Baby carriage

Abstract

The invention provides a baby carriage. A baby carriage (1) according to an embodiment includes a front leg (11), a rear leg (12), a link (L1) connected to the front leg (11) and the rear leg (12) at a connection point (CP1), a link (L2) connected to the link (L1) at a connection point (CP2) located behind the connection point (CP1) so as to be rotatable relative to the link (L1), and a link (L3) connected to the link (L2) at a connection point (CP3) located behind the connection point (CP2) so as to be rotatable relative to the link (L2). A link (L4) connected to the intermediate portion (11c) of the front leg (11) so as to be rotatable with respect to the intermediate portion (11c) of the front leg (11); and a link (L5) connected to the intermediate portion (12c) of the rear leg (12) so as to be rotatable with respect to the intermediate portion (12c) of the rear leg (12). At least one of the front leg (11) and the rear leg (12) is rotatably connected to the link (L1) with respect to the link (L1), the link (L3) is rotatably connected to at least one of the link (L4) and the link (L5), and the link (L4) is rotatably connected to at least one of the link (L3) and the link (L5). The link (L5) is rotatably connected to at least one of the link (L3) and the link (L4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a stroller. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are known baby strollers having a foldable baby stroller body (frame). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a baby stroller having a main frame configured to switch between an unfolded state and a folded state in which the length in the front-to-back direction is shorter than the length in the unfolded state.

[0003] Prior art literature Patent Literature Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-56897 Summary of the invention

[0004] Technical issues In the above-mentioned stroller, in order to improve the comfort of the infant riding in the stroller, there is a demand to expand the riding space in the unfolded state as much as possible. As one of the solutions to this demand, the armrest, which is one of the elements that define the riding space, can be lengthened. However, in the case of simply lengthening the armrest in the stroller of the existing structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, the following two problems will arise. As a first problem, the front-to-back width of the armrest in the folded state increases, and accordingly, the overall front-to-back dimension of the stroller in the folded state increases, and there is a concern that the stroller cannot be compactly stored. As a second problem, the connecting rod component connected to the rear end of the armrest also needs to be lengthened by the amount of lengthening the armrest, so the posture of the stroller in the folded state becomes unstable, and there is a concern that the stroller cannot stand on its own.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a baby stroller that can increase the riding space in the unfolded state while ensuring compactness and self-supporting stability in the folded state.

[0006] Technical Solution The baby stroller of one aspect of the present disclosure is configured to be foldable from an unfolded state to a folded state, the baby stroller comprising: a front leg having a lower end provided with a front wheel; a rear leg having a lower end provided with a rear wheel; a first link connected to the upper end of each of the front leg and the rear leg at a first connection point; a second link connected to the first link at a second connection point located more rearward than the first connection point in the unfolded state so as to be rotatable relative to the first link; a third link connected to the second link at a third connection point located more rearward than the second connection point in the unfolded state so as to be rotatable relative to the second link; and a fourth link connected to the second link at a fourth connection point located more rearward than the second connection point in the unfolded state so as to be rotatable relative to the second link. The front leg is connected to the middle part between the lower end and the upper end of the front leg in a manner that it can rotate relative to the middle part between the lower end and the upper end of the rear leg; and a fifth link is connected to the middle part between the lower end and the upper end of the rear leg in a manner that it can rotate relative to the middle part between the lower end and the upper end of the rear leg, at least one of the front leg and the rear leg is connected to the first link in a manner that it can rotate relative to the first link, the third link is connected to at least one of the fourth link and the fifth link in a manner that it can rotate, the fourth link is connected to at least one of the third link and the fifth link in a manner that it can rotate, and the fifth link is connected to at least one of the third link and the fourth link in a manner that it can rotate.

[0007] According to an aspect of the baby stroller disclosed herein, when the baby stroller is in an unfolded state as viewed from the left side, the fifth link is rotated clockwise relative to the rear legs, thereby enabling the second link and the fourth link to be rotated clockwise relative to the third link, and the rear legs can be rotated relative to the front legs in a manner that the front wheels and the rear wheels approach each other to be in a folded state. Furthermore, in the above-mentioned baby stroller, the armrest, which was previously formed by a single link member, is divided into a first link and a second link that are connected in a manner that can rotate with each other. According to the above-mentioned structure, in the unfolded state, the part where the first link and the second link are combined can function as an armrest, so it is easy to enlarge the armrest and expand the riding space compared to the case where the armrest is composed of a single link member as in the past. In addition, in the folded state, by rotating the second link relative to the first link, the first link and the second link can be compactly folded. Therefore, compared with the case of using a conventional handrail in which the first link and the second link are integrated (i.e., a structure in which the portion corresponding to the first link does not rotate relative to the portion corresponding to the second link), the size of the baby stroller in the front-rear direction in the folded state can be miniaturized. In addition, even if at least one of the first link and the second link is lengthened and the third link is lengthened in order to lengthen the handrail as a whole, the posture of the baby stroller can be stabilized in a self-supporting manner by bending the first link relative to the second link in the folded state. Therefore, according to the above-mentioned baby stroller, it is possible to expand the riding space in the unfolded state while ensuring compactness and self-supporting stability in the folded state.

