Caster device equipped with lock mechanism

Abstract

Provided is a caster device equipped with a lock mechanism having a simple mechanism for locking the caster device and having excellent durability and operability.　A caster device is characterized by comprising a first caster 10 that has a rotatable first wheel 11 and a first lock member 15, a second caster 20 that has a rotatable second wheel 21 and a second lock member 25, and an interlocking mechanism 30 that interlocks the first lock member 15 and the second lock member 25, wherein: the first lock member 15 has an operation part 16 and is configured to be able to move, by the operation of the operation part 16, between a non-locked position where the first wheel 11 is in a rotatable state and a locked position where the first wheel 11 is locked to be non-rotatable; and the second lock member 25 is configured to be able to move, by the operation of the operation part 16 and via the interlocking mechanism 30, between a non-locked position where the second wheel 21 is in a rotatable state and a locked position where the second wheel 21 is locked to be non-rotatable.

Description

Caster device with a locking mechanism

[0001] The present invention relates to a caster device with a locking mechanism. For example, as a caster device attached to an object to be attached such as a suitcase or a bag, the present invention relates to a caster device with a locking mechanism that enables the object to be attached to move on a road surface or a floor surface and prevents inadvertent movement.

[0002] Generally, a caster is attached to the bottom of a suitcase, a bag, or the like, and is configured to be movable on a road surface or a floor surface. Also, in such a caster, a braking device for braking the rotation of the caster is also known (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-64028

[0004] The above conventional braking device manually operates an operation unit provided on the case body of the suitcase, and moves a brake wire with a braking unit connected to the operation unit in the axial direction to brake the braking caster.

[0005] However, since the above conventional braking device provides an operation unit for braking operation on the case body, the structure becomes complicated and the number of parts also increases, so there is room for improvement in terms of durability and cost. In addition, since the operation unit is provided on the case body of the suitcase, when manually operating with fingers, depending on the size of the suitcase and the installation position of the operation unit, the body has to be bent for operation. For example, it may be difficult to manually operate the operation unit in a crowded train, and there is room for improvement.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a caster device with a locking mechanism in which the locking mechanism of the caster device is simple, has excellent durability, and further has excellent operability.

[0007] In view of these problems, one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration: A caster device with a locking mechanism comprising: a first caster having a rotatable first wheel and a first locking member for locking the rotation of the first wheel; a second caster having a rotatable second wheel and a second locking member for locking the rotation of the second wheel; and an interlocking mechanism for interlocking the first locking member and the second locking member, wherein the first locking member has an operating part and is configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the first wheel is rotatable and a locked position in which the first wheel is locked to prevent rotation by operation of the operating part; and the second locking member is configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the second wheel is rotatable and a locked position in which the second wheel is locked to prevent rotation by operation of the operating part via the interlocking mechanism.

[0008] The caster device with a locking mechanism of the present invention, as configured above, has a simple and highly durable locking mechanism, and furthermore, since the operating part is provided on one caster, and multiple casters can be linked and switched between the unlocked and locked states by operating this operating part, it also offers excellent operability.

[0009] Figure 4(a) is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the caster device with a locking mechanism according to the present invention being attached to a suitcase as the object to be attached. Figure 4(b) is a schematic perspective view showing the basic structure of the caster device with a locking mechanism. Figure 4(c) is a schematic perspective view showing the interlocking mechanism of the caster device with a locking mechanism, where Figure 4(a) is a schematic perspective view showing the arrangement of the main body and slider of the interlocking mechanism, Figure 4(b) is a schematic perspective view showing the main body of the interlocking mechanism, and Figure 4(c) is a schematic perspective view showing the slider of the interlocking mechanism. Figure 5(a) is a schematic front view showing the non-operated state (unlocked state) of the operating part, and Figure 5(b) shows the operated state (locked state) of the operating part. Figure 6(a) is an explanatory diagram showing another embodiment 2 of the first caster in the caster device with a locking mechanism, where Figure 6(b) shows the non-operated state (unlocked state) of the operating part, and Figure 6(b) shows the operated state (locked state) of the operating part. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating another embodiment 3 of the first caster in the caster device with a locking mechanism. Figure 7(a) shows the operating part in an unoperated state (unlocked state), and Figure 7(b) shows the operating part in an operated state (locked state). This is an explanatory diagram illustrating another embodiment 4 of the caster device with a locking mechanism.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the caster device A with a locking mechanism (brake mechanism) according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the caster device with a locking mechanism according to the present invention being attached to a suitcase as the object to be attached. Figure 2 is a schematic front view illustrating the basic structure of the caster device with a locking mechanism, and Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the basic structure of the caster device with a locking mechanism. Note that in Figures 2 and 3, only one wheel on the left or right side is shown for the pair of left and right first wheels 11 and the pair of left and right second wheels 21. Also, in Figure 3, the base portions 10A, 20A and the fork portions 10B, 20B shown in Figure 2 have been removed.

