WO2020041824A1 - Ensemble roulette pivotante - Google Patents

Ensemble roulette pivotante Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020041824A1
WO2020041824A1 PCT/AU2019/050898 AU2019050898W WO2020041824A1 WO 2020041824 A1 WO2020041824 A1 WO 2020041824A1 AU 2019050898 W AU2019050898 W AU 2019050898W WO 2020041824 A1 WO2020041824 A1 WO 2020041824A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
castor
wheel
actuator
assembly
frame
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2019/050898
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Graham Dull
Original Assignee
Inautec Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2018903197A external-priority patent/AU2018903197A0/en
Application filed by Inautec Pty Ltd filed Critical Inautec Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2020041824A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020041824A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B3/00—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
    • B62B3/14—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor characterised by provisions for nesting or stacking, e.g. shopping trolleys
    • 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
    • B60B33/02—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors with disengageable swivel action, i.e. comprising a swivel locking mechanism
    • B60B33/025—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors with disengageable swivel action, i.e. comprising a swivel locking mechanism by using form-fit, e.g. front teeth
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
    • B60B19/00—Wheels not otherwise provided for or having characteristics specified in one of the subgroups of this group
    • B60B19/12—Roller-type wheels
    • 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
    • B60B33/006—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors characterised by details of the swivel mechanism
    • B60B33/0065—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors characterised by details of the swivel mechanism characterised by details of the swivel axis
    • B60B33/0068—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors characterised by details of the swivel mechanism characterised by details of the swivel axis the swivel axis being vertical
    • 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
    • B60B33/02—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors with disengageable swivel action, i.e. comprising a swivel locking mechanism
    • B60B33/028—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors with disengageable swivel action, i.e. comprising a swivel locking mechanism being actuated automatically
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B3/00—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
    • B62B3/14—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor characterised by provisions for nesting or stacking, e.g. shopping trolleys
    • B62B3/1492—Wheel arrangements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
    • B60B2900/00—Purpose of invention
    • B60B2900/50—Improvement of
    • B60B2900/551—Handling of obstacles or difficult terrains
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
    • B60B2900/00—Purpose of invention
    • B60B2900/70—Adaptation for
    • B60B2900/711—High loads, e.g. by reinforcements
    • 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
    • B60B33/0036—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors characterised by type of wheels
    • B60B33/0039—Single wheels
    • 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
    • B60B33/0047—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors characterised by details of the rolling axle
    • B60B33/0049—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors characterised by details of the rolling axle the rolling axle being horizontal
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B2301/00—Wheel arrangements; Steering; Stability; Wheel suspension
    • B62B2301/04—Wheel arrangements; Steering; Stability; Wheel suspension comprising a wheel pivotable about a substantially vertical axis, e.g. swivelling castors
    • B62B2301/046—Wheel arrangements; Steering; Stability; Wheel suspension comprising a wheel pivotable about a substantially vertical axis, e.g. swivelling castors with means restricting the rotation about that axis
    • B62B2301/0463—Wheel arrangements; Steering; Stability; Wheel suspension comprising a wheel pivotable about a substantially vertical axis, e.g. swivelling castors with means restricting the rotation about that axis by blocking the rotation at a position
    • B62B2301/04632—Wheel arrangements; Steering; Stability; Wheel suspension comprising a wheel pivotable about a substantially vertical axis, e.g. swivelling castors with means restricting the rotation about that axis by blocking the rotation at a position at two or more positions

Definitions

  • the present invention relates broadly to a castor wheel assembly and relates particularly to a castor wheel assembly including a swivel lock which is disengaged with wheel rotation in one direction.
  • the invention is also directed broadly to a trolley including a castor wheel assembly, such as a supermarket trolley.
  • US Patent No. 8,079,606 by Dull, et al. describes a castor where reverse rotation of the wheel disengages a locking element on the castor from a stopping element on the trolley to enable free swivelling of the castor.
  • the operation is accomplished through the double and complicated action of an actuator in contact with the wheel which is caused to pivot and thereby causes a locking element to pivot on a separate axis to move the locking tab closer to the wheel to disengage it from the stopping element on the trolley.
  • This action requires numerous parts to accomplish the desired outcome and results in relatively bulky and costly additions to the castor. Miniaturizing these component parts is likely to result in parts which are inadequate in strength to accomplish their intended purpose.