[0008] One of the front leg and the rear leg may be connected to the first link in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the first link, and the other of the front leg and the rear leg may be connected to the first link in a manner that does not allow it to rotate relative to the first link. Assuming that both the front leg and the rear leg can rotate relative to the first link, the posture of the front leg and the rear leg relative to the first link cannot be uniquely determined, so the positional relationship of each component during the transition between the unfolded state and the folded state cannot be uniquely determined, and there is a concern that the transition between the unfolded state and the folded state may become unstable. In contrast, by connecting only one of the front leg and the rear leg to the first link in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the first link, the transition between the unfolded state and the folded state can be stabilized. In addition, the self-supporting stability of the stroller in the folded state can also be improved.

[0009] The front leg may be connected to the first link in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the first link, and the rear leg may be connected to the first link in a manner that allows it to not rotate relative to the first link. According to the above structure, the height position of the second connection point in the folded state can be lowered compared to a case where the rear leg is able to rotate relative to the first link and the front leg is not able to rotate relative to the first link. Thus, in the folded state, the center of gravity position of the stroller body including the first link and the second link can be lowered, and the self-supporting stability in the folded state can be effectively improved.

[0010] The rear legs may be connected to the first link in a manner that allows rotation relative to the first link, and the front legs may be connected to the first link in a manner that does not allow rotation relative to the first link. According to the above structure, compared with a configuration in which the front legs are rotatable relative to the first link and the rear legs are not rotatable relative to the first link, the length of the portion where the first link and the second link are combined in the folded state can be shortened in the front-to-back direction. Thus, the size of the baby stroller in the folded state in the front-to-back direction can be more effectively miniaturized.

[0011] In the unfolded state, the second connection point can be located above the straight line connecting the first connection point and the third connection point. According to the above structure, since the first link and the second link are arranged between the first connection point and the third connection point in a manner protruding upward, the height of the handrail (the first link and the second link) for protecting the side of the infant riding in the stroller in the unfolded state can be appropriately ensured, and the safety of the infant can be improved.

[0012] The distance between the second connection point and the third connection point may also be longer than the distance between the first connection point and the second connection point. According to the above structure, the length of the portion where the first link and the second link are combined in the front-to-back direction in the folded state can be appropriately shortened. Thus, the compactness of the baby stroller in the folded state can be improved.

[0013] Technical Effects According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a baby stroller that can increase the riding space in the unfolded state while ensuring compactness and self-supporting stability in the folded state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the overall structure of a baby stroller according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A side view of the stroller in the unfolded state.

[0017] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1Side view of the stroller in the folded state.

[0018] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of a baby carriage.

[0019] Figure 5 1 is a diagram schematically showing the unfolded state and the folded state of the baby carriage according to the first comparative example.

[0020] Figure 6 1 is a diagram schematically showing the positional relationship of the components when the baby carriage according to the first comparative example is shifted from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0021] Figure 7 1 is a diagram schematically showing the positional relationship of the components when the baby carriage according to the second comparative example is shifted from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0022] Figure 8 It is a side view showing a baby stroller according to a modified example in a folded state.

[0023] Explanation of symbols 1, 1A…stroller, 11…front leg, 11a…lower end, 11b…upper end, 11c…middle portion, 12…rear leg, 12a…lower end, 12b…upper end, 12c…middle portion, 13…front wheel, 14…rear wheel, CP1…connection point (first connection point), CP2…connection point (second connection point), CP3…connection point (third connection point), L…straight line, L1…connecting rod (first connection rod), L2…connecting rod (second connection rod), L3…connecting rod (third connection rod), L4…connecting rod (fourth connection rod), L5…connecting rod (fifth connection rod). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0026] use Figure 1~Figure 4 The baby carriage 1 of this embodiment will be described. The baby carriage 1 is configured to be foldable. That is, the baby carriage 1 is configured to be switchable. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The expanded state shown, and Figure 3 The unfolded state refers to a state in which the stroller body 2 is expanded (unfolded) so that an infant can sit in the stroller 1. The folded state refers to a state in which the stroller body 2 is folded in order to compactly store the stroller 1.

