Baby carriage

Abstract

To improve the operability of a canopy in childcare equipment.SOLUTION: The childcare equipment comprises a body including a reclining seat and a canopy attached to a swing member of the seat. The swing member swings during the reclining operation. A regulating mechanism is provided to restrict the free movement of any operating member that operates during the reclining operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Childcare equipment such as a stroller (Patent Document 1), a baby rocker (Patent Document 2), and a child car seat (Patent Document 3) are known. Childcare equipment includes a seat for an infant. In many childcare equipment, the seat can be reclined.

[0003] As described in Patent Document 1, these childcare implements may be provided with a canopy for the purpose of sun protection, etc. Conventional canopies usually have a canopy base member, multiple canopy bones that can swing relative to the canopy base member, and a canopy cloth held by the canopy bones. By swinging the canopy bones, the canopy can be opened (unfolded) and closed (folded). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-123170 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-136452 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-24189 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] To prevent the canopy from becoming too large, it is preferable to attach it to the seat or near the seat. When opening or closing this canopy, force is applied to the canopy bones. The force applied to the canopy bones can act on a member that operates when the seat is reclined, causing the member to operate. In other words, even if you try to open or close the canopy, the member may operate unintentionally, making it impossible to operate the canopy as intended.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and has as its object to improve the operability of a hood. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention comprises: <1> ~ <15> Regarding.

[0008] <1> an apparatus body including a reclining seat; a canopy attached to a rocking member of the seat that rocks during a reclining operation, The childcare equipment is provided with a restricting mechanism that restricts free movement of any of the operating members that operate during the reclining operation.

[0009] <2> an apparatus body including a reclining seat; A hood attached to the appliance body; a force applied to open or close the canopy acts on a rocking member of the seat that rocks during a reclining operation to rock the rocking member; The childcare equipment is provided with a restricting mechanism that restricts free movement of any of the operating members that operate during the reclining operation.

[0010] <3> the restricting mechanism applies a restricting force to the operating member that restricts free movement of the operating member; The restriction mechanism allows the operation of the operating member when a force exceeding the restriction force is applied. <1> or <2> The childcare device described in

[0011] <4> the restriction mechanism restricts free movement of the operating member to a single position within the operating range of the operating member during the reclining operation. <1> ~ <3> 10. A childcare device according to any one of the preceding items.

[0012] <5> a restricting force applied to the operating member from the restricting mechanism during a reclining operation in which the operating member moves in one direction is smaller than a restricting force applied to the operating member from the restricting mechanism during a reclining operation in which the operating member moves in the other direction; <1> ~ <4> 10. A childcare device according to any one of the preceding items.

[0013] <6> The seat includes a seat portion and a back portion that can swing relative to the seat portion, The restricting mechanism restricts free movement of the operating member when the back portion swings between a maximum inclined position where it is most reclined relative to the seat portion and a position that is 30° raised from the maximum inclined position. <1> ~ <5> 10. A childcare device according to any one of the preceding items.

[0014] <7> The seat includes a seat portion and a back portion that can swing relative to the seat portion, When the back portion swings between a standing position where it is most upright relative to the seat portion and a position where it is tilted 45 degrees from the standing position, the restricting mechanism restricts the free movement of the operating member. <1> ~ <6> 10. A childcare device according to any one of the preceding items.

[0015] <8> The seat includes a seat portion and a back portion that can swing relative to the seat portion, a restricting force applied from the restricting mechanism to the operating member when the back portion is reclining in a direction in which it reclines relative to the seat portion is smaller than a restricting force applied from the restricting mechanism to the operating member when the back portion is reclining in a direction in which it stands up relative to the seat portion, <1> ~ <7> 10. A childcare device according to any one of the preceding items.

[0016] <9> The apparatus body includes a base body that supports the seat, The seat is held by the base body in a plurality of orientations and / or is movable relative to the base body. <1> ~ <8> 10. A childcare device according to any one of the preceding items.

[0017] <10> the base body is a vehicle body, The device body is a stroller body, It is a stroller, <9> The childcare device described in

[0018] <11> The swinging member and the operating member are the same member. <1> ~ <10> 10. A childcare device according to any one of the preceding items.

