Brake mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a brake mechanism with a simple structure. A brake mechanism (2C) is provided with: a wheel holder (20) and an operating member (50C) attached to a vehicle body frame; a wheel (40C); a wheel lock member (60C) supported by the wheel holder (20) so as to be displaceable between a locked position and an unlocked position; and a force transmission mechanism configured so as to bring the wheel lock member (60C) to the lock position in response to the displacement of the operation member (50C). The force transmission mechanism includes: a transmission member (70C) that is displaced by receiving a force from an operation member (50C); the transmission member (70C) has a link member, one end of which is rotatably connected to the operation member via a shaft. The wheel lock member (60C) includes a cam groove (92C) that receives the other end of the link member in a displaceable manner.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a brake mechanism, and more particularly to a brake mechanism held to a body frame of a baby carriage. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, as a brake mechanism provided in a baby carriage equipped with casters, various structures have been known, such as Japanese Patent No. 63-176701 (Patent Document 1) and International Publication No. 2010 / 143300 (Patent Document 2).

[0003] In Patent Document 1, it is disclosed that a pin provided in a wheel cover is supported in a heart-shaped cam groove provided in an operation portion, and by pressing the operation portion once, the wheel is braked, and by pressing the operation portion again, the wheel is released from the brake.

[0004] In Patent Document 2, it is disclosed that a sliding member linked to a restriction engaging member that locks the wheel is inserted in a heart-shaped cam provided in an operation member, and by pressing the operation member from above, it is alternately held in a locked position that locks the wheel and an unlocked position that releases the wheel from the lock.

[0005] [Related Art Documents]

[0006] [Patent Documents]

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 63-176701

[0008] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2010 / 143300 SUMMARY

[0009] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0010] Both Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 lock and unlock the rotation of the wheel by providing a heart-shaped cam groove in the operation portion, however, this increases the number of parts, and causes the locking and unlocking of the rotation of the wheel to be unstable.

[0011] The present application has been developed in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a brake mechanism with a simple structure.

[0012] [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0013] For this purpose, a caster brake mechanism of an embodiment of the present application is rotatably held to a vehicle body frame of a child care appliance, the caster brake mechanism having: a wheel holder rotatably mounted to the vehicle body frame about a vertical axis; a wheel rotatably supported to the wheel holder about a horizontal axis; an operation member mounted to the wheel holder so as to be displaceable between a first position and a second position; a wheel lock member supported to the wheel holder so as to be displaceable between a locked position in which the wheel is engaged and rotation of the wheel is prohibited, and an unlocked position in which the wheel is not engaged and rotation of the wheel is permitted; and a force transmission mechanism configured to bring the wheel lock member to the locked position in response to displacement of the operation member from the first position to the second position, the force transmission mechanism including: a transmission member that is displaced in response to a force from the operation member; and a first urging member that brings the wheel lock member to the locked position in conjunction with displacement of the transmission member.

[0014] More preferably, the caster brake mechanism further has a second urging member that urges the operation member to be brought to the first position.

[0015] More preferably, the transmission member switches between a first state in which the wheel lock member is brought to the locked position, and a second state in which the wheel lock member is brought to the unlocked position, in response to each operation of displacing the operation member from the first position to the second position.

[0016] More preferably, the first position of the operation member is an upper position higher than the second position, and the operation member is positioned at the upper position by the second urging member.

[0017] More preferably, the transmission member is a one way clutch mechanism configured to engage with the operation member and move together with the operation member in a direction in which the operation member is displaced from the first position to the second position, and to disengage from the operation member and stay at a stationary position in a direction in which the operation member is displaced from the second position to the first position.

[0018] More preferably, the operation member and the transmission member are configured to be rotatable about the horizontal axis.

[0019] More preferably, the operation member is configured to be rotatable about the horizontal axis, and the transmission member is configured to be slidable along the horizontal axis of the operation member.

[0020] More preferably, the one way clutch mechanism includes: an engagement tooth provided to either one of the transmission member or the operation member; and an engagement pawl provided to the other one of the transmission member or the operation member, the engagement pawl being displaceable between an engaged position in which the engagement pawl is engaged with the engagement tooth, and a disengaged position in which the engagement pawl is disengaged from the engagement tooth.

[0021] More preferably, the one-way clutch mechanism further includes a third urging member that urges the engagement claw to the engagement position.

[0022] More preferably, the transmission member further includes a link member whose one end is rotatably coupled to the operation member via the rotation shaft, and the wheel locking member includes a cam groove that displaceably receives the other end of the link member, the shape of the cam groove being selected so as to have positions (a) a first action transmission position that brings the wheel locking member to the locked position by pressing force from the link member when the operation member is moved from the first position to the second position, (b) a guide position that displaces the other end of the link member while maintaining the wheel locking member in the locked position when the operation member is moved from the second position to the first position by the urging force of the second urging member, and (c) a second action transmission position that brings the wheel locking member to the unlocked position by pressing force from the link member when the operation member is moved from the first position to the second position with the wheel locking member being in the locked position.

[0023] More preferably, the wheel holder includes a wheel holder body having a receiving space, and a cover portion that closes the receiving space, and a portion of the operation member, a portion of the wheel locking member, and a portion of the force transmission mechanism are received in the receiving space of the wheel holder body.

[0024] Another aspect of the brake mechanism of the present application includes a wheel holder mounted to a vehicle body frame of a child care appliance, a wheel rotatably supported to the wheel holder about a horizontal axis, an operation member displaceably mounted to the wheel holder between a first position and a second position, a wheel locking member displaceably supported to the wheel holder between a locked position that engages with the wheel to prohibit rotation of the wheel, and an unlocked position that does not engage with the wheel to permit rotation of the wheel, and a force transmission mechanism configured to bring the wheel locking member to the locked position in response to displacement of the operation member from the first position to the second position, the force transmission mechanism including a transmission member that is displaced by a force from the operation member, the transmission member being a one-way clutch mechanism configured to engage with the operation member to move together with the operation member in a direction in which the operation member is moved from the first position to the second position, and to disengage from the operation member to stay at a stationary position in a direction in which the operation member is moved from the second position to the first position.

[0025] More preferably, the brake mechanism of the caster further includes a second urging member that urges the operation member to the first position.

[0026] More preferably, the first position of the operation member is an upper position higher than the second position, and the operation member is located in the upper position by the second urging member.

[0027] More preferably, the transmission member switches the first state, in which the wheel locking member is brought to the locked position, and the second state, in which the wheel locking member is brought to the unlocked position, with each time the operation member is moved from the first position to the second position.

[0028] More preferably, the operation member and the transmission member are configured to be rotatable about a horizontal axis.

[0029] More preferably, the one-way clutch mechanism includes: an engagement tooth provided to either one of the transmission member or the operation member; and an engagement pawl provided to the other one of the transmission member or the operation member, the engagement pawl being displaceable between an engaged position in which the engagement pawl is engaged with the engagement tooth, and a disengaged position in which the engagement pawl is disengaged from the engagement tooth.

[0030] More preferably, the one-way clutch mechanism further includes a third biasing member that biases the engagement pawl to the engaged position.

[0031] Another aspect of the present application is a brake mechanism including: a wheel holder mounted to a vehicle frame of a child care appliance; a wheel rotatably supported to the wheel holder about a horizontal axis; an operation member mounted to the wheel holder displaceable between a first position and a second position; a wheel locking member supported to the wheel holder displaceable between a locked position in which the wheel locking member is engaged with the wheel to inhibit rotation of the wheel, and an unlocked position in which the wheel locking member is disengaged from the wheel to permit rotation of the wheel; and a force transmission mechanism configured to bring the wheel locking member to the locked position in response to displacement of the operation member from the first position to the second position, the force transmission mechanism including a transmission member that is displaced in response to a force from the operation member, the transmission member having a link member having one end rotatably coupled to the operation member via a shaft, the wheel locking member including a cam groove that receives the other end of the link member displaceably.

[0032] More preferably, the brake mechanism further includes a second biasing member that biases the operation member to the first position.

[0033] More preferably, the cam groove is shaped to have positions (a) a first action transmission position that brings the wheel locking member to the locked position by pressing force from the link member when the operation member is moved from the first position to the second position, (b) a guide position that displaces the other end of the link member while maintaining the wheel locking member in the locked position when the operation member is moved from the second position to the first position, and (c) a second action transmission position that brings the wheel locking member to the unlocked position by pressing force from the link member when the wheel locking member is in the locked position and the operation member is moved from the first position to the second position.

[0034] More preferably, the guide position is an elongated hole extending in the advancing direction of the wheel, the first action transmission position is a first recessed portion recessed downward at one end of the elongated hole, and the second action transmission position is a second recessed portion recessed downward at the other end of the elongated hole.

[0035] More preferably, the first position of the operation member is an upper position higher than the second position, and the operation member is located at the upper position by the second urging member.

[0036] Another aspect of the present application is a brake mechanism of a caster rotatably supported on a vehicle frame of a child care appliance, the brake mechanism of the caster including: a caster holder rotatably mounted on the vehicle frame about a vertical axis; a caster rotatably supported on the caster holder about a horizontal axis; an operation member mounted on the caster holder so as to be displaceable between a first position and a second position; a second urging member urging the operation member to the first position; a caster lock member supported on the caster holder so as to be displaceable between a locked position in which the caster lock member is engaged with the caster to inhibit rotation of the caster, and an unlocked position in which the caster lock member is not engaged with the caster to permit rotation of the caster; and a force transmission mechanism configured such that, when the caster lock member is in the locked position, if the operation member is displaced from the first position to the second position, the caster lock member is displaced to the unlocked position, and when the caster lock member is in the unlocked position, if the operation member is displaced from the first position to the second position, the caster lock member is displaced to the locked position; the force transmission mechanism including a transmission member that is displaced by a force from the operation member, the transmission member being relatively displaceable with respect to the operation member.

[0037] More preferably, the first position of the operation member is a position higher than the second position.

[0038] More preferably, the second urging member has one end portion or the other end portion connected to the operation member, and the other end portion or the one end portion connected to the caster holder.

[0039] More preferably, a heart-shaped cam groove is provided in either the caster holder or the operation member, the heart-shaped cam groove being formed by first to fourth path grooves, the first path groove being a substantially heart-shaped groove extending linearly from a first inclined position to a second inclined position, the second path groove being bent from the second inclined position and extending to a third inclined position at the other end different from the first inclined position, the third path groove being bent from the third inclined position and extending to a fourth inclined position at the other end different from the second inclined position, the fourth path groove being bent from the fourth inclined position and extending to the first inclined position at the other end different from the third inclined position, one end portion or the other end portion of the second urging member being engaged with the heart-shaped cam groove and moving in a manner of spiraling along the heart-shaped cam groove as the operation member is displaced from the first position to the second position.

