JP2006082777A - Folding tricycle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To fold a vehicle body by a quadrangle link mechanism, and to accurately transmit steering force by an interlocking mechanism when the interlocking mechanism interlocking a pushing rod and a steering handle is inserted in a vehicle body frame. <P>SOLUTION: A front frame 12 has a steering shaft holding cylinder 18 and a pipe-shaped projecting portion 20 opening toward a main pipe 14 front end, and a first folding shaft 22 coupling the pipe-shaped projecting portion 20 and the main pipe 14 front portion is divided into right and left sides. A coupling rod interlocking a steering shaft 102 and the pushing rod 84 can be folded at a joint portion 130A positioned between the first folding shaft 22. A guide member 150 is provided, which prevents lowering of the joint portion 130A near the joint portion 130A and slidably holds the joint portion 130A in a longitudinal direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a folding tricycle mainly suitable for infants, in which a body frame can be folded.

  In infants and children's tricycles, it is desirable to fold them down to reduce the storage space when not in use. For this reason, it has been conventionally proposed to enable folding.

JP2003-175876 JP 2002-120785 A Japanese Utility Model Sho 50-133268

  In Patent Documents 1 and 2, a front wheel support member (corresponding to the front frame of the present application), an intermediate frame member (also a main pipe), and a rear wheel support member (also a rear frame) are connected by folding shafts, respectively. A tricycle is shown in which a front wheel support member and a rear wheel support member are connected by a link to form a four-sided link so that the vehicle body can be folded.

  On the other hand, a tricycle mainly carrying an infant is known in which a guard bar is provided to push a tricycle to assist traveling. The pusher bar rises upward from the rear of the infant seat, and the guardian holds the pusher bar and pushes the tricycle or restricts unintentional travel.

  In such a tricycle, it is considered that the guardian can control the traveling direction with this push bar so that the guardian can more easily control the traveling. In Patent Document 3, a pusher bar that interlocks with the steering handle of the tricycle is provided at the rear end of the main frame (body), and the steering handle is connected to the pusher bar by a connecting rod that passes through the main frame. It is intended to convey the movement to the other.

  In the case where the vehicle body frame shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2 can be folded by a four-sided link, it is difficult to combine the interlocking mechanism of the push bar and the steering handle shown in Patent Document 3. In other words, the pusher bar interlock mechanism needs to bend when the vehicle body is folded, but if it is simply made to be able to bend up and down with a joint, the connecting rod will bend freely with this joint and the steering force will be accurately adjusted. I can't tell you.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and when the vehicle body can be folded by the four-side link mechanism and the interlocking mechanism for interlocking the pusher bar and the steering handle is passed through the vehicle body frame, the presser by the interlocking mechanism is provided. An object of the present invention is to provide a folding tricycle capable of accurately transmitting a steering force between a rod and a steering handle.

  According to the present invention, this object includes one main pipe in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, a front frame that holds one front wheel, and a rear wheel frame that holds two rear wheels. A frame connecting link that connects the front frame and the rear frame by connecting the front end to the front frame and the intermediate portion of the main pipe to the front end of the rear frame by first and second folding shafts in the vehicle body width direction, respectively. And the first and second folding shafts, in which the front frame has a steering shaft holding cylinder for holding the steering shaft of the front wheels and a pipe-like protrusion that opens toward the front end of the main pipe The first folding shaft that connects the pipe-shaped projecting portion and the main pipe front portion is divided into right and left, and is fixed to the rear end of the main pipe and holds the pusher bar rotatably. A push rod holding cylinder, a flange-shaped first and second connecting plate that are housed in the steering shaft holding cylinder and the push rod holding cylinder and rotate together with the steering shaft and the push bar, respectively, and the main A pair of left and right connecting rods, which have front and rear ends hooked to the first and second connecting plates through the pipe and can be bent at a joint portion located between the divided first folding shafts, And a guide member for holding the connecting rod in the vicinity of the joint portion to prevent the joint portion from descending and to be slidable in the longitudinal direction.

  The body frame is divided into a front frame, main pipe, and rear frame, and these and other links form a four-sided link mechanism, so you can fold the body frame when you are not riding a tricycle, when storing it, or when transporting it. The accommodation space can be reduced.

