JP2014073846A - Collapsible baby carriage - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a front wheel from carelessly turning in a middle state of folding up a baby carriage.SOLUTION: A collapsible baby carriage comprises a caster mechanism having a caster rotary member rotatably held around the turning axis extending in the vertical direction with respect to a caster holding member and journaling a front wheel (12) and capable of directionally turning the front wheel and a caster lock member provided in the caster holding member, regulating rotation of the caster rotary member by engaging with the caster rotary member in a first position and allowing the rotation of the caster rotary member by separating from the caster rotary member in a second position, and is constituted so that the caster lock member is put in the second position in a deploying state by interlocking with a form change in the baby carriage of changing a form in a folding-up state from the deploying state and the caster lock member is put in the first position in a folding-up middle state being a middle state of the form change.

Description

  The present invention relates to a baby carriage that is unfolded when in use and folded when not in use, and more particularly to a lockable caster wheel structure.

  Examples of baby carriages that are expanded to a deployed state when in use and reduced to a folded state when not in use include, for example, JP 2010-234888 (Patent Document 1), JP 2008-254688 (Patent Document 2), and JP 2008. No. 2546693 (Patent Document 3) and JP-A-2002-284015 (Patent Document 4) are known. The front wheels of the baby carriages described in Patent Documents 1 to 4 are caster wheels that can be turned left and right.

JP 2010-234988 A JP 2008-254688 A JP 2008-254663 A JP 2002-284015 A

  It is an object of the present invention to improve stability during storage without causing the front wheels to turn carelessly while the baby carriage is being folded.

  For this purpose, the foldable baby carriage according to the present invention includes a pair of front leg side members having a front wheel at the lower end, a pair of rear leg side members having a rear wheel at the lower end, and an upper end portion and a rear leg side of the front leg side member. A baby carriage having a frame main body connected to an upper end portion of a member and having different forms in a deployed state and a folded state, a caster holding member provided at a lower end portion of a front leg side member, and a turning axis extending in a vertical direction to the caster holding member A caster mechanism that has a caster rotating member that is rotatably supported around and supports the front wheel, and that is capable of turning the front wheel in a direction; and a caster holding member that is provided on the caster holding member and is engaged with the caster rotating member at the first position. And a caster lock member that restricts the rotation of the caster rotating member and is spaced apart from the caster rotating member at the second position to allow the caster rotating member to rotate. tatami The caster lock member is set to the second position in the unfolded state and the caster lock member is set to the first position in the folding state, which is in the middle of the form change, in conjunction with the form change of the baby carriage whose form changes to the state. It is characterized by that.

  As one embodiment of the present invention, the caster lock member further includes a spring that biases the caster lock member in the direction from the second position to the first position.

  As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a front leg-side movable member that is displaceably provided on the front leg-side member, and a connecting member that connects the front leg-side movable member and the caster lock member. In conjunction with the change, the folding position is set to the lower position in the middle of the folding and the deployed position is set to the upper position. The spring biases the caster lock member to the first position in conjunction with the displacement of the front leg side movable member to the lower position. The connecting member is characterized in that the caster lock member is moved to the second position against the biasing force of the spring in conjunction with the displacement of the front leg side movable member to the upper position.

  As a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a push rod attached to slide along the front leg side member is further provided, and the push rod is displaced upward in an unfolded state in conjunction with the form change, and engages with the front leg side movable member to engage the front leg side. The movable member is pulled up to an upper position, and is displaced downward in the middle of folding, disengaging from the front leg side movable member, and allowing the front leg side movable member to be displaced downward.

  As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an elastic member for urging the front leg side movable member to a lower position is further provided.

  Alternatively, as a reference example, the baby carriage includes a pair of front leg members having a front wheel at the lower end, a pair of rear leg members having a rear wheel at the lower end, an upper end portion of the front leg side member, and an upper end portion of the rear leg side member. The frame main body to be connected to the frame main body, the front leg side member, or the rear leg side member is attached to any one of the frame main body, the front leg side member, and the rear leg side member via the pivot above the lower end and extending in the vertical direction. Select the push bar that can be selectively switched between the back push position and the face push position, and the lower end area of the push bar that is below the pivot of the push bar, either the front leg side member or the rear leg side member Engaging means.

  According to the stroller of this reference example, the pivot of the push rod is provided above the lower end region of the push rod, and therefore, the pivot of the push rod can be easily arranged at the center in the front-rear direction of the frame body. Therefore, the first object described above is achieved, and even if the push rods arranged to be suitable for the back pushing at the back pushing position are switched to the face pushing position, the arrangement suitable for the face pushing can be achieved.

  The push rod attached to the frame main body via the pivot above the lower end is a push rod provided with a pivot in one place in the longitudinal region including the vertical center of the push rod except for the lower end of the push rod. I want to be understood. More preferably, the pivot of the push rod is provided in a region below the center in the vertical direction and excluding the lower end of the push rod. The lower end region of the push rod is a region below the center of the push rod in the vertical direction, and should be understood to include the lower end portion of the push rod. For this reason, when the push rod is switched from the back-side push position to the face-to-face push position, the front-rear direction positions of the upper end portion of the push rod and the lower end portion of the push rod are reversed.

  The lower end region of the push rod engaged with the front leg side member or the rear leg side member by the engaging means may be closer to the pivot or closer to the lower end, but is preferably the lower end. As a result, when the operator performs a lift-up operation to lift the front wheel or the rear wheel by applying a downward force to the upper end of the push rod, the force applied to the push rod can be transmitted to the front leg side member or the rear leg side member without difficulty. Can do.

The configuration for holding the push rod in the back-side push position and the configuration for holding the push rod in the face-to-face push position are not particularly limited. Preferably, however, the engaging means engages the lower end portion of the push rod with the front leg side member. And a push bar lock mechanism that holds the push bar in the face-to-face push position by holding the push bar in the back push position and engaging the rear leg side member. According to this embodiment, the lower end of the push rod below the pivot is selectively engaged with the frame body or the rear leg. Alternatively, the lower end of the push rod below the pivot is selectively engaged with the front leg or the rear leg. As a result, the second object described above is achieved. In other words, when the operator performs a lift-up operation that lifts the wheel far from the push rod using the wheel closer to the push rod as a fulcrum, the force applied by the operator to the upper end of the push rod is applied to the front leg or the rear leg via the push rod. Since it is transmitted directly, no force is applied to the armrest, and the force applied to the frame body can be reduced. As a result, rattling is reduced, rigidity is improved, and durability performance of the baby carriage is improved.

