WO2020045221A1 - Universal caster - Google Patents

Universal caster Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020045221A1
WO2020045221A1 PCT/JP2019/032803 JP2019032803W WO2020045221A1 WO 2020045221 A1 WO2020045221 A1 WO 2020045221A1 JP 2019032803 W JP2019032803 W JP 2019032803W WO 2020045221 A1 WO2020045221 A1 WO 2020045221A1
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Prior art keywords
turning
axis
bracket
caster
swivel
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PCT/JP2019/032803
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
稼農公也
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ケイズ技研株式会社
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Publication of WO2020045221A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020045221A1/en

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
    • B60B33/00—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a universal caster that can easily finely adjust a stop position in accordance with a desired position when moving a moving body.
  • a moving body such as a bed used in a hospital or the like is generally configured to be movable by a free caster.
  • the swivel caster a has a caster body f.
  • the caster body f generally includes a wheel d pivotally supported on a bracket b via a horizontal axle c, and a turning shaft e rotatably supported on the bracket b via a bearing (not shown).
  • the axis ei of the turning axis e is offset horizontally with respect to a vertical reference plane S passing through the axis ci of the axle c. Due to this offset, when the moving body is pushed in the traveling direction F, the turning axis e turns following the direction and the direction of the wheels d changes, so that the moving body can travel in the traveling direction F.
  • Patent Document 1 proposes a caster in which the position of the rotation axis of the wheel is offset with respect to the turning axis, further provided with a shaft leg offset with respect to the turning axis. It is stated that this can minimize the lateral movement of the moving body when the traveling direction of the moving body changes.
  • the axis of the shaft leg, the axis of the turning shaft, and the position of the rotating shaft of the wheel are arranged in a line in the rear in the traveling direction in this order. . Therefore, the offset amount of the shaft leg from the rotation axis position of the wheel becomes large. Therefore, when changing the traveling direction of the moving body from this state, the responsiveness of the wheels deteriorates, and the ease of fine adjustment of the stop position has not been improved.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a free caster that can easily finely adjust a stop position in accordance with a desired position when moving a moving body.
  • the present invention provides a caster body having a bracket and wheels pivotally supported on a horizontal axle attached to the bracket, A pivoting member pivotally supported on the bracket about a first pivot axis rising from the bracket; A mounting member pivotally supported relative to the pivot member about a second pivot axis rising from the pivot member; And turning control means for limiting a turning range of the turning member around the first turning axis,
  • the first pivot axis is horizontally displaced by a distance L1 with respect to a vertical reference plane passing through the axis of the axle;
  • the second pivot axis is horizontally displaced from the first pivot axis by a distance L2.
  • the turning restricting means may be configured such that an angle ⁇ about the first turning axis is 90 with respect to a reference line extending at a right angle from the first turning axis to the reference plane. It is preferable that the second rotation axis be regulated so as to rotate within a rotation range of not more than degrees.
  • the turning restricting means includes a stopper protruding from the upper surface of the bracket, and a pair of contact pieces protruding from the lower surface of the turning member and coming into contact with the stopper by turning of the turning member. It is preferred to include.
  • the turning restricting means includes a spring member that urges the second turning axis toward a reference position on the reference line.
  • the swivel caster further includes an auxiliary member attached to one of the lower surface of the revolving member and the upper surface of the bracket and abutting against the other of the lower surface or the upper surface during load to receive a part of the load. .
  • the auxiliary member is located on the reference plane.
  • the caster main body includes a swivel shaft having the first swivel axis as an axis and rotatably supported on the bracket via a bearing, and the swivel member includes the swivel shaft. It is preferably fixed to.
  • the turning member includes a boss portion having the second turning axis as an axis, and the turning shaft is fixed to the boss portion,
  • the mounting member is rotatably supported via a bearing externally inserted into the boss.
  • the swivel caster of the present invention includes the turning restricting means for limiting the turning range of the turning member about the first turning axis.
  • the offset amount of the second turning axis from the reference plane can be reduced. Since the vehicle has the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis, the wheels can turn following the traveling direction of the moving body. As a result, when changing the traveling direction of the moving body, the responsiveness of the wheels increases, and fine adjustment of the stop position can be easily performed. Further, since the wheels can change directions following the traveling direction, normal traveling performance can be secured and maintained.
  • FIG. 1 It is a side view showing one embodiment of a swivel caster of the present invention. It is a partial front view of the turning restricting means seen from the rear side in the traveling direction of the swivel caster. It is an exploded perspective view of a swivel caster. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the turning range of a turning member. It is a partial perspective view showing other examples of an auxiliary member.
  • (A), (b) is a conceptual diagram which shows the effect
  • A) is a side view which shows the conventional free caster
  • (b) is a conceptual diagram explaining the problem.
  • the swivel caster 1 of the present embodiment includes a caster body 2, a turning member 3, a mounting member 4, and turning control means 5.
  • the swivel caster 1 is attached to various moving objects M such as a bed, furniture, and a transport cart.
  • the caster body 2 has a bracket 6, a horizontal axle 7 attached to the bracket 6, and wheels 8 rotatably supported by the axle 7.
  • the bracket 6 of the present example has side plate portions 6b bent at both side edges of the upper plate portion 6a.
  • the axle 7 is supported between the side plates 6b.
  • the turning member 3 is supported to be able to turn with respect to the bracket 6 around the first turning axis j1 rising from the bracket 6.
  • the first turning axis j1 is displaced by a distance L1 in the horizontal direction with respect to a vertical reference plane S passing through the axis 7i of the axle 7. This distance L1 is appropriately set according to the size of the free caster 1 and the like.
  • the caster main body 2 includes the turning shaft 10 having the first turning axis j1 as the axis.