[0019] <12> The hood includes a hood base member attached to the tool body or the swinging member, a hood bone held in a swingable manner by the hood base member, and a hood cloth held by the hood bone, The restricting force from the restricting mechanism restricting the swing of the operating member is greater than the restricting force restricting the relative swing of the hood bones with respect to the hood base member. <1> ~ <11> 10. A childcare device according to any one of the preceding items.

[0020] <13> The seat includes a seat portion, a back portion that can swing relatively to the seat portion, a frame member that can swing relatively to the seat portion, and a link member that connects the back portion and the frame member, the swinging member is either the back portion or the frame member, The operating member is either the back portion or the frame member. <1> ~ <12> 10. A childcare device according to any one of the preceding items.

[0021] <14> the tool body includes a support base member pivotally connected to the operating member; the regulating mechanism includes an intermediate regulating member supported by one of the operating member and the support base member, and a pushing member that pushes the intermediate regulating member toward the other of the operating member and the support base member, one of the intermediate regulating member and the other member includes a protrusion or a step, the other of the intermediate regulating member and the other member includes a convex portion or a step that contacts the convex portion or the step of the one member, or a concave portion that accommodates the convex portion of the one member; <1> ~ <12> 10. A childcare device according to any one of the preceding items.

[0022] <15> the intermediate restricting member is restricted from rotating relative to the one of the members about a swing axis of the operating member and the support base member, and is allowed to move relative to the one of the members in a direction parallel to the swing axis; the step provided on one side is connected to an inclined surface that is inclined so as to gradually approach the other side along a circumferential direction centered on the swing axis; <14> The childcare device described in [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, the operability of the canopy in the childcare equipment can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining one embodiment, and is a perspective view showing a stroller as a childcare implement. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the stroller shown in FIG. 1 in a folded state. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the body of the stroller main body included in the stroller shown in FIG. 1 in an unfolded state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a seat and a canopy included in the stroller shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view for explaining a method of attaching the seat to the stroller body shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view showing the canopy shown in FIG. 3 in an open state together with the seat. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view showing the canopy shown in FIG. 3 in a closed state together with the seat. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the seat shown in FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is an enlarged perspective view of another part of the hood shown in FIG. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the canopy base member of the canopy shown in FIG. 9, and is a view for explaining the opening degree maintaining mechanism. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the first hood bone of the hood shown in FIG. 9, and is a view for explaining the opening degree maintaining mechanism. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the first hood bone of the hood shown in FIG. 9 from a different direction than FIG. 11, and is a view for explaining the opening degree maintaining mechanism. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the second hood bone of the hood shown in FIG. 9, and is a view for explaining the opening degree maintaining mechanism. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the seat shown in FIG. 4, and is a view for explaining the restriction mechanism. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the support base member of the seat shown in FIG. 14, and is a view for explaining the restriction mechanism. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the intermediate regulating member of the seat shown in FIG. 14, and is a view for explaining the regulating mechanism. [Figure 17] 17 is a perspective view showing the intermediate regulating member shown in FIG. 16 from a different direction than FIG. 16, and is a view for explaining the regulating mechanism. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the upper rear frame member of the seat shown in FIG. 14, and is a view for explaining the restriction mechanism. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a view corresponding to FIG. 18 and is a perspective view showing a modified example of the upper rear frame member and the restriction mechanism. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a side view showing a modified example of a stroller, which is a childcare implement. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a side view showing the stroller shown in FIG. 20 in a state different from that shown in FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a portion of the stroller shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to specific examples and modifications thereof shown in Figures 1 to 22. Some components included in the childcare equipment are shown in some of the drawings, but are omitted in other drawings.

[0026] The childcare equipment 10 according to this embodiment has an equipment body 11 and a canopy 60 attached to the equipment body 11. The childcare equipment 10 is an equipment such as a stroller, a child seat, or a baby rocker, and is typically an equipment used to take care of a child (young people such as infants, toddlers, infants, and children) in the process of raising them. The equipment body 11 is the main body of the childcare equipment 10 such as a stroller, a child seat, or a baby rocker, and typically has a space for a child to ride in, i.e., a living space. The canopy 60 provides a comfortable environment for a child on the equipment body 11 by blocking sunlight, wind, rain, etc.