[0027] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up", "down", "front-rear direction", "left-right direction", and "up-down direction" with respect to the baby carriage 1 refer to the "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up", "down", "front-rear direction", "left-right direction", and "up-down direction" with respect to the infant riding in the unfolded baby carriage 1 as a reference. When the ground contact surface of the baby carriage 1 is a horizontal plane, the "front-rear direction" is the forward and backward direction of the baby carriage 1 parallel to the ground contact surface. In addition, the "up-down direction" is a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and perpendicular to the ground contact surface. In addition, the "left-right direction" is a direction perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the up-down direction.

[0028] exist Figure 1 to Figure 4 , the "front and rear direction" is represented by the X-axis direction, the "left and right direction" is represented by the Y-axis direction, and the "up and down direction" is represented by the Z-axis direction. The negative direction side of the X-axis direction is equivalent to the "front", and the positive direction side of the X-axis direction is equivalent to the "back". In addition, the positive direction of the Y-axis direction is equivalent to the "right", and the negative direction side of the Y-axis direction is equivalent to the "left". In addition, the positive direction of the Z-axis direction is equivalent to the "up", and the negative direction of the Z-axis direction is equivalent to the "down". It should be noted that in the "left and right direction", the side closer to the infant sitting in the stroller 1 (the center of the stroller 1 in the left and right direction) is called the inner side, and the side away from the infant is called the outer side.

[0029] like Figure 1~Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the stroller 1 includes a stroller body 2 configured to be deformable. The stroller body 2 includes a main frame 10, a handle 20 connected to the main frame 10, and a seat support 30. Figure 2 As shown by the two-dot chain line in the figure, a seat cushion 3 having a cushioning property is detachably mounted on the seat cushion support portion 30 of the stroller body 2. An infant sits or lies on the seat cushion 3.

[0030] The seat cushion support portion 30 supports the seat cushion 3 in a tiltable manner (see Figure 2 The seat support portion 30 includes a seat support frame 31, a back support frame 32, a base seat cushion 33 (only in Figure 2 (shown in the figure), upper frame 34, and connecting frame 35.

[0031] The seat support frame 31 is a frame member located below the buttocks of an infant riding in the baby carriage 1. The backrest support frame 32 is connected to the seat support frame 31 in a rotatable (swingable) manner and is located behind the back of the infant riding in the baby carriage 1. For example, the seat support frame 31 and the backrest support frame 32 each have a U-shape as a whole, and can be composed of, for example, a bent metal pipe.

[0032] The base cushion 33 is a fabric member that is stretched over the seat support frame 31 and the backrest support frame 32. The seat support portion that supports the seat portion of the cushion 3 (the portion that supports the buttocks of an infant) is composed of the seat support frame 31 and the portion of the base cushion 33 that is supported by the seat support frame 31. The backrest support portion that supports the backrest portion of the cushion 3 (the portion that faces the back of an infant) is composed of the backrest support frame 32 and the portion of the base cushion 33 that is supported by the backrest support frame 32.

[0033] The upper frame 34 is a U-shaped frame member disposed above the backrest support frame 32 and approximately parallel to the backrest support frame 32. The connecting frame 35 is a frame member connecting the backrest support frame 32 and the upper frame 34. The upper frame 34 and the connecting frame 35 support a portion of the seat cushion 3 (including a portion that functions as a headrest for protecting the head of an infant).

[0034] The main frame 10 has a pair of front legs 11 respectively provided on the left and right sides, a pair of rear legs 12 respectively provided on the left and right sides, a pair of links L1 (first links) respectively provided on the left and right sides, a pair of links L2 (second links) respectively provided on the left and right sides, a pair of links L3 (third links) respectively provided on the left and right sides, a pair of links L4 (fourth links) respectively provided on the left and right sides, and a pair of links L5 (fifth links) respectively provided on the left and right sides. The main frame 10 can be formed of, for example, a metal pipe, a resin molding, etc. The front legs 11, the rear legs 12, and the links L1 to L5 function as links configured to enable the main frame 10 to be foldable and unfoldable.

[0035] The link L1 and the link L2 extend in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) in the unfolded state. The link L1 and the link L2 function as armrests in the unfolded state. That is, the baby carriage 1 has a structure in which the armrest, which is conventionally composed of a single link member, is divided into two link members (links L1 and L2) that can rotate with each other. Between the pair of links L1, a protective member 38 is provided in a manner that can be attached to and detached from the pair of links L1. The protective member 38 has flexibility for preventing an infant riding in the baby carriage 1 from flying forward.

[0036] The front legs 11 have a lower end 11a provided with a front wheel 13, an upper end 11b connected to the link L1, and an intermediate portion 11c connected to the link L4. The intermediate portion 11c is located between the lower end 11a and the upper end 11b. A front link 15 is provided between the pair of front legs 11 to connect the portions near the lower end 11a of the pair of front legs 11 to each other.

