Caster rotation locking device
The caster rotation locking device addresses the instability of large casters by engaging with the caster's wheel holding structure, providing secure fixation and stability to mobile scaffolds without additional attachments.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DAIICHI MASCH IND CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-03-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
Smart Images
Figure 0007867206000001 
Figure 0007867206000002 
Figure 0007867206000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0004] , ,
[0001] This invention relates to a caster rotation fixing device, and more particularly to a device used for fixing the rotation of a caster around its vertical axis, which is provided on a mobile scaffold or the like.
Background Art
[0002] As a conventional device for preventing or allowing the rotation of a caster around its vertical axis (i.e., horizontal rotation), there is known a wheel provided on a support base of a trolley, the wheel comprising a holder rotatably supported around a vertical axis and a wheel body supported by the holder, and a locking member for the trolley that prevents or allows the rotation of the wheel around its vertical axis. The locking member has a mounting portion attached to the support base, an engaging portion rotatably supported by the mounting portion between a locking position where it engages with the holder or the wheel body to prevent the rotation of the wheel around its vertical axis and a free position where it disengages from the holder or the wheel body to allow the rotation of the wheel around its vertical axis. The engaging portion has a contact portion that contacts the holder or the wheel body when rotated to the locking position, and a pair of protruding portions extending so as to sandwich the holder or the wheel body from the contact portion. (See Patent Document 1).
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, in locking members like the one in Patent Document 1, since the engaging portion is formed in a U-shape using a plate, the length for engaging with the holder or wheel body is insufficient, especially when the wheel (in other words, caster) is large, and there is a problem that the orientation of the holder or wheel body cannot be sufficiently maintained (in other words, the rotation of the holder or wheel body around the vertical axis cannot be firmly fixed).
[0005] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a caster rotation fixing device that can firmly fix the rotation of the caster around its vertical axis. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] To solve the above problems, the caster rotation fixing device according to this invention has a pair of engagement parts that are spaced apart from each other, and an intermediate part between the pair of engagement parts, wherein each of the pair of engagement parts engages with a caster or a structure that connects to a caster and is stretched between the pair of casters, and the intermediate part engages with a structure that is provided or attached to a wheel holding structure that holds the wheel of the caster and is rotatable around a vertical axis, and the intermediate part receives the movement of the structure provided or attached to the wheel holding structure that attempts to rotate around the vertical axis.
[0007] The caster rotation locking device according to this invention may be configured such that the engaging portion engages with the main shaft of the caster.
[0008] The caster rotation locking device according to this invention may be configured such that the structure provided on or attached to the wheel holding structure is the brake operating lever or brake operating bar of the caster.
[0009] The caster rotation locking device according to this invention may have a connecting portion in the intermediate portion for dividing or joining the intermediate portion.
[0010] The caster rotation fixing device according to this invention may further include a connecting member between the intermediate parts that are divided at the connecting portion. [Effects of the Invention]
[0011] According to the caster rotation fixing device of this invention, when stretched between a pair of casters, the intermediate portion engages with a structure provided on or attached to the wheel holding structure, thereby preventing the structure from rotating around its vertical axis. This makes it possible to firmly fix the rotation of the caster around its vertical axis.
[0012] According to the caster rotation locking device of this invention, if the intermediate part is configured to engage with the brake operating lever or brake operating bar of the caster, it can be used without attaching any special parts to the caster side, thereby improving versatility.
[0013] According to the caster rotation fixing device of this invention, if the intermediate part has a connecting part that can be divided / connected, it becomes possible to easily attach it to a pair of casters and detach it from a pair of casters, and it becomes possible to reliably attach it to a pair of casters and detach it from a pair of casters regardless of the structure of the casters.
[0014] According to the caster rotation fixing device of this invention, if a connecting member is further included, both ends, including the engaging portion, can be made to have a common and fixed shape, and it becomes possible to flexibly, easily, and efficiently accommodate various spacings between a pair of casters. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0015] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the structure of a mobile scaffolding in an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view showing the structure of the casters installed on the mobile scaffolding shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3]It is a side view of the caster in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a front view showing the structure of the turning fixing device of the caster according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a plan view of the turning fixing device of the caster in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a side view showing the structure of the connecting part of the turning fixing device of the caster in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] It is a front view showing the state where the turning fixing device of the caster in FIG. 4 is attached to the caster in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] It is a plan view showing the state where the turning fixing device of the caster in FIG. 4 is attached to the caster in FIG. 2. [Figure 9] It is a view showing the structure of the joining member. (A) is a front view. (B) is a plan view. (C) is a side view. [Figure 10] It is a front view showing the structure of the steering bar. [Figure 11] It is a plan view of the steering bar in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] It is a front view showing the state where the steering bar in FIG. 10 is attached to the caster in FIG. 2. [Figure 13] It is a view showing another structure of the steering bar, and is a front view showing the state where it is attached to the caster in FIG. 2. [Figure 14] It is a plan view showing the state where the steering bar in FIG. 13 is attached to the caster in FIG. 2. [Figure 15] It is a front view showing another structure of the caster provided on the mobile scaffold in FIG. 1. [Figure 16] It is a front view showing another structure of the turning fixing device of the caster of the present invention. [Figure 17] It is a plan view of the turning fixing device of the caster in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] It is a front view showing the state where the turning fixing device of the caster in FIG. 16 is attached to the caster in FIG. 15. [Figure 19] It is a plan view showing the state where the turning fixing device of the caster in FIG. 16 is attached to the caster in FIG. 15. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0016] The present invention will be described below based on the illustrated embodiments. In the following description, the direction of the Z-axis arrow shown in each figure will be considered upward, and the direction opposite to the direction of the Z-axis arrow will be considered downward. That is, the direction of the Z-axis is vertical, and the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis (the direction of the axis of the double arrow in the figure) is horizontal.