[0027] The device main body 11 includes a reclining seat 40. The canopy 60 can be opened and closed. In this embodiment, the seat 40 includes a rocking member 7 that rocks during the reclining operation, and the canopy 60 may be attached to the rocking member 7. In this embodiment, a force applied to open the canopy 60 may act on the rocking member 7 of the seat 40 that rocks during the reclining operation, causing the rocking member 7 to rock. The childcare device 10 includes a restriction mechanism 80 that restricts the free movement of any of the operating members 8 that operate during the reclining operation. According to the childcare device 10 of this embodiment, the operability of the canopy 60 is improved, as will be described later.

[0028] In the following description, an example is shown in which the child care equipment 10 is configured as a stroller for carrying an infant. However, this embodiment is not limited to the example of a stroller, and the child care equipment 10 can be applied to other child care equipment 10, such as a child car seat, a baby stroller, etc.

[0029] FIG. 1 shows the overall structure of a stroller 15 constituting a childcare equipment 10. The stroller 15 includes a stroller body 20, which is the equipment main body 11, and a canopy 60 attached to the stroller body 20. The equipment main body 11 includes a base body 12 that holds a seat 40. The stroller body 20 includes a body 25 that constitutes the base body 12, and the seat 40 held by the body 25. The body 25 includes the seat 40. The stroller 15 includes a cushion fabric material 16 held on the seat 40. The canopy 60 can cover the seat 40 and the cushion fabric material 16. Each component will be explained in turn below.

[0030] In this specification, the terms "front," "rear," "up," "down," "front-to-back direction," and "vertical direction" with respect to the stroller 15 and components of the stroller 15 other than the seat 40 and the canopy 60 refer to the "front," "rear," "up," "down," "front-to-back direction," and "vertical direction" relative to the driver (user of the stroller 15, guardian) operating the stroller 15 in the unfolded state, unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the "front-to-back direction" is the direction connecting the bottom left and top right of the page in FIG. 1. Unless otherwise specified, "front" refers to the side facing the driver operating the stroller 15, and the bottom left of the page in FIG. 1 is the front side of the stroller 15. The "vertical direction" is a direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction and perpendicular to the ground plane G. Therefore, when the ground plane G is a horizontal plane, the "vertical direction" refers to the vertical direction. The "width direction" is a lateral direction perpendicular to both the "front-to-back direction" and the "vertical direction."

[0031] In this specification, the terms "front," "rear," "up," "down," "front-to-back direction," and "up-and-down direction" with respect to the seat 40 and the canopy 60 mean "front," "rear," "up," "down," "front-to-back direction," and "up-and-down direction" with respect to an infant seated in the seat 40, unless otherwise specified. Therefore, the "front-to-back direction" corresponds to the direction connecting the bottom left and top right of the page in Figure 1, and corresponds to the direction connecting the bottom left and top right of the page in Figure 4. The bottom left side of the page in Figure 4 is the front side of the seat 60 and the canopy 100.

[0032] The stroller 15 has a generally symmetrical configuration overall, centered on a central plane in the width direction along the front-to-rear direction. As described above, the stroller 15 includes the stroller body 20, the canopy 60, and the cushion cloth material 16. A baby sits or lies on the cushion cloth material 16. The cushion cloth material 16 has cushioning properties to improve riding comfort. The stroller body 20 includes a body 25 and a seat 40. The seat 40 holds the cushion cloth material 16. The cushion cloth material 16 may be detachable from the seat 40.

[0033] 1 and 3, body 25 includes front legs 26 that rotatably support front wheels 27 at their lower ends, rear legs 28 that rotatably support rear wheels 29 at their lower ends, and handlebars 30. As shown in FIG. 3, body 25 includes first to third link members 31 to 33 in addition to front legs 26, rear legs 28, and handlebars 30. In order to impart the necessary rigidity to body 25, front legs 26, rear legs 28, handlebars 30, and link members 31 to 33 are made using, for example, metal pipes or highly rigid resin molded products.

[0034] 3, the handle 30 is U-shaped. The handle 30 includes a pair of handle shafts 30a and a handle connecting portion 30b that connects the pair of handle shafts 30a at their upper ends. The handle shafts 30a extend linearly.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 3, the vehicle body 25 includes a cross member 37 that connects the pair of handle shafts 30a of the handle 30. The vehicle body 25 also includes a pair of seat holding members 35 that are held by the cross member 37. The pair of seat holding members 35 are spaced apart in the width direction. The pair of seat holding members 35 hold a seat 40.

