JP6488227B2

JP6488227B2 - Swivel caster locking device and movable body provided with the locking device

Info

Publication number: JP6488227B2
Application number: JP2015246134A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 和夫北村; 三男石川
Original assignee: トラスコ中山株式会社; 株式会社石川製作所
Priority date: 2015-12-17
Filing date: 2015-12-17
Publication date: 2019-03-20
Anticipated expiration: 2035-12-17
Also published as: JP2017109639A

Description

本発明は、移動させて使用する荷台やワゴン、テーブル、棚、机、作業台、機械等の移動体の下部に設けられ、回転可能に設けられた車輪を支持する自在キャスタが水平方向に旋回自在に設けられている自在キャスタの旋回および車輪の回転をロックする自在キャスタのロック装置、およびその自在キャスタのロック装置が設けられた移動体に関する。 The present invention provides a movable caster that supports a wheel that is provided in a lower part of a movable body such as a loading platform, a wagon, a table, a shelf, a desk, a work table, or a machine to be moved, and that is rotatably provided. The present invention relates to a locking device for a free caster that locks the swiveling of a freely provided free caster and the rotation of a wheel, and a movable body provided with the locking device for the free caster.

移動させて使用する荷台やワゴン、テーブル等の移動体の下部に設けられ、回転可能に設けられた車輪を支持する自在キャスタが水平方向に旋回自在に設けられている自在キャスタの旋回および車輪の回転をロックする自在キャスタのロック装置として、例えば、回転基台を固定基台に対して回動を停止する回動停止手段と、車輪の回転を停止する車輪停止手段を備え、回動停止手段を、固定基台に取り付けの昇降する昇降部材に設けてあるブレーキ部連結板と、このブレーキ部連結板に形成の連結孔と、連結孔に嵌合、離脱可能に回転基台に設けてある凸部とで構成し、凸部が連結孔に嵌合して回転基台の回動を停止し、離脱して回動可能にするように構成したものが提案されている（例えば、特許文献１参照。）。 A swivel of a free caster provided in a lower part of a movable body such as a loading platform, a wagon, a table, etc. to be moved and supporting a wheel that is rotatably provided is pivotable in a horizontal direction. As a locking device for a universal caster that locks rotation, for example, a rotation stopping means that stops rotation of a rotating base with respect to a fixed base and a wheel stopping means that stops rotation of a wheel are provided. Is provided on the rotating base so that it can be fitted to and detached from the connecting hole, the connecting part formed in the connecting part of the brake part connecting plate, Protruding portions are proposed, and the protruding portions are fitted into the connecting holes to stop the rotation of the rotation base, and are separated from the rotation base so as to be rotatable (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

特許文献１に記載された従来の自在キャスタのロック装置では、自在キャスタの旋回を停止させる回動停止手段は、固定基台に取り付けてある昇降部材（ブレーキ部連結板）を上昇させることによって、凸部が連結孔から離脱させて、回転基台を固定基台に対して回動自在にする一方、昇降部材（ブレーキ部連結板）を下降させることによって、凸部１８を連結孔に嵌合して、回転基台を固定基台に対して回動不可にしてロック状態にする。 In the conventional free caster locking device described in Patent Document 1, the rotation stopping means for stopping the turn of the free caster is by raising the elevating member (brake part connecting plate) attached to the fixed base. The convex part is detached from the connecting hole, and the rotating base is rotatable with respect to the fixed base, while the lifting member (brake part connecting plate) is lowered to fit the convex part 18 into the connecting hole. Then, the rotation base is made unrotatable with respect to the fixed base and is brought into a locked state.

また、この従来の自在キャスタのロック装置では、車輪の回転を停止させる車輪回転停止手段は、回転基台に設けてある車軸に車輪と、回転しない固定された車輪用ストッパーディスクが取り付けられてあり、車輪用ストッパーディスクの外周には後述するストッパー爪が嵌合するストッパー凹凸が形成されていて、ストッパー爪とストッパー凹凸との嵌合によって車輪の回転を停止する。 Further, in this conventional free caster locking device, the wheel rotation stopping means for stopping the rotation of the wheel is provided with a wheel on an axle provided on the rotation base and a fixed wheel stopper disk which does not rotate. The outer periphery of the wheel stopper disk is formed with stopper irregularities to be fitted with stopper claws described later, and the rotation of the wheels is stopped by the engagement between the stopper claws and the stopper irregularities.

特開２０１３−４９４０６号公報JP 2013-49406 A

しかし、前述の特許文献１に記載の従来の自在キャスタのロック装置では、自在キャスタの旋回を停止させる回転停止手段と、車輪の回転を停止させる車輪回転停止手段とを別々に設けているため、構造が複雑であり、故障し易いと共に、コスト高になる、という問題がある。 However, in the conventional free caster locking device described in Patent Document 1 described above, since the rotation stop means for stopping the turning of the free caster and the wheel rotation stop means for stopping the rotation of the wheels are provided separately, There is a problem that the structure is complicated, it is easy to break down, and the cost is high.

また、この従来の自在キャスタのロック装置は、自在キャスタ毎に設けているので、例えば、移動式ワゴンの底面のように自在キャスタを４箇所設けた場合、この移動式ワゴンの各自在キャスタの旋回と回転をロックしたり、そのロックを解除する場合、４箇所の自在キャスタでロックやロックの解除を行う必要があり、そのロック操作およびロック解除操作が面倒である、という問題もある。 In addition, since the conventional universal caster locking device is provided for each universal caster, for example, when four universal casters are provided such as the bottom surface of the mobile wagon, the swivel of each universal caster of the mobile wagon is swiveled. When the rotation is locked or unlocked, it is necessary to perform locking or unlocking with four free casters, and there is a problem that the locking operation and the unlocking operation are troublesome.

そこで、本発明はこのような問題に着目してなされたもので、構造がシンプルで、故障し難く、低コストであり、かつ、自在キャスタを複数設けた場合でも、ロック操作およびロック解除操作に手間がかからない自在キャスタのロック装置、およびその自在キャスタのロック装置が設けられた移動体を提供することを目的とする。 Therefore, the present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and has a simple structure, is difficult to break down, is low in cost, and can be used for locking and unlocking operations even when a plurality of free casters are provided. It is an object of the present invention to provide a locking device for a universal caster that does not require time and a moving body provided with the locking device for the universal caster.

