Caster device with locking mechanism

Abstract

To provide a caster device with a locking mechanism, which has a simple mechanism for locking the caster device and is excellent in durability and operability. [Solution] The present invention comprises a first caster 10 having a rotatable first wheel 11 and a first locking member 15, a second caster 20 having a rotatable second wheel 21 and a second locking member 25, and an interlocking mechanism 30 that interlocks the first locking member 15 and the second locking member 25, wherein the first locking member 15 has an operating unit 16 and is configured to be movable between an unlocked position that makes the first wheel 11 rotatable and a locked position that locks the first wheel 11 so that it cannot rotate, by operating the operating unit 16, and the second locking member 25 is configured to be movable via the interlocking mechanism 30 between an unlocked position that makes the second wheel 21 rotatable and a locked position that locks the second wheel 21 so that it cannot rotate, by operating the operating unit 16.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a caster device with a locking mechanism, and more particularly to a caster device that can be attached to an object such as a suitcase or bag, allowing the object to be moved on a road surface or floor while preventing inadvertent movement. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, casters are attached to the bottom of suitcases, bags, etc., and are configured to be movable on roads or floors. In addition, brake devices that brake the rotation of such casters are also known (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-64028 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

[0005] However, in the conventional brake device described above, the operating unit for operating the brake is provided in the case body, which makes the structure complicated and increases the number of parts, leaving room for improvement in terms of durability and cost. Furthermore, since the operating unit is installed on the suitcase body, when manually operating it with one's fingers, depending on the size of the suitcase and the installation location of the operating unit, one must bend down to operate it. For example, it may be difficult to manually operate the operating unit on a crowded train, leaving room for improvement.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a caster device with a locking mechanism that has a simple locking mechanism that is highly durable and also easy to operate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In view of the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is provided with the following configuration. A caster device with a locking mechanism includes a first caster having a rotatable first wheel and a first locking member that locks the rotation of the first wheel, a second caster having a rotatable second wheel and a second locking member that locks the rotation of the second wheel, and an interlocking mechanism that interlocks the first locking member with the second locking member, wherein the first locking member has an operating unit and is configured to be movable between an unlocked position that allows the first wheel to rotate and a locked position that locks the first wheel so that it cannot rotate, by operating the operating unit, and the second locking member is configured to be movable via the interlocking mechanism between an unlocked position that allows the second wheel to rotate and a locked position that locks the second wheel so that it cannot rotate, by operating the operating unit. The first locking member has an operating lever as the operating part, and a first locking protrusion is formed on an outer surface of the operating lever, the first locking protrusion being removably inserted into a first locking recess provided in the first wheel, and a second locking protrusion is formed on an outer surface of the second locking member, the second locking protrusion being removably inserted into a second locking recess provided in the second wheel, and the interlocking mechanism includes a main body, a slider slidably housed in an accommodating recess formed in the main body, and a first cord and a second cord connected to the slider, respectively, and the first locking member has a first cord connecting part connected to the first cord of the interlocking mechanism, and the second locking member has a second cord connecting part connected to the second cord of the interlocking mechanism. A caster device with a locking mechanism. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Due to the above-mentioned configuration, the caster device with locking mechanism of the present invention has a simple locking mechanism that is highly durable, and furthermore, an operating unit is provided on one caster, and by operating this operating unit, multiple casters can be linked together and switched between an unlocked state and a locked state, making it easy to operate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example in which a caster device with a locking mechanism according to the present invention is attached to a suitcase as an attachment object. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view illustrating the basic structure of the caster device with a locking mechanism. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the basic structure of the caster device with a locking mechanism. [Figure 4] 4(a) is a schematic perspective view showing the arrangement of the main body and slider of the interlocking mechanism, FIG. 4(b) is a schematic perspective view showing the main body of the interlocking mechanism, and FIG. 4(c) is a schematic perspective view showing the slider of the interlocking mechanism. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are schematic front views illustrating the operation of the caster device with a locking mechanism, where FIG. 5A shows the non-operated state (unlocked state) of the operating part, and FIG. 5B shows the operated state (locked state) of the operating part. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams illustrating another embodiment 2 of the first caster in the caster device with a locking mechanism, where FIG. 6A shows the operating part in a non-operated state (unlocked state), and FIG. 6B shows the operating part in an operated state (locked state). [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams illustrating another embodiment 3 of the first caster in the caster device with locking mechanism, where FIG. 7A shows the operating part in a non-operated state (unlocked state), and FIG. 7B shows the operating part in an operated state (locked state). [Figure 8] 10 is an explanatory view illustrating another embodiment 4 of the caster device with a locking mechanism. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, an embodiment of a caster device A with a locking mechanism (brake mechanism) according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example in which a caster device with a locking mechanism according to the present invention is attached to a suitcase as an attachment target. Fig. 2 is a schematic front view illustrating the basic structure of the caster device with a locking mechanism, and Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the basic structure of the caster device with a locking mechanism. 2 and 3 show only one of the pair of left and right first wheels 11 and the pair of left and right second wheels 21. In addition, in FIG. 3, the base portions 10A, 20A and the fork portions 10B, 20B shown in FIG. 2 are removed.

