Removable wheel set

Abstract

A removable wheel set, comprising an axle pin, a wheel housing, a bracket, a stop block, and wheels. The axle pin passes through the wheel housing and the bracket, securing them as an integrated unit. The wheels are movably mounted on either side of the bracket via bearings. An axle bore is provided inside the bracket for mating with the axle pin, and a limiting slot is arranged on the periphery of the axle bore. The exterior side wall of the axle pin features a retaining groove. The stop block is fitted into the limiting slot and simultaneously retained in the retaining groove, thereby preventing the axle pin from moving axially. By means of this retaining fit, the stop block can prevent the axle pin from moving in the axial direction, enhancing the connection strength between the wheel housing and the bracket. Even if the luggage is subjected to external impacts or jolts, this design can ensure that the wheel set remains stable, preventing the wheels from automatically falling off or getting stuck. During removal of wheel set, it is only necessary to adjust the position of the stop block so that it is no longer retained in the retaining groove of the axle pin, allowing for easy removal or mounting.

Description

[0001] REMOVABLE WHEEL SET

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to the field of wheel set, in particular to a removable wheel set.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Wheel sets, typically mounted on the bottom of luggage as a device for pushing the luggage to move around, are most prone to wear and tear, rendering the luggage unusable. To solve this problem, a variety of removable wheel sets have emerged in the market. Some wheel sets feature complex structures with cumbersome detachment mechanisms, while others — due to improper structure — may experience wheels falling off automatically or jamming during use, causing inconvenience to users.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided: a removable wheel set comprising an axle pin, a wheel housing, a bracket, a stop block, and wheels. The axle pin passes through the wheel housing and the bracket, securing them as an integrated unit. The wheels are movably mounted on either side of the bracket via bearings. An axle bore is provided inside the bracket for mating with the axle pin, and a limiting slot is arranged on the periphery of the axle bore. The exterior side wall of the axle pin features a circumferential retaining groove. The stop block is fitted into the limiting slot and simultaneously retained in the retaining groove, thereby preventing the axle pin from moving axially.

[0008] Advantageously, the present invention provides a removable wheel set. By means of retaining fit, the stop block can prevent the axle pin from moving in the axial direction. When it is necessary to remove or mount the wheel set, simply adjust the position of the stop block slightly to disengage it from the retaining groove of the axle pin. This allows for easy detachment, simplifying the operation process.

[0009] Optionally, the stop block comprises a limiting piece, which includes two vertical portions arranged perpendicularly and a transverse portion connecting the two vertical portions. The two vertical portions are respectively retained in the retaining groove. Optionally, the stop block further includes an exposed portion, which is integrally formed at the bottom of the transverse portion. The exterior side wall of the bracket is provided with a positioning slot that communicates with the limiting slot. The two vertical portions are respectively retained in the retaining groove, and the exposed portion is fitted into the positioning slot.

[0010] Optionally, there exists a disassembly gap between the exposed portion and the positioning slot.

[0011] Optionally, the two sides of the bracket are provided with notches communicating with the limiting slot. The outer sides of the two vertical portions are formed with snap protrusions, which are engaged into the notches to enable assembly of the two vertical portions.

[0012] Optionally, the bottom of the bracket is integrally formed with multiple elastic support strips, the terminal ends of which are connected to a fitting part, with bearings pre-embedded in the fitting part. Hollowed-out holes are formed between adjacent elastic support strips.

[0013] Optionally, the bottom and outer surfaces of the axle pin are coated with grease.

[0014] Optionally, the stop block comprises a limiting piece which has a U-shaped or V-shaped structure.

[0015] Optionally, the two vertical portions are configured to snap into place in the retaining groove of the axle pin.

[0016] Optionally, the wheel is a luggage wheel.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a luggage article comprising one or more removable wheel sets according to the first aspect or any optional feature thereof.

