Baby carriage

By incorporating a mechanism that adjusts the positions of the front and rear wheel rotation shaft holding members in response to the handle's position, the baby carriage achieves improved operability in both backward and face-to-face push positions.

JP2025058681APending Publication Date: 2025-04-09COMBI CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023168770
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-09-28
Publication Date
2025-04-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The operability of baby carriages differs significantly when the handle is positioned in the backward push position versus the face-to-face push position due to varying distances between the wheels and the center of gravity of the infant.

Method used

The baby carriage is equipped with a mechanism allowing the front and rear wheel rotation shaft holding members to move in the front and rear directions relative to the legs, adjusting their positions in response to the handle's swing between the backward and face-to-face push positions.

Benefits of technology

This adjustment ensures improved operability of the baby carriage regardless of the handle position, maintaining ease of use in both configurations.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To improve operability of a baby carriage better, both when a handle is arranged at a back side pressing position and when the handle is arranged at a face-to-face pressing position.SOLUTION: A baby carriage body 11 includes a body frame 12 including a front leg 14 and a rear leg 16, a handle 30 mounted on the body frame 12 to be swingable, a seat support unit 40 held by the body frame 12, a front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c holding a front wheel rotating shaft 18b, and a rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c holding a rear wheel rotating shaft 19b. The front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c is connected to the front leg 14, and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c is connected to the rear leg 16. The front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c can move in a longitudinal direction with respect to the front leg 14. The rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c can move in the longitudinal direction with respect to the rear leg 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a baby carriage. [Background technology]

[0002] Strollers used for taking babies and small children out are widely used. Strollers have a seat support unit that supports a seat on which a baby sits, a main frame that supports the seat support unit, and a handle attached to the main frame. By operating the handle, an operator of the stroller (a parent or guardian, etc.) can adjust the direction of travel of the stroller and also change the inclination of the stroller to get over a step. Patent Document 1 discloses a stroller in which the position of the handle can be switched between a back-pushing position and a front-pushing position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-202982 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a stroller in which the position of the handle can be switched between a rear-pushing position and a forward-pushing position, the distance between the rear wheels and the center of gravity of the baby on the stroller in the front-to-rear direction is generally different from the distance between the front wheels and the center of gravity in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, the operability of the stroller differs when the handle is located in the rear-pushing position and when it is located in the forward-to-rear pushing position. For example, in a stroller in which the distance between the rear wheels and the center of gravity in the front-to-rear direction is shorter than the distance between the front wheels and the center of gravity in the front-to-rear direction, the stroller is more difficult to operate when the handle is located in the forward-to-rear pushing position compared to when it is located in the rear-pushing position.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and its object is to improve the operability of a stroller both when the handle is positioned in the rear-pushing position and when it is positioned in the forward-pushing position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention relates to the following [1] to

[12] .

[0007] [1] A stroller including a stroller body, The stroller body is A body frame including front and rear legs; A handle attached to the main body frame so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction; a seat support unit held by the main body frame; a front wheel rotatable around a front wheel rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction; a front wheel rotation shaft holding member connected to the front leg and holding the front wheel rotation shaft; a rear wheel rotatable around a rear wheel rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction; a rear wheel rotation shaft holding member connected to the rear leg and holding the rear wheel rotation shaft; Including, the front wheel rotation shaft holding member is movable in a front-rear direction relative to the front leg, The rear wheel rotation shaft holding member is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the rear legs.

[0008] [2] The stroller described in [1], wherein the stroller body includes a linkage mechanism that moves the front wheel rotating shaft holding member and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member in the forward / rearward direction relative to the front legs and the rear legs in response to the swinging of the handle.

[0009] [3] The handle can be pivoted forward and backward between a rear-pushing position and a front-pushing position, The stroller described in [2], wherein the front wheel rotating shaft holding member and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member are positioned at a first position when the handle is in the rear pushing position, and are positioned at a second position rearward of the first position when the handle is in the face-to-face pushing position.

[0010] [4] The front wheel rotation shaft holding member is rotatable about a front wheel rotation shaft extending in a vertical direction, The stroller described in [3], wherein the fore-and-aft distance between the first position and the second position is more than twice the horizontal distance between the front wheel pivot axis and the front wheel rotation axis in a plane perpendicular to the front wheel rotation axis.

[0011] [5] The stroller according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the stroller body includes a locking member capable of fixing the front wheel rotation shaft holding member and the rear wheel rotation shaft holding member to the front legs and the rear legs, respectively.

[0012] [6] A stroller including a stroller body, The stroller body is A body frame including front and rear legs; A handle attached to the main body frame so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction; a seat support unit held by the main body frame; a front wheel rotatable around a front wheel rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction; a rear wheel rotatable around a rear wheel rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction; Including, The front legs hold the front wheel rotation shaft so as to be movable in a front-rear direction, The rear legs support the rear wheel rotation shaft so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

[0013] [7] A stroller including a stroller body, The stroller body is A body frame including front and rear legs; A handle attached to the main body frame so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction; a seat support unit held by the main body frame; a front wheel attached to a lower portion of the front leg and rotatable about a front wheel rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction; a rear wheel attached to a lower portion of the rear leg and rotatable about a rear wheel rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction; Including, the front leg includes a front leg upper element forming an upper portion of the front leg and a front leg lower element forming a lower portion of the front leg, The front leg lower element is rotatable relative to the front leg upper element about a front leg pivot axis along a vertical direction, The hind leg includes a hind leg upper element that forms an upper portion of the hind leg and a hind leg lower element that forms a lower portion of the hind leg, The rear leg lower element is rotatable relative to the rear leg upper element around a rear leg pivot axis along a vertical direction, When the front leg lower element rotates relative to the front leg upper element, a position of the front wheel in the front-rear direction relative to the seat support unit changes, A stroller in which the rear wheel's front-to-rear position relative to the seat support unit changes as the rear leg lower element pivots relative to the rear leg upper element.

[0014] [8] The nose landing gear pivot axis passes through the nose landing gear upper element, The nose landing gear lower element is connected to the nose landing gear upper element at a radially outer side of a circle centered on the nose landing gear pivot axis, The rear leg pivot axis passes through the rear leg upper element, The stroller described in [7], wherein the rear leg lower element is connected to the rear leg upper element radially outside of a circle centered on the rear leg pivot axis.

[0015] [9] The stroller described in [7] or [8], wherein the front leg lower element and the rear leg lower element are inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0016]

[10] The stroller body is described in any of [7] to [9], which includes a linkage mechanism that rotates the front leg lower elements and the rear leg lower elements relative to the front leg upper elements and the rear leg upper elements in response to the swinging of the handle.

[0017]

[11] The handle can be pivoted forward and backward between a rear-pushing position and a front-pushing position, The stroller described in

[10] , wherein the front wheels and the rear wheels are positioned in a third position when the handle is in the rear pushing position, and are positioned in a fourth position rearward of the third position when the handle is in the forward pushing position.

[0018]

[12] The stroller according to any one of [7] to

[11] , wherein the stroller body includes locking members capable of fixing the front leg lower elements and the rear leg lower elements to the front leg upper elements and the rear leg upper elements, respectively. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, the stroller can be easily operated both when the handle is located in the rear-pushing position and when it is located in the front-pushing position. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a first embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view for explaining the overall configuration of a stroller. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the stroller of FIG. 1 with the handle in the rear pushing position. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the stroller of FIG. 1 with the handle in the facing pushing position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the stroller of FIG. 1 in a folded state. [Diagram 5]FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the first embodiment and corresponds to FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the second embodiment of the present invention, and is a side view showing the stroller with the handle positioned in the rear pushing position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of the stroller of FIG. 6 with the handle in the facing pushing position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] <<First embodiment>> A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to a specific example shown in the drawings.