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

[0012] The caster device A with a locking mechanism can also be configured to be attached to the rear shell 2 and / or the front shell (not shown). Furthermore, the object to which the locking caster device A is attached is not limited to a suitcase, but can be attached to, for example, a bag, a dolly, a chair, furniture, a stepladder, or the like.

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

[0014] This caster device A with a locking mechanism is attached to the bottom of the rear shell 2 of the suitcase 1, for example, and is configured to enable the suitcase 1 to move on the road or floor while preventing accidental movement by interlocking the first caster 10 and the second caster 20 to switch each wheel 11, 21 between a locked state in which it cannot rotate and an unlocked state in which it can rotate.

[0015] An example of a specific structure of the caster device A with a locking mechanism will be described below. (First Caster) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first caster 10 includes a first base portion 10A fixed to the bottom of the rear shell 2 of the suitcase 1, a first fork portion 10B rotatably mounted on the lower part of the first base portion 10A, a pair of left and right first wheels 11 rotatably mounted on the first fork portion 10B, and a first locking member 15 rotatably (swingably) mounted on the first fork portion 10B. <Wheels> As shown in Figure 3, the pair of left and right first wheels 11 have a circular first wheel 12 rotatably mounted on the first fork portion 10B, and an elastic first tire 13 is fitted or glued to the outer periphery of the rim of the first wheel 12. In addition, the pair of left and right first wheels 12 are provided on their inner surfaces with circular annular first locked portions 14 having a plurality of first locking recesses 14a that engage (lock) with first locking protrusions 16b provided on the operating lever 16 of the first locking member 15.

[0016] The first locked portion 14 has a plurality of convex portions that protrude toward the center and are spaced at a required interval (pitch) in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of relatively recessed first locking recesses 14a are formed between adjacent convex portions in the circumferential direction at a required pitch. These first locking recesses 14a are formed, for example, as trapezoidal recesses that gradually widen toward the axle (center). The pair of left and right first locked portions 14 are arranged so that the positions of the plurality of first locking recesses 14a are aligned in the left-right direction.

[0017] In this example, the circular annular first engaging portion 14 having multiple first engaging recesses 14a formed therein is configured to be provided on the inner surface of the first wheel 12, but the multiple first engaging recesses 14a may also be configured to be formed directly on the inner surface of the first wheel 12.

[0018] <First locking member> 3, the first locking member 15 includes an operating lever 16 and a first cord connecting part 17 that is connected to the first cord w1 of the interlocking mechanism 30. The operating lever 16 and the first cord connecting part 17 can be integrally molded from, for example, a synthetic resin material.

[0019] This first locking member 15 functions as an operating part by having an operating lever 16, and is configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the first wheel 11 is rotatable and a locked position in which it is locked so that it cannot rotate, by operating the operating lever 16.

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

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

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

[0023] When the operating lever 16 is in the unlocked position (unoperated position), each of the pair of left and right first locking protrusions 16b on the operating lever 16 is in a non-engaged state (non-locked state) with each of the pair of left and right first locking recesses 14a on the pair of left and right first wheels 11, so that each of the first wheels 11 is in a rotatable state. Furthermore, when the operating lever 16 is in the locked position (operated position), each of the pair of left and right first locking protrusions 16b provided on the operating lever 16 is engaged (locked) with each of the pair of left and right first locking recesses 14a provided on the pair of left and right first wheels 11, so that each of the first wheels 11 is in a locked state (brake state) in which it cannot rotate.

