Eccentric bearing assemblies for swivel casters

摘要

A caster includes a mounting plate, a horn having a horn base and at least one leg, a wheel axle coupled to the at least one leg and defining a rolling axis, a caster wheel coupled to the wheel axle and rotatable about the rolling axis, and an eccentric bearing assembly coupling the horn with the mounting plate. In one embodiment, the bearing assembly includes first, second, and third rings of rolling elements, defining first, second, and third horizontal bearing planes, respectively. The second and third rings of rolling elements are positioned eccentrically within the first ring of rolling elements. In another embodiment, the first bearing plane extends between the second and third bearing planes. A transport vehicle includes a vehicle body and at least one swivel caster having an eccentric bearing assembly.

主权项

1. A caster comprising:
a mounting plate adapted to be mounted to a vehicle; a horn having a horn base and at least one leg extending away from the horn base; a wheel axle coupled to the at least one leg and defining a rolling axis; a caster wheel coupled to the wheel axle and rotatable about the rolling axis; and a bearing assembly coupling the horn with the mounting plate, the bearing assembly including a first ring of rolling elements, a second ring of rolling elements, and a third ring of rolling elements, wherein the second ring of rolling elements and the third ring of rolling elements are positioned eccentrically within the first ring of rolling elements.