[0022] 1 to 4 are diagrams for explaining a first embodiment of a stroller according to the present invention, in which the overall configuration of one specific example of the stroller is shown.

[0023] The stroller 10 of this embodiment includes a stroller body 11. As shown in Fig. 1, the stroller body 11 shown in the figure has a configuration that is generally symmetrical overall with respect to a plane along the front-rear and up-down directions. The stroller body 11 has a body frame 12 having front legs 14 and rear legs 16, a handle 30 attached to the body frame 12, and a seat support unit 40 supported by the body frame 12.

[0024] The handle 30 can swing back and forth relative to the main frame 12. The position of the handle 30 can be changed between a rear-pushing position shown in Fig. 2 and a front-pushing position shown in Fig. 3. When the handle 30 is located in the rear-pushing position, the operator (guardian) grips the handle 30 from behind the baby to steer the stroller 10. At this time, the front legs 14 side of the stroller 10 is the front in the direction of travel. When the handle 30 is located in the front-pushing position, the operator grips the handle 30 from the side facing the baby to steer the stroller 10. At this time, the rear legs 16 side of the stroller 10 is the front in the direction of travel.

[0025] The seat support unit 40 supports a cushion seat on which an infant riding in the stroller 10 sits. The seat support unit 40 supports an infant seated on the stroller body 11 from below via the cushion seat.

[0026] In this specification, the terms "front", "rear", "up", "down", "front-rear direction" and "up-down direction" for the stroller and its components mean "front", "rear", "up", "down", "front-rear direction" and "up-down direction" based on the baby riding in the stroller and its components in the unfolded state, unless otherwise specified. More specifically, the "front-rear direction" is the direction connecting the lower left and upper right of the paper in FIG. 1, and corresponds to the left-right direction of the paper in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. And, unless otherwise specified, "front" is the side facing the baby riding in the stroller, and the lower left side of the paper in FIG. 1 and the left side of the paper in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are the front side. Meanwhile, the "up-down direction" is the direction perpendicular to the running surface of the stroller. Therefore, when the running surface is a horizontal plane, the "up-down direction" refers to the vertical direction. Also, the "lateral direction" is the width direction, which is the direction perpendicular to both the "front-rear direction" and the "up-down direction". Furthermore, the "rear side" means the side opposite to the side facing the baby riding in the stroller 10. Therefore, the "rear side" usually means the rear side.

[0027] In this specification, the inner side in the width direction refers to the side closer to the center of the stroller body 11 in the width direction. On the other hand, the outer side in the width direction refers to the side farther away from the center of the stroller body 11 in the width direction.

[0028] 1 to 4, the stroller body 11 is foldable. Each element constituting the stroller body 11 will be described in further detail below.

[0029] (Main frame) As shown in FIG. 1, the main body frame 12 has a pair of front legs 14 arranged on the left and right, and a pair of rear legs 16 arranged on the left and right. The main body frame 12 further has a first link member L1, a second link member L2, a third link member L3, and a fourth link member L4 arranged on the left and right. The front legs 14, the rear legs 16, and the first to fourth link members L1 to L4 function as link members that configure the main body frame 12 to be foldable and unfoldable. In the illustrated example, the first link member L1 also functions as an armrest. That is, the first link member L1 is configured by the armrest.

[0030] A front wheel 18 and a rear wheel 19 are rotatably provided at the lower ends of the front legs 14 and the rear legs 16, respectively. The front wheels 18 are rotatable around a front wheel rotation shaft 18b extending in the horizontal direction. The front wheel rotation shaft 18b is held by a front wheel rotation shaft holding member 18c connected to the front legs 14. The front wheel rotation shaft holding member 18c is connected to the front legs 14 so as to be rotatable around a front wheel pivot shaft 18d extending in the vertical direction. In this manner, the front wheel rotation shaft holding member 18c and the front wheels 18 form a caster. The rear wheels 19 are rotatable around a rear wheel rotation shaft 19b extending in the horizontal direction. The rear wheel rotation shaft 19b is held by a rear wheel rotation shaft holding member 19c connected to the rear legs 16. The rear wheel rotation shaft holding member 19c is connected to the rear legs 16 so as to be rotatable around a rear wheel pivot shaft 19d extending in the vertical direction. In this manner, the rear wheel rotation shaft holding member 19c and the rear wheel 19 form a caster. The front legs 14 and the rear legs 16 will be described in detail later.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the upper end portions of the front legs 14 are rotatably (swingably) connected to the front portion of the first link member L1 arranged on the corresponding side (left or right). The upper end portions of the rear legs 16 are rotatably (swingably) connected to the front portion of the first link member L1 arranged on the corresponding side (left or right). Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper portion of the second link member L2 is rotatably (swingably) connected to the rear portion of the first link member L1 arranged on the corresponding side (left or right). The second link member L2 is supported by the rear legs 16 when the main body frame 12 is unfolded.

[0032] The third link member L3 is provided between the front leg 14 and the second link member L2. The third link member L3 is connected at its front portion to a middle portion of the front leg 14. The third link member L3 is rotatable relative to the front leg 14 about a rotation axis extending in the width direction. Furthermore, the third link member L3 is connected at its rear portion to a lower portion of the second link member L2. The third link member L3 is rotatable relative to the second link member L2 about a rotation axis extending in the width direction.

[0033] 2 and 3, the third link member L3 is connected to the second link member L2 via a shaft member 20 extending in the width direction. The third link member L3 is also connected to the front legs 14 via a shaft member (not shown) extending in the width direction. Therefore, the pair of third link members L3 rotate synchronously with each other relative to the front legs 14 and the second link member L2.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, in the illustrated example, the fourth link member L4 is rotatably connected to the rear leg 16. The lower part of the fourth link member L4 is rotatably connected to the middle part of the rear leg 16. The fourth link member L4 is rotatably connected to the second link member L2 and the third link member L3. In the illustrated example, the second link member L2, the third link member L3, and the fourth link member L4 are rotatably connected to each other using the same shaft member 20. This shaft member 20 penetrates the second link member L2, the fourth link member L4, and the third link member L3. With this configuration, the second link member L2, the third link member L3, and the fourth link member L4 are rotatable with each other around an axis line that coincides with the central axis line of the shaft member 20.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 1, the main frame 12 has, as laterally extending components, a front connector 15 that connects the pair of front legs 14 and a rear connector 17 that connects the pair of rear legs 16. The front connector 15 functions as a footrest. A central connector 21 is provided between the pair of third link members L3. The front connector 15, the rear connector 17 and the central connector 21 can suppress lateral deformation of the stroller 10.

[0036] (handle) As described above, the handle 30 can swing back and forth relative to the main body frame 12. The handle 30 can swing between a rear pushing position (see FIG. 2) and a front pushing position (see FIG. 3). In the illustrated example, the handle 30 is inclined relative to the vertical direction and extends upward backward in the rear pushing position. The handle 30 is inclined relative to the vertical direction and extends upward forward in the front pushing position.

[0037] In the illustrated example, the handle 30 has a handle body 31 swingably attached to the body frame 12 and a holder 35 provided on the handle body 31 .

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the handle body 31 has a generally U-shaped configuration. The handle body 31 is rotatably (swingably) connected to the body frame 12 at both ends of the U-shape. The handle body 31 includes a pair of handle extensions 32 extending generally parallel to each other, and an intermediate portion 33 connecting the pair of handle extensions 32. The pair of handle extensions 32 are disposed on the outer sides of the body frame 12 in the width direction. Each handle extension 32 is rotatably connected to the body frame 12 at its lower end. The intermediate portion 33 is a gripping portion that is gripped by the operator (guardian).