  The configuration of the push rod locking mechanism is not particularly limited. As one embodiment, the push rod locking mechanism is provided at the lower end portion of the push rod and displaceable in the extending direction of the push rod, and is provided at each of the front leg side member and the rear leg side member to engage with the engagement member. And a member to be engaged. According to this embodiment, since the engaging member is provided at the lower end portion of the push rod and can be displaced in a direction different from the rotation direction of the push rod, the engagement member is surely engaged so that the push rod does not rotate. By engaging the member, the back / facing push position of the push rod can be maintained. Further, when the push rod is switched, the lock of the push rod can be easily released by displacing the engaging member. Furthermore, the engaged member can be easily re-engaged with the engaging member at the lower end of the push rod. Accordingly, the push rod locking mechanism can be automatically and easily operated or released, and the usage performance is improved.

  The front wheel and the rear wheel of the reference example may be wheels that cannot turn in direction, but are preferably casters that can turn in direction. As a preferred embodiment, the engaging means includes a push rod side member provided at a lower end portion of the push rod, and a front leg that engages with the push rod side member when the push rod is moved to the back pushing position. A side movable member, and a rear leg side movable member that is displaceably provided on the rear leg side member and engages with the push rod side member when the push rod is brought into the facing push position. The front wheel and the rear wheel are casters capable of turning in the direction, and are caster holding members provided at the lower ends of the front leg side members, and are held by the caster holding members so as to be rotatable around a turning axis extending in the vertical direction. A front wheel caster mechanism having a caster rotating member that pivotally supports, a caster holding member provided at a lower end portion of the rear wheel side member, and a rear that is rotatably held by a caster holding member around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction. A rear wheel caster mechanism having a caster rotating member that pivotally supports the wheel, and a caster rotating member that is provided on the caster holding member of the front wheel and engages with the caster rotating member of the front wheel at the first position. A front wheel caster lock mechanism having a front wheel caster lock member that is spaced apart from the caster pivot member of the front wheel at the second position and allows the caster pivot member to pivot. The caster holding member is engaged with the caster rotating member of the rear wheel at the first position to restrict the rotation of the caster rotating member, and is separated from the caster rotating member of the rear wheel at the second position. A rear wheel caster lock mechanism having a rear wheel caster lock member that allows rotation of the caster rotation member; a front leg link mechanism that connects the front wheel caster lock member and the front leg side movable member of the engaging means; and a rear wheel caster A rear leg link mechanism that connects the lock member and the rear leg movable member of the engaging means is further provided.

  According to this embodiment, the front wheel has a front wheel caster lock mechanism that allows the front wheel to turn in the state in which the front leg is engaged with the lower end portion of the push rod, and the rear leg is engaged with the lower end region of the push rod. Because it has a rear wheel caster lock mechanism that allows direction turning, it is possible to turn the front wheel in the direction of travel in conjunction with the back / face-to-face push position of the push rod, and make it impossible to turn the rear wheel in the direction of travel. be able to. Note that the front wheels in the traveling direction are front wheels when pushed in the back, and the rear wheels in the traveling direction are rear wheels when pushed in the back. In the face-to-face push state, the wheel is reverse to the front-back push state.

  According to such an embodiment, the front leg link mechanism is provided only on the front leg side member, and is not provided on the frame body. The rear leg link mechanism is provided only on the rear leg side member and is not provided on the frame body. Further, the front leg link mechanism and the rear leg link mechanism are configured separately. Therefore, as described in Patent Document 1, the first wire is arranged from the front leg through the frame body to the push bar, and the second wire is arranged from the rear leg through the frame body to the push bar. This contributes to simplification and miniaturization as compared with the conventional front wheel caster lock mechanism in which the first and second wires are connected.

  Although the baby carriage of the reference example does not have to have a foldable structure, it is preferable that the baby carriage can be folded small. As one embodiment, the front leg side member includes a front leg having a front wheel at a lower end and a slide member attached to be slidable along the front leg, and the push rod is attached to the slide member via a pivot and is moved from the back pushing position. By sliding downward, the folding position is obtained. According to this embodiment, since the baby carriage is reduced in the vertical direction, the baby carriage can be stored compactly when the baby carriage is not used.

  As a preferred embodiment, the front leg side member includes a front leg having a front wheel at a lower end, and a slide member attached to be slidable along the front leg, and the push rod is attached to the slide member via a pivot and is moved from the back pushing position. By sliding downward, it is brought into the folding position, and the push rod side member of the engaging means is brought into a non-engagement state with both the front leg side movable member and the rear leg side movable member. According to this embodiment, since the baby carriage is reduced in the vertical direction, not only can the baby carriage be compactly stored when the baby carriage is not used, but also the front wheel and the rear wheel cannot rotate in the direction because the lower end region of the push bar is separated from both caster lock mechanisms. To be. Therefore, the front wheel and the rear wheel do not turn carelessly in the folded state of the baby carriage, and stability during storage is improved.

  It is preferable that the baby carriage of the reference example can be folded further smaller. As one embodiment, the front leg further includes a front-rear direction member that extends in the front-rear direction, has a front end connected to the slide member via the pivot, and a rear end connected to the rear leg via the pivot. It may be connected to the frame main body via a pivot and may be rotated forward about the pivot at the upper end of the rear leg to the folding position. According to this embodiment, since the baby carriage is reduced in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction, the baby carriage can be stored more compactly when the baby carriage is not used.

  The push rod may not be grounded in the folded state, or may be grounded. Preferably, at least one of the lower end of the slide member and the lower end of the push rod, and at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel, which are in the folded position, are brought into contact with each other and are independent in a folded state. According to this embodiment, since at least one of the lower end of the slide member and the lower end of the push rod and at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel are grounded, the baby carriage can be self-supported in the folded state. Therefore, the storage area can be reduced.