[0036] The components that make up the body 25 are movable relative to one another to enable folding of the body 25. The first link member 31 also functions as an armrest. The upper end portion of each front leg 26 and the upper end portion of each rear leg 28 are rotatably (swingably) connected to the front end portion of the corresponding first link member 31. The rear end portion of each first link member 31 is rotatably (swingably) connected to the middle portion of the corresponding handle shaft 30a. The front end portion of each second link member 32 is rotatably (swingably) connected to the middle portion of the corresponding front leg 26. The lower end portion of each third link member 33 is rotatably (swingably) connected to the middle portion of the corresponding rear leg 28. The upper end portion of each third link member 33 is rotatably (swingably) connected to the rear portion of the corresponding second link member 32 and the corresponding handle shaft 30a.

[0037] The seat 40 is a portion on which an infant sits. As shown in Fig. 4, the seat 40 has a pair of seat bases 41 spaced apart in the width direction. The seat bases 41 include retained portions 41a that are retained by retaining members 35 provided on the vehicle body 25. The seat bases 41 may be formed as a metal part, an injection-molded part, or a combination thereof.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 4, the seat 40 includes a seat portion 42 and a back portion 45 between a pair of seat base portions 41. The seat portion 42 faces the buttocks of a child riding in the stroller 15. The seat portion 42 forms a seating surface that supports the buttocks of the child via the cushion cloth material 16. The back portion 45 faces the back of the baby.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4 , the seat 42 has a front frame portion 43 and a central frame portion 44 provided between a pair of seat base portions 41. The front frame portion 43 is a U-shaped frame material. Both ends of the U-shape of the front frame portion 43 are connected to the corresponding seat base portions 41. The front frame portion 43 extends forward or upward from the pair of seat bases 41. The central frame portion 44 is a frame material that extends linearly in the width direction. The front frame portion 43 and the central frame portion 44 may be formed, for example, from metal pipes. The seat 42 may include fabric or a plate material supported by the front frame portion 43 and the central frame portion 44. Note that the front frame portion 43 and the central frame portion 44 may be omitted, and the seat plate may be held by the pair of seat bases 41.

[0040] In the illustrated example, the front frame portion 43 is rotatable (swingable) about an axis A42 relative to the seat base 41. In the illustrated example, the axis A42 is parallel to the width direction. By rotating the front frame portion 43 relative to the seat base 41, it is possible to prevent the seat portion 42 from protruding from the stroller body 20 in a side view of the stroller 15 in the folded state (see FIG. 2).

[0041] The back portion 45 includes a rear frame portion 46 provided between the pair of seat base portions 41. The rear frame portion 46 is a frame material formed in a U-shape. Portions corresponding to both ends of the U-shape forming the rear frame portion 46 are connected to the corresponding seat base portions 41. The rear frame portion 46 is formed using, for example, a metal pipe. The back portion 45 may include a fabric or a plate material supported by the rear frame portion 46.

[0042] The rear frame portions 46 are rotatable (swingable) relative to the seat base portions 41 around an axis A45. In the illustrated example, the axis A45 is parallel to the width direction. The rear frame portions 46 extend upward and rearward from the pair of seat bases 41. When the rear frame portions 46 rotate relative to the seat bases 41, the back portion 45 swings relative to the seat portion 42, and the seat 40 reclines. Furthermore, when the rear frame portions 46 rotate relative to the seat bases 41, the back portion 45 is prevented from protruding from the stroller body 20 in a side view of the stroller 15 in the folded state (see Figure 2).

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4 , the seat 40 includes a pair of support base members 47, a rear upper frame member 48, and a connecting link member 49. Each support base member 47 extends upward from the corresponding seat base 41. The support base members 47 are fixed to the seat base 41. The rear upper frame member 48 is located above the seat back 45. The rear upper frame member 48 is connected at its end to the upper end of the support base member 47. The illustrated rear upper frame member 48 is U-shaped. The rear upper frame member 48 is connected to the support base member 47 at the end of the U. The connecting link member 49 connects the rear upper frame member 48 and the rear frame portion 46. In the illustrated example, the pair of connecting link members 49 are provided spaced apart in the width direction.