[0039] In the illustrated example, the handle body 31 is rotatably connected to the main body frame 12 by using the shaft member 20. That is, the second link member L2, the third link member L3, the fourth link member L4 and the handle 30 are rotatable relative to each other around the same axis defined by the shaft member 20. The handle 30 can be maintained in the back pressing position shown in FIG. 2 by engaging the retainer 35 provided on the handle 30 with the first retainer 36 (see FIG. 3) of the main body frame 12. The handle 30 can be maintained in the face-to-face pressing position shown in FIG. 3 by engaging the retainer 35 provided on the handle 30 with the second retainer 37 (see FIG. 2) of the main body frame 12.

[0040] The stroller body 11 having the above configuration can be folded by rotating each component member relative to the other. Specifically, the second link member L2 is once pulled upward and rearward using the handle 30 arranged at the rear pressing position, and then pushed downward, thereby rotating the fourth link member L4 in the clockwise direction in FIG. 2 relative to the rear leg 16. With this operation, the first link member L1 and the third link member L3 rotate in the clockwise direction in FIG. 2 relative to the second link member L2. With this operation, the second link member L2 and the front leg 14 approach each other while maintaining a substantially parallel arrangement in a side view, and the position of the handle 30 relative to the main body frame 12 is lowered. In this manner, the stroller body 11 can be folded as shown in FIG. 4. In the folded state of FIG. 4, the dimensions of the stroller 10 in the front-rear and up-down directions can be reduced. On the other hand, to unfold the stroller body 11 from the folded state, the steps of the folding operation described above can be reversed.

[0041] The stroller body 11 has a state maintaining mechanism (not shown) that restricts the relative rotation of the two components. By operating this state maintaining mechanism, the stroller body 11 can be folded. In the illustrated example, the handle 30 has a remote control device 38 connected to the state maintaining mechanism. As shown in FIG. 1, the remote control device 38 is provided on the middle part 33 of the handle body 31. By operating the remote control device 38, the state maintaining mechanism is operated, and the stroller body 11 can be folded.

[0042] (Seat support unit) The seat support unit 40 supports a cushion seat (not shown) on which an infant sits. As shown in FIG. 1, the seat support unit 40 includes a seat support 41 and a back support 45. The seat support 41 faces the buttocks of an infant riding in the stroller 10. The back support 45 faces the back of the infant. As shown in FIG. 1, the seat support unit 40 is disposed on the inside in the width direction of the main body frame 12. More specifically, the seat support unit 40 is disposed between the left and right front legs 14 and rear legs 16.

[0043] The seat support 41 has a front frame material 42. The front frame material 42 is a frame material formed in a substantially U-shape. The seat support 41 includes a fabric (not shown) that is stretched across the front frame material 42 and defines the seat surface. Alternatively, the seat support 41 includes a seat plate (not shown) that is supported from below by the front frame material 42 and defines the seat surface. The seat plate is a plate-like member formed using resin or metal. Note that when the seat support 41 includes a seat plate, the seat support 41 does not need to include the front frame material 42.

[0044] In the illustrated example, the seat support 41 is held by the third link member L3. This allows the seat support 41 to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the third link member L3 when folding the stroller body 11. When folding the stroller body 11, the angle of the seat support 41 relative to the second link member L2 can be automatically reduced, and the dimension of the stroller 10 in the folded state in the front-rear direction can be reduced. In other words, in a side view of the stroller 10 in the folded state, the seat support 41 can be prevented from protruding forward beyond the main body frame 12.

[0045] The back support 45 has a rear frame member 46. The rear frame member 46 is a frame member formed in a substantially U-shape. In the illustrated example, the back support 45 is connected to the seat support 41. More specifically, the rear frame member 46 extends upward and backward from the rear end of the front frame member 42. The front end of the rear frame member 46 is connected to the rear end of the front frame member 42 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the width direction. This rotation axis passes through a connection part A between the back support 45 and the seat support 41 (hereinafter also referred to as "back-seat connection part A"). The back support 45 rotates relative to the seat support 41, so that the back support 45 can be reclined relative to the seat support 41. The back support 45 may further have a cloth-like material or a plate-like material supported by the rear frame member 46.

[0046] The back support 45 is supported from the rear by a reclining belt 49, both ends of which are connected to the main frame 12. This prevents the back support 45 from falling backward. The length of the reclining belt 49 is variable. By adjusting the length of the reclining belt 49, the back support 45 can be reclined. The reclining belt 49 is shown only in Figs. 2 and 3. The reclining belt 49 is omitted in Figs. 1 and 4.

[0047] In the illustrated example, both ends of the reclining belt 49 are connected to the first link member L1. The reclining belt 49 is disposed at its center on the back side of the back support 45 and is connected to the first link member L1 at both ends, so that when the main frame 12 is folded, the back support 45 can be rotated relative to the second link member L2 in association with the rotation of the first link member L1. When the stroller 10 is folded, the angle of the back support 45 relative to the second link member L2 can be automatically reduced, and the dimension of the stroller 10 in the folded state in the front-rear direction can be reduced. In other words, when the stroller 10 is viewed from the side in the folded state, the back support 45 can be prevented from protruding rearward from the second link member L2.

[0048] Furthermore, the seat support unit 40 has a pair of side support parts 50 and a side frame member 51 that extend in the vertical direction. The side support parts 50 extend upward from the front frame member 42. The side frame member 51 is a frame member formed in a substantially U-shape. The side frame member 51 is connected to the upper end of the side support part 50 at both ends of the U-shape. The side frame member 51 is connected to the side support part 50 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the width direction.

[0049] A connecting frame member 52 is provided between an intermediate portion of the side frame member 51 and an intermediate portion of the rear frame member 46. The connecting frame member 52 is rotatable with respect to the rear frame member 46 and the side frame member 51. The connecting frame member 52 swings one of the rear frame member 46 and the side frame member 51 in association with the swinging of the other. The connecting frame member 52 also forms a wall portion between the rear portion of the rear frame member 46 and the rear portion of the side frame member 51 that is located behind the head of the infant when the back support member 45 is lying down, and also forms a wall portion that is located behind the head of the infant when the back support member 45 is upright.

[0050] The seat support unit 40 also has a pair of guard supports 54 connected to the left and right side portions of the seat support 41, and a guard material 55 extending between the pair of guard supports 54. The left and right ends of the guard material 55 are detachably connected to the left and right guard supports 54, respectively. The seat support unit 40 also has a hood support 57 that supports a hood cloth (not shown). The hood support 57 includes a pair of hood support members 58 fixed to both ends of the side frame member 51, respectively, and a hood bone 59 extending between the pair of hood support members 58. The hood cloth is attached to the hood bone 59 to form a hood. The hood covers an infant seated on the seat support unit 40 from above, providing an environment that is shaded from the sun for the infant.

[0051] (Front and rear legs) In the illustrated example, the front leg 14 has a front leg main member 14a connected to the first link member L1, and a front wheel holding member 14b connected to the front leg main member 14a. The front leg main member 14a is connected to the first link member L1 at its upper end portion. The front leg main member 14a may be formed using, for example, a metal or resin pipe material. The front wheel holding member 14b is formed as an extension of the front leg main member 14a. The front wheel holding member 14b is connected to a lower end portion of the front leg main member 14a. The front wheel holding member 14b is connected to the front leg main member 14a at its upper end portion. The front wheel holding member 14b holds the front wheel rotation shaft holding member 18c at its lower end portion.

