Child carrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a child vehicle (10) comprising a front wheel attachment device. The front wheel attachment device includes a fork (22) having closed fork ends (32, 34) and an axle (30) configured for attaching a front wheel (26) to the fork (22). In addition, the front wheel attachment device includes a wheel tilt adjustment device configured to adjust a tilt angle of the front wheel (26) relative to the fork (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a child vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Child vehicles can be used to comfortably transport infants and toddlers. For example, toddlers can sit in a child vehicle. Caregivers can then push or pull the child vehicle to move comfortably with the child. Child vehicles can also be used for jogging. When jogging, caregivers will push the child vehicle in front of them at an increased speed. Some child vehicles can also be adjusted to be pulled by a bicycle, thus moving at even higher speeds.

[0003] Child vehicles need to be intuitive and easy to use to truly simplify children's lives. When not in use, easy disassembly of the child vehicle is helpful for transportation by car or even basic maintenance. Therefore, the wheels of the child vehicle should be easy to install and remove, while also securely attaching to the rest of the vehicle when in use.

[0004] Considering the above, the front wheel of a child vehicle is typically attached to a lever-tensioned axle to open the dropout. To ensure secure attachment of the front wheel and reduce the risk of unwanted wheel separation, the dropout usually includes inward-facing protrusions to additionally hold the front wheel to the rest of the child vehicle and reduce reliance on axle tension. However, an improperly tensioned axle can still cause accidental front wheel separation. Furthermore, when the axle is tensioned, the wheel may tilt slightly, resulting in reduced trajectory accuracy. Especially at high speeds, low trajectory accuracy can make controlling the child vehicle difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect relates to a child vehicle. The child vehicle may include several wheels to allow the stroller to roll on the ground. The child vehicle may include a suspension. The child vehicle may include a front wheel and several rear wheels, such as two rear wheels. In another configuration, the child vehicle includes two front wheels. The child vehicle may include a seat for infants or toddlers, such as a child seat or bed. The child vehicle may include handlebars for pushing and pulling the child vehicle. The child vehicle may be configured for use by joggers and / or for pulling by bicycles. The child vehicle may include a frame, for example, to connect a child seat to the wheels and handlebars. The frame may form the front fork to which the front wheel is attached.

[0006] The child vehicle includes a front wheel attachment device. This device can be configured to attach the front wheel to the rest of the child vehicle. For example, the front wheel attachment device can allow the front wheel to be removably attached to the frame of the child vehicle. The front wheel may be attached with only one degree of freedom, such as a rotational axis about the axle. The front wheel may be non-steerable. Instead, steering of the child vehicle can be achieved by different speeds of the left and right rear wheels.

[0007] A front wheel attachment device includes a fork with a closed fork end and an axle configured to attach the front wheel to the fork. The fork may include two axles, between which the wheel can be attached. The axle can extend from one axle of the fork to the other. The axles may extend parallel to each other at their wheel-facing ends. Each axle may have a corresponding fork end. The fork end may form the lower portion and / or the wheel-facing end of each axle. The fork end is configured to receive the axle and / or support the wheel. The closed fork end may include a through-hole or blind hole configured to receive the end of the axle. The closed fork end may not have a slit or other opening not occupied by the axle attached thereto. In contrast, an open fork end may include a slit or opening not occupied by the axle mounted to the fork, but only for attaching and detaching the axle. For example, unlike an open fork end, the axle may not be inserted into the closed fork end transversely to its longitudinal extension. For example, the axle may be inserted into the closed fork end only along its axial direction. The fork end may have a housing for the hub of the front wheel, allowing the front wheel to support the upright child vehicle even when the axle is disengaged. This facilitates front wheel attachment and disengagement. Even if the axle loses tension or is not properly tensioned, the closed fork end will prevent the axle from falling out of the fork end. Therefore, the risk of undesirable front wheel separation due to improper axle installation is reduced. The axle may be constructed as an shaft. The axle may be formed as a substantially cylindrical portion. The axle may be constructed for insertion into the hub of the front wheel. The axle may be a metal component, for example, as a solid metal component. The fork may also be a metal component, for example, formed from several hollow profiles. When properly installed in a child vehicle, the axle is inserted through at least one or both fork ends. When installed in a child vehicle, the axle may extend through at least one fork end.