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

[0012] Furthermore, the caster device A with a locking mechanism can also be configured to be attached to the rear shell 2 and / or the front shell (not shown). Also, the object to which the caster device A with a locking mechanism is attached is not limited to suitcases. For example, it can be attached to bags, trolleys, chairs, furniture, step ladders, and other similar items.

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

[0014] This caster device A with a locking mechanism is, for example, attached to the bottom of the rear shell 2 of the suitcase 1, and by linking the first caster 10 and the second caster 20, it switches each wheel 11, 21 between a locked state that prevents rotation and an unlocked state that allows rotation, thereby enabling the suitcase 1 to be moved on roads and floors while preventing unintentional movement.

[0015] The following describes an example of the specific structure of the caster device A with a locking mechanism. (First Caster) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first caster 10 is composed of a first base portion 10A fixed to the bottom of the rear shell 2 of the suitcase 1, a first fork portion 10B rotatably provided below the first base portion 10A, a pair of left and right first wheels 11 rotatably provided on the first fork portion 10B, and a first locking member 15 rotatably provided on the first fork portion 10B. <Wheels> As shown in Figure 3, the pair of left and right first wheels 11 have a circular first wheel 12 rotatably provided on the first fork portion 10B, and an elastic first tire 13 is fitted and fixed or bonded to the outer circumference of the rim of the first wheel 12. Furthermore, the pair of left and right first wheels 12 are provided with a circular, annular first locking portion 14 on its inner surface, which has a plurality of first locking recesses 14a that engage (lock) with a first locking projection 16b provided on the operating lever 16 of the first locking member 15.

[0016] The first locking portion 14 is formed by creating a plurality of protrusions projecting toward the center at required intervals (pitch) in the circumferential direction, thereby creating a plurality of relatively recessed first locking recesses 14a between adjacent protrusions in the circumferential direction at required pitches in the circumferential direction. These first locking recesses 14a are formed, for example, as trapezoidal recesses that gradually widen toward the axle side (center side). The left and right pair of first locking portions 14 are provided such that the positions of the plurality of first locking recesses 14a coincide in the left-right direction.

[0017] In this example, the circular annular first locking portion 14, which has a plurality of first locking recesses 14a formed thereon, is provided on the inner surface of the first wheel 12. However, the plurality of first locking recesses 14a may also be formed directly on the inner surface of the first wheel 12.

[0018] <First Locking Member> As shown in Figure 3, the first locking member 15 includes an operating lever 16 and a first rope connecting portion 17 that is connected to the first rope w1 of the interlocking mechanism 30. These operating lever 16 and first rope connecting portion 17 can be integrally molded from, for example, a synthetic resin material.

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

[0020] Specifically, the first locking member 15 is supported on the first fork portion 10B of the first caster 10 (see Figure 2) so as to be pivotable (rotatable) via a torque hinge (friction hinge) 16a that controls its rotation by generating friction on the shaft portion. In other words, the first locking member 15 is configured to pivot (rotate) in the direction of a force greater than a certain torque when a force greater than a certain torque is applied by operating the operating lever 16, and to maintain the angular position of the first locking member 15 (operating lever 16) when there is no load or only a small torque is applied. In other words, the operating lever 16 can be held at predetermined angular positions between the unlocked position (non-operated position) and the locked position (operated position).

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

[0022] [Operating Lever] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a pair of left and right first locking projections 16b are formed on the outer surface of the operating lever 16, projecting outward. Figures 2 and 3 show only one of the left or right first locking projections 16b. These first locking projections 16b are provided to project horizontally from the outer surface of the operating lever 16 near the torque hinge 16a in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in Figure 3), and are formed in a size and shape that allows them to be inserted into and removed from the first locking recesses 14a provided on each first wheel 11.