[0040] [Effects of the Invention]

[0041] The brake mechanism according to the present application can be formed in a simple structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0042] FIG. 1 A side view of the brake mechanism of Embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0043] FIG. 2 A perspective view of the brake mechanism of Embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0044] FIG. 3 An exploded perspective view of the brake mechanism of Embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0045] FIG. 4 An exploded perspective view of the brake mechanism of Embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0046] FIG. 5A 、 5B A side view showing the inside with the cover portion removed, FIG. 5A showing a state in which the operation member is not operated, FIG. 5B showing a state in which the operation member is operated.

[0047] FIG. 6A 、 6B A perspective view showing the operation of the wheel locking member, FIG. 6A showing a non-locking position, FIG. 6B showing a locking position.

[0048] FIG. 7A 、 7B , 7C is a view corresponding to

[0049] FIG. 8A 、 8B , 8C is a view corresponding to FIG. 7A 、 7B , 7C, and is a view showing a state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the non-locking position to the locking position.

[0050] FIG. 9A 、 9B , 9C is a view showing a state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the locking position to the non-locking position.

[0051] FIG. 10A 、 10B , 10C is a view corresponding to FIG. 9A 、 9B , 9C, and is a view showing a state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the locking position to the non-locking position.

[0052] FIG. 11 An exploded perspective view of a brake mechanism according to a modification of Embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0053] FIG. 12A , 12B A perspective view showing the operation of the wheel locking member, FIG. 12A showing the non-locked position, FIG. 12B showing the locked position.

[0054] FIG. 13 A view showing the relationship between the engagement claw and the engagement teeth.

[0055] FIG. 14 A side view of a brake mechanism according to Embodiment 2 of the present application.

[0056] FIG. 15 A sectional view as viewed from the XV-XV line of FIG. 14 .

[0057] FIG. 16 A sectional view as viewed from the XIV-XIV line of FIG. 14 .

[0058] FIG. 17 An exploded view of a brake mechanism according to Embodiment 2 of the present application.

[0059] FIG. 18A , 18B A view showing the relationship between the transmission member, the engagement claw, and the third urging member, FIG. 18A a front view, FIG. 18B a sectional view as viewed from the XVIIIb-XVIIIb line of FIG. 18A .

[0060] FIG. 19A , 19B , 19C, 19D are views showing the state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the non-locked position to the locked position.

[0061] FIG. 20A , 20B , 20C, 20D are views showing the state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the non-locked position to the locked position.

[0062] FIG. 21 A side view of a brake mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present application.

[0063] FIG. 22 A sectional view of a brake mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present application.

[0064] FIG. 23 A view showing the transmission member in an enlarged manner.

[0065] FIG. 24A ,24B FIGS. 24C and 24D are views showing the state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the non-locking position to the locking position.

[0066] FIG. 25 FIG. 25 is a side view showing a modification of the brake mechanism of Embodiment 3 of the present application.

[0067] FIG. 26 FIG. 26 is a sectional view showing another modification of the brake mechanism of Embodiment 3 of the present application.

[0068] FIG. 27 FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the brake mechanism of Embodiment 4 of the present application.

[0069] FIG. 28 FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the brake mechanism of Embodiment 4 of the present application.

[0070] FIG. 29 FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the brake mechanism of Embodiment 4 of the present application.

[0071] FIG. 30A , 30B FIGS. 30A and 30B are perspective views showing the operation of the wheel locking member, FIG. 30A showing the non-locking position, FIG. 30B showing the locking position.

[0072] FIG. 31A , 31B FIGS. 31A and 31B are sectional views showing the operation of the wheel locking member, FIG. 31A showing the non-locking position, FIG. 31B showing the locking position.

[0073] FIG. 32 FIG. 32 is an enlarged view showing the positional relationship between the heart-shaped cam groove and the insertion pin.

[0074] FIG. 33A , 33B FIGS. 33C and 33D are perspective views showing the state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the non-locking position to the locking position.

[0075] FIG. 34A , 34B FIGS. 34C and 34D are views corresponding to FIG. 33A , 33B FIGS. 33C and 33D, and are sectional views showing the state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the non-locking position to the locking position.

[0076] FIG. 35 FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the brake mechanism of Embodiment 5 of the present application.

[0077] FIG. 36 FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of the brake mechanism of Embodiment 5 of the present application.

[0078] FIG. 37 FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the enlarged display of the heart-shaped cam.

[0079] FIG. 38A 、 38B FIGS. 38C and 38D are views corresponding to those of FIGS. 38A and 38B, respectively, and are perspective views showing the state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the non-locking position to the locking position and then displaced to the non-locking position.

[0080] FIG. 39A 、 39B FIGS. 39C and 39D are views corresponding to those of FIGS. 39A and 39B, respectively, and are sectional views showing the state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the non-locking position to the locking position and then displaced to the non-locking position. FIG. 38A 、 38B FIGS. 38C and 39D are views corresponding to those of FIGS. 38A and 38B, respectively, and are perspective views showing the state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the non-locking position to the locking position and then displaced to the non-locking position.

[0081] FIG. 40A 、 40B FIGS. 40C and 40D are views corresponding to those of FIGS. 40A and 40B, respectively, and are perspective views showing the state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the non-locking position to the locking position and then displaced to the non-locking position. FIG. 38A 、 38B FIGS. 38C and 39D are views corresponding to those of FIGS. 38A and 38B, respectively, and are perspective views showing the state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the non-locking position to the locking position and then displaced to the non-locking position. FIG. 39A 、 39B FIGS. 39C and 39D are views corresponding to those of FIGS. 39A and 39B, respectively, and are sectional views showing the state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the non-locking position to the locking position and then displaced to the non-locking position.

[0082] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] 1 stroller (child care appliance)

[0084] 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G brake mechanism

[0085] 10 vehicle body frame

[0086] 20, 20A, 20F, 20G wheel holder

[0087] 30, 30A, 30F cover portion

[0088] 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40F, 40G wheel

[0089] 50, 50B, 50C, 50F, 50G operation member

[0090] 52B engagement tooth

[0091] 55 third urging member

[0092] 56 engagement claw

[0093] 60, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60F, 60G wheel locking member

[0094] 63, 63B, 63D, 63F, 63G first urging member

[0095] 70, 70B, 70F, 70G transmission member

[0096] 71 transmission body portion

[0097] 70C link member (transmission member)

[0098] 72 engagement tooth

[0099] 80, 80F, 80G second urging member

[0100] 93C first recess (first operation transmission position)

[0101] 95C second recess (second operation transmission position)

[0102] 111aG first flat surface

[0103] 111bG second inclined surface

[0104] 110F, 110G heart-shaped cam groove

[0105] 111F, 111G first path groove

[0106] 112F, 112G second path groove

[0107] 113F, 113G third path groove

[0108] 114F, 114G fourth path groove

[0109] 121F, 121G first inclined position

[0110] 122F, 122G second inclined position

[0111] 123F, 123G third inclined position

[0112] 124F, 124G fourth inclined position DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0113] Embodiments of the present application are explained in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same or like parts are marked by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and the explanation thereof is omitted.

[0114] The brake mechanism 2 of this embodiment is mounted on the body frame 10 of a childcare device 1 having wheels 40. Typically, the childcare device 1 is a stroller with multiple wheels, but any device, such as a baby rack, childcare chair, or tricycle, may also have multiple wheels at the lower end of the body frame 10. While the body frame 10 is typically the legs, any frame that constitutes the backbone of the childcare device may be used. The brake mechanism 2 used in the childcare device 1 will be described in detail below.

[0115] <Implementation Method 1>

[0116] Reference FIG. 1 through FIG. 10A , 10B, 10C to illustrate the structure and operation of the brake mechanism of this embodiment. In addition, in the following description, the direction indicated by arrow A is set as the front, the opposite direction is set as the rear, and the direction indicated by arrow B is the left and right direction, also called the width direction.

[0117] (About each component)

[0118] The baby carriage 1 using the brake mechanism 2 can be similar in structure to a general baby carriage, and includes a body frame 10 and a seat portion supported by the body frame 10. Although the body frame 10 of this embodiment is a rear leg, the baby carriage 1 includes a pair of rear legs and a pair of front legs, and thus has at least four FIG. 1 The vehicle body frame 10 is formed of, for example, a metal pipe or a resin pipe.

[0119] like FIG. 1 As shown, the vehicle frame 10 includes a vehicle frame main body 11 and a fixed frame 12 provided at its lower end. The fixed frame 12 is fixed relative to the vehicle frame main body 11 so as to be non-rotatable. The brake mechanism 2 is mounted on the fixed frame 12. Therefore, the brake mechanism 2 is mounted on the vehicle frame main body 11 so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis La. The brake mechanism 2 will be described in detail below.

[0120] like FIG. 1 through FIG. 8A , 8B, and 8C, schematically, the brake mechanism 2 includes a wheel retainer 20 , a wheel 40 , an operating member 50 , a wheel locking member 60 , and a transmission member 70 .

[0121] like FIG. 1 As shown, the wheel retainer 20 is rotatably mounted to the vehicle frame body 11 via the fixing frame 12. The fixing frame 12 is not an essential component, and the wheel retainer 20 may be directly connected to the vehicle frame body 11 and rotatably arranged relative to the vehicle frame body 11.

[0122] The wheel holder 20 is attached to the vehicle body frame 10 so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis (rotation axis) La. The wheel holder 20 and the fixed frame 12 are connected so as to be relatively rotatable by a caster axle extending along the vertical axis La. The wheel holder 20 can also have a hollow portion, and a suspension device or the like is provided inside thereof to absorb irregularities in a road surface or the like without being transmitted to the seat. The wheel holder 20 supports the wheel 40 so as to be rotatable via an axle 45.