[0037] The rear legs 12 have a lower end 12a provided with a rear wheel 14, an upper end 12b connected to the link L1, and an intermediate portion 12c connected to the link L5. The intermediate portion 12c is located between the lower end 12a and the upper end 12b. A rear link 16 is provided between the pair of rear legs 12 to connect the portions near the lower end 12a of the pair of rear legs 12. The deformation (e.g., generation of deformation, etc.) in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the stroller 1 is suppressed by the front link 15, the rear link 16, and the center link 17 described later.

[0038] The upper end 11b of each front leg 11 is connected at a connection point CP1 (first connection point) to a link L1 disposed on a side (left or right) corresponding to each front leg 11. Similarly, the upper end 12b of each rear leg 12 is connected at a connection point CP1 to a link L1 disposed on a side (left or right) corresponding to each rear leg 12. In the present embodiment, the connection point CP1 is located at the front end of the link L1.

[0039] At least one of the front leg 11 and the rear leg 12 is connected to the connecting rod L1 at the connection point CP1 so as to be rotatable relative to the connecting rod L1. As an example, one of the front leg 11 and the rear leg 12 is connected to the connecting rod L1 so as to be rotatable (swingable) relative to the connecting rod L1, and the other of the front leg 11 and the rear leg 12 is connected to the connecting rod L1 so as not to be rotatable relative to the connecting rod L1. In the present embodiment, the front leg 11 is connected to the connecting rod L1 so as to be rotatable relative to the connecting rod L1, and the rear leg 12 is connected to the connecting rod L1 so as not to be rotatable relative to the connecting rod L1.

[0040] Link L2 is in the extended state (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) is connected to the link L1 at a connection point CP2 (second connection point) located at a position rearward of the connection point CP1 in the deployed state so as to be rotatable relative to the link L1. The link L3 is connected to the link L2 at a connection point CP3 (third connection point) located at a position rearward of the connection point CP2 in the deployed state so as to be rotatable relative to the link L2. In the present embodiment, the connection point CP3 is located at the rear end of the link L2. In addition, the connection point CP2 is located at the rear end of the link L1 and the front end of the link L2. As an example, in the deployed state, the connection point CP2 is located above the connection point CP1, and the connection point CP3 is located above the connection point CP2. In addition, as Figure 2 As shown, in the deployed state, the connection point CP2 is located above the straight line L connecting the connection point CP1 and the connection point CP3. That is, in the deployed state, the links L1 and L2 are connected to each other in an upwardly convex arch shape.

[0041] As an example, in the unfolded state, the connection point CP2 is located at a position closer to the connection point CP1 than the connection point CP3. That is, the connection point CP2 is located at a position forward of the middle position between the connection point CP1 and the connection point CP3. In other words, the length from the front end to the rear end of the connecting rod L2 (i.e., the distance between the connection point CP2 and the connection point CP3) is longer than the length from the front end to the rear end of the connecting rod L1 (i.e., the distance between the connection point CP1 and the connection point CP2). In the present embodiment, the length from the front end to the rear end of the connecting rod L2 is set to be approximately twice the length from the front end to the rear end of the connecting rod L1. According to the above structure, the length of the portion where the connecting rods L1 and L2 are combined in the folded state in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) can be appropriately shortened. As a result, the compactness of the baby carriage 1 in the folded state can be improved. More specifically, the posture of the link L2 in the folded state (for example, the tilt angle relative to the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) when viewed from the left-right direction (Y-axis direction)) can be adjusted to some extent by appropriately setting the height position of the connection point CP3. That is, by adjusting the height position of the connection point CP3 according to the length of the link L2, the link L2 can be adjusted as much as possible along the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) in the folded state (that is, the length of the link L2 in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) is as short as possible). In this way, by making the link L2, which is easier to adjust the length in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) in the folded state, longer than the link L1, it is possible to increase the size of the part where the links L1 and L2 are combined (that is, the part that functions as an armrest) while suppressing the enlargement of the size of the baby carriage 1 in the folded state. This can achieve an enlargement of the riding space in the unfolded state.

[0042] The link L4 is connected to the middle portion 11c of the front leg 11 so as to be rotatable relative to the middle portion 11c of the front leg 11. As an example, a portion of the seat surface support frame 31 constituting the seat cushion support portion 30 (a portion extending in the front-rear direction in the unfolded state) functions as the link L4. The link L5 is connected to the middle portion 12c of the rear leg 12 so as to be rotatable relative to the middle portion 12c of the rear leg 12.