[0023] When the operating lever 16 is in the unlocked position (non-operated position), the pair of left and right first locking projections 16b on the operating lever 16 are each disengaged from the first locking recesses 14a on the pair of left and right first wheels 11, so that each first wheel 11 is rotatable. When the operating lever 16 is in the locked position (operated position), the pair of left and right first locking projections 16b on the operating lever 16 are each engaged with the first locking recesses 14a on the pair of left and right first wheels 11, so that each first wheel 11 is locked and unable to rotate (brake state).

[0024] [First Cable Connection Section] The first cable connection section 17 is formed in a substantially U-shape from, for example, a pair of left and right plate-shaped extension members 17a and a plate-shaped first connecting body 17b that connects one end (tip) of the pair of left and right extension members 17a.

[0025] The extension member 17a of the first rope connecting portion 17 is provided to be connected to the end of the operating lever 16 on the torque hinge 16a side, and is configured to rotate (oscillate) downward when the operating lever 16 is rotated (oscillated) upward around the torque hinge 16a. In other words, when the operating lever 16 is rotated (oscillated) upward to the operating position (locked position), the first rope connecting portion 17 rotates (oscillates) downward, and is configured to pull the first rope w1 downward.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the first connecting body 17b of the first cord connecting portion 17 has a first locking slit 17b1 formed therein for locking the first locking ball W1d, which is connected to the other end of the first cord W1. This first locking slit 17b1 is formed to be larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the first cord W1 and smaller than the diameter of the first locking ball W1d, and is configured to allow the other end of the first cord W1 to be connected to the first connecting body 17b.

[0027] (Second Caster) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second caster 20 is composed of a second base portion 20A fixed to the bottom of the rear shell 2 of the suitcase 1, a second fork portion 20B rotatably provided below the second base portion 20A, a pair of left and right second wheels 21 rotatably provided on the second fork portion 20B, and a second locking member 25 rotatably (oscillates) provided on the second fork portion 20B.

[0028] <Wheels> As shown in Figure 3, the pair of left and right second wheels 21 have circular second wheels 22 that are rotatably mounted on the second fork portion 20B, and elastic second tires 23 are fitted and fixed or adhesively fixed to the outer circumference of the rim of the second wheel 22. In addition, the pair of left and right second wheels 22 are provided with a circular annular second locking portion 24 on its inner surface, which has a plurality of second locking recesses 24a that engage (lock) with a second locking projection 26a provided on the second locking member 25.

[0029] The second locking portion 24 is formed by creating a plurality of protrusions projecting toward the center at required intervals (pitch) in the circumferential direction, thereby creating a plurality of relative recesses 24a between adjacent protrusions in the circumferential direction at required pitches. These second locking recesses 24a are formed, for example, as trapezoidal recesses that gradually widen toward the axle side (center side). The left and right pair of second locking portions 24 are provided such that the positions of the plurality of second locking recesses 24a coincide in the left-right direction.

[0030] In this example, the circular annular second locking portion 24, which has a plurality of second locking recesses 24a formed thereon, is provided on the inner surface of the second wheel 22. However, the plurality of second locking recesses 24a may be formed directly on the inner surface of the second wheel 22.

[0031] <Second Locking Member> As shown in Figure 3, the second locking member 25 is composed of a pair of left and right plate-shaped swinging members 26, a plate-shaped second cable connecting portion 27 that connects one end of the pair of left and right swinging members 26, and an axial connecting shaft 28 that connects the other ends of the pair of left and right swinging members 26. Each swinging member 26 and the second cable connecting portion 27 can be integrally molded from, for example, a synthetic resin material, and the connecting shaft 28 can be a rod-shaped member made of synthetic resin or metal.

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

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

[0034] [Oscillating Members] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, each of the left and right pair of oscillating members 26 has a second locking projection 26a that protrudes outward on its outer surface. This second locking projection 26a is provided to protrude horizontally from the outer surface of the oscillating member 26 closer to the connecting shaft 28 in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in Figure 3), and is sized and shaped to be detachably inserted into the second locking recess 24a provided on each second wheel 21.

[0035] When the operating lever 16 of the first locking member 15 is in the unlocked position (non-operated position), no operating force (tensile force on the second rope w2) from the interlocking mechanism 30, which will be described later, acts on the second locking member 25, and therefore the second locking member 25 is in the unlocked position. Consequently, the second locking projection 26a provided on each oscillating member 26 is in an unengaged state (unlocked state) with the second locking recess 24a provided on the left and right pair of second wheels 21, and each second wheel 21 becomes rotatable.