  • the turning shaft 10 is rotatably supported on the upper plate 6 a of the bracket 6 via a bearing 11.
  • the turning member 3 is fixed to the turning shaft 10 so as to be integrally rotatable therewith.
  • a screw portion 10A for fixing the turning member is formed on the upper end side of the turning shaft 10 of this example.
  • the turning member 3 includes a disk-shaped boss 3A having the second turning axis j2 as the axis.
  • the second pivot axis j2 is horizontally displaced from the first pivot axis j1 by a distance L2.
  • the distance L2 is smaller than 2.0 times the distance L1, and is preferably 1.0 times or less. In this example, a case where L2 ⁇ L1 is shown.
  • the turning shaft 10 is fixed to the boss 3A. Specifically, a screw hole 3h for fixing the turning shaft is formed in the boss 3A. At the lower end of the boss 3A, a flange 3B for receiving a lower surface of an inner ring of the bearing 12, which will be described later, is provided.
  • the mounting member 4 is pivotally supported by the pivot member 3 around the second pivot axis j2 rising from the pivot member 3. Specifically, the mounting member 4 is pivotally supported by the pivot member 3 via a bearing 12 externally inserted into the boss 3A.
  • the mounting member 4 of this example includes an upper plate portion 4 u for mounting the moving body M, and a cylindrical bearing holding portion 4 m that receives the outer peripheral surface of the bearing 12.
  • the upper plate 4u is provided with a flange 4f for receiving the upper surface of the outer ring of the bearing 12.
  • the turning restricting means 5 limits the turning range of the turning member 3 around the first turning axis j1.
  • the turning control means 5 controls the second turning axis within a turning range Y in which the angle ⁇ about the first turning axis j1 with respect to the reference line X is 90 degrees or less. It is preferable to regulate the center j2 to turn.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a case where the angle ⁇ is 25 degrees.
  • the reference line X is defined as a line extending at a right angle from the first pivot axis j1 toward the reference plane S.
  • the turning restricting means 5 includes a stopper 15 projecting from the upper surface of the bracket 6 and a pair of contact pieces 16 projecting from the lower surface of the turning member 3.
  • the contact pieces 16 are located on both sides of the stopper 15, and the turning range of the turning member 3 is limited by turning one of the contact pieces 16, for example, on the side surface of the stopper 15 by turning of the turning member 3.
  • the contact piece 16 has a pin shape and is screwed to the lower surface of the turning member 3.
  • the stopper 15 has a block shape and is fixed to the upper surface of the upper plate portion 6a using, for example, a screw 18 (shown in FIG. 1).
  • the upper surface of the stopper 15 has an opposing surface portion 15 s parallel to the lower surface of the turning member 3.
  • the facing surface portion 15s is located on the reference surface S.
  • the turning control means 5 also includes a spring member 20 that urges the second turning axis j2 toward the reference posture K on the reference line X, as shown in FIG.
  • the spring member 20 of the present embodiment is a coil spring, and a hook portion at one end of each spring member 20 is locked to the contact piece 16. Further, the hook portion on the other end side is locked by a fixing metal 21 provided on the stopper 15.
  • the fixture 21 is, for example, a screw, and is attached to a concave portion 22 provided on the upper surface of the stopper 15. The upper end of the fixture 21 is located lower than the facing surface 15s.
  • the swivel caster 1 further includes an auxiliary member 23 attached to one of the lower surface of the revolving member 3 and the upper surface of the bracket 6.
  • the auxiliary member 23 contacts the other of the lower surface or the upper surface at the time of load and supports a part of the load.
  • the load to be supported can be borne by the wheel 8, the bending moment acting on the turning shaft 10 can be reduced, and the strength and durability of the universal caster 1 can be increased. .
  • the auxiliary member 23 is attached to the upper surface of the bracket 6 via the stopper 15. Specifically, the auxiliary member 23 is attached to the facing surface 15s.
  • the auxiliary member 23 is required to have low friction in order to smoothly turn the turning member 3 under a load. Therefore, as the auxiliary member 23, for example, a low friction material such as silicone rubber or nylon resin, particularly a sliding bearing material such as fluororesin can be suitably used. As shown in FIG. 5, the auxiliary member 23 may be formed in a roller bearing shape in which a rolling element 25, for example, a roller, is disposed on the facing surface 15s.
  • the reference posture K means a posture in which the first turning axis j1, the second turning axis j2, and the grounding center Q of the wheel 8 are arranged on the reference line X in this order in the traveling direction F.
  • the swivel range Y of the swivel member 3 of the swivel caster 1 is limited by the swivel restricting means 5. Therefore, the forward movement and the stop can be performed within the turning range Y including the reference posture K.
  • the turning range Y around the first turning axis j1 of the turning member 3 is limited by the turning restricting means 5. Therefore, the offset amount of the second pivot axis j2 from the grounding center Q (or the reference plane S) can be reduced. Therefore, when the direction is changed, the responsiveness of the wheels 8 is increased, and fine adjustment of the stop position can be easily performed. Also, the deviation between the position of the wheel 8 and the position of the mounting member 4 at the time of stopping is reduced, so that it is possible to stop at a more accurate position.
  • the angle ⁇ is preferably 45 degrees or less, and more preferably 30 degrees or less.
  • the lower limit value of the angle ⁇ is larger than 0 degree, preferably 2 degrees or more, and more preferably 5 degrees or more.
  • FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the swivel caster 1.
  • L2 L1
  • the offset amount of the second turning axis j2 from the grounding center Q (or the reference plane S) becomes smaller. Therefore, it is more advantageous to easily adjust the stop position finely and to stop at an accurate position.