[0052] In the illustrated example, the rear leg 16 has a rear leg main member 16a connected to the first link member L1 and a rear wheel holding member 16b connected to the rear leg main member 16a. The rear leg main member 16a is connected to the first link member L1 at its upper end portion. The rear leg main member 16a can be formed using, for example, a metal or resin pipe material. The rear wheel holding member 16b is formed as an extension of the rear leg main member 16a. The rear wheel holding member 16b is connected to the lower end portion of the rear leg main member 16a. The rear wheel holding member 16b is connected to the rear leg main member 16a at its upper end portion. The rear wheel holding member 16b holds the rear wheel rotation shaft holding member 19c at its lower end portion.

[0053] Incidentally, the stroller 10 of this embodiment is devised to improve the operability of the stroller 10 both when the handle 30 is located in the rear-to-back pushing position and when it is located in the forward-to-back pushing position. Specifically, the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c is movable in the front-to-rear direction relative to the front legs 14. Also, the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c is movable in the front-to-rear direction relative to the rear legs 16.

[0054] Here, when the operator of the stroller 10 operates the stroller 10 with the handlebars 30 in the rear-pushing position, the operator operates the stroller 10 with the rear wheel rotation shaft 19b as a fulcrum. On the other hand, when the operator of the stroller 10 operates the stroller 10 with the handlebars 30 in the front-pushing position, the operator operates the stroller 10 with the front wheel rotation shaft 18b as a fulcrum. The shorter the front-rear distance between the fulcrum and the center of gravity of the baby on the seat support unit 40, the more maneuverable the stroller 10 becomes. The front-rear position of the center of gravity of the baby on the main frame 12 roughly coincides with the front-rear position of the back-seat connecting part A on the main frame 12. Therefore, the shorter the front-rear distance between the fulcrum and the back-seat connecting part A, the more maneuverable the stroller 10 becomes.

[0055] However, shortening the front-to-rear distance between the rear wheel rotating shaft 19b and the back seat connecting part A improves the operability of the stroller 10 when the handle 30 is in the back-pushing position, but impairs the operability of the stroller 10 when the handle 30 is in the forward-pushing position. On the other hand, shortening the front-to-rear distance between the front wheel rotating shaft 18b and the back seat connecting part A improves the operability of the stroller 10 when the handle 30 is in the forward-pushing position, but impairs the operability of the stroller 10 when the handle 30 is in the forward-pushing position.

[0056] In this embodiment, the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c (and therefore the front wheel rotating shaft 18b and the rear wheel rotating shaft 19b) can be moved in the front-to-rear direction relative to the front legs 14 and rear legs 16, respectively (and therefore relative to the backrest connection part A), making it possible to operate the stroller 10 well whether the handle 30 is positioned in the rear-facing pushing position or the face-to-face pushing position.

[0057] In the illustrated example, when the handle 30 is disposed in the rear-facing pushing position shown in FIG. 2, the front-wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear-wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c are disposed in a first position. At this time, the distance in the front-rear direction between the rear-wheel rotating shaft 19b and the backrest connecting portion A is D1, and the distance in the front-rear direction between the front-wheel rotating shaft and the backrest connecting portion is D2. In the illustrated example, the distance D1 is shorter than the distance D2. Therefore, when the handle 30 is disposed in the face-to-face pushing position shown in FIG. 3, the front-rear direction between the front-wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear-wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c are disposed in a second position rearward of the first position. In this case, the distance in the front-rear direction between the front-wheel rotating shaft 18b and the backrest connecting portion A is D3. Since the second position is rearward of the first position, the distance D3 is shorter than the distance D2. Therefore, the operability of the stroller 10 when the handle 30 is located in the forward pushing position is improved compared to a conventional stroller in which the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c do not move relative to the front legs 14 and the rear legs 16. Also, since the distance D1 is shorter than the distance D2, the operability of the stroller 10 when the handle 30 is located in the rear pushing position is good as well. In Fig. 3, the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c in the first position are shown by two-dot chain lines.

[0058] Furthermore, by moving not only the front wheels 18 relative to the front legs 14 but also the rear wheels 19 relative to the rear legs 16, the change in the distance between the front wheels 18 and the rear wheels 19 in the front-to-rear direction is suppressed. Therefore, even if the front wheels 18 are moved, the risk of losing stability of the stroller 10 is suppressed. In the illustrated example, the movement distance of the front wheel rotation shaft holding member 18c from the first position to the second position is equal to the movement distance of the rear wheel rotation shaft holding member 19c from the first position to the second position.

[0059] In the illustrated example, the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c is connected to the lower end of the front wheel holding member 14b. The lower end of the front wheel holding member 14b extends rearward beyond the lower end of the front landing gear main member 14a. The lower end of the front wheel holding member 14b holds the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c so that it can move in the front-rear direction. The front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c can move between a first position (see FIG. 2) and a second position (see FIG. 3) rearward of the first position. In the illustrated example, the front wheel holding member 14b further holds the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c so that it can rotate around the front wheel pivot shaft 18d.

[0060] In the illustrated example, the distance D4 (see FIG. 3) in the front-rear direction between the first position and the second position is determined as follows. That is, the distance D4 is determined so as to be at least twice the horizontal distance D5 (see FIG. 3) between the front wheel pivot shaft 18d and the front wheel pivot shaft 18b in a plane perpendicular to the front wheel pivot shaft 18b. Here, when the front wheel pivot shaft holding member 18c pivots around the front wheel pivot shaft 18d, the position of the front wheel pivot shaft 18b relative to the front wheel pivot shaft 18d changes between the case where the stroller 10 is operated with the handle 30 in the rear-pushing position and the case where the stroller 10 is operated with the handle 30 in the front-pushing position, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. In the illustrated example, when the stroller 10 is operated with the handle 30 in the rear-pushing position, the front wheel pivot shaft 18b is located behind the front wheel pivot shaft 18d by the distance D5. In contrast, when the stroller 10 is operated with the handle 30 in the forward pushing position, the front wheel rotating shaft 18b is located in front of the front wheel pivot shaft 18d by the above-mentioned distance D5. Therefore, even if the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c is moved by the distance D4 when moving the handle 30 from the rear pushing position to the forward pushing position, the movement distance of the front wheel rotating shaft 18b is D4-2×D5. Therefore, by making the distance D4 at least twice the distance D5, the distance D3 (see FIG. 3) can be made equal to or less than the distance D2 (see FIG. 2), and deterioration of the operability of the stroller 10 caused by the turning of the front wheels 18 can be suppressed.

[0061] More preferably, distance D4 is greater than twice distance D5. This allows distance D3 (see FIG. 3) to be smaller than distance D2 (see FIG. 2), improving the operability of the stroller 10 when the handle 30 is in the facing pushing position.

[0062] The distance D4 is measured as the distance between the pivot line of the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c arranged at the first position and the pivot line of the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c arranged at the second position. Alternatively, the distance D4 is measured as the distance between the pivot line of the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c arranged at the first position and the pivot line of the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c arranged at the second position. The distance D5 is measured as the horizontal distance between the pivot line of the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rotation axis of the front wheel 18. The pivot line of the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c coincides with the central axis of the front wheel rotating shaft 18d. The pivot line of the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c coincides with the central axis of the rear wheel rotating shaft 19d. The rotation axis of the front wheel 18 coincides with the central axis of the front wheel rotating shaft 18b.

[0063] In the illustrated example, the stroller body 11 includes an interlocking mechanism 70, which causes the movement of the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c to occur in conjunction with the swinging of the handle 30. The interlocking mechanism 70 will be described below.