[0123] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the wheel holder 20 includes a wheel holder support portion 21 that supports the axle 45, a wheel holder body 22 having a housing space, and a cover portion 30 that closes the housing space. In the housing space of the wheel holder body 22, a portion of the operation member 50 described later other than an operation portion 53, a portion of the wheel lock member 60 described later other than a lock portion 62, the transmission member 70, and the second urging member 80 are housed. FIG. 3 FIG. 4 As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the wheel holder 20 includes a wheel holder support portion 21 that supports the axle 45, a wheel holder body 22 having a housing space, and a cover portion 30 that closes the housing space. In the housing space of the wheel holder body 22, a portion of the operation member 50 described later other than an operation portion 53, a portion of the wheel lock member 60 described later other than a lock portion 62, the transmission member 70, and the second urging member 80 are housed.

[0124] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the wheel holder 20 includes a wheel holder support portion 21 that supports the axle 45, a wheel holder body 22 having a housing space, and a cover portion 30 that closes the housing space. In the housing space of the wheel holder body 22, a portion of the operation member 50 described later other than an operation portion 53, a portion of the wheel lock member 60 described later other than a lock portion 62, the transmission member 70, and the second urging member 80 are housed. FIG. 3 As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the wheel holder 20 includes a wheel holder support portion 21 that supports the axle 45, a wheel holder body 22 having a housing space, and a cover portion 30 that closes the housing space. In the housing space of the wheel holder body 22, a portion of the operation member 50 described later other than an operation portion 53, a portion of the wheel lock member 60 described later other than a lock portion 62, the transmission member 70, and the second urging member 80 are housed.

[0125] The cover portion 30 is formed by a plate 31 that is, for example, circular in plan view. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the rear surface of the plate 31 is a flat surface, but as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, a protrusion portion 32 for preventing reverse rotation of the transmission member 70 and a segment portion 33 for holding the second urging member 80 are provided on the front surface (the surface on the wheel holder body 22 side) of the plate 31. FIG. 3 FIG. 4 FIG. 5A 5B As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the cover portion 30 is formed by a plate 31 that is, for example, circular in plan view. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the rear surface of the plate 31 is a flat surface, but as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, a protrusion portion 32 for preventing reverse rotation of the transmission member 70 and a segment portion 33 for holding the second urging member 80 are provided on the front surface (the surface on the wheel holder body 22 side) of the plate 31.

[0126] The wheel 40 is rotatable relative to the wheel holder 20. Specifically, the wheel 40 is supported to the wheel holder 20 via the axle 45 so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis Lb. The wheel 40 of the present embodiment is a single wheel, which is a caster having one wheel relative to one wheel holder 20.​​​​

[0127] The wheel 40 has a wheel body 41, a tire portion 42 held to the wheel body 41, a blade portion 43 holding an inner periphery of the tire portion 42, and a plurality of locking recesses 44 fixed to the blade portion 43. The locking recess 44 of the present embodiment is, for example, a rib portion. The locking recess 44 is fixed to a side of the blade portion 43 facing the wheel holder body 22. The locking recess 44 extends in a plurality of directions in a radial manner with the axle 45 as a center. When the wheel lock member 60 described later is positioned between adjacent locking recesses 44, rotation of the wheel 40 is prohibited.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 3 , FIG. 5A , and FIG. 5B , the operation member 50 operates the wheel lock member 60 described later. For easy understanding, the operation member 50 is indicated in light ink in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B . As shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B , the operation member 50 is installed to the wheel holder 20 in a manner capable of being displaced between a first position (upper position) and a second position (lower position). In the following description, the first position of the operation member 50 is set as the upper position, and the second position is set as the lower position.

[0129] The operation member 50 includes a circular-arc-shaped standing wall portion 51, a shaft support portion 52 extending inward from the standing wall portion 51, and an operation portion 53 extending outward from the standing wall portion 51. The standing wall portion 51 is a portion that closes the first opening portion 24 in a state where the operation member 50 is installed to the wheel holder body 22. Therefore, the standing wall portion 51 is shaped in a circular-arc-shaped pattern along the first opening portion 24.

[0130] The operation member 50 is urged to the upper position by a second urging member 80. The second urging member 80 is, for example, a spring, specifically, a torsion spring or the like. As shown in FIG. 5A , 5B , the second urging member 80 includes a spring body portion 81, one end portion 82, and the other end portion 83. The spring body portion 81 is disposed to the shaft support portion 52 of the operation member 50, and a pin 35a is inserted therethrough. The one end portion 82 is caught to the segment portion 54 of the operation member 50, and the other end portion 83 is caught to the segment portion 33 of the cover portion 30. Accordingly, the operation member 50 is urged to the upper position by the second urging member 80 except when it is pressed.

[0131] The shaft support portion 52 is formed with a hole portion 52a in its central portion. A pin 35a passes through the hole portion 52a. Accordingly, the operating member 50 is fixed in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the wheel holder body 22 and can rotate around a horizontal axis. The operating portion 53 protrudes outward from the wheel holder body 22 when the operating member 50 is mounted on the wheel holder body 22. The operating portion 53 preferably protrudes toward the rear, for example, toward an obliquely upward direction. The operating portion 53 is, for example, a pedal that can be operated by the user stepping on it with his foot from above. Although the operating portion 53 of the present embodiment is in the shape of a rod, it can also be designed to have a width that makes it easier for the user to step on it.

[0132] like FIG. 7A and FIG. 7C As shown, the operating portion 53 is formed into a hollow shape, and an engaging claw 56 and a third pushing member 55 for pushing the engaging claw 56 to the side of the engaging tooth 72 are arranged inside. The engaging claw 56 has a tapered shape with an inclined front end, and is engaged with the engaging tooth 72 of the transmission member 70 described later. The third pushing member 55 is, for example, a spring, specifically a compression coil spring. The engaging claw 56 can be displaced to an engaging position (engaging position) engaged with the engaging tooth 72. FIG. 7A ), and the engaged position ( FIG. 7C )between.

[0133] The wheel lock member 60 is displaceable to a lock position ( FIG. 6B 、 FIG. 7B 、 FIG. 8B ), and the unlocked position ( FIG. 6A 、 FIG. 7A 、 FIG. 8A ) is supported on the wheel retainer 20.

[0134] like FIG. 3 and FIG. 6A As shown, the wheel lock member 60 includes, for example, a semicircular lock body 61 and a lock portion 62 protruding outward from the lock body 61. A hole 61a extending through the lock body 61 in the width direction is provided. FIG. 6A and FIG. 8A As shown, the lock body 61 is formed such that the end portion of the outer housing 64 facing the opening on the wheel 40 side is not a flat surface but an arc surface 61 b ​​centered on the hole 61 a .

[0135] The wheel locking member 60 is urged to the locked position by a first urging member 63. The first urging member 63 elastically couples the transmission member 70 and the wheel locking member 60, and brings the wheel locking member 60 to the locked position in conjunction with the displacement of the transmission member 70. The first urging member 63 is, for example, a spring, specifically a torsion spring, or the like.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 3 , the wheel locking member 60 is fixed to an outer housing 64. The outer housing 64 is a frame body with both width direction side surfaces open, and has a hole portion 64a provided on a front surface and a rear surface. A pin 65 is inserted through the hole portion 61a of the wheel locking member 60 and the hole portion 64a of the outer housing 64. Further, the outer housing 64 is fitted into the second opening portion 26 of the second wall portion 25 of the wheel holder 20. In this way, the wheel locking member 60 is rotatably fixed to the wheel holder 20. Further, a hole portion 65a is provided in the outer housing 64 so as to be inserted through in the axial direction.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B , the wheel locking member 60 is rotatably fixed to the wheel holder 20. The wheel locking member 60 is rotatable about a horizontal axis. As described above, the locking body portion 61 is formed so that the end portion on the side facing the opening portion of the wheel 40 side of the outer housing 64 is not a flat surface but a circular arc shape centered on the hole portion 61a. Therefore, compared to the case where the end portion is formed as a flat surface, it is possible to prevent external waste or dust and the like from entering the wheel holder body 22 in conjunction with the rotation of the wheel locking member 60.

[0138] The transmission member 70 is a member that is displaced by the force from the operation member 50. The transmission member 70 is provided between the operation member 50 and the wheel locking member 60, and functions to buffer the operation member 50 and the wheel locking member 60. In other words, the transmission member 70 does not directly transmit the operation force from the operation member 50 to the wheel locking member 60, but functions to temporarily receive the operation force and then transmit it to the wheel locking member 60.

[0139] The transmission member 70 switches, each time the operation member 50 is moved from the upper position to the lower position, between a first state (S1) in which the wheel locking member 60 is brought to the locked position, and a second state (S2) in which the wheel locking member 60 is brought to the unlocked position. FIG. 7A 、 FIG. 7B 、 FIG. 8A 、 FIG. 8B FIG. 9A 、 FIG. 9B 、 FIG. 10A 、 FIG. 10B The transmission member 70 is a member that is rotated in only one direction, for example, about the FIG. 7A ​clockwise direction on the paper.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , the transmission member 70 includes, for example, a transmission body portion 71 of a gear shape; an engagement tooth 72 provided to an outer peripheral surface of the transmission body portion 71; and a protrusion 73 provided to an inner side (wheel holder body 22 side) of the transmission body portion 71. A hole portion 71a is provided to a substantially central portion of the transmission body portion 71. The hole portion 52a of the operation member 50 described above, the hole portion 71a of the transmission member 70, the hole portion 65a of the outer housing 64, and the hole portion 27a of the wheel holder 20 are penetrated by a pin 35a. By this, the operation member 50 and the transmission member 70 are able to rotate around a horizontal axis.

[0141] The engagement tooth 72 is engaged with the engagement claw 56 described above. The engagement tooth 72 is, for example, a ratchet shape, and is provided in a manner that a blade is inclined, so as to restrict the direction of rotation to one direction.

[0142] In the present embodiment, the engagement tooth 72 of the transmission member 70 described above, the engagement claw 56 of the operation member 50, and the third urging member 55 constitute a "one-way clutch mechanism". The one-way clutch mechanism is a mechanism to restrict to one direction and impart a rotational force. Specifically, the one-way clutch mechanism is configured to engage the operation member 50 and move together with the operation member 50 in a direction in which the operation member 50 moves from the upper position to the lower position (( FIG. 7A ), and in a direction in which the operation member 50 moves from the lower position to the upper position, disengage from the operation member 50 and stay at a stationary position ( FIG. 7B ).

