Caster

Abstract

To provide a caster which adopts a design in which a brake operation member etc. does not protrude from a caster body and thereby prevents unexpected interference with other objects.SOLUTION: A caster includes: an operation pin 10 which moves up or down along a vertical axis L0; and a brake member 12 fastened to a lower end of the operation pin 10. The operation pin 10 is moved down to achieve a wheel rotation brake function and a pivot locking function.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a caster. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, casters are known that have both a rotational braking function to apply brakes to the wheels and a swivel lock function to set the fork-shaped caster body, which can rotate freely around a vertical axis, in the desired direction of travel. Furthermore, casters that have only a rotational braking function (see Patent Document 1) and casters that have only a swivel lock function (see Patent Document 2) are also known. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-6703 [Patent Document 2] Registered Utility Model No. 3014588 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Incidentally, the brake operating lever, as a component of the wheel's rotation braking function, was attached to the side of the fork-type caster body in a protruding manner (see Patent Document 1). Furthermore, as a component of the swivel locking function, the swivel restricting lever was attached to the fork-type caster body in a way that it protruded in one direction, front or rear (see Patent Document 2).

[0005] However, conventional casters of this type had the following drawbacks. In other words, (i) The brake lever and swivel control lever protruded laterally or forward / backward from the caster body, which meant they could be accidentally switched on by interfering with other objects. (ii) The brake lever and swivel control lever rotate along with the left and right rotation of the caster body, making it inconvenient as it takes time to find the position of the lever. (iii) Although the trolley may be equipped with multiple casters with brake levers and multiple casters with swivel restriction levers, switching all of these levers by hand or foot is cumbersome and time-consuming.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to solve these drawbacks (i), (ii), and (iii). Furthermore, in addition to solving the above-mentioned drawback (iii), another objective is to enable reliable switching control of all casters on the trolley that have both rotational braking and swivel locking functions, using a single, simple, unified control system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The caster according to the present invention comprises a wheel, a fork-shaped caster body pivotally attached to the wheel so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis, and a mounting plate that rotatably supports the ceiling wall portion of the caster body around a vertical axis and is fixed to a trolley; an operating pin is provided that is inserted so as to be able to move up and down along the vertical axis; and a swivel locking means is provided that prevents the relative rotation of the mounting plate and the caster body around the vertical axis by the downward operation of the operating pin.

[0008] Furthermore, the caster according to the present invention comprises a wheel, a fork-shaped caster body pivotally attached to the wheel so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis, and a mounting plate that rotatably supports the ceiling wall portion of the caster body around a vertical axis and is fixed to a trolley; an operating pin is provided that is inserted so as to be able to move up and down along the vertical axis; a braked disc has a number of small protrusions or small recesses on its outer circumference and is fixed to one or both sides of the wheel; and a braking member is fixed to the lower end of the operating pin and has small female or male parts that can engage with the small protrusions or small recesses; and further, a swivel locking means is provided that prevents the relative rotation of the mounting plate and the caster body around the vertical axis by the downward operation of the operating pin.

[0009] Furthermore, the caster according to the present invention comprises a wheel, a fork-shaped caster body pivotally attached to the wheel so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis, and a mounting plate that rotatably supports the ceiling wall portion of the caster body around a vertical axis and is fixed to a trolley; and has an operating pin that is inserted so as to be able to move up and down along the vertical axis and is integral with the caster body so as to be able to rotate around the vertical axis; and further comprises a number of small protrusions or small recesses A disc to be braked, having a small protrusion or recess on its outer circumference, is fixed to one or both sides of the wheel; a braking member, having a small female or male part that can engage with the small protrusion or recess of the disc to be braked, is fixed to the lower end of the operating pin; and when an external force is applied downward to the operating pin, the operating pin and the braking member move downward, causing the small female or male part to engage with the small protrusion or recess of the disc to be braked, thereby creating a rotational braking state for the wheel.

[0010] Further, in a caster comprising a wheel, a fork-shaped caster main body that pivotally supports the wheel rotatably around a horizontal axis, and a mounting base plate that supports a ceiling wall portion of the caster main body rotatably around a vertical single axis and is fixed to a trolley; the caster has an operating pin that is inserted along the vertical single axis so as to be movable up and down, and is rotatable integrally with the caster main body around the vertical single axis; further, a braked disc having a large number of small protrusions or small recesses on its outer periphery is fixedly provided on one side surface or both side surfaces of the wheel; a braking member having small female portions or small male portions that can be engaged with the small protrusions or small recesses of the braked disc is fixed to the lower end of the operating pin; further, a coil spring is additionally provided, which constantly resiliently biases the braking member downward to maintain the rotational braking state of the wheel; when an external force is applied upward to the operating pin, the operating pin and the braking member move upward, so that the small female portions or small male portions disengage from the small protrusions or small recesses of the braked disc, and the wheel is brought into a rotatable state.