[0018] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of attaching a wheel set according to the first aspect or any optional feature thereof.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the axle pin passes through the axle bore of the wheel housing and bracket, with a circumferential retaining groove provided on the exterior side wall of the axle pin. Axle bore is provided inside the bracket for mating with the axle pin, and a limiting slot is arranged on the periphery of the axle bore. When the axle pin passes through the axle bore, the stop block is fitted into the limiting slot and simultaneously retained in the retaining groove of the axle pin. By means of this retaining fit, the stop block can prevent the axle pin from moving axially. When it is necessary to remove or mount the wheel set, simply adjust the position of the stop block slightly to disengage it from the retaining groove of the axle pin. This allows for easy detachment or mounting, thereby simplifying the operation process.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The invention will now be described purely by way of example with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 schematically shows the structure of a removable wheel set;

[0023] FIG. 2 schematically shows the bottom view structure of the removable wheel set;

[0024] FIG. 3 schematically shows the cross-sectional structure along section line A-A in FIG. 2;

[0025] FIG. 4 schematically shows the cross-sectional structure along section line B-B in FIG. 2;

[0026] FIG. 5 schematically shows the fitting principle of the bracket and stop block;

[0027] FIG. 6 schematically shows the structure of the bracket; and

[0028] FIG. 7 schematically shows the structure of the axle pin.

[0029] Reference numerals are listed as follows:

[0030] 1 -wheel housing 2-bracket 3 -stop block

[0031] 311 -snap protrusion 4-wheel 5-axle pin

[0032] 51 -retaining groove 31 -vertical portion 32-transverse portion 33 -exposed portion 34-disassembly gap 21 -axle bore

[0033] 22-limiting slot 23 -positioning slot 24-elastic support strip

[0034] 25-hollowed-out hole 26- fitting part 27-notch

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] FIGS. 1-7, show an example removable wheel set, comprising an axle pin 5, a wheel housing 1, a bracket 2, a stop block 3 and wheels 4. The axle pin 5 passes through the wheel housing 1 and the bracket 2, securing them as an integrated unit. Wheels 4 are movably mounted on either side of the bracket 2 via bearings. An axle bore 21 is provided inside the bracket 2 for mating with the axle pin 5, and a limiting slot 22 is arranged on the periphery of the axle bore 21. A circumferential retaining groove 51 is formed on the exterior side wall of the axle pin 5. The stop block 3 is fitted into the limiting slot 22 and simultaneously retained in the retaining groove 51, thereby preventing the axle pin 5 from moving axially.

[0037] The axle pin 5 passes through the axle bore 21 of the wheel housing 1 and bracket 2, with the circumferential retaining groove 51 arranged on the exterior side wall of the axle pin 5. The axle bore 21 is provided inside the bracket 2 for mating with the axle pin 5, and the limiting slot 22 is arranged on the periphery of the axle bore 21. When the axle pin 5 passes through the axle bore 21, the stop block 3 is positioned within the limiting slot 22 and simultaneously retained in the retaining groove 51 of the axle pin 5. By means of this retaining fit, the stop block 3 can prevent the axle pin 5 from moving in the axial direction, thereby enhancing the connection strength between the wheel housing 1 and the bracket 2. Even if the luggage is subjected to external impacts or jolts, this design can ensure that the wheel set remains stable, preventing the wheels 4 from automatically falling off or getting stuck. For removal or mounting of wheel set, simply adjust the position of the stop block 3 slightly so that it is no longer retained in the retaining groove 51 of the axle pin 5, allowing for easy removal or mounting and simplifying the operation process.

[0038] Furthermore, when the wheels 4 or bracket 2 of the luggage become damaged, users do not need to take the entire luggage to a specialized maintenance store. Instead, they may simply remove the stop block 3, detach the damaged bracket assembly, attach a new assembly, and reinsert the stop block 3 to complete the repair. This design greatly streamlines the maintenance process, saving users time and money. Meanwhile, the detachable structure allows users to replace wheels 4 of different colors, shapes or functions to suit personal preferences and needs. This design fulfills customization requirements, making luggage more personalized and fashionable. Furthermore, users can also replace wheels 4 of different styles according to changes in occasion or season, making the luggage more practical and versatile.

[0039] Another advantage lies in that during transportation, the overall height of the luggage can be significantly reduced by removing wheels 4 and bracket 2, thereby reducing the packaging volume. This not only reduces transportation costs but also helps improve transportation efficiency. For manufacturers and logistics companies, this means lower transportation costs and higher logistics efficiency. For consumers, they can choose whether to buy additional wheels 4 or brackets 2 at the time of purchase, in order to flexibly configure the functionality and appearance of the luggage according to their actual needs.