[0143] The protrusions 73 are provided in a plurality with a predetermined interval therebetween. As shown in FIG. 6B and FIG. 8A , if the lock body portion 61 of the wheel lock member 60 abuts against the front end portion of the protrusion 73, the wheel lock member 60 becomes the non-locking position, and the transmission member 70 is in the second state. Further, as shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 8A , if the lock body portion 61 of the wheel lock member 60 does not abut against the front end portion of the protrusion 73 but is positioned between adjacent protrusions 73, the wheel lock member 60 is in the locking position, and the transmission member 70 is in the second state. In addition, for easy understanding, in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the protrusions 73 are indicated in light ink.

[0144] In the present embodiment, a "force transmission mechanism" is constituted by the transmission member 70 described above, and the first urging member 63 of the urging wheel lock member 60. The force transmission mechanism is a mechanism to move the wheel lock member 60 from the non-locking position ( FIG. 6A) to the locked position ( FIG. 6B ). In addition, in the following embodiments, the element that includes the transmission member and the first pushing member and brings the wheel locking member to the locked position in response to the operation member being displaced from the first position to the second position is also referred to as the "force transmission mechanism".

[0145] The above describes the various components that make up the brake mechanism 2. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 As shown, the pin 35a penetrates the hole 34a of the cover 30, the hole 52a of the operating member 50, the hole 71a of the transmission member 70, the hole 65a of the outer shell 64, and the hole 27a of the wheel holder 20. Furthermore, the pin 35b penetrates the hole 34b of the cover 30 and the hole 27b of the wheel holder 20, and the pin 35c penetrates the hole 34c of the cover 30 and the hole 27c of the wheel holder 20, and the cover 30 is fixed to the wheel holder body 22.

[0146] (About Action)

[0147] Refer to Figures 7 to FIG. 10A 、 10B , 10C will be used to describe the operation of the brake mechanism 2 of this embodiment. FIG. 7A 、 7B , 7C and FIG. 8A 、 8B 8C is a diagram showing a state where the wheel locking member is displaced from the unlocked position to the locked position, FIG. 9A 、 9B , 9C and FIG. 10A 、 10B 10C is a diagram showing a state where the wheel locking member is displaced from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0148] First, refer to FIG. 7A 、 7B , 7C and FIG. 8A 、 8B 8C will be used to explain the operation of changing the state from the traveling state in which the wheels 40 rotate to the braking state in which the wheels 40 are prohibited from rotating. FIG. 7A and FIG. 8A As shown, the locking body 61 of the wheel locking member 60 abuts the front end of the protrusion 73 of the transmission member 70, and the locking portion 62 does not protrude toward the wheel 40. Therefore, the wheel 40 is in a traveling state in which the locking portion 62 of the wheel locking member 60 is not inserted between the locking recesses 44 of the wheel 40. Furthermore, when the operating member 50 is in the upper position, the engaging claw 56 of the operating member 50 and the engaging teeth 72 of the transmission member 70 are in a mutually engaged state.

[0149] To change from the traveling state to the braking state, the user moves the operation part 53 of the operation member 50 downward with his foot. Accordingly, the operation member 50 moves from the upper position to the lower position, and the transmission member 70 rotates in the clockwise direction on the paper. By the rotation of the transmission member 70, the transmission member 70 rotates, and the position of the protrusion 73 also moves. Accordingly, as shown in Figs. 63 and 64, the locking body part 61 of the wheel locking member 60 no longer abuts against the protrusion 73. The wheel locking member 60 is urged to the locking position (Fig. 65) by the first urging member 63, and thus no longer abuts against the protrusion 73, and rotates in the upward direction on the paper with the pin 65 as the center, and the locking part 62 is inserted between the locking recesses 44 of the wheel 40, becoming the braking state. FIG. 7B and FIG. 8B As shown in Figs. 63 and 64, the locking body part 61 of the wheel locking member 60 no longer abuts against the protrusion 73. The wheel locking member 60 is urged to the locking position (Fig. 65) by the first urging member 63, and thus no longer abuts against the protrusion 73, and rotates in the upward direction on the paper with the pin 65 as the center, and the locking part 62 is inserted between the locking recesses 44 of the wheel 40, becoming the braking state. FIG. 8A As shown in Figs. 63 and 64, the locking body part 61 of the wheel locking member 60 no longer abuts against the protrusion 73. The wheel locking member 60 is urged to the locking position (Fig. 65) by the first urging member 63, and thus no longer abuts against the protrusion 73, and rotates in the upward direction on the paper with the pin 65 as the center, and the locking part 62 is inserted between the locking recesses 44 of the wheel 40, becoming the braking state.

[0150] FIG. 5A As shown in Figs. 63 and 64, the locking body part 61 of the wheel locking member 60 no longer abuts against the protrusion 73. The wheel locking member 60 is urged to the locking position (Fig. 65) by the first urging member 63, and thus no longer abuts against the protrusion 73, and rotates in the upward direction on the paper with the pin 65 as the center, and the locking part 62 is inserted between the locking recesses 44 of the wheel 40, becoming the braking state. FIG. 7A As shown in Figs. 63 and 64, the locking body part 61 of the wheel locking member 60 no longer abuts against the protrusion 73. The wheel locking member 60 is urged to the locking position (Fig. 65) by the first urging member 63, and thus no longer abuts against the protrusion 73, and rotates in the upward direction on the paper with the pin 65 as the center, and the locking part 62 is inserted between the locking recesses 44 of the wheel 40, becoming the braking state. FIG. 7C As shown in Figs. 63 and 64, the locking body part 61 of the wheel locking member 60 no longer abuts against the protrusion 73. The wheel locking member 60 is urged to the locking position (Fig. 65) by the first urging member 63, and thus no longer abuts against the protrusion 73, and rotates in the upward direction on the paper with the pin 65 as the center, and the locking part 62 is inserted between the locking recesses 44 of the wheel 40, becoming the braking state.

[0151] Next, the operation of changing from the braking state to the traveling state will be described with reference to Figs. 73, 74, 9C, and 10C. As shown in Figs. 73 and 74, the locking body part 61 of the wheel locking member 60 is positioned between the protrusion 73 and the protrusion 73 without abutting against the front end part of the protrusion 73 of the transmission member 70, and the locking part 62 protrudes to the wheel 40 side. Thus, the wheel 40 becomes the traveling state in which the locking part 62 of the wheel locking member 60 is inserted between the locking recesses 44 of the wheel 40. Further, if the operation member 50 is in the upper position, the engagement claw 56 of the operation member 50 and the engagement tooth 72 of the transmission member 70 are in the state of engaging with each other. FIG. 9A 9B FIG. 10A 10B FIG. 9A FIG. 10A As shown in Figs. 63 and 64, the locking body part 61 of the wheel locking member 60 no longer abuts against the protrusion 73. The wheel locking member 60 is urged to the locking position (Fig. 65) by the first urging member 63, and thus no longer abuts against the protrusion 73, and rotates in the upward direction on the paper with the pin 65 as the center, and the locking part 62 is inserted between the locking recesses 44 of the wheel 40, becoming the braking state.

[0152] ​​​​​​To change from the braking state to the moving state, the user steps on the operating portion 53 of the operating member 50 again to move it downward. As a result, the operating member 50 moves from the upper position to the lower position, and the transmission member 70 rotates in the clockwise direction. As the transmission member 70 rotates, the position of the convex portion 73 also moves. FIG. 9B and FIG. 10B As shown, the locking body 61 of the wheel locking member 60 abuts against the front end of the protrusion 73. Although the wheel locking member 60 is pushed to the locking position ( FIG. 8A ), but the locking portion 62 resists the elastic thrust and rotates clockwise on the paper with the pin 65 as the center, and disengages from between the locking recesses 44 of the wheel 40 to become a traveling state.

[0153] like FIG. 5A As shown, the operating member 50 is pushed to the upper position by the second pushing member 80. Therefore, if the foot is removed from the operating member 50, the operating member 50 returns to the original upper position by the pushing force of the second pushing member 80. FIG. 7A As shown, the engaging claw 56 is pushed toward the engaging tooth 72 by the third pushing member 55. The pushing force of the third pushing member 55 is set to be smaller than the pushing force of the second pushing member 80. In addition, the cover 30 is provided with a protrusion 32, which bites into the engaging tooth 72 of the transmission member 70. Therefore, as shown in FIG. FIG. 7C As shown, when the counterclockwise rotation of the transmission member 70 is restricted, the engaging claw 56 is pressed inward against the spring force of the third spring member 55 , and the operating member 50 automatically returns to the upper position by the spring force of the second spring member 80 .

[0154] (About efficacy)

[0155] Thus, when the user wants to park the baby carriage 1, he or she only needs to step on the operating member 50 in a manner of pressing from above to lock the wheel locking member 60 ( FIG. 7A 、 7B , 7C, FIG. 8A 、 8B 8C), when the baby carriage 1 is to be moved, the wheel locking member 60 can be unlocked by stepping on the operating member 50 by pressing it from above ( FIG. 9A 、 9B ,9C, FIG. 10A 、 10B , 10C). In this way, the braking state can be switched on and off by repeatedly pressing the operating member 50 so as to put the vehicle into the braking state by pressing the operating member once and then into the traveling state by pressing the operating member again.

[0156] The brake mechanism 2 of the present embodiment is provided with a transmission member 70 that transmits the operation of the operation member 50 to the wheel locking member 60, between the operation member 50 and the wheel locking member 60, so the operation member 50 can be provided at a position away from the wheel 40, for example, and various configurations can be adopted for the operation member 50 and the wheel locking member 60, so the degree of freedom in designing the brake mechanism 2 can be improved.

[0157] The brake mechanism 2 of the present embodiment is provided with the first urging member 63 that urges the wheel locking member 60 to the locked position, so the positions of the locking recesses 44 of the wheel 40 and the wheel locking member 60 are misaligned, and even if the locking portion 62 of the wheel locking member 60 does not fit between the locking recesses 44, the wheel locking member 60 will not be forcibly fitted between the locking recesses 44, but will be fitted when the positions of the wheel locking member 60 and the locking recesses 44 are aligned by the urging force of the first urging member 63, so damage to the brake mechanism 2 can be prevented.

[0158] The brake mechanism of a conventional general stroller 1 is configured to brake if the operation member is pressed and to release the brake if the operation member is kicked, but the upper surface of the shoe can be soiled when the operation member is kicked.

[0159] In contrast, the brake mechanism 2 of the present embodiment is provided with the second urging member 80 that urges the operation member 50 to the upper position, so if the pressing of the operation member 50 is released, the operation member 50 is always positioned at the upper position.