[0064] (Interlocking mechanism) The interlocking mechanism 70 moves the front-wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear-wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c in the front-to-rear direction relative to the front legs 14 and the rear legs 16 in response to the swinging of the handle 30. The interlocking mechanism 70 positions the front-wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear-wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c in a first position when the handle 30 is placed in the rear-facing pushing position, and positions the front-wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear-wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c in a second position when the handle 30 is placed in the face-to-face pushing position. When the stroller body 11 has the interlocking mechanism 70, the front-to-rear positions of the front-wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear-wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c relative to the front legs 14 and rear legs 16 can be automatically changed by swinging the handle 30.

[0065] In the illustrated example, the interlocking mechanism 70 includes a traction member 71 and a biasing member 72. The traction member 71 may be a flexible elongated member. The traction member 71 may be a wire, a string, a chain, or the like. The traction member 71 connects the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c to the handle 30. When the handle 30 is placed in the rear-facing pushing position, the traction member 71 pulls the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c in a direction from the second position to the first position. The biasing member 72 biases the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c in a direction from the first position to the second position. Note that the traction member 71 slackens when the handle 30 is swung to the face-to-face pushing position, and does not apply a traction force to the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c.

[0066] In the stroller 10 equipped with such an interlocking mechanism 70, when the handle 30 is disposed in the rear-pushing position, the front-wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear-wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c are disposed in the first position by the traction force of the traction member 71. When the handle 30 is swung from the rear-pushing position to the face-to-face pushing position, the front-wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear-wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c are moved from the first position to the second position by the urging force of the urging member 72. While the handle 30 is disposed in the face-to-face pushing position, the front-wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear-wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c are kept in the second position by the urging force of the urging member 72. When the handle 30 is swung from the face-to-face pushing position to the rear-pushing position, the front-wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear-wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c are moved from the second position to the first position by the traction force of the traction member 71.

[0067] Of course, the traction member 71 may be configured to traction the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c in a direction from the first position to the second position when the handle 30 is disposed at the facing-pushing position. In this case, the biasing member 72 may bias the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c in a direction from the second position to the first position. In such an interlocking mechanism 70, when the handle 30 is disposed at the rear-pushing position, the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c are disposed at the first position by the biasing force of the biasing member 72. Then, when the handle 30 is swung from the rear-pushing position to the facing-pushing position, the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c move from the first position to the second position by the traction force of the traction member 71. While the handle 30 is disposed in the face-to-face pushing position, the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c remain in the second position due to the traction force of the traction member 71. When the handle 30 swings from the face-to-face pushing position to the rear pushing position, the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c move from the second position to the first position due to the biasing force of the biasing member 72.

[0068] <<Modification of the First Embodiment>> Next, various modifications of the first embodiment will be described.

[0069] <Variation 1-1> In the above-described example, the stroller body 11 includes the interlocking mechanism 70, which causes the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c to move in conjunction with the swinging of the handle 30, but is not limited to this. The front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c may also be moved manually relative to the front legs 14 and the rear legs 16.

[0070] <Variation 1-2> In the above-described example, the front wheel rotation shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotation shaft holding member 19c are held at the first position or the second position by the interlocking mechanism 70, but this is not limited to the above. The front wheel rotation shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotation shaft holding member 19c may be held at the first position or the second position by a locking member 75. The locking member 75 may fix the front wheel rotation shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotation shaft holding member 19c to the front legs 14 and the rear legs 16.

[0071] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the locking member 75 is attached to the front wheel holding member 14b and the rear wheel holding member 16b. The locking member 75 is vertically movable relative to the front wheel holding member 14b and the rear wheel holding member 16b. The locking member 75 is movable between a locked position shown in FIG. 5 and an unlocked position above the locked position. When the locking member 75 is in the locked position shown in FIG. 5, it interferes with the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c to restrict their movement in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c are held in the first position or the second position. When the locking member 75 is in the unlocked position, it does not interfere with the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c and allows their movement in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c are movable between a first position and a second position.

[0072] <Modification 1-3> In the above-mentioned example, the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c are respectively rotatable around the front wheel pivot shaft 18d and the rear wheel pivot shaft 19d, but are not limited to this. The front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c may be non-rotatable. In other words, the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the front wheel 18, and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c and the rear wheel 19 may not form casters.

[0073] <Modification 1-4> In the above-mentioned example, the front wheel rotation shaft 18b and the rear wheel rotation shaft 19b are held by the front wheel rotation shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotation shaft holding member 19c, respectively, but this is not limited to the above. The front wheel rotation shaft 18b and the rear wheel rotation shaft 19b may be directly held by the front legs 14 and the rear legs 16. For example, the front wheel holding member 14b and the rear wheel holding member 16b may hold the front wheel rotation shaft 18b and the rear wheel rotation shaft 19b, respectively, so that they can move in the front-rear direction.

[0074] <<Second embodiment>> Next, a stroller 110 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figures 6 and 7 correspond to Figures 2 and 3, respectively, and are side views of the stroller 110 according to the second embodiment.

[0075] The example shown in Figures 6 and 7 differs from the stroller 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4 in that the lower parts of the front legs 14 are rotatable relative to the upper parts of the front legs 14, and the lower parts of the rear legs 16 are rotatable relative to the upper parts of the rear legs 16. Also, it differs in that the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c are immovable in the front-rear direction relative to the lower parts of the front legs 14 and the rear legs 16. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the stroller 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4. In the example shown in Figures 6 and 7, the same parts as those of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] (Front and rear legs) The front leg 14 includes a front leg upper element 141 forming an upper part of the front leg 14, and a front leg lower element 142 forming a lower part of the front leg 14. An upper end portion of the front leg upper element 141 is rotatably connected to a front part of the first link member L1. An upper end portion of the front leg lower element 142 is connected to a lower end portion of the front leg upper element 141. The front leg lower element 142 is rotatable relative to the front leg upper element 141 around a front leg rotation axis X14 along the vertical direction. A front wheel rotation shaft holding member 18c is connected to a lower end portion of the front leg lower element 142. The front wheel rotation shaft holding member 18c and the front wheel 18 do not need to constitute a caster. In other words, the front wheel rotation shaft holding member 18c may not be rotatable relative to the front leg lower element 142.

[0077] The rear leg 16 includes a rear leg upper element 161 forming an upper part of the rear leg 16, and a rear leg lower element 162 forming a lower part of the rear leg 16. An upper end portion of the rear leg upper element 161 is rotatably connected to a front portion of the first link member L1. An upper end portion of the rear leg lower element 162 is connected to a lower end portion of the rear leg upper element 161. The rear leg lower element 162 is rotatable relative to the rear leg upper element 161 around a rear leg rotation axis X16 along the vertical direction. A rear wheel rotation shaft holding member 19c is connected to a lower end portion of the rear leg lower element 162. The rear wheel rotation shaft holding member 19c and the rear wheel 19 do not need to constitute a caster. In other words, the rear wheel rotation shaft holding member 19c may not be rotatable relative to the rear leg lower element 162.

[0078] In the illustrated example, by rotating the front leg lower element 142 relative to the front leg upper element 141 and rotating the rear leg lower element 162 relative to the rear leg upper element 161, the front wheels 18 and rear wheels 19 (and therefore the front wheel rotation shaft 18b and the rear wheel rotation shaft 19b) can be moved in the front-rear direction relative to the seat-back connection part A. This allows the stroller 10 to be operated well whether the handle 30 is positioned in the rear-facing pushing position or the face-to-face pushing position.