前記目的を達成するため、本願発明に係る自在キャスタのロック装置は、車軸を介し車輪を回転可能に支持すると共に、旋回軸を介して前記車輪を水平方向に旋回自在に設けられた自在キャスタのロック装置であって、移動させて使用する移動体の下部に固定されるベース部と、前記ベース部に対し昇降可能で、かつ、スプリングにより常時下方に付勢されて設けられ、前記車輪の回転と前記自在キャスタの旋回とをロックする回転・旋回ロック機構部と、前記ベース部に取り付けられ、操作することによって前記回転・旋回ロック機構部を上下動させる操作部とを有し、前記回転・旋回ロック機構部は、前記自在キャスタの前記旋回軸の周囲を円形状に取り囲み、かつ、その外周の半径が前記旋回軸の軸心と前記車軸の軸心までの間隔と前記車輪の半径とを加算した値以下である環状ブレーキ部を有しており、前記環状ブレーキ部が前記操作部の操作によって上昇して高い位置であるロック解除位置に静止している場合は、前記環状ブレーキ部が前記車輪の外側面を押圧せず前記車輪の自由な回転および前記自在キャスタの自由な旋回を許容する一方、前記環状ブレーキ部が前記操作部の操作によって前記ロック解除位置よりも低位置であるロック位置に下降した場合は、前記環状ブレーキ部が前記スプリングの弾力によって前記車輪の外側面を押圧し静止して前記車輪の回転と前記自在キャスタの旋回とをロックするように構成されていることを特徴とする。
ここで、前記回転・旋回ロック機構部は、複数の前記自在キャスタの設置位置に応じて離間して設けられた複数の前記環状ブレーキ部を連結するブレーキ部連結板を前記ベース部に対し昇降可能に有しており、そのブレーキ部連結板の長手方向中央には、収縮状態のスプリングが通る切欠部が設けられる一方、前記ベース部に対向するベース対向面を有し、そのベース対向面に前記収縮状態のスプリングの下端部が弾接するスプリング弾接片が設けられており、前記操作部は、前記ベース部の下側であって短手方向に一定間隔を離して設けられ、下方に延びる一対の操作レバー支持板と、その操作レバー支持板の下端部間に設けられた支軸と、その支軸に揺動可能に軸支され、前記収縮状態のスプリングの反対側から前記スプリング弾接片の前記ベース対向面を押圧可能で、かつ、支軸の鉛直方向からずれた位置に形成されたトグル機能押圧部を有する操作レバーとを有し、当該操作レバーは、前記環状ブレーキ部を前記ロック位置から前記ロック解除位置に上昇させる場合には、前記操作レバーの前記トグル機能押圧部が前記収縮状態のスプリングに弾性力に対抗しながら前記スプリング弾接片の前記ベース対向面を押圧して上昇させるように構成すると良い。
また、前記自在キャスタの前記車輪は、中心に車軸が通された硬質のホイール部と、そのホイール部の外周に設けられた当該ホイール部よりも軟質のゴム等からなるタイヤ部で構成されており、前記回転・旋回ロック機構部の前記環状ブレーキ部の外周の半径は、前記旋回軸の軸心と前記車軸の軸心までの間隔と前記車輪の前記ホイール部の半径との加算した値以下であり、前記環状ブレーキ部が前記ロック位置に下降して、前記環状ブレーキ部が前記車輪の前記タイヤ部の外側面を押圧し静止して前記車輪の回転と前記自在キャスタの旋回とをロックする場合は、少なくとも前記自在キャスタの前記車輪の前記ホイール部の上方であると良い。
また、前記回転・旋回ロック機構部は、前記環状ブレーキ部が前記操作部の操作によって前記ロック解除位置よりも低位置であるロック位置に下降し、前記環状ブレーキ部が前記スプリングの弾力によって前記車輪の外側面を押圧し静止して前記車輪の回転と前記自在キャスタの旋回とをロックしている場合は、前記操作レバーの前記トグル機能押圧部が前記スプリング弾接片の前記ベース対向面を押圧しない状態にあり、前記操作レバーの揺動に遊びがあるように構成すると良い。
また、本発明に係る移動体は、上述のいずれかの自在キャスタのロック装置が後側の左右の自在キャスタに設けられたことを特徴とする。
また、本発明に係る移動体は、上述のいずれかの自在キャスタのロック装置が前記ベース部および前記回転・旋回ロック機構部の長手方向に対し直交する方向に一定間隔を空けて複数設けられ、前記複数の自在キャスタのロック装置の前記各操作部は、前記ベース部および前記回転・旋回ロック機構部の長手方向に対し直交する方向に延びる連結ロッドによって連結されており、当該連結ロッドを介し前記複数の自在キャスタのロック装置が連動することを特徴とする。 In order to achieve the above object, a locking device for a universal caster according to the present invention includes a universal caster that rotatably supports a wheel via an axle and is capable of turning the wheel horizontally via a pivot. A locking device that is fixed to a lower part of a moving body to be used by being moved; and can be raised and lowered with respect to the base portion, and is always urged downward by a spring to rotate the wheel. And a rotation / slewing lock mechanism unit that locks the swivel of the universal caster, and an operation unit that is attached to the base unit and moves the rotation / slewing lock mechanism unit up and down by operating, The swivel lock mechanism part surrounds the swivel axis of the universal caster in a circular shape, and the radius of the outer periphery is the distance between the center of the swivel axis and the axis of the axle and the front. Having an annular brake portion that is equal to or less than the sum of the radii of the wheels, and when the annular brake portion is raised by operation of the operation portion and is stationary at a high unlock position, The annular brake portion allows the wheel to freely rotate and the swivel of the free caster without pressing the outer surface of the wheel, while the annular brake portion is lower than the unlocked position by the operation of the operation portion. When the vehicle is lowered to the lock position, which is a position, the annular brake portion presses the outer surface of the wheel by the elasticity of the spring and stops and locks the rotation of the wheel and the turning of the free caster. It is characterized by.
Here, the rotation / swivel lock mechanism part can move up and down a brake part connecting plate for connecting a plurality of the annular brake parts provided apart according to the installation positions of the plurality of universal casters with respect to the base part. In the longitudinal center of the brake connecting plate, there is provided a notch portion through which the spring in the contracted state passes, and a base facing surface that faces the base portion, and the base facing surface A spring elastic contact piece that elastically contacts the lower end of the contracted spring is provided, and the operation part is provided below the base part at a certain interval in the short direction and extends downward. Operating lever support plate, a support shaft provided between the lower end portions of the operation lever support plate, and a pivoting shaft supported by the support shaft so as to be swingable, and the spring elastic contact piece from the opposite side of the contracted spring. of And an operation lever having a toggle function pressing portion formed at a position deviated from the vertical direction of the support shaft, the operation lever having the annular brake portion in the locked position. The toggle function pressing portion of the operation lever presses and raises the base facing surface of the spring elastic contact piece against an elastic force against the contracted spring. It is better to configure as follows.
Further, the wheel of the universal caster is composed of a hard wheel portion having an axle passing through the center and a tire portion made of rubber or the like softer than the wheel portion provided on the outer periphery of the wheel portion. The radius of the outer periphery of the annular brake part of the rotation / slewing lock mechanism part is less than or equal to the sum of the distance between the axis of the pivot axis and the axis of the axle and the radius of the wheel part of the wheel. Yes, when the annular brake portion is lowered to the lock position, and the annular brake portion presses and stops the outer surface of the tire portion of the wheel to lock the rotation of the wheel and the turning of the universal caster. Is preferably at least above the wheel portion of the wheel of the universal caster.
Further, the rotation / slewing lock mechanism unit is configured such that the annular brake unit is lowered to a lock position that is lower than the unlocking position by the operation of the operation unit, and the annular brake unit is moved by the elasticity of the spring. When the outer surface of the operation lever is pressed and stopped to lock the rotation of the wheel and the turning of the universal caster, the toggle function pressing portion of the operation lever presses the base facing surface of the spring elastic contact piece. It may be configured such that there is no play and there is play in the swing of the operation lever.
Further, the mobile body according to the present invention is characterized in that any of the above-mentioned universal caster locking devices is provided on the left and right universal casters.
Further, the movable body according to the present invention is provided with a plurality of the above-described universal caster locking devices at regular intervals in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base portion and the rotation / swivel lock mechanism portion, Each of the operation portions of the plurality of universal caster locking devices is connected by a connecting rod extending in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the base portion and the rotation / slewing lock mechanism portion, and the A plurality of free caster locking devices are interlocked.

本発明に係る自在キャスタのロック装置、およびそのロック装置が設けられた移動体では、回転・旋回ロック機構部は、自在キャスタの旋回軸の周囲を円形状に取り囲み、かつ、その外周の半径が旋回軸の軸心と車軸の軸心までの間隔と車輪の半径とを加算した値以下である環状ブレーキ部を有しており、環状ブレーキ体が操作部の操作によって上昇して高い位置であるロック解除位置に静止している場合は、環状ブレーキ体が車輪の外側面を押圧せず車輪の自由な回転および自在キャスタの自由な旋回を許容する一方、環状ブレーキ体が操作部の操作によってロック解除位置よりも低位置であるロック位置に下降した場合は、環状ブレーキ体が車輪の外側面を押圧し静止して車輪の回転と自在キャスタの旋回とをロックする。
そのため、回転・旋回ロック機構部の上下動によって自在キャスタの旋回および車輪の回転を一度に（同時に）ロック状態にしたり、ロックを解除するので、自在キャスタの旋回および車輪の回転のロック機構の構造がシンプルであり、故障し難く、コストも低減することができる。 In the locking device of the universal caster according to the present invention and the movable body provided with the locking device, the rotation / slewing lock mechanism portion surrounds the circumference of the pivot shaft of the universal caster in a circular shape, and the radius of the outer periphery thereof is It has an annular brake part that is equal to or less than the sum of the distance between the center axis of the turning shaft and the axle center and the radius of the wheel, and the annular brake body is raised by the operation of the operation part and is at a high position When stationary at the unlocked position, the annular brake body does not press the outer surface of the wheel and allows free rotation of the wheel and free rotation of the free caster, while the annular brake body is locked by operation of the operation unit. When the vehicle is lowered to the lock position which is lower than the release position, the annular brake body presses the outer surface of the wheel and stops to lock the rotation of the wheel and the turning of the free caster.
Therefore, the swiveling of the free caster and the rotation of the wheel are locked at the same time (simultaneously) by the vertical movement of the rotation / swivel locking mechanism, and the lock is released or the lock is released. Is simple, hard to break down, and cost can be reduced.