  Since the connecting rod for interlocking the pusher bar and the steering handle is passed through the main pipe, the interlocking mechanism of the two is not exposed to the outside, and there is no possibility of hooking clothes during handling.

  The connecting rod that passes through the main pipe can be passed through the main pipe by dividing the first folding shaft that connects the front frame and the main pipe into left and right, and the joint portion of the connecting rod is connected to the first connecting shaft. It was arrange | positioned in the vicinity between 1 folding shafts. And in order to prevent this joint part from moving up and down at the time of use of a tricycle, the guide member was provided. Since this guide member prevents the joint portion from being lowered (bending downward), there is no inconvenience that the connecting rod is bent when not desired and the steering force of the pusher bar is not accurately transmitted to the steering handle.

  Since there is a pair of connecting rods on the left and right, when a compressive force is applied to one of the connecting rods, a tensile force is always applied to the other. Therefore, the guide hole of the guide member lowers (joins downward) the joint of one connecting rod. If the pressure is restricted, the joint portion will not be bent upward even if a compressive force is applied to the other connecting rod. As described above, since the lowering of the joint portion of the connecting rod is regulated by the guide member, the connecting rod is not inadvertently bent at the joint portion, and an accurate steering force can be transmitted.

  A long guide hole is formed in the guide member, and the connecting rod passing through the guide hole is prevented from lowering the joint portion by the lower edge of the guide hole, and the connecting rod is inserted into the guide hole when the vehicle body is folded. It is desirable to bring the front wheel back into the straight position by contacting the upper edge (claim 2). In this case, when the front wheel is not in the straight drive position, one connecting rod comes into contact with the upper edge of the guide hole of the guide member and pushes the connecting rod back to the straight drive position. Return to. As a result, the joint portions of both connecting rods are returned to the vicinity of the position of the first folding shaft, and the vehicle body can be folded more smoothly.

  The upper part of the steering handlebar handle post is bent forward, the steering handlebar is bent in a substantially arc shape that opens backward in plan view, and the seating seat is located between the steering handlebars when the vehicle body is folded. The folding operation can be performed more smoothly by entering from the rear and forcibly turning the handlebar to the substantially straight position (Claim 3).

  In this case, if the seat has a back rest that stands up from its rear part, and this back rest is placed between the steering handlebars when the vehicle body is folded, the handle can be handled by the back rest from the middle stage of the folding operation. Since the bar can be gradually returned to the straight position by pushing the bar, the folding operation can be performed more smoothly (claim 4).

  If the connecting part between the front frame and the main pipe located near the first folding shaft is covered with a flexible dustproof cover, dust and dust will not adhere to this area, and smooth operation can be achieved over a long period of time. It is possible (Claim 5).

  It is preferable to provide a lock mechanism that locks the vehicle body frame when it is folded and when the vehicle body is used, so that the vehicle body frame will not be bent carelessly. As this locking mechanism, for example, a lock lever that is pivotally supported by the main pipe and a lock plate that rotates together with the rear frame around a second folding shaft (a shaft that connects the main pipe and the rear frame). In which the lock lever engages with the lock plate in the folded position and the use position.

  It is preferable that the lock lever used here is configured to release the lock with the lock plate by facing an operation end on which the user puts a finger to the lower rear portion of the seating seat and pulling up the operation end with the finger. Thus, the vehicle body can be folded by lifting the seating seat simultaneously with the unlocking, and the unlocking and folding operations can be performed smoothly and continuously (claim 7).

  The main pipe may be provided with an auxiliary step for placing a foot when a child rides. In this case, the auxiliary step is pivotally supported by the support shaft so that it can swing back and forth, and can be locked in the use position pulled down, while the lock release plate is rotatably held on the support shaft, and the four-side link of the body frame The lock release plate is rotated by the lock release link in conjunction with the frame connection link, which is a part of the frame, and the lock of the auxiliary step is released in conjunction with the folding of the vehicle body. .

  If the pusher bar can be folded, the long pusher bar will not be disturbed when the vehicle body is folded. For example, the pusher bar may be folded around the center, the pusher bar may be disassembled, or may be removed from the pusher bar holding cylinder.