  • the diameter of the boss 3A becomes relatively large. Therefore, the turning of the turning member 3 can be further stabilized.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Handcart (AREA)

Abstract

A universal caster 1 comprises: a caster body 2; a turning member 3; an attachment member 4; and a turning restriction means 5. The caster body 2 includes: a bracket 6; and a wheel 8 that is pivotally supported on an axle 7 attached to the bracket 6. The turning member 3 is turnably supported on the bracket 6 around a first turning axis j1 rising from the bracket 6. The attachment member 4 is turnably supported on the turning member 3 around a second turning axis j2 rising from the turning member 3. The turning restriction means 5 limits the turning range around the first turning axis j1 of the turning member 3.

Description

自在キャスターSwivel casters
　本発明は、移動体を移動させる際、所望の位置に合わせて停止位置を容易に微調整しうる自在キャスターに関する。 The present invention relates to a universal caster that can easily finely adjust a stop position in accordance with a desired position when moving a moving body.
　例えば病院等で使用されるベッド等の移動体は、一般に自在キャスターにより移動可能に構成される。 移動 For example, a moving body such as a bed used in a hospital or the like is generally configured to be movable by a free caster.
　図８（ａ）に示すように、自在キャスターａは、キャスタ本体ｆを具える。キャスタ本体ｆは、通常、ブラケットｂに水平な車軸ｃを介して枢支された車輪ｄと、ブラケットｂに軸受け（図示省略）を介して回転可能に支持された旋回軸ｅとを含む。旋回軸ｅの軸心ｅｉは、車軸ｃの軸心ｃｉを通る垂直な基準面Ｓに対して水平方向にオフセットしている。このオフセットにより、移動体が進行方向Ｆに押されたとき、これに追従して旋回軸ｅが旋回し、車輪ｄの向きが変わることで進行方向Ｆに走行しうる。 自在 As shown in FIG. 8A, the swivel caster a has a caster body f. The caster body f generally includes a wheel d pivotally supported on a bracket b via a horizontal axle c, and a turning shaft e rotatably supported on the bracket b via a bearing (not shown). The axis ei of the turning axis e is offset horizontally with respect to a vertical reference plane S passing through the axis ci of the axle c. Due to this offset, when the moving body is pushed in the traveling direction F, the turning axis e turns following the direction and the direction of the wheels d changes, so that the moving body can travel in the traveling direction F.
　しかし、図８（ｂ）に示すように、移動体Ａを、例えば部屋のコーナに合う位置Ｐまで移動させたい場合、前記オフセットが原因して、移動体Ａの停止位置を所望の位置Ｐに合わせて微調整することが難しいという問題がある。 However, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), when it is desired to move the moving body A to a position P that matches the corner of the room, for example, the stop position of the moving body A is moved to a desired position P due to the offset. There is a problem that it is difficult to make fine adjustments together.
　下記の特許文献１には、旋回軸に対して車輪の回転軸位置がオフセットしたキャスターにおいて、旋回軸に対してオフセットした軸脚をさらに設けたものが提案されている。このものは、移動体の進行方向が変わる際の移動体の横ぶれを最小限度に抑えることができるとされている。しかし前記提案のキャスターでは、移動体が進行方向に移動するとき、軸脚の軸心と、旋回軸の軸心と、車輪の回転軸位置とが、この順番で進行方向後方側に一列に並ぶ。そのため、軸脚の車輪の回転軸位置からのオフセット量が大となる。そのため、この状態から移動体の進行方向を変えるとき、車輪の応答性が悪くなり、停止位置の微調整の容易さを改善するには至っていない。 Patent Document 1 below proposes a caster in which the position of the rotation axis of the wheel is offset with respect to the turning axis, further provided with a shaft leg offset with respect to the turning axis. It is stated that this can minimize the lateral movement of the moving body when the traveling direction of the moving body changes. However, in the caster proposed above, when the moving body moves in the traveling direction, the axis of the shaft leg, the axis of the turning shaft, and the position of the rotating shaft of the wheel are arranged in a line in the rear in the traveling direction in this order. . Therefore, the offset amount of the shaft leg from the rotation axis position of the wheel becomes large. Therefore, when changing the traveling direction of the moving body from this state, the responsiveness of the wheels deteriorates, and the ease of fine adjustment of the stop position has not been improved.
特開２０１６－１４７５６３号公報JP 2016-147563 A
　本発明は、移動体を移動させる際、所望の位置に合わせて停止位置を容易に微調整しうる自在キャスターを提供することを課題としている。 An object of the present invention is to provide a free caster that can easily finely adjust a stop position in accordance with a desired position when moving a moving body.
　本発明は、ブラケットと、前記ブラケットに取り付く水平な車軸に枢支された車輪とを有するキャスタ本体、
　前記ブラケットから立ち上がる第１旋回軸心の周りで前記ブラケットに対して旋回可能に支持される旋回部材、
　前記旋回部材から立ち上がる第２旋回軸心の周りで前記旋回部材に対して旋回可能に支持される取付け部材、
　及び前記旋回部材の前記第１旋回軸心の周りでの旋回範囲を制限する旋回規制手段を含み、
　前記第１旋回軸心は、前記車軸の軸心を通る垂直な基準面に対して水平方向に距離Ｌ１で位置ずれし、
　前記第２旋回軸心は、前記第１旋回軸心に対して水平方向に距離Ｌ２で位置ずれする。 The present invention provides a caster body having a bracket and wheels pivotally supported on a horizontal axle attached to the bracket,
A pivoting member pivotally supported on the bracket about a first pivot axis rising from the bracket;
A mounting member pivotally supported relative to the pivot member about a second pivot axis rising from the pivot member;
And turning control means for limiting a turning range of the turning member around the first turning axis,
The first pivot axis is horizontally displaced by a distance L1 with respect to a vertical reference plane passing through the axis of the axle;
The second pivot axis is horizontally displaced from the first pivot axis by a distance L2.