[0160] Accordingly, the user can press the operation member 50 from above, without needing to kick the operation member 50, so shoe soiling can be prevented. In particular, in the brake mechanism 2 of the present embodiment, the first position is the upper position, and the second position is the lower position, and the first position is higher than the second position, so the brake state and the travel state can be switched by the action of stepping from above to below, so the operability can be improved. In addition, the action of changing from the travel state to the brake state and the action of changing from the brake state to the travel state are both the action of pressing the operation member 50 from above, so the operation of the user can be simplified.

[0161] The brake mechanism 2 of the present embodiment is provided with a one-way clutch mechanism configured to engage with the operation member 50 and move together with the operation member in the direction in which the operation member 50 moves from the upper position to the lower position, and to disengage from the operation member 50 and remain at a stationary position in the direction in which the operation member 50 moves from the lower position to the upper position, so the switching action between the brake state and the travel state can be performed stably.

[0162] Further, the brake mechanism 2 of the present embodiment can house a portion of the operation member 50, a portion of the wheel locking member 60, the force transmission mechanism, the first urging member 63, and the second urging member 80 in the accommodation space of the wheel holder body 22, and can concentrate the constituent parts constituting the brake mechanism 2 at one place, so that assembly and maintenance can be easily performed, and workability can be improved.

[0163] (Regarding Modification)

[0164] Referring to FIG. 11 through FIG. 13 a modification of the brake mechanism of Embodiment 1 will be described. The brake mechanism 2 of Embodiment 1 is for a single wheel, but the present modification is for a double wheel, and differs in this point. Here, only the points different from the brake mechanism 2 of Embodiment 1 will be described in detail.

[0165] As FIG. 12A shown, the wheel holder 20A of the brake mechanism 2A of the present modification is disposed between the wheels 40A. In other words, the wheel holder 20A is positioned so as to be sandwiched by the pair of wheels 40A. As FIG. 11 shown, the wheel holder body 22A is, for example, a hollow substantially cubic shape, and is formed by a first wall portion 23A and a second wall portion 25A disposed opposite to each other across the first wall portion 23A. A first opening portion 24A, through which the operation portion 53 of the operation member 50 protrudes, is provided in the first wall portion 23A. A second opening portion 26A, through which the wheel locking member 60 protrudes in the left-right direction, is provided in the second wall portion 25A. Accordingly, the operation member 50 protrudes toward the rear and obliquely upward, and the pair of wheel locking members 60 are shaped so as to protrude toward the pair of wheels, respectively.

[0166] The wheel holder body 22A is provided with an opening in the lower portion thereof, and the opening is covered by the cover portion 30A. As FIG. 11 and FIG. 13 shown, a protrusion portion 32 for preventing reverse rotation of the transmission member 70 is provided in the widthwise central portion of the cover portion 30A.

[0167] As FIG. 11 and FIG. 12A , 12B shown, the wheel locking member 60 is provided with a pair of the housing bodies 64 for fixing the wheel locking member 60 to the wheel holder 20A. The transmission member 70 is provided with a pair of the convex portions 73, and the flat surfaces thereof are overlapped with each other with the convex portions 73 outward (toward the wheels 40A).

[0168] Thus, the brake mechanism 2 of Embodiment 1 can be used not only for a single wheel but also for a pair of wheels of the brake mechanism 2A of the modified example. The pair of wheel locking members 60 are urged in the locking direction by the first urging members 63, respectively, so that even when one of the wheel locking members 60 is locked and the other is not locked, the wheel locking members 60 are not locked to the wheels rigidly but are locked in cooperation with the rotation of the wheels. Therefore, the pair of wheels 40 can not be locked at the same time, so that the wheel locking members 60 can be prevented from malfunctioning.

[0169] Embodiment 2

[0170] Reference FIG. 14 through FIG. 20A , 20B, 20C, 20D to explain the configuration and operation of the brake mechanism 2B of Embodiment 2. The basic configuration of the brake mechanism 2B of this embodiment is the same as that of the brake mechanism 2 of Embodiment 1, but differs in the provision of the engagement teeth and the engagement claws and the configuration of the wheel locking members. Here, only the differences from the brake mechanism 2 of Embodiment 1 will be described in detail.

[0171] (Regarding the Configuration)

[0172] The wheel 40B of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of locking recesses 44B that open toward the axle 45 side at intervals in the circumferential direction. The rotation of the wheel 40B is locked by the lower end portions 68B of the wheel locking members 60B that are fitted in the locking recesses 44B.

[0173] The operation member 50B includes an operation body portion 51B and an operation portion 53 that protrudes outward from the operation body portion 51B. As shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 An operation opening portion 54B, for example, in the shape of a circle as viewed in plan, is provided in the operation body portion 51B. Inside the operation opening portion 54B, a transmission member 70B, a pair of engagement claws 56, and a third urging member 55 that urges the pair of engagement claws 56 outward are accommodated. A plurality of engagement teeth 52B, with which the pair of engagement claws 56 engage, are provided at intervals in the peripheral wall portion of the operation opening portion 54B. These engagement claws 56 and engagement teeth 52B constitute a one-way clutch mechanism. Further, the operation member 50B is urged upward by a second urging member not shown. The operation member 50B can rotate about a horizontal axis, like the operation member 50 of the above-described embodiment.

[0174] As shown in FIG. 17 , the wheel locking member 60B is, for example, an elongated member that extends upward and downward and has a locking body portion 66B, an upper end portion 67B of the locking body portion 66B, and a lower end portion 68B of the locking body portion 66B. The upper end portion 67B and the lower end portion 68B are formed by bending the locking body portion 66B in the same direction. As shown inFIG. 16 As shown, the wheel locking member 60B is held in a vertically movable manner in a vertically extending guide portion 26B provided on the inner side of the wheel holder 20. The wheel locking member 60B is movable along a vertical axis. Further, as shown, the wheel locking member 60B is provided with a first urging member 63B which urges the wheel locking member 60B to the locked position. The first urging member 63B is, for example, a tension spring, one end of which is fixed to the wheel locking member 60B and the other end of which is fixed to the wheel holder 20. FIG. 14 As shown, the wheel locking member 60B is provided with a first urging member 63B which urges the wheel locking member 60B to the locked position. The first urging member 63B is, for example, a tension spring, one end of which is fixed to the wheel locking member 60B and the other end of which is fixed to the wheel holder 20.

[0175] As described above, the transmission member 70B is disposed in the opening portion of the operation body portion 51B. As shown, FIG. 18B As shown, the transmission member 70B has a front surface 74B and a rear surface 75B which is sandwiched by the front surface 74B and the operation opening portion 54B. As shown, FIG. 17 As shown, the outer peripheral portion of the front surface 74B is provided with recessed portions 76B at positions at 90 degree intervals. In the recessed portions 76B, the upper end portion 67B of the wheel locking member 60B is seated in the locked state of the wheel locking member 60B. As shown, FIG. 18A As shown, the rear surface 75B is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion on the paper surface, and a gap is provided between the upper portion and the lower portion, the gap being for seating a pair of engagement claws 56 and the third urging member 55. The transmission member 70B is rotatable about a horizontal axis, as in the above-described embodiment. In addition, the front surface 74B and the rear surface 75B are preferably formed of the same member.

[0176] As shown, FIG. 14 As shown, the upper end portion 67A of the wheel locking member 60B is inserted in the recessed portion 76B of the transmission member 70B in the locked state of the wheel locking member 60B, and the lower end portion 68B is inserted in the locking recessed portion 44B of the wheel 40B. Accordingly, the wheel locking member 60B is operated in conjunction with the operation of the transmission member 70B. Further, in the unlocked state of the wheel locking member 60B, as shown, FIG. 19D As shown, the upper end portion 67B of the wheel locking member 60B is moved to the outside of the recessed portion 76B of the transmission member 70B, that is, to between the transmission member 70B and the operation opening portion 54B of the operation body portion 51B, and the lower end portion 68B is disengaged from the locking recessed portion 44B of the wheel 40B.

[0177] (Action)

[0178] First, the operation from the braking state to the traveling state will be described with reference to Figs. 19A, 19B, FIG. 19A 19B FIG. 19A As shown, the state is the braking state, and the lower end portion 68B of the wheel locking member 60B is seated in the locking recessed portion 44B of the wheel 40B. FIG. 19D ​​The illustrated state is the running state, and is a state in which the lower end portion 68B of the wheel locking member 60B is disengaged from the locking recess portion 44B of the wheel 40B.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 19A the brake state, the upper end portion 67B of the wheel locking member 60B is engaged in the recess portion 76B of the transmission member 70, and the lower end portion 68B thereof is engaged in the locking recess portion 44B of the wheel 40. In addition, the engagement teeth 52B of the operation member 50B and the engagement pawl 56 of the transmission member 70B are in a state of being engaged with each other. In this state, if the operation member 50 is pressed downward, the transmission member 70 is also rotated in the counterclockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 19B

[0180] The operation member 50 is urged upward by a second urging member (not shown), so if the foot is removed from the operation member 50, it is automatically returned to the upward position, as shown in FIG. 19B and FIG. 19C The urging force of the first urging member 63B is set to be smaller than the urging force of the second urging member (not shown) of the operation member 50B. Therefore, the engagement pawl 56 is pressed inward against the urging force of the third urging member 55, and the operation portion 53 is moved upward by the urging force of the second urging member.

[0181] As shown in FIG. 19D the brake state, the upper end portion 67B of the wheel locking member 60B is engaged in the recess portion 76B of the transmission member 70, and the lower end portion 68B thereof is engaged in the locking recess portion 44B of the wheel 40. In addition, the engagement teeth 52B of the operation member 50B and the engagement pawl 56 of the transmission member 70B are in a state of being engaged with each other. In this state, if the operation member 50 is pressed downward, the transmission member 70 is also rotated in the counterclockwise direction, as shown in

[0182] Next, a state in which the wheel 40B is rotated will be described with reference to FIG. 20A , 20B , 20C, and 20D. FIG. 20A The illustrated state is the running state, and is a state in which the lower end portion 68B of the wheel locking member 60B is disengaged from the locking recess portion 44B of the wheel 40B. FIG. 20D The illustrated state is the brake state, and is a state in which the lower end portion 68B of the wheel locking member 60B is engaged in the locking recess portion 44B of the wheel 40.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 20A ​As shown in FIG. 1 , in the traveling state, the upper end portion 67B of the wheel locking member 60B is disengaged from the recess 76B of the transmission member 70, and the lower end portion 68B thereof is disengaged from the locking recess 44B of the wheel 40. In addition, the engaging teeth 52B of the operating member 50 and the engaging claws 56 of the transmission member 70 are in a state of engagement with each other. In this state, if the operating member 50 is pressed downward, as shown in FIG. FIG. 20B As shown, the transmission member 70 also rotates counterclockwise.