[0008] The front wheel attachment also includes a wheel tilt adjustment device configured to adjust the tilt angle of the front wheel relative to the fork. The wheel tilt adjustment device allows for adjustment of the trajectory accuracy of the child vehicle. For example, due to axle tension and / or deformation of the fork and / or front wheel over time, the front wheel may become misaligned, preventing the child vehicle from rolling correctly in a straight line without the need for steering. Such behavior can be uncomfortable for the user, for example, requiring permanent steering. The wheel tilt adjustment device allows the user to readjust the wheel's orientation relative to the fork to compensate for this. For example, the wheel tilt adjustment device may provide means for raising or lowering the position of one end of the wheel axle within one axle of the fork. For example, the wheel tilt adjustment device may allow adjustment of the position of at least one closed fork end relative to other parts of the child vehicle, such as adjacent frame sections. For example, the wheel tilt adjustment device may allow for angle adjustment of the front wheel and / or wheel axle. The wheel tilt adjustment device may be partially or completely located inside one axle of the fork or outside the axle of the fork.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the child vehicle, a wheel tilt adjustment device is configured to adjust the tilt angle of the front wheel about the front-rear axis of the child vehicle and / or adjust the alignment of the wheel axle relative to the fork. The front-rear axis of the child vehicle can correspond to the straight-line travel direction of the child vehicle. When the angle is adjusted, the front wheel can therefore tilt to the left or right. Additionally or alternatively, the wheel tilt adjustment device is configured to adjust the tilt angle of the front wheel about the vertical axis of the child vehicle. When the child vehicle is standing on a flat surface, the vertical axis can correspond to the vertical axis. The tilt angle adjustment can therefore turn the front wheel to the left or right. The alignment of the wheel axle relative to the fork can correspond to the orientation of the axial axis of the wheel axle relative to the fork.

[0010] According to an embodiment of a child vehicle, a first end of the axle extends through a first fork end. The first fork end may include a through-hole. To attach the axle, the axle may be inserted first through the first fork end with a second end. The second end of the axle may be attached to the fork using a reversing element. The reversing element prevents the second end from being removed from the fork, for example, by sliding out from the second fork end. The reversing element thus prevents the axle from sliding out of the fork end again. The second end of the axle may be removably secured to the second fork end, for example, by means of the reversing element. The reversing element may be arranged next to the second fork end, within the second fork end, or may form part of the second fork end. The reversing element may be configured for forced locking and / or friction locking with the second end of the axle. For example, the reversing element may be configured as a nut with internal threads. For example, the second end of the axle may be threadedly attached to the reversing element. Alternatively, the second end of the axle may be directly attached to the fork, particularly one of its axles. When the axle is secured to the fork, the axle can pull the two axles of the fork together. The axle may include an additional tensioner, such as a quick-stepping mechanism. The axle may include a handle or housing for a tool used to screw the axle into the fork and / or the reversing element. The reversing element may be threaded onto or threaded into the axle. The reversing element may include a through hole or blind hole with internal threads configured to engage external threads on the axle. The reversing element may be a metal component. Alternatively, the reversing element may also include external threads, and a second end of the second axle may include a hole with internal threads.

[0011] According to the implementation scheme of the child vehicle, the reversing element is at least partially arranged within the fork. For example, the reversing element may be completely arranged within the second axle of the fork. The reversing element may be floatably received in the fork, but may be secured to prevent accidental loss and / or may be secured in place at least after adjusting the wheel tilt angle. The internal arrangement of the reversing element within the fork prevents loss of the reversing element, prevents damage to the reversing element due to collision with obstacles, and provides a smoother exterior.

[0012] Alternatively, the reversing element can be positioned on the outside of the fork, particularly entirely on the outside. The outside can be one side of the second axle of the fork. For example, the outside can be the side opposite to the front wheel and / or away from the first axle of the fork. This allows for easy access to the reversing element, for example, for maintenance purposes. Furthermore, the range of tilt adjustment can be particularly large.

[0013] According to embodiments of the child vehicle, the wheel tilt adjustment device is configured to allow a reversing element to move along the fork. For example, the reversing element may move along the end section of the fork forming the second fork end or an end section adjacent to the second fork end. The reversing element may be configured as a floating element.