  Thus, according to the stroller of the reference example, not only can the push bar placed in the back pushing position be the optimum position for the operator, but also the push bar placed in the face pushing position even if the push bar is switched to the face pushing position. Can be set to an optimum position for the operator. Therefore, not only is it easy to push back, but it is also easy to push face to face. Further, the backlash of the frame body is prevented, and the rigidity is excellent. And the force which a frame main body receives in the case of lift-up operation can be reduced.

  According to the present invention, the front wheel does not turn carelessly while the baby carriage is being folded, and stability during the folding operation is improved.

It is a side view which shows the outline of the baby carriage which becomes one Example of this invention in the state of back pushing. It is a side view which shows the outline of the baby carriage of the Example in the state of facing pressing. It is a side view which shows the state in the middle of folding of the baby carriage. It is a side view which shows the folding state of the baby carriage. It is a side view which shows a push rod locking mechanism. It is a front view which shows a push rod, a rear leg, a push rod lock mechanism, and a rear-wheel caster lock mechanism. It is a front view which shows a push rod and a push rod locking mechanism. It is a figure which takes out and shows the engaging member of a push rod locking mechanism. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which looked at the caster from upper direction. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which looked at the caster from the side. It is a front view which shows the front leg and front wheel caster lock mechanism corresponding to FIG. It is a front view which shows a front leg and a front-wheel caster lock mechanism. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along a dashed line XIII-XIII in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on examples shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view showing an outline of a baby carriage according to one embodiment of the present invention in a state of being pushed back. FIG. 2 is a side view showing an outline of the baby carriage of the embodiment in a face-to-face push state. 1 and 2 show the deployed state of the baby carriage. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a state in which the baby carriage is being folded. FIG. 4 is a side view showing a folded state of the baby carriage, and the baby carriage can be folded compactly in this way when not in use. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the push rod locking mechanism. 1-5 shows the state seen from the width direction left side of the baby carriage. The left side of FIGS. 1 to 5 shows the front side and the right side of the drawing shows the rear side for the baby carriage pushed in the back.

  The baby carriage 11 includes a pair of front legs 13 having a front wheel 12 at a lower end, a pair of rear legs 15 having a rear wheel 14 at a lower end, and a frame main body 16 connected to an upper end portion of the front leg 13 and an upper end portion of the rear leg 15. And a push bar 21 that extends in the vertical direction, is attached to the frame main body 16 via a pivot, and can be selectively switched between a back push position and a face push position by rotating in the front-rear direction around the pivot. The front leg 13 is included in the front leg side member. The rear leg 15 is included in the rear leg side member.

  The front legs 13 are provided on the left and right in the width direction of the baby carriage 11 to form a pair. The front legs 13 are inclined in the vertical direction so that the lower ends thereof are directed forward and the upper ends thereof are directed rearward. The rear legs 15 are provided on both sides in the width direction of the baby carriage 11 to form a pair of left and right sides, and extend at an incline in the vertical direction so that the lower end thereof is directed rearward and the upper end thereof is directed forward. The front wheels 12 are respectively provided on the front legs 13. The rear wheels 14 are also provided on the rear legs 15, respectively. These wheels 12 and 14 have a double wheel structure having two wheels per leg, but may be a single wheel. A storage basket 29 made of a bendable material such as cloth is stretched over the front leg 13 and the rear leg 15 which are a total of four in front, rear, left and right of the baby carriage 11.

  The front leg 13 and the front wheel 12 are forward in the traveling direction at the back push position of the push rod, and the rear leg 15 and the rear wheel 14 are behind in the traveling direction at the back push position of the push rod. However, it should be noted that the front leg 13 and the front wheel 12 are rearward in the traveling direction at the push-button facing position, and the rear leg 15 and the rear wheel 14 are forward in the traveling direction at the face-pressing position of the push bar.

  The frame main body 16 is composed of a plurality of frame members and a connector for connecting the frame members to each other, and supports the infant seat 31. Specifically, the frame main body 16 includes a seat support member 17 that supports a seat portion of the infant seat 31, a backrest support member 18 that supports a backrest portion of the infant seat 31, and the upper and rear ends of the front legs 13. A central connecting member 19 that connects the upper ends of the legs 15 is included. Each member 17-19 here is also made into one pair, and is arrange | positioned symmetrically in the width direction of the baby carriage 11.

  The seat support member 17 is a pipe that extends substantially in the front-rear direction as a whole, has a bent central portion, and a rear end region that inclines downward. The rear end of the seat support member 17 is pivotally connected to the intermediate region of the rear leg 15 via the pivot 24. The seat portion of the infant seat 31 is attached to the front end region of the seat support member 17. The seat support member 17 has a long hole 17m formed in the front end region thereof. A pivot 26 is passed through the long hole 17m. The pivot 26 is fixed to the slide member 20.

  The backrest support member 18 is a pipe extending substantially in the vertical direction. The lower end of the backrest support member 18 is connected to the central portion of the seat support member 17 via a pivot. Then, the backrest support member 18 rotates in the front-rear direction about the lower pivot so as to realize the reclining of the infant seat 31.

  The central connecting member 19 is a member having two opposing side wall portions and a shaft portion and an ant-shaped portion that connect the two side wall portions. The upper end portion of the rear leg 15 is pivotally supported via a pivot shaft 19a that is a shaft portion laid between two side wall portions. Further, the upper end portion of the front leg 13 is passed between the two side wall portions, and the upper end portion of the front leg 13 is fixed to the central connecting member 19. The front leg 13 and the rear leg 15 extending linearly are held at a predetermined angle by a deployment state lock mechanism (not shown) in a deployment state of the baby carriage 11. As will be described in detail later, when the baby carriage 11 is folded, the rear leg 15 rotates about the pivot 19a to the folding position.