[0036] Furthermore, when the operating lever 16 of the first locking member 15 is in the locked position (operating position), an operating force (tensile force on the second rope w2) from the interlocking mechanism 30, which will be described later, acts on the second locking member 25. As a result, the second locking member 25 is positioned in the locked position against the biasing force of the torsion spring 29, and each second locking projection 26a provided on each oscillating member 26 engages with each second locking recess 24a provided on the left and right pair of second wheels 21 (locked state), so that each second wheel 21 is locked and unable to rotate (brake state).

[0037] [Second Cord Connecting Section] The second cord connecting section 27 is formed in the shape of a plate that connects, for example, one end of a pair of left and right swinging members 26. As shown in Figure 3, the second cord connecting section 27 has a second locking slit 27a for locking the second locking ball W2d which is connected to the other end of the second cord W2. The second locking slit 27a is formed to be larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the second cord W2 and smaller than the diameter of the second locking ball W2d, and is configured so that the other end of the second cord W2 can be connected to the second cord connecting section 27.

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

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

[0040] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the interlocking mechanism 30 comprises a main body 31, a slider 35 slidably housed in a receiving recess 32g formed in the main body 31, and a first cord w1 and a second cord w2 connected to one and the other longitudinal end of the slider 35, respectively. The slider 35 is elastically biased toward the other longitudinal end of the main body 31 (left side in the left-right direction of Figure 2) by an elastic member S, such as a coil spring. This interlocking mechanism 30 functions to interlock the first caster 10 and the second caster 20, which are provided on the lower surface of the rear shell 2 of the suitcase 1, between a locked state and an unlocked state. A specific example of the configuration of the interlocking mechanism 30 will be described below.

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

[0042] [Housing] The housing 32 is formed in the shape of a container with one side open, and for example as shown in Figure 4(b), it has a pair of plate-shaped upper wall portions 32a and lower wall portions 32b that are spaced apart at a predetermined distance in the vertical direction and extend in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in Figure 4), a plate-shaped one-end wall portion 32c and other-end wall portion 32d that connect the one longitudinal end and the other end of the upper wall portion 32a and the lower wall portion 32b, respectively, a plate-shaped side wall portion 32e that is connected to one side edge of the upper and lower wall portions 32a, 32b and the one-end and other-end wall portions 32c, 32d, and a projection portion 32f that is provided projecting substantially perpendicularly (orthogonally) from the inner surface of the side wall portion 32e. This housing 32 is integrally formed from, for example, a synthetic resin material.

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

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

[0045] The protruding portion 32f provided on the side wall portion 32e of the housing portion 32 forms a support portion that supports one end of an elastic member S (see FIGS. 2 and 3) that presses the slider 35 toward the other end side in the left-right direction. The elastic member S is disposed in the through-hole 36 of the slider 35, and while one end thereof is supported by the protruding portion 32f and the other end is held on the other-end portion side of the slider 35, the slider 35 is elastically biased toward the other end side in the left-right direction of the housing portion 32.

[0046] [Cable Support Portions] The cable support portions 33 and 34 are connected to extend in the longitudinal direction substantially orthogonally to each end wall portion 32b of the housing portion 32, and function to support covering portions w1a and w2a of a first cable w1 and a second cable w2 connected to the slider 35. These cable support portions 33 and 34 are formed, for example, in a substantially cylindrical shape having slit-shaped openings 33a and 34a extending in the longitudinal direction on the upper surface, and are integrally formed of a synthetic resin material together with the housing portion 32, for example.

[0047] [Slider] As shown in Fig. 4(c), the slider 35 is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having a horizontally long through hole 36 in the central portion, and is integrally formed of, for example, a synthetic resin material. This slider 35 is slidably accommodated in the accommodation recess 32g of the main body portion 31.