[0043] The connecting rod L3 is connected to at least one of the connecting rod L4 and the connecting rod L5 in a rotatable manner. The connecting rod L4 is connected to at least one of the connecting rod L3 and the connecting rod L5 in a rotatable manner. The connecting rod L5 is connected to at least one of the connecting rod L3 and the connecting rod L4 in a rotatable manner. In this embodiment, as described later, the connecting rods L3 to L5 use the same shaft member 50 (see Figure 4 ) are connected in a manner that allows them to rotate relative to each other.

[0044] use Figure 4, the connection structure example of the connecting rods L3~L5 is described in detail.

[0045] The link L3 has a main body L3a extending in a straight line, and a connector L3b fixed to the upper end of the main body L3a. The main body L3a is made of, for example, a metal pipe. The connector L3b is made of, for example, a resin molded product. The link L3 is fixed from below to the support member 12d of the rear leg 12 in the unfolded state (see FIG. Figure 3 That is, in the unfolded state, the link L3 is not along the rear leg 12. Figure 2 The clockwise rotation of the support member 12d is supported by the support member 12d.

[0046] The link L4 is composed of the seat support frame 31 described above, and a front link 41 and a rear link 42 fixed to the seat support frame 31. The front link 41 and the rear link 42 are made of, for example, a resin molded article. The seat support frame 31 has a side portion 31a (i.e., a portion constituting a main portion of the link L4) extending in the front-back direction (X-axis direction), and a connecting portion 31b that connects the front ends of a pair of side portions 31a to each other and extends in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). One end of the front link 41 is connected to the front leg 11 in a manner that allows rotation relative to the front leg 11, and the other end of the front link 41 is fixed to the vicinity of the front end of the side portion 31a. The rear link 42 is fixed to the rear end of the side portion 31a. A central link 17 extending in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) is provided between the pair of rear links 42.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the right side connecting rod L4 is formed by the side portion 31a located on the right side of the seat support frame 31, and the front connecting member 41 and the rear connecting member 42 fixed to the right side portion 31a. Similarly, the left side connecting rod L4 is formed by the side portion 31a located on the left side of the seat support frame 31, and the front connecting member 41 and the rear connecting member 42 fixed to the left side portion 31a.

[0048] The connecting rod L5 includes a main body L5a connected to the rear leg 12 in a rotatable manner, and an end L5b fixed to the upper end of the main body L5a. The main body L5a is made of, for example, a metal pipe. The end L5b is made of, for example, a resin molded product. The main body L5a is connected to the middle part 12c of the rear leg 12 at its lower end in a rotatable manner relative to the middle part 12c. The end L5b is connected to the connecting rod L3 and the connecting rod L4 in a rotatable manner relative to the connecting rod L3 and the connecting rod L4.

[0049] The connecting rods L3 to L5 are connected in a mutually rotatable manner using the same shaft member 50. The shaft member 50 penetrates the main body L3a of the connecting rod L3, the end L5b of the connecting rod L5, and the rear connecting member 42 of the connecting rod L4. As a result, the connecting rods L3 to L5 are configured to be mutually rotatable around the axis AX that coincides with the central axis of the shaft member 50. It should be noted that the rear connecting member 42 of the connecting rod L4, the end L5b of the connecting rod L5, and the main body L3a of the connecting rod L3 are arranged in sequence from the inside in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) toward the outside. In addition, as described above, since the main body L3a of the connecting rod L3 is arranged at a position that abuts the rear leg 12, the connecting rods L4 and L5 are located at a position closer to the inside than the rear leg 12 and the connecting rod L3 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0050] The handle 20 is connected to the main frame 10 so as to be rotatable relative to the main frame 10 constructed as described above. Figure 1 As shown, the handle 20 is formed in a U shape. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the back-to-back pushing state shown in the figure (i.e., the state in which the operator (guardian) holds the handle 20 from the back side of the infant riding in the baby carriage 1 to operate the baby carriage 1), each part at both ends of the handle 20 is connected to the connecting rod L3 on the side (left or right) corresponding to each part in a manner that maintains a state parallel to the connecting rod L3. The handle 20 can be configured to be able to move along the main frame 10 in a manner that the handle portion of the handle 20 moves forward of the infant riding in the baby carriage 1. Figure 2 In this case, the operator can operate the baby carriage by holding the handle 20 from the side of the front leg 11 facing the infant. That is, the baby carriage 1 can be driven in a manner such that the side of the rear leg 12 of the baby carriage 1 is at the front of the traveling direction. In such a facing pushing state, the handle 20 is not parallel to the connecting rod L3.