[0044] The rear upper frame member 48 is swingable (rotatable) relative to the support base member 47 around an axis A48. In the illustrated example, the axis A48 is parallel to the width direction. The rear upper frame member 48 is swingable (rotatable) relative to the support base member 47 around an axis parallel to the width direction. The connecting link member 49 is swingably connected to each of the rear upper frame member 48 and the rear frame portion 46. In the illustrated example, the swing axis of the connecting link member 49 relative to the rear upper frame member 48 is parallel to the width direction. In the illustrated example, the swing axis of the connecting link member 49 relative to the rear frame portion 46 is parallel to the width direction. The connecting link member 49 is swingable (rotatable) relative to the rear upper frame member 48 around an axis parallel to the width direction. The connecting link member 49 is swingable (rotatable) relative to the back portion 45 (rear frame portion 46) around an axis parallel to the width direction.

[0045] The connecting link member 49 functions as a link member. The connecting link member 49 causes the rear upper frame member 48 to swing relative to the seat base 41, seat portion 42, and support base member 47 due to the relative swinging of the back 45 (rear frame member 46) relative to the seat base 41, seat portion 42, and support base member 47. The connecting link member 49 causes the back 45 (rear frame member 46) to swing relative to the seat base 41, seat portion 42, and support base member 47 due to the relative swinging of the rear upper frame member 48 relative to the seat base 41, seat portion 42, and support base member 47. In other words, when the seat 40 is reclined, the support base member 47, the rear upper frame member 48, and connecting link member 49 swing.

[0046] The support base member 47, the upper rear frame member 48, and the connecting link member 49, together with the seat portion 42 and the back portion 45, support the cushion cloth material 16. The upper rear frame member 48 is located to the side of the infant. When the back portion 45 is reclined (tilted backward) relative to the seat portion 42, the connecting link member 49 is supported by the rear portion of the rear frame member 46 and the rear portion of the upper rear frame member 48, and is located behind the infant's head. When the back portion 45 is raised from the seat portion 42, the connecting link member 49 is located behind the infant's head. The support base member 47, the upper rear frame member 48, and the connecting link member 49 may be formed from metal pipes or molded resin products.

[0047] 1, the seat 40 includes a pair of guard support members 51 extending from each seat base 41, and a guard member 52 that is detachable between the pair of guard support members 51. The guard members 52 are not shown in Figure 5 and other figures.

[0048] The seat 40 is held by the body 25 constituting the base body 12. The seat 40 may be held by the body 25 (base body 12) in a number of different orientations. As shown in FIG. 5 , the seat 40 can be held by the body 25 in both a rear-facing position where it faces forward and a front-facing position where it faces rearward. In the rear-facing position, the caregiver is positioned behind the infant on the seat 40. In the front-facing position, the caregiver faces the infant on the seat 40 in the front-to-back direction. In the front-to-front position, the caregiver is positioned in front of the infant on the seat 40.

[0049] In the illustrated example, the vehicle body 25 includes a pair of seat holding members 35. The pair of seat holding members 35 are arranged spaced apart in the width direction. The seat holding members 35 include either an upwardly opening recessed portion or an upwardly protruding portion. The seat 40 includes a seat base 41 that is held by the seat holding members 35. In the illustrated example, the seat holding members 35 include an upwardly opening recessed portion 35a, and the seat base 41 includes a downwardly protruding held portion 41a. The seat 40 is held by the seat holding members 35 by inserting the held portion 41a into the recessed portion 35a. By changing the front-to-back orientation of the seat 40 relative to the vehicle body 25, it is possible to switch between a back-facing state shown in FIG. 6(a) and a facing state shown in FIG. 6(b).

[0050] 1, 3, and 4, the stroller body 20 further includes a reclining member 21. The reclining member 21 is connected to the stroller body 20 and supports the back portion 45 of the seat 40 from the rear side. The reclining member 21 is connected to the stroller body 20 and is located behind the back portion 45, thereby preventing the back portion 45 from further rocking backward.

[0051] The length of the reclining member 21 is variable. By adjusting the length of the reclining member 21, the angle of inclination of the back 45 relative to the seat 42 (reclining angle θ40 (see FIG. 7)) can be adjusted. In other words, the seat 40 can be reclined.