　本発明に係る自在キャスターでは、前記旋回規制手段は、前記第１旋回軸心から前記基準面に向かって直角にのびる基準線に対して、前記第１旋回軸心を中心とした角度θが９０度以下となる旋回範囲内で前記第２旋回軸心が旋回するように規制するのが好ましい。 In the swivel caster according to the present invention, the turning restricting means may be configured such that an angle θ about the first turning axis is 90 with respect to a reference line extending at a right angle from the first turning axis to the reference plane. It is preferable that the second rotation axis be regulated so as to rotate within a rotation range of not more than degrees.
　本発明に係る自在キャスターでは、前記旋回規制手段は、前記ブラケットの上面から突出するストッパと、前記旋回部材の下面から突出し前記旋回部材の旋回により前記ストッパと当接しうる一対の当接片とを含むのが好ましい。 In the swivel caster according to the present invention, the turning restricting means includes a stopper protruding from the upper surface of the bracket, and a pair of contact pieces protruding from the lower surface of the turning member and coming into contact with the stopper by turning of the turning member. It is preferred to include.
　本発明に係る自在キャスターでは、前記旋回規制手段は、前記第２旋回軸心が前記基準線上となる基準姿勢に向かって付勢するバネ部材を具えるのが好ましい。 In the swivel caster according to the present invention, it is preferable that the turning restricting means includes a spring member that urges the second turning axis toward a reference position on the reference line.
　本発明に係る自在キャスターでは、前記旋回部材の下面又は前記ブラケットの上面の一方に取り付き、荷重時に前記下面又は前記上面の他方と当接して荷重の一部を受ける補助部材をさらに含むのが好ましい。 In the swivel caster according to the present invention, it is preferable that the swivel caster further includes an auxiliary member attached to one of the lower surface of the revolving member and the upper surface of the bracket and abutting against the other of the lower surface or the upper surface during load to receive a part of the load. .
　本発明に係る自在キャスターでは、前記補助部材は、前記基準面上に位置するのが好ましい。 で は In the swivel caster according to the present invention, it is preferable that the auxiliary member is located on the reference plane.
　本発明に係る自在キャスターでは、前記キャスタ本体は、前記第１旋回軸心を軸心とし、かつ前記ブラケットに軸受けを介して回転可能に支持された旋回軸を具え、前記旋回部材は前記旋回軸に固定されるのが好ましい。 In the swivel caster according to the present invention, the caster main body includes a swivel shaft having the first swivel axis as an axis and rotatably supported on the bracket via a bearing, and the swivel member includes the swivel shaft. It is preferably fixed to.
　本発明に係る自在キャスターでは、前記旋回部材は、前記第２旋回軸心を軸心としたボス部を具え、前記ボス部に前記旋回軸が固定されるとともに、
　前記取付け部材は、前記ボス部に外挿される軸受けを介して回転可能に支持されるのが好ましい。 In the swivel caster according to the present invention, the turning member includes a boss portion having the second turning axis as an axis, and the turning shaft is fixed to the boss portion,
Preferably, the mounting member is rotatably supported via a bearing externally inserted into the boss.
　本発明の自在キャスターは、叙上の如く、旋回部材の第１旋回軸心の周りでの旋回範囲を制限する旋回規制手段を含む。 As described above, the swivel caster of the present invention includes the turning restricting means for limiting the turning range of the turning member about the first turning axis.
　このように旋回部材の旋回範囲を制限することにより、基準面からの第２旋回軸心のオフセット量を小さくできる。第１旋回軸心及び第２旋回軸心を有するため、移動体の進行方向に追従して車輪が向き変えしうる。その結果、移動体の進行方向を変えるとき、車輪の応答性が高まり、停止位置の微調整を容易に行うことが可能になる。又、進行方向に追従して車輪が向き変えしうるため、通常の走行性能を確保維持しうる。 制 限 By limiting the turning range of the turning member in this way, the offset amount of the second turning axis from the reference plane can be reduced. Since the vehicle has the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis, the wheels can turn following the traveling direction of the moving body. As a result, when changing the traveling direction of the moving body, the responsiveness of the wheels increases, and fine adjustment of the stop position can be easily performed. Further, since the wheels can change directions following the traveling direction, normal traveling performance can be secured and maintained.
本発明の自在キャスターの一実施形態を示す側面図である。It is a side view showing one embodiment of a swivel caster of the present invention. 自在キャスターの進行方向後方側から見た旋回規制手段の部分正面である。It is a partial front view of the turning restricting means seen from the rear side in the traveling direction of the swivel caster. 自在キャスターの分解斜視図である。It is an exploded perspective view of a swivel caster. 旋回部材の旋回範囲を示す概念図である。It is a conceptual diagram which shows the turning range of a turning member. 補助部材の他の例を示す部分斜視図である。It is a partial perspective view showing other examples of an auxiliary member. （ａ）、（ｂ）は発明の作用を示す概念図である。(A), (b) is a conceptual diagram which shows the effect | action of this invention. 自在キャスターの他の実施例を示す側面図である。It is a side view which shows another Example of a swivel caster. （ａ）は従来の自在キャスターを示す側面図、（ｂ）はその問題点を説明する概念図である。(A) is a side view which shows the conventional free caster, (b) is a conceptual diagram explaining the problem.