[0014] According to embodiments of child vehicles, the wheel tilt adjustment device is configured to move a reversing element along the fork. The wheel tilt adjustment device can thus set the relative position of the reversing element along the fork. The wheel tilt adjustment device can be configured to restrict or prevent any movement of the reversing element along the fork, particularly after any position adjustment and / or wheel tilt angle adjustment. The wheel tilt adjustment device can fix the reversing element along the fork in a set position. For example, the wheel tilt adjustment device may include a screw that moves the reversing element along the fork by rotation of the screw. When the screw is not turned, the reversing element is held in place by the screw. The screw may directly or indirectly engage the reversing element. For example, the wheel tilt adjustment device may be configured for manual movement of the reversing element. Alternatively, the wheel tilt adjustment device may include an actuator, such as an electric motor, for moving the reversing element along the fork.

[0015] According to embodiments of child vehicles, the wheel tilting attachment device includes a support element, a screw, and / or an adjusting nut. The support element can hold the reversing element in a floating manner, for example, allowing the reversing element to adapt to the orientation of the wheel axle. The support element also prevents the reversing element from falling out of the fork. The screw can engage the support element to move the support element, and thus move the reversing element along the fork. The screw and support element can be, for example, fully received within the fork, for example, formed by a second axle. The support element can be slidably attached to the fork. The reversing element can be floatingly received by the support element. The support element can have a receiving space for the reversing element. For example, the reversing element can be tiltable about at least one axis of rotation within a housing of the support element. The support element can be configured to prevent any movement of the reversing element along the fork without corresponding movement of the support element. The screw can engage the support element. For example, the support element can have a slot in which the head of the screw is received. The adjusting nut can engage the screw. For example, the adjusting nut can be received in the fork, particularly in the second axle of the fork. Turning the adjusting nut moves the screw along the fork, and thus moves the support element, and thereby also moves the reversing element. The adjusting nut may have a ribbed outer circumference for easy hand-turning. The adjusting nut may have threads, particularly internal threads, to engage the corresponding threads of the screw. The reversing element may optionally form a second closed fork end together with the rest of the tilt attachment (such as with the screw, support element, and adjusting nut). Alternatively, a second shaft may also form part of the second closed fork end. The fork shaft receiving the reversing element may have an open end for inserting the reversing element and / or some or all of the wheel tilt adjustment device components. The components of the wheel tilt adjustment device may be interlocked in such a way that they cannot fall out when installed onto the second shaft of the fork.

[0016] According to embodiments of the child vehicle, an adjusting nut protrudes from the fork for manual adjustment of the wheel tilt angle. For example, a circumferential section of the adjusting nut may protrude through a through-hole in the second axle of the fork. The remainder of the adjusting nut may be received within the fork. The adjusting nut may protrude from the wheel-facing side of the fork and / or the first axle-facing side of the fork. Therefore, the risk of unintentionally adjusting the tilt adjustment device, for example, by hitting an obstacle with the exposed section of the adjusting nut, can be very low. However, the adjusting nut can be easily accessed. Alternatively or additionally, the wheel tilt adjustment device may include a locking device, such as a locking slider capable of engaging with the adjusting nut to prevent its rotational movement, which prevents adjustment in the locked state.

[0017] According to embodiments of the child vehicle, the reversing element has a convex surface. For example, the middle section of the convex surface may project outwards more than the rim section of the convex surface. The convex surface allows for support and smooth tilting movement of the reversing element to align it with the axle, particularly the axle receiving hole of the reversing element. For example, the convex surface may be configured as a dome-shaped surface. Alternatively or additionally, the convex surface may be arranged on a side opposite the front wheel and / or opposite the first axle of the fork and / or largely opposite the axle. Alternatively or additionally, the convex surface may rest on the inside of the fork and / or support element. During axle installation, the convex surface can support the reversing element against the insertion force of the axle, for example through the inner wall of the second axle adjacent to the fork.

[0018] According to embodiments of the child vehicle, the diameter of the through-hole in at least one of the fork ends is substantially larger than the diameter of the axle. For example, all fork ends may have through-holes with a diameter substantially larger than the diameter of the axle, particularly the diameter of the section of the axle supporting the front wheel. The axle may have other sections with even larger diameters, such as the handle section. However, any section of the axle constructed for insertion into and / or retention in the through-holes of the fork ends with substantially larger diameters may have a diameter substantially smaller than the through-holes of one or both fork ends. Therefore, the axial axis of the axle may be tilted relative to the axial axis of the corresponding through-hole (e.g., the first fork end). Thus, the first fork end may be rigid and non-floating, but still allows the axle to tilt for tilt adjustment of the front wheel. For example, the diameter of the through-hole in at least one of the fork ends is at least 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, or even 1.0 mm larger than the diameter of the axle.