[0184] The operating member 50 is pushed to the upper position by the second pushing member (not shown), so if the foot is removed from the operating member 50, the FIG. 20B and FIG. 20C As shown, the operating member 50B automatically returns to its upper position. At this time, the pushing force of the first pushing member 63B is set to be smaller than the pushing force of the second pushing member of the operating member 50B. Therefore, the engaging claw 56 resists the pushing force of the third pushing member 55 and is pressed inward, and the operating member 50B moves upward due to the pushing force of the second pushing member.

[0185] like FIG. 20D As shown, when only the operating member 50 rotates, the engaging claw 56 approaches the engaging tooth 52B of the operating member 50 and is pushed outward by the resilient force of the third repulsing member 55, engaging the engaging claw 56 with the engaging tooth 52B of the operating member 50. Furthermore, the upper end 67B of the wheel locking member 60B is inserted into the recess 76B of the transmission member 70, and the lower end 68B is inserted into the locking recess 44B of the wheel 40. In this way, a single press of the operating member 50 switches the wheel from the braking state to the driving state, and a second press switches the wheel from the driving state to the braking state. In this way, each press of the operating member 50 alternates between the locked and unlocked positions of the wheel locking member 60B. Specifically, pressing the operating member 50 a second time, switching the wheel from the driving state to the braking state and back to the driving state, causes the transmission member 70 to rotate 95 degrees.

[0186] In addition, in this embodiment, the protrusion 32 for preventing the reverse rotation of the transmission member 70 as shown in Embodiment 1 may be provided. For example, such a protrusion is preferably provided in the operation opening 54B of the operation portion 53.

[0187] <Implementation Method 3>

[0188] Reference FIG. 21 through FIG. 24A , 24B, 24C, and 24D illustrate the structure and operation of a brake mechanism 2C in accordance with a third embodiment. Braking mechanism 2C in this embodiment uses a link as a transmission member, differing from the brake mechanisms 2 to 2B in the aforementioned embodiments. Only the differences from the aforementioned brake mechanisms 2 to 2B will be described in detail.

[0189] (Concerning each component)

[0190] The wheel 40C is as the wheel 40B of Embodiment 2 in general, and a locking recess 44C is provided on the wheel 40C side. The locking recess 44C is provided in a radial line shape, and the front end portion thereof is formed in a circular shape. The operation member 50C is, for example, a rod-shaped member, and is linked to the wheel holder 20 via a rotation shaft 58C in a manner so as to be able to rotate with respect to the wheel holder 20. The operation member 50C is constantly urged upward by a second urging member 80 shown by a broken line.

[0191] The link member 70C is a rod-shaped member extending upward and downward, and one end (upper end) thereof is linked to the operation member 50C via a rotation shaft 74C in a manner so as to be able to rotate. Further, the other end (lower end) of the link member 70C is linked to the cam groove 92C of the wheel locking member 60C via a sliding shaft 75C in a manner so as to be able to move. The link member 70C of the present embodiment is a rod-shaped member extending upward and downward, but can be a member linking the operation member 50C and the wheel locking member 60C.

[0192] As shown in FIG. 23 , the wheel locking member 60C includes a plate-shaped locking body 91C, a cam groove 92C provided to the locking body 91C, and a locking portion 62C protruding downward from the locking body 91C. As described above, the cam groove 92C receives the sliding shaft 75C of the link member 70C in a manner so as to be able to displace. The cam groove 92C is an elongated hole extending in the advancing direction of the wheel 40C. Further, the arrow A shown in FIG. 21 indicates the front-rear direction, and the front-rear direction coincides with the advancing direction. The wheel locking member 60C is mounted to the wheel holder 20 via a fixing shaft 90C in a manner so as to be able to rotate with respect to the wheel holder 20.

[0193] As shown in FIG. 24A , 24B , 24C, 24D, the cam groove 92C has a first recess 93C located at one end of the elongated hole and recessed downward, a second recess 95C located at the other end of the elongated hole and recessed downward, and a linking portion 94C linking the first recess 93C and the second recess 95C. The linking portion 94C is in a shape extending in a straight line, but the first recess 93C and the second recess 95C are inclinedly provided so as to be deeper toward the both ends thereof. The locking portion 62C is located further downward than the cam groove 92C.

[0194] (Concerning operation)

[0195] The operation of the brake mechanism 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 24A , 24B , 24C, 24D. In FIG. 24AThe figure shows the traveling state, and the wheel locking member 60C is in the unlocked position. In this state, if the operating member 50C is stepped on to move it from the upper position to the lower position, the link member 70C is FIG. 24B As shown, the link member 70C is pressed, tilting rearward and pressing the first recess 93C of the cam groove 92C. Furthermore, the pressure from the link member 70C moves the wheel lock member 60C to the locked position, with the locking portion 62C fitting between the locking recesses 44C. As the link member 70C presses the first recess 93C, causing it to move, the first recess 93C is in the "first motion transmission position."

[0196] like FIG. 24B As shown, after the brake state is reached, if the foot is released from the operating member 50C, the operating member 50C is retracted by the second repulsive member 80 ( FIG. 21 ) moves from the lower position to the upper position due to the elastic thrust of FIG. 24C While the wheel lock member 60C is maintained in the locked position, the sliding shaft 75C of the link member 70C moves along the connecting portion 94C and reaches the second recess 95C. As the link member 70C moves along the connecting portion 94C, the connecting portion 94C is in the guide position.

[0197] like FIG. 24C As shown, if the brake is in the state, the operating member 50C is pressed again to move it from the upper position to the lower position, and the link member 70C is as shown in FIG. FIG. 24D As shown, by pressing the second recess 95C, the link member 70C tilts forward and presses the second recess 95C of the cam groove 92C. Furthermore, the pressure from the link member 70C moves the wheel lock member 60C to the unlocked position, and the locking portion 62C disengages from between the locking recesses 44C. Thus, due to the displacement caused by the link member 70C pressing the second recess 95C, the second recess 95C is in the "second motion transmission position."

[0198] The brake mechanism 2C of this embodiment has a simple structure in which the transmission member 70C is formed of a link member, and the sliding shaft 75C of the link member is received in the cam groove 92C. Therefore, the driving state and the braking state can be achieved simply by moving the sliding shaft 75C of the link member 70C back and forth along the cam groove 92C. Therefore, compared with the structures of other embodiments, the brake mechanism 2C of this embodiment can reduce the number of parts, resulting in a simple structure and simple operation.

[0199] (About Modifications)

[0200] Reference FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 A modified example of the brake mechanism 2C according to the third embodiment will be described.FIG. 25 A diagram showing a modified example of the shape of the wheel lock member, FIG. 26 A diagram showing a modified example of a double wheel.

[0201] The locking portion 62C of the wheel locking member 60C in the brake mechanism 2C of the third embodiment is directly fixed to the locking body 91C. FIG. 25 As shown, the wheel locking member 60D of this modified example can also be elastically arranged by a first biasing member 63D. The first biasing member 63D is, for example, a coil spring, which is biased toward locking the wheel locking member 60D. Specifically, the wheel locking member 60D has a downwardly opening portion 97D that opens downward, and the locking portion 62D and the first biasing member 63D are disposed within the downwardly opening portion 97D.

[0202] The brake mechanism 2C of the third embodiment is a single wheel, but FIG. 26 As shown, the brake mechanism 2E of this modification can also be a double wheel. In this case, it can also be a brake mechanism 2A ( FIG. 11 12 ), the wheel retainer 20 is generally disposed between the wheels 40C, and the wheel locking member 60 is engaged with each wheel 40C.

[0203] In addition, although the cam groove 92C of this embodiment is formed as an elongated hole and has the first recess 93C and the second recess 95C, it is not limited to this shape. For example, the shape of the cam groove 92C can be selected so as to have the following positions a) to c).

[0204] a) a first action transmission position, which brings the wheel locking member to the locked position by pressing from the link member when the operating member is moved from the first position to the second position; b) a guiding position, which displaces the other end of the link member while maintaining the wheel locking member in the locked position when the operating member is moved from the second position to the first position by the elastic pushing force of the second elastic pushing member; c) a second action transmission position, which brings the wheel locking member to the unlocked position by pressing force from the link member when the wheel locking member is in the locked position and the operating member is moved from the first position to the second position.

[0205] <Implementation Method 4>

[0206] Reference FIG. 27 through FIG. 34A, 34B, 34C, and 34D illustrate the structure and operation of brake mechanism 2F in Embodiment 4. Brake mechanism 2F in this embodiment shares similarities with brake mechanisms 2 to 2E described above in that the operating member rotates about a horizontal axis. However, it differs from brake mechanisms 2 to 2E in that the transmission member slides along the horizontal axis of the operating member and in that a heart-shaped cam groove is used. Here, only the differences from brake mechanisms 2 to 2E described in Embodiments 1 to 3 will be described in detail.

[0207] (About each component)

[0208] like FIG. 27 through FIG. 29 As shown, the wheel retainer 20 has a substantially similar shape to the wheel retainer 20 of Embodiment 1, comprising a cylindrical wheel retainer body 22F having a storage space and a cover 30F. The wheel retainer body 22F and the cover 30F are fixed at, for example, three locations. The storage space of the wheel retainer 20F houses the operating member 50F, the wheel locking member 60F, the transmission member 70F, the second elastic push member 80F, the first elastic push member 63F, the insertion pin 100F, and the groove support portion 120F. When the cover 30F is closed, only the operating member 53 protrudes obliquely upward and rearward.

[0209] In addition, if FIG. 28 As shown, the groove support portion 120F is fixed in the recess 23F formed in the first wall portion 23 of the wheel retainer body 22F. FIG. 32 The heart-shaped cam groove 110F is shown. The heart-shaped cam groove 110F will be described later.

[0210] The operating member 50F rotates around the horizontal axis in the same manner as in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 3. FIG. 29 As shown, the operating member 50F has a cylindrical shape, for example, and has a first stepped portion 57F formed on its inner circumference. The first stepped portion 57F extends obliquely from one widthwise end toward the other, being concave toward the wheel 40F and convex toward the outside.