本発明に係る実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置を斜め上方から見た際の斜視図である。It is a perspective view at the time of seeing the locking device of the universal caster of Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention from diagonally upward. 本発明に係る実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置を斜め下方から見た際の斜視図である。It is a perspective view at the time of seeing the locking device of the universal caster of Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention from diagonally downward. 本発明に係る実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置のロック解除状態の正面図である。It is a front view of the lock release state of the locking device of the universal caster of Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係る実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置のロック状態の正面図である。It is a front view of the locked state of the locking device of the universal caster of Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係る実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置の平面図である。It is a top view of the locking device of the universal caster of Embodiment 1 concerning the present invention. 本発明に係る実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置の底面図である。It is a bottom view of the locking device of the universal caster of Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係る実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置におけるロック解除状態における主要部の状態を示す部分断面図である。It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the state of the principal part in the lock release state in the locking device of the universal caster of Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係る実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置におけるロック解除状態における主要部の状態を示す部分拡大断面図である。It is a partial expanded sectional view which shows the state of the principal part in the lock release state in the locking device of the universal caster of Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係る実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置におけるロック状態における主要部の状態を示す部分断面図である。It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the state of the principal part in the locked state in the locking device of the universal caster of Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係る実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置におけるロック状態における主要部の状態を示す部分拡大断面図である。It is a partial expanded sectional view which shows the state of the principal part in the locked state in the locking device of the universal caster of Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係る実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置を装着した実施形態２の移動体であるワゴンの側面図である。It is a side view of the wagon which is a movable body of Embodiment 2 equipped with the locking device of the universal caster of Embodiment 1 concerning the present invention. 本発明に係る実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置を装着した実施形態２の移動体であるワゴンの底面図である。It is a bottom view of the wagon which is a movable body of Embodiment 2 equipped with the locking device of the universal caster of Embodiment 1 concerning the present invention. 本発明に係る実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置を装着した実施形態３の移動体であるワゴンの側面図である。It is a side view of the wagon which is a movable body of Embodiment 3 equipped with the locking device of the universal caster of Embodiment 1 concerning the present invention. 本発明に係る実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置を装着した実施形態３の移動体であるワゴンの底面図である。It is a bottom view of the wagon which is a mobile object of Embodiment 3 equipped with the locking device of the universal caster of Embodiment 1 concerning the present invention.

以下、本発明に係る自在キャスタのロック装置、およびそのロック装置が設けられた移動体について、次のような実施形態、すなわち、
１．実施形態１・・・自在キャスタのロック装置
２．実施形態２・・・実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置を１台装着した移動体
３．実施形態３・・・実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置を２台装着した移動体
に分けて説明する。ただし、下記に説明する実施形態は、あくまで本発明の一例であり、本発明は下記の実施形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の技術思想の範囲内で適宜変更可能である。 Hereinafter, a locking device for a universal caster according to the present invention, and a moving body provided with the locking device, the following embodiment, that is,
1. Embodiment 1 ... Swivel caster locking device Embodiment 2 ... Moving body equipped with one locking device for a universal caster according to Embodiment 1. Embodiment 3... A description will be given by dividing the movable caster lock device of Embodiment 1 into two movable bodies. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and can be appropriately changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

実施形態１．
以下、本発明に係る実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置１について、図１〜図１０を参照して説明する。 Embodiment 1. FIG.
Hereinafter, the locking device 1 of the universal caster of Embodiment 1 which concerns on this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIGS.

＜実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置１全体の構成＞
図１〜図１０に示すように、実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置１は、移動させて使用する荷台やワゴン、テーブル、棚、机、作業台、機械等の移動体の下部に設けられた自在キャスタ２の旋回および車輪の回転をロックするもので、ベース部１１と、回転・旋回ロック機構部１２と、操作部１３とを備える。 <Configuration of Swivel Caster Locking Device 1 as a Whole>
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the locking device 1 of the universal caster according to the first embodiment is provided in a lower part of a movable body such as a loading platform, a wagon, a table, a shelf, a desk, a work table, or a machine that is used by being moved. The swivel of the free caster 2 and the rotation of the wheel are locked, and includes a base portion 11, a rotation / turn lock mechanism portion 12, and an operation portion 13.

（ベース部１１の構成）
ベース部１１は、例えば、移動させて使用する平面視長方形状のトレイを有するワゴンや荷台等の移動体（後述する実施形態２の移動体３や移動体３’を参照。）の下部の短辺に１台または複数台装着されるもので、ここでは、移動台の横幅に応じた長さを有する長尺形状の板状部材から構成されており、移動体の後側あるいは前後の左右両側にはそれぞれ自在キャスタ２が取り付けられており、通常、１台の移動体当り、２個の自在キャスタ２または４個の自在キャスタ２が取り付けられている。 (Configuration of base portion 11)
The base portion 11 is, for example, a short portion at the bottom of a moving body such as a wagon or a loading platform having a rectangular tray in plan view that is moved and used (see the moving body 3 and the moving body 3 ′ of the second embodiment described later). One or a plurality of units are mounted on the side, and here, it is composed of a long plate-like member having a length corresponding to the width of the moving table, and is provided on the left side and the right and left sides of the moving body. Each of them is provided with a universal caster 2, and usually two universal casters 2 or four universal casters 2 are attached to one moving body.

ベース部１１には、下方に延びて回転・旋回ロック機構部１２の昇降をガイドする２本のガイド棒１１ａ，１１ａが設けられている。 The base portion 11 is provided with two guide rods 11a and 11a that extend downward and guide the lifting / lowering lock mechanism portion 12 to move up and down.

各自在キャスタ２は、周知のもので、図３や図４等に示すように、車輪２ａをその車軸２ａ１を介して回転可能に支持する車輪支持板２ｂが、ネジ山２ｃ１が形成された旋回軸部２ｃおよびナット（図示せず。）等によってベース部１１に対し水平方向に旋回自在に取り付けられて構成されている。 Each universal caster 2 is a well-known one, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, etc., a wheel support plate 2b for rotatably supporting the wheel 2a via its axle 2a1 is turned with a thread 2c1 formed thereon. The shaft portion 2c and a nut (not shown) are attached to the base portion 11 so as to be pivotable in the horizontal direction.

車輪２ａは、中心に車軸２ａ１が通された硬質の合成樹脂等からなるホイール部２ａ２と、そのホイール部２ａ２の外周に設けられた当該ホイール部２ａ２よりも軟質のゴム等からなるタイヤ部２ａ３で構成されている。 The wheel 2a includes a wheel portion 2a2 made of a hard synthetic resin having an axle 2a1 passed through the center, and a tire portion 2a3 made of rubber or the like softer than the wheel portion 2a2 provided on the outer periphery of the wheel portion 2a2. It is configured.

なお、各自在キャスタ２では、キャスタ機能を発揮するように旋回軸部２ｃの軸線方向は、車輪２ａをその車軸２ａ１の軸線方向とは、交差しない。 In each universal caster 2, the axis direction of the turning shaft portion 2c does not intersect the axis direction of the wheel shaft 2a1 so that the caster function is exhibited.