[0017] In this embodiment, the example given is when the caster rotation locking device 1 is attached to a caster 9 provided on a three-story mobile scaffolding 8.
[0018] (Mobile scaffolding) Figure 1 is a front view showing the structure of the mobile scaffolding 8 in the embodiment.
[0019] The mobile scaffolding 8 mainly consists of multiple support columns 81 (also called "uprights"), base braces 82, diagonal braces 83, handrails 84, and scaffolding planks 85. The mobile scaffolding 8 may also be equipped with stairs or other features as needed.
[0020] Each support column 81 is a single metal pipe with a circular cross-section perpendicular to its axial direction. Multiple columns are arranged so that their axial direction aligns with the vertical direction and they are spaced apart from one another in the horizontal direction.
[0021] Casters 9 are attached to the lower end of each of the multiple support columns 81. As casters 9, swivel wheels that can rotate (in other words, pivot) freely around a vertical axis (i.e., casters that can rotate freely horizontally) are used. The mobile scaffolding 8 moves horizontally as the multiple casters 9 come into contact with the ground and move.
[0022] The base brace 82 is a member that permanently connects multiple support columns 81 to each other, and its axial direction is aligned with the horizontal direction, and it is positioned near the lower end of each of the multiple support columns 81.
[0023] The diagonal brace 83 is composed of two intersecting diagonal members 83a as a pair, and is installed between adjacent support columns 81 in sections corresponding to the first to third floors. Each end of each diagonal member 83a is connected to the support column 81 via a support column disc fixed to the support column 81 and a wedge provided on the diagonal member 83a.
[0024] The handrail 84 is a member installed on top of each of the multiple diagonal braces 83, with its axis aligned horizontally and both ends connected to the top of the diagonal members 83a.
[0025] The scaffolding boards 85 are components that make up the floors of the second and third floors, and their board surfaces are aligned horizontally and are positioned below each of the multiple braces 83. Each scaffolding board 85 is installed by engaging both ends with rod members (also called "korobashi") that are provided perpendicular to the support columns 81.
[0026] (Caster) Figure 2 is a front view showing the structure of the caster 9 installed on the mobile scaffolding 8, and Figure 3 is a side view of the caster 9.
[0027] The caster 9 mainly consists of a threaded rod 91, a holder 92, a wheel 93, an adjustment part 94, a brake plate 95, and a brake operating lever 96.
[0028] The threaded rod 91 is the main shaft for the caster 9, and has male threads formed on its outer surface. It is also formed to be insertable into the support column 81 (i.e., a metal single pipe, which is cylindrical) with its axial direction aligned with the vertical.
[0029] The holder 92 is a structure / member that holds the wheel 93, and has an upper wall portion 921 whose plate surface is aligned with the horizontal plane, and a pair of side wall portions 922 that extend downward from each of the horizontally opposing ends of the upper wall portion 921, with their plate surfaces aligned with the vertical plane and facing each other.
[0030] The holder 92 is attached to the lower end of the threaded rod 91 by connecting its upper wall portion 921 to a movable portion 97 interposed therein, which allows it to rotate around a vertical axis relative to the threaded rod 91 (i.e., around the axis of the threaded rod 91). The movable portion 97 includes a bearing or the like, and is a mechanism that connects the holder 92 so that it can rotate around a vertical axis relative to the threaded rod 91.
[0031] The wheel 93 is held between a pair of side wall portions 922 so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis via a rotating shaft 923 whose axial direction is aligned with the horizontal direction and whose ends are each supported near the lower ends of the side wall portions 922.
[0032] The wheel 93 is held by a holder 92 that can rotate around a vertical axis relative to the threaded rod 91, thereby configuring it as a swivel wheel that can rotate (in other words, swivel, rotate horizontally) freely around a vertical axis.
[0033] The adjustment section 94 has an annular support section 941 with an internal thread formed on its inner circumferential surface, and a pair of handles 942 extending from the outer circumferential surface of the support section 941 in opposite directions along the horizontal plane (in other words, in the radial direction), and is attached to the threaded rod 91.
[0034] The adjustment unit 94 moves up and down along the axial direction (i.e., vertical direction) of the threaded rod 91 as the female thread on the inner surface of the support unit 941 rotates while screwing into the male thread on the outer surface of the threaded rod 91. As the adjustment unit 94 moves up and down while the support unit 941 of the adjustment unit 94 supports the lower end of the support column 81 of the mobile scaffolding 8, the distance between the lower end of the support column 81 and the wheel 93 is adjusted, thereby adjusting the height position of the lower end of the support column 81 so that the posture of the mobile scaffolding 8 is correct with the axial direction of all support columns 81 aligned vertically, and so that all of the wheels 93 make good (in other words, even) contact with the ground.
[0035] A caster 9 whose height position at the lower end of the support column 81 is adjustable is also called a "jack-equipped caster." However, the casters to which this invention can be applied are not limited to jack-equipped casters; this invention can also be applied to casters that have a main shaft without male threads formed on its outer surface (and do not have an adjustment part 94) that can be inserted into the support column 81 of the mobile scaffolding 8.
[0036] The brake plate 95 and brake lever 96 are mechanisms for preventing or allowing the rotation of the wheel 93 around its horizontal axis.
[0037] The brake plate 95 is a bent, plate-shaped member that is attached to the holder 92.
[0038] The brake operating lever 96 is mounted so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis via pivot shafts 924, the pivot shafts of which are supported near the upper ends of the side walls 922, with their axial direction aligned with the horizontal direction.
[0039] The brake operating lever 96 is formed in a U-shape (in plan view / side view), and the open end of each of the pair of arms 961 that are parallel to each other within the U-shape is rotatably supported by a pivot shaft 924. The side of the U-shape opposite the pivot shaft 924 on the open side between the pair of arms 961 that are parallel to each other within the U-shape is called the "handle portion 962". The space inside the U-shape (i.e., the space enclosed by the pair of arms 961 and the handle portion 962) is called the "engagement member inner space 963".