  FIG. 1 is a side perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view with a part omitted, and FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a part of an interlocking mechanism between a push bar and a steering shaft. 4 is a side perspective view showing a part of the folding mechanism of the vehicle body, FIG. 5 is a side perspective view showing a state where the folding is partially omitted, and FIG. 6 is a plan perspective view showing the vicinity of the interlocking mechanism and the first folding shaft. 7 is a side perspective view, and FIG. 8 is a plan view (A), a side view (B), and a front view (C) of the guide member. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory view showing the folding process of the vehicle body, and FIG. 10 is a perspective plan view showing the folded state of the vehicle body.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a vehicle body frame, which includes a front frame 12, an intermediate main pipe 14, and a rear frame 16. The main pipe 14 is long in the front-rear direction, and has a linear shape with its rear portion lowered in the use state (not folded) of the vehicle body shown in FIG. The front frame 12 includes a steering shaft holding cylinder 18 and a pipe-like projecting portion 20 that projects rearward from the steering shaft and faces the front end of the main pipe 14.

  The pipe projecting portion 20 and the front end of the main pipe 14 are connected to each other by a first folding shaft 22 in the vehicle body width direction so as to be bent. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the first folding shaft 22 is a bearing member 24, 24 that protrudes forward from the outer peripheral surface of the front end of the main pipe 14 along the left and right outer surfaces of the pipe-shaped protruding portion 20 of the front frame 12. The pipe-shaped protrusion 20 is penetrated in the vehicle body width direction, but is divided into left and right and does not cross the inside of the pipe-shaped protrusion 20. A bellows-like flexible dustproof cover 26 is attached to the connecting portion including the first folding shaft 22 to prevent rainwater, dust, dust, and the like from entering the inside.

  The rear frame 16 has a pair of left and right rear pipes 16A (FIG. 10) extending from the lower side near the center of the main pipe 12 to the left and right, and extending to the rear wheel shaft 28 inserted through the rear ends of the rear pipes 16A. A pair of rear wheels 30 are attached. The front parts of these rear pipes 16A are fixed in parallel at a predetermined interval by a cross pipe 32, and the rear ends are fixed to each other by a connecting pipe through which the rear wheel shaft 28 is passed. As a result, both rear pipes 16A are integrated. A second folding shaft 34 passes through the front ends of both rear pipes 16A in the vehicle body width direction, and both ends of the folding shaft 34 are paired with left and right bearing plates 36 (only one is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). ) Through the bearing plate 36 so as to be rotatable.

  Reference numeral 38 denotes a resin cover, the front portion of which is held so as to wrap the second folding shaft 34 from below, and the rear portion of the cover is fixed on the cross pipe 32 that spans the left and right rear pipes 16A. . As a result, the rear frame 16 can be bent downward about the second folding shaft 34 (see FIGS. 5 and 9).

  A lock plate 40 is fixed to the inner side surface of the right rear pipe 16A, and the rear frame 16 and the lock plate 40 rotate together. A lock lever 42 that forms a locking means can be engaged with and disengaged from the lock plate 40. As will be described later, the vehicle body is folded (see FIG. 9D), and the vehicle body is extended and used (FIG. 1, FIG. 1). 4).

  That is, a seating seat fixing bracket 44 (FIGS. 6 and 7) is fixed to the upper surface near the center of the main pipe 14, and a lock lever support portion 44 </ b> A projects from the bracket 44. The lock lever 42 is pivotally supported by the support portion 44A in the vicinity of the bent portion that is substantially L-shaped when viewed from the side, while the lower end of the lock lever 42 is provided on the lock plate 40 through the main pipe 14. The grooves 40A and 40B can be engaged and disengaged (FIGS. 4 and 5). The other end of the lock lever 42 extends rearward from the shaft support portion of the bracket 44, and the rear end serves as an operation portion 42A.

  The seating seat 46 has a backrest portion 46A that rises upward at the rear portion thereof, and the bottom plate of the lower surface is fixed to the upper surface of the main pipe 14 at three locations. That is, the center of the front portion of the seat 46 is fixed by a single bolt 48 (FIG. 1) that passes through the main pipe 14, and the rear portion is fixed to the bracket 44 at two locations on the left and right sides across the lock lever 42.