（回転・旋回ロック機構部１２の構成）
回転・旋回ロック機構部１２は、ベース部１１の両側に設けられた各自在キャスタ２の車輪２ａの回転および自在キャスタ２の旋回のロックおよびロック解除を同時に行うもので、２つの自在キャスタ２毎に設けられた２つの平面視、円環状の環状ブレーキ体１２ａ，１２ａと、その２つの環状ブレーキ体１２ａ，１２ａを連結する断面Ｌ字形状でアングル鋼材からなる長尺形状のブレーキ部連結板１２ｂとを備えている。 (Configuration of Rotation / Swivel Lock Mechanism 12)
The rotation / slewing lock mechanism unit 12 simultaneously performs the rotation of the wheel 2a of each of the free casters 2 provided on both sides of the base unit 11 and the locking and unlocking of the swivel of the free casters 2 for each of the two free casters 2. Two plan views, annular annular brake bodies 12a, 12a provided on the long side, and a long brake part connecting plate 12b made of angle steel with an L-shaped cross section connecting the two annular brake bodies 12a, 12a. And.

環状ブレーキ体１２ａ，１２ａは、鉄などの金属製で構成されており、図１および図２に示すように、円環状の円環状上面部１２ａ１，１２ａ１と、円環状上面部１２ａ１，１２ａ１の外周に沿って下方に延びる環状周面部１２ａ２，１２ａ２とから構成され、環状周面部１２ａ２，１２ａ２の円環状の下端部が環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１，１２ａ２１となる。 The annular brake bodies 12a, 12a are made of metal such as iron, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer circumferences of the annular upper surface portions 12a1, 12a1 and the annular upper surface portions 12a1, 12a1 The annular lower end portions of the annular peripheral surface portions 12a2 and 12a2 serve as the annular brake portions 12a21 and 12a21.

ここで、環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１，１２ａ２１の外周の半径ｒは、旋回軸２ｃの軸心と車軸２ａ１の軸心までの間隔Ｌと、車輪２ａの半径Ｒ１とを加算した値以下であれば、環状ブレーキ体１２ａ，１２ａが下降して、環状周面部１２ａ２，１２ａ２の下端部である環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１，１２ａ２１が車輪２ａのタイヤ部２ａ３を押圧して車輪２ａの回転および自在キャスタ２の旋回とをロックできるため、本発明としてはそれでも十分であるが、本実施形態１では、環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１，１２ａ２１の外周の半径ｒは、図８や図１０に示すように旋回軸２ｃの軸心と車軸２ａ１の軸心までの間隔Ｌと、車輪２ａのホイール部２ａ２の半径Ｒ２とを加算した値以下とする。 Here, if the radius r of the outer periphery of the annular brake parts 12a21, 12a21 is equal to or less than the sum of the distance L between the axis of the turning shaft 2c and the axis of the axle 2a1 and the radius R1 of the wheel 2a, The brake bodies 12a and 12a are lowered, and the annular brake portions 12a21 and 12a21 which are the lower end portions of the annular peripheral surface portions 12a2 and 12a2 press the tire portion 2a3 of the wheel 2a to rotate the wheel 2a and turn the free caster 2. In the first embodiment, the radius r of the outer periphery of the annular brake portions 12a21, 12a21 is set such that the center axis of the pivot shaft 2c and the axle are as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. The distance L to the axis center of 2a1 and the radius R2 of the wheel portion 2a2 of the wheel 2a are not more than the added value.

そのため、環状ブレーキ体１２ａ，１２ａは、操作部１３の操作によって上昇して高い位置であるロック解除位置にある場合は、図７および図８に示すように、環状周面部１２ａ２，１２ａ２の下端部である環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１，１２ａ２１が車輪２ａのタイヤ部２ａ３を押圧せずに、車輪２ａ，２ａの自由な回転および自在キャスタ２の自由な旋回を許容する。 Therefore, when the annular brake bodies 12a and 12a are raised by the operation of the operation portion 13 and are in the unlocked position, which is a high position, the lower end portions of the annular peripheral surface portions 12a2 and 12a2 as shown in FIGS. The annular brake parts 12a21, 12a21 which are the above allow the wheel 2a, 2a to freely rotate and the free caster 2 to freely turn without pressing the tire part 2a3 of the wheel 2a.

これにより、環状ブレーキ体１２ａ，１２ａが高い位置であるロック解除位置にある場合は、本実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置１下部に設けられた荷台やワゴン、テーブル、棚、机、作業台、機械等の移動体の自由な走行および方向転換を補助する。 Thereby, when the annular brake bodies 12a, 12a are in the unlocked position, which is a high position, a loading platform, a wagon, a table, a shelf, a desk, a work table provided at the lower part of the locking device 1 of the universal caster according to the first embodiment. Assists free running and turning of moving bodies such as machines.

その一方、操作部１３の操作によってロック解除位置よりも低位置であるロック位置に下降した場合は、図４に示すように、環状周面部１２ａ２，１２ａ２の下端部である環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１，１２ａ２１が車輪２ａのタイヤ部２ａ３を押圧して車輪２ａの回転および自在キャスタ２の旋回とをロックする。 On the other hand, when the operation part 13 is lowered to the lock position that is lower than the unlocking position by the operation of the operation part 13, as shown in FIG. 4, the annular brake parts 12a21, 12a21 which are the lower end parts of the annular peripheral surface parts 12a2, 12a2. Presses the tire portion 2a3 of the wheel 2a to lock the rotation of the wheel 2a and the turning of the universal caster 2.

これにより、環状ブレーキ体１２ａ，１２ａが低位置であるロック位置にある場合は、本実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置１下部に設けられた荷台やワゴン、テーブル、棚、机、作業台、機械等の移動体の自由な走行および方向転換を禁止して、移動体に対しブレーキをかけることが可能となる。 Thereby, when the annular brake bodies 12a, 12a are in the locked position, which is a low position, a loading platform, a wagon, a table, a shelf, a desk, a work table, provided at the lower part of the locking device 1 of the universal caster of the first embodiment, The moving body such as a machine can be prevented from freely traveling and changing its direction, and the moving body can be braked.

また、本実施形態では、環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１，１２ａ２１の外周の半径ｒは、図８や図１０に示すように旋回軸２ｃの軸心と車軸２ａ１の軸心までの間隔Ｌと、車輪２ａのホイール部２ａ２の半径Ｒ２とを加算した値以下としているので、環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１，１２ａ２１が後述する図８および図９に示すようにロック位置に下降して、環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１，１２ａ２１が車輪２ａのタイヤ部２ａ３のタイヤ部２ａ３を押圧し静止して車輪２ａの回転と自在キャスタ２の旋回とをロックする場合は、少なくとも自在キャスタ２の車輪２ａのホイール部２ａ２の上方となる。 Further, in the present embodiment, the radius r of the outer periphery of the annular brake parts 12a21, 12a21 is set such that the distance L between the axis of the turning shaft 2c and the axis of the axle 2a1 and the wheel 2a are as shown in FIGS. Since the radius R2 of the wheel portion 2a2 is equal to or less than the added value, the annular brake portions 12a21 and 12a21 are lowered to the locked position as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 described later, and the annular brake portions 12a21 and 12a21 are moved to the wheel 2a. When the tire portion 2a3 of the tire portion 2a3 is pressed and stationary to lock the rotation of the wheel 2a and the turning of the universal caster 2, the wheel portion 2a2 of the universal caster 2 is at least above the wheel portion 2a2.

これにより、環状周面部１２ａ２，１２ａ２の環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１，１２ａ２１が車輪２ａのタイヤ部２ａ３を押圧する水平方向位置は、車輪２ａの硬質のホイール部２ａ２の上方となるため、後述する収縮状態のスプリング１３ｃにより常時付勢された金属性の環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１とホイール部２ａ２との間で車輪２ａのタイヤ部２ａ３を挟むことが可能となる。 Accordingly, the horizontal position where the annular brake portions 12a21 and 12a21 of the annular peripheral surface portions 12a2 and 12a2 press the tire portion 2a3 of the wheel 2a is above the hard wheel portion 2a2 of the wheel 2a. It becomes possible to sandwich the tire portion 2a3 of the wheel 2a between the metallic annular brake portion 12a21 always biased by the spring 13c and the wheel portion 2a2.