[0011] Further, a through hole is formed in the left-right horizontal direction in the braking member fixed to the lower end of the operating pin, while a long hole elongated in the up-down direction is formed through the caster main body, and a stopper shaft is inserted through the long hole and the through hole in a skewer-like manner; the operating pin and the caster main body are configured to always rotate integrally around the vertical single axis. Further, a long hole elongated in the up-down direction is formed through the braking member fixed to the lower end of the operating pin in the left-right horizontal direction, while a through hole is formed in the caster main body in the left-right horizontal direction, and a stopper shaft is inserted through the long hole and the through hole in a skewer-like manner; the operating pin and the caster main body are configured to always rotate integrally around the vertical single axis.

[0012] Further, the mounting base plate has a large-diameter central hole portion, and a plurality of anti-rotation protrusions are arranged at predetermined pitches in the circumferential direction on the tapered inner peripheral surface that expands upward of the central hole portion; an anti-rotation disc is externally fitted to the actuating pin via a rotation stopping mechanism so as to be movable up and down, and the anti-rotation disc is provided with a plurality of small recesses in the circumferential direction that can engage with the anti-rotation protrusions; further, a conical spring or a coil spring that elastically biases the anti-rotation disc downward is attached to the upper end of the actuating pin in an externally fitted manner; the rotation locking means includes the anti-rotation protrusions, the anti-rotation disc, and the conical spring or coil spring. Further, the mounting base plate has a large-diameter central hole portion, and a plurality of anti-rotation small recesses are arranged at predetermined pitches in the circumferential direction on the tapered inner peripheral surface that expands upward of the central hole portion; an anti-rotation disc is externally fitted to the actuating pin via a rotation stopping mechanism so as to be movable up and down, and the anti-rotation disc is provided with a plurality of protrusions in the circumferential direction that can engage with the anti-rotation small recesses; further, a conical spring or a coil spring that elastically biases the anti-rotation disc downward is attached to the upper end of the actuating pin in an externally fitted manner; the rotation locking means includes the anti-rotation small recesses, the protrusions of the anti-rotation disc, and the conical spring or coil spring. Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, the actuating pin is located at a position where it is unlikely to accidentally interfere with other objects, and no malfunction occurs. In addition, even when the caster main body rotates left and right, the axis of the actuating pin remains stationary (at a fixed position), and if an upward (or downward) external force (vector) is applied to the upper part of the actuating pin, the rotation braking and rotation locking of the wheel can be performed quickly and reliably. Moreover, the engagement between the small convex portion and the small female portion, or the engagement between the small concave portion and the small male portion exerts a strong and reliable wheel rotation braking force. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing a state where the actuating pin is pressed down. [Figure 3]This figure corresponds to Figure 1 and is a partial cross-sectional side view. [Figure 4] This figure corresponds to Figure 2 and is a partial cross-sectional side view. [Figure 5] This is a disassembled perspective view. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The present invention will be described in detail below based on the illustrated embodiments. In one embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 1 to 5, 1 is a wheel, which is pivotally attached to the fork-shaped caster body 2 and is rotatable around the horizontal axis L1 (of the axle 38). 3 is a mounting plate that supports the ceiling wall portion 4 of the caster body 2 so that it can rotate freely around a vertical axis L0. This mounting plate 3 is fixed to a trolley (not shown in the illustration).

[0016] Reference numeral 10 denotes an operating pin inserted so as to be able to move up and down along the vertical axis L0. A braking member 12 is fixed to the lower end of this operating pin 10. The braking member 12 has, for example, a through hole 13 having two parallel sides in the ceiling wall portion 14. The lower end of the operating pin 10 has an insertion portion whose cross-sectional shape substantially matches the shape of the through-hole 13, and into which it is inserted. This insertion part is inserted into the through hole 13, and the operating pin 10 and the braking member 12 are integrated by means of welding or crimping. That is, the braking member 12 is fixed to the lower end of the operating pin 10 and always operates together as one unit.

[0017] Furthermore, 20 is a disc to be braked, having numerous small protrusions 21 on its outer circumference and fixed to one side of the wheel 1. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the disc 20 is fixed to one side of the wheel 1 by fastening members 22 such as bolts. The braking member 12 comprises a ceiling wall portion 14, a pair of left and right hanging pieces 15, 15 (on the front side) suspended from the ceiling wall portion 14, and an L-shaped rear hanging piece 16 suspended from the right side of the ceiling wall portion 14.

[0018] Furthermore, a rectangular female portion 17 is recessed (penetrated) into the L-shaped rear hanging piece 16 when viewed from below. The female portion 17 of the braking member 12 can engage with a small protrusion 21 on the outer circumference of the disc 20 to be braked. In other words, when the operating pin 10 moves downward from Figure 3 to Figure 4, the female portion 17 engages with the small protrusion 21 in an external fitting manner. This engagement prevents the disc 20 from rotating around its horizontal axis. Since the disc 20 is fixed to the side of the wheel 1, it naturally prevents the wheel 1 from rotating. In other words, the present invention provides a wheel rotation braking means M comprising a disc 20 to be braked having numerous small protrusions 21 on its outer circumference, and a braking member 12 having a small female part 17 fixed to the lower end of an operating pin 10. R It is equipped with the following.