　以下、本発明の実施の形態について、詳細に説明する。
　図１、３に示すように、本実施形態の自在キャスター１は、キャスタ本体２と、旋回部材３と、取付け部材４と、旋回規制手段５とを含む。自在キャスター１は、例えばベッド、家具、搬送用台車などの種々な移動体Ｍに取り付けられる。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the swivel caster 1 of the present embodiment includes a caster body 2, a turning member 3, a mounting member 4, and turning control means 5. The swivel caster 1 is attached to various moving objects M such as a bed, furniture, and a transport cart.
　キャスタ本体２は、ブラケット６と、ブラケット６に取り付く水平な車軸７と、車軸７に回転可能に枢支された車輪８とを有する。本例のブラケット６は、上板部６ａの両側縁で折り曲げられた側板部６ｂを有する。この側板部６ｂ、６ｂ間に、前記車軸７が支持される。 The caster body 2 has a bracket 6, a horizontal axle 7 attached to the bracket 6, and wheels 8 rotatably supported by the axle 7. The bracket 6 of the present example has side plate portions 6b bent at both side edges of the upper plate portion 6a. The axle 7 is supported between the side plates 6b.
　旋回部材３は、ブラケット６から立ち上がる第１旋回軸心ｊ１の周りでブラケット６に対して旋回可能に支持される。第１旋回軸心ｊ１は、車軸７の軸心７ｉを通る垂直な基準面Ｓに対して水平方向に距離Ｌ１で位置ずれしている。この距離Ｌ１は、自在キャスター１のサイズ等に応じて適宜設定される。 The turning member 3 is supported to be able to turn with respect to the bracket 6 around the first turning axis j1 rising from the bracket 6. The first turning axis j1 is displaced by a distance L1 in the horizontal direction with respect to a vertical reference plane S passing through the axis 7i of the axle 7. This distance L1 is appropriately set according to the size of the free caster 1 and the like.
　本例では、キャスタ本体２は、第１旋回軸心ｊ１を軸心とした旋回軸１０を具える。旋回軸１０は、ブラケット６の上板部６ａに、軸受け１１を介して回転可能に支持される。この旋回軸１０に、前記旋回部材３が旋回軸１０とは一体回転可能に固定される。本例の旋回軸１０の上端側には、旋回部材固定用のネジ部１０Ａが形成される。このように本例では、旋回軸１０自体が、ブラケット６に回転可能に支持される場合が示される。しかし、旋回軸１０がブラケット６に回転不能に固定され、かつこの旋回軸１０に、軸受けを介して旋回部材３を回転可能に取り付けることもできる。 で は In this example, the caster main body 2 includes the turning shaft 10 having the first turning axis j1 as the axis. The turning shaft 10 is rotatably supported on the upper plate 6 a of the bracket 6 via a bearing 11. The turning member 3 is fixed to the turning shaft 10 so as to be integrally rotatable therewith. On the upper end side of the turning shaft 10 of this example, a screw portion 10A for fixing the turning member is formed. Thus, in this example, a case is shown in which the turning shaft 10 itself is rotatably supported by the bracket 6. However, it is also possible that the turning shaft 10 is non-rotatably fixed to the bracket 6 and the turning member 3 is rotatably attached to the turning shaft 10 via a bearing.
　旋回部材３は、第２旋回軸心ｊ２を軸心とした円盤状のボス部３Ａを具える。第２旋回軸心ｊ２は、第１旋回軸心ｊ１に対して水平方向に距離Ｌ２で位置ずれしている。距離Ｌ２は、距離Ｌ１の２．０倍より小であり、好ましくは１．０倍以下である。本例では、Ｌ２＜Ｌ１の場合が示される。 The turning member 3 includes a disk-shaped boss 3A having the second turning axis j2 as the axis. The second pivot axis j2 is horizontally displaced from the first pivot axis j1 by a distance L2. The distance L2 is smaller than 2.0 times the distance L1, and is preferably 1.0 times or less. In this example, a case where L2 <L1 is shown.
　ボス部３Ａに、前記旋回軸１０が固定される。具体的には、ボス部３Ａには、旋回軸固定用のネジ孔３ｈが形成される。又ボス部３Ａの下端には、後述する軸受け１２の内輪下面を受けるフランジ３Ｂが配される。 旋回 The turning shaft 10 is fixed to the boss 3A. Specifically, a screw hole 3h for fixing the turning shaft is formed in the boss 3A. At the lower end of the boss 3A, a flange 3B for receiving a lower surface of an inner ring of the bearing 12, which will be described later, is provided.
　取付け部材４は、旋回部材３から立ち上がる前記第２旋回軸心ｊ２の周りで旋回部材３に対して旋回可能に支持される。具体的には、取付け部材４は、ボス部３Ａに外挿される軸受け１２を介して、旋回部材３に対して旋回可能に支持される。 The mounting member 4 is pivotally supported by the pivot member 3 around the second pivot axis j2 rising from the pivot member 3. Specifically, the mounting member 4 is pivotally supported by the pivot member 3 via a bearing 12 externally inserted into the boss 3A.
　本例の取付け部材４は、移動体Ｍを取り付けるための上板部４ｕと、軸受け１２の外周面を受ける円筒状の軸受け保持部４ｍとを含む。又上板部４ｕには、軸受け１２の外輪上面を受けるフランジ４ｆが配される。 取 付 け The mounting member 4 of this example includes an upper plate portion 4 u for mounting the moving body M, and a cylindrical bearing holding portion 4 m that receives the outer peripheral surface of the bearing 12. The upper plate 4u is provided with a flange 4f for receiving the upper surface of the outer ring of the bearing 12.