その結果、環状周面部１２ａ２，１２ａ２の環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１，１２ａ２１が車輪２ａのタイヤ部２ａ３を押圧する水平方向位置は、車輪２ａの硬質のホイール部２ａ２の外側となる場合よりも、摩擦力が強力となるため、本実施形態の自在キャスタのロック装置１を取り付けた移動体が台車の場合で、重量物を搭載している場合でも、車輪２ａの回転および自在キャスタ２の旋回とを確実にロックすることができる。 As a result, the horizontal position where the annular brake portions 12a21 and 12a21 of the annular peripheral surface portions 12a2 and 12a2 press the tire portion 2a3 of the wheel 2a is more frictional than the case where it is outside the hard wheel portion 2a2 of the wheel 2a. Since it is strong, even when the movable body to which the lock device 1 of the universal caster of the present embodiment is attached is a carriage and a heavy object is mounted, the rotation of the wheel 2a and the turning of the universal caster 2 are ensured. Can be locked.

ブレーキ部連結板１２ｂは、２個の自在キャスタ２の設置位置に応じて離間して設けられた２つの環状ブレーキ体１２ａ，１２ａを連結するもので、断面Ｌ字形状の鋼製のアングル材を使用しており、ベース部１１に対し昇降可能となるように、ベース部１１の２本のガイド棒１１ａ，１１ａに案内される案内片１２ｂ１，１２ｂ１が取り付けられている。 The brake portion connecting plate 12b connects two annular brake bodies 12a and 12a that are spaced apart according to the installation positions of the two universal casters 2, and is made of a steel angle material having an L-shaped cross section. Guide pieces 12b1 and 12b1 guided by the two guide rods 11a and 11a of the base portion 11 are attached so that the base portion 11 can be moved up and down.

また、２つの案内片１２ｂ１，１２ｂ１の間となるブレーキ部連結板１２ｂの長手方向中央には、収縮状態のスプリング１３ｃが通る切欠部１２ｂ２が形成されている一方、ベース部１１に対向するベース対向面１２ｂ３１を有し、そのベース対向面１２ｂ３１に収縮状態のスプリング１３ｃの下端部が弾接するスプリング弾接片１２ｂ３が設けられている。 In addition, a notch 12b2 through which the contracted spring 13c passes is formed at the center in the longitudinal direction of the brake connecting plate 12b between the two guide pieces 12b1 and 12b1. A spring elastic contact piece 12b3 having a surface 12b31 and elastically contacting the lower end of the contracted spring 13c is provided on the base facing surface 12b31.

（操作部１３の構成）
操作部１３は、ベース部１１に取り付けられ、操作することによって回転・旋回ロック機構部１２を上下動させ、回転・旋回ロック機構部１２によってベース部１１の両側に設けられた各自在キャスタ２の車輪２ａの回転および自在キャスタ２の旋回軸２ｃ部２ｃを中心とした旋回のロックおよびロック解除を同時に行うものである。 (Configuration of operation unit 13)
The operation unit 13 is attached to the base unit 11 and moves the rotation / slewing lock mechanism unit 12 up and down by operating the operation unit 13, and the rotation / swing lock mechanism unit 12 of each of the free casters 2 provided on both sides of the base unit 11. The rotation of the wheel 2a and the locking and unlocking of the rotation around the rotation shaft 2c portion 2c of the free caster 2 are simultaneously performed.

操作部１３は、ベース部１１の下側であって短手方向に一定間隔を離して設けられ、下方に延びる一対の操作レバー支持板１３ａ，１３ａと、その操作レバー支持板１３ａ，１３ａの下端部間に設けられた支軸１３ｂと、その支軸１３ｂに長手方向の中央で揺動可能に軸支され、収縮状態のスプリング１３ｃの反対側からスプリング弾接片１２ｂ３のベース対向面１２ｂ３１を押圧可能で、かつ、支軸１３ｂの鉛直方向からずれた位置に形成されたトグル機能押圧部１３ｄ１を有する操作レバー１３ｄとを有する。 The operation unit 13 is provided on the lower side of the base unit 11 at a predetermined interval in the short direction, and extends downward, and a pair of operation lever support plates 13a and 13a and lower ends of the operation lever support plates 13a and 13a. A support shaft 13b provided between the two parts, and is supported by the support shaft 13b so as to be swingable at the center in the longitudinal direction, and presses the base facing surface 12b31 of the spring elastic contact piece 12b3 from the opposite side of the contracted spring 13c. And an operation lever 13d having a toggle function pressing portion 13d1 that is formed at a position shifted from the vertical direction of the support shaft 13b.

操作レバー１３ｄは、図６および図７に示すようにロック解除状態では上昇しており、ロックをする際に移動体の使用者が足等で踏んで降下するロック操作片１３ｄ２と、支軸１３ｂを介してロック操作片１３ｄ２の反対側に、ロック状態では上昇しており、ロックを解除する際に移動体の使用者が足等で踏んで降下するロック解除片１３ｄ３とが設けられている。 The operation lever 13d is lifted in the unlocked state as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and a lock operation piece 13d2 that the user of the moving body steps down with a foot or the like when locking, and a support shaft 13b. An unlocking piece 13d3 is provided on the opposite side of the locking operation piece 13d2 via the, and is lifted in the locked state and lowered when the user of the moving body steps on the foot when releasing the lock.

＜実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置１の動作＞
次に、以上のように構成された実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置１の動作について説明する。 <Operation of Swivel Caster Lock Device 1 of Embodiment 1>
Next, the operation | movement of the locking device 1 of the universal caster of Embodiment 1 comprised as mentioned above is demonstrated.

（ロック解除状態）
ロック解除状態は、図７等に示すように、操作レバー１３ｄのロック解除片１３ｄ３側が下がり、ロック操作片１３ｄ２側が上昇している状態であり、操作部１３のトグル機能押圧部１３ｄ１によって収縮状態のスプリング１３ｃの反対側からスプリング弾接片１２ｂ３のベース対向面１２ｂ３１を下側から上に向けて押圧して、回転・旋回ロック機構部１２を構成する環状ブレーキ体１２ａ，１２ａおよびブレーキ部連結板１２ｂは、高い位置であるロック解除位置にて静止している。 (Unlocked state)
As shown in FIG. 7 and the like, the unlocked state is a state in which the unlocking piece 13d3 side of the operation lever 13d is lowered and the locking operation piece 13d2 side is raised, and the operation lever 13 is contracted by the toggle function pressing portion 13d1. By pressing the base facing surface 12b31 of the spring elastic contact piece 12b3 from the lower side to the upper side from the opposite side of the spring 13c, the annular brake bodies 12a and 12a and the brake portion connecting plate 12b constituting the rotation / turn lock mechanism portion 12 are pressed. Is stationary at the unlocked position, which is a high position.

そのため、図７および図８に示すように、環状周面部１２ａ２，１２ａ２の下端部である環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１，１２ａ２１が車輪２ａのタイヤ部２ａ３を押圧せずに、車輪２ａ，２ａの自由な回転および自在キャスタ２の自由な旋回を許容する。 Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the annular brake portions 12a21 and 12a21 which are the lower end portions of the annular peripheral surface portions 12a2 and 12a2 do not press the tire portion 2a3 of the wheel 2a, and the wheels 2a and 2a can freely rotate. And the free swiveling of the free caster 2 is permitted.

（ロック状態）
その一方、ロック解除状態では上がった状態で静止している操作レバー１３ｄのロック操作片１３ｄ２を、使用者の足等で踏むと、収縮状態のスプリング１３ｃと、支軸１３ｂの鉛直方向からずれた位置に形成されたトグル機能押圧部１３ｄ１とによってトグル動作を行って、図９等に示すように、操作レバー１３ｄのロック解除片１３ｄ３側が上がり、ロック操作片１３ｄ２側が下がる。 (Locked state)
On the other hand, when the locking operation piece 13d2 of the operation lever 13d that is stationary in the unlocked state is stepped on with a user's foot or the like, the contracted spring 13c and the support shaft 13b are displaced from the vertical direction. A toggle operation is performed by the toggle function pressing portion 13d1 formed at the position, and as shown in FIG. 9 and the like, the lock release piece 13d3 side of the operation lever 13d is raised and the lock operation piece 13d2 side is lowered.