  • the pressure exerted on the wheel is likely to be too great in forward travel of the trolley causing the operator to experience unwanted drag and a braking effect when pushing the trolley, while the same and similar pressure exerted on the wheel by the actuator in reverse rotation is likely to be too little and insufficient to unlock the swivel in all usual operational conditions where the trolley is normally used.
  • a castor wheel assembly comprising:
  • a castor frame arranged to swivel about a swivel shaft
  • a locking sub-assembly mounted to the swivel shaft and configured in a locked position to releasably engage the castor frame to at least limit swivelling of the castor frame in at least one direction;
  • an actuator element configured on rotation of the wheel in a predetermined direction to cooperate with the locking sub-assembly to effect movement of the locking sub-assembly toward an unlocked position for disengagement of the locking sub-assembly with the castor frame permitting swivelling of the castor frame in said at least one direction, said actuator element being moved via its traction with the wheel rotating in the predetermined direction to effect said movement of the locking sub- assembly to the unlocked position, said actuator element being moved:
  • the actuator element is rocked about the castor frame under the influence of increased traction between the wheel and the actuator element which applies pressure to the locking sub-assembly to move it toward the unlocked position allowing the castor frame to swivel about the swivel shaft in said at least one direction.
  • the actuator element includes an actuator leg having a traction surface configured to contact the wheel in applying traction to the wheel effective in moving and rocking the actuator element in the first and second stages of movement of the actuator element on rotation of the wheel in the predetermined direction.
  • the actuator element also includes a contact pad having a contact surface configured to contact the wheel as the actuator element is rocked about the castor frame in its second stage of movement, said contact surface of the contact pad thus acting to at least limit further rocking of the actuator element on rotation of the wheel in the predetermined direction.
  • the actuator element further includes an actuator head configured on rotation of the wheel in the predetermined direction to contact the locking sub-assembly to effect its movement toward the unlocked position to permit swivelling of the castor frame in said at least one direction.
  • the locking sub-assembly includes a locking element operatively coupled to a locking mount rigidly secured to the swivel shaft. More preferably the locking element is mounted about the swivel shaft and arranged for movement relative to the swivel shaft, said relative movement at least in part being effective in disengagement of the locking element from the castor frame under the influence of the actuator element movement on rotation of the wheel in the predetermined direction.
  • the castor frame includes a stopping element having an engagement shoulder configured for contact with the locking element to at least inhibit swivelling of the castor frame in said at least one direction.
  • the stopping element includes a ramped surface associated with the engagement shoulder, said ramped surface being configured to cooperate with the locking element which on swivelling of the castor frame in an opposite direction to said one direction provides sliding contact of the locking element across the ramped surface, said sliding contact effecting movement of the locking element relative to the swivel shaft permitting continued swivelling in said opposite direction.
  • the castor frame includes an actuator opening adjacent the stopping element and configured to receive the actuator head on movement of the actuator element into contact with the locking element for disengagement with the stopping element permitting swivelling of the castor frame in said at least on direction.
  • the actuator element includes an actuator body deposed between the actuator leg and the actuator head, the actuator body having a rocking surface designed to contact the castor frame at the actuator opening to promote rocking of the actuator element about the castor frame in the second stage of movement of the actuator element.
  • the actuator head nests within the actuator opening of the castor frame to retain the actuator element in a floating disposition relative to the castor frame and the wheel.
  • the actuator element includes a ride pad located adjacent the actuator leg and designed to ride lightly on the wheel during its rotation in an opposite direction to the
  • the actuator head of the actuator element includes a rest surface located on its underside and configured to rest on the castor frame adjacent the actuator opening during rotation of the wheel in the opposite direction.
  • the actuator body includes a stopping surface located opposite the rocking surface, said stopping surface being configured to restrain movement of the actuator element during rotation of the wheel in the opposite direction.
  • the locking sub-assembly also includes restraining means arranged between the locking mount and the locking element to permit limited swivelling of the castor frame in said one direction on engagement of the locking sub- assembly with the castor frame.
  • the restraining means includes a spring located between the locking mount and the locking element, the spring designed to limit swivelling of the castor frame relative to the swivel shaft at up to about 30°.
  • the locking element includes a locking disc having a radial projection designed to be contacted by the actuator head on rotation of the wheel in the predetermined direction thereby effecting the relative movement of the locking element causing disengagement of the radial projection from the stopping element of the castor frame for swivelling of said frame in said at least one direction.