　旋回規制手段５は、第１旋回軸心ｊ１の周りにおける旋回部材３の旋回範囲を制限する。図４に概念的に示すように、旋回規制手段５は、基準線Ｘに対して、第１旋回軸心ｊ１を中心とした角度θが９０度以下となる旋回範囲Ｙ内で第２旋回軸心ｊ２が旋回するように規制するのが好ましい。便宜上、同図には、角度θが２５度の場合が例示されている。基準線Ｘは、第１旋回軸心ｊ１から基準面Ｓに向かって直角にのびる線として定義される。 The turning restricting means 5 limits the turning range of the turning member 3 around the first turning axis j1. As conceptually shown in FIG. 4, the turning control means 5 controls the second turning axis within a turning range Y in which the angle θ about the first turning axis j1 with respect to the reference line X is 90 degrees or less. It is preferable to regulate the center j2 to turn. For the sake of convenience, FIG. 1 illustrates a case where the angle θ is 25 degrees. The reference line X is defined as a line extending at a right angle from the first pivot axis j1 toward the reference plane S.
　図１、３に示すように、本例では、旋回規制手段５は、ブラケット６の上面から突出するストッパ１５と、旋回部材３の下面から突出する一対の当接片１６とを含む。当接片１６はストッパ１５の両側に位置し、旋回部材３の旋回により、一方の当接片１６がストッパ１５の例えば側面と当接することで、旋回部材３の旋回範囲が制限される。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, in this example, the turning restricting means 5 includes a stopper 15 projecting from the upper surface of the bracket 6 and a pair of contact pieces 16 projecting from the lower surface of the turning member 3. The contact pieces 16 are located on both sides of the stopper 15, and the turning range of the turning member 3 is limited by turning one of the contact pieces 16, for example, on the side surface of the stopper 15 by turning of the turning member 3.
　本例では、当接片１６はピン状をなし、旋回部材３の下面にネジ止めされる。又ストッパ１５はブロック状をなし、上板部６ａの上面に例えばビス１８（図１に示す）を用いて固定される。なおストッパ１５の上面は、旋回部材３の下面と平行な対向面部１５ｓを有する。この対向面部１５ｓは、前記基準面Ｓ上に位置する。 In this example, the contact piece 16 has a pin shape and is screwed to the lower surface of the turning member 3. The stopper 15 has a block shape and is fixed to the upper surface of the upper plate portion 6a using, for example, a screw 18 (shown in FIG. 1). The upper surface of the stopper 15 has an opposing surface portion 15 s parallel to the lower surface of the turning member 3. The facing surface portion 15s is located on the reference surface S.
　又旋回規制手段５は、図４に示すように、第２旋回軸心ｊ２が基準線Ｘ上となる基準姿勢Ｋに向かって付勢するバネ部材２０を具える。図２、３に示すように、本例のバネ部材２０は、コイルバネであって、各バネ部材２０の一端側のフック部は、それぞれ当接片１６に係止される。又他端側のフック部は、ストッパ１５に設ける固定金具２１に係止される。固定金具２１は、例えばビスであって、ストッパ１５の上面に設ける凹部２２に取り付く。なお固定金具２１の上端は、対向面部１５ｓよりも低所に位置する。 The turning control means 5 also includes a spring member 20 that urges the second turning axis j2 toward the reference posture K on the reference line X, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the spring member 20 of the present embodiment is a coil spring, and a hook portion at one end of each spring member 20 is locked to the contact piece 16. Further, the hook portion on the other end side is locked by a fixing metal 21 provided on the stopper 15. The fixture 21 is, for example, a screw, and is attached to a concave portion 22 provided on the upper surface of the stopper 15. The upper end of the fixture 21 is located lower than the facing surface 15s.
　又自在キャスター１には、旋回部材３の下面又はブラケット６の上面の一方に取り付く補助部材２３を具える。この補助部材２３は、荷重時に前記下面又は前記上面の他方と当接し、荷重の一部を支承する。特に補助部材２３が基準面Ｓ上に位置することで、支承する荷重を車輪８に負担させることができ、旋回軸１０に作用する曲げモーメントを減じ、自在キャスター１の強度及び耐久性を高めうる。 The swivel caster 1 further includes an auxiliary member 23 attached to one of the lower surface of the revolving member 3 and the upper surface of the bracket 6. The auxiliary member 23 contacts the other of the lower surface or the upper surface at the time of load and supports a part of the load. In particular, since the auxiliary member 23 is located on the reference plane S, the load to be supported can be borne by the wheel 8, the bending moment acting on the turning shaft 10 can be reduced, and the strength and durability of the universal caster 1 can be increased. .
　本例では、補助部材２３は、ブラケット６の上面にストッパ１５を介して取り付く。具体的には、補助部材２３は、前記対向面部１５ｓに取り付けられる。 In this example, the auxiliary member 23 is attached to the upper surface of the bracket 6 via the stopper 15. Specifically, the auxiliary member 23 is attached to the facing surface 15s.
　補助部材２３には、荷重下において旋回部材３の旋回を円滑に行うために、低摩擦性が要求される。そのため補助部材２３として、例えばシリコンゴム、ナイロン樹脂等の低摩擦材料、特にはフッ素樹脂等の滑り軸受け材料が好適に採用できる。又補助部材２３としては、図５に示すように、対向面部１５ｓに、例えばコロである転動体２５を配置したコロ軸受け状に形成することもできる。 (4) The auxiliary member 23 is required to have low friction in order to smoothly turn the turning member 3 under a load. Therefore, as the auxiliary member 23, for example, a low friction material such as silicone rubber or nylon resin, particularly a sliding bearing material such as fluororesin can be suitably used. As shown in FIG. 5, the auxiliary member 23 may be formed in a roller bearing shape in which a rolling element 25, for example, a roller, is disposed on the facing surface 15s.