[0052] In the illustrated example, the reclining member 21 is attached at both ends to the vehicle body 25. Specifically, the reclining member 21 includes a first reclining member 21A, a second reclining member 21B, and an adjustment member 23.

[0053] The first reclining member 21A and the second reclining member 21B are each attached at one end to the vehicle body 25. The first reclining member 21A and the second reclining member 21B may each be attached to the corresponding first link member 31 or the corresponding handle shaft portion 30a. The first reclining member 21A and the second reclining member 21B may be an elongated string-like or belt-like member made of fabric or the like.

[0054] Adjustment member 23 may be fixable to any position on first reclining member 21A and second reclining member 21B, like a clip. Alternatively, adjustment member 23 may be fixed to the other end of first reclining member 21A and further fixable to any position on second reclining member 21B. The reclining angle of back 45 relative to seat 42 may be determined by the total length of the length from one end of first reclining member 21A to adjustment member 23 and the length from one end of second reclining member 21B to adjustment member 23.

[0055] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the canopy 60 includes a canopy base member 65, a first canopy rib 70, a second canopy rib 75, and a canopy cloth 62. The canopy base member 65 forms the connection point with the stroller body 20, which is the appliance body 11. The canopy base member 65 is attached to the stroller body 20. The first canopy rib 70 and the second canopy rib 75 can swing relative to the canopy base member 65. The canopy cloth 62 is held by the first canopy rib 70 and the second canopy rib 75.

[0056] The first hood bones 70 and the second hood bones 75 swing relative to the hood base member 65, thereby switching between the open state shown in FIG. 6 and the closed state shown in FIG. 7. In the open state, the hood cloth 62 is open (i.e., spread). In the closed state, the hood cloth 62 is closed. The movement of the hood 60 from the closed state to the open state is called the opening operation. The movement of the hood 60 from the open state to the closed state is called the closing operation.

[0057] The hood 60 may include a pair of hood base holding portions 66. A first hood bone 70 may extend between the pair of hood base holding portions 66. A second hood bone 75 may extend between the pair of hood base holding portions 66. The hood cloth 62 may be a cloth material attached to the first hood bone 70 and the second hood bone 75. The hood cloth 62 may be a sewn product.

[0058] As shown, the canopy base member 65 may be attached to the seat 40. Alternatively, the canopy base member 65 may be attached to a swinging member 7 of the seat 40 that swings when the seat 40 is reclined. The canopy base member 65 may be an injection-molded product.

[0059] In the example shown in Figures 8 and 9, the canopy base member 65 is attached to the swinging member 7 included in the seat 40. More specifically, the canopy base member 65 is attached to the rear upper frame member 48. The canopy base member 65 may include a canopy base holding portion 66 that is a convex portion or a concave portion. The rear upper frame member 48 may include a frame member holding portion 48a that is a concave portion or a convex portion. The canopy base holding portion 66 shown in Figure 9 is a claw-shaped convex portion. The frame member holding portion 48a shown in Figure 8 is a concave portion that opens upward. The canopy base member 65 is attached to the rear upper frame member 48 by inserting the canopy base holding portion 66, which is a convex portion, into the frame member holding portion 48a, which is a concave portion. In the example shown, the rear upper frame member 48 includes the frame member holding portion 48a at a base end portion close to the support base member 47.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 9, the first hood bones 70 are connected to the hood base member 65 so as to be able to swing (rotate). In the example shown in Fig. 9, the first hood bones 70 include first hood connecting members 71 and first bone members 73. The first bone members 73 extend between the pair of first hood connecting members 71. Each first hood connecting member 71 is connected to the hood base member 65 on the corresponding side.

[0061] Similarly, the second hood bones 75 may be swingably (rotatably) connected to at least one of the first hood bones 70 and the hood base member 65. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the second hood bones 75 include second hood connecting members 76 and second bone members 78. The second bone members 78 extend between the pair of second hood connecting members 76. Each second hood connecting member 76 is connected to at least one of the corresponding first hood connecting member 71 and the corresponding hood base member 65.

[0062] The first hood connecting member 71 and the second hood connecting member 76 may be resin molded products. The first rib member 73 and the second rib member 78 may be resin molded products or metal plates.