すると、図９および図１０に示すように、環状周面部１２ａ２，１２ａ２の下端部である環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１，１２ａ２１が車輪２ａのタイヤ部２ａ３を押圧して車輪２ａの回転および自在キャスタ２の旋回とをロックする。尚、このロック状態でも、スプリング１３ｃは、収縮状態にあり、環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１，１２ａ２１が車輪２ａのタイヤ部２ａ３を強力に押圧している。 Then, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the annular brake portions 12a21 and 12a21 which are the lower end portions of the annular peripheral surface portions 12a2 and 12a2 press the tire portion 2a3 of the wheel 2a to rotate the wheel 2a and turn the universal caster 2. And lock. Even in this locked state, the spring 13c is in a contracted state, and the annular brake portions 12a21 and 12a21 strongly press the tire portion 2a3 of the wheel 2a.

＜実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置１の効果＞
従って、本発明に係る実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置１では、回転・旋回ロック機構部１２は、操作部１３の操作によって上昇して高い位置であるロック解除位置にある場合は、各環状周面部１２ａ２，１２ａ２の下端部である環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１，１２ａ２１が車輪２ａのタイヤ部２ａ３を押圧せず車輪２ａの自由な回転および自在キャスタ２の自由な旋回を許容する一方、ロック解除位置よりも低位置であるロック位置に下降した場合は、環状周面部１２ａ２，１２ａ２の下端部である環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１，１２ａ２１が車輪２ａのタイヤ部２ａ３を押圧して車輪２ａの回転および自在キャスタ２の旋回とをロックする。 <Effect of the locking device 1 of the universal caster of Embodiment 1>
Therefore, in the locking device 1 of the universal caster according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the rotation / swivel lock mechanism 12 is lifted by the operation of the operation unit 13 and is in the unlocked position which is a high position. The annular brake portions 12a21, 12a21 which are the lower end portions of the peripheral surface portions 12a2, 12a2 do not press the tire portion 2a3 of the wheel 2a and allow the wheel 2a to freely rotate and the swivel of the free caster 2, while from the unlocked position. In the case of lowering to the locked position, which is the lower position, the annular brake portions 12a21, 12a21 which are the lower end portions of the annular peripheral surface portions 12a2, 12a2 press the tire portion 2a3 of the wheel 2a to rotate the wheel 2a and Lock the turn.

そのため、回転・旋回ロック機構部１２の上下動によって自在キャスタ２の旋回および車輪２ａの回転を同時にロック状態にしたり、同時にロック解除できるので、構造がシンプルとなり、故障し難く、コストも低減することができる。 Therefore, the swivel of the free caster 2 and the rotation of the wheel 2a can be simultaneously locked or unlocked simultaneously by the vertical movement of the rotation / slewing lock mechanism section 12, so that the structure is simple, it is difficult to break down, and the cost is reduced. Can do.

また、本発明に係る実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置１では、２つの環状ブレーキ体１２ａ２，１２ａ２をブレーキ部連結板１２ｂで連結しており、操作部１３は、ベース部１１の下側に下方に延びる一対の操作レバー支持板１３ａ，１３ａを介して揺動可能な操作レバー１３ｄを設けており、その操作レバー１３ｄは、図６および図７に示すようにロック解除状態では上昇しており、ロックをする際に移動体の使用者が足等で踏んで降下するロック操作片１３ｄ２と、支軸１３ｂを介してロック操作片１３ｄ２の反対側に、ロック状態では上昇しており、ロックを解除する際に移動体の使用者が足等で踏んで降下するロック解除片１３ｄ３とを設けて、１つの操作部１３で２つの環状ブレーキ体１２ａ２，１２ａ２を操作できるように構成している。 Further, in the locking device 1 of the universal caster according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the two annular brake bodies 12a2 and 12a2 are connected by the brake part connecting plate 12b, and the operation part 13 is provided below the base part 11. An operation lever 13d that can swing is provided via a pair of operation lever support plates 13a, 13a extending downward. The operation lever 13d is raised in the unlocked state as shown in FIGS. The lock operation piece 13d2 that the user of the moving body steps down with a foot or the like when descending and the lock operation piece 13d2 through the support shaft 13b are raised to the opposite side of the lock operation piece 13d2. A lock release piece 13d3 is provided that the user of the moving body steps down with a foot or the like when releasing, so that the two annular brake bodies 12a2 and 12a2 can be operated by one operation portion 13. It is configured.

そのため、本発明に係る実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置１を荷台やワゴン、テーブル、棚、机、作業台、機械等の移動体の下部に設けた場合、使用者は手を使用せずに、操作レバー１３ｄのロック操作片１３ｄ２やロック解除片１３ｄ３を足で操作することにより、自在キャスタ２の旋回および車輪２ａの回転を同時にロック状態にしたりロック解除できると共に、２つの環状ブレーキ体１２ａ２，１２ａ２を１つの操作部１３で操作できるので、使用勝手を非常に向上させることができる。 Therefore, when the locking device 1 of the universal caster according to the first embodiment of the present invention is provided below the movable body such as a loading platform, a wagon, a table, a shelf, a desk, a work table, or a machine, the user does not use a hand. Further, by operating the lock operation piece 13d2 and the lock release piece 13d3 of the operation lever 13d with a foot, the swiveling of the free caster 2 and the rotation of the wheel 2a can be simultaneously locked or unlocked, and the two annular brake bodies 12a2 can be unlocked. , 12a2 can be operated by one operation unit 13, and the usability can be greatly improved.

また、本実施形態の自在キャスタのロック装置１では、環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１，１２ａ２１の外周の半径ｒは、旋回軸２ｃの軸心と車軸２ａ１の軸心までの間隔Ｌと、車輪２ａのホイール部２ａ２の半径Ｒ２とを加算した値以下としているため、環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１，１２ａ２１が車輪２ａのタイヤ部２ａ３に当接する水平方向位置は、車輪２ａのホイール部２ａ２の上方となる。 Moreover, in the locking device 1 of the universal caster of this embodiment, the radius r of the outer periphery of the annular brake parts 12a21, 12a21 is the distance L between the axis of the turning shaft 2c and the axis of the axle 2a1, and the wheel part of the wheel 2a. Since the radius R2 of 2a2 is equal to or less than the added value, the horizontal position where the annular brake portions 12a21, 12a21 contact the tire portion 2a3 of the wheel 2a is above the wheel portion 2a2 of the wheel 2a.

そのため、自在キャスタ２の旋回および車輪２ａの回転を同時にロックする場合、収縮状態のスプリング１３ｃにより常時付勢された金属性の環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１とホイール部２ａ２との間で車輪２ａのタイヤ部２ａ３を挟むことが可能となり、環状ブレーキ部１２ａ２１，１２ａ２１が車輪２ａのタイヤ部２ａ３に当接する水平方向位置が車輪２ａの硬質のホイール部２ａ２の外側となる場合よりも摩擦力が強力となるので、本実施形態の自在キャスタのロック装置１を取り付けた移動体が台車の場合で、重量物を搭載している場合でも、車輪２ａの回転および自在キャスタ２の旋回とをより確実にロックすることができる。 Therefore, when simultaneously turning the swivel caster 2 and rotating the wheel 2a, the tire portion 2a3 of the wheel 2a is interposed between the metallic annular brake portion 12a21 and the wheel portion 2a2 that are always urged by the contracted spring 13c. Since the frictional force is stronger than when the horizontal position where the annular brake portions 12a21, 12a21 abut against the tire portion 2a3 of the wheel 2a is outside the hard wheel portion 2a2 of the wheel 2a, Even when the movable body to which the locking device 1 of the universal caster of the present embodiment is attached is a carriage and a heavy object is mounted, the rotation of the wheel 2a and the turning of the universal caster 2 can be more reliably locked. it can.