[0040] Continuing to discuss the example, the stop block 3 comprises a limiting piece, which is a U- shaped structure as a whole. The limiting piece includes two vertical portions 31 arranged perpendicularly and a transverse portion 32 connecting the two vertical portions 31. The two vertical portions 31 are respectively retained in the retaining groove 51. The two vertical portions 31 of the limiting piece are designed to be retained in the retaining groove 51 that is located on the exterior side wall of the axle pin 5. The size and shape of the two vertical portions 31 match the size and shape of the retaining groove 51, ensuring that they can be snugly seated into the retaining groove 51. The transverse portion 32 links the two vertical portions 31, providing stable structural support. When the axle pin 5 passes through the axle bore 21 of the wheel housing 1 and bracket 2, the two vertical portions 31 of the limiting piece naturally snap into place in the retaining groove 51 of the axle pin 5. By means of this retaining fit, the axle pin 5 is prevented from moving in the axial direction, ensuring the stability of the wheel set structure.

[0041] It should be noted that the aforementioned U-shaped structure of the limiting piece is merely a preferred embodiment for achieving the technical effect in the present application and represents no restriction on the shape of the limiting piece. Therefore, to achieve the function of “being retained in the retaining groove 51 and preventing axial movement of the axle pin 5”, the limiting piece may alternatively adopt a V-shaped structure (not shown in the figures), such as a V-shaped limiting piece primarily composed of two inwardly inclined sidewalls (i.e., two arms of the V- shape) and a base platform connecting the two arms. This structural design endows the V-shaped structure with inherent locking characteristics, enabling it to tightly fit into the retaining groove 51 of the axle pin 5 while also preventing axial movement of the axle pin 5.

[0042] Continuing to discuss the specific solution. The stop block 3 further comprises an exposed portion 33, which is integrally formed at the bottom of the transverse portion 32. Furthermore, the exterior side wall of the bracket 2 is provided with a positioning slot 23 that communicates with the limiting slot 22. The two vertical portions 31 are respectively retained in the retaining groove 51, and the exposed portion 33 is fitted into the positioning slot 23. A disassembly gap 34 is maintained between the exposed portion 33 and the positioning slot 23. The disassembly gap 34 is incorporated in the design of stop block 3 and bracket 2. This gap allows for easy prying of the stop block 3 beneath the exposed portion 33 and against the bracket 2 using a slotted screwdriver-like tool, enabling quick removal of the entire stop block 3 and easy separation from the housing. This design greatly facilitates removal and mounting of wheel set, while maintaining its stability and safety during normal use.

[0043] Continuing to discuss the example, the two sides of the bracket 2 are provided with notches 27 that communicate with the limiting slot 22. The outer sides of the two vertical portions 31 are formed with snap protrusions 311, which are engaged into the notches 27 to achieve the assembly of the two vertical portions 31. The following improvements have been made to the bracket 2 and stop block 3 of the wheel set: notches 27 communicating with the limiting slot 22 are provided on either side of the bracket 2, and snap protrusions 311 are formed on the outer sides of the two vertical portions 31 of the limiting piece. The two vertical portions 31 are securely mounted to the bracket 2 by engaging the snap protrusions 311 into notches 27 of the bracket 2. This design not only strengthens the connection between the stop block 3 and the bracket 2, making the wheel set more stable and less prone to falling off or getting stuck when subjected to external forces, but also simplifies the mounting and removal process. During mounting, it is only necessary to align the vertical portions 31 of the stop block 3 with the notches 27 of the bracket 2, and then press gently to engage the snap protrusions 311 into the notches 27, thereby completing the mounting. During dismounting, it is only necessary to apply slight force to release the snap protrusions 311 from the notches 27, thereby enabling quick removal. This mating design between the snap protrusions 311 and notches 27 improves the stability and safety of the wheel set while optimizing user experience.