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

[0025] The extension member 17a of the first cable body connecting portion 17 is configured to be connected to the end of the operating lever 16 on the torque hinge 16a side, and is configured to rotate (swing) downward when the operating lever 16 is rotated (swing) upward around the torque hinge 16a. In other words, when the operating lever 16 is rotated (swinged) upward and operated to the operating position (locked position), the first rope body connecting portion 17 rotates (swings) downward and pulls the first rope body w1 downward.

[0026] 3, a first locking slit 17b1 for locking a first locking ball W1d coupled to the other end of the first cord W1 is formed in the first connecting body 17b of the first cord connecting portion 17. The first locking slit 17b1 is formed with a width larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the first cord W1 and smaller than the diameter of the first locking ball W1d, and is configured so that the other end of the first cord W1 can be connected to the first connecting body 17b.

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

[0028] <Wheels> As shown in Figure 3, the pair of left and right second wheels 21 have a circular second wheel 22 rotatably mounted on the second fork portion 20B, and an elastic second tire 23 is fitted or glued to the outer periphery of the rim of the second wheel 22. In addition, the pair of left and right second wheels 22 are provided on their inner surfaces with circular annular second engaged portions 24 having multiple second engaging recesses 24a that engage (engage) with second engaging protrusions 26a provided on the second locking member 25.

[0029] The second locked portion 24 has a plurality of convex portions that protrude toward the center and are spaced at a required interval (pitch) in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of second locking recesses 24a that are relatively recessed are formed between adjacent convex portions in the circumferential direction and at a required pitch in the circumferential direction. These second locking recesses 24a are formed, for example, as trapezoidal recesses that gradually widen toward the axle side (center side). The pair of left and right second locked portions 24 are arranged so that the positions of the plurality of second locking recesses 24a are aligned in the left-right direction.

[0030] In this example, the second engaging portion 24, which is circular and has multiple second engaging recesses 24a formed therein, is configured to be provided on the inner surface of the second wheel 22, but the multiple second engaging recesses 24a may also be configured to be formed directly on the inner surface of the second wheel 22.

[0031] <Second locking member> 3, the second locking member 25 includes a pair of left and right plate-shaped swinging members 26, a plate-shaped second cord connecting portion 27 that connects one ends of the pair of left and right swinging members 26, and a shaft-shaped connecting shaft 28 that connects the other ends of the pair of left and right swinging members 26. The swinging members 26 and the second cord connecting portion 27 can be molded integrally from a synthetic resin material, for example, and the connecting shaft 28 can be a rod-shaped member made of a synthetic resin material or a metal material.

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

[0033] Specifically, the second locking member 25 is supported by the second fork portion 20B of the second caster 20 (see FIG. 2) via a connecting shaft 28 so as to be able to swing (rotate). The swinging member 26 and the second cord connecting portion 27 are configured to be biased downward (clockwise in the figure) by a torsion spring 29, which is an example of an operating spring. By biasing the second locking member 25 downward, the torsion spring 29 disengages the second locking protrusion 26a formed on the swinging member 26 from the second locking recess 24a provided in the second wheel 22, and functions as an operating spring that constantly biases the pair of left and right second wheels 21 to a rotatable unlocked position.

[0034] [Swinging member] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, second locking projections 26a projecting outward are formed on the outer surfaces of the pair of left and right swinging members 26, respectively. This second locking protrusion 26a is provided so as to protrude horizontally from the outer surface of the oscillating member 26 near the connecting shaft 28 in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in Figure 3), and is formed to a size and shape that allows it to be removably inserted into the second locking recess 24a provided in each second wheel 21.

[0035] When the operating lever 16 of the first locking member 15 is in the unlocked position (non-operating position), the operating force (pulling force on the second rope w2) of the interlocking mechanism 30, which will be described later, does not act on the second locking member 25, and therefore the second locking member 25 is in the unlocked position. Therefore, the second locking protrusions 26a provided on each swinging member 26 are in a disengaged state (unlocked state) with the second locking recesses 24a provided on the pair of left and right second wheels 21, respectively, and therefore each second wheel 21 is in a rotatable state.