[0019] According to an embodiment of a child vehicle, the second end of the axle includes a threaded section and a non-threaded tip section. The threaded section may be arranged on the side of the tip section facing the first end. Therefore, during insertion, the tip section may enter any hole of the fork before the threaded section. During axle installation, the tip section may first enter the second fork end and / or the reversing element. Therefore, during insertion, the tip section may align the second fork end and / or the reversing element with the axial axis of the axle. If this alignment is caused by the threaded section, the threads may be easily damaged. Therefore, the tip section prevents damage to the threads of the axle. After the threaded section, the axle may include another section. This section may be configured as a wheel support section. When installed in a child vehicle, at least in some cases, the wheel may rest on the wheel support section. The wheel support section may have a smooth outer surface and may be unthreaded. The first end of the axle may also be unthreaded, or even completely unthreaded, without any threads on any fork end engaging the fork end.

[0020] According to embodiments of child-carrying vehicles, the tip section has an axial length of at least 0.5 mm, more particularly at least 1 mm, even more particularly at least 2 mm, or even at least 3 mm. It has been shown that such a length reliably prevents damage to the axle threads during axle mounting to the fork. For example, this length of the non-threaded tip section allows for compensation for tilting of the reverse element without damaging the threads during axle mounting. The tip section can have a smaller diameter than the threaded section, for example, to prevent potential damage to the internal threads in the second fork end. The tip section can form the axial exterior of the first end of the axle.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the child vehicle, the first end of the axle includes a lever configured to clamp the axle to the fork end. For example, the axle is thus secured not only by a threaded attachment. This allows tilt adjustment without completely separating the axle from the second fork end. For example, the lever could form part of a quick-release lever. The axle could have a cam action for the lever. The lever clamps the fork axle to the axle. The clamping provides a less rigid connection that facilitates wheel tilt adjustment.

[0022] According to an embodiment of a child vehicle, the child vehicle includes a front wheel that is mounted to a fork via an axle. For example, the axle extends through the hub of the front wheel. The hub may include a through-hole configured to receive the axle, particularly a wheel support section of the axle. The hub may include one or more roller bearings that rotatably support the wheel on the axle. The hub may include an inner ring and an outer ring. The front wheel may include a rim, for example, attached to the hub and / or the outer ring via spokes. The front wheel may include a tire that can be attached to the rim. The tire may be inflated with air. The front wheel may be tubeless or include an inner tube to retain air. The tire may also be constructed as a solid rubber tire.

[0023] Other features of the invention will become apparent from consideration of the information contained above and the information given in or in conjunction with the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. The invention is illustrated in the drawings by way of example, not limitation. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 The child vehicle is shown in a schematic perspective view.

[0025] Figure 2 A schematic perspective view is shown according to Figure 1 The front section of a child vehicle.

[0026] Figure 3 A schematic perspective view is shown according to Figure 1 The front wheel attachment device for child vehicles.

[0027] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view along the axis of the fork of the front wheel attachment device illustrates the front wheel attachment device and the wheel tilt adjustment device of the front wheel attachment device.

[0028] Figure 5 The schematic perspective view shows parts and details of the wheel tilt adjustment device.

[0029] Figure 6 The schematic perspective view shows the reverse element for attaching the front wheel axle to the fork, as well as the support element, screw, and adjusting nut for the wheel tilt adjustment device.

[0030] Figure 7 The support element is shown in a schematic perspective view.

[0031] Figure 8 The components of the wheel tilt adjustment device are illustrated in a schematic perspective exploded view.

[0032] Figure 9 The components of the wheel tilt adjustment device are shown in another schematic perspective exploded view.