[0048] One end portion in the longitudinal direction of the slider 35 constitutes a first connection portion 37 connected to the end portion of the first cable body w1. In this first connection portion 37, there are formed a first support hole 37a for detachably inserting and supporting a first locking column w1c (see Fig. 3) formed in a substantially cylindrical shape fixed to one end of the first cable body w1, and a slit 37b that communicates with the first support hole 37a and through which the first cable body w1 is inserted. <​​​​​​​​​​​​​Furthermore, one end of each cable w1, w2 is integrally connected to, for example, a horizontally oriented cylindrical locking post w1c, w2c, and the other end of each cable w1, w2 is integrally connected to, for example, a spherical locking ball w1d, w2d. The first cable w1 and the second cable w2 are connected to the first connecting portion 37 and the second connecting portion 38 of the slider 35 via the locking posts w1c, w2c, and are connected to the first cable connecting portion 17 and the second cable connecting portion 27 of the first locking member 15 via the locking balls w1d, w2d.

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

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

[0056] Specifically, in the non-locked state, when the operating lever 16 is in the non-operation position, the first locking projection 16b provided on the operating lever 16 is not engaged with the first locking recess 14a provided on the first wheel 11 (non-locked state), and the first wheel 11 can rotate freely. Also, since the oscillating member 26 of the second locking member 25 is biased downward by the torsion spring 29 (see Figure 3), the second locking projection 26a provided on the oscillating member 26 is not engaged with the second locking recess 24a provided on the second wheel 21 (non-locked state), and the second wheel 21 can also rotate freely.

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

[0058] Furthermore, in this state, no tensile force is acting on the second cable w2 connecting the slider 35 and the second locking member 25. Therefore, the swinging member 26 and the second cable connecting portion 27 of the second locking member 25 remain biased downward by the torsion spring 29. Consequently, the second locking projection 26a provided on the swinging member 26 is disengaged (unlocked) from the second locking recess 24a provided on the second wheel 21, and the second wheel 21 can rotate freely.

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

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

[0061] Furthermore, when the operating lever 16 is rotated to the operating position, a tensile force is applied to the first cable w1 connecting the slider 35 and the first locking member 15 (that is, the first cable w1 is pulled by the first cable connecting portion 17 of the first locking member 15), the slider 35 of the interlocking mechanism 30 slides against the biasing force of the elastic member S (moving to the right in the figure), and one end surface 37c of the first connecting portion 37 (see Figure 4(c)) comes into contact with one end wall portion 32c of the housing portion 32 (see Figure 4(b)).

[0062] Furthermore, the sliding movement of the slider 35 also exerts a tensile force on the second cable w2 connecting the slider 35 and the second locking member 25 (i.e., the second cable w2 is pulled by the slider 35). As a result, the oscillating member 26 and the second cable connecting portion 27 of the second locking member 25 rotate upward (oscillate counterclockwise) around the connecting shaft 28 against the biasing force of the torsion spring 29 (see Figure 3). Consequently, the second locking projection 26a provided on the oscillating member 26 engages with the second locking recess 24a provided on the wheel 21, and the second wheel 21 enters a locked state in which its free rotation is restricted.

[0063] As described above, the caster device A with a locking mechanism of the present invention can be locked by simply operating the first locking member 15 (operating lever 16) of the first caster 10, which also engages the second locking member 25, thereby restricting the rotation of the first and second wheels 11 and 21 of the first caster 10 and the second caster 20. This results in a simple locking mechanism with improved durability. Furthermore, since the operating lever 16 is provided on the first caster 10, it is possible to operate the operating part (operating lever 16) not only with fingers but also with toes, improving operability.

[0064] Next, other embodiments of the caster device A with a locking mechanism (brake mechanism) according to the present invention will be described. The other embodiments described below are modified versions of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 2, so the modified parts will be described mainly, and identical components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0065] (Embodiment 2) Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another embodiment 2 of the first caster in a caster device with a locking mechanism. Figure 6(a) shows the non-operated state (unlocked state) of the operating part, and Figure 6(b) shows the operated state (locked state) of the operating part. This embodiment 2 is a modification of the configuration of the first locking member 15 of the first caster 10 of embodiment 1 shown in Figure 2.

[0066] <First Caster> As shown in Figure 6, the first caster 40 is composed of a pair of left and right first wheels 11 and a first locking member 45 positioned between the pair of left and right first wheels 11. Note that in Figure 6, only one wheel in the left-right direction is shown for the pair of left and right first wheels 11.

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

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

[0069] The first cable w1 is positioned so as to surround the lower part of the axle (not shown) of the first wheel 11 in a U-shape, and is positioned so that a tensile force (i.e., the first cable w1 is pulled by the operating lever 46) is applied to the first cable w1 when the operating lever 46 is rotated upward as shown in Figure 6(b).