[0051] An operating portion 20a for switching between the unfolded state and the folded state is provided in the center of the handle 20. By operating the operating portion 20a, a locked state for maintaining the unfolded state or the folded state and an unlocked state for switching between the unfolded state and the folded state can be switched. It should be noted that the switching between the unfolded state and the folded state is performed in the back-to-push state (i.e., the state in which the handle 20 is located on the back side).

[0052] As described below, the baby carriage 1 can be changed from the unfolded state (see FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) to the folded state (refer to Figure 3 )fold.

[0053] In folding Figure 1 and Figure 2When the stroller 1 is in the unfolded state shown in the figure, the handle 20 is temporarily lifted upward and then pushed downward while the operation portion 20a is operated to enter the unlocked state. With the above-mentioned folding operation, the link L3 and the link L5 (end L5b) are separated from the rear leg 12, and the link L5 is moved relative to the rear leg 12. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In addition, with this action, the connecting rod L2 and the connecting rod L4 rotate in the clockwise direction relative to the connecting rod L3. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The rear leg 12 rotates relative to the front leg 11 in a clockwise direction in the middle of the vehicle, and the front wheel 13 and the rear wheel 14 are rotated relative to the front leg 11 in a manner that the front wheel 13 and the rear wheel 14 are close to each other. It should be noted that since the link L3 is arranged parallel to the handle 20, the link L3 is Figure 2 and Figure 3 The handle 20 is hidden in the inner side.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the baby carriage 1 can be folded by the above-mentioned folding operation. By placing the baby carriage 1 in the folded state, the dimension of the baby carriage 1 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) can be made smaller than the dimension of the baby carriage 1 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) in the unfolded state. It should be noted that in order to unfold the baby carriage 1 from the folded state, the reverse operation of the above-mentioned folding operation can be performed.

[0055] According to the above-described stroller 1, when viewed from the left side in the unfolded state (see Figure 2 ) in the case of the stroller 1, the link L5 is rotated clockwise relative to the rear leg 12, thereby rotating the link L2 and the link L4 relative to the link L3 clockwise, and the rear leg 12 is rotated relative to the front leg 11 so that the front wheel 13 and the rear wheel 14 are close to each other, thereby being able to be in the folded state (see Figure 3 ). Furthermore, in the baby carriage 1, the armrest, which is conventionally formed by a single link member, is divided into links L1 and L2 connected in a manner that allows them to rotate with each other. According to the above structure, in the unfolded state (refer to Figure 2 ) in the embodiment of the present invention, the part where the links L1 and L2 are combined can function as an armrest, so that it is easy to increase the size of the armrest and expand the riding space compared to the conventional case where the armrest is composed of a single link member.

[0056] In addition, in the folded state (see Figure 3), by rotating the link L2 relative to the link L1, the links L1 and L2 can be compactly folded. Therefore, compared with the case of using an armrest in which the parts that combine the links L1 and L2 are integrated (that is, a structure in which the part corresponding to the link L1 does not rotate relative to the part corresponding to the link L2) as in the conventional case, the size of the baby carriage 1 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) in the folded state can be miniaturized. In addition, even if at least one of the links L1 and L2 is lengthened and the link L3 is lengthened in order to lengthen the entire armrest, the posture of the baby carriage 1 can be stabilized in a self-supporting manner by bending the link L1 relative to the link L2 in the folded state. Therefore, according to the baby carriage 1, the compactness and self-supporting stability in the folded state can be ensured, while the riding space in the unfolded state can be expanded.

[0057] use Figure 5~Figure 7 , the above-mentioned effects are explained in more detail. Figure 5 (A) is a diagram schematically showing a baby stroller according to the first comparative example in an unfolded state using a model. Figure 5 (B) is a diagram schematically showing a folded state of the baby stroller according to the first comparative example using a model. Figure 6 Schematically shows the baby carriage of the first comparative example from the unfolded state ( Figure 6 (A) to the folded state ( Figure 6 (C) is a diagram showing the positional relationship of each component when the state is changed. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the baby carriage of Comparative Example 2 from the unfolded state ( Figure 7 (A) to the folded state ( Figure 7 (C) is a diagram showing the positional relationship of each component when the state is changed. Figure 6 (B) and Figure 7 (B) shows an intermediate state during the transition from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown, the baby carriage of the first comparative example (hereinafter referred to as the "first comparative example") is different from the baby carriage 1 of the present embodiment in that a link L12 composed of a single link member as in the conventional method is provided instead of the links L1 and L2. Therefore, in the first comparative example, there is no joint portion corresponding to the connection point CP2. Figure 6 As shown, in the first comparative example, the connection point CP3 can move along the circumference of the circle C1 with the connection point CP1 as the center and the length of the connecting rod L12 as the radius. In addition, the connection point CP4 between the connecting rod L3 and the connecting rod L5 (equivalent to the position of the shaft member 50 of this embodiment) can move along the circumference of the circle C2 with the middle part 12c as the center and the length of the connecting rod L5 as the radius.