  • the radial projection of the locking disc is configured on the relative movement of the locking element for disengagement from the stopping element to disengage from the actuator element thereby releasing traction applied to the wheel via the actuator element.
  • the radial projection of the locking element is configured relative to the castor frame to, on disengagement of the locking element from the castor frame, effect separation of the locking element from the actuator element which swivels together with the castor frame independent of the locking element thereby avoiding traction to the wheel from the actuator element under the influence of the locking element.
  • a trolley comprising:
  • castor wheel assembly mounted to the trolley frame, said castor wheel assembly including:
  • a castor frame arranged to swivel about a swivel shaft mounted to the trolley frame;
  • a locking sub-assembly mounted to the swivel shaft and configured in a locked position to releasably engage the castor frame to at least limit swivelling of the castor frame in at least one direction;
  • an actuator element configured on rotation of the wheel in a predetermined direction to cooperate with the locking sub-assembly to effect movement of the locking sub-assembly toward an unlocked position for disengagement of the locking sub-assembly with the castor frame permitting swivelling of the castor frame in said at least one direction, said actuator element being moved via its traction with the wheel rotating in the predetermined direction to effect said movement of the locking sub- assembly to the unlocked position, said actuator element being moved: i) in a first stage where traction between the wheel and the actuator element effects movement of the actuator element into contact with the locking sub-assembly;
  • Figure 1 is front view of an embodiment of a castor wheel assembly according to the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a rear view of the castor wheel assembly of the embodiment of figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a side view of the castor wheel assembly of the embodiments of figures 1 and 2;
  • Figure 4 is a lower perspective and exploded view of the castor wheel assembly of the embodiment of the preceding figures but without the associated wheel and axle;
  • Figure 5 is an upper perspective and exploded view of the castor wheel assembly of the embodiment of the preceding figures
  • Figure 6 is a lower perspective and exploded view of a locking sub-assembly taken from the castor wheel assembly of the embodiment of the preceding figures;
  • Figure 7 is a lower perspective view of a locking mount of the locking sub-assembly of figure 6;
  • Figure 8 is an upper perspective view of a locking element of the locking sub- assembly of figure 6;
  • Figure 9 is an upper perspective view of a castor frame of the castor wheel assembly of the embodiment of figures 1 to 5;
  • Figure 10 is a lower perspective view of an actuator element taken from the castor wheel assembly of the embodiment of figures 1 to 5;
  • Figure 11 is an underside view of the actuator element of figure 10;
  • Figure 12 is a lower perspective view shown enlarged of the actuator element cooperating with the wheel according to the embodiment of the preceding figures;
  • Figure 13 is a schematic side elevational view of the actuator element and wheel of figure 12;
  • Figures 14A to 14C schematically illustrate staged movement or rocking of the actuator element on rotation of the wheel in the predetermined direction effecting disengagement of the locking sub-assembly for swivelling of the castor frame;
  • Figure 15 is a lower perspective view from the rear of an alternative actuator element in cooperation with a travellator wheel taken from another embodiment of a castor wheel assembly according to the invention
  • Figure 16 is a lower perspective and exploded view of another embodiment of a castor wheel assembly according to the invention but without the associated wheel and axle;
  • Figure 17 is another lower perspective and exploded view of the castor wheel assembly of the other embodiment of figure 16;
  • Figure 18 is an upper perspective view of the castor wheel assembly of the other embodiment of figures 16 and 17 with its locking sub-assembly, upper cover element, and wheel removed for clarity;
  • Figure 19 is another upper perspective view of the components of the castor wheel assembly of the other embodiment of figure 18;
  • Figure 20 is a rear perspective view of the castor wheel assembly of the other embodiment of figures 16 to 19 in its assembled condition;
  • Figure 21 is a rear view of the locking sub-assembly releasably disengaged from a catch element of the castor frame sub-assembly taken from the castor wheel assembly of the other embodiment of figures 16 to 20.
  • a castor wheel assembly 10 generally comprising a castor frame 12 arranged to swivel about a swivel shaft 14 (represented by centreline detail), a locking sub-assembly 16 mounted to the swivel shaft 14, and an actuator element 18 configured to cooperate with the locking sub-assembly 16 for its disengagement from the castor frame 12 to permit swivelling of the castor frame 12.
  • a wheel 20 rotationally mounted via axle 21 to the castor frame 12 is not shown in the exploded views of figures 4 and 5.
  • the locking sub-assembly 16 is configured in a locked position to releasably engage the castor frame 12 to limit swivelling of the castor frame in at least one direction.