[0033] Figure 10 The schematic side view shows the axle that attaches the front wheel to the fork. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1 A child vehicle 10 is shown. The child vehicle 10 includes a frame 12. At the lower rear side, a left rear wheel 14 and a right rear wheel 16 are rotatably attached to the frame 12. At the upper rear end, a handle 20 for propelling the child vehicle 10, for example, during walking or jogging, is attached to the frame 12. The child vehicle 10 also includes a suspension 18. At the front, the frame 12 forms a fork 22. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The fork 22 is shown in more detail. The fork 22 includes a first axle 24 arranged to the left of the front wheel 26. The fork 22 also includes a second axle 28 arranged to the right of the front wheel 26. The front wheel 26 is rotatably and removably attached to the fork 22 between the first axle 24 and the second axle 28. For example, the front wheel 26 can be removed to attach the child vehicle 10 to a bicycle. The child vehicle 10 also includes a child seat and / or infant carrier attached to the center of the frame 12 and... Figure 1 Not shown. The child seat and / or infant carrier can be removably attached to carry a child or infant independently of the child carrier 10, and the child carrier 10 can be reconfigured as the child grows. Furthermore, the frame 12 and / or the child carrier 10 can be foldable, for example, for storage and transport within a vehicle. For this purpose, the front wheels 26 can also be removed.

[0035] To removably attach the front wheel 26 to the frame 12, the child vehicle 10 includes a front wheel attachment device. The front wheel attachment device includes a fork 22 and an axle 30, which... Figure 10 This is shown in more detail below. For example... Figure 3 As best seen in the fork, 22 has closed fork ends 32, 34. A first closed fork end 32 is formed in a first axle 24 of the fork 22. A second closed fork end 34 is formed in a second axle 28 of the fork 22. For attachment of the front wheel 26, the front wheel 26 is arranged between the two fork ends 32, 34, and the axle 30 is inserted axially first through the first fork end 32, then through the hub 36 of the front wheel 26, and then through the second fork end 34. The hub 36 includes a pair of roller bearings 38 to allow the front wheel 26 to rotate smoothly about the axle 30. The hub 36 is connected to the rim 40 of the front wheel 26 by spokes. The rubber tire of the front wheel 26 is attached to the rim 40.

[0036] Even if the axle 30 loses its tension or is not properly tensioned, the closed fork ends 32 and 34 prevent the front wheel from slipping off. The first closed fork end 32 is formed by a through hole in the first axle 24. The second closed fork end 34 is formed by a component of the wheel tilt adjustment device of the front wheel attachment. The wheel tilt adjustment device is configured to adjust the tilt angle of the front wheel 26 relative to the fork 22 to allow manual adjustment of the trajectory of the child vehicle 10. Therefore, the user can ensure that the child vehicle 10 rolls straight without steering force or other external forces that cause the child vehicle 10 to rotate. The details of the wheel tilt adjustment device will be discussed further below.

[0037] When attached to fork 22, the first end 42 of axle 30 extends through the first fork end 32. The second end 44 of axle 30 extends through the second fork end 34. The second end 44 is threaded into a reversing element 46 to hold axle 30 in the second fork end 34 and form a thrust bearing for tensioning axle 30. Thus, the second end 44 of axle 30 is attached to fork 22 using reversing element 46. Reversing element 46 is formed as a nut with internal threads corresponding to the threads on the second end 44 of axle 30. Reversing element 46 is fully disposed within the second shaft 28 of fork 22.

[0038] The wheel tilt adjustment device is configured to move the reversing element 46 along the second axis 28 of the fork 22. For this purpose, the wheel tilt attachment includes a support element 48, a screw 50, and an adjusting nut 52. These components can be... Figure 5 to Figure 9As seen in the image, the support element 48 has a nacelle for floatingly receiving the reversing element 46. The support element 48 is slidably attached to the second shaft 28 of the fork 22. For this purpose, the support element 48 has a protruding flange 54, which is received in the guide structure of the second shaft 28 of the fork 22. A screw 50 engages the support element 48. For this purpose, the support element 48 has a slot 56. The head 58 of the screw 50 is received in the slot 56. The slot 56 only allows the support element 48 to be inserted in the lateral direction, relative to the axis of movement of the support element 48 in the second shaft 28 of the fork 22. Once the support element 48 with the engaged screw 50 is inserted into the second shaft 28 from the bottom through the opening, the screw 50 is thus no longer disengaged from the support element 48, while the support element 48 is received in the second shaft 28 of the fork 22. An adjusting nut 52 engages the threads of the screw 50 with the internal threads. The adjusting nut 52 includes an internal nut element 60 with internal threads and an external actuating member 62, which forms a ribbed outer circumference for rotating the adjusting nut 52 and is forcibly interlocked with the nut element 60. This can be achieved by... Figure 8 and Figure 9 I saw it in the middle.