[0059] In the first comparative example, the lengths of the armrest (link L12) and the link L3 are appropriately set so that the front-rear dimension of the stroller in the folded state becomes compact. Figure 6 As shown, by the folding operation, the lower end of the link L3 and the upper end of the link L5 (connection point CP4) are separated from the rear leg 12, and the link L5 rotates in the clockwise direction relative to the rear leg 12. In addition, along with this action, the link L12 and the link L4 rotate in the clockwise direction along the circumference of the circles C1 and C2, respectively (rotate in the clockwise direction relative to the link L3). As a result, in the first comparative example, the length d2 of the link L12 in the front-rear direction in the folded state is shorter than the length d1 of the link L12 in the front-rear direction in the unfolded state.

[0060] Next, a second comparative example in which the handrail (link L12) is extended compared to the first comparative example will be described. In the second comparative example, the radius of the circle C1 is greater than that of the first comparative example ( Figure 6 ) The radius of the circle C1 is increased by the amount that the length of the link L12 is extended. In addition, the distance between the end of the link L12 (connection point CP3) and the connection point CP4 is correspondingly increased, so the length of the link L3 also needs to be extended.

[0061] Figure 7 (A) shows the positional relationship of the components in the unfolded state of the second comparative example in which the link L12 and the link L3 are extended longer than the first comparative example as described above. In the second comparative example, by extending the link L12 and the link L3 longer than the first comparative example, the passenger space in the unfolded state can be expanded. However, if Figure 7 (A) → (B) → (C) from the unfolded state to the folded state, the effect of lengthening the connecting rod L12 and the connecting rod L3 is as follows: Figure 7 As shown in (C), before the connection point CP3 moves sufficiently downward (that is, before the length of the link L12 in the front-to-back direction becomes sufficiently short), the lower end of the link L3 contacts the rear leg 12. Therefore, in the second comparative example, the size of the baby stroller in the front-to-back direction cannot be sufficiently reduced by folding the baby stroller. In addition, in the second comparative example, since the link L3 interferes with the rear leg 12 before the baby stroller is fully folded (that is, before the length of the link L12 in the front-to-back direction becomes sufficiently short), there is a concern that the baby stroller cannot be folded until the baby stroller is in a posture where it can stand stably.

[0062] As described above, when the armrest is composed of a single link member (link L12), as in the modification from the first comparative example to the second comparative example, if the armrest (link L12) is simply lengthened in order to expand the riding space in the unfolded state, the compactness and self-supporting stability in the folded state will be impaired. In contrast, according to the stroller 1 having links L1 and L2 connected to each other in a rotatable manner instead of the link L12, Figure 7 As shown by the dotted line in (C), the link L2 can be bent relative to the link L1 in the folded state. Thus, before the link L3 interferes with the rear legs 12, the stroller 1 can be folded until the length of the armrest (i.e., the part where the links L1 and L2 are combined) in the front-back direction becomes sufficiently short and the stroller 1 can be in a self-supporting posture.

[0063] In addition, in the present embodiment, one of the front leg 11 and the rear leg 12 is connected to the connecting rod L1 in a manner that allows rotation relative to the connecting rod L1, and the other of the front leg 11 and the rear leg 12 is connected to the connecting rod L1 in a manner that does not allow rotation relative to the connecting rod L1. If both the front leg 11 and the rear leg 12 are able to rotate relative to the connecting rod L1, since the postures of the front leg 11 and the rear leg 12 relative to the connecting rod L1 cannot be uniquely determined, the positional relationship of each component when transitioning between the unfolded state and the folded state cannot be uniquely determined, and there is a concern that the transition between the unfolded state and the folded state becomes unstable. In contrast, by connecting only one of the front leg 11 and the rear leg 12 to the connecting rod L1 in a manner that allows rotation relative to the connecting rod L1, the transition between the unfolded state and the folded state can be stabilized. In addition, the self-supporting stability of the baby carriage 1 in the folded state can be improved.

[0064] In addition, in the present embodiment, the front leg 11 is connected to the link L1 in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the link L1, and the rear leg 12 is connected to the link L1 in a manner that does not allow it to rotate relative to the link L1. According to the above structure, compared with a configuration in which the rear leg 12 is able to rotate relative to the link L1 and the front leg 11 is not able to rotate relative to the link L1 (a modified example described later), the height position of the connection point CP2 in the folded state can be lowered. More specifically, when the front leg 12 is in the unfolded state ( Figure 2 ) to the folded state ( Figure 3 ) is transformed by moving the link L1 relative to the front leg 11 along Figure 2 and Figure 3 The connection point CP2 in the folded state can be moved downward by rotating the connection rod L1 clockwise relative to the front leg 11, compared with the case where the connection rod L1 cannot be rotated relative to the front leg 11. As a result, in the folded state, the center of gravity of the stroller body 2 including the connection rods L1 and L2 can be lowered, and the self-supporting stability in the folded state can be effectively improved.