  • the castor frame 12 is limited by the locking sub-assembly 16 from swivelling in an anti- clockwise direction when viewed from above.
  • the castor wheel assembly in another embodiment may include a locking sub-assembly configured to releasably engage the castor frame limiting swivelling in an opposite direction or clockwise when viewed from above.
  • the castor wheel assembly 10 being wheel activated and having a directional swivel lock provides a relatively simple and efficient assembly.
  • the castor wheel assembly 10 of this embodiment may be mounted to a trolley frame at its left rear whereas the alternative embodiment of the castor wheel assembly is mounted to the trolley frame at its right rear.
  • This mounting arrangement is for example disclosed in the applicant’s international patent publication no. WO2014/066925, the contents of which is to be considered included herein by way of this reference.
  • the actuator element 18 is configured on rotation of the wheel 20 in a predetermined direction to cooperate with the locking sub-assembly 16 to effect its movement toward an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the locking sub- assembly 16 disengages with the castor frame 12 permitting swivelling of the castor frame 12 in the anti-clockwise direction.
  • rotation of the wheel 20 in the predetermined or reverse direction provides cooperation of the actuator element 18 with the locking sub-assembly 16 for disengagement with the castor frame 12. This reverse rotation of the wheel 20 is shown at 22 in the side elevation of figure 3.
  • the actuator element 18 is moved via its traction with the wheel 20 rotating in the reverse direction to effect the required movement of the locking sub- assembly 16 to the unlocked position.
  • the actuator element 18 is sequentially moved in a:
  • the increased traction between the wheel 20 and the actuator element 18 in the second stage is effective in rocking the actuator element 18 wherein it applies pressure to the locking sub-assembly 16 to move it toward the unlocked position.
  • the locking sub-assembly 16 allows the castor frame 12 to swivel about the swivel shaft 14 in the anticlockwise direction. This disengagement of the locking sub-assembly 16 and anti-clockwise swivelling of the castor frame 12 occurs on reverse rotation of the wheel 20.
  • the actuator element 18 includes a pair of actuator legs 24a and 24b each having a traction surface 26a and 26b respectively configured to contact the wheel 20 in applying traction to the wheel 20.
  • This application of traction to the wheel 20 is effective in moving and rocking the actuator element 18 in the first and second stages of movement on rotation of the wheel 20 in the reverse direction. With reverse rotation of the wheel 20, the actuator element 18 in the second stage of movement moves the locking sub-assembly 16 toward the unlocked position.
  • the actuator element 18 also includes a pair of contact pads 28a and 28b having respective contact surfaces 30a and 30b configured to contact the wheel 20 as the actuator element 18 is rocked about the castor frame 12 in its second stage of movement.
  • the contact surfaces 30a/b of the contact pads 28a/b act in cooperation with the wheel 20 and castor frame 12 to limit further rocking of the actuator element 18.
  • the actuator element 18 further includes an actuator head 32 having an actuator surface 33 (see figure 10) configured on reverse rotation of the wheel 20 to contact the locking sub-assembly 16 to effect its movement toward the unlocked position to permit swivelling of the castor frame 12.
  • the locking sub-assembly 16 includes a locking element 34 operatively coupled to a locking mount 36 rigidly secured to the swivel shaft 14.
  • the locking element 34 of this example includes a locking disc 38 having a radial projection 40 designed to be contacted by the actuator surface 33 of the actuator head 32 on reverse rotation of the wheel 20.
  • the locking element 34 is mounted about the swivel shaft 14 and arranged for movement relative to the swivel shaft 14 wherein:
  • the radial projection 40 of the locking disc 38 is configured with the locking sub-assembly 16 in the locked position to releasably engage the castor frame 12 to limit its swivelling in the anti- clockwise direction; 2. with reverse rotation of the wheel 20, the radial projection 40 of the locking disc 38 is contacted by the actuator head 32 effecting the relative movement of the locking element 34 causing disengagement of the radial projection 40 from the castor frame 12 for swivelling of the castor frame 12 in the anti-clockwise direction.
  • the locking sub-assembly 16 is configured to disengage from the actuator element 18 thereby releasing traction applied to the wheel 20 via the actuator element 18.
  • the wheel 20 can thus rotate in reverse with minimal drag or braking being applied to it from the actuator element 18.