  A plunger case 54 loaded with a return spring 50 of the lock lever 42 and a plunger 52 is attached to the lower surface of the main pipe 14 (FIGS. 4 and 5). That is, the plunger 52 is loaded into the plunger case 54 while compressing the spring 50, and the plunger case 54 is fixed to the main pipe 14 with the plunger 52 pressing the lower end of the lock lever 42 toward the lock plate 40. The cover 38 of the rear frame 16 abuts against the lower surface of the plunger case 54 via the buffer plate 56 at the use position of the vehicle body, and a downward load applied to the main pipe 14 from the seating seat 46 is applied to the buffer plate 56. And the cross pipe 38 below it.

  The front frame 12 and the rear frame 16 are connected by a pair of left and right frame connecting links 58, and the first folding shaft 22, the second folding shaft 34, and the link 58 form a four-side link mechanism. Here, the front end of the link 58 is connected with the lower end of the arm 60 extending from the front frame 12 to the lower side of the pipe-shaped protrusion 20 from both sides. The rear end of the link 58 is bent outward in a substantially L shape in a plan view behind the second folding shaft 34, and these bent ends are rotatably attached to the left and right rear pipes 16A.

  A pair of left and right auxiliary steps 64 are attached to the rear frame 16 so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction. That is, a pair of left and right step holding plates 66 (only one is shown) projecting downward are fixed to the outer surfaces of the rear pipes 16A, 16A, and the auxiliary step 64 is pivotally supported by the step shaft 68 in the vehicle body width direction. The lower outer periphery of one step holding plate 66 is formed in an arc shape centering on the step shaft 68, and the lock groove 66 </ b> A to which the lock pin 70 loaded on one support arm 64 </ b> A of the auxiliary step 64 can be engaged and disengaged is formed on this outer periphery. , 66B are formed. The lock pin 66 engages with the lock groove 66 </ b> A when the auxiliary step 64 is used (in a state where the lock step 66 </ b> A is lowered when traveling). The lock pin 66 engages with the lock groove 66B when the auxiliary step 64 is stored (in a state where the lock step 66B is pulled back and raised during traveling).

  The lock pin 70 is pressed against the step holding plate 66 by a spring, but can be moved out of the lock grooves 66A and 66B by manual operation. In this embodiment, when the vehicle body is folded, the lock pin 70 is forcibly escaped from the lock groove 66A in conjunction with the link 58, thereby preventing the auxiliary step 64 from being obstructed when the vehicle body is folded. That is, the cam plate 72 is rotatably held on the step shaft 68 adjacent to one step holding plate 66 having cam grooves 66A and 66B with which the lock pin 70 is engaged and disengaged. It is connected to an arm 74 fixed to the rear end of the link 58 by an unlocking link 76 (FIGS. 4 and 5).

  Therefore, when the vehicle body is folded, the arm 74 is rotated integrally with the link 58, and the cam plate 72 is also rotated in the same direction by the link 76. By the rotation of the cam plate 72, the outer peripheral edge of the cam plate 72 pushes the lock pin 70 to escape from the cam groove 66A. For this reason, the auxiliary step 64 is rotatable about the step shaft 68, and the auxiliary step 64 does not come into contact with the link 58 or the arm 60 when the vehicle body is folded (see FIG. 9).

  As will be described later, the steering wheel holding cylinder 18 holds a front wheel 78 and a steering handle 80 so as to be steerable. A push bar holding cylinder 82 is fixed to the rear end of the main pipe 14, and a push bar 84 is rotatably held in the push bar holding cylinder 82 as described later. The push bar 84 can be bent by the joint device 86 (FIGS. 1 and 9).

  Next, the internal structure of the steering shaft holding cylinder 18 will be described with reference to FIG. A first inner cylinder 90 is rotatably held in the steering shaft holding cylinder 18. That is, the inner cylinder 90 is rotatably held between caps 92 and 94 fitted in the upper and lower openings of the steering shaft holding cylinder 18. A substantially oval first connecting plate 96 is fixed to a substantially middle position of the inner cylinder 90. Long holes 96 </ b> A and 96 </ b> A (FIG. 6) that are long in the long axis direction are formed at symmetrical positions of the connecting plate 96 in the long axis direction. The connecting plate 96 is covered with a resin cover 98 from above and fixed to the connecting plate 96.