[0039] The adjusting nut 52 is received in a slot 64 of the hollow profile member of the second shaft 28 of the fork 22. For mounting the wheel tilt adjustment device, a reversing element 46 is inserted into a support element 48, and the head 58 of the screw 50 is also inserted into the support element 48. The adjusting nut 52 is then inserted into the slot 64 of the second shaft 28 of the fork 22. An optional cap element of the second shaft 28 may be attached to the wheel-facing side, such that the adjusting nut 52 remains in the slot 64 even when not engaged with the screw 50. The cap element may include a through-hole through which the adjusting nut 52 protrudes. The adjusting nut 52 protrudes from the fork 22 for manual adjustment of the wheel tilt angle on the front wheel 26-facing side of the second shaft 28. The support element 48, having the reversing element 46 and the screw 50, is then inserted from the bottom into the interior of the second shaft 48, where the interior forms a guide for the support element 48. Once the screw 50 abuts the adjusting nut 52, the adjusting nut 52 is rotated to engage the screw 50. Once fully engaged, the support element 48 is secured within the second shaft 28 and forms the second closed fork end 34. To prevent further loss, the bottom of the second shaft 28 may be closed by a sealing element, such as a plug screwed into place. This sealing element may also be configured to prevent the screw 50 from disengaging from the adjusting nut 52, for example, by limiting the range of movement of the support element 48 toward the bottom end of the second shaft 28.

[0040] like Figure 4As is best seen, turning the adjusting nut 52 will move the screw 50, and thus the engaged support element 48 will move along the bottom straight section of the second shaft 28. Consequently, the reversing element 46 and therefore the second closing fork end 34 also adjust their position along the second shaft 28. Thus, the wheel tilt adjustment device adjusts the alignment of the wheel axle 30 relative to the fork 22. This causes adjustment of the tilt angle of the front wheel 26 about the front-rear axis of the child carrier 10. By turning the adjusting nut 52, the user can tilt the front wheel 26 to the left or right depending on the direction of rotation.

[0041] To compensate for the alignment of the axle 30, the axle 30 is floatingly received in the fork 22. The inner diameter of the first fork end 32 is 0.5 mm or even 1.0 mm larger than the outer diameter of the second end 44 of the axle 30. This allows the axial axis of the axle 30 to tilt relative to the central axis of the first fork end 32 without damaging any parts and / or over-tensioning. The front wheel 26 rests on the upper half-ring of the first fork end 32 using the inner ring of the hub 36, thus forming a support for the hub 36. Therefore, when the child vehicle 10 rolls on the ground, the axle 30 only prevents the front wheel 26 from falling out of the fork 22, while the hub 36 rests on the fork 22, not the axle 30.

[0042] Similarly, both the second end 44 and the reversing element 46 are floatingly received within the second axle 28 of the fork 22. The front wheel 26 also rests on the upper half-ring of the second fork end 34 via the inner ring of the hub 36, thus forming a support for the hub 36. The upper half-ring at the second fork end 34 is formed by the support element 48. The outer diameter of the reversing element 46 is 0.5 mm or even 1.0 mm smaller than the inner diameter of the housing of the support element 48. Furthermore, the reversing element 46 has a convex surface 66 on the side opposite to the front wheel 26, and this convex surface may rest inside the second axle 28 when the axle 30 is inserted into the second closed fork end 34. For example, in Figure 8 The convex surface 66 can be seen. The convex surface 66 is dome-shaped with a single curvature corresponding to the possible tilting of the reversing element 46 during insertion of the axle 30. For example, when the position of the support element 48, and therefore the reversing element 46, has already been adjusted along the second shaft 28 with the axle 30 separated, the threaded hole for receiving the second end 44 of the axle 30 may not be aligned with the axial axis of the axle 30. When the axle 30 is inserted, even when it abuts the second shaft 28 due to being pushed by the axle 30, the convex surface 66 allows the reversing element 46 to easily tilt into alignment. Therefore, the axle 30 can be easily screwed into the reversing element 46 without damaging any threads. Figure 8As can be seen again, the side of the reversing element 46 opposite to the front wheel 26 and including the convex surface 66 also flares outward. This flare corresponds to the flare of the housing of the support element 48. The corresponding flare guides the reversing element 46 within the support element 48 and prevents the reversing element 46 from tilting relative to the support element 48 in a direction not corresponding to wheel tilt angle adjustment. Although the reversing element 46 is floatingly received within the support element 48, the reversing element 46 is generally oriented with its internal threaded hole facing the axle 30.

