft portion 17, a first elastic body 22 interposed between the bush portion 21 of the base portion 12 and the operating shaft portion 17, and a second elastic body 23 interposed between the caster main body portion 13 and the engagement portion 16.

[0017] The base unit 12 is made of a metal material. The base unit 12 has a base unit main body 24 formed in a substantially flat plate shape, a hole 12A provided in the center of the base unit main body 24, and a bushing 21 formed in a cylindrical shape from a metal material and housed in the hole 12A. The bushing 21 is fixedly provided to the base unit main body 24.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, the bushing 21 includes a cylindrical portion 25, a flange portion 26 provided at one end of the cylindrical portion 25 so as to protrude radially from the cylindrical portion 25, a support hole 27 extending axially through the cylindrical portion 25 and the flange portion 26, one or more grooves 28 provided in the flange portion 26 and extending radially of the bushing 21 (actuating shaft 17), and a retaining ring portion 31 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 25. The flange portion 26 is provided in a position facing an input portion 32 (described later) of the operating shaft 17. The one or more grooves 28 are recessed from the surface of the flange portion 26 facing the input portion 32. The ring portion 31 is detachable from the bushing 21 and prevents the bushing 21 from falling off the base body 24.

[0019] The caster body 13 is made of a metal material. The caster 11 has a pair of bearing structures 34 that sandwich the top 33 of the caster body 13 from above and below. The caster body 13 is rotatably connected to the base 12 via the pair of bearing structures 34.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the caster main body 13 has a pair of opposing wall portions 35, a top portion 33 connecting the pair of wall portions 35, a first support shaft 36 extending between the pair of wall portions 35, a second support shaft 37 extending between the pair of wall portions 35, and a third support shaft 38 extending between the pair of wall portions 35. The pair of wall portions 35 are located on both sides of the wheel portion 14. The first support shaft 36 supports the wheel portion 14 rotatably about the first support shaft 36. The second support shaft 37 is passed through an elongated hole portion 41 (described later) of the operating shaft portion 17 and supports the operating shaft portion 17 so that it can move forward and backward. The third support shaft 38 rotatably supports the engagement portion 16.

[0021] The wheel unit 14 includes, for example, a metal wheel 42 and a rubber layer 43 provided on the outside of the wheel 42 .

[0022] The gear portion 15 is formed into a disk shape from a metal material. The gear portion 15 is provided adjacent to the wheel portion 14. The gear portion 15 is provided concentrically with the wheel portion 14 and is integrally fixed to the wheel portion 14 with screws, rivets, or the like. The gear portion 15 has a plurality of teeth 15A on its outer periphery. The diameter of the gear portion 15 is formed to be approximately the same as or smaller than the diameter of the wheel portion 14.

[0023] The engagement portion 16 is made of a metal material and is formed by pressing a metal plate into a predetermined shape. The engagement portion 16 is integrally formed with the third support shaft 38, for example, by welding. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 8, the engagement portion 16 includes a base portion 44 formed integrally with the third support shaft 38 and in a flat plate shape, an arm portion 45 extending laterally from the base portion 44 and engageable with the gear portion 15, a through hole 46 provided at the tip of the arm portion 45, and a protrusion 47 provided at the end of the base portion 44 opposite the end on the third support shaft 38 side. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the engagement portion 16 is provided within an area surrounded by the pair of walls 35. Here, the phrase "provided within an area surrounded by the pair of walls 35" encompasses the case where the engagement portion 16 is substantially located within the area, although a portion of the engagement portion 16 may extend beyond the area. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the engagement portion 16 is movable between an engagement position S1 in which it engages with one of the multiple teeth 15A of the gear portion 15 and a separation position S2 in which it is separated from one of the multiple teeth 15A of the gear portion 15.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, the actuating shaft 17 is made of a metal material and has a cylindrical rod shape. The actuating shaft 17 is rotatably inserted through the hole 12A (the support hole 27 of the bushing 21). The actuating shaft 17 includes a shaft body 51, an input portion 32 provided at one end, an output portion 39 provided at the other end opposite the one end, and an elongated hole 41 provided in the shaft body 51 near the output portion 39. The diameter of the input portion 32 is larger than the diameter of the shaft body 51. The output portion 39 is arc-shaped. The arc-shaped shape includes a hemispherical shape, a semi-elliptical spherical shape, and a shape with a semicircular, semi-elliptical, or parabolic cross section. The arc-shaped output portion 39 maintains surface contact, rather than point contact, between the actuating shaft 17 and the engaging portion 16, regardless of the angle at which the engaging portion 16 is positioned. This allows smooth transmission of the pressing force from the operating shaft portion 17 to the engagement portion 16. The operating shaft portion 17 can rotate (co-rotate) integrally with the caster main body portion 13 because the second support shaft 37 is passed through the elongated hole portion 41.