  • the radial projection 40 of the locking element 34 separates from the actuator element 18 on swivelling of the castor frame 12 within which the actuator element 18 is retained in a floating disposition. This separation is a result of the independence of the locking element 34 which is mounted to the swivel shaft 14, and the actuator element 18 which swivels in conjunction with the castor frame 12.
  • the actuator element 18, on disengagement of the locking element 34 from the castor frame 12, is not contacted or otherwise influenced by the locking element 18 which would otherwise urge the actuator element 18 to apply traction to the wheel 20. It is important that friction or traction on the wheel 20 is minimised during this reverse rotation of the wheel 20 which will continue until the castor wheel assembly 10 or castor frame 12 has swivelled between about 90 degrees and 180 degrees before the wheel 20 rotates forward. If the wheel 20 experiences unwanted friction or traction at this time, this friction will cause the backward moving castor wheel assembly 10 to veer off in different angles, and transition of the wheel assembly 10 from forward to reverse travel will not be smooth as required.
  • the locking sub-assembly 16 also includes restraining means in the form of a spring 42 arranged between the locking mount 36 and the locking element 34.
  • the spring 42 With forward rotation of the wheel 20 and engagement of the locking sub-assembly 16 with the castor frame 12, the spring 42 is designed to permit limited swivelling of the castor frame 12 in the anti-clockwise direction.
  • the castor frame 12 under the restraint of the spring 42 swivels up to about 30 degrees in the anti- clockwise direction beyond initial engagement of the locking sub-assembly 16 with the castor frame 12.
  • the locking sub-assembly 16 may be configured without limited swivelling of the castor frame 12 on its engagement with the locking sub-assembly 16.
  • the castor frame 12 includes a stopping element 44 having an engagement shoulder 46 configured for contact with the locking element 34 to at least inhibit swivelling of the castor frame 12 in the anti-clockwise direction of this embodiment.
  • the stopping element 44 includes a ramped surface 48 associated with the engagement shoulder 46.
  • the ramped surface 48 of the castor frame 12 is configured to cooperate with the locking element 34 which on swivelling of the castor frame 12 in the clockwise direction provides sliding contact of the radial projection 40 of the locking disc 38 across the ramped surface 48.
  • the castor frame 12 of this embodiment also includes an actuator opening 50 located adjacent the stopping element 44.
  • the actuator opening 50 is configured to receive the actuator head 32 on movement of the actuator element 18 into contact with the locking element 34 for disengagement with the stopping element 44 of the castor frame 12. This disengagement occurs with reverse rotation of the wheel 20 to permit swivelling of the castor frame 12 in the anti- clockwise direction beyond the stopping element 44.
  • the embodiment includes an actuator body 52 disposed between the pair of actuator legs 24a/b and the actuator head 32.
  • the actuator body 52 includes a rocking surface 54 designed to contact the castor frame 12 at the actuator opening 50 to promote rocking of the actuator element 18 about the castor frame 12 in the second stage of movement of the actuator element 18 during reverse rotation of the wheel 20.
  • the actuator head 32 nests within the actuator opening 50 of the castor frame 12 thereby retaining the actuator element 18 in a floating disposition relative to the castor frame 12 and the wheel 20.
  • the actuator element 18 With forward rotation of the wheel 20, the actuator element 18 includes a pair of ride pads 56a and 56b designed to ride lightly on the wheel 20 during its rotation.
  • the actuator head 32 of the actuator element 18 also includes a rest surface 58 located on its underside and configured to rest on the castor frame 12 adjacent the actuator opening 50 during rotation of the wheel 20 in the forward direction.
  • the actuator element 18 of this embodiment also includes a stopping surface 60 located on an opposite face to the rocking surface 54 of the actuator body 52. The stopping surface 60 is on rotation of the wheel 20 in the forward direction configured to restrain movement of the actuator element 18 thereby retaining it in its floating disposition within the castor frame 12.
  • Figure 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the actuator element 18 of this embodiment cooperating with the wheel 20 rotating in the forward direction.
  • the other components of the castor wheel assembly 10 in which the actuator element 18 is installed have for clarity been removed.
  • Figures 13 and 14 schematically depict movement of the actuator element 18 of this embodiment on reverse rotation of the associated wheel 20 with movement of the actuator element 18 being effected by its traction with the wheel 20 rotating in reverse.