[0040] When the handle portion 962 of the brake operating lever 96 is pulled up and the brake operating lever 96 is in the position shown in Figures 2 and 3, the brake plate 95 is stationary at a position away from the wheel 93, and the wheel 93 is kept in a state where it can rotate.
[0041] On the other hand, when the handle portion 962 of the brake operating lever 96 is pulled down and the brake operating lever 96 rotates downward from the position shown in Figures 2 and 3, the brake plate 95 is pushed by the brake operating lever 96 (specifically the end face on the pivot axis 924 side) and pressed against the surface of the wheel 93, thereby preventing the wheel 93 from rotating.
[0042] (Caster rotation locking device) Figure 4 is a front view showing the structure of the caster rotation locking device 1 according to an embodiment of this invention, and Figure 5 is a plan view of the caster rotation locking device 1. Figure 6 is a side view showing the structure of the connecting part 4.
[0043] The caster rotation locking device 1 is a device for fixing the orientation of the wheel 93 by preventing the holder 92 from rotating around its vertical axis relative to the threaded rod 91 (i.e., around the axis of the threaded rod 91), and consequently preventing the holder 92 from rotating around its vertical axis relative to the support column 81. Below, vertical, horizontal, etc. are defined based on the orientation of the caster rotation locking device 1 when it is in use.
[0044] The caster rotation locking device 1 according to this embodiment has engaging parts 2 provided at each end in the longitudinal direction, an intermediate part 3 between these pair of engaging parts 2, and a connecting part 4 provided at the intermediate part 3. The caster rotation locking device 1 according to this embodiment is used by connecting two identical parts (specifically, a first part 1A and a second part 1B) via their respective connecting parts 4, with their respective longitudinal directions aligned in opposite directions.
[0045] The engaging portion 2 is formed at both ends of the caster's rotation locking device 1 in the longitudinal direction, recessed in the longitudinal direction and appearing as a recess in a horizontal view.
[0046] The intermediate section 3 has a first horizontal section 31 connected to the engaging section 2, an inclined section 32 connected to the first horizontal section 31, and a second horizontal section 33 connected to the inclined section 32. The intermediate section 3 is formed such that, as a whole, the first horizontal section 31 is positioned above the second horizontal section 33 in a side view due to the inclined section 32.
[0047] The intermediate section 3 is formed by the first horizontal section 31, the inclined section 32, and the second horizontal section 33, each of which is made of a metal square pipe. The ends of each section are welded together, and joining members 34 are attached to the sides of each section, thereby joining the sections together as a single unit (the engaging section 2 and the first horizontal section 31 are formed from a single metal square pipe).
[0048] The caster rotation locking device 1 is attached to the caster 9 in a state where the engagement portion 2 and the first horizontal portion 31 of the intermediate portion 3 pass through the inner space 963 of the engagement member of the brake operating lever 96, and the threaded rod 91 of the caster 9 is inserted into the engagement portion 2 (in other words, a fitted state; to put it another way, a state in which the engagement portion 2 is engaged with the threaded rod 91, or a state in which the engagement portion 2 is hooked onto the threaded rod 91).
[0049] The connecting section 4 is a structure / mechanism that allows the intermediate section 3 to be divided or joined.
[0050] The connecting portion 4 is provided at the end of the second horizontal portion 33 (reference numeral 33A in the figure) of the first component 1A, which constitutes half of the caster rotation locking device 1 (reference numeral 4A in the figure), and at the end of the second horizontal portion 33 (reference numeral 33B in the figure) of the second component 1B, which constitutes the remaining half of the caster rotation locking device 1 (reference numeral 4B in the figure).
[0051] The connecting portion 4 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate when viewed from the side, and through holes 41 are formed near the ends of each of the four corners. The connecting portion 4A of the first component 1A and the connecting portion 4B of the second component 1B of the caster rotation fixing device 1 are connected by bolts 5 through the through holes 41.
[0052] The fact that the caster rotation locking device 1 is separable and connectable makes it easy to attach the caster rotation locking device 1 to a pair of casters 9 provided on the constructed mobile scaffolding 8 and to remove the caster rotation locking device 1 from the pair of casters 9. Furthermore, depending on the structure, shape, and dimensions of the caster 9, particularly the brake operating lever 96, it may be impossible to attach the caster rotation locking device 1 to a pair of casters 9 provided on the mobile scaffolding 8 or to remove the caster rotation locking device 1 from the pair of casters 9. However, the fact that the caster rotation locking device 1 is separable and connectable makes it possible to attach the caster rotation locking device 1 to the caster 9 and to remove the caster rotation locking device 1 from the caster 9.
[0053] The caster rotation locking device 1 is attached to a combination of two casters 9, that is, to a pair of casters 9. For example, the caster rotation locking device 1 is attached to a combination of casters 9 attached to the lower ends of adjacent support columns 81 (see Figures 7 and 8; in Figure 8, only the structure of the caster 9 that is particularly related to the caster rotation locking device 1 is shown, and other structures are omitted).
[0054] Specifically, the casters 9 are rotated around their vertical axis, and the brake levers 96 of each of the pair of casters 9 are positioned between (in other words, onward) the adjacent support columns 81 to which the pair of casters 9 are attached, so that they face each other. In addition, the handle portion 962 is raised, making the wheels 93 rotatable.