[0025] 1, 6, and 7, the rotation restricting portion 18 is formed by bending a flat metal material into a predetermined shape by press working or the like. The rotation restricting portion 18 has a fixed portion 52 fixed to the lower surface of the input portion 32 of the operating shaft portion 17, one or more (for example, a pair of) rotation restricting pieces 53 provided so as to face one of the one or more grooves 28, and a leaf spring portion 54 provided so as to connect the fixed portion 52 and the one or more rotation restricting pieces 53. Each of the one or more rotation restricting pieces 53 can be inserted into and engaged with one of the one or more grooves 28.

[0026] The first elastic body 22 is formed of, for example, a compression coil spring. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first elastic body 22 is interposed between the step portion 27A of the support hole 27 of the bushing portion 21 and the input portion 32 of the operating shaft portion 17. The first elastic body 22 can bias the operating shaft portion 17 in a direction away from the wheel portion 14.

[0027] The second elastic body 23 is configured by, for example, a tension coil spring. As shown in FIG. 8, the second elastic body 23 is stretched between the second support shaft 37 and the protruding piece 47 of the engagement portion 16.

[0028] Next, the operation of the caster 11 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 9. Note that in Figures 4 and 5, the engaging portion 16, the third support shaft 38, etc. are omitted from illustration in order to clearly show the position of the operating shaft portion 17.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, when no external force F is applied to the input portion 32 of the operating shaft portion 17, the operating shaft portion 17 is in a second position P2 in which the output portion 39 is separated from the wheel portion 14 by the action of the first elastic body 22 and the output portion 39 is not pressing against the engagement portion 16.

[0030] For example, when an external force F is applied from a dolly to which caster 11 is attached in a direction approaching wheel portion 14 via a link mechanism or cam mechanism on the dolly side, operating axle portion 17 is moved to first position P1 so as to approach wheel portion 14, as shown in Fig. 5. As a result, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, turning restriction portion 18 is pushed toward flange portion 26, and one or more turning restriction pieces 53 each engage with one of the plurality of groove portions 28. This restricts turning of operating axle portion 17 and caster body portion 13 connected thereto.

[0031] At the same time, the engagement portion 16 rotates. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, when the operating shaft portion 17 is moved to the first position P1, the output portion 39 presses the base portion 44 of the engagement portion 16, causing the engagement portion 16 to rotate toward the wheel portion 14. As a result, the engagement portion 16 moves from a separated position S2, where it is separated from the gear portion 15, to an engaged position S1, where it engages with one of the multiple teeth 15A of the gear portion 15. At the engaged position S1, one of the multiple teeth 15A of the gear portion 15 fits into the through-hole 46 of the engagement portion 16. As a result, the wheel portion 14 is restricted (braked) from rotating in the forward direction.

[0032] Therefore, in the caster 11 of this embodiment, when an external force F is applied to the operating axle portion 17, the rotation restriction (rotation restriction in a horizontal plane) of the caster main body portion 13 and the wheel portion 14 and the rotation restriction (brake) in the forward direction of the wheel portion 14 are simultaneously activated. This prevents the wheel portion 14 from being allowed to rotate while the brake is activated when the operating axle portion 17 is in the first position P1. This prevents problems such as the cart or the like to which the caster 11 is attached from wobbling while the brake is activated.

[0033] On the other hand, when the application of the external force F to the operating shaft 17 is released, the operating shaft 17 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, as shown in Fig. 4. Accordingly, the rotation restriction part 18 is released from being pushed in, and one or more rotation restriction pieces 53 are released from the groove part 28, as shown in Fig. 6. This releases the rotation restriction on the operating shaft 17 and the caster main body 13.