  Further, a slide member 20 is slidably connected to the central connecting member 19. The slide member 20 is a straight pipe extending along the front leg 13 and is included in the front leg side member. The slide member 20 is formed with a dovetail groove 20g, and the dovetail portion of the central connecting member 19 is fitted into the dovetail groove 20g. As shown in FIG. 2, in the stroller 11 in the unfolded state, the lower end region of the slide member 20 is adjacent to the middle region of the front leg 13. Further, the upper end region of the slide member 20 protrudes upward from the upper end portion of the front leg 13 and supports the hood 23. As will be described in detail later, when the baby carriage 11 is folded, the slide member 20 slides down to the folding position.

  The push rods 21 are linear pipes that are inclined and extend in the vertical direction, and are provided on the left and right sides in the width direction in this embodiment. And the handle | steering-wheel part 25 is attached to the upper end part of the push rod 21, and the upper end parts of a pair of push rod 21 are connected. The push rod 21 is rotatably attached to the slide member 20 of the frame body 16 via a pivot 21a provided above the lower end portion.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pivot shaft 21 a is located in the vicinity of the central connecting member 19 in the deployed state of the baby carriage 11. The central connecting member 19 connects the upper ends of the front leg 13 and the rear leg 15. The front leg 13 and the rear leg 15 have substantially the same length, and the front leg 13 extends forward and downward from the central connecting member 19 at a predetermined angle. Since the rear leg 15 extends rearward and downward from the central connecting member 19 at the same predetermined angle as the front leg, the front leg 13 and the rear leg 15 form an isosceles triangle in a side view of FIGS. 1 and 2.

  The push bar 21 can be rotated in the front-rear direction around the pivot 21a, and can be switched between a back-side push position shown in FIG. 1 and a face-to-face push position shown in FIG.

  The lower end of the push bar 21 in the back pushing position (FIG. 1) extends downward and forward along the front leg 13, and its upper end extends upward and rearward. Thereby, the handle | steering-wheel part 25 made into the rear leg side of the baby carriage 11 is made into an appropriate height position for the operator of the baby carriage 11 which is a standard height of an adult. Therefore, the operator can easily push the stroller 11 by holding the handle portion 25 with his / her hand. Further, the handle portion 25 is separated from the rear wheel 14 at an appropriate front-rear direction distance so that the front foot of the operator who is walking while pushing the baby carriage 11 by hand does not interfere with the rear wheel 14.

  The push bar 21 in the face-to-face push position (FIG. 2) has a lower end portion extending downward and rearward along the rear leg 15, and an upper end portion extending upward and forward. Thereby, the handle | steering-wheel part 25 made into the front leg side of the baby carriage 11 is made into the height position appropriate for the operator of the baby carriage 11 which is a standard height of an adult, even when facing face-to-face. Therefore, the operator can easily push the stroller 11 by holding the handle portion 25 with his / her hand. Further, the handle portion 25 is separated from the front wheel 12 by an appropriate front-rear direction distance so that the front foot of the operator who is walking while pushing the baby carriage 11 by hand does not interfere with the front wheel 12 even when facing the front wheel 12. The

  In the present embodiment, the pivot 21 a of the push rod 21 is disposed at the center in the front-rear direction of the frame body 16. As a result, the pivot 21 a is positioned between the front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 14. More specifically, in a side view of the baby carriage 11, the pivot 21a is located approximately on a perpendicular bisector of a virtual straight line that connects the front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 14 and extends horizontally in the front-rear direction. And about this right-angled bisector, the back pushing position and the face pushing position of the push rod 21 are made substantially symmetrical. Therefore, the height position of the handle portion 25 set to the back pushing position is approximately equal to the height position of the handle portion 25 set to the face pressing position. Further, the distance in the front-rear direction from the handle portion 25 to the rear wheel 14 at the back pushing position is approximately equal to the distance in the front-to-rear direction from the handle portion 25 to the front wheel 12 in the face-to-face pushing position.

  As a result, it is possible not only to make the push bar 21 in the back pushing position optimal for the operator, but also to switch the push bar 21 in the face pushing position optimum for the operator even if the push bar 21 is switched to the face pushing position. Position. Therefore, not only the operator can easily push the back surface, but also the face-to-face pressing becomes easy.

  Next, the lower end portion of the push rod, which is a portion of the push rod 21 below the pivot shaft 21a, is selectively engaged with either the portion of the frame body 16 adjacent to the front leg 13 and the rear leg 15. The combination means will be described.

  The baby carriage 11 includes a push bar lock mechanism 41 as an engaging means for engaging the lower end portion of the push bar 21 with either the frame main body 16 or the rear leg 15. The push bar locking mechanism 41 is provided on the slide member 20 of the frame body 16, the projection member 43 provided on the rear leg 15, and the lower end of the push bar 21 so as to be displaceable. An engaging member 44 that selectively engages with the protruding member 43 is provided.

  1, the engaging member 44 engages with a protruding member 42 as an engaged member provided on the frame body 16. Thus, the lower end portion of the push rod is engaged with a portion of the frame main body 16 adjacent to the front leg 13 to hold the push rod 21 in the back pushing position. Further, at the facing pressing position of the push bar 21 shown in FIG. 2, the engaging member 44 engages with the protruding member 43 as the engaged member provided on the rear leg 15. Thereby, the lower end part of a push rod is engaged with the rear leg 15, and the push rod 21 is hold | maintained in a facing pushing position.

  Since the slide member 20, the front leg 13, and the rear leg 15 are in the same position at the position in the width direction of the baby carriage 11, and the push bar 21 is located outside the slide member 20, the front leg 13, and the rear leg 15 in the width direction, The lower end of the push bar 21 can be rotated without interfering with the slide member 20, the front leg 13, and the rear leg 15. The push bar locking mechanism 41 is provided on the outer side in the width direction when viewed from the slide member 20 and the rear leg 15 and on the inner side in the width direction when viewed from the push bar 21.