[0019] Incidentally, it can also be seen that the braked disc 20 has small recesses 23 formed between the small protrusions 21, 21. Therefore, the rectangular window-shaped female portion 17 in the L-shaped rear hanging piece 16 of the braking member 12 can be omitted, and instead, one or more small protrusions can be formed on the hanging piece 16 to form small male portions that can engage with the small recess 23 of the disc 20 (not shown).

[0020] In other words, the wheel rotation braking means M consists of a disc 20 to be braked having numerous small recesses 23 on its outer circumference and a small male part of a braking member 12 fixed to the lower end of the operating pin 10. R However, this is desirable. Furthermore, the present invention provides a swivel locking means S that prevents the relative rotation of the mounting plate 3 and the caster body 2 around the vertical axis L0 by the downward operation of the operating pin 10. R It possesses the following features (details will be provided later).

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention can be described again from another viewpoint as follows: A disc 20 to be braked, having numerous small protrusions 21 or small recesses 23 on its outer circumference, is fixed to one side of the wheel 1, and a braking member 12 having a small female portion 17 or a small male portion that can engage with the small protrusions 21 or small recesses 23 of the disc 20 to be braked, is fixed to the lower end of the operating pin 10. Then, an external force F is applied downwards to the operating pin 10. 10 When applied, the operating pin 10 and the braking member 12 move downward, and the small female portion 17 or small male portion engages with the small convex portion 21 or small concave portion 23 of the braked disc 20, resulting in a rotational braking state for the wheel 1.

[0022] Furthermore, the braking member 12 has through holes 5 in the left-right horizontal direction. On the other hand, the caster body 2 has elongated holes 6, 6 that are long in the vertical direction. 8 is the stopper shaft. This stopper shaft 8 is inserted through the elongated holes 6,6 and through holes 5,5 in a skewer-like manner. That is, by inserting the stopper shaft 8 through the elongated holes 6 and through holes 5, the caster body 2 and the braking member 12 always rotate together as a single unit around a vertical axis L0.

[0023] Incidentally, the lower end of the operating pin 10 is inserted into the through hole 13 of the braking member 12 and connected integrally by welding or the like. Furthermore, it is desirable that the cross-sectional shape of the lower end 10A of the operating pin 10 and the shape of the through hole 13 be such that they do not rotate when fitted together, and that they be oval, oval, or rectangular. In this way, the operating pin 10 and the braking member 12 are connected so that they always rotate as a single unit around a vertical axis L0.

[0024] Next, the mounting plate 3 has a large-diameter central hole 31. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, this central hole 31 has an upwardly expanding tapered inner circumferential surface 32 at its upper end, and a bush 33 with an outer flange is fixed to its lower end. 29 is a coil spring that exerts a downward elastic force. (The setting of the magnitude (strength) of the downward elastic force of this coil spring 29 will be described later.) Furthermore, on the mounting base plate 3, multiple rotation-preventing projections 34 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the upper, enlarged diameter tapered inner circumferential surface 32 of the large-diameter central hole portion 31.

[0025] On the other hand, a rotation stopper disc 35 is externally fitted onto the actuation pin 10 via a rotation prevention mechanism Y so as to be movable up and down. An example of the rotation prevention mechanism Y is configured by an oblong hole 26 having two parallel sides of the rotation stopper disc 35, and an oblong shaft portion 10B formed by cutting two parallel surfaces of a predetermined vertical length of the actuation pin 10 (see FIG. 5). The rotation stopper disc 35 has a plurality of small recesses 36 in the circumferential direction that can mesh with the protrusion 34.

[0026] Further, a conical spring 27 (or a coil spring not shown) that resiliently biases the rotation stopper disc 35 downward is attached to the upper end of the actuation pin 10 in an externally fitted manner. Reference numeral 28 denotes a retaining washer, which has a plurality of inner claw pieces that resiliently press against and engage with the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the actuation pin 10. The upper end of the conical spring 27 (or coil spring) is supported by this washer 28. Then, the rotation locking means S R includes the rotation stopper protrusion 34, the rotation stopper disc 35, and the conical spring 27 (or coil spring).

[0027] Incidentally, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a substantially circular plate-shaped cover 40 that covers the braked disc 20 from the (lateral) outer surface side is additionally provided. This cover 40 can prevent the small convex portions 21 and the like of the braked disc 20 from coming into contact with other objects, and can also prevent injuries such as to a person's ankle. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 4, when the actuation pin 10 moves downward, the rotation locking means S R enters a rotation locked state. Further, the rotation locking means S R is provided with a coil spring 29 that resiliently biases the braking member 12 downward.