[0079] Specifically, the front leg upper element 141 and the front leg lower element 142 are connected via a front leg connecting member 143. The front leg connecting member 143 can rotate around the front leg pivot axis X14 relative to the front leg upper element 141. The front leg pivot axis X14 passes through the lower end of the front leg upper element 141. The front leg lower element 142 is fixed to the front leg connecting member 143. The connection position between the front leg connecting member 143 and the front leg lower element 142 is offset in the radial direction of a circle centered on the front leg pivot axis X14 from the connection position between the front leg connecting member 143 and the front leg upper element 141. As a result, when the front leg lower element 142 is rotated relative to the front leg upper element 141, the position of the front wheel 18 attached to the front leg lower element 142 in the front-rear direction changes. In addition, the front leg lower element 142 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. This also causes the position of the front wheel 18 in the fore-and-aft direction to change in response to the turning of the front leg lower element 142 relative to the front leg upper element 141.

[0080] The rear leg upper element 161 and the rear leg lower element 162 are connected via a rear leg connecting member 163. The rear leg connecting member 163 can rotate around the rear leg pivot axis X16 relative to the rear leg upper element 161. The rear leg pivot axis X16 passes through the lower end of the rear leg upper element 161. The rear leg lower element 162 is fixed to the rear leg connecting member 163. The connection position between the rear leg connecting member 163 and the rear leg lower element 162 is offset in the radial direction of a circle centered on the rear leg pivot axis X16 from the connection position between the rear leg connecting member 163 and the rear leg upper element 161. As a result, when the rear leg lower element 162 is rotated relative to the rear leg upper element 161, the position of the rear wheel 19 attached to the rear leg lower element 162 in the front-rear direction changes. The rear leg lower element 162 is also inclined with respect to the vertical direction. This also causes the position of the rear wheel 19 in the front-rear direction to change in response to the turning of the rear leg lower element 162 relative to the rear leg upper element 161.

[0081] In the illustrated example, when the handle 30 is disposed in the rear pushing position shown in Fig. 6, the front wheels 18 and the rear wheels 19 are disposed in the third position. When the handle 30 is disposed in the face-to-face pushing position shown in Fig. 7, the front wheels 18 and the rear wheels 19 are disposed in a fourth position rearward from the third position. Since the fourth position is rearward from the third position, the front-to-back distance D7 (see Fig. 7) between the front wheel rotation shaft 18b and the seat-back connection part A when the handle 30 is disposed in the face-to-face pushing position is shorter than the front-to-back distance D6 (see Fig. 6) between the front wheel rotation shaft 18b and the seat-back connection part A when the handle 30 is disposed in the rear pushing position.

[0082] Hereinafter, the position of the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 when the front wheels 18 and the rear wheels 19 are disposed in the third position shown in Fig. 6 will be referred to as the fifth position. Also, the position of the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 when the front wheels 18 and the rear wheels 19 are disposed in the fourth position shown in Fig. 7 will be referred to as the sixth position.

[0083] In the illustrated example, as shown in Fig. 6, when the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 are arranged in the fifth position, the upper ends of the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 are located in front of the lower ends of the front leg upper element 141 and the rear leg upper element 161. Also, as shown in Fig. 7, when the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 are arranged in the sixth position, the upper ends of the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 are located behind the lower ends of the front leg upper element 141 and the rear leg upper element 161.

[0084] In the illustrated example, when the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 are disposed in the fifth position as shown in Fig. 6, the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 are inclined with respect to the vertical direction so as to face downward as they move forward. Also, when the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 are disposed in the sixth position as shown in Fig. 7, the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 are inclined with respect to the vertical direction so as to face downward as they move backward.

[0085] In the illustrated example, the stroller body 111 of the stroller 110 includes an interlocking mechanism 170, which causes the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 to turn in conjunction with the swinging of the handle 30. The interlocking mechanism 170 will now be described.

[0086] (Interlocking mechanism) The interlocking mechanism 170 rotates the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 relative to the front leg upper element 141 and the rear leg upper element 161 in response to the swinging of the handle 30. The interlocking mechanism 170 positions the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 in a fifth position when the handle 30 is placed in the rear-to-back pushing position, and positions the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 in a sixth position when the handle 30 is placed in the face-to-face pushing position. When the stroller body 111 has the interlocking mechanism 170, the front-to-rear positions of the front wheels 18 and the rear wheels 19 relative to the seat-back connection part A can be automatically changed by swinging the handle 30.

[0087] In the illustrated example, the interlocking mechanism 170 includes a traction member 171 and a biasing member 172. The traction member 171 may be a flexible elongated member. The traction member 171 may be a wire, a string, a chain, or the like. The biasing member 172 biases the front leg lower element 142 in the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the front leg pivot axis X14. The biasing member 172 biases the rear leg lower element 162 in the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the rear leg pivot axis X16. The biasing member 172 may be, for example, a torsion spring. In this case, one end of the biasing member 172 of the front leg 14 may be fixed to the front leg upper element 141, and the other end may be fixed to the front leg lower element 142. Also, one end of the biasing member 172 of the rear leg 16 may be fixed to the rear leg upper element 161, and the other end may be fixed to the rear leg lower element 162. The traction member 171 connects the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 to the handle 30. When the handle 30 is swung to the rear pushing position, the traction member 171 pulls the front leg lower element 142 in the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the front leg pivot axis X14. When the handle 30 is swung to the rear pushing position, the traction member 171 pulls the rear leg lower element 162 in the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the rear leg pivot axis X16. The direction in which the traction member 171 pulls the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 is opposite to the direction in which the biasing member 172 biases the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162. When the handle 30 is swung to the face-to-face pushing position, the traction member 171 slackens and does not apply a traction force to the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162.

[0088] In such an interlocking mechanism 170, when the handle 30 is disposed in the rear-pushing position, the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 are disposed in the fifth position by the traction force of the traction member 171. Then, when the handle 30 swings from the rear-pushing position to the face-to-face pushing position, the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 are rotated from the fifth position to the sixth position by the urging force of the urging member 172. As a result, the front wheel 18 and the rear wheel 19 move from the third position to the fourth position. While the handle 30 is disposed in the face-to-face pushing position, the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 remain in the sixth position by the urging force of the urging member 172. When the handle 30 swings from the face-to-face pushing position to the rear-pushing position, the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 are rotated from the sixth position to the fifth position by the traction force of the traction member 171. As a result, the front wheels 18 and the rear wheels 19 move from the fourth position to the third position.

[0089] Of course, the traction member 171 may be one that tractionally pulls the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 in the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the front leg pivot axis X14 or the rear leg pivot axis X16 when the handle 30 is placed in the facing-pushing position. In this case, the traction member 171 slackens when the handle 30 is placed in the rear-pushing position, and does not need to apply traction force to the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162. In such an interlocking mechanism 170, when the handle 30 is placed in the rear-pushing position, the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 are placed in the fifth position by the biasing force of the biasing member 172. Then, when the handle 30 swings from the rear-pushing position to the facing-pushing position, the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 are rotated from the fifth position to the sixth position by the traction force of the traction member 171. While the handle 30 is disposed in the facing-to-pushing position, the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 remain in the sixth position due to the traction force of the traction member 171. When the handle 30 swings from the facing-to-pushing position to the rearward-pushing position, the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 pivot from the sixth position to the fifth position due to the biasing force of the biasing member 172.

[0090] In the second embodiment, the front connecting member 15 is disposed between the front leg upper elements 141. This allows the front leg lower element 142 to rotate relative to the front leg upper element 141. Also, the rear connecting member 17 is disposed between the rear leg upper elements 161. This allows the rear leg lower element 162 to rotate relative to the rear leg upper element 161.

[0091] <<Modification of the second embodiment>> Next, various modifications of the second embodiment will be described.