　次に、自在キャスター１の動作について説明する。図４に示すように、自在キャスター１では、旋回規制手段５により旋回部材３の旋回範囲Ｙが規制されている。そのため、図６（ａ）に示すように、自在キャスター１は、基準姿勢Ｋにて前進しかつ停止する。基準姿勢Ｋとは、進行方向Ｆに向かって第１旋回軸心ｊ１と第２旋回軸心ｊ２と車輪８の接地中心Ｑとが、この順序で基準線Ｘ上に並ぶ姿勢を意味する。 Next, the operation of the swivel caster 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, in the swivel caster 1, the turning range Y of the turning member 3 is restricted by the turning restricting means 5. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6A, the swivel caster 1 advances in the reference posture K and stops. The reference posture K means a posture in which the first turning axis j1, the second turning axis j2, and the grounding center Q of the wheel 8 are arranged on the reference line X in this order in the traveling direction F.
　この基準姿勢Ｋの自在キャスター１に、方向転換力Ｆｙが作用した場合、取付け部材４は、旋回部材３とともに方向転換力Ｆｙの方向に移動を開始する。このとき、第１旋回軸心ｊ１も同方向に引っ張られる。そのため、車輪８は、接地中心Ｑを中心とした回転モーメントにより旋回を開始する。図６（ｂ）に示すように、さらに方向転換力Ｆｙの方向への移動が進むと、これに追従して第１旋回軸心ｊ１が、第２旋回軸心ｊ２の周りで旋回を行う。これにより、車輪８に接地中心Ｑ周りの回転モーメントが引き続き作用し、車輪８の向き変えが円滑に行われる。 When the turning force Fy acts on the free caster 1 in the reference posture K, the mounting member 4 starts moving together with the turning member 3 in the direction of the turning force Fy. At this time, the first turning axis j1 is also pulled in the same direction. Therefore, the wheel 8 starts turning by the rotation moment about the grounding center Q. As shown in FIG. 6B, as the movement in the direction of the turning force Fy further proceeds, the first turning axis j1 turns around the second turning axis j2 following the movement. As a result, the rotational moment around the contact center Q continuously acts on the wheel 8, and the direction of the wheel 8 is smoothly changed.
　又自在キャスター１は、旋回規制手段５により、旋回部材３の旋回範囲Ｙが制限される。そのため、前進及び停止が基準姿勢Ｋを含む旋回範囲Ｙ内で行うことができる。又自在キャスター１は、旋回規制手段５により、旋回部材３の第１旋回軸心ｊ１の周りの旋回範囲Ｙが制限される。そのため、第２旋回軸心ｊ２の接地中心Ｑ（或いは基準面Ｓ）からのオフセット量を小さくできる。そのため、方向転換を行う際、車輪８の応答性が高まり、停止位置の微調整を容易に行うことが可能になる。又停止時の車輪８の位置と取付け部材４の位置とのズレも小さくなるため、より正確な位置での停止を可能とする。 In addition, the swivel range Y of the swivel member 3 of the swivel caster 1 is limited by the swivel restricting means 5. Therefore, the forward movement and the stop can be performed within the turning range Y including the reference posture K. In the swivel caster 1, the turning range Y around the first turning axis j1 of the turning member 3 is limited by the turning restricting means 5. Therefore, the offset amount of the second pivot axis j2 from the grounding center Q (or the reference plane S) can be reduced. Therefore, when the direction is changed, the responsiveness of the wheels 8 is increased, and fine adjustment of the stop position can be easily performed. Also, the deviation between the position of the wheel 8 and the position of the mounting member 4 at the time of stopping is reduced, so that it is possible to stop at a more accurate position.
　なお前記角度θが９０度を越えると、直進時、車輪８がふらつき傾向となるなど直進安定性に不利を招く。このような観点から角度θは、４５度以下、さらには３０度以下が好ましい。又角度θの下限値は、０度より大であり、２度以上、さらには５度以上が好ましい。 If the angle θ exceeds 90 degrees, the straight running stability disadvantageously occurs, for example, the wheels 8 tend to wobble during straight running. From such a viewpoint, the angle θ is preferably 45 degrees or less, and more preferably 30 degrees or less. The lower limit value of the angle θ is larger than 0 degree, preferably 2 degrees or more, and more preferably 5 degrees or more.
　図７に、自在キャスター１の他の実施例を示す。本例では、Ｌ２＝Ｌ１の場合が示される。この場合、第２旋回軸心ｊ２の接地中心Ｑ（或いは基準面Ｓ）からのオフセット量がより小さくなる。そのため、停止位置の微調整の容易さ、及び正確な位置での停止により有利となる。しかもボス部３Ａの直径が相対的に大となる。そのため、旋回部材３の旋回をより安定化させることができる。 FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the swivel caster 1. In this example, a case where L2 = L1 is shown. In this case, the offset amount of the second turning axis j2 from the grounding center Q (or the reference plane S) becomes smaller. Therefore, it is more advantageous to easily adjust the stop position finely and to stop at an accurate position. Moreover, the diameter of the boss 3A becomes relatively large. Therefore, the turning of the turning member 3 can be further stabilized.
　以上、本発明の特に好ましい実施形態について詳述したが、本発明は図示の実施形態に限定されることなく、種々の態様に変形して実施しうる。 Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, and may be implemented in various forms.