[0028] When the resilient force in the push-down direction of this coil spring 29 is set to be weak (small) (referred to as the first embodiment), the upper end portion 10P of the actuation pin 10 is pushed down (arrow F in FIGS. 2 and 4 10 refer to), whereby the actuation pin 10 is actuated to descend, and the rotation locking means S R can be placed in a locked state. Alternatively, if the downward elastic force of the coil spring 29 is set to be strong (large) (referred to as the second embodiment), the strong elastic force of the coil spring 29 will cause the operating pin 10 to remain in a constantly lowered state, and the (described above) swivel locking means S R It is in a locked state (remaining in a non-rotating state). In this locked state, the upper end (flange) of the operating pin 10 is hooked or similar and pulled up (arrow F in Figures 2 and 4). 20 (See reference) By doing so, the operating pin 10 is moved upward, and the swivel locking means S R It can be set to an unlocked state.

[0029] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment described above, and the design can be freely modified as follows. Specifically, it is also desirable to fix the braked disc 20 to both sides (left and right) of the wheel 1. This provides effects such as the brake member 12 being balanced on the left and right sides when in a braking state. In addition, the coil spring 29 may be omitted in some cases. Specifically, the coil spring 29 can be omitted by making the operating pin 10 move downward by its own weight.

[0030] As described in detail above, the present invention provides a caster comprising: a wheel 1; a fork-shaped caster body 2 to which the wheel 1 is pivotally mounted so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis L1; and a mounting plate 3 that rotatably supports the ceiling wall portion 4 of the caster body 2 around a vertical axis L0 and is fixed to a trolley; an operating pin 10 is provided that is inserted so as to be able to move up and down along the vertical axis L0; and a swivel locking means S prevents the relative rotation of the mounting plate 3 and the caster body 2 around the vertical axis L0 by the downward operation of the operating pin 10. R Because it is equipped with this feature, the structure can be simplified and the external shape is also simple, and the operating pin 10 does not protrude at all from the caster body 2 in the lateral or front-to-back direction, thus preventing malfunctions. Furthermore, even when the caster body 2 rotates left or right, the axis L0 of the operating pin 10 does not move, and therefore, vertical movement is performed smoothly.

[0031] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a caster comprising: a wheel 1; a fork-shaped caster body 2 to which the wheel 1 is pivotally mounted so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis L1; and a mounting plate 3 that supports the ceiling wall portion 4 of the caster body 2 so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis L0 and is fixed to a trolley; wherein an operating pin 10 is provided that is inserted so as to be able to move up and down along the vertical axis L0; a braked disc 20 having a number of small protrusions 21 or small recesses 23 on its outer circumference and fixed to one or both sides of the wheel 1; and a braking member 12 fixed to the lower end of the operating pin 10 and having a small female portion 17 or small male portion that can engage with the small protrusions 21 or small recesses 23, is provided to the wheel rotation braking means M R The following are provided; furthermore, the swivel locking means S prevents the relative rotation of the mounting plate 3 and the caster body 2 around the vertical axis L0 by the downward operation of the operating pin 10. R Because it is equipped with this feature, the overall structure and external shape are simple, and the operating pin 10 does not protrude laterally or forward / backward from the caster body 2, so as not to accidentally interfere with other objects, and thus malfunctions can be prevented. Furthermore, even when the caster body 2 rotates left or right, the axis L0 of the operating pin 10 does not move, as indicated by arrow F in Figures 2 and 4. 10 or F 20 As shown above, the operating pin 10 can be reliably and easily operated from above and outside.

[0032] Furthermore, the braking disc 20 and the braking member 12 can maintain a reliable and powerful braking state through the engagement of the small protrusion 21 and the small female part 17, or the engagement of the small recess 23 and the small male part. This provides rotational braking for the wheel 1 and a swivel locking means S. R The rotation lock of wheel 1 can be performed simultaneously using a common component—the operating pin 10—making the structure even simpler. Furthermore, the wheel rotation braking means M R and rotation locking means S R Since it is controlled by a single common operating pin 10, the upper part of the operating pin 10 can be easily and simply controlled by switching it with a single control system.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention provides a caster comprising: a wheel 1; a fork-shaped caster body 2 to which the wheel 1 is pivotally mounted so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis L1; and a mounting plate 3 that supports the ceiling wall portion 4 of the caster body 2 so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis L0 and is fixed to a trolley; an operating pin 10 that is inserted so as to be able to move up and down along the vertical axis L0 and is integral with the caster body 2 so as to be able to rotate around the vertical axis L0; furthermore, a braked disc 20 having a number of small protrusions 21 or small recesses 23 on its outer circumference is fixed to one or both sides of the wheel 1; and a braking member 12 having a small female portion 17 or small male portion that can engage with the small protrusions 21 or small recesses 23 of the braked disc 20 is fixed to the lower end of the operating pin 10; and an external force F directed downwards is applied to the operating pin 10. 10 When this is applied, the operating pin 10 and the braking member 12 move downward, and the small female part 17 or small male part engages with the small convex part 21 or small concave part 23 of the braked disc 20, thereby creating a rotational braking state for the wheel 1. As a result, the overall structure and external shape are simple, the operating pin 10 does not protrude laterally or in the front-rear direction, preventing interference with other objects and eliminating malfunctions. Furthermore, even when the caster body 2 rotates left or right, the axis L0 of the operating pin 10 does not move, so external operation of the operating pin 10 is done by pointing the upper end 10P of the operating pin 10 at the arrow F in Figures 2 and 4. 10 As shown, it can be done easily and reliably by applying pressure.