[0055] Furthermore, the engaging portion 2 side of the first component 1A constituting the caster rotation locking device 1 (including the first horizontal portion 31 and part of the inclined portion 32), which is not connected to each other at the connecting portion 4 (4A, 4B), is inserted into the inner space 963 of the engaging member of the brake operating lever 96 of the caster 9 attached to one of the adjacent support columns 81, and the threaded rod 91 fits into the recess of the engaging portion 2 (in other words, the engaging portion 2 engages with the threaded rod 91, and engages The joint portion 2 engages with the threaded rod 91, and the engaging portion 2 side of the second component 1B constituting the caster's rotation locking device 1 (including part of the first horizontal portion 31 and inclined portion 32) is inserted into the inner space 963 of the engaging member of the brake operating lever 96 of the caster 9 attached to the other of the adjacent support columns 81, causing the threaded rod 91 to fit into the recess of the engaging portion 2 (in other words, the engaging portion 2 engages with the threaded rod 91, the engaging portion 2 engages with the threaded rod 91). In the example shown in the figure, the engaging portion 2 engages with the portion of the threaded rod 91 between the adjustment portion 94 and the movable portion 97.
[0056] Then, the connecting portion 4A of the first part 1A and the connecting portion 4B of the second part 1B are connected by a bolt 5, with the engaging portions 2 of the first part 1A and the second part 1B respectively engaging with the threaded rod 91 and the intermediate portion 3 passing through the inner space 963 of the engaging member.
[0057] As a result, the caster rotation locking device 1 is stretched between a pair of casters 9 attached to the lower ends of adjacent support columns 81, and the caster rotation locking device 1 fixes the brake operating levers 96 of each of the pair of casters 9 in a direction facing each other. With the direction of the brake operating levers 96 fixed, the holder 92 to which the brake operating levers 96 are attached becomes unable to rotate around its vertical axis, and the wheel 93 held by the holder 92 becomes unable to rotate around its vertical axis.
[0058] As described above, with the caster rotation locking device 1 attached to the caster 9, the orientation of each wheel 93 of the pair of casters 9 is simultaneously fixed in a direction aligned with the longitudinal direction of the caster rotation locking device 1. This prevents the mobile scaffolding 8 from wobbling and moving in an unintended direction when moving the mobile scaffolding 8, and allows the mobile scaffolding 8 to be moved stably.
[0059] As described above, with the caster rotation locking device 1 attached to the caster 9, and the handle portion 962 of the brake operating lever 96 in contact with the inclined portion 32, downward rotation of the brake operating lever 96 is prevented. This maintains a state in which the wheel 93 can rotate.
[0060] By reducing the gap between the side surface of the intermediate part 3 of the caster rotation locking device 1 and the inner surface of the inner space 963 of the engaging member of the brake operating lever 96 (specifically, the arm portion 961), it becomes possible to fix the direction of the wheel 93 in a stable manner without rattling (in other words, without swaying or swaying). For this reason, it is preferable to reduce the gap between the side surface of the intermediate part 3 of the caster rotation locking device 1 and the inner surface of the inner space 963 of the engaging member of the brake operating lever 96 (specifically, the arm portion 961) by adjusting the width dimension of the intermediate part 3 of the caster rotation locking device 1 in a plan view and the thickness of the connecting member 34. Furthermore, it is preferable to make the side surface of the intermediate part 3 of the caster rotation locking device 1 and the inner surface of the inner space 963 of the engaging member of the brake operating lever 96 (specifically, the arm portion 961) contact / slide with each other.
[0061] In the example shown in the figure, the brake operating levers 96 of each of the pair of casters 9 are positioned between (in other words, onward) adjacent support columns 81 to which the pair of casters 9 are attached, and are facing each other, so that the caster rotation locking device 1 is attached to the casters 9. However, the caster rotation locking device 1 may also be attached to the casters 9 in the manner shown in A or B below.
[0062] a) The caster rotation locking device 1 is attached to the casters 9 with the brake operating levers 96 of each of the pair of casters 9 positioned on the outside between the adjacent support columns 81 to which the pair of casters 9 are attached, and facing outwards from each other. In this case, the engagement portions 2 at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the caster rotation locking device 1 are formed in a form in which the depth of the recess is deeper than in the example shown in the figure, and the tip (i.e., the end opposite to the intermediate portion 3) extends beyond the position in which the threaded rod 91 is fitted, and the tip portion that has passed the threaded rod 91 is inserted into the inner space 963 of the engagement member of the brake operating lever 96 of the caster 9.
[0063] a) The brake operating lever 96 of one of the pair of casters 9 is located between (in other words, on the inside) adjacent support columns 81 to which the pair of casters 9 are attached, and the brake operating lever 96 of the other caster 9 is located outside between the adjacent support columns 81, so that the brake operating levers 96 of each of the pair of casters 9 are facing the same direction when the caster rotation locking device 1 is attached to the casters 9. In this case, one of the engaging portions 2 at each end of the longitudinal direction of the caster rotation locking device 1 is formed in the same form as the example shown in the figure, and the other engaging portion 2 is formed in a form in which the depth of the recess is deeper than the example shown in the figure, and the tip (i.e., the end opposite to the intermediate portion 3) extends beyond the position in which the threaded rod 91 is fitted, and the tip portion that has passed the threaded rod 91 is inserted into the inner space 963 of the engaging member of the brake operating lever 96 of the caster 9.
[0064] (Connecting member) The caster rotation locking device 1 may further include a connecting member 6 between the first part 1A and the second part 1B (see Figure 9). The connecting member 6 is used as a part to adjust the length of the intermediate part 3. By using the connecting member 6, the first part 1A and the second part 1B can be made into a common and fixed shape, and the caster rotation locking device 1 can be flexibly, easily, and efficiently adapted to various spacings between a pair of casters 9 to which it is attached.
[0065] The connecting member 6 has an intermediate portion 61 formed as a horizontal section, and connecting portions 62 provided at each end of the intermediate portion 61 in the longitudinal direction.
[0066] The intermediate section 61 is formed from a single metal square pipe.