[0034] At the same time, the output portion 39 of the operating shaft portion 17 is released from pressing the engaging portion 16. As a result, the engaging portion 16 moves from the engaging position S1 to the separating position S2, as shown in Fig. 8. This releases the restriction (brake) on the wheel portion 14 from rotating in the forward direction.

[0035] According to this embodiment, the following can be said: The caster 11 includes a base portion 12 having a hole portion 12A, a caster body portion 13 rotatably connected to the base portion 12, a wheel portion 14 rotatably supported on the caster body portion 13, a gear portion 15 having a plurality of teeth 15A and integrally fixed to the wheel portion 14, an engagement portion 16 attached to the caster body portion 13 so as to be movable between an engagement position S1 in which the gear portion 15A engages with one of the plurality of teeth 15A and a separation position S2 spaced apart from one of the plurality of teeth 15A, an input portion 32 provided at one end, and a gear portion 15a attached to the one end. and an output portion 39 provided at the other end opposite to the input portion 32, the operating shaft portion 17 being rotatably passed through the hole portion 12A, the operating shaft portion 17 being movable between a first position P1 where an external force F is applied to the input portion 32, causing the output portion 39 to press the engaging portion 16 and move the engaging portion 16 from the separation position S2 to the engaging position S1, and a second position P2 where, when the external force F is released from the input portion 32, the pressure of the output portion 39 on the engaging portion 16 is released and the engaging portion 16 moves from the engagement position S1 to the separation position S2.

[0036] According to this configuration, by employing a structure in which engaging portion 16 engages gear portion 15, it is possible to reliably apply and release a brake to wheel portion 14 with a simple structure. Also, because operating shaft portion 17 is provided within hole portion 12A of base portion 12, it is possible to reduce the space used within and around caster 11 compared to when operating shaft portion 17 is provided separately in a location other than base portion 12, thereby realizing a space-saving caster 11.

[0037] The caster main body 13 has a pair of wall portions 35 located on both sides of the wheel portion 14, and has a pair of wall portions 35 facing each other, and the engagement portion 16 is provided within the area surrounded by the pair of wall portions 35.

[0038] According to this configuration, the engaging portion 16 can be protected by the pair of wall portions 35. This minimizes the risk of damage to the engaging portion 16 even if the caster 11 collides with a surrounding structure during use.

[0039] The caster 11 is provided with one or more rotation restriction pieces 53 interposed between the caster main body 13 and the operating shaft 17, the base 12 includes a base main body 24 and a bushing 21 located within the hole 12A and fixed to the base main body 24, the bushing 21 having a flange 26 facing the input portion 32 and one or more grooves 28 provided in the flange 26 and extending radially of the operating shaft 17, the one or more rotation restriction pieces 53 engage with the one or more grooves 28 as the operating shaft 17 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1 to restrict the rotation of the operating shaft 17, and move away from the one or more grooves 28 as the operating shaft 17 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2 to release the restriction on the rotation of the operating shaft 17.

[0040] This configuration makes it possible to realize a space-saving caster 11 that not only provides a reliable brake that restricts rotation in the forward direction, but also restricts the rotation of the caster 11. This prevents problems such as the cart or the like to which the caster 11 is attached becoming unsteady when the brake is activated.

[0041] The gear portion 15 is provided adjacent to the wheel portion 14 and is concentric with the wheel portion 14. According to this configuration, the structure around the engagement portion 16 can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the caster 11 can be reduced.

[0042] The output portion 39 is arc-shaped. With this configuration, the pressing force from the operating shaft portion 17 can be smoothly transmitted to the engaging portion 16 via the output portion 39. This allows the engaging portion 16 to be smoothly moved between the separated position S2 and the engaged position S1.

[0043] In the following embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and illustrations or descriptions of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted. [Second embodiment]

[0044] A caster 11 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 14. The caster 11 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the operating shaft 17 is pulled by a wire 62 or the like from the carriage side, the operating shaft 17 and the engaging portion 16 are connected via a connecting portion 63, a third elastic body 61 is interposed between the engaging portion 16 and the caster main body 13, and the second elastic body 23 is not provided.

[0045] 11, the input portion 32 of the operating shaft portion 17 is connected to a wire 62 made of a steel wire or the like, and is pulled by the wire 62 in a direction away from the wheel portion 14. The pulling structure is not limited to the wire 62, and may be a rope, a link mechanism, or the like.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 10, the engagement portion 16 of this embodiment has a notch 16A formed in a slit shape.