[0034] Furthermore, in a caster comprising a wheel 1, a fork-shaped caster body 2 to which the wheel 1 is pivotally attached so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis L1, and a mounting plate 3 that supports the ceiling wall portion 4 of the caster body 2 so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis L0 and is fixed to a trolley; having an operating pin 10 that is inserted so as to be able to move up and down along the vertical axis L0 and is integral with the caster body 2 so as to be able to rotate around the vertical axis L0; and furthermore, a number of A braked disc 20 having small protrusions 21 or small recesses 23 on its outer circumference is fixed to one or both sides of the wheel 1; a braking member 12 having small female parts 17 or small male parts that can engage with the small protrusions 21 or small recesses 23 of the braked disc 20 is fixed to the lower end of the operating pin 10; a coil spring 29 is attached to the braking member 12 to constantly elastically bias it downwards to maintain the rotational braking state of the wheel 1; and an external force F is applied upwards to the operating pin 10. 20 When this is applied, the operating pin 10 and the braking member 12 move upward, and the small female part 17 or small male part detaches from the small convex part 21 or small concave part 23 of the braked disc 20, allowing the wheel 1 to rotate. This configuration results in a simple overall structure and external appearance. Furthermore, the operating pin 10 does not protrude laterally or in the front-rear direction, preventing interference with other objects and eliminating malfunctions. Moreover, even when the caster body 2 rotates left or right, the axis L0 of the operating pin 10 does not move, so external operation of the operating pin 10 is limited to the operation pin 10, indicated by arrow F in Figures 2 and 4. 10 ,F 20 As described above, this can be done easily and reliably by operating it in this manner.

[0035] Furthermore, the braking member 12 fixed to the lower end of the operating pin 10 has a through hole 5 formed in the left-right horizontal direction, and the caster body 2 has elongated holes 6, 6 that are vertically elongated, and the stopper shaft 8 is inserted through the elongated holes 6, 6 and the through holes 5, 5 in a skewer-like manner; the operating pin 10 and the caster body 2 are configured to always rotate as a single unit around the vertical axis L0, and since the braking member 12 is relatively large and made of sheet metal, it is easy to form the through hole 5, and the formation of a through hole in the operating pin 10 can be omitted, making it possible to use a smaller diameter operating pin 10.

[0036] Furthermore, the braking member 12 fixed to the lower end of the operating pin 10 has an elongated hole that runs horizontally through it, and the caster body 2 has a through hole that runs horizontally through it, and the stopper shaft 8 is inserted through the elongated hole and the through hole in a skewer-like manner; the operating pin 10 and the caster body 2 are configured to always rotate as a single unit around the vertical axis L0, and since the braking member 12 is relatively large and made of sheet metal, it is easy to form an elongated hole that runs vertically. This eliminates the need to form a through hole in the operating pin 10, and makes it possible to use a smaller diameter operating pin 10.

[0037] Furthermore, the mounting plate 3 has a large-diameter central hole 31, and multiple swivel-stopping projections 34 are arranged at predetermined pitches in the circumferential direction on the upper, enlarged diameter tapered inner circumferential surface 32 of the central hole 31; a swivel-stopping plate 35 is fitted onto the operating pin 10 via a rotation-stopping mechanism Y and is vertically movable, and the swivel-stopping plate 35 has multiple small recesses 36 arranged in the circumferential direction that can engage with the swivel-stopping projections 34; furthermore, a conical spring 27 or a coil spring is fitted onto the upper end of the operating pin 10 to elastically bias the swivel-stopping plate 35 downwards; and the swivel locking means S R Since the wheel 1 is equipped with the aforementioned rotation-stopping projection 34, rotation-stopping plate 35, and conical spring 27 or coil spring, regardless of the direction of rotation of the wheel 1, the rotation can be easily and reliably stopped by moving the operating pin 10 downward, which engages the projection 34 with the small recess 36. Furthermore, by moving the operating pin 10 upward, the engagement between the projection 34 and the small recess 36 can be smoothly released. In other words, it becomes possible to rotate freely around the axis L0.