[0067] The connecting portion 62 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate when viewed from the side, and through holes 63 are formed near the ends of each of the four corners. One connecting portion 62 is connected to the connecting portion 4A of the first component 1A of the caster rotation locking device 1 by bolts 5 via through holes 63 and 41, while the other connecting portion 62 is connected to the connecting portion 4B of the second component 1B of the caster rotation locking device 1 by bolts 5 via through holes 63 and 41.
[0068] (Steering bar) The caster rotation locking device 1 may be attached to all of the casters 9 provided on the mobile scaffolding 8 (i.e., the direction of each wheel 93 of all casters 9 is fixed), or it may be attached to only some of the casters 9 provided on the mobile scaffolding 8 (i.e., the direction of each wheel 93 of some of the casters 9 is fixed, while the direction of each wheel 93 of the other casters 9 is not fixed).
[0069] By attaching caster rotation locking devices 1 to some of the casters 9 on the mobile scaffolding 8, while leaving the other casters 9 without caster rotation locking devices 1 attached, the mobile scaffolding 8 can be moved stably in the intended direction when the casters 9 without caster rotation locking devices 1 are rotated, compared to when the direction of each wheel 93 of all casters 9 is not fixed.
[0070] If casters 9 are not equipped with caster rotation locking devices 1, it is preferable that the caster rotation locking device 1 is not equipped on the leading caster 9 in the direction of travel, and if there are three or more leading casters 9 in the direction of travel, it is preferable that the caster rotation locking device 1 is not equipped on the central / inner casters 9 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel.
[0071] In cases where some casters 9 are not equipped with caster rotation locking devices 1, a steering bar 7 may be used to control / adjust the degree of rotation of the wheels 93 of the casters 9 that are not equipped with the caster rotation locking devices 1 around their vertical axis, thereby steering the mobile scaffolding 8 in the direction of travel (see Figures 10 to 12). Below, vertical, horizontal, etc., are defined based on the posture when the steering bar 7 is in use.
[0072] The steering bar 7 has an engaging portion 71 provided at one end in the longitudinal direction, a horizontal portion 72 connected to the engaging portion 71, a first inclined portion 73 connected to the horizontal portion 72, a second inclined portion 74 connected to the first inclined portion 73, and a grip portion 75 connected to the upper end of the second inclined portion 74 via a connecting inclined portion 76. The first inclined portion 73 is inclined downward from the point of connection with the horizontal portion 72, and the second inclined portion 74 is inclined upward from the point of connection with the first inclined portion 73 (specifically, the lower end), and the steering bar 7 as a whole is formed in such a way that the grip portion 75 is positioned above the engaging portion 71 when viewed from the side.
[0073] Each of the horizontal section 72, the first inclined section 73, and the second inclined section 74 is formed from a metal square pipe, and the ends of each section are welded together, and a joining member 77 is attached to the side surface of each section, thereby joining the sections together as a single unit. The grip section 75 and the connecting inclined section 76 are formed by bending a metal rod member. The connecting inclined section 76 is then welded to the upper end of the second inclined section 74 to form the steering bar 7.
[0074] The engaging portion 71 of the steering bar 7 is a structural part having the same form and function as the engaging portion 2 of the caster's rotation locking device 1, and is formed at one end of the steering bar 7 in the longitudinal direction, recessed in the longitudinal direction and as a recess in a horizontal view.
[0075] The steering bar 7 is attached to the caster 9 in the same way as the caster rotation locking device 1 is attached to the caster 9, with the engaging portion 71 and the horizontal portion 72 passing through the inner space 963 of the engaging member of the brake operating lever 96 so that the threaded rod 91 of the caster 9 fits into the engaging portion 71 (in other words, it is fitted; to put it another way, the engaging portion 71 is engaged with the threaded rod 91, the engaging portion 71 is hooked onto the threaded rod 91).
[0076] By gripping the handle 75 of the steering bar 7 attached to the caster 9 and rotating / swinging the handle 75 along the horizontal plane, it becomes possible to control / adjust the rotation of the holder 92 to which the brake operating lever 96 is attached, via engagement with the brake operating lever 96, thereby controlling / adjusting the degree of rotation of the wheel 93 held by the holder 92, and ultimately steering the mobile scaffolding 8 in the direction of travel.
[0077] With the steering bar 7 mounted to the caster 9 as described above, the handle portion 962 of the brake lever 96 comes into contact with the first inclined portion 73, preventing the brake lever 96 from rotating downward. This maintains the wheel 93 in a state where it can rotate.
[0078] By reducing the distance between the sides of the horizontal portion 72 and the first inclined portion 73 of the steering bar 7 and the inner surface of the inner space 963 of the engagement member of the brake operating lever 96 (specifically, the arm portion 961), it becomes possible to control / adjust the direction of the wheel 93 in a stable manner without rattling (in other words, without swaying or wobbling). For this reason, it is preferable to reduce the distance between the sides of the horizontal portion 72 and the first inclined portion 73 of the steering bar 7 and the inner surface of the inner space 963 of the engagement member of the brake operating lever 96 (specifically, the arm portion 961) by adjusting the width dimensions of the horizontal portion 72 and the first inclined portion 73 of the steering bar 7 in a plan view and the thickness of the connecting member 77. Furthermore, it is preferable to cause the sides of the horizontal portion 72 and the first inclined portion 73 of the steering bar 7 and the inner surface of the inner space 963 of the engagement member of the brake operating lever 96 (specifically, the arm portion 961) to be in contact / sliding.
[0079] The configuration of the steering bar is not limited to the configurations shown in Figures 10 to 12, but may also be the configurations shown in Figures 13 and 14, for example.