[0036] When the operating lever 16 of the first locking member 15 is in the lock position (operating position), an operating force (pulling force on the second rope w2) acts on the second locking member 25 by the interlocking mechanism 30, which will be described later. Therefore, the second locking member 25 is positioned in the locked position against the biasing force of the torsion spring 29, and each second locking protrusion 26a provided on each oscillating member 26 is engaged (locked) with each second locking recess 24a provided on the pair of left and right second wheels 21, so that each second wheel 21 is locked (brake state) and cannot rotate.

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

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

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

[0040] 2 to 4, the interlocking mechanism 30 includes a main body 31, a slider 35 slidably housed in a housing recess 32g formed in the main body 31, and a first cord w1 and a second cord w2 connected to one longitudinal end and the other longitudinal end, respectively, of the slider 35. The slider 35 is elastically biased toward the other longitudinal end of the main body 31 (the left side in the left-right direction in FIG. 2) by an elastic member S made of, for example, a coil spring or the like. The interlocking mechanism 30 functions to interlock the first caster 10 and the second caster 20 provided on the underside of the rear shell 2 of the suitcase 1 between a locked state and an unlocked state. An example of a specific configuration of the interlocking mechanism 30 will be described below.

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

[0042] [Housing] 4(b), the housing 32 includes a pair of plate-like upper and lower wall portions 32a and 32b spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction and extending in the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 4), a plate-like end wall portion 32c and an end wall portion 32d connecting one end and the other end of the upper and lower wall portions 32a and 32b in the longitudinal direction, a plate-like side wall portion 32e connected to one side edges of the upper and lower wall portions 32a and 32b and the end wall portions 32c and 32d, and a protrusion 32f protruding at a substantially right angle (orthogonal) from the inner surface of the side wall portion 32e. The housing 32 is integrally formed from, for example, a synthetic resin material.

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

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

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

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

[0047] Slider 4(c), the slider 35 is formed in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped rectangular frame having a through-hole 36 extending laterally in the center, and is integrally formed from, for example, a synthetic resin material. The slider 35 is slidably housed in the housing recess 32g of the main body 31.

[0048] One longitudinal end of the slider 35 constitutes a first connecting portion 37 that is connected to an end of the first cord w1. The first connecting portion 37 is formed with a first support hole 37a that detachably inserts and supports a first locking post w1c (see FIG. 3) that is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and is fixed to one end of the first cord w1, and a slit 37b that communicates with the first support hole 37a and through which the first cord w1 is inserted.

[0049] The other longitudinal end of the slider 35 constitutes a second connecting portion 38 that is connected to an end of the second rope w2. The second connecting portion 38 is formed with a second support hole 38a that detachably inserts and supports a second locking post w2c (see FIG. 3) that is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and is fixed to one end of the second rope w2, and a slit 38b that communicates with the second support hole 38a and through which the second rope w2 is inserted.

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

[0051] Furthermore, a substantially cylindrical holding portion 39 that protrudes into the through-hole 36 is formed on the second connecting portion 38 side of the slider 35. This holding portion 39 holds the other end of the elastic member S made of a coil spring or the like, and is configured to be fitted with and hold the other end of the elastic member S, for example.

[0052] [First chord, second chord] As shown in Figure 3, the first cord body w1 and the second cord body w2 are made of linear members such as metal wires, and each cord body w1, w2 is covered by a covering portion (outer tube) w1a, w2a made of synthetic resin that protects each cord body w1, w2 so that it can move in the longitudinal direction.

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

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

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

[0056] Specifically, in the unlocked state where the operating lever 16 is in the unlocked position, the first locking protrusion 16b on the operating lever 16 is in a non-engaged state (unlocked state) with the first locking recess 14a on the first wheel 11, and the first wheel 11 can rotate freely. Furthermore, since the oscillating member 26 of the second locking member 25 remains biased downward by the torsion spring 29 (see Figure 3), the second locking protrusion 26a provided on the oscillating member 26 is in a disengaged state (unlocked state) with the second locking recess 24a provided on the second wheel 21, and the second wheel 21 can also rotate freely.