また、本実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置１では、環状ブレーキ部１２ａ１，１２ａ１が操作部１３の操作レバー１３ｄの操作によってロック解除位置よりも低位置であるロック位置に下降し、環状ブレーキ部１２ａ１が車輪２ａのタイヤ２ａ３を押圧して車輪２ａの回転と自在キャスタ２の旋回とをロックしている場合は、図９に示すように操作レバー１３ｄのトグル機能押圧部１３ｄ１がスプリング弾接片１２ｂ３のベース対向面１２ｂ３１を押圧しないように隙間Ｓを設けており、操作レバー１３ｄの揺動に遊びを設けている。 In the locking device 1 of the universal caster according to the first embodiment, the annular brake portions 12a1 and 12a1 are lowered to the lock position that is lower than the unlocking position by the operation of the operation lever 13d of the operation portion 13, and the annular brake portion When the wheel 12a presses the tire 2a3 of the wheel 2a to lock the rotation of the wheel 2a and the turning of the free caster 2, the toggle function pressing portion 13d1 of the operation lever 13d is a spring elastic contact piece as shown in FIG. A gap S is provided so as not to press the base-facing surface 12b31 of 12b3, and play is provided for swinging of the operation lever 13d.

そのため、経年変化により車輪２ａ,２ａのタイヤ部２ａ３，２ａ３は摩耗して、環状ブレーキ体１２ａ，１２ａの環状ブレーキ部１２ａ１，１２ａ１がそれぞれ自在キャスタ２の車輪２ａ,２ａのタイヤ部２ａ３，２ａ３に当接して停止する位置が下がったとしても、図９に示すように操作レバー１３ｄのトグル機能押圧部１３ｄ１がスプリング弾接片１２ｂ３のベース対向面１２ｂ３１を押圧しないように隙間Ｓを設けており、操作レバー１３ｄの揺動に遊びがあるので、車輪２ａの回転および自在キャスタ２の旋回とを確実にロックすることができる。 Therefore, the tire portions 2a3 and 2a3 of the wheels 2a and 2a are worn due to secular change, and the annular brake portions 12a1 and 12a1 of the annular brake bodies 12a and 12a are respectively attached to the tire portions 2a3 and 2a3 of the wheels 2a and 2a of the free caster 2. As shown in FIG. 9, a gap S is provided so that the toggle function pressing portion 13d1 of the operation lever 13d does not press the base facing surface 12b31 of the spring elastic contact piece 12b3, even if the position where the contact stops is lowered. Since there is play in the swing of the operation lever 13d, the rotation of the wheel 2a and the turning of the universal caster 2 can be reliably locked.

実施形態２．
次に、上述した実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置１を装着した実施形態２の移動体３について説明する。 Embodiment 2. FIG.
Next, the movable body 3 of the second embodiment equipped with the above-described universal caster locking device 1 of the first embodiment will be described.

図１１は、実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置１を左右後側の各自在キャスタ２に装着した実施形態３のワゴンや荷台等の移動体３の側面図、図１２は、その移動体３の底面図である。 FIG. 11 is a side view of a movable body 3 such as a wagon or a cargo bed according to the third embodiment in which the locking device 1 of the universal caster according to the first embodiment is mounted on each of the left and right free casters 2. FIG. FIG.

図１１および図１２に示すように、移動体３の左右前側の各自在キャスタ２には、実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置１を装着せず、左右後側の各自在キャスタ２に装着している。 As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the universal casters 2 on the left and right front sides of the movable body 3 are not equipped with the universal caster locking device 1 of the first embodiment, but are attached to the universal casters 2 on the left and right rear sides. ing.

そのため、実施形態２の移動体３によれば、作業者が移動体３の荷台本体３ａ上に荷物を積載し、ハンドル３ｂを握りながら作業をしている場合、ハンドル３ｂの下方となる左右後側の各自在キャスタ２に実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置１が設けられているので、作業者はハンドル３ｂを握りながらでも、足で操作レバー１３ｄのロック解除片１３ｄ３やロック操作片１３ｄ２を踏む等して操作することにより、車輪２ａの回転および自在キャスタ２の旋回とをロックすることができ、とても便利である。 Therefore, according to the moving body 3 of the second embodiment, when an operator loads a load on the loading platform body 3a of the moving body 3 and works while grasping the handle 3b, the left and right rear portions below the handle 3b. Since each free caster 2 is provided with the lock device 1 of the free caster of the first embodiment, the operator holds the unlocking piece 13d3 or the lock operation piece 13d2 of the operation lever 13d with his / her foot even while holding the handle 3b. By operating the vehicle by stepping on it, it is possible to lock the rotation of the wheel 2a and the turning of the free caster 2, which is very convenient.

実施形態３.
実施形態２では、本発明に係る自在キャスタのロック装置１を移動体３の前後にそれぞれ１台ずつ設け、前後それぞれに設けた２台の自在キャスタのロック装置１を連動できるように構成したことを特徴とする。 Embodiment 3.
In the second embodiment, one locking device 1 for the free caster according to the present invention is provided before and after the moving body 3, and the two locking devices 1 for the free casters provided at the front and the rear can be interlocked. It is characterized by.

図１３は、実施形態１の自在キャスタのロック装置１を前後両側の左右の各自在キャスタ２に装着した実施形態３のワゴンや荷台等の移動体３’の側面図、図１２は、その移動体３’の底面図である。 FIG. 13 is a side view of a movable body 3 ′ such as a wagon or a loading platform of Embodiment 3 in which the locking device 1 of the universal caster of Embodiment 1 is mounted on each of the left and right universal casters 2 on both the front and rear sides, and FIG. It is a bottom view of body 3 '.

図１３に示すように、実施形態３の移動体３’では、本発明に係る自在キャスタのロック装置１，１を移動体３の前後にそれぞれ設ける一方、前後それぞれに設けた２台の自在キャスタのロック装置１，１を連結ロッド４によって連結して連動できるように構成したことを特徴とする。 As shown in FIG. 13, in the movable body 3 ′ of the third embodiment, the universal caster locking devices 1 and 1 according to the present invention are provided on the front and rear of the movable body 3, respectively, while the two free casters provided on the front and rear are provided. The locking devices 1 and 1 are connected by a connecting rod 4 so that they can be interlocked.

つまり、この実施形態２の移動体３’では、図１３および図１４に示すように、２台の自在キャスタのロック装置１，１をそれぞれベース部１１，１１および回転・旋回ロック機構部１２，１２の長手方向に対し直交する方向に一定間隔を空けて移動体３’の前後に設け、２台の自在キャスタのロック装置１，２の操作部１３，１３の操作レバー１３ｄ，１３ｄをそれぞれ揺動可能に支持している支軸１３ｂ，１３ｂを連結ロッド４によって連結する。 That is, in the movable body 3 ′ of the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the two free caster locking devices 1 and 1 are respectively connected to the base portions 11 and 11 and the rotation / swivel locking mechanism portion 12 and 12 are provided in front of and behind the moving body 3 ′ at a predetermined interval in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of 12, and the operation levers 13 d and 13 d of the operation units 13 and 13 of the locking devices 1 and 2 of the two free casters are respectively swung. The support shafts 13 b and 13 b that are movably supported are connected by the connecting rod 4.

そのため、実施形態３の移動体３によれば、作業者が移動体３’の荷台本体３ａ’上に荷物を積載し、後側のハンドル３ｂ’を握りながら作業をしていて、後側のハンドル３ｂ’の下方の自在キャスタのロック装置１の操作レバー１３ｄのロック解除片１３ｄ３やロック操作片１３ｄ２を踏む等して操作しても、前側のハンドル３ｃ’を握りながら作業をしていて、前側のハンドル３ｃ’の下方の自在キャスタのロック装置１の操作レバー１３ｄのロック解除片１３ｄ３やロック操作片１３ｄ２を踏む等して操作しても、一度に前後左右の４つの各自在キャスタ２の車輪２ａの回転および各自在キャスタ２の旋回とをロックすることができ、とても便利である。 Therefore, according to the moving body 3 of the third embodiment, an operator loads a load on the loading body 3a ′ of the moving body 3 ′ and works while grasping the rear handle 3b ′. Even if it is operated by stepping on the unlocking piece 13d3 or the locking operation piece 13d2 of the operation lever 13d of the locking device 1 of the free caster locking device 1 below the handle 3b ′, it is working while grasping the front handle 3c ′. Even if it is operated by stepping on the unlocking piece 13d3 or the locking operation piece 13d2 of the operation lever 13d of the locking device 1 of the free caster locking device 1 below the front handle 3c ′, the four front, rear, left and right of each of the free casters 2 can be operated at once. The rotation of the wheel 2a and the turning of each universal caster 2 can be locked, which is very convenient.