  A steering shaft 102 is integrally joined to the front fork 100 that holds the front wheel 78, and the steering shaft 102 is inserted into the steering shaft holding cylinder 18 from below. That is, the caps 94 and 92 of the steering shaft holding cylinder 18 are formed with openings having a diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the inner cylinder 90, and the steering shaft 102 is passed through the inner cylinder 90 through these openings.

  The steering shaft 102 is in sliding contact with the lower surface of the lower cap 94 to support the front wheel load. A penetration pin 104 is fixed to the lower portion of the steering shaft 102 so as to penetrate in the diameter direction (transverse direction). The penetration pin 104 is engaged with a groove 106 provided in the axial direction at the lower end of the inner cylinder 90 to be fitted inside. The tube 90 and the steering shaft 102 are rotated together.

  The upper end of the steering shaft 102 protrudes upward from the cap 92, the handle post portion 80A connected to the protruding portion is curved forward in a side view, and the steering handle (handle bar) 80 is fixed to the upper end. . The steering handle 80 is curved in a substantially arc shape that opens rearward in a plan view. That is, a groove that opens upward is formed at the upper end of the steering shaft 102, and the penetration pin 108 fixed to the handle post portion 80 </ b> A of the steering handle 80 is engaged with this groove. Then, the long bolt 112 is traversed between the slit groove 110 provided in the handle post portion 80A and the steering shaft 102 and tightened with the nut 114.

  Reference numeral 116 denotes a cover for hiding the through pin 108, the nut 114, and the like. In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 118 denotes a foot pedal, which is formed by bending both ends of an axle penetrating the lower ends of the front wheel 78 and the front fork 100 into a crank shape. The front wheel 78 is provided with a pedal lock knob 78A shown in FIG. This knob 78A connects (locks) the foot pedal 118 and the front wheel 78 to enable traveling by the pedal 118, or releases the connection between the pedal 102 and the front wheel 78 to enable use as a stroller by the pusher bar 84. To do.

  Next, the internal structure of the push bar holding cylinder 82 will be described. In the push rod holding cylinder 82, a second inner cylinder 120, which is the first inner cylinder 90 used in the steering shaft holding cylinder 18 turned upside down, is rotatably held by upper and lower caps 122, 124. Yes. The second connecting plate 126 fixed to the second inner cylinder 120 is covered with a cover 128 from the top like the first connecting plate 96.

  The first connecting plate 96 and the second connecting plate 126 in the push bar holding cylinder 82 are connected by a pair of left and right connecting rods 130, 130. The connecting rods 130 and 130 are formed by bending the front and rear ends of the rods downward at a substantially right angle, and windows 132 and 134 (respectively formed in the main pipe 14, the steering shaft holding cylinder 18 and the pusher bar holding cylinder 82). 3), the long hole 96A of the first connecting plate 96 and the long hole of the second connecting plate 126 are engaged.

  In actual assembly, the connecting rod 130 is first engaged with the connecting plates 96 and 126 of the inner cylinders 90 and 120. Thereafter, the inner cylinders 90 and 120 are held in the steering shaft holding cylinder 18 and the pusher bar holding cylinder 82 while being sandwiched from above and below by the caps 92, 94, 122 and 124.

  The lower pipe 84A of the pusher bar 84 passes through the upper cap 122 from above and is inserted into the inner cylinder 120. A penetration pin 138 that engages with a groove 136 that opens at the upper end of the inner cylinder 120 is fixed to the lower pipe 84A, and a flange plate 140 is further fixed thereon.

  The upper cap 122 attached to the upper end of the push bar holding cylinder 82 is formed with a long hole (not shown) that is long in the vehicle body width direction through which the through pin 138 passes, and the push bar 84 shown in FIG. In this state, the through pin 138 can be passed through the cap 122. With the through pin 138 engaged with the groove 136, the flange plate 140 is in sliding contact with the upper surface of the cap 122, and the lower end of the lower pipe 84 </ b> A is engaged with the lower cap 124.

  A nut 142 is fixed inside the lower end of the lower pipe 84A. Bolts 146 embedded in a cover 144 attached to the lower cap 124 from below are screwed into the nut 142. As a result, the lower pipe 84A is prevented from being pulled upward by the cover 144, and the downward movement is restricted by the flange plate 140. Reference numeral 148 denotes an upper cover that covers the flange plate 140, and reference numeral 150 denotes a decorative outer cover that wraps the lower cover 144.