１　自在キャスター
２　キャスタ本体
３Ａ　ボス部
３　旋回部材
４　取付け部材
５　旋回規制手段
６　ブラケット
７　車軸
７ｉ　車軸の軸心
８　車輪
１０　旋回軸
１１、１２　軸受け
１５　ストッパ
１６　当接片
２０　バネ部材
２３　補助部材
ｊ１　第１旋回軸心
ｊ２　第２旋回軸心
Ｓ　基準面
Ｘ　基準線
Ｙ　旋回範囲 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Swivel caster 2 Caster body 3A Boss part 3 Revolving member 4 Mounting member 5 Revolving restricting means 6 Bracket 7 Axle 7i Axle axis 8 Wheel 10 Revolving shafts 11, 12 Bearing 15 Stopper 16 Contact piece 20 Spring member 23 Auxiliary member j1 First turning axis j2 Second turning axis S Reference plane X Reference line Y Turning range

Claims (8)

  1. 　ブラケットと、前記ブラケットに取り付く水平な車軸に枢支された車輪とを有するキャスタ本体、
    　前記ブラケットから立ち上がる第１旋回軸心の周りで前記ブラケットに対して旋回可能に支持される旋回部材、
    　前記旋回部材から立ち上がる第２旋回軸心の周りで前記旋回部材に対して旋回可能に支持される取付け部材、
    　及び前記旋回部材の前記第１旋回軸心の周りでの旋回範囲を制限する旋回規制手段を含み、
    　前記第１旋回軸心は、前記車軸の軸心を通る垂直な基準面に対して水平方向に距離Ｌ１で位置ずれし、
    　前記第２旋回軸心は、前記第１旋回軸心に対して水平方向に距離Ｌ２で位置ずれする、自在キャスター。     A caster body having a bracket and wheels pivotally supported on a horizontal axle attached to the bracket,
    A pivoting member pivotally supported on the bracket about a first pivot axis rising from the bracket;
    A mounting member pivotally supported relative to the pivot member about a second pivot axis rising from the pivot member;
    And turning control means for limiting a turning range of the turning member around the first turning axis,
    The first pivot axis is horizontally displaced by a distance L1 with respect to a vertical reference plane passing through the axis of the axle;
    The universal caster, wherein the second pivot axis is displaced horizontally by a distance L2 with respect to the first pivot axis.
  2. 　前記旋回規制手段は、前記第１旋回軸心から前記基準面に向かって直角にのびる基準線に対して、前記第１旋回軸心を中心とした角度θが９０度以下となる旋回範囲内で前記第２旋回軸心が旋回するように規制した、請求項１記載の自在キャスター。 The turning restricting means is provided within a turning range in which an angle θ about the first turning axis is 90 degrees or less with respect to a reference line extending perpendicularly from the first turning axis to the reference plane. The swivel caster according to claim 1, wherein the second pivot axis is regulated to pivot.
  3. 　前記旋回規制手段は、前記ブラケットの上面から突出するストッパと、前記旋回部材の下面から突出し前記旋回部材の旋回により前記ストッパと当接しうる一対の当接片とを含む、請求項１又は２記載の自在キャスター。 The said turning control means includes a stopper which protrudes from the upper surface of the said bracket, and a pair of contact piece which protrudes from the lower surface of the said turning member and which can contact the said stopper by turning of the turning member. Free caster.
  4. 　前記旋回規制手段は、前記第２旋回軸心が前記基準線上となる基準姿勢に向かって付勢するバネ部材を具える、請求項２又は３記載の自在キャスター。 The swivel caster according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the turning restricting means includes a spring member that urges the second turning axis toward a reference posture on the reference line.
  5. 　前記旋回部材の下面又は前記ブラケットの上面の一方に取り付き、荷重時に前記下面又は前記上面の他方と当接して荷重の一部を受ける補助部材をさらに含む、請求項１～４の何れかに記載の自在キャスター。 5. The auxiliary member according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary member attached to one of the lower surface of the revolving member and the upper surface of the bracket, and abutting against the other of the lower surface or the upper surface to receive a part of the load when a load is applied. Free caster.
  6. 　前記補助部材は、前記基準面上に位置する、請求項５記載の自在キャスター。 The swivel caster according to claim 5, wherein the auxiliary member is located on the reference plane.
  7. 　前記キャスタ本体は、前記第１旋回軸心を軸心とし、かつ前記ブラケットに軸受けを介して回転可能に支持された旋回軸を具え、前記旋回部材は前記旋回軸に固定される、請求項１～６の何れかに記載の自在キャスター。 The said caster main body is provided with the swivel axis centered on the said 1st swivel axis, and rotatably supported by the said bracket via a bearing, The said swivel member is being fixed to the said swivel axis. A swivel caster according to any one of to 6 above.
  8. 　前記旋回部材は、前記第２旋回軸心を軸心としたボス部を具え、前記ボス部に前記旋回軸が固定されるとともに、
    　前記取付け部材は、前記ボス部に外挿される軸受けを介して回転可能に支持される、請求項７記載の自在キャスター。
          The turning member includes a boss portion having the second turning axis as an axis, and the turning shaft is fixed to the boss portion,
    The swivel caster according to claim 7, wherein the attachment member is rotatably supported via a bearing externally inserted into the boss.
PCT/JP2019/032803 2018-08-27 2019-08-22 Universal caster WO2020045221A1 (en)

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JPH07112076A (en) * 1993-10-18 1995-05-02 Kajima Corp Steering system
JPH10119765A (en) * 1996-10-24 1998-05-12 Daifuku Co Ltd Conveying vehicle
JP3216455U (en) * 2018-03-19 2018-05-31 株式会社アトラスオート skateboard

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS645802U (en) * 1987-06-30 1989-01-13
JPH07112076A (en) * 1993-10-18 1995-05-02 Kajima Corp Steering system
JPH10119765A (en) * 1996-10-24 1998-05-12 Daifuku Co Ltd Conveying vehicle
JP3216455U (en) * 2018-03-19 2018-05-31 株式会社アトラスオート skateboard

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