  • Figure 13 shows the actuator element 18 relative to the wheel 20 at the point of transition from forward rotation of the wheel 20 to reverse rotation. It is to be understood that the imaginary broken line 90 is generally defined at:
  • the imaginary solid line 92 in figure 13 is generally defined at:
  • FIG. 14A to 14C illustrate staged movement of the actuator element 18 where in:
  • Figure 14 is provided with a pair of horizontal bars 96a and 96b which are intended to provide a convenient reference for comparing lengths of the broken line 90 in the course of the staged movement of the actuator 18. It can be seen from figures 14a to 14c that:
  • the imaginary broken line 90 progressively lengthens as the actuator 18 moves and rocks through its various stages, this lengthening of the broken line 90 effecting movement of the locking sub-assembly via the actuator element 18 for disengagement of the locking sub-assembly with the castor frame;
  • the acute angle 94 is relatively“narrow” and remains substantially constant as the actuator 18 moves through its staged movement in actuating the locking sub-assembly for disengagement with castor frame.
  • the actuator element 18 will not generate“lift” (the broken line 90 will not extend in length) wherein the actuator 18 is ineffective in effecting movement of the locking sub-assembly for disengagement with the castor frame;
  • the configuration of the actuator element 18 itself including but not limited to the relative positions of the traction surface, the rocking surface and the actuator surface;
  • the castor wheel assembly 10 is tailored to provide increased height or lift of the actuator element 18 while also providing effective traction of the actuator element 18 to the wheel 20.
  • the actuator element may vary from the geometry of this preferred embodiment, and its relationship to other components of the castor wheel assembly, provided the requisite traction with the wheel“extends” the effective height of the actuator element 18 for contact with the locking element for disengagement from the castor frame.
  • Figure 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an actuator element 18' in cooperation with a travellator wheel 20'.
  • the corresponding components of this alternative actuator element 18' have been designated with an apostrophe.
  • the actuator head has been designated as 32'.
  • the actuator element 18' is included in a castor wheel assembly of substantially identical construction to the preceding embodiment.
  • the alternative actuator 18' operates in a similar manner to the preceding embodiment in effecting movement of an associated locking sub-assembly toward an unlocked position for disengagement of the locking sub-assembly with the castor frame.
  • the actuator element 18' moves in stages under the influence of its traction with the wheel 20' for contact with the locking sub-assembly for its movement and disengagement with the castor frame.
  • FIG. 16 to 21 there is a castor wheel assembly 100 of another embodiment of the first aspect of the invention.
  • like components of this other castor wheel assembly 100 have been designated with an additional“0”, for example the locking sub-assembly is designated as 160.
  • the castor wheel assembly 100 of this other embodiment departs from the preceding embodiment with the inclusion of a catch element 190 associated with the castor frame sub-assembly 110.
  • the catch element 190 is anchored to the castor frame sub-assembly 110 and arranged to cooperate with the actuator element 180 for disengagement of the catch element 190 from the locking sub-assembly 160 on rotation of the wheel (not shown) in the predetermined or reverse direction.
  • the catch element 190 with rotation of the wheel (not shown) in the forward direction releasably engages the locking sub-assembly 160 in a locked position to limit swivelling of the castor frame 120 in at least one direction, being anticlockwise when viewed from above.
  • the actuator element 180 is moved via its traction with the wheel (not shown) rotating in the reverse direction to in this case effect movement of the catch element 190 toward its unlocked position for disengagement with the locking sub-assembly 160.
  • the actuator element 180 is sequentially moved in first and second stages in the same manner as the preceding embodiment of the invention.
  • the castor frame sub-assembly 110 includes a pair of cover elements 230a and 230b securely fitted to the castor frame 120 and together arranged to anchor the catch element 190;
  • a lower of the cover elements 230a includes a corresponding actuator opening 250 generally aligned with the actuator opening 500 of the castor frame 120 to permit passage of the actuator element 180 for contact with the catch element 190 for disengagement from the locking sub-assembly 160 to permit swivelling of the castor frame 120 in said at least one direction;
  • an upper of the cover elements 230b includes a generally circular-shaped
  • the catch element 190 rocks about the lower cover element 230a in a see-saw like action.
  • the catch element 190 with forward rotation of the wheel (not shown) is weighted and configured without the influence of the actuator element 180 to rock anti-clockwise (as viewed in figure 21 ) into engagement with the locking sub-assembly 160.
  • the catch element 190 in this locked position engages the projection 400 of the locking element 340 to limit swivelling of the castor frame 120.