[0211] The wheel locking member 60F is a rod-shaped member extending in the axial direction, and is pushed to the locking position by the first pushing member 63F. The first pushing member 63F is, for example, a torsion spring. FIG. 31A As shown, the wheel lock member 60F and the first push member 63F are mounted on the transmission member 70F. Therefore, when the transmission member 70F moves, the wheel lock member 60F and the first push member 63F also move.

[0212] The transmission member 70F is, for example, hollow cylindrical, and a second step portion 77F is formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof. The first step portion 57F of the operation body portion 51F described above is engaged with the second step portion 77F in a manner of abutting in the width direction. The second step portion 77F is inclinedly extended from one end portion in the width direction toward the other end portion, like the first step portion 57F, and the wheel 40F side is convex, and the outer side is concave.

[0213] As shown in FIG. 6, the transmission member 70F is inserted into the operation body portion 51F, and therefore the first step portion 57F of the operation body portion 51F abuts on the second step portion 77F of the transmission member 70F in the width direction. Therefore, by pressing the operation portion 53 downward, as shown in FIG. 7, the second step portion 77F of the transmission member 70F is slidably moved toward the wheel side in the width direction in the first step portion 57F of the operation body portion 51F. The operation of the transmission member 70F will be described later. FIG. 31A FIG. 31B As shown in FIG. 6, the transmission member 70F is inserted into the operation body portion 51F, and therefore the first step portion 57F of the operation body portion 51F abuts on the second step portion 77F of the transmission member 70F in the width direction. Therefore, by pressing the operation portion 53 downward, as shown in FIG. 7, the second step portion 77F of the transmission member 70F is slidably moved toward the wheel side in the width direction in the first step portion 57F of the operation body portion 51F. The operation of the transmission member 70F will be described later.

[0214] As shown in FIG. 6, the transmission member 70F is inserted into the operation body portion 51F, and therefore the first step portion 57F of the operation body portion 51F abuts on the second step portion 77F of the transmission member 70F in the width direction. Therefore, by pressing the operation portion 53 downward, as shown in FIG. 7, the second step portion 77F of the transmission member 70F is slidably moved toward the wheel side in the width direction in the first step portion 57F of the operation body portion 51F. The operation of the transmission member 70F will be described later. FIG. 31A As shown in FIG. 6, the transmission member 70F is inserted into the operation body portion 51F, and therefore the first step portion 57F of the operation body portion 51F abuts on the second step portion 77F of the transmission member 70F in the width direction. Therefore, by pressing the operation portion 53 downward, as shown in FIG. 7, the second step portion 77F of the transmission member 70F is slidably moved toward the wheel side in the width direction in the first step portion 57F of the operation body portion 51F. The operation of the transmission member 70F will be described later.

[0215] FIG. 32 As shown in FIG. 6, the transmission member 70F is inserted into the operation body portion 51F, and therefore the first step portion 57F of the operation body portion 51F abuts on the second step portion 77F of the transmission member 70F in the width direction. Therefore, by pressing the operation portion 53 downward, as shown in FIG. 7, the second step portion 77F of the transmission member 70F is slidably moved toward the wheel side in the width direction in the first step portion 57F of the operation body portion 51F. The operation of the transmission member 70F will be described later.

[0216] ​​The pin portion 103F of the insertion pin 100F is engaged with the cam groove 110F, and moves in a manner of being wound along the cam groove 110F, accompanying displacement of the operation member 50 from the upper position to the lower position. Thus, the cam groove 110F functions as a guide for the insertion pin 100F.

[0217] (Action)

[0218] Reference FIG. 30A 、 30B 、 FIG. 31A 、 31B 、 FIG. 33A 、 33B , 33C, 33D, and FIG. 34A 、 34B , 34C, 34D to explain the action to change from the running state to the braking state. FIG. 30A 、 FIG. 31A 、 FIG. 33A , and FIG. 34A The state shown in FIG. 33A is the running state, and is a non-locked state in which the wheel locking member 60F is not fitted in the locking recess 44F of the wheel 40F. FIG. 30B 、 FIG. 31B 、 FIG. 33B , and FIG. 34B The state shown in FIG. 33B is the braking state, and is a locked state in which the wheel locking member 60F is fitted in the locking recess 44F of the wheel 40F while protruding from the wheel 40F side.

[0219] Especially as shown in FIG. 33A, in the running state, the transmission member 70F enters the operation member 50F. Therefore, the wheel locking member 60F attached to the transmission member 70F via the third urging member is positioned in the wheel holder 20, and does not protrude from the outside of the wheel holder 20. Further, as shown in FIG. 33A and FIG. 33B, the first step portion 57F of the operation member 50F and the second step portion 77F of the transmission member 70F are engaged with each other, and the pin portion 103F of the insertion pin 100F is positioned at the first inclined position 121F. FIG. 31A FIG. 31A FIG. 34A

[0220] As shown in FIG. 33B, if the operation member 50F is displaced from the upper position to the lower position by a stepping operation, i.e., as shown in FIG. 33C, the first step portion 57F of the operation member 50F is disengaged from the second step portion 77F of the transmission member 70F, and the pin portion 103F of the insertion pin 100F is moved to the second inclined position 122F. FIG. 33B FIG. 34B ​​​​As shown, the operating member 50F moves to the lower position, causing the transmission member 70 to slide in the width direction toward the wheel 40F through the interlocking engagement between the first stepped portion 57F of the operating member 50F and the second stepped portion 77F of the transmission member 70F. In other words, the rotation of the operating member 50F is converted into movement along the horizontal axis of the transmission member 70F. Consequently, the wheel locking member 60F provided on the transmission member 70F protrudes toward the wheel 40F and engages within the locking recess 44F of the wheel 40F. Furthermore, the pin portion 103F of the insert pin 100F moves to the second tilted position 122F via the first path groove 111F.

[0221] The operating member 50F is constantly pushed to the upper position by the second pushing member 80. Therefore, if the foot is removed from the operating member 50F, FIG. 33C As shown, the operating portion 53 automatically returns to the upper position by the spring force of the second spring member 80. FIG. 34C As shown, the pin portion 103F of the insert pin 100F moves to the third tilted position 123F via the second path groove 112F. Therefore, the transmission member 70F is held at the wheel 40F side, and the wheel lock member 60 remains locked even if the operating portion 53 moves upward.

[0222] Next, the operation for changing from the braking state to the moving state will be described. FIG. 34D As shown, in the braking state, since the transmission member 70F slides and moves to the wheel 40F side of the operation member 50F, the wheel lock member 60F protrudes from the wheel holder 20 and fits into the lock recess 44F.

[0223] In this state, if the operating member 50F is stepped on to move it from the upper position to the lower position, FIG. 34D As shown, the first step 57F of the operating member 50F and the second step 77F of the transmission member 70F do not engage with each other and therefore have nothing to do with these actions. However, the pin portion 103F of the insertion pin 100F moves to the fourth tilted position 124F via the third path groove 113F and returns to the first tilted position 121F via the fourth path groove 114F due to the elastic force of the second elastic member 80 that elastically pushes the operating member 50F to the upper position. As a result, since the transmission member 70F moves to the right side of the drawing, the wheel locking member 60F can be withdrawn from the locking recess 44F, thereby becoming FIG. 34A The traveling status shown.

[0224] <Implementation Method 5>

[0225] (About each component)

[0226] Reference FIG. 35 through FIG. 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D to explain the configuration and operation of the brake mechanism 2G of Embodiment 5. The brake mechanism 2G of the present embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 4 in that a cam groove is used, but differs in the point at which the one end of the second urging member 80G is engaged with the cam groove. Here, only the points of difference from the brake mechanisms shown in the above embodiments will be explained in detail.

[0227] As shown in FIG. 36 , the wheel holder 20G is provided with a longitudinal hole 22G, a through hole 23G, a cam groove 110G, and a long cutout portion 24G in the side surface portion of the wheel holder support portion 21G.

[0228] The operation member 50G includes a pair of side surface portions 51G located on the side surface of the wheel holder 20G, and an operation portion 53G protruding forward across the pair of side surface portions 51G. In the pair of side surface portions 51G, a first longitudinal hole 54G, a second longitudinal hole 55G located below the first longitudinal hole 54G, and a through hole 56G are provided. The length of the first longitudinal hole 54G is preferably shorter than that of the second longitudinal hole 55G.

[0229] The second urging member 80G is, for example, a torsion spring including a spring body portion 81G, a one end portion 82G extending from the spring body portion 81G toward one side, and another end portion 83G extending from the spring body portion 81G toward the other side. The one end portion 82G is fixed to the second engagement pin 58G of the through hole 23G of the wheel holder 20G and the through hole 56G of the operation member 50G. The other end portion 83G passes through the second longitudinal hole 55G of the operation member 50G of the wheel holder 20G and is engaged with the cam groove 110G of the wheel holder 20G. Accordingly, the operation member 50G is urged upward by the second urging member 80G.

[0230] The transmission member 70G is, for example, a T-shaped member having a horizontal portion 71G and a vertical portion 72G. The horizontal portion 71G is provided with a through hole 73G passing through in the width direction, and the first urging member 63 is inserted into the vertical portion 72G. The first urging member 63G is, for example, a torsion spring that urges the wheel locking member 60G described later to the locked position.

[0231] The wheel locking member 60G has a locking body portion 61G and a rod-shaped locking portion 62G fixed to the locking body portion 61G. The locking body portion 61G and the vertical portion 72G are not connected, the vertical portion 72G passes through a through hole provided in the locking body portion 61G, and functions to position the first urging member 63. The wheel locking member 60G and the transmission member 70G are urged downward by the first urging member 63.

[0232] In the first long hole 54G of the operation member 50G, the long hole 22G of the wheel holder 20G, and the through hole 73G of the transmission member 70G, the first engagement pin 57G is inserted. Further, in the through hole 56G of the operation member 50G and the through hole 23G of the wheel holder 20G, the second engagement pin 58G is inserted to fix the one end portion 82G of the second urging member 80G. Accordingly, if the operation portion 53G is pressed, the operation member 50G rotates around the first engagement pin 57G, and the transmission member 70G moves up and down together with the operation member 50G.