[0092] <Variation 2-1> In the above-mentioned example, the stroller body 111 includes the interlocking mechanism 170, which causes the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 to rotate in conjunction with the swinging of the handle 30, but is not limited to this. The front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 may also be manually rotated relative to the front leg upper element 141 and the rear leg upper element 161.

[0093] <Variation 2-2> In the above-mentioned example, the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 are held in the fifth or sixth position by the interlocking mechanism 170, but this is not limited to the above. The front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 may be held in the fifth or sixth position by a locking member. The locking member may fix the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 to the front leg upper element 141 and the rear leg upper element 161.

[0094] The stroller 10 of the first embodiment and its modified example described above includes a stroller body 11. The stroller body 11 includes a body frame 12, a handle 30, a seat support unit 40, a front wheel 18, a front wheel rotation shaft holding member 18c, a rear wheel 19, and a rear wheel rotation shaft holding member 19c. The body frame 12 includes front legs 14 and rear legs 16. The handle 30 is attached to the body frame 12 so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction. The seat support unit 40 is held by the body frame 12. The front wheel 18 can rotate around a front wheel rotation shaft 18b extending in the horizontal direction. The front wheel rotation shaft holding member 18c is connected to the front leg 14 and holds the front wheel rotation shaft 18b. The rear wheel 19 can rotate around a rear wheel rotation shaft 19b extending in the horizontal direction. The rear wheel rotation shaft holding member 19c is connected to the rear leg 16 and holds the rear wheel rotation shaft 19b. The front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the front legs 14. The rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the rear legs 16. With this stroller 10, the distance in the front-rear direction between the center of gravity of the baby riding in the stroller 10 and the front wheel rotating shaft 18b can be changed. Therefore, the operability of the stroller 10 can be improved when the handlebars 30 are disposed in the facing-pushing position. Also, the rear wheels 19 can be moved relative to the main frame 12 in accordance with the movement of the front wheels 18 relative to the main frame 12. Therefore, even if the front wheels 18 are moved relative to the main frame 12, the change in the distance between the front wheels 18 and the rear wheels 19 is suppressed, and the risk of the stability of the stroller 10 being impaired is suppressed.

[0095] In the first embodiment and its modified examples described above, the stroller body 11 includes an interlocking mechanism 70. The interlocking mechanism 70 moves the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c in the front-rear direction relative to the front legs 14 and the rear legs 16 in response to the swinging of the handle 30. With this stroller 10, the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c can be automatically moved in response to the swinging of the handle 30.

[0096] In the first embodiment and its modified example described above, the handle 30 can be swung in the front-rear direction between the rear-pushing position and the front-pushing position. The front-wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear-wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c are positioned at a first position when the handle 30 is in the rear-pushing position. The front-wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear-wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c are positioned at a second position rearward of the first position when the handle 30 is in the front-pushing position. With this stroller 10, the front-rear distance between the front-wheel rotating shaft 18b and the baby when the handle 30 is in the front-pushing position can be made smaller than the front-rear distance between the front-wheel rotating shaft 18b and the baby when the handle 30 is in the rear-pushing position. As a result, the operability of the stroller 10 when the handle 30 is in the front-pushing position can be improved.

[0097] In the first embodiment and its modified example described above, the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c can rotate around the front wheel rotating shaft 18d extending in the vertical direction. The front-rear distance D4 between the first position and the second position is at least twice the horizontal distance D5 between the front wheel rotating shaft 18d and the front wheel rotating shaft 18b in a plane perpendicular to the front wheel rotating shaft 18b. With this stroller 10, the change in the front-rear distance between the front wheel rotating shaft 18b and the center of gravity of the baby on the stroller 10 caused by the front wheel 18 turning can be canceled out. This makes it possible to suppress the change in the operability of the stroller 10 caused by the front wheel 18 turning.

[0098] In the modified example of the first embodiment described above, the stroller body 11 includes a locking member 75. The locking member 75 is capable of fixing the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c to the front legs 14 and the rear legs 16, respectively. With this stroller 10, the risk of the front wheel rotating shaft holding member 18c and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 19c moving unintentionally relative to the front legs 14 and the rear legs 16 is reduced.

[0099] The stroller 10 of the modified example of the first embodiment described above includes a stroller body 11. The stroller body 11 includes a body frame 12, a handle 30, a seat support unit 40, a front wheel 18, and a rear wheel 19. The body frame 12 includes front legs 14 and rear legs 16. The handle 30 is attached to the body frame 12 so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction. The seat support unit 40 is held by the body frame 12. The front wheel 18 can rotate around a front wheel rotation shaft 18b extending in the horizontal direction. The rear wheel 19 can rotate around a rear wheel rotation shaft 19b extending in the horizontal direction. The front legs 14 hold the front wheel rotation shaft 18b so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The rear legs 16 hold the rear wheel rotation shaft 19b so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. According to this stroller 10, the distance in the front-rear direction between the center of gravity of an infant riding in the stroller 10 and the front wheel rotation shaft 18b can be changed. This improves the operability of the stroller 10 when the handle 30 is located in the facing pushing position. Also, the rear wheels 19 can be moved relative to the main body frame 12 in accordance with the movement of the front wheels 18 relative to the main body frame 12. Therefore, even if the front wheels 18 are moved relative to the main body frame 12, the change in the distance between the front wheels 18 and the rear wheels 19 is suppressed, and the risk of the stability of the stroller 10 being impaired is suppressed.

[0100] The stroller 110 of the second embodiment and its modified example described above includes a stroller body 111. The stroller body 111 includes a body frame 12, a handle 30, a seat support unit 40, a front wheel 18, and a rear wheel 19. The body frame 12 includes front legs 14 and rear legs 16. The handle 30 is attached to the body frame 12 so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction. The seat support unit 40 is held by the body frame 12. The front wheel 18 is attached to a lower portion of the front leg 14. The front wheel 18 can rotate around a front wheel rotation shaft 18b extending in the horizontal direction. The rear wheel 19 is attached to a lower portion of the rear leg 16. The rear wheel 19 can rotate around a rear wheel rotation shaft 19b extending in the horizontal direction. The front legs 14 include a front leg upper element 141 that forms an upper part of the front legs 14, and a front leg lower element 142 that forms a lower part of the front legs 14. The front leg lower element 142 can turn relative to the front leg upper element 141 around a front leg rotation axis X14 along the vertical direction. The rear legs 16 include a rear leg upper element 161 that forms an upper part of the rear legs 16, and a rear leg lower element 162 that forms a lower part of the rear legs 16. The rear leg lower element 162 can turn relative to the rear leg upper element 161 around a rear leg rotation axis X16 along the vertical direction. The front leg lower element 142 turns relative to the front leg upper element 141, thereby changing the position of the front wheel 18 relative to the seat support unit 40 in the front-rear direction. The rear leg lower element 162 turns relative to the rear leg upper element 161, thereby changing the position of the rear wheel 19 relative to the seat support unit 40 in the front-rear direction. With this stroller 10, it is possible to change the distance in the front-rear direction between the center of gravity of the baby riding in the stroller 10 and the front wheel rotation axis 18b. This improves the operability of the stroller 10 when the handle 30 is placed in the facing-pushing position. Also, the rear wheels 19 can be moved relative to the main body frame 12 in accordance with the movement of the front wheels 18 relative to the main body frame 12. Therefore, even if the front wheels 18 are moved relative to the main body frame 12, the change in the distance between the front wheels 18 and the rear wheels 19 is suppressed, and the risk of the stability of the stroller 10 being impaired is suppressed.