  • the catch element 190 under the influence of the actuator element (not shown) is rocked in a clockwise direction to disengage from the axial projection 400 to permit swivelling of the castor frame 120.
  • This rocking of the catch element 190 occurs on reverse rotation of the wheel (not shown) which with traction effects sequential movement of the actuator element 180 (as described in detail in the context of the earlier embodiment) and its pressing contact with the catch element 190.
  • catch element 190 of this other embodiment effectively replaces the stopping element 44 included in the castor frame 12 of the earlier embodiment.
  • the inclusion of the catch element 190 in this other embodiment allows the diameter of the locking sub-assembly 160 to be smaller, and this design including the pair of cover elements 230a/b makes it easier to fully enclose the castor wheel assembly 100.
  • the invention in a second aspect is directed to a trolley comprising a trolley frame to which one or more of the castor wheel assemblies of the earlier embodiments of the invention are mounted.
  • the castor wheel assemblies are each broadly constructed in line with one of the preceding embodiments of the invention.
  • the locking sub-assembly and associated actuator element provide limited drag and braking on wheel rotation, typically in a forward direction;
  • the castor wheel assembly lends itself to relatively small components fitted about or within a confined space of the castor frame
  • the actuator element of the preferred design is relatively small and lightweight reducing the cost of manufacture and being more effective in its operation with the wheel, particularly in a“passive” mode with wheel rotation in the forward direction;
  • the actuator element being independent of and separate from the locking sub- assembly, lends itself to a castor wheel assembly being relatively efficient and reliable in operation.
  • the actuator element may vary in its shape and configuration provided it achieves the required wheel traction and resulting“lifting” action for disengagement of the locking sub-assembly. It will be understood that rotation of the wheel in either direction may effect actuation of the actuator element for
  • the castor frame may be prevented from swivelling in either direction depending on the trolley or other application to which it is applied. All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope of the present invention the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un ensemble roulette pivotante (10) comprenant un cadre de roulette (12) conçu pour pivoter autour d'un arbre de pivot (14), un sous-ensemble de verrouillage monté sur l'arbre de pivot (14), et un élément actionneur (18) conçu pour coopérer avec le sous-ensemble de verrouillage (16) pour que sa désolidatisation du cadre de roulette (12) permette le pivotement du cadre de roulette (12). Le sous-ensemble de verrouillage (16) est conçu, dans une position verrouillée, pour mettre en prise de manière libérable le cadre de roulette (12) pour limiter le pivotement du cadre de roulette (12) dans au moins une direction. L'ensemble roulette pivotante (10) qui est activé par la roulette et a un verrou pivotant directionnel est un ensemble relativement simple et efficace.
PCT/AU2019/050898 2018-08-30 2019-08-26 Ensemble roulette pivotante WO2020041824A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2018903197 2018-08-30
AU2018903197A AU2018903197A0 (en) 2018-08-30 Castor Wheel Assembly

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020041824A1 true WO2020041824A1 (fr) 2020-03-05

Family

ID=69642657

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2019/050898 WO2020041824A1 (fr) 2018-08-30 2019-08-26 Ensemble roulette pivotante

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2020041824A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5040265A (en) * 1988-11-22 1991-08-20 Herok-Rjk Limited Castors
WO1993025398A1 (fr) * 1992-06-10 1993-12-23 Lloyd Gerald E Ensemble roue de guidage pour chariot et chariot ainsi equipe
EP0424234B1 (fr) * 1989-10-17 1994-06-01 GUITEL-ETIENNE MOBILOR Société Anonyme Roulette pivotante pour chariot
GB2389084A (en) * 2002-05-29 2003-12-03 Cyril Moye Trolley Stabiliser
AU2005237657B2 (en) * 2004-05-03 2011-08-25 Inautec Pty Limited Trolley with a swivable guide wheel

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5040265A (en) * 1988-11-22 1991-08-20 Herok-Rjk Limited Castors
EP0424234B1 (fr) * 1989-10-17 1994-06-01 GUITEL-ETIENNE MOBILOR Société Anonyme Roulette pivotante pour chariot
WO1993025398A1 (fr) * 1992-06-10 1993-12-23 Lloyd Gerald E Ensemble roue de guidage pour chariot et chariot ainsi equipe
GB2389084A (en) * 2002-05-29 2003-12-03 Cyril Moye Trolley Stabiliser
AU2005237657B2 (en) * 2004-05-03 2011-08-25 Inautec Pty Limited Trolley with a swivable guide wheel

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