[0038] Furthermore, the mounting plate 3 has a large-diameter central hole 31, and multiple small rotation-retaining recesses are arranged at predetermined pitches in the circumferential direction on the upper, enlarged diameter tapered inner circumferential surface 32 of the central hole 31; a rotation-retaining plate 35 is fitted onto the operating pin 10 via a rotation-retaining mechanism Y and is vertically movable, and the rotation-retaining plate 35 has multiple projections arranged in the circumferential direction that can engage with the small rotation-retaining recesses; furthermore, a conical spring 27 or a coil spring is fitted onto the upper end of the operating pin 10 to elastically bias the rotation-retaining plate 35 downwards; and the rotation locking means S R Since the wheel 1 is equipped with the aforementioned small recess for stopping the rotation, the projection of the rotation stopper plate 35, and the conical spring 27 or coil spring, regardless of the direction of rotation of the wheel 1, the rotation can be easily and reliably stopped by the engagement of the projection and the small recess when the operating pin 10 is moved downward. Furthermore, the engagement between the projection and the small recess can be smoothly released when the operating pin 10 is moved upward. In other words, it becomes possible to rotate freely around the axis L0. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 1 wheel 2 Caster body 3. Mounting base plate 4. Ceiling and wall sections 5 through hole 6 long hole 8 Stopper shaft 10 Actuating pins 12 Braking member 17 Small female part 20 Braking disc 21 Small protrusions 23 Small recesses 27 Conical springs 31 Center hole 32 Tapered inner surface 34 Protrusion 35 Swivel stopper plate 36 Small recesses F 10 external force L0 Vertical uniaxial L1 horizontal axis center M R Wheel rotation braking means S RSwivel locking mechanism Y-type anti-rotation mechanism

Claims

1. A wheel (1) and the wheel (1) is positioned around a horizontal axis (L 1 A fork-shaped caster body (2) is pivotally mounted around the ) so as to be rotatable, and the ceiling wall portion (4) of the caster body (2) is connected vertically to a single axis (L 0 In a caster equipped with a mounting plate (3) that rotatably supports the caster around it and is fixed to the trolley, The above vertical uniaxial center (L 0 An operating pin (10) is provided that is inserted along the line and is movable up and down. The above mounting base plate (3) and the caster body (2) are aligned vertically along a single axis (L 0 ) A pivot locking means (S) prevents relative rotation around by the downward operation of the operating pin (10). R ) is equipped with, The braking member (12) fixed to the lower end of the operating pin (10) has a through hole (5) formed in the left-right horizontal direction, and the caster body (2) has elongated holes (6)(6) that are vertically elongated, and the stopper shaft (8) is inserted through the elongated holes (6)(6) and the through hole (5)(5) in a skewer-like manner. The operating pin (10) and the caster body (2) are configured to always rotate as a single unit around the above-mentioned vertical single axis (L0). A caster characterized by not having an operating member that protrudes laterally or in the front-to-back direction from the caster body (2).

2. A wheel (1) and the wheel (1) is positioned around a horizontal axis (L 1 A fork-shaped caster body (2) is pivotally mounted around the ) so as to be rotatable, and the ceiling wall portion (4) of the caster body (2) is connected vertically to a single axis (L 0 In a caster equipped with a mounting plate (3) that rotatably supports the caster around it and is fixed to the trolley, The above vertical uniaxial center (L 0 An operating pin (10) is provided that is inserted along the line and is movable up and down. A wheel rotation braking means comprising: a to-be-braked disc (20) having a large number of small convex portions (21) or small concave portions (23) on its outer periphery and fixed to one side surface or both side surfaces of the wheel (1); and a braking member (12) fixed to the lower end of the actuation pin (10) and having a small female portion (17) or small male portion that is freely engageable with the small convex portions (21) or small concave portions (23) (M R ), is provided. Furthermore, the vertical single axis (L) of the mounting base plate (3) and the caster body (2) 0 ) A pivot locking means (S) prevents relative rotation around by the downward operation of the operating pin (10). R ) is equipped with, The braking member (12) fixed to the lower end of the operating pin (10) has a through hole (5) formed in the left-right horizontal direction, and the caster body (2) has elongated holes (6)(6) that are vertically elongated, and the stopper shaft (8) is inserted through the elongated holes (6)(6) and the through hole (5)(5) in a skewer-like manner. A caster characterized in that the operating pin (10) and the caster body (2) are configured to always rotate as a single unit around the above-mentioned vertical single axis (L0).

3. A wheel (1) and the wheel (1) is positioned around a horizontal axis (L 1 A fork-shaped caster body (2) is pivotally mounted around the ) so as to be rotatable, and the ceiling wall portion (4) of the caster body (2) is connected vertically to a single axis (L 0 In a caster equipped with a mounting plate (3) that rotatably supports the caster around it and is fixed to the trolley, The above vertical uniaxial center (L 0 It is inserted along the line and is freely movable up and down, and is integrated with the caster body (2) and the vertical single axis (L 0 ) has a rotatable operating pin (10), Furthermore, a braking disc (20) having numerous small protrusions (21) or small recesses (23) on its outer circumference is fixed to one or both sides of the wheel (1). A braking member (12) having a small female portion (17) or a small male portion that can engage with the small convex portion (21) or small concave portion (23) of the braked disc (20) is fixed to the lower end of the operating pin (10), An external force (F) is applied downward to the above operating pin (10). 10 When the ) is applied, the operating pin (10) and the braking member (12) move downward, and the small female part (17) or small male part engages with the small convex part (21) or small concave part (23) of the braked disc (20), thereby creating a rotational braking state for the wheel (1). The braking member (12) fixed to the lower end of the operating pin (10) has a through hole (5) formed in the left-right horizontal direction, and the caster body (2) has elongated holes (6)(6) that are vertically elongated, and the stopper shaft (8) is inserted through the elongated holes (6)(6) and the through hole (5)(5) in a skewer-like manner. The operating pin (10) and the caster body (2) are configured to always rotate as a single unit around the above-mentioned vertical single axis (L0). A caster characterized by not having an operating member that protrudes laterally or in the front-to-back direction from the caster body (2).