  The connecting rods 130 and 130 can be bent in the vertical direction by joint portions 130 </ b> A and 130 </ b> A that are located on the axis of the first folding shaft 22 at the straight position of the front wheel 78. The connecting rods 130 and 130 are bent so as to approach each other before and after including the joint portions 130A and 130A (FIG. 6).

  A guide member 150 shown in FIG. 8 is attached to the opening end of the pipe-shaped protrusion 20 of the front frame 12. The guide member 150 covers the opening of the pipe-shaped projecting portion 20 with a substantially spherical curved surface portion 150 </ b> A centering on the first folding shaft 22. The curved surface portion 150A is formed with a pair of left and right guide holes 150B and 150B extending upward from the vicinity of the center. The connecting rods 130 and 130 pass through the guide holes 150B and 150B.

  The guide holes 150 </ b> B and 150 </ b> B have a width that allows the connecting rods 130 and 130 to slide back and forth, and their lower edges abut against the lower edges of the connecting rods 130 and 130, and the connecting rods 130 and 130 are in the center of the main pipe 14. Prevents a large drop (bending down) from the vicinity. Further, when the vehicle body is folded, the main pipe 14 rotates the rear part upward with the first folding shaft 22 as the center. At this time, when the joint portion 130A is positioned in front of the first folding shaft 22, the connecting rod 130 is provided. Hits the upper edge of the guide hole 150B and is pushed backward. As a result, the joint portions 130A and 130A can be aligned on the first folding shaft 22, and the front wheel 78 and the steering handle 80 can be smoothly folded while returning to the straight traveling position.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. When the vehicle body is extended (expanded), the main pipe 14 is pushed down as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, and the cross pipe 32 (FIG. 1) of the rear frame 16 contacts the plunger case 54 via the buffer plate 56. Positioned in contact. At this time, the lock lever 42 is engaged with the lock groove 40 </ b> A of the lock plate 40 that rotates together with the rear frame 16. For this reason, the vehicle body is locked at the use position.

  Further, if the pusher bar 84 is folded by the joint device 86, it is extended and fixed to a straight position. Further, when the auxiliary step 64 is lowered, the lock pin 70 moves while being in sliding contact with the outer edge of the step holding plate 66, and the lock pin 70 engages with the lock groove 66A at the lock position. In this state, the guardian can push the push bar 84 to travel. Further, when the pusher bar 84 is rotated left and right, the steering shaft 102 is rotated via the connecting rods 130 and 130, and the front wheel 78 and the steering handle 80 are rotated.

  When the vehicle body is folded, first, the push bar 84 is folded and folded, and then a fingertip is put on the operation portion 42A of the lock lever 42 facing the lower rear portion of the seating seat 46 to lift both the operation portion 42A and the seating seat 46 together. . As the lock lever 42 rotates, the lower portion of the lock lever 42 escapes from the lock groove 40 </ b> A of the lock plate 40. For this reason, the main pipe 14 rotates so as to raise the rear part about the first folding shaft 22 ((A) of FIG. 9).

  As the main pipe 14 rotates, the link 58 rotates, and this rotation is transmitted to the cam plate 72 via the arm 74 and the link 76. The cam plate 72 pushes down the lock pin 70 at its periphery, and pushes out the lock pin 70 from the lock groove 66A of the lock plate 66 fixed to the support arm 64A of the auxiliary step 64. Therefore, the auxiliary step 64 can swing back and forth (see FIGS. 9B and 9C).

  The seat 46 approaches the steering handle 80 from behind as the vehicle body is folded, and if the steering handle 80 is turned to the left or right, it is pushed back to return to the straight position (FIG. 10). If the main pipe 14 is further bent in the upright direction, the lock groove 40B of the lock plate 40 that rotates together with the rear frame 16 comes to a position facing the lower portion of the lock lever 42. Since the lock lever 42 is pushed by the plunger 52 and the spring 54, the lock lever 42 is engaged with the lock groove 40B ((D) in FIG. 9). Therefore, it is locked in this locked position, that is, the folded position, and becomes independent. For this reason, the folded vehicle body does not spread unintentionally, and it is convenient because it can be transported and stored while being self-supported in the folded state.