[0080] The steering bar 7A shown in Figures 13 and 14 has an engaging portion 71, a horizontal portion 72 connected to the engaging portion 71, an inclined portion 73A connected to the horizontal portion 72, a vertical portion 78 connected to the inclined portion 73A, a grip portion 75A connected to the vertical portion 78, and a support engaging portion 79 connected to the vertical portion 78. The inclined portion 73A is inclined downward from the point of connection with the horizontal portion 72, and the vertical portion 78 extends upward from the point of connection with the inclined portion 73A (specifically, the lower end), so that the steering bar 7A as a whole is formed in such a way that the grip portion 75A is positioned above the engaging portion 71 when viewed from the side.
[0081] Each of the horizontal section 72, the inclined section 73A, and the vertical section 78 is formed from a metal square pipe, and the ends of each section are welded together, and a joining member 77A is attached to the side surface of each section, thereby joining the sections together as a single unit. A joining member is used at the upper end of the vertical section 78 to weld and join the grip section 75A, and a joining member is used near the upper end of the vertical section 78 to weld and join the support engagement section 79, thereby forming the steering bar 7A.
[0082] The support column engagement portion 79 is formed as a pair of arms that extend horizontally, facing each other from the vertical portion 78. A through hole is formed horizontally at the tip of each of the pair of arms constituting the support column engagement portion 79 (i.e., the end opposite to the vertical portion 78).
[0083] The engaging portion 71 of the steering bar 7A is a structural part having the same form and function as the engaging portion 2 of the caster's turning locking device 1 and the engaging portion 71 of the steering bar 7, and is recessed in the direction in which the engaging portion 71, the horizontal portion 72, and the inclined portion 73A are connected (and in the longitudinal direction of the grip portion 75A and the support engaging portion 79), forming a recess in a horizontal view.
[0084] The steering bar 7A is attached to the caster 9 in the same way as the caster's turning locking device 1 and the attachment of the steering bar 7 to the caster 9, with the engaging portion 71 and the horizontal portion 72 passing through the inner space 963 of the engaging member of the brake operating lever 96 so that the threaded rod 91 of the caster 9 fits into the engaging portion 71 (in other words, it is fitted; to put it another way, the engaging portion 71 is engaged with the threaded rod 91, the engaging portion 71 is hooked onto the threaded rod 91).
[0085] The support column engagement portion 79 stabilizes the position of the steering bar 7A so that the grip portion 75A is separated from the support column 81 of the mobile scaffolding 8 and the steering bar 7A does not tilt, by inserting the engagement pin 791 through the through hole at the tip of each of the pair of arms that constitute the support column engagement portion 79.
[0086] By gripping the handle portion 75A of the steering bar 7A attached to the caster 9 and rotating / swinging the handle portion 75A along the horizontal plane, it becomes possible to control / adjust the rotation of the holder 92 to which the brake operating lever 96 is attached, via engagement with the brake operating lever 96, thereby controlling / adjusting the degree of rotation of the wheel 93 held by the holder 92, and ultimately steering the mobile scaffolding 8 in the direction of travel.
[0087] With the steering bar 7A mounted to the caster 9 as described above, the handle portion 962 of the brake lever 96 comes into contact with the inclined portion 73A, preventing the brake lever 96 from rotating downward. This maintains the wheel 93 in a state where it can rotate.
[0088] By reducing the distance between the sides of the horizontal portion 72 and inclined portion 73A of the steering bar 7A and the inner surface of the inner space 963 of the engaging member of the brake operating lever 96 (specifically, the arm portion 961), it becomes possible to control / adjust the direction of the wheel 93 in a stable manner without rattling (in other words, without swaying or wobbling). For this reason, it is preferable to reduce the distance between the sides of the horizontal portion 72 and inclined portion 73A of the steering bar 7A and the inner surface of the inner space 963 of the engaging member of the brake operating lever 96 (specifically, the arm portion 961) by adjusting the width dimension of the horizontal portion 72 and inclined portion 73A of the steering bar 7A in a plan view and the thickness of the connecting member 77A. Furthermore, it is preferable to make the sides of the horizontal portion 72 and inclined portion 73A of the steering bar 7A and the inner surface of the inner space 963 of the engaging member of the brake operating lever 96 (specifically, the arm portion 961) contact / slide with each other.
[0089] (Effects and Benefits) According to the caster rotation fixing device 1 of this embodiment, when the intermediate part 3 is stretched between a pair of casters 9, it engages with the brake operating lever 96 to prevent the brake operating lever 96 from rotating around the vertical axis, thereby firmly fixing the rotation of the caster 9 around the vertical axis.
[0090] According to the caster rotation locking device 1 of this embodiment, the intermediate part 3 engages with the brake operating lever 96 of the caster 9, so it can be used without attaching any special parts to the caster 9, thereby improving versatility.
[0091] According to the caster rotation fixing device 1 of the embodiment, the intermediate part 3 has a connecting part 4 that can be divided and joined, so that it can be easily attached to a pair of casters 9 and removed from a pair of casters 9, and it can be reliably attached to a pair of casters 9 and removed from a pair of casters 9 regardless of the structure of the casters 9.
[0092] According to the caster rotation fixing device 1 of the embodiment, if a connecting member 6 is further included, both ends including the engaging portion 2 are made into a common and fixed shape, making it possible to flexibly, easily, and efficiently accommodate various spacings between a pair of casters 9.
[0093] Although embodiments of this invention have been described above, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any design changes, etc., that do not depart from the spirit of this invention are also included.
[0094] For example, in the above embodiment, the caster rotation locking device 1 according to this invention is attached to the caster 9 of a three-story mobile scaffolding 8 shown in the figure for use. However, the shape and scale of the mobile scaffolding to which this invention can be applied are not limited to the mobile scaffolding 8 in the above embodiment. For example, various shapes and sizes of mobile scaffolding can be considered depending on the content and scale of construction, building, and maintenance work on various buildings. Furthermore, the caster rotation locking device 1 according to this invention is not limited to mobile scaffolding, but can be attached to casters provided on various equipment, devices, machinery, equipment, and facilities.