[0101] In the second embodiment and its modified example described above, the front leg pivot axis X14 passes through the front leg upper element 141. The front leg lower element 142 is connected to the front leg upper element 141 on the radially outer side of a circle centered on the front leg pivot axis X14. The rear leg pivot axis X16 passes through the rear leg upper element 161. The rear leg lower element 162 is connected to the rear leg upper element 161 on the radially outer side of a circle centered on the rear leg pivot axis X16. According to this stroller 10, the front-rear position of the front wheel 18 relative to the seat support unit 40 can be changed by rotating the front leg lower element 142 relative to the front leg upper element 141. Also, the rear leg lower element 162 can be rotated relative to the rear leg upper element 161 to change the front-rear position of the rear wheel 19 relative to the seat support unit 40.

[0102] In the second embodiment and its modified example described above, the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 are inclined with respect to the vertical direction. With such a stroller 10, the front leg lower element 142 can be rotated relative to the front leg upper element 141 to change the front-rear position of the front wheel 18 relative to the seat support unit 40. Also, the rear leg lower element 162 can be rotated relative to the rear leg upper element 161 to change the front-rear position of the rear wheel 19 relative to the seat support unit 40.

[0103] In the second embodiment and its modified example described above, the stroller body 111 includes an interlocking mechanism 170. The interlocking mechanism 170 rotates the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 relative to the front leg upper element 141 and the rear leg upper element 161 in response to the swinging of the handle 30. With this stroller 10, the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 can be automatically rotated in response to the swinging of the handle 30.

[0104] In the second embodiment and its modified example described above, the handle 30 can swing in the front-rear direction between the rear-pushing position and the front-pushing position. The front wheels 18 and the rear wheels 19 are positioned in a third position when the handle 30 is in the rear-pushing position, and are positioned in a fourth position rearward of the third position when the handle 30 is in the front-pushing position. With this stroller 110, the distance in the front-rear direction between the front wheel rotation shaft 18b and the center of gravity of the baby when the handle 30 is in the front-pushing position can be made smaller than the distance in the front-rear direction between the front wheel rotation shaft 18b and the center of gravity of the baby when the handle 30 is in the rear-pushing position. As a result, the operability of the stroller 10 can be improved when the handle 30 is in the front-pushing position.

[0105] In the modified example of the second embodiment described above, the stroller body 111 includes a locking member. The locking member is capable of fixing the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 to the front leg upper element 141 and the rear leg upper element 161, respectively. With this stroller 10, the risk of the front leg lower element 142 and the rear leg lower element 162 turning unintentionally is reduced.

[0106] Although several modifications to the above-mentioned embodiment have been described, it is of course possible to apply a plurality of modifications in appropriate combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 10. Pram 11 Baby carriage body 12 Main frame 14 Front legs 141 Upper forelimb element 142 Lower front leg element 16 Hind Legs 161 Upper element of hind leg 162 Hind leg lower element 18 Front wheel 18b Front wheel axle 18c Front wheel rotating shaft holding member 19 Rear wheel 19b Rear wheel pivot 19c Rear wheel rotating shaft holding member 20 Shaft member 30 Handle 32 Handle extension 40 Seat support unit 41 Seat support 45 Back support 70,170 Interlocking mechanism 71,171 Traction members 72,172 Pressing member L1 First link member L2 Second link member L3 Third link member L4 Fourth link member

Claims

1. A stroller including a stroller body, The stroller body is A body frame including front and rear legs; A handle attached to the main body frame so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction; a seat support unit held by the main body frame; a front wheel rotatable around a front wheel rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction; a front wheel rotation shaft holding member connected to the front leg and holding the front wheel rotation shaft; a rear wheel rotatable around a rear wheel rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction; a rear wheel rotation shaft holding member connected to the rear leg and holding the rear wheel rotation shaft; Including, the front wheel rotation shaft holding member is movable in a front-rear direction relative to the front leg, The rear wheel rotation shaft holding member is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the rear legs.

2. 2. The stroller according to claim 1, wherein the stroller body includes an interlocking mechanism that moves the front wheel rotating shaft holding member and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member in the front-rear direction relative to the front legs and the rear legs in response to swinging of the handle.

3. The handle can be pivoted forward and backward between a rear-pushing position and a front-pushing position, 3. The stroller of claim 2, wherein the front wheel rotating shaft holding member and the rear wheel rotating shaft holding member are positioned at a first position when the handle is in the rear pushing position, and are positioned at a second position rearward of the first position when the handle is in the face-to-face pushing position.

4. the front wheel rotation shaft holding member is rotatable about a front wheel rotation shaft extending in a vertical direction, 4. The stroller of claim 3, wherein the longitudinal distance between the first position and the second position is at least twice the horizontal distance between the front wheel pivot axis and the front wheel rotation axis in a plane perpendicular to the front wheel rotation axis.

5. 2. The stroller according to claim 1, wherein the stroller body includes locking members capable of fixing the front wheel rotation shaft holding member and the rear wheel rotation shaft holding member to the front legs and the rear legs, respectively.

6. A stroller including a stroller body, The stroller body is A body frame including front and rear legs; A handle attached to the main body frame so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction; a seat support unit held by the main body frame; a front wheel rotatable around a front wheel rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction; a rear wheel rotatable around a rear wheel rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction; Including, The front legs hold the front wheel rotation shaft so as to be movable in a front-rear direction, The rear legs support the rear wheel rotation shaft so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

7. A stroller including a stroller body, The stroller body is A body frame including front and rear legs; A handle attached to the main body frame so as to be swingable in the front-rear direction; a seat support unit held by the main body frame; a front wheel attached to a lower portion of the front leg and rotatable about a front wheel rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction; a rear wheel attached to a lower portion of the rear leg and rotatable about a rear wheel rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction; Including, the front leg includes a front leg upper element forming an upper portion of the front leg and a front leg lower element forming a lower portion of the front leg, The front leg lower element is rotatable relative to the front leg upper element about a front leg pivot axis along a vertical direction, The hind leg includes a hind leg upper element that forms an upper portion of the hind leg and a hind leg lower element that forms a lower portion of the hind leg, The rear leg lower element is rotatable relative to the rear leg upper element around a rear leg pivot axis along a vertical direction, When the front leg lower element rotates relative to the front leg upper element, a position of the front wheel in the front-rear direction relative to the seat support unit changes, A stroller in which the rear wheel's front-to-rear position relative to the seat support unit changes as the rear leg lower element pivots relative to the rear leg upper element.

8. The nose landing gear pivot axis passes through the nose landing gear upper element, The nose landing gear lower element is connected to the nose landing gear upper element at a radially outer side of a circle centered on the nose landing gear pivot axis, The rear leg pivot axis passes through the rear leg upper element, 8. The stroller according to claim 7, wherein the rear-leg lower element is connected to the rear-leg upper element radially outside a circle centered on the rear-leg pivot axis.

9. 8. The stroller according to claim 7, wherein the front leg lower element and the rear leg lower element are inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

10. 8. The stroller according to claim 7, wherein the stroller body includes an interlocking mechanism that rotates the front leg lower elements and the rear leg lower elements relative to the front leg upper elements and the rear leg upper elements in response to swinging of the handle.

11. The handle can be pivoted forward and backward between a rear-pushing position and a front-pushing position, 11. The stroller of claim 10, wherein the front wheels and the rear wheels are positioned at a third position when the handle is in the rear-pushing position, and are positioned at a fourth position rearward of the third position when the handle is in the forward-pushing position.

12. 8. The stroller according to claim 7, wherein the stroller body includes locking members capable of fixing the front leg lower elements and the rear leg lower elements to the front leg upper elements and the rear leg upper elements, respectively.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Baby carriage

    JP2018202982A