また、実施形態３の移動体３によれば、前後それぞれに設けた２台の自在キャスタのロック装置１，１は連結ロッド４によって連結して連動するため、例えば、前側に設けた自在キャスタのロック装置１の操作レバー１３ｄは省略して、後側に設けた自在キャスタのロック装置１の操作レバー１３ｄのみを残すように構成しても勿論良い。 Further, according to the moving body 3 of the third embodiment, the two locking devices 1 and 1 of the free casters provided at the front and the back are connected and interlocked by the connecting rod 4, so that, for example, the free casters provided at the front side are connected. Of course, the operation lever 13d of the locking device 1 may be omitted, and only the operation lever 13d of the locking device 1 of the free caster provided on the rear side may be left.

１自在キャスタのロック装置
１１ベース部
１１ａ，１１ａガイド棒
１２回転・旋回ロック機構部
１２ａ，１２ａ環状ブレーキ体
１２ａ１，１２ａ１環状上面部
１２ａ２，１２ａ２環状周面部
１２ａ２１，１２ａ２１環状ブレーキ部
１２ｂブレーキ部連結板
１２ｂ１，１２ｂ１案内片
１２ｂ２切欠部
１２ｂ３スプリング弾接片
１２ｂ３１ベース対向面
１３操作部
１３ａ，１３ａ操作レバー支持板
１３ｂ支軸
１３ｃスプリング
１３ｄ操作レバー
１３ｄ１トグル機能押圧部
１３ｄ２ロック操作片
１３ｄ３ロック解除片
２自在キャスタ
２ａ車輪
２ａ１車軸
２ａ２ホイール部
２ａ３タイヤ部
２ｂ車輪支持板
２ｃ旋回軸部
３，３’ 移動体
３ａ，３ａ’ 荷台本体
３ｂ，３ｂ’ ハンドル（前側）
３ｃ’ ハンドル（後側）
４連結ロッド DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Locking device of free caster 11 Base part 11a, 11a Guide rod 12 Rotation / turn lock mechanism part 12a, 12a Annular brake body 12a1, 12a1 Annular upper surface part 12a2, 12a2 Annular peripheral surface part 12a21, 12a21 Annular brake part 12b Brake part connection plate 12b1, 12b1 Guide piece 12b2 Notch portion 12b3 Spring elastic contact piece 12b31 Base facing surface 13 Operation portion 13a, 13a Operation lever support plate 13b Support shaft 13c Spring 13d Operation lever 13d1 Toggle function pressing portion 13d2 Lock operation piece 13d3 Unlocking piece 2 Caster 2a Wheel 2a1 Axle 2a2 Wheel part 2a3 Tire part 2b Wheel support plate 2c Rotating shaft part 3, 3 'Moving body 3a, 3a' Cargo body 3b, 3b 'Handle (front side)
3c 'handle (rear side)
4 Connecting rod

Claims

A locking device for a universal caster that rotatably supports a wheel via an axle and is provided so as to be able to turn the wheel in a horizontal direction via a turning shaft,
A base that is fixed to the lower part of the moving body to be moved and used;
A rotation / swivel lock mechanism that can move up and down with respect to the base and is constantly biased downward by a spring, and locks rotation of the wheel and turning of the free caster;
An operation unit that is attached to the base unit and moves the rotation / swivel lock mechanism unit up and down by operation;
The rotation / swivel lock mechanism is
The swivel shaft of the universal caster is circularly surrounded, and the radius of the outer periphery thereof is equal to or less than the value obtained by adding the distance between the axis of the swivel shaft and the axis of the axle and the radius of the wheel. It has an annular brake part,
When the annular brake part is lifted by the operation of the operation part and is stationary at the unlocked position which is a high position, the annular brake part does not press the outer surface of the wheel and the wheel rotates freely. While allowing free swiveling of the free caster,
When the annular brake part is lowered to a lock position that is lower than the unlocking position by the operation of the operation part, the annular brake part presses the outer surface of the wheel by the elasticity of the spring and stops. It is configured to lock the rotation of the wheel and the turning of the universal caster ,
The rotation / swivel lock mechanism is
A brake part connecting plate that connects the plurality of annular brake parts that are spaced apart according to the installation positions of the plurality of universal casters is movable up and down with respect to the base part. At the center in the longitudinal direction, there is provided a notch portion through which the contracted spring passes, and a base-facing surface that faces the base portion, and a spring bullet with the lower end of the contracted spring elastically contacting the base-facing surface. A piece is provided,
The operation unit is
A pair of operation lever support plates provided below the base portion and spaced apart in the short direction and extending downward;
A support shaft provided between the lower ends of the operation lever support plate;
It is pivotally supported by the support shaft, formed so that it can press the base facing surface of the spring elastic contact piece from the opposite side of the contracted spring, and is deviated from the vertical direction of the support shaft. An operation lever having a toggle function pressing part,
The operation lever
When the annular brake part is raised from the locked position to the unlocked position, the toggle function pressing part of the operation lever opposes the elastic force to the contracted spring, and the base of the spring elastic contact piece A locking device for a free caster, wherein the opposing surface is pushed up and raised .

A locking device for a universal caster that rotatably supports a wheel via an axle and is provided so as to be able to turn the wheel in a horizontal direction via a turning shaft,
A base that is fixed to the lower part of the moving body to be moved and used;
A rotation / swivel lock mechanism that can move up and down with respect to the base and is constantly biased downward by a spring, and locks rotation of the wheel and turning of the free caster;
An operation unit that is attached to the base unit and moves the rotation / swivel lock mechanism unit up and down by operation;
The rotation / swivel lock mechanism is
The swivel shaft of the universal caster is circularly surrounded, and the radius of the outer periphery thereof is equal to or less than the value obtained by adding the distance between the axis of the swivel shaft and the axis of the axle and the radius of the wheel. It has an annular brake part,
When the annular brake part is lifted by the operation of the operation part and is stationary at the unlocked position which is a high position, the annular brake part does not press the outer surface of the wheel and the wheel rotates freely. While allowing free swiveling of the free caster,
When the annular brake part is lowered to a lock position that is lower than the unlocking position by the operation of the operation part, the annular brake part presses the outer surface of the wheel by the elasticity of the spring and stops. It is configured to lock the rotation of the wheel and the turning of the universal caster,
The rotation / swivel lock mechanism is
The annular brake part is lowered to a locked position lower than the unlocking position by the operation of the operation part, and the annular brake part presses the outer surface of the wheel by the elasticity of the spring and stops and the wheel When the rotation of the rotary caster and the swivel of the free caster are locked,
A locking device for a universal caster, wherein the toggle function pressing portion of the operating lever is in a state where it does not press the base-facing surface of the spring elastic contact piece, and there is play in the swinging of the operating lever .

In the locking device of the universal caster according to claim 1 or 2,
The wheel of the universal caster is
A hard wheel with an axle in the center,
It is composed of a tire part made of rubber or the like softer than the wheel part provided on the outer periphery of the wheel part,
The radius of the outer periphery of the annular brake part of the rotation / slewing lock mechanism part is:
It is less than or equal to the sum of the distance between the axis of the pivot axis and the axis of the axle and the radius of the wheel portion of the wheel,
When the annular brake part descends to the lock position, the annular brake part presses and stops the outer surface of the tire part of the wheel to lock the rotation of the wheel and the turning of the universal caster, A locking device for a universal caster, characterized in that it is at least above the wheel portion of the wheel of the universal caster.

A movable body, wherein the locking device for a universal caster according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is provided on a left and right universal caster .

A plurality of locking devices for a universal caster according to any one of claims 1 to 3 are provided at regular intervals in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base portion and the rotation / slewing lock mechanism portion. And
Each of the operation portions of the plurality of universal caster locking devices is connected by a connecting rod extending in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the base portion and the rotation / slewing lock mechanism portion, and the A movable body provided with a lock device for a universal caster, wherein a plurality of lock devices for the universal caster are interlocked .