[0047] 10 and 13, the output portion 39 of the actuating shaft 17 has a connecting portion 63 at its tip for connecting to the engaging portion 16. The connecting portion 63 has a shaft-shaped portion 63A that passes through the cutout portion 16A, and a hook portion 63B provided at the tip of the shaft-shaped portion 63A. The actuating shaft 17 can be connected to the engaging portion 16 via the hook portion 63B of the connecting portion 63, and can follow the movement of the engaging portion 16.

[0048] The third elastic body 61 is disposed between the hook portion 13A provided on the caster main body 13 and the arm portion 45 of the engagement portion 16. The third elastic body 61 is configured by a tension coil spring. The tension of the third elastic body 61 is greater than the tension of the first elastic body 22. Therefore, the third elastic body 61 can bias the engagement portion 16 so as to move the engagement portion 16 from the separated position S2 to the engagement position S1.

[0049] The operation of the caster 11 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0050] 11 and 12, when the wire 62 pulls the input portion 32 of the operating shaft 17 and an external force F is applied in the direction away from the wheel portion 14, the operating shaft 17 is pulled in the direction away from the wheel portion 14 and is in the second position P2. At this time, the engaging portion 16 is in a separated position S2 separated from the gear portion 15 by the tensile action of the second elastic body 23.

[0051] When the pulling of the wire 62 is released and the external force F is no longer applied, the tension of the third elastic body 63 moves the operating axle 17 from the second position P2 to the first position P1 closer to the wheel unit 14, as shown in Figures 12 and 13. Then, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the swivel restricting portion 18 is pushed toward the flange portion 26, and each of the one or more swivel restricting pieces 53 engages with one of the multiple grooves 28. This restricts the swivel of the operating axle 17 and the caster body 13 connected thereto.

[0052] At the same time, the engaging portion 16 allows movement of the engaging portion 16, causing the engaging portion 16 to rotate. The tension of the third elastic body 61 causes the engaging portion 16 to move from a separated position S2, shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , where the engaging portion 16 is separated from the gear portion 15, to an engaged position S1, shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , where the engaging portion 16 is engaged with one of the multiple teeth 15A of the gear portion 15. At the engaged position S1, one of the multiple teeth 15A of the gear portion 15 fits into the through hole 46 of the engaging portion 16. This restricts (brakes) the rotation of the wheel portion 14 in the forward direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the through hole 46 of the engaging portion 16 is slightly misaligned with the tooth 15A, the wheel portion 14 (gear portion 15) rotates by a small angle, and the tension of the third elastic body 61 allows the through hole 46 of the engaging portion 16 to fit correctly with one of the multiple teeth 15A.

[0053] Therefore, in the caster 11 of this embodiment, when the external force F on the operating axle portion 17 is released, the rotation restriction of the caster main body portion 13 and the wheel portion 14 and the rotation restriction (brake) of the wheel portion 14 in the forward direction are simultaneously activated. This prevents the wheel portion 14 from being allowed to rotate while the brake is activated when the operating axle portion 17 is in the first position P1. This prevents problems such as the cart or the like to which the caster 11 is attached from wobbling while the brake is activated.

[0054] On the other hand, when an external force F is again applied to the operating axle 17 via the wire 62 or the like, and the operating axle 17 is pulled in a direction away from the wheel 14, the operating axle 17 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2. Accordingly, the rotation restriction part 18 is released, and one or more rotation restriction pieces 53 are released from the groove 28. This releases the rotation restriction on the operating axle 17 and the caster main body 13.

[0055] At the same time, the connecting portion 63 pulls the engaging portion 16 in a direction away from the wheel portion 14, so that the engaging portion 16 moves from the engaging position S1 to the separating position S2. This releases the restriction (brake) on the wheel portion 14 from rotating in the forward direction.