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

[0058] In this state, no pulling force is also applied to the second rope w2 connecting the slider 35 and the second locking member 25, so the swinging member 26 and the second rope connecting portion 27 of the second locking member 25 remain biased downward by the torsion spring 29. Therefore, the second locking projection 26a provided on the swinging member 26 is in a disengaged state (unlocked state) with the second locking recess 24a provided on the second wheel 21, and the second wheel 21 can rotate freely.

[0059] <Lock status> As shown in Figure 5(b), the operating lever 16 of the first caster 10 is rotated (swinged) upward. This operation can be performed, for example, by gripping the operating lever 16 with the fingers and pushing it upward, or by pushing the tip of the operating lever 16 up with the toes. When the operating lever 16 is operated to the operating position, the first locking protrusion 16b provided on the operating lever 16 engages with the first locking recess 14a provided on the first wheel 11, thereby locking the first wheel 11 of the first caster 10 so that it cannot rotate.

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

[0061] Furthermore, when the operating lever 16 is rotated to the operating position, a pulling force due to operation of the operating lever 16 acts on the first rope w1 connecting the slider 35 and the first locking member 15 (i.e., the first rope w1 is pulled by the first rope connecting portion 17 of the first locking member 15), and the slider 35 of the interlocking mechanism 30 slides against the biasing force of the elastic member S (moves to the right in the figure), and one end face 37c (see Figure 4(c)) of the first connecting portion 37 comes into contact with one end wall portion 32c (see Figure 4(b)) of the housing portion 32.

[0062] Furthermore, due to this sliding movement of the slider 35, a pulling force also acts on the second rope w2 connecting the slider 35 and the second locking member 25 (i.e., the second rope w2 is pulled by the slider 35), so that the swinging member 26 and the second rope connecting part 27 of the second locking member 25 rotate upward (swing counterclockwise) around the connecting shaft 28 against the biasing force of the torsion spring 29 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the second locking protrusion 26a provided on the swinging member 26 engages with the second locking recess 24a provided on the wheel 21, and the second wheel 21 enters a locked state in which free rotation is restricted.

[0063] As described above, the caster device A with locking mechanism of the present invention can be configured to operate the second locking member 25 in conjunction with the first caster 10 simply by operating the first locking member 15 (operating lever 16) of the first caster 10, thereby restricting the rotation of the first and second wheels 11, 21 of the first caster 10 and the second caster 20, thereby simplifying the locking mechanism and improving durability. Furthermore, since the operating lever 16 as an operating part is provided on the first caster 10, the operating part (operating lever 16) can be operated not only with the fingers but also with the toes, improving operability.

[0064] Next, another embodiment of the caster device A with a locking mechanism (brake mechanism) according to the present invention will be described. The other embodiment described below is a partial modification of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 2, so the modified parts will be mainly described, and the same components will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0065] (Embodiment 2) Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another embodiment 2 of the first caster in the caster device with a locking mechanism, Fig. 6(a) shows the operating unit in a non-operated state (unlocked state), and Fig. 6(b) shows the operating unit in an operated state (locked state). In this embodiment 2, the first locking member 15 of the first caster 10 of embodiment 1 shown in Fig. 2 is partially modified.

[0066] <First Caster> As shown in FIG. 6, the first caster 40 includes a pair of left and right first wheels 11 and a first locking member 45 disposed between the pair of left and right first wheels 11. 6, only one of the pair of left and right first wheels 11 is shown.

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

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

[0069] The first rope body w1 is guided and positioned so as to surround the lower part of the axle (not shown) of the first wheel 11 in a U-shape, and is positioned so that a pulling force acts on the first rope body W1 (i.e., the first rope body w1 is pulled by the operating lever 46) by rotating the operating lever 46 upward as shown in Figure 6(b).

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

[0071] (Embodiment 3) 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams illustrating another embodiment 3 of the first caster in the caster device with a locking mechanism, in which Fig. 7A shows the operating unit in a non-operated state (unlocked state), and Fig. 7B shows the operating unit in an operated state (locked state). In this embodiment 3, the first caster 10 of embodiment 1 shown in Fig. 2 has a partial configuration of the first locking member 15 and a partial configuration of the wheel 11 modified.