[0233] Reference FIG. 36 The heart-shaped cam groove 110G is a groove that is substantially heart-shaped when viewed from above. Specifically, the heart-shaped cam groove 110G is formed by a first path groove 111G extending linearly from a first inclined position 121G to a second inclined position 122G, a second path groove 112G turning back from the second inclined position 122G and extending to a third inclined position 123G at the other end from the first inclined position 121G, a third path groove 113G turning back from the third inclined position 123G and extending to a fourth inclined position 124G at the other end from the second inclined position 122G, and a fourth path groove 114G turning back from the fourth inclined position 124G and extending to the first inclined position 121G at the other end from the third inclined position 123G.

[0234] The bottom surface of the first path groove 111G has a first flat surface 111aG on the side of the first inclined position 121G and a second inclined surface 111bG continuously provided from the first flat surface 111aG and inclined so that the depth becomes shallower toward the second inclined position 122G. The bottom surface of the second path groove 112G has a step at the boundary with the second inclined surface 111bG and is inclined so that the depth becomes shallower toward the third inclined position 123G. The third path groove 113G has a step at the boundary with the third path groove 113G as with the groove surface of the second path groove 112G and is inclined so that the depth becomes shallower toward the fourth inclined position 124G. The bottom surface of the fourth path groove 114G is a flat surface with the same depth as the first flat surface 111a.

[0235] The one end portion 82G of the second urging member 80G is engaged with the heart-shaped cam groove 110G and moves in a manner of winding along the heart-shaped cam groove 110G as the operation member 50G is displaced from the upper position to the lower position. The one end portion 82G of the second urging member 80G is engaged with the heart-shaped cam groove 110G, thereby maintaining the position of the operation member 50G and the state of the wheel lock member 60G.

[0236] (Action)

[0237] Referring to FIG. 37 through FIG. 40A , 40B, 40C, 40D, the action of the brake mechanism 2G will be described. FIG. 38A , FIG. 39A , FIG. 40A The state shown in FIG. 16 is the traveling state, and is a state in which the locking portions 62G of the wheel locking members 60G are not inserted between the locking recesses 44G of the wheels 40G. If the operating portions 53G are pressed downward from this state, the operating members 50G are tilted, and as shown in FIG. 17, the transmission members 70G move downward, and by the urging force of the first urging members 63G, the locking body portions 61G move downward, and the locking portions 62G are inserted into the locking recesses 44G of the wheels 40G. FIG. 40B

[0238] Concomitantly, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the one end portions 82G of the second urging members 80G, which are inserted into the cam groove 110G, pass through the first path groove 111G and stop at the second tilt position 122G. As shown in FIG. 20, the first path groove 111G passes through the first flat surface 111aG and the second tilt surface 111bG from the first tilt position 121G toward the second tilt position 122G, and temporarily stops at the second tilt position 122G. The operating members 50G are urged upward by the second urging members 80G, and thus move along the second path groove 112G, and stop at the third tilt position 123G. Accordingly, the operating members 50 are maintained at the position shown in FIG. 21, and the wheel locking members 60 are maintained in the locked state. FIG. 39A FIG. 39B FIG. 37 As shown in FIG. 22, the first path groove 111G passes through the first flat surface 111aG and the second tilt surface 111bG from the second tilt position 122G toward the third tilt position 123G, and temporarily stops at the third tilt position 123G. The operating members 50G are urged upward by the second urging members 80G, and thus move along the second path groove 112G, and stop at the fourth tilt position 124G. Accordingly, the operating members 50 are maintained at the position shown in FIG. 23, and the wheel locking members 60 are maintained in the locked state. FIG. 38B

[0239] If the state shown in FIG. 24 is changed to the traveling state shown in FIG. 16, as shown in FIG. 25, the operating members 50 are pressed downward from above. The transmission members 70G temporarily move downward against the urging force of the second urging members 80, and the operating members 50 return to the original upper position by the urging force of the second urging members 80G. As shown in FIG. 26, the transmission members 70G move upward, and the locking body portions 61G move upward, and the locking portions 62G are disengaged from the locking recesses 44G of the wheels 40G. FIG. 38B FIG. 38D FIG. 38C FIG. 40C

[0240] Concomitantly, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the one end portions 82G of the second urging members 80G, which are inserted into the cam groove 110G, pass through the third path groove 113G and the fourth path groove 114G and stop at the first tilt position 121G. Accordingly, the operating members 50 are maintained at the position shown in FIG. 30, and the wheel locking members 60 are maintained in the unlocked state. FIG. 39C FIG. 39D FIG. 38D ​​​​​​​​​​The upper position is maintained as shown, and the wheel locking member 60 is maintained in the unlocked state.

[0241] The brake mechanism 2G of the present embodiment links one end of the second urging member 80G to the operation member 50G and links the other end to the wheel holder 20G, so it is possible to reduce the number of parts and to make a simple structure compared to the structures of the other embodiments.

[0242] Further, the brake mechanism 2G of the present embodiment differs from the other embodiments in that, when the wheel locking member 60G is in the unlocked position, the operation member 50G is in the upper position FIG. 38A ), and when the wheel locking member 60G is in the locked position, the operation member 50G is in the lower position FIG. 38C , so it is possible to determine the traveling state and the braking state depending on the position of the operation member 50G and to prevent erroneous operation.

[0243] The brake mechanism 2G of the present embodiment, although the height position of the operation member 50G differs depending on whether the wheel locking member 60G is in the locked position or the unlocked position, is able to switch the locked position and the unlocked position of the wheel locking member 60G each time the operation member 50G is moved from the upper position (first position) to the lower position (second position).

[0244] (Regarding Modified Examples)

[0245] The brake mechanism 2G of the present embodiment, although it is provided with the cam groove 110G in the wheel holder 20G, can also be provided in the operation member 50. In this case, the second urging member 80G can have one end fixed to the wheel holder 20G and the other end inserted into the cam groove 110G provided in the operation member 50.

[0246] Further, the brake mechanism 2G of the present embodiment, although the operation member 50G is in the upper position when the wheel locking member 60G is in the unlocked position and is in the lower position when the wheel locking member 60G is in the locked position, can also be in the upper position when the wheel locking member 60G is in the unlocked position as in the above-described embodiments.

[0247] <Regarding Modified Examples Spanning Multiple Embodiments>

[0248] In addition, in all of the above-described embodiments, although the wheels are described as casters, a simple wheel that does not rotate around a vertical axis can also be used.

[0249] In the above-described embodiments, the elements configured to include the transmission member and the first urging member, and to bring the wheel locking portion to the locked position in response to displacement of the operation member from the first position to the second position are described as "force transmission mechanism". The transmission member configuring the force transmission mechanism is configured as a one-way clutch mechanism in Embodiments 1 and 2, but can be a link member as in Embodiment 3, and various configurations are possible.

[0250] Further, in the above-described embodiments, although the first urging member configured to urge the wheel locking member to the locked position, and the second urging member configured to urge the operation member to the first position (upper position) are provided, it is not necessary to provide them in the brake mechanism, and they can be selected depending on the accuracy required for the brake mechanism.

[0251] The operation member in all of the above-described embodiments is configured to rotate via a shaft, but can be configured to be able to slide up and down without rotating around the shaft, as long as it is installed in the wheel holder so as to be displaceable between the first position and the second position. Further, although the first position is described as the upper position and the second position is described as the lower position throughout the specification, it can be configured to move in the width direction or the front-back direction.

[0252] In Embodiments 1 and 2, the operation member and the transmission member are configured to rotate around a common horizontal axis, and in Embodiment 4, the operation member is configured to rotate around a horizontal axis, and the transmission member is configured to slide along the horizontal axis of the operation member, but the operation member and the transmission member can be configured to rotate in different directions, and the direction of rotation is not limited.

[0253] Further, the one-way clutch mechanism disclosed in Embodiments 1 and 2 includes a third urging member configured to urge the engagement claw to the engaged position, but can be configured with at least the engagement claw and the engagement tooth. Further, as long as the configuration is such that the engagement claw is engaged with the operation member and moves together with the operation member in the direction in which the operation member 50 is displaced from the first position to the second position, and is released from the engagement with the operation member and stays at the rest position in the direction in which the operation member is displaced from the second position to the first position, the configuration is not limited to the engagement tooth and the engagement claw.

[0254] In the accommodation space of the wheel holder body in all of the above-described embodiments, a part of the operation member, a part of the wheel locking member, the force transmission mechanism, the first urging member, and all of the elements configuring the brake mechanism are accommodated, but the operation member is located outside when a part of the operation portion is constantly located outside, and the locking portion of the wheel locking member is in the locked state.

[0255] In the present specification, although a plurality of embodiments are described, the configurations of the embodiments can be extracted and combined separately.

[0256] While the embodiments of the present application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but various changes or modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A brake mechanism comprising: a wheel holder attached to a vehicle frame of a child care appliance; a wheel rotatably supported by said wheel holder about a horizontal axis; an operation member attached to said wheel holder so as to be displaceable between a first position and a second position; a wheel locking member supported by said wheel holder so as to be displaceable between a locked position in which said wheel locking member is engaged with said wheel to prevent rotation of said wheel, and an unlocked position in which said wheel locking member is not engaged with said wheel; and a force transmission mechanism configured to bring said wheel locking member to said locked position in response to displacement of said operation member from said first position to said second position; said force transmission mechanism comprising: a transmission member which is displaced in response to a force from said operation member; said transmission member having a link member to which one end of said link member is rotatably connected via a shaft; and said wheel locking member comprising a cam groove which receives the other end of said link member so as to be displaceable.

2. The brake mechanism for a caster wheel according to claim 1, further comprising a second urging member which urges said operation member to be brought to said first position.

3. The brake mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: a shape of said cam groove is selected so as to have the following positions: (a) a first action transmission position at which said wheel locking member is brought to the locked position by pressing force from said link member when said operation member is displaced from said first position to said second position; (b) a guide position at which the other end of said link member is displaced while said wheel locking member is maintained in the locked position when said operation member is displaced from said second position to said first position; and (c) a second action transmission position at which said wheel locking member is brought to the unlocked position by pressing force from said link member when said wheel locking member is in the locked position and said operation member is displaced from said first position to said second position.

4. The brake mechanism for a caster wheel according to claim 3, wherein: said guide position is an elongated hole which extends in a direction of travel of said wheel; said first action transmission position is a first recessed portion which is located at one end of said elongated hole and is recessed downward; and said second action transmission position is a second recessed portion which is located at the other end of said elongated hole and is recessed downward.

5. The brake mechanism for a caster wheel according to claim 2, wherein: said first position of said operation member is an upper position which is higher than said second position; and said operation member is located in said upper position by said second urging member. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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