  FIG. 5 is a side view showing the push rod lock mechanism in a state where the push rod is switched from the facing push position to the back push position or vice versa, and shows a state seen from the outside in the width direction. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a push rod lock mechanism that holds the push rod in the facing push position. FIG. 7 is a front view showing a push rod locking mechanism that holds the push rod in the back pushing position. 6 and 7, the left side of the drawing shows the outside in the width direction, and the right side of the drawing shows the inside in the width direction. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the engaging member of the push rod locking mechanism taken out and showing a state seen from the inner side in the width direction. The protruding member 42 protrudes from the lower end of the slide member 20 toward the outside in the width direction. The protruding member 43 protrudes from the central portion of the rear leg 15 toward the outside in the width direction. These protrusion members 42 and 43 are formed such that the tip side (width direction outer side) has a larger diameter than the root side (width direction inner side). The engaging member 44 includes a cylindrical portion 44c having both ends opened through which the push rod 21 is inserted, and a fan-shaped portion 44s that protrudes inward in the width direction from the cylindrical portion 44c.

  A pin 44p is installed on the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 44c. The pin 44p is engaged with a long hole 21n formed in the push rod 21 and extending in the extending direction of the push rod. The engaging member 44 can be slid a predetermined distance along the push bar 21 while being guided by the long hole 21n. Thus, the engaging member 44 is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the push bar 21 around the pivot 21a. The pin 44p is urged downward by an elastic member 45 contracted inside the push bar 21. As a result, the engaging member 44 is normally brought to the lower first position as shown in FIG. Then, the engaging member 44 is displaced in the extending direction of the push bar 21 and temporarily moves upward to the second position, and engages with or disengages from the protruding members 42 and 43.

  The fan-shaped portion 44s has a fan shape that expands toward the pivot 21a in a side view of the baby carriage 11, and has a slope 44f on the front side and a slope 44r on the rear side. A notch 44d for receiving the projecting members 42 and 43 is formed on the lower side of the fan-shaped portion 44s with the side closer to the pivot 21a as the upper side and the side far from the pivot 21a as the lower side. The notched portion 44d has a shape that opens toward the inner side in the width direction of the baby carriage 11 and is notched upward from the lower outline of the fan-shaped portion 44s. The groove width on the front surface side (width direction inner side) of the notch 44d is relatively small and the back side (width direction) so as to correspond to the shape of the protruding members 42 and 43 formed with the tip side having a larger diameter than the base side. The groove width on the outer side is formed relatively large.

  Since the contour line of the fan-shaped portion 44s having a fan-shaped side view is continuous in the order of the slope 44f, the notch 44d, and the slope 44r, the protruding member 42 has a fan-shaped portion from the slope 44f to the notch 44d. It can slide along 44 s and fit into the notch 44 d. Further, the projecting member 43 can be slidably contacted along the fan-shaped portion 44s from the inclined surface 44r to the cutout portion 44d, and can be fitted into the cutout portion 44d.

  As shown by the solid line in FIG. 5, when the push bar 21 is switched from the back surface pressing position to the facing surface pressing position, first, the inclined surface 44 r comes into contact with the protruding member 43. The projecting member 43 is slidably contacted along the slope 44r while displacing the engagement member 44 above the first position while resisting the elastic member 45, and moves toward the lower side of the slope 44r. Next, when the protruding member 43 passes through the slope 44r and reaches the cutout portion 44d, the engaging member 44 is returned to the first position by the elastic member 45, and the protruding member 43 is fitted into the cutout portion 44d. As a result, the engaging member 44 engages with the protruding member 43. As indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 5, the contact and sliding contact between the protruding member 42 and the inclined surface 44f are the same as described above.

  In order to release the engagement between the protrusion member 42 or the protrusion member 43 and the engagement member 44, the engagement member 44 may be lifted above the first position against the elastic member 45.

  Therefore, the push rod 21 is provided with push rod lock releasing means 46. The push rod unlocking means 46 is attached to the upper ends of the pair of push rods 21 and is installed in the push rod 21 and a pair of cylindrical movable members 47 that can slide a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction of the push rod 21. A wire 48 that connects the movable member 47 and the engaging member 44 is provided. The lower end of the wire 48 is connected to the pin 44p. When the operator pulls up the movable member 47, the engaging member 44 is pulled up above the first position via the wire 48. As a result, the projecting members 42 and 43 come out of the cutout portion 44d, and the push bar 21 is rotatable.

  As described above, according to the push rod locking mechanism 41 of the present embodiment, the lower end portion of the push rod 21 which is a portion below the pivot shaft 21a of the push rod 21 is engaged with the frame main body 16 or the rear leg 15, so Compared with the conventional rear / face-to-face push baby carriage that engages the armrests of the push bar and the frame body above the pivot axis, it is possible to reduce the force acting on the frame body and prevent the frame body from rattling, Excellent rigidity. And the force which a frame main body receives in the case of lift-up operation can be reduced.

  Further, according to the push rod locking mechanism 41 of the present embodiment, the engagement member 44 is automatically engaged with the projecting members 42 and 43 simply by tilting the push rod 21 to the back pushing position or the face pushing position by the action of the fan-shaped portion 44s. The baby carriage 11 is easy to handle.

  In addition to the push rod locking mechanism 41 of this embodiment, as a modification (not shown), the protrusion member 42 of the push rod locking mechanism may be provided on the front leg 13 instead of the slide member 20. Since the slide member 20 and the front leg 13 are included in the front leg side member, even in this modification, the lower end portion of the push bar 21 can be selectively engaged with either the front leg side member or the rear leg side member. Is possible.

  Alternatively, as another modification, the pivot 21a may be provided on the upper end portion of the rear leg 15 or the rear leg side member including the rear leg 15. Alternatively, as another modification, the protruding member 43 may be provided on the rear leg side member. Alternatively, as another modification, the pivot 21a may be provided on the frame body 16, for example, the central connecting member 19. Even in this modification, the lower end portion of the push rod 21 can be selectively engaged with either the front leg side member or the rear leg side member.

  The pair of front wheels 12 and the pair of rear wheels 14 are all casters that are rotatable around the rotation axes Xf and Xr extending in the vertical direction as shown by the one-dot chain line in FIGS. Thus, if all the wheel means of the baby carriage 11 are casters, the moving direction of the baby carriage 11 can be pushed back (FIG. 1) or face-to-face only by switching the push bar 21 of the baby carriage 11 as shown in FIG. The baby carriage can be moved in any direction by switching to pushing (FIG. 2).