[0056] According to this embodiment, the following can be said: The caster 11 includes a base portion 12 having a hole portion 12A, a caster body portion 13 rotatably connected to the base portion 12, and a wheel portion 14 rotatably supported on the caster body portion 13, the wheel portion 14 having a wheel 42, a second engagement portion 73 provided on the wheel 42, an engagement portion 16 attached to the caster body portion 13 so as to be movable between an engagement position S1 engaged with the second engagement portion 73 and a separation position S2 separated from the second engagement portion 73, an input portion 32 provided at one end, and a second engagement portion 16 provided at the other end opposite to the one end. and an output portion 39 provided at the end of the input portion 32, and an operating shaft portion 17 rotatably passed through the hole portion 12A, the operating shaft portion 17 being passed through the hole portion 12A so as to be movable between a first position P1 where the engagement portion 16 is allowed to move by releasing the external force F on the input portion 32, and the engagement portion 16 is moved from the separation position S2 to the engagement position S1, and a second position P2 where the engagement portion 16 is pulled by the output portion 39 by applying the external force F to the input portion 32, and the engagement portion 16 is moved from the engagement position S1 to the separation position S2.

[0057] According to this configuration, by employing a structure in which engaging portion 16 engages gear portion 15, it is possible to reliably apply and release a brake to wheel portion 14 with a simple structure. Since operating shaft portion 17 is provided in hole portion 12A of base portion 12, it is possible to reduce the space used in and around caster 11 compared to when operating shaft portion 17 is provided separately in a location other than base portion 12, thereby realizing a space-saving caster 11. [Third embodiment]

[0058] A caster 11 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. The caster 11 of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the structure of the engagement portion 16 is different, that the engagement portion 16 is configured to be movable forward and backward in the direction in which the third support shaft 38 extends, and that a second engagement portion 73 is provided on the wheel 42 of the wheel unit 14. In Figure 16, the second support shaft 37 is not shown.

[0059] The engaging portion 16 is made of a metal material. The engaging portion 16 is integrally formed with the third support shaft 38 by welding or the like. The engaging portion 16 includes a base portion 44 formed integrally with the third support shaft 38 and in a flat plate shape, a cam surface 71 formed on the top of the base portion 44, an arm portion 45 extending laterally from the base portion 44 and engageable with a second engaging portion 73 (described later), an insertion piece 72 provided at the tip of the arm portion 45, a protrusion 47 provided at the end of the base portion 44 opposite the end on the third support shaft 38 side, and a fourth elastic body 74 that biases the base portion 44 leftward in FIG. 16 . The engaging portion 16 is movable between an engaging position S1 in which it engages with one of the second engaging portions 73 and a separating position S2 in which it is separated from one of the second engaging portions 73. The fourth elastic body 74 is formed of, for example, a compression coil spring, and is interposed, for example, between the wall portion 35 of the caster main body 13 and the base portion 44. The fourth elastic body 74 is provided so as to be wound around the third support shaft 38, and may be interposed between the wall portion 35 of the caster main body 13 and the base portion 44.

[0060] As shown in Figure 16, the cam surface 71 is formed at an angle so that the installation height decreases toward the left side of the page. The third support shaft 38 is attached to the caster main body 13 with a predetermined amount of play (a gap that allows movement back and forth) in the direction in which the third support shaft 38 extends. Therefore, the engagement portion 16 can move back and forth together with the third support shaft 38 in the direction in which the third support shaft 38 extends (the direction in which the first support shaft 36 extends).

[0061] The wheel 42 of the wheel unit 14 has a plurality of second engagement portions 73. Each of the plurality of second engagement portions 73 is formed, for example, as a groove-like recess extending inward from the side surface 42A of the wheel 42, for example, in the radial direction of the wheel 42. The shape of the second engagement portions 73 is not limited to this and may be any shape. Naturally, the second engagement portions 73 may be formed as convex portions that protrude outward from the side surface 42A of the wheel 42 and are capable of engaging with the engagement portions 16 (insertion pieces 72).

[0062] Next, the operation of the caster 11 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0063] As shown in Figure 15, when no external force F is applied to the input portion 32 of the operating shaft portion 17, the operating shaft portion 17 is in a second position P2 in which the output portion 39 is separated from the wheel portion 14 by the action of the first elastic body 22 and the output portion 39 is not pressing against the engagement portion 16.

[0064] For example, when an external force F is applied from a carriage to which the caster 11 is attached via a link mechanism or a cam mechanism in a direction approaching the wheel portion 14, the operating axle portion 17 is moved to the first position P1 so as to approach the wheel portion 14. As a result, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the turning restriction portion 18 is pushed toward the flange portion 26, and each of the one or more turning restriction pieces 53 engages with one of the multiple groove portions 28. This restricts the turning of the operating axle portion 17 and the caster main body portion 13 connected thereto.