[0043] Furthermore, the second end 44 of the axle 30 includes a threaded section 68 and a non-threaded tip section 70, such as Figure 10 The threaded section 68 is positioned on the side of the tip section 70 facing the first end 42. Therefore, during insertion of the axle 30, the non-threaded tip section 70 engages the reverse element 46 first. Thus, the tip section 70 can tilt the reverse element 46 to align with the axle 30 before the threads contact each other. In the example shown, the tip section 70 has an axial length of approximately 1.0 mm, 2.0 mm, or 3.0 mm. Furthermore, the diameter of the tip section 70 is smaller than that of the threaded section 68, for example, by 1.0 mm.

[0044] Between the first end 42 and the second end 44, the axle 30 includes a wheel support section 72. The wheel support section 72 has a diameter larger than that of the second end 44. The first end 42 of the axle 30 includes a lever 74 configured to clamp the axle 30 to the fork ends 32, 34. In the example shown, the lever 74 has a cam action that tensions the axle 30 and thus causes the two axles 24, 28 of the fork 22 to abut against the front wheel 26. When the lever 74 is released, the front wheel 26 attachment is no longer tensioned, and the wheel tilt can be easily adjusted using a wheel tilt adjustment device without disengaging the front wheel 26 or the axle 30.

Claims

1. A child vehicle (10), said child vehicle including a front wheel attachment device, The front wheel attachment device includes a fork (22) having closed fork ends (32, 34) and an axle (30) configured to attach the front wheel (26) to the fork (22). The front wheel attachment device further includes a wheel tilt adjustment device configured to adjust the tilt angle of the front wheel (26) relative to the fork (22).

2. The child vehicle (10) according to claim 1. The wheel tilt adjustment device is configured to adjust the tilt angle of the front wheel (26) around the front and rear axes of the child vehicle (10) and / or adjust the alignment of the wheel axle (30) relative to the fork (22).

3. The child vehicle (10) according to claim 1 or 2. The first end (42) of the axle (30) extends through the first fork end (32), and The second end (44) of the axle (30) is attached to the fork (22) by means of a reversing element (46). Specifically, the reverse element (46) is configured as a nut and / or the second end (44) of the axle (30) is threadedly attached to the reverse element (46).

4. The child vehicle (10) according to claim 3. The reverse element (46) is at least partially arranged within the fork (22). or The reverse element (46) is arranged on the outside of the fork (22).

5. The child vehicle (10) according to claim 3 or 4. The wheel tilt adjustment device is configured to allow the reverse element (46) to move along the fork (22).

6. The child vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 5. The wheel tilt adjustment device is configured to move the reverse element (46) along the fork (22).

7. The child vehicle (10) according to claim 6. The wheel tilting attachment device includes a support element (48), a screw (50), and an adjusting nut (52). The support element (48) is slidably attached to the fork (22). The reverse element (46) is floatingly received by the support element (48). The screw (50) engages the support element (48), and The adjusting nut (52) engages the screw (50).

8. The child vehicle (10) according to claim 7. The adjusting nut (52) protrudes from the fork (22) for manually adjusting the wheel tilt angle. In particular, it protrudes from the side of the fork (22) facing the wheel.

9. The child vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 8. The reverse element (46) has a convex surface (66). In particular The convex surface (66) is configured as a dome-shaped surface. And / or The convex surface (66) is arranged on the side opposite to the front wheel (26). And / or The convex surface (66) rests on the inside of the fork (22) and / or the support element (48).

10. The child vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. The diameter of the through hole in at least one of the fork ends (32, 34) is substantially larger than the diameter of the axle (30). Such as being at least 0.3 mm larger, especially at least 0.5 mm larger, or even at least 1.0 mm larger.

11. The child vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. The second end (44) of the axle (30) includes a threaded section (68) and a non-threaded tip section (70). The threaded section (68) is arranged on the side of the tip section (70) facing the first end (42).

12. The child vehicle (10) according to claim 11. The tip section (70) has an axial length of at least 0.5 mm, more particularly at least 1 mm, or even more particularly at least 2 mm or even at least 3 mm.

13. The child vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. The first end (42) of the axle (30) includes a lever (74) configured to clamp the axle (30) to the fork end (32, 34).

14. The child vehicle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. The child vehicle (10) includes a front wheel (26) which is mounted to the fork (22) via the axle (30).

Images