  However, when all four wheels of the baby carriage 11 are casters in this way, the traveling track of the baby carriage 11 meanders. In order to avoid such meandering, it is necessary to prohibit the turning operation of the wheel located rearward with respect to the traveling direction of the baby carriage 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, the front wheel caster lock mechanism 61 and the rear wheel caster lock mechanism 71 are provided as mechanisms for preventing the rotation of the casters located rearward with respect to the traveling direction of the baby carriage 11.

  First, the front wheel and rear wheel caster mechanisms will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a state in which the front wheels and the rear wheel casters are viewed from above. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a state in which the front wheels and the rear wheel casters are viewed from the side. A caster holding member 92 is fixed to the lower end portion of the front leg 13. The caster holding member 92 rotatably holds the caster rotating member 90. The caster rotating member 90 has a yoke 93 whose upper end is rotatably connected to the caster holding member 92, and a support portion 94 that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the caster rotating member 90 indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. And an axle 95 pivotally supported by the support portion 94. The axle 95 extends in the horizontal direction, the central portion is pivotally supported by the support portion 94, and the front wheels 12 are attached to both ends of the axle 95. A pair of rotation stop members 96 (96a, 96b) are formed on the upper portion of the support portion 94.

  The rear wheel caster mechanism is similarly configured, and a caster holding member 97 is fixed to the lower end portion of the rear leg 15. The caster holding member 97 holds the caster rotating member 90 in a freely rotatable manner.

  Next, the front wheel and rear wheel caster lock mechanisms will be described.

  The front wheel caster lock mechanism 61 includes a front wheel caster lock member 65 that is rotatably held by a caster holding member 92 via a pin 63. The position of the front wheel caster lock member 65 can be changed by a wire 67 whose lower end is connected to the front wheel caster lock member 65. When the tension of the wire 67 is loosened, the front wheel caster lock member 65 is centered on the pin 63 and below the arrow in the figure. It moves in the direction to the first position indicated by the solid line, enters between the pair of rotation stop members 96a, 96b, and prevents the axle 95 from turning in the direction by the caster rotation member 90. On the other hand, when the tension of the wire 67 is increased, the front wheel caster lock member 65 moves in the upward direction of the arrow around the pin 63 to move away from the caster rotation member 90 and is moved to the second position indicated by the two-dot chain line. The axle 95 can be turned in any direction by the caster rotating member 90.

  Although not shown here, the front wheel caster lock member 65 is provided with a spring that biases downward in the direction of the arrow in FIG. Therefore, when the tension of the wire 67 is stronger than the biasing force of the spring, the front wheel caster lock member 65 is set to the second position, and when the tension of the wire 67 is weaker than the biasing force of the spring, the front wheel caster lock member 65 is set to the first position. The The front wheel 12 is directed straight in the front-rear direction of the baby carriage 11 so as not to turn leftward and rightward.

  Referring to FIG. 10, rear wheel caster lock mechanism 71 includes a rear wheel caster lock member 65 that is rotatably held by a caster holding member 97 via a pin 63. Since the rear wheel caster lock mechanism 71 is also configured in the same manner as the front wheel caster lock mechanism 61, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Thereby, when the rear wheel caster lock member is not pulled up via the wire 68 that is provided in the rear leg 15 and whose lower end is connected to the rear wheel caster lock member 65, the rear wheel 14 is restricted from turning. Further, when the wire 68 pulls up the rear wheel caster lock member against the urging force of a spring (not shown), the rear wheel caster lock member comes out from between the pair of rotation stop members, and the rear wheel 14 is allowed to rotate in the direction. Is done.

  The front wheel and rear wheel caster lock mechanisms are interlocked with the push rod 21. Then, as will be described below, the direction turning of the wheel in the forward direction is allowed and the direction turning of the wheel in the rear side in the traveling direction is restricted corresponding to the back pressing / face-to-face pressing.

  In the baby carriage 11, apart from the push bar locking mechanism, the engagement means 51 for selectively engaging the lower end portion of the push bar, which is a part of the push bar 21 below the pivot 21a, with either the front leg 13 or the rear leg 15. It has further. The engaging means 51 includes a push rod side member 54 provided at a lower end portion of the push rod 21 and a front leg which is displaceably provided on the front leg 13 and engages with the push rod side member 54 when the push rod 21 is in the back pushing position. A side movable member 52 and a rear leg side movable member 53 that is displaceably provided on the rear leg 15 and engages with the push rod side member 54 when the push rod 21 is brought into the facing push position.

  The front leg side movable member 52 has a cylindrical portion 52c having both ends opened, and a protrusion 52d protruding outward in the vehicle width direction of the baby carriage 11 from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 52c. The central portion of the front leg 13 is inserted through the cylindrical portion 52c. A pin 52p is provided on the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 52c. Further, a long hole 13n extending in the longitudinal direction of the front leg 13 is formed in the front leg 13. And the pin 52p penetrates the long hole 13n. Thereby, the front leg side movable member 52 is attached to the front leg 13 so as to be displaceable, and is displaceable between the lower first position α and the upper second position β.

  The protrusion 52d extends in the front-rear direction. And the protrusion 52d inclines and extends so that it may go upwards as it goes to a back end part from a center part except a front end part. The vertical dimension of the protrusion 52d corresponds to the vertical movement amount of the front leg side movable member 52, and the front leg side movable member 52 can engage with the push bar side member 54 while moving upward.

  The front leg side movable member 52 is biased to the first position below by an elastic member (not shown). When the push rod 21 is not in the back pushing position, the front leg side movable member 52 is disengaged away from the push rod side member 54, and the front leg side movable member 52 is brought to the lower first position α as shown in FIG. . On the other hand, when the push bar 21 is set to the back pushing position, the front leg side movable member 52 is engaged with the push bar side member 54, and the front leg side movable member 52 is set to the upper second position β as shown in FIG. .