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

[0071] (Embodiment 3) Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another embodiment 3 of the first caster in a caster device with a locking mechanism. Figure 7(a) shows the operating part in an unoperated state (unlocked state), and Figure 7(b) shows the operating part in an operated state (locked state). This embodiment 3 is a modification of the first caster 10 of embodiment 1 shown in Figure 2, with some changes to the configuration of the first locking member 15 and some changes to the configuration of the wheel 11.

[0072] <First Caster> As shown in Figure 7, the first caster 50 is composed of a pair of left and right first wheels 11' and a first locking member 55 positioned between the pair of left and right first wheels 11'. Note that in Figure 7, only one wheel in the left-right direction is shown for the pair of left and right first wheels 11'.

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

[0074] This first locking member 55 includes an operating lever 56 as an operating part and a first cable connecting part 57 that rotates (oscillates) in conjunction with the rotation (oscillation) operation of the operating lever 56. By operating this operating part (operating lever 56), it is configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the first wheel 11' is rotatable and a locked position in which the first wheel 11' is locked to prevent rotation.

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

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

[0077] Furthermore, a first contact portion 56a is formed at the end of the operating lever 56 (the end on the torque hinge 16a side) so as to protrude toward the first rope connecting portion 57. When the operating lever 56 is not operated, the upper surface of this first contact portion 56a is positioned to contact the lower surface of the second contact portion 57c provided on the first rope connecting portion 57. When the operating lever 56 is rotated downward (operated to the operating position), the second contact portion 57c of the first rope connecting portion 57 is pushed up by the first contact portion 56a of the operating lever 56, and as a result, the first rope connecting portion 57 rotates (oscillates) downward.

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

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

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

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

[0082] In this first caster 50 as well, when the operating lever 56 (Figure 7(a)) in the non-operating position is rotated (oscillated) downward to the operating position (Figure 7(b)), a first locking projection (not shown) provided on the operating lever 56 engages with a first locking recess (not shown) provided on the first wheel 11', thereby locking the first wheel 11' of the first caster 50 so that it cannot rotate.

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

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

[0085] The third caster 60 in this embodiment 4 has the same structure as the second caster 20 in embodiment 1 described above. The interlocking mechanism 30' is linked to the operation of the operating lever 16 of the first caster 10, and is configured to link the third caster 60 to a locked state and an unlocked state, similar to the second caster 20. The basic structure of this interlocking mechanism 30' is the same as the interlocking mechanism 30 shown in Figure 4, but the structure for connecting to the third cable w3 which is linked to the third caster 60 has been partially modified.

[0086] Specifically, the slider 35' of the interlocking mechanism 30' has a first connecting portion 37 formed at one longitudinal end of the slider 35' which is connected to the end of the first cable w1, and a second connecting portion 38' formed at the other longitudinal end which is connected to the ends of the second cable w2 and the end of the third cable w3. The connection structure between the second connecting portion 38' and the second cable w2 and the third cable w3 is the same as in the embodiment 1 described above.

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

[0088] In this embodiment 4, the operation of the operating lever 16 of the first caster 10 allows the first caster 10, the second caster 20, and the third caster 60 to be linked, thereby switching each of the wheels 11, 21, and 61 between a locked state where rotation is impossible and an unlocked state where rotation is possible.

[0089] With the above configuration, in other embodiments as well, the locking mechanism of the caster device is simple and highly durable, and the operation unit is provided on one caster, and by operating this unit, multiple casters can be linked and switched between the unlocked and locked states, resulting in excellent operability. In addition, because the operation unit is provided on the caster side, the operation unit can be operated not only with fingers but also with toes, for example, resulting in excellent operability.

[0090] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations described above, and can be modified as appropriate without altering the essence of the invention.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case in which the operating levers 16, 46, and 56, which serve as the operating parts for the first locking members 15, 45, and 55, are rotated (oscillated) has been described. However, these operating parts may also be configured to slide (move linearly) between a non-operating position (unlocked position) and an operating position (locked position).

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the second locking member 25 is configured to have a swinging member 26, and the swinging member 26 is oscillated (rotated) via the interlocking mechanisms 30, 30' to move the second wheel 21 between a rotatable unlocked position and a non-rotatable locked position. However, the second locking member 25 may also be configured to have a moving member that slides (moves linearly) between the unlocked position and the locked position.