[0044] Continuing to discuss the specific solution. The bottom of the bracket 2 is integrally formed with multiple elastic support strips 24, and the terminal ends of the elastic support strips 24 are connected to a fitting part 26, with bearings pre-embedded within the fitting part 26. Hollowed- out holes 25 are formed between adjacent elastic support strips 24.

[0045] Based on the previous design, the bottom structure of bracket 2 is further optimized, and its hollowed-out structure allows for elastic deformation, thereby playing a role in shock absorption. Additionally, such hollowed-out design contributes to reducing the overall weight of the bracket 2.

[0046] Specifically, the hollowed-out holes 25 at the bottom of the bracket 2 give it a certain degree of elastic deformation capability. When the luggage encounters uneven surfaces or impacts during movement, these hollowed-out holes 25 undergo minor elastic deformation, effectively absorbing and dispersing the impact force, thereby providing protection for both the luggage and its contents. This shock-absorption effect not only extends the service life of the luggage, but also improves the user experience. In addition to shock-absorbing effect, the hollowed-out holes 25 significantly reduce the overall weight of the bracket 2. Compared to solid structures, the hollowed-out holes 25 maintain sufficient strength while reducing unnecessary material usage, resulting in a lighter bracket 2. This not only makes the entire luggage easier to carry and maneuver but also lowers manufacturing costs, thus improving the cost-effectiveness of the product.

[0047] Continuing to discuss the example, the bottom and outer surfaces of the axle pin 5 are coated with grease, which can reduce the friction between the mating surfaces of the axle pin 5 and axle bore 21. For the mating surfaces between the axle pin 5 and axle bore 21, applying grease can form a lubricating film that effectively isolates the metal surfaces, reducing their direct contact and thus lowering the coefficient of friction.

[0048] The above-described implementations are merely illustrative of preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit its scope of protection. Without departing from the spirit of the present utility model, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements to the technical solutions of the present utility model. All such modifications and improvements shall fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims of the present utility model.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A removable wheel set, characterized in that: the removable wheel set comprises an axle pin, a wheel housing, a bracket, a stop block and wheels; the axle pin passes through the wheel housing and the bracket, securing them as an integrated unit; the wheels are movably mounted on either side of the bracket via bearings; an axle bore is provided inside the bracket for mating with the axle pin, and a limiting slot is arranged on the periphery of the axle bore; the exterior side wall of the axle pin features a circumferential retaining groove; the stop block is fitted into the limiting slot and simultaneously retained in the retaining groove, preventing the axle pin from moving axially.

2. The removable wheel set as defined in claim 1, wherein: the stop block comprises a limiting piece, which includes two vertical portions arranged perpendicularly and a transverse portion connecting the two vertical portions, and the two vertical portions are respectively retained in the retaining groove.

3. The removable wheel set as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein: the stop block includes an exposed portion, which is integrally formed at the bottom of the transverse portion, the exterior side wall of the bracket is provided with a positioning slot that communicates with the limiting slot, and the exposed portion is fitted into the positioning slot.

4. The removable wheel set as defined in claim 3, wherein: there exists a disassembly gap between the exposed portion and the positioning slot.

5. The removable wheel set as defined in claim 2 or claims 3 or 4 when dependent on clam 2, wherein: the two sides of the bracket are provided with notches communicating with the limiting slot, the outer sides of the two vertical portions are formed with snap protrusions, which are engaged into the notches to enable assembly of the two vertical portions.

6. The removable wheel set as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein: the bottom of the bracket is integrally formed with multiple elastic support strips, the terminal ends of which are connected to a fitting part, and hollowed-out holes are formed between adjacent elastic support strips.

7. The removable wheel set as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein: the bottom and outer surfaces of the axle pin are coated with grease.

8. The removable wheel set as defined in any of the preceding clams, wherein the stop block comprises a limiting piece which has a U-shaped or V-shaped structure.

9. The removable wheel set as defined in any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 2, wherein the two vertical portions are configured to snap into place in the retaining groove of the axle pin.

10. The removeable wheel set as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel is a luggage wheel.

11. A luggage article comprising one or more removable wheel sets as defined in any one of the preceding claims.

12. A method of attaching a wheel set as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10 to a luggage article.9

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