[0065] At the same time, the engaging portion 16 slides laterally (in the direction in which the third support shaft 38 extends). As shown in FIG. 16, when the operating shaft 17 is moved to the first position P1, the output portion 39 presses the cam surface 71 on the base portion 44 of the engaging portion 16. The cam surface 71 converts the pressing force of the output portion 39 into a force that moves the base portion 44 laterally. As a result, the engaging portion 16 moves to the right in FIG. 16, and the insertion piece 72 of the engaging portion 16 is inserted into the second engaging portion 73. As a result, the engaging portion 16 moves from a separated position S2, where it is separated from the second engaging portion 73, to an engaged position S1, where it is engaged with the second engaging portion 73. At the engaged position S1, the insertion piece 72 fits into one of the second engaging portions 73. This restricts (brakes) the wheel portion 14 from rotating in the forward direction.

[0066] Therefore, in the caster 11 of this embodiment, when an external force F is applied to the operating axle portion 17, the rotation restriction of the caster main body portion 13 and the wheel portion 14 and the rotation restriction (brake) of the wheel portion 14 in the forward direction are simultaneously activated. This prevents the wheel portion 14 from being allowed to rotate while the brake is activated when the operating axle portion 17 is in the first position P1. This prevents problems such as the cart or the like to which the caster 11 is attached from wobbling while the brake is activated.

[0067] On the other hand, to release the restriction on the rotation of the caster main body 13 and the wheel 14 and the restriction on the rotation of the wheel 14 in the forward direction (brake), the application of external force F to the operating axle 17 is released. This causes the operating axle 17 to move from the first position P1 to the second position P2 due to the action of the first elastic body 22. The rotation restriction part 18 is released, and one or more rotation restriction pieces 53 are released from the groove 28. This releases the restriction on the rotation of the operating axle 17 and the caster main body 13.

[0068] At the same time, the output portion 39 is released from pressing the cam surface 71, and the fourth elastic body 74 moves the engaging portion 16 and the third support shaft 38 laterally (to the left on the paper surface) as shown in Fig. 16. The insertion of the insertion piece 72 of the engaging portion 16 into the second engaging portion 73 is released, and the engaging portion 16 moves from the engaging position S1 to the separating position S2. This releases the restriction (brake) on the wheel portion 14 on rotation in the forward direction.

[0069] According to this embodiment, the following can be said: The caster 11 includes a base portion 12 having a hole portion 12A, a caster body portion 13 rotatably connected to the base portion 12, and a wheel portion 14 rotatably supported on the caster body portion 13, the wheel portion 14 having a wheel 42, a second engagement portion 73 provided on the wheel 42, an engagement portion 16 attached to the caster body portion 13 so as to be movable between an engagement position S1 engaged with the second engagement portion 73 and a separation position S2 separated from the second engagement portion 73, an input portion 32 provided at one end, and a second end opposite to the one end. and an output portion 39 provided in the input portion 32, and an operating shaft portion 17 rotatably passed through the hole portion 12A, the operating shaft portion 17 being passed through the hole portion 12A so as to be movable between a first position P1 where an external force F is applied to the input portion 32, causing the output portion 39 to press the engaging portion 16 and move the engaging portion 16 from the separated position S2 to the engaged position S1, and a second position P2 where, when the external force F is released from the input portion 32, the pressure of the output portion 39 on the engaging portion 16 is released and the engaging portion 16 moves from the engaged position S1 to the separated position S2.

[0070] According to this configuration, by employing a structure in which the engaging portion 16 engages with the second engaging portion 73, it is possible to reliably apply and release the brake to the wheel portion 14 with a simple structure. Because the operating shaft portion 17 is provided in the hole portion 12A of the base portion 12, it is possible to reduce the space used in and around the caster 11 compared to when the operating shaft portion 17 is provided separately in a location other than the base portion 12, thereby realizing a space-saving caster 11.

[0071] The engaging portion 16 has a cam surface 71 that converts the direction of the operating force of the operating shaft portion 17 into a different direction, and the movement direction of the operating shaft portion 17 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 is along the radial direction of the wheel portion 14, and the movement direction of the engaging portion 16 from the separated position S2 to the engaged position S1 is the extension direction of the support shaft that supports the wheel portion 14.