4. A wheel (1) and the wheel (1) is positioned around a horizontal axis (L 1 A fork-shaped caster body (2) is pivotally mounted around the ) so as to be rotatable, and the ceiling wall portion (4) of the caster body (2) is connected vertically to a single axis (L 0 In a caster equipped with a mounting plate (3) that rotatably supports the caster around it and is fixed to the trolley, The above vertical uniaxial center (L 0 It is inserted along the line and is freely movable up and down, and is integrated with the caster body (2) and the vertical single axis (L 0 ) has a rotatable operating pin (10), Furthermore, a braking disc (20) having numerous small protrusions (21) or small recesses (23) on its outer circumference is fixed to one or both sides of the wheel (1). A braking member (12) having a small female portion (17) or a small male portion that can engage with the small convex portion (21) or small concave portion (23) of the braked disc (20) is fixed to the lower end of the operating pin (10), Furthermore, a coil spring (29) is attached to the braking member (12) to maintain a rotational braking state of the wheel (1) by constantly applying elastic downward force. An external force (F) is applied upward to the above operating pin (10). 20 When the force is applied, the operating pin (10) and the braking member (12) move upward, and the small female part (17) or small male part detaches from the small convex part (21) or small concave part (23) of the braked disc (20), thereby enabling the wheel (1) to rotate. The braking member (12) fixed to the lower end of the operating pin (10) has a through hole (5) formed in the left-right horizontal direction, and the caster body (2) has elongated holes (6)(6) that are vertically elongated, and the stopper shaft (8) is inserted through the elongated holes (6)(6) and the through hole (5)(5) in a skewer-like manner. The operating pin (10) and the caster body (2) are configured to always rotate as a single unit around the above-mentioned vertical single axis (L0). A caster characterized by not having an operating member that protrudes laterally or in the front-to-back direction from the caster body (2).

5. The mounting base plate (3) has a large-diameter central hole (31), and multiple rotation-preventing projections (34) are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the upper, enlarged diameter tapered inner circumferential surface (32) of the central hole (31). A swivel stopper plate (35) is fitted onto the above-mentioned operating pin (10) via a rotation stopper mechanism (Y) and is vertically movable, and furthermore, the swivel stopper plate (35) has a plurality of small recesses (36) arranged in the circumferential direction that can engage with the above-mentioned swivel stopper projection (34), Furthermore, a conical spring (27) or coil spring is fitted onto the upper end of the operating pin (10) to elastically bias the swivel stopper plate (35) downward. The above-mentioned swivel locking means (S R The caster according to claim 2, further comprising the above-mentioned swivel-stopping projection (34), the above-mentioned swivel-stopping plate (35), and the above-mentioned conical spring (27) or coil spring.

6. The mounting base plate (3) has a large-diameter central hole (31), and multiple small rotation-preventing recesses are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the upper, enlarged diameter tapered inner circumferential surface (32) of the central hole (31). A swivel stopper plate (35) is fitted onto the above-mentioned operating pin (10) via a rotation stopper mechanism (Y) and is vertically movable, and furthermore, the swivel stopper plate (35) has a plurality of projections arranged in the circumferential direction that can engage with the above-mentioned swivel stopper small recess. Furthermore, a conical spring (27) or coil spring is fitted onto the upper end of the operating pin (10) to elastically bias the swivel stopper plate (35) downward. The above-mentioned swivel locking means (S R The caster according to claim 2, comprising the above-mentioned small recess for preventing rotation, the above-mentioned projection of the rotation stopper plate (35), and the above-mentioned conical spring (27) or coil spring.

7. A caster comprising a wheel (1), a fork-shaped caster body (2) to which the wheel (1) is pivotally attached so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis (L1), and a mounting plate (3) that supports the ceiling wall portion (4) of the caster body (2) so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis (L0) and is fixed to a trolley, An operating pin (10) is provided that is inserted so as to be able to move up and down along the above vertical axis (L0). The mounting base plate (3) and the caster body (2) are equipped with a swivel locking mechanism (SR) that prevents relative rotation around the vertical axis (L0) by the downward movement of the operating pin (10). The mounting base plate (3) has a large-diameter central hole (31), and a rotation-preventing projection (34) is provided on the upper, enlarged diameter tapered inner circumferential surface (32) of the central hole (31). A swivel stopper plate (35) is fitted onto the above-mentioned operating pin (10) via a rotation stopper mechanism (Y) and is vertically movable, and the swivel stopper plate (35) is provided with a small recess (36) that can engage with the above-mentioned swivel stopper projection (34), Furthermore, a conical spring (27) or coil spring is fitted onto the upper end of the operating pin (10) to elastically bias the swivel stopper plate (35) downward. The above-mentioned swivel locking means (SR) comprises the swivel stop projection (34), the swivel stop plate (35), and the conical spring (27) or coil spring. A caster characterized by not having an operating member that protrudes laterally or in the front-to-back direction from the caster body (2).