  FIG. 11 is a front view showing a front leg and a front wheel caster lock mechanism corresponding to FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the pin 52 p is connected to the upper end of a wire 67 provided in the front leg 13. The wire 67 is included in a front wheel link mechanism that connects the front wheel caster lock member 65 and the front leg side movable member 52 of the engaging means 51, and the lower end of the wire 67 is connected to the front wheel caster lock member 65. The push rod side member 54 is formed with a protrusion 54p that protrudes inward and rearward in the width direction of the baby carriage 11. When the push rod 21 is tilted to the back pushing position, the protrusion 54p comes into contact with the lower surface of the protrusion 52d. Then, as the lower end of the push rod 21 rotates forward about the pivot 21a, the protrusion 54p engages so as to slide from the rear end of the protrusion 52d along the front end, and the front leg side movable member 52 is moved upward. Push up. Thereby, the front leg side movable member 52 is set to the upper second position β. Accordingly, the wire 67 raises the front wheel caster lock member 65 to the second position. The front wheel caster lock member 65 is spaced apart from the caster rotating member 90 and allows the caster rotating member 90 to rotate.

  Since the protrusion 54p protrudes not only in the width direction but also in the rear, the push rod side member 54 engages with the front leg side movable member 52 even when the push rod 21 is positioned in the back pushing position and in front of the front leg 13. be able to.

  For comparison with FIG. 11, FIG. 12 is a front view showing the front legs and the front wheel caster lock mechanism when the push bar 21 is not set to the back pushing position. As described above, when the push rod 21 is not set to the back pushing position, the front leg side movable member 52 does not engage with the push rod side member 54. Then, the front leg movable member 52 is biased downward by an elastic member (not shown) to the first position α. Further, the front wheel caster lock member 65 returns to the lower first position, engages with the caster turning member 90, and restricts the turning of the caster turning member 90.

  The rear leg-side movable member 53 is also configured in the same manner as the front leg-side movable member 52, and has a cylindrical portion 53c with both ends opened through which the rear leg 15 is inserted, and an outer side in the vehicle width direction of the baby carriage 11 from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 53c. And a pin 53p passed through the long hole 15n of the rear leg. The protrusion 53d extends in the front-rear direction. And the protrusion 53d inclines and extends so that it may go upwards as it goes to a front end part from a center part except a back end part. The vertical dimension of the protrusion 53d corresponds to the vertical movement amount of the rear leg side movable member 53, and the rear leg side movable member 53 can be engaged with the push bar side member 54 while moving upward. it can. Similarly to the front leg-side movable member 52, it is possible to displace between the lower first position α and the upper second position β. When the push bar 21 is not in the facing pressing position, it is moved downward by an elastic member (not shown). When the push bar 21 is in the face-to-face pushing position, it is moved to the upper second position β.

  The pin 53p is connected to the upper end of the wire 68, and the rear wheel caster lock member is connected to the lower end of the wire 68. The rear wheel caster lock member is interlocked with the displacement of the rear leg movable member 53 by the wire 68 included in the rear wheel link mechanism that connects the rear wheel caster lock member and the rear leg movable member 53 of the engaging means 51. To do.

  As described above, the front wheel caster lock mechanism 61 is interlocked with the back surface / face-to-face pressing position of the push rod 21 and allows the front wheel 12 in front of the traveling direction to turn in accordance with the back pressing position of the push rod 21. The rear wheel caster lock mechanism 71 configured in the same manner as the front wheel caster lock mechanism 61 is also linked to the back / face-to-face push position of the push rod 21, and the direction of the rear wheel 14 rearward in the traveling direction corresponding to the back push position of the push rod 21. Regulate turning.

  Therefore, the front wheel 12 is allowed to turn in direction and the rear wheel 14 is restricted from turning in direction while the push rod 21 is in the back pushing position by the front wheel and rear wheel caster lock mechanisms 61 and 71.

  Further, while the push bar 21 is in the face-to-face pressing position, the rear wheel 14 that is forward in the traveling direction is allowed to turn around, and the front wheel 12 that is behind the traveling direction is restricted from turning around. As a result, regardless of whether the push bar 21 is in the back-pressing position or the face-to-face pressing position, the turning operation of the wheel positioned rearward with respect to the traveling direction of the baby carriage 11 is prohibited, and the wheel on the front side in the traveling direction of the baby carriage 11 is prohibited. Only turn the direction.

  When the baby carriage 11 is not used, it can be folded compactly. Hereinafter, the folding operation of the baby carriage 11 will be described.

  The baby carriage 11 further includes a pair of front and rear direction members 27 spanned between the slide member 20 and the rear leg 15. The front-rear direction member 27 extends substantially in the front-rear direction, the front end thereof is connected to the lower end portion of the slide member 20 via the pivot 20a, and the rear end thereof is connected to the lower end region of the rear leg 15 via the pivot 15a.

  A slide bracket 22 is fixed to the center portion of the front leg 13. A cross-sectional view of the slide bracket 22 and other members taken along the alternate long and short dash line XIII-XIII shown in FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. The slide bracket 22 has a cylindrical portion 22c that is open at both ends, and an ant-shaped protruding portion 22d that protrudes from the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 22c. The front leg 13 is inserted through the cylindrical portion 22c. Further, the cylindrical portion 22c and the front leg 13 are fixed to each other through a pin 22p extending in the short direction of the front leg 13. The protruding portion 22d is slidably fitted in a dovetail groove 20g formed in the slide member 20 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the slide member.

  A similar dovetail shape is also formed on the central connecting member 19, and the dovetail shape of the central connecting member 19 is slidably fitted into the dovetail groove 20g and cannot be separated. As a result, the slide member 20 is connected to the front leg 13 at two locations via the central connecting member 19 and the slide bracket 22 that are separated in the longitudinal direction. Since the baby carriage 11 is held in the unfolded state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 by the unfolded unfolded state holding means, the slide member 20 will not slide along the front legs 13 unless the unfolded state retaining means is released. .