[0072] <First Caster> As shown in FIG. 7, the first caster 50 includes a pair of left and right first wheels 11' and a first locking member 55 disposed between the pair of left and right first wheels 11'. 7, only one of the pair of left and right first wheels 11' is shown.

[0073] The first locking member 55 has an operating lever 56 as an operating part, and is configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the first wheel 11' is rotatable and a locked position in which the first wheel 11' is locked so that it cannot rotate, by operating this operating part (operating lever 56).

[0074] The first locking member 55 includes an operating lever 56 as an operating part, and a first cord connecting part 57 that rotates (swings) in conjunction with the rotation (swing) operation of the operating lever 56. By operating this operating part (operating lever 56), the first locking member 55 is configured to be movable between an unlocked position where the first wheel 11′ is made rotatable, and a locked position where the first wheel 11′ is locked so that it cannot rotate.

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

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

[0077] Furthermore, a first abutment portion 56a is formed on the end portion (the end portion on the torque hinge 16a side) of the operating lever 56 so as to protrude toward the first cord body connecting portion 57. This first abutment portion 56a is arranged so that, when the operating lever 56 is in a non-operated state, its upper surface abuts against the lower surface of a second abutment portion 57c provided on the first cord body connecting portion 57. When the operating lever 56 is rotated downward (operated to the operating position), the second abutment portion 57c of the first cord body connecting portion 57 is pushed up by the first abutment portion 56a of the operating lever 56, and as a result, the first cord body connecting portion 57 rotates (swings) downward.

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

[0079] The first cable connecting portion 57 is supported by a first fork portion (not shown) of the first caster 50 via a connecting shaft 58 so as to be swingable (rotatable).

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

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

[0082] In this first caster 50, when the operating lever 56 (Figure 7(a)) in the non-operating position is rotated (swinged) downward to be positioned in the operating position (Figure 7(b)), the first locking protrusion (not shown) provided on the operating lever 56 engages with the first locking recess (not shown) provided on the first wheel 11', so that the first wheel 11' of the first caster 50 is locked and cannot rotate.

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

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

[0085] The third caster 60 of this embodiment 4 has the same structure as the second caster 20 of the above-described embodiment 1. The linkage mechanism 30' links the third caster 60 to the operation of the operating lever 16 of the first caster 10, and like the second caster 20, links the third caster 60 to the locked state and the unlocked state. This interlocking mechanism 30' has the same basic structure as the interlocking mechanism 30 shown in FIG. 4, but the structure for connecting the third rope body w3 that is interlocked and connected to the third caster 60 is partially modified.

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

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

[0088] In this embodiment 4, by operating the operating lever 16 of the first caster 10, the first caster 10, the second caster 20, and the third caster 60 can be linked together to switch each wheel 11, 21, 61 between a locked state in which they cannot rotate and an unlocked state in which they can rotate.

[0089] With the above configuration, even in other embodiments, the locking mechanism of the caster device is simple and highly durable, and furthermore, an operating unit is provided on one caster, and by operating this operating unit, multiple casters can be linked and switched between an unlocked state and a locked state, making it easy to operate. Furthermore, since the operating unit is provided on the caster side, it is possible to operate the operating unit not only with the fingers but also with the toes, for example, thereby providing excellent operability.

[0090] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations described above, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the operating levers 16, 46, 56 serving as the operating parts of the first locking members 15, 45, 55 are described as being rotated (swinged) but these operating parts may also be configured as operating parts that slide (move linearly) between a non-operating position (non-locking position) and an operating position (locking position).

[0092] In addition, in the above embodiment, the second locking member 25 is configured to have a swinging member 26, and this swinging member 26 is swung (rotated) via the interlocking mechanisms 30, 30' to cause the second wheel 21 to swing (rotate) between an unlocked position in which it can rotate and a locked position in which it cannot rotate. However, the second locking member 25 may also be configured to have a moving member that slides (moves linearly) between the unlocked position and the locked position.

[0093] In the above embodiment, the operating levers 16, 46, 56 as operating units are manually operated with fingers or toes, but the operating levers may be configured to rotate (swing) by being driven by a motor (automatic operation), for example. In this case, for example, by mounting a touch sensor or click sensor on the operating lever, the operating lever can be configured to rotate by touching or clicking the operating lever.