[0095] In the above embodiment, the intermediate portion 3 has a first horizontal portion 31, an inclined portion 32, and a second horizontal portion 33, and is formed in such a way that the first horizontal portion 31 is positioned above the second horizontal portion 33 in a side view. However, the form of the intermediate portion 3 is not limited to the form in the above embodiment. For example, depending on the position of the engagement portion 2 with respect to the threaded rod 91 of the caster 9 and the position and dimensions of the brake operating lever 96 (in particular, the position and dimensions of the inner space 963 of the engagement member), the intermediate portion 3 may be formed in such a way that it follows the horizontal direction in a side view (i.e., having only a single horizontal portion and not having the inclined portion 32 in the above embodiment), as long as the caster rotation locking device 1 can be attached to the caster 9.
[0096] In the above embodiment, the intermediate section 3 is provided with a connecting section 4 that can be divided and joined, but having the connecting section 4 is not an essential configuration in this invention. For example, if the structure, shape, and dimensions of the brake operating lever 96 of the caster 9 allow for the attachment of the caster rotation locking device 1 to a pair of casters 9 provided on the mobile scaffolding 8, and the removal of the caster rotation locking device 1 from the pair of casters 9, then the caster rotation locking device 1 may be made without a connecting section 4.
[0097] In the above embodiment, the engaging portion 2 of the caster rotation fixing device 1 is configured to engage with the threaded rod 91 of the caster 9 (i.e., the main shaft for the caster 9). However, the location where the engaging portion 2 engages is not limited to this, and the engaging portion 2 may engage with, for example, the holder 92 of the caster 9 (or the location corresponding to the holder 92 of the caster 9 in the example shown in the figure), the movable part 97 of the caster 9 (or the location corresponding to the movable part 97 of the caster 9 in the example shown in the figure), or the support column 81 of the mobile scaffolding 8.
[0098] In the above embodiment, the intermediate portion 3 of the caster rotation locking device 1 engages with the brake operating lever 96 of the caster 9 (specifically, the inclined portion 32 of the intermediate portion 3 penetrates the inner space 963 of the engaging member of the brake operating lever 96 so that the two engage with each other). However, the manner in which the caster rotation locking device 1 and the caster 9 engage is not limited to the above embodiment, as long as the caster rotation locking device 1 and a structure provided or attached to the wheel 93 of the caster 9 (specifically, the holder 92 that holds the wheel 93, or a structure corresponding to the holder 92 in the example shown in the figure) engage with each other so that rotation of the wheel 93 around its vertical axis is prevented. For example, a pair of rod members or plate members may extend upward from the holder 92, parallel to each other, and the caster rotation locking device 1 (intermediate portion 3) may be inserted between this pair of rod members / plate members so that the two engage with each other.
[0099] The caster rotation locking device 1 may be attached to a caster 9, for example, as shown in Figure 15. The caster 9 shown as an example in Figure 15 differs from the caster 9 shown as examples in Figures 2 and 3 in the above embodiment in that it has a brake operating bar 98 instead of a brake operating lever 96, but the other configurations / structures are the same.
[0100] The brake operating bar 98 is mounted so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis via pivot shafts 924, each of which is supported near the upper end of the side wall portion 922, with its axis aligned horizontally.
[0101] The brake operating bar 98 is formed in the shape of a rod, and one end is rotatably supported by a pivot shaft 924.
[0102] When the end of the brake operating bar 98 (specifically, the end opposite to the pivot shaft 924) is raised, and the brake operating bar 98 is in the position shown in Figure 15, the brake plate 95 is stationary at a distance from the wheel 93, and the wheel 93 is kept in a state where it can rotate.
[0103] On the other hand, when the end of the brake operating bar 98 (specifically, the end opposite to the pivot shaft 924 side) is pulled down and the brake operating bar 98 rotates downward from the position shown in Figure 15, the brake plate 95 is pushed by the brake operating bar 98 (specifically the end face on the pivot shaft 924 side) and pressed against the surface of the wheel 93, thereby preventing the wheel 93 from rotating.
[0104] Figure 16 is a front view showing the structure of the caster rotation locking device 1 attached to the caster 9 shown as an example in Figure 15, and Figure 17 is a plan view of the caster rotation locking device 1.
[0105] The caster rotation locking device 1 shown as an example in Figures 16 and 17 differs from the caster rotation locking device 1 shown as an example in Figures 4 to 6 in the above embodiment in the shape of the recess as the engaging part 2, but the other configurations / structures are the same.
[0106] The engaging portion 2 of the caster rotation locking device 1, as shown as an example in Figures 16 and 17, has, in addition to the portion into which the threaded rod 91 of the caster 9 fits (in other words, the portion that engages with the threaded rod 91, the portion that rests on the threaded rod 91) as shown as an example in the above embodiment, a portion into which the brake operating bar 98 of the caster 9 fits (in other words, the portion that engages with the brake operating bar 98, the portion that rests on the brake operating bar 98; referred to as the "locking engaging portion 35") as shown as an example in Figure 15.
[0107] The fixed engagement portion 35 is formed as a slit in a horizontal view by being cut along the longitudinal direction of the caster's rotation fixing device 1, communicating with the recess on the opening side of the engagement portion 2. The fixed engagement portion 35 is formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the intermediate portion 3, communicating with the recess on the opening side of the engagement portion 2.
[0108] The caster rotation locking device 1 shown as an example in Figures 16 and 17 is attached to a combination of two casters 9, that is, to a pair of casters 9, similar to the caster rotation locking device 1 shown as an example in Figures 4 to 6 in the above embodiment. For example, the caster rotation locking device 1 is attached to a combination of casters 9 attached to the lower ends of adjacent support columns 81 (see Figures 18 and 19; in Figure 19, only the structure of the caster 9 that is particularly related to the caster rotation locking device 1 is shown, and other structures are omitted).