  The folding operation of the baby carriage 11 starts from a back-push state in which the push bar 21 extends along the slide member 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the stroller 11 is unfolded in a state in which the front wheel 12 is directed straight in the front-rear direction behind the rotation axis Xf and the rear wheel 14 is directed straight in the front-rear direction behind the rotation axis Xr. When the unfolded state holding means (not shown) for holding is released and the push bar 21 is pushed downward, the push bar 21 slides downward along the front leg 13 together with the slide member 20, and is deformed to the folding state shown in FIG. Then, the rear leg 15 connected to the slide member 20 via the front / rear direction member 27 rotates forward about the pivot 19a of the upper end of the rear leg. With reference to the intermediate state shown in FIG. 3, the lower end portion of the slide member 20 slides below the lower end portion of the front leg 13 together with the lower end portion of the push bar 21 by the folding operation, and the vertical dimension of the baby carriage 11 is reduced. It is understood that the wheel 14 approaches the front wheel 12 and the front-rear direction dimension of the baby carriage 11 is reduced.

  Since the protrusion 54p of the push rod side member 54 is in contact with the lower surface of the protrusion 52d at the back pushing position of the push rod 21, the engaging means 51 does not obstruct the folding operation of the baby carriage 11.

  When the push rod 21 is continuously pushed downward, the slide member 20 slides further downward together with the push rod 21, the rear leg 15 rotates further forward about the pivot 19a, and the rear wheel 14 further approaches the front wheel 12. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4, the push bar 21 is set to the folding position, the rear leg 15 is also set to the folding position, and the baby carriage 11 is set to the folding state. At this time, the baby carriage 11 is self-supporting on the flat ground contact surface G, although the dimension in the front-rear direction is reduced. This is because the lower end of the slide member 20 is in contact with the ground surface G on the front side of the folded baby carriage 11 and the rear wheel 14 is in contact with the rear side. This is because it is located between the ring 14.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the lower end of the slide member 20 and the rear wheel 14 are in contact with the ground contact surface G in a side view, and the baby carriage 11 is self-supporting in a folded state. In addition, although not shown, the lower end of the push rod 21 may be grounded instead of the slide member 20, or the lower end of the slide member 20 and the lower end of the push rod 21 may be grounded. Alternatively, the front wheel 12 may be grounded instead of the rear wheel 14, and the center of gravity of the folded baby carriage 11 may be positioned between the lower end of the slide member 20 and the front wheel 12.

  In addition, since the push rod 21 slides downward together with the slide member 20, the push rod side member 54 at the lower end of the push rod is disengaged with both the front leg side movable member 52 and the rear leg side movable member 53. . Thereby, both the front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 14 are restricted from turning in direction. Therefore, the front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 14 do not turn carelessly in the folded state of the baby carriage 11, the front wheel 12 is held so as to be oriented straight in the front-rear direction, and the rear wheel 14 is also held so as to be oriented straight in the front-rear direction. . As a result, the baby carriage 11 can be more stable and independent.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Various modifications and variations can be made to the illustrated embodiment within the same range or equivalent range as the present invention. For example, the front-rear direction member 27 is attached to the inner side in the width direction than the slide member 20 and the rear leg 15, but may be attached to the outer side in the width direction than these members.

  The baby carriage according to the present invention is advantageously used in a child-care transporter having a folding function.

11 baby carriage, 12 front wheels, 13 front legs, 14 rear wheels,
15 rear legs, 16 frame body, 19 central connecting member,
20 slide member, 21 push rod, 25 handle part,
27 front-rear direction members, 41 push rod lock mechanism (engagement means),
42, 43 Projection member, 44 Engagement member, 44c Cylindrical part,
44s fan-shaped part, 51 engaging means, 52 front leg side movable member,
52c cylindrical part, 52d ridge, 53 rear leg side movable member,
53c cylindrical part, 53d protrusion, 54 push rod side member,
54p protrusion, 61 front wheel caster lock mechanism,
65 Front (rear) wheel caster lock member, 67,68 wire,
71 rear wheel caster lock mechanism, 90 caster rotating member,
92 caster holding members, 93 yokes, 94 support parts,
95 axle, 96, 96a, 96b rotation stop member,
97 Caster holding member.

Claims (5)

A pair of front leg members having a front wheel at a lower end; a pair of rear leg members having a rear wheel at a lower end; and a frame main body connected to an upper end portion of the front leg side member and an upper end portion of the rear leg side member; In a stroller with different forms in the unfolded state and the folded state,
A caster holding member provided at a lower end portion of the front leg side member, and a caster rotating member that is rotatably supported around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction by the caster holding member and pivotally supports the front wheel, A caster mechanism that allows the front wheels to turn around,
The caster holding member is engaged with the caster rotating member at the first position to restrict the rotation of the caster rotating member, and is separated from the caster rotating member at the second position. A caster lock member that allows rotation of the moving member;
The caster lock member is moved to the second position in the unfolded state in conjunction with the form change of the baby carriage whose form is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state, and the caster is in the halfway state of folding which is the halfway state of the form change. A folding baby carriage characterized in that the lock member is configured to be in the first position.   The foldable baby carriage according to claim 1, further comprising a spring that biases the caster lock member in a direction from the second position to the first position. A front leg-side movable member that is displaceably provided on the front leg-side member; and a connecting member that connects the front leg-side movable member and the caster lock member;
The leg-side movable member is interlocked with the shape change, is in a lower position in the folding state, and is in an upper position in the unfolded state,
The spring urges the caster lock member to the first position in conjunction with the displacement of the front leg side movable member to the lower position,
The connection member moves the caster lock member to the second position against the biasing force of the spring in conjunction with the displacement of the front leg side movable member to the upper position. The foldable baby carriage according to 2. A push rod attached to slide along the front leg side member;
The push bar is interlocked with the shape change, is displaced upward in the deployed state, engages with the front leg side movable member, pulls the front leg side movable member to the upper position, and is displaced downward in the middle of folding. The foldable baby carriage according to claim 3, wherein the foldable baby carriage is disengaged from the front leg side movable member and allows the front leg side movable member to be displaced to the lower position.   5. The foldable baby carriage according to claim 3, further comprising an elastic member that urges the front leg side movable member toward the lower position. 6.

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