[0093] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described the case in which the operating levers 16, 46, and 56, which serve as the operating parts, are manually operated with fingers or toes, these operating levers may also be configured to rotate (oscillate) by being driven by a motor (automatic operation). In this case, for example, by mounting a touch sensor or a click sensor on the operating lever, the operating lever can be configured to rotate by touch operation or click operation.

[0094] <Summary> As described above, the above embodiments disclose the following invention: (1) A caster device with a locking mechanism comprising: a first caster having a rotatable first wheel and a first locking member for locking the rotation of the first wheel; a second caster having a rotatable second wheel and a second locking member for locking the rotation of the second wheel; and an interlocking mechanism for interlocking the first locking member and the second locking member, wherein the first locking member has an operating part and is configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the first wheel is rotatable and a locked position in which the first wheel is locked to prevent rotation by operation of the operating part; and the second locking member is configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the second wheel is rotatable and a locked position in which the second wheel is locked to prevent rotation by operation of the operating part via the interlocking mechanism. (2) The caster device with a locking mechanism according to (1) above, characterized in that the first locking member has an operating lever as the operating part, and a first locking projection is formed on the outer surface of the operating lever so as to be removably inserted into a first locking recess provided on the first wheel, and a second locking projection is formed on the outer surface of the second locking member so as to be removably inserted into a second locking recess provided on the second wheel. (3) The caster device with a locking mechanism according to (1) or (2) above, characterized in that the interlocking mechanism comprises a main body, a slider slidably housed in a housing recess formed in the main body, and a first rope and a second rope connected to the slider, respectively, and the first locking member has a first rope connecting portion connected to the first rope of the interlocking mechanism, and the second locking member has a second rope connecting portion connected to the second rope of the interlocking mechanism. (4) The caster device with a locking mechanism according to (3), characterized in that the first cable connecting portion comprises a pair of left and right extension members connected to the operating lever, and a first connecting body that connects the tips of the pair of left and right extension members. (5) The caster device with a locking mechanism according to (3), characterized in that the first cable connecting portion is formed at the free end of the operating lever.

[0095] 1 Suitcase 10 First caster 11, 11' First wheel 14 First locking part 14a First locking recess 15 First locking member 16 Operating lever 16b First locking projection 17 First cable connecting part 17a Extension member 17b First connecting body 20 Second caster 21 Second wheel 24 Second locking part 24a Second locking recess 25 Second locking member 26 Swivel member 26a Second locking projection 30, 30' Interlocking mechanism 31, 31' Main body 32, 32' Housing 32g Storage recess 35, 35' Slider 40, 50 First caster 45, 55 First locking member 46, 56 Operating lever 60 Third caster w1 First cable w2 Second cable

Claims

1. A caster device with a locking mechanism comprising: a first caster having a rotatable first wheel and a first locking member for locking the rotation of the first wheel; a second caster having a rotatable second wheel and a second locking member for locking the rotation of the second wheel; and an interlocking mechanism for interlocking the first locking member and the second locking member, wherein the first locking member has an operating part and is configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the first wheel is rotatable and a locked position in which the first wheel is locked to prevent rotation by operation of the operating part; and the second locking member is configured to be movable between an unlocked position in which the second wheel is rotatable and a locked position in which the second wheel is locked to prevent rotation by operation of the operating part via the interlocking mechanism.

2. The caster device with a locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the first locking member has an operating lever as the operating part, and a first locking projection is formed on the outer surface of the operating lever so as to be removably inserted into a first locking recess provided on the first wheel, and a second locking projection is formed on the outer surface of the second locking member so as to be removably inserted into a second locking recess provided on the second wheel.

3. The interlocking mechanism comprises a main body, a slider slidably housed in a receiving recess formed in the main body, and a first rope and a second rope connected to the slider, respectively, wherein the first locking member has a first rope connecting portion connected to the first rope of the interlocking mechanism, and the second locking member has a second rope connecting portion connected to the second rope of the interlocking mechanism, characterized in that the caster device with a locking mechanism according to claim 2.

4. The caster device with a locking mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that the first cable connecting portion comprises a pair of left and right extension members connected to the operating lever, and a first connecting body that connects the tips of the pair of left and right extension members.

5. The caster device with a locking mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that the first cable connecting portion is formed at the free end of the operating lever.

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