8. A caster comprising a wheel (1), a fork-shaped caster body (2) to which the wheel (1) is pivotally attached so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis (L1), and a mounting plate (3) that supports the ceiling wall portion (4) of the caster body (2) so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis (L0) and is fixed to a trolley, An operating pin (10) is provided that is inserted so as to be able to move up and down along the above vertical axis (L0). The mounting base plate (3) and the caster body (2) are equipped with a swivel locking mechanism (SR) that prevents relative rotation around the vertical axis (L0) by the downward movement of the operating pin (10). The mounting base plate (3) has a large-diameter central hole (31), and a small rotation-preventing recess is provided on the upper, enlarged diameter tapered inner circumferential surface (32) of the central hole (31). A swivel stopper plate (35) is fitted onto the above-mentioned operating pin (10) via a rotation stopper mechanism (Y) and is vertically movable, and the swivel stopper plate (35) is provided with a projection that can engage with the above-mentioned swivel stopper small recess. Furthermore, a conical spring (27) or coil spring is fitted onto the upper end of the operating pin (10) to elastically bias the swivel stopper plate (35) downward. The above-mentioned swivel locking means (SR) comprises the swivel stopper small recess, the projection of the swivel stopper plate (35), and the conical spring (27) or coil spring. A caster characterized by not having an operating member that protrudes laterally or in the front-to-back direction from the caster body (2).

9. A caster comprising a wheel (1), a fork-shaped caster body (2) to which the wheel (1) is pivotally attached so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis (L1), and a mounting plate (3) that supports the ceiling wall portion (4) of the caster body (2) so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis (L0) and is fixed to a trolley, An operating pin (10) is provided that is inserted so as to be able to move up and down along the above vertical axis (L0). The wheel rotation braking means (MR) comprises a braked disc (20) having numerous small protrusions (21) or small recesses (23) on its outer circumference and fixed to one or both sides of the wheel (1), and a braking member (12) fixed to the lower end of the operating pin (10) and having small female parts (17) or small male parts that can engage with the small protrusions (21) or small recesses (23), Furthermore, the system is equipped with a swivel locking mechanism (SR) that prevents the relative rotation of the mounting base plate (3) and the caster body (2) around the vertical axis (L0) by the downward movement of the operating pin (10). The mounting base plate (3) has a large-diameter central hole (31), and a rotation-preventing projection (34) is provided on the upper, enlarged diameter tapered inner circumferential surface (32) of the central hole (31). A swivel stopper plate (35) is fitted onto the above-mentioned operating pin (10) via a rotation stopper mechanism (Y) and is vertically movable, and the swivel stopper plate (35) is provided with a small recess (36) that can engage with the above-mentioned swivel stopper projection (34), Furthermore, a conical spring (27) or coil spring is fitted onto the upper end of the operating pin (10) to elastically bias the swivel stopper plate (35) downward. The above-mentioned swivel locking means (SR) is a caster comprising the swivel stop projection (34), the swivel stop plate (35), and the conical spring (27) or coil spring.

10. A caster comprising a wheel (1), a fork-shaped caster body (2) to which the wheel (1) is pivotally attached so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis (L1), and a mounting plate (3) that supports the ceiling wall portion (4) of the caster body (2) so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis (L0) and is fixed to a trolley, An operating pin (10) is provided that is inserted so as to be able to move up and down along the above vertical axis (L0). The wheel rotation braking means (MR) comprises a braked disc (20) having numerous small protrusions (21) or small recesses (23) on its outer circumference and fixed to one or both sides of the wheel (1), and a braking member (12) fixed to the lower end of the operating pin (10) and having small female parts (17) or small male parts that can engage with the small protrusions (21) or small recesses (23), Furthermore, the system is equipped with a swivel locking mechanism (SR) that prevents the relative rotation of the mounting base plate (3) and the caster body (2) around the vertical axis (L0) by the downward movement of the operating pin (10). The mounting base plate (3) has a large-diameter central hole (31), and a small rotation-preventing recess is provided on the upper, enlarged diameter tapered inner circumferential surface (32) of the central hole (31). A swivel stopper plate (35) is fitted onto the above-mentioned operating pin (10) via a rotation stopper mechanism (Y) and is vertically movable, and the swivel stopper plate (35) is provided with a projection that can engage with the above-mentioned swivel stopper small recess. Furthermore, a conical spring (27) or coil spring is fitted onto the upper end of the operating pin (10) to elastically bias the swivel stopper plate (35) downward. The above-mentioned swivel locking means (SR) is a caster comprising the swivel stopper small recess, the projection of the swivel stopper plate (35), and the conical spring (27) or coil spring.

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