[0065] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, in the present embodiment, in the unfolded state, the connection point CP2 is located above the straight line L connecting the connection point CP1 and the connection point CP3. According to the above structure, since the links L1 and L2 are arranged between the connection point CP1 and the connection point CP3 in a manner protruding upward, the height of the handrail (i.e., the part where the links L1 and L2 are combined) for protecting the side of the infant riding in the baby carriage 1 in the unfolded state can be appropriately ensured, and the safety of the infant can be improved.

[0066] Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment. The material and shape of each structure are not limited to the above materials and shapes, and various materials and shapes can be adopted.

[0067] For example, the structure of the stroller body 2 of the stroller 1 in the above-mentioned embodiment is only an example, and the stroller body 2 may have a frame structure different from that in the above-mentioned embodiment. Figure 8 As in the modified example of the stroller 1A shown in the figure, the rear leg 12 is connected to the link L1 in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the link L1, and the front leg 11 is connected to the link L1 in a manner that does not rotate relative to the link L1. It should be noted that the structure of the stroller 1A other than the above is the same as that of the stroller 1. Among them, the size of each component of the stroller 1A (for example, the links L1 to L5, etc.) may also be different from the size of each component of the stroller 1 according to the difference in the mechanism of the stroller 1. According to the stroller 1A as described above, compared with the case where the front leg 11 is configured to be able to rotate relative to the link L1 and the rear leg 12 is not configured to rotate relative to the link L1 (that is, the stroller 1 of the above embodiment), the length of the part where the links L1 and L2 are combined in the folded state in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) can be shortened. That is, by preventing the link L1 from rotating relative to the front leg 11 in the folded state, the angle formed by the link L1 and the front leg 11 in the folded state becomes the same angle as that in the unfolded state. As a result, as Figure 8 As shown, the inclination angle of the connecting rods L1 and L2 relative to the horizontal plane can be Figure 3 The inclination angles of the links L1 and L2 shown are large. As a result, the distance between the connection point CP1 and the connection point CP3 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) can be shortened. As described above, according to the baby stroller 1A, the size of the baby stroller 1A in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) in the folded state can be more effectively reduced.

Claims

1. A baby stroller, characterized in that: The device is configured to be foldable from an unfolded state to a folded state. The baby stroller has: a front leg having a lower end portion provided with a front wheel; a rear leg having a lower end provided with a rear wheel; a first connecting rod connected to the upper end of each of the front leg and the rear leg at a first connection point; a second link connected to the first link at a second connection point located rearward of the first connection point in the deployed state so as to be rotatable relative to the first link; a third link connected to the second link at a third connection point located rearward of the second connection point in the deployed state so as to be rotatable relative to the second link; a fourth link connected to a middle portion between the lower end portion and the upper end portion of the front leg in a manner that allows rotation relative to the middle portion between the lower end portion and the upper end portion of the front leg; as well as a fifth link connected to the middle portion between the lower end portion and the upper end portion of the rear leg in a manner that allows rotation relative to the middle portion between the lower end portion and the upper end portion of the rear leg, At least one of the front leg and the rear leg is connected to the first link in a manner that allows rotation relative to the first link. The third link is rotatably connected to at least one of the fourth link and the fifth link. The fourth link is rotatably connected to at least one of the third link and the fifth link. The fifth link is rotatably connected to at least one of the third link and the fourth link.

2. The baby stroller according to claim 1, characterized in that: One of the front leg and the rear leg is connected to the first link in a manner that allows rotation relative to the first link. The other of the front leg and the rear leg is connected to the first link in a manner that does not rotate relative to the first link.

3. The baby stroller according to claim 2, characterized in that: The front leg is connected to the first connecting rod in a manner that allows rotation relative to the first connecting rod. The rear leg is connected to the first link in a manner that does not rotate relative to the first link.

4. The baby stroller according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rear leg is connected to the first connecting rod in a manner that allows rotation relative to the first connecting rod. The front leg is connected to the first link in a manner that does not rotate relative to the first link.

5. The baby stroller according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: In the expanded state, the second connection point is located above a straight line connecting the first connection point and the third connection point.

6. The baby stroller according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: A distance between the second connection point and the third connection point is longer than a distance between the first connection point and the second connection point.

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