[0094] <Summary> As described above, the above embodiments disclose the following inventions. (1) a first caster device with a locking mechanism, the first caster having a rotatable first wheel and a first locking member that locks the rotation of the first wheel; a second caster having a rotatable second wheel and a second locking member that locks the rotation of the second wheel; and an interlocking mechanism that interlocks the first locking member with the second locking member, wherein the first locking member has an operating unit that is configured to be movable between an unlocked position that allows the first wheel to rotate and a locked position that locks the first wheel so that it cannot rotate, by operating the operating unit; and the second locking member is configured to be movable via the interlocking mechanism between an unlocked position that allows the second wheel to rotate and a locked position that locks the second wheel so that it cannot rotate, by operating the operating unit. (2) The caster device with locking mechanism described in (1) above is characterized in that the first locking member has an operating lever as the operating part, and a first locking protrusion is formed on the outer surface of the operating lever, which is removably inserted into a first locking recess provided in the first wheel, and a second locking protrusion is formed on the outer surface of the second locking member, which is removably inserted into a second locking recess provided in the second wheel. (3) The caster device with locking mechanism described in (1) or (2) above is characterized in that the interlocking mechanism comprises a main body, a slider slidably accommodated in an accommodating recess formed in the main body, and a first cord and a second cord respectively connected to the slider, the first locking member having a first cord connecting portion connected to the first cord of the interlocking mechanism, and the second locking member having a second cord connecting portion connected to the second cord of the interlocking mechanism. (4) The caster device with locking mechanism described in (3) above is characterized in that the first cable body connecting portion has a pair of left and right extension members connected to the operating lever, and a first connecting body that connects the tip ends of the pair of left and right extension members to each other. (5) The caster device with a locking mechanism according to (3) above, wherein the first cord connecting portion is formed at a free end of the operating lever. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1 suitcase 10 First Caster 11,11' 1st wheel 14 First locked part 14a First locking recess 15 First locking member 16 Operating lever 16b 1st locking protrusion 17 First cable connection part 17a Extension member 17b 1st connector 20 Second Caster 21 2nd wheel 24 Second locked part 24a Second locking recess 25 Second locking member 26 Swinging member 26a Second locking protrusion 30,30' Interlocking mechanism 31,31' Main body 32,32' Housing 32g Recessed portion 35,35' slider 40,50 1st caster 45, 55 First locking member 46,56 Control lever 60 Third Caster w1 1st chordate w2 Second cable body

Claims

1. a first caster having a rotatable first wheel and a first locking member that locks the rotation of the first wheel; a second caster having a rotatable second wheel and a second locking member that locks the rotation of the second wheel; an interlocking mechanism that interlocks the first locking member and the second locking member; A caster device with a locking mechanism, the first locking member has an operating portion and is configured to be movable between an unlocked position where the first wheel is rotatable and a locked position where the first wheel is locked so as not to be rotatable, by operating the operating portion; the second locking member is configured to be movable, via the interlocking mechanism, between an unlocked position that allows the second wheel to rotate and a locked position that locks the second wheel so that it cannot rotate, by operating the operating unit; The first locking member has an operating lever as the operating part, and a first locking protrusion is formed on an outer surface of the operating lever so as to be removably inserted into a first locking recess provided in the first wheel, a second locking projection formed on an outer surface of the second locking member, the second locking projection being removably inserted into a second locking recess provided on the second wheel; the interlocking mechanism includes a main body, a slider slidably accommodated in an accommodating recess formed in the main body, and a first cord and a second cord respectively connected to the slider; the first locking member has a first cord connecting portion connected to the first cord of the interlocking mechanism, The second locking member has a second cord connecting portion that is connected to the second cord of the interlocking mechanism. A caster device with a locking mechanism.

2. The first cable connecting portion has a pair of left and right extension members connected to the operating lever, and a first connecting body connecting the tip ends of the pair of left and right extension members to each other.

2. The caster device with a locking mechanism according to claim 1.

3. The first cable connecting portion is formed at a free end portion of the operating lever.

2. The caster device with a locking mechanism according to claim 1.

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