Left side perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention Front view with some parts omitted A side cross-sectional view partially showing the interlock mechanism Side perspective view showing the body folding mechanism Side perspective view showing the folding process Plane perspective view of the main part Side perspective view of the main part Diagram showing guide member Operation explanation Plane perspective view showing the folded state of the car body

Explanation of symbols

10 Main frame 12 Front frame 14 Main pipe (intermediate frame)
16 Rear frame 18 Steering shaft holding cylinder 20 Pipe-shaped projecting portion 22 First folding shaft 30 Rear wheel 34 Second folding shaft 40 Lock plate 42 Lock lever 46 Seating seat 46A Backing portion 58 Link for frame connection 64 Auxiliary step 72 Cam plate (lock release plate)
76 Link for unlocking 78 Front wheel 80 Steering handle 82 Pusher bar holding tube 84 Pusher bar 102 Steering shaft 130 Connecting rod 130A Joint part 150 Guide member 150B Guide hole

Claims (9)

A main pipe in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, a front frame that holds one front wheel, and a rear frame that holds two rear wheels, the front end of the main pipe being connected to the front frame and the main frame A middle portion of the pipe is coupled to the front end of the rear frame by first and second folding shafts in the vehicle body width direction, respectively, and a frame connecting link that connects the front frame and the rear frame and the first and second folding In a folding tricycle that forms a four-sided link with the shaft,
The front frame has a steering shaft holding cylinder for holding the steering shaft of the front wheel and a pipe-shaped protrusion that opens toward the front end of the main pipe, and the first frame that connects the pipe-shaped protrusion and the main pipe front portion. While splitting the folding axis into left and right,
A pusher bar holding cylinder fixed to the rear end of the main pipe and rotatably holding the pusher bar;
Flange-shaped first and second connecting plates housed in the steering shaft holding cylinder and the pusher bar holding cylinder and rotated together with the steering shaft and the pusher bar, respectively;
A pair of left and right connections whose front and rear ends are hooked to the first and second connection plates through the main pipe and can be bent at a joint portion located between the divided first folding shafts. The rod,
A guide member for holding the connecting rod in the vicinity of the joint part and holding the connecting part slidable in the longitudinal direction;
A folding tricycle characterized by comprising:   2. The folding bicycle according to claim 1, wherein a long guide hole is formed in the guide member so as to allow the connecting rod to pass therethrough, and when the vehicle body is folded, the connecting rod is brought into contact with the upper edge of the guide hole and returned to the vicinity of the straight traveling position.   The handle post that extends to the top of the steering shaft is curved forward, and the steering handle bar that is fixed to the upper end of the handle post is curved in a substantially arc shape that opens rearward in plan view, and is fixed to the main pipe. The folding tricycle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the seating seat enters between the steering handlebars when the vehicle body is folded to bring the steering handlebar to a substantially straight position.   4. The folding tricycle according to claim 3, wherein the seating seat has a back rest that stands up from the rear, and the back rest rotates the steering handlebar to a straight position when the vehicle body is folded.   The folding tricycle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a connecting portion between the front frame and the front end of the main pipe is covered with a flexible dustproof cover.   A lock lever pivotally supported by the main pipe below the seating seat and a lock plate that rotates integrally with the rear frame about the second folding shaft, the lock lever folding the vehicle body and a use position The folding tricycle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the folding plate is engaged with the locking plate to selectively lock the vehicle body at a folding position and a use position.   7. The folding tricycle according to claim 6, wherein the lock lever has an operation end positioned below the rear portion of the seating seat, and the operation end is lifted upward to unlock the lock plate and the seating seat is lifted to fold the vehicle body. .   An auxiliary step that is pivotally supported by the main pipe by a support shaft in the vehicle body width direction and that can be locked at a use position that protrudes below the seating seat, and that is rotatably held by the support shaft and locks the auxiliary step. An unlocking plate to be released, and a lock releasing link that rotates the lock releasing plate in conjunction with rotation of the frame connecting link when the vehicle body is folded to release the lock of the auxiliary step. The folding tricycle of any of 7. The folding tricycle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pusher bar is foldable.

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