[0109] In the case of the caster rotation locking device 1 shown as an example in Figures 16 and 17, the engagement portion 2 side of the first component 1A constituting the caster rotation locking device 1 (including the first horizontal portion 31 and part of the inclined portion 32), when not connected to each other at the connecting portion 4 (4A, 4B), allows the brake operating bar 98 of the caster 9 attached to one of the adjacent support columns 81 to enter the fixed engagement portion 35 from the opening of the engagement portion 2, and the threaded rod 91 to fit into the recess on the opening side of the engagement portion 2 (in other words, the engagement portion 2 The engagement portion 2 engages with the threaded rod 91, and the engagement portion 2 engages with the threaded rod 91. Also, the engagement portion 2 side of the second component 1B constituting the caster rotation locking device 1 (including a part of the first horizontal portion 31 and the inclined portion 32) engages with the brake operating bar 98 of the caster 9 attached to the other of the adjacent support columns 81, so that the brake operating bar 98 enters the fixed engagement portion 35 from the opening of the engagement portion 2, and the threaded rod 91 fits into the recess on the opening side of the engagement portion 2 (in other words, the engagement portion 2 engages with the threaded rod 91, and the engagement portion 2 engages with the threaded rod 91). In the example shown in the figure, the recess on the opening side of the engagement portion 2 engages with the portion of the threaded rod 91 between the adjustment portion 94 and the movable portion 97.
[0110] Then, the connecting portion 4A of the first part 1A and the connecting portion 4B of the second part 1B are connected by a bolt 5, with the engaging portions 2 of the first part 1A and the second part 1B respectively engaging with the threaded rod 91, the intermediate portion 3 passing through the inner space 963 of the engaging member, and the brake operating bar 98 inserted into the fixed engaging portion 35.
[0111] The effect of attaching the caster rotation fixing device 1 by stretching it between a pair of casters 9 attached to the lower ends of adjacent support columns 81 is the same as in the embodiment described above.
[0112] Based on the above, the gist of this invention is that it has a pair of engagement parts 2 spaced apart from each other and an intermediate part 3 between the pair of engagement parts 2, and each of the pair of engagement parts 2 engages with a caster 9 or a structure connected to the caster 9 (the support column 81 of the mobile scaffolding 8 in the above embodiment) and is stretched between the pair of casters 9, and the intermediate part 3 engages with a structure (brake operating lever 96 or brake operating bar 98 in the above embodiment) that is provided on or attached to a wheel holding structure (holder 92 in the above embodiment) that holds the wheel 93 of the caster 9 and is rotatable around a vertical axis, and the intermediate part 3 receives the movement of the structure provided on or attached to the wheel holding structure that attempts to rotate around the vertical axis. [Explanation of symbols]
[0113] 1. Caster rotation locking device 1A First part 1B Second part 2 Engaging part 3. Middle section 31 First horizontal section 32 Slope 33 Second horizontal section 33A Second horizontal section of the first component 33B Second horizontal section of the second part 34 Joining members 35 Fixed engagement part 4 Connecting part 4A Connection part of the first component 4B Connection part of the second component 41 Through hole 5 volts 6. Connecting members 61 Middle part (horizontal part) 62 Connecting part 63 Through hole 7 Steering bar 71 Engaging part 72 Horizontal section 73 First inclined section 74 Second inclined section 75 Grip section 76. Connecting inclined section 77 Joining members 7A Steering bar 73A Slope 75A Grip 77A Joining member 78 Vertical section 79 Post engagement part 791 Engaging pin 8 Mobile scaffolding 81 Post 82. Root entanglement 83. Bracing 83a Diagonal brace 84 Handrail 85 scaffolding planks 9 Caster 91 threaded rod 92 Holder 921 Upper wall section 922 Side wall section 923 Rotation axis 924 Rotary shaft 93 Wheels 94 Adjustment part 941 Support part 942 Handle 95 Brake plate 96 Brake lever 961 Arm section 962 Handle 963 Inner space of engaging member 97 Moving parts 98 Brake control bar
Claims
1. It has a pair of engagement parts that are spaced apart from each other, and an intermediate part between the pair of engagement parts, Each of the pair of engaging portions is formed as a recess in a horizontal view, and can be attached to or removed from a caster or a structure connected to a caster. Each of the pair of engaging portions engages with the caster or the structure connected to the caster and is stretched between the pair of casters, and the intermediate portion engages with a structure provided or attached to a wheel holding structure that holds the wheel of the caster and is rotatable around a vertical axis, and the intermediate portion receives the movement of the structure provided or attached to the wheel holding structure that attempts to rotate around the vertical axis. A caster rotation locking device characterized by the following features.
2. The engagement portion engages with the main shaft of the caster. The caster rotation locking device according to feature 1.
3. The structure provided on or attached to the wheel holding structure is a brake operating lever or brake operating bar for the caster. The caster rotation locking device according to feature 2.
4. Having a pair of engagement portions spaced apart from each other, and an intermediate portion between the pair of engagement portions, With each of the pair of engaging portions engaged with the main shaft of the caster and stretched between the pair of casters, the intermediate portion engages with a structure provided or attached to a wheel holding structure that holds the wheel of the caster and is rotatable around a vertical axis, and the structure provided or attached to the wheel holding structure receives the movement of the structure attempting to rotate around the vertical axis. The structure provided on or attached to the wheel holding structure is a brake operating lever or brake operating bar for the caster. A caster rotation locking device characterized by the following features.
5. The intermediate portion has a connecting portion for dividing or joining the intermediate portion, A caster rotation locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
6. The connecting portion further includes connecting members between the intermediate portions that are divided in the aforementioned connecting portion. The caster rotation locking device according to feature 5.