[0072] With this configuration, the action of the cam surface 71 can convert the operating force of the operating shaft portion 17 from the radial direction of the wheel portion 14 to the direction in which the support shaft of the wheel portion 14 extends. This makes it possible to omit the gear portion 15, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the structure of the caster 11 and achieving space savings.

[0073] The above-described embodiment can be implemented with various substitutions and modifications, and the above-described embodiments can also be combined appropriately to realize the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 11 Cart 11 Caster 12 Platform 12A hole 13 Caster body 14 Wheel section 15 Gear section 15A tooth 16 Engagement part 17 Operating shaft 21 Bush section 24 Base unit body 26 Flange 28 Groove 32 Input section 35 Wall 36 1st spindle 39 Output section 42 wheels 53 Turning restriction piece 71 Cam surface 72 Insert S1 Engagement position S2 Separate position P1 1st position P2 2nd position

Claims

1. a base portion having a hole; A caster main body portion rotatably connected to the base portion; A wheel portion rotatably supported on the caster main body portion; a gear portion having a plurality of teeth and integrally fixed to the wheel portion; an engaging portion attached to the caster body portion so as to be movable between an engaging position in which the engaging portion engages with any of the plurality of teeth and a spaced position in which the engaging portion is spaced from any of the plurality of teeth; an operating shaft portion having an input portion provided at one end and an output portion provided at the other end opposite to the one end, the operating shaft portion being rotatably passed through the hole portion, the operating shaft portion being movable between a first position where an external force is applied to the input portion, causing the output portion to press the engaging portion and move the engaging portion from the separated position to the engaged position, and a second position where the external force is released from the input portion, causing the output portion to release its pressure on the engaging portion and move the engaging portion from the engaged position to the separated position; One or more rotation restriction pieces interposed between the caster main body and the operating shaft; Equipped with The operating shaft portion is configured to be rotatable together with the caster main body portion, the base portion includes a base portion main body and a bush portion located in the hole portion and fixed to the base portion main body, the bushing portion has a flange portion facing the input portion and one or more groove portions provided in the flange portion and extending in a radial direction of the operating shaft portion, A caster in which the one or more rotation-restricting pieces engage with the one or more groove portions as the operating shaft portion moves from the second position to the first position, thereby restricting the rotation of the operating shaft portion, and move away from the one or more groove portions as the operating shaft portion moves from the first position to the second position, thereby releasing the restriction on the rotation of the operating shaft portion.

2. The caster main body has a pair of wall portions located on both sides of the wheel portion, the pair of wall portions facing each other, The caster according to claim 1 , wherein the engaging portion is provided within an area surrounded by the pair of wall portions.

3. The caster according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gear portion is provided adjacent to the wheel portion and is concentric with the wheel portion.

4. The caster according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the output portion is arc-shaped.

5. a base portion having a hole; A caster main body portion rotatably connected to the base portion; A wheel portion rotatably supported on the caster main body portion, the wheel portion having a wheel; a second engagement portion provided on the wheel; an engaging portion attached to the caster body portion so as to be movable between an engaging position engaged with the second engaging portion and a spaced position spaced from the second engaging portion; an operating shaft portion having an input portion provided at one end and an output portion provided at the other end opposite to the one end, the operating shaft portion being rotatably passed through the hole portion, the operating shaft portion being movable between a first position where an external force is applied to the input portion, causing the output portion to press the engaging portion and move the engaging portion from the separated position to the engaged position, and a second position where the external force is released from the input portion, causing the output portion to release its pressure on the engaging portion and move the engaging portion from the engaged position to the separated position; One or more rotation restriction pieces interposed between the caster main body and the operating shaft; Equipped with The operating shaft portion is configured to be rotatable together with the caster main body portion, the base portion includes a base portion main body and a bush portion located in the hole portion and fixed to the base portion main body, the bushing portion has a flange portion facing the input portion and one or more groove portions provided in the flange portion and extending in a radial direction of the operating shaft portion, A caster in which the one or more rotation-restricting pieces engage with the one or more groove portions as the operating shaft portion moves from the second position to the first position, thereby restricting the rotation of the operating shaft portion, and move away from the one or more groove portions as the operating shaft portion moves from the first position to the second position, thereby releasing the restriction on the rotation of the operating shaft portion.

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