[0063] The canopy 60 may include an opening degree maintaining mechanism 61 for maintaining the opening degree of the canopy. The opening degree maintaining mechanism 61 maintains the relative positions of the canopy base member 65, the first canopy ribs 70, and the second canopy ribs 75. Figures 10 to 13 show a specific example of the opening degree maintaining mechanism 61.

[0064] In the example shown in Figures 10 to 13, the hood base holding portion 66 includes a base connecting plate portion 67. The first hood connecting member 71 includes a first connecting plate portion 72. The second hood connecting member 76 includes a second connecting plate portion 77. The base connecting plate portion 67, the first connecting plate portion 72, and the second connecting plate portion 77 are each disk-shaped. The base connecting plate portion 67, the first connecting plate portion 72, and the second connecting plate portion 77 are stacked in order.

[0065] The base connecting plate portion 67 includes a shaft member 67a. The first connecting plate portion 72 includes a first through hole 72a through which the shaft member 67a passes. The second connecting plate portion 77 includes a second through hole 77a through which the shaft member 67a passes. The hood base holding portion 66 holds the first hood connecting member 71 and the first connecting plate portion 72 by the shaft member 67a so that they can rotate about the swing axis A60. The shaft member 67a defines the swing axis A60. In the illustrated example, the swing axis A60 is parallel to the width direction.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 10, the base connecting plate 67 includes a first restricting irregularity 67b on the surface facing the first connecting plate 72. As shown in Fig. 11, the first connecting plate 72 includes a second restricting irregularity 72b on the surface facing the base connecting plate 67. The illustrated first restricting irregularity 67b is a convex portion. The illustrated second restricting irregularity 72b is a concave portion. When the convex first restricting irregularity 67b fits into the concave second restricting irregularity 72b, the free relative swing (relative rotation) of the hood base member 65 and the first hood bone 70 is restricted.

[0067] However, by applying a large force to swing the first hood bone 70, the first restricting irregularity 67b (which is a convex portion) will come out of the second restricting irregularity 72b (which is a concave portion). In other words, by applying a force larger than the restricting force of the opening degree maintaining mechanism 61 using the first restricting irregularity 67b and the second restricting irregularity 72b, the first hood bone 70 is allowed to swing relative to the hood base member 65.

[0068] 10, the base connecting plate 67 includes a long groove 67c. The long groove 67c makes it easier for the portion of the base connecting plate 67 where the first restricting irregularities 67b are provided to bend. The restricting force of the opening degree maintaining mechanism 61 can be adjusted by the configuration of the first restricting irregularities 67b, the second restricting irregularities 72b, the long groove 67c, etc.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 12, the first connecting plate 72 also includes a third restricting irregularity 72c on the surface facing the second connecting plate 77. As shown in Fig. 13, the second connecting plate 77 includes a fourth restricting irregularity 77b on the surface facing the first connecting plate 72. The illustrated third restricting irregularity 72c is a recess. The illustrated fourth restricting irregularity 77b is a protrusion. When the convex fourth restricting irregularity 77b fits into the concave third restricting irregularity 72c, the free relative rocking (relative rotation) of the first hood bone 70 and the second hood bone 75 is restricted.

[0070] However, by applying a large force to swing the second hood bone 75, the fourth restricting irregularity 77b (which is a convex portion) will come out of the third restricting irregularity 72c (which is a concave portion). In other words, by applying a force larger than the restricting force of the opening degree maintaining mechanism 61 using the third restricting irregularities 72c and the fourth restricting irregularities 77b, the second hood bone 75 is allowed to swing relative to the first hood bone 70.

[0071] 13, the second connecting plate portion 77 includes a long groove 77c. The long groove 77c makes it easier for the portion of the second connecting plate portion 77 where the fourth restricting unevenness 77b is provided to bend. The restricting force of the opening degree maintaining mechanism 61 can be adjusted by the configuration of the third restricting unevenness 72c, the fourth restricting unevenness 77b, the long groove 77c, etc.

[0072] In the illustrated example, the swing axis A60 of the first hood bone 70 is parallel to the width direction. In the illustrated example, the swing axis A60 of the second hood bone 75 is parallel to the width direction. In the illustrated example, the swing axis of the first hood bone 70 and the swing axis of the second hood bone 75 are the same, but this is not limited to this example.

[0073] The stroller body 20 having the above configuration can be folded by rotating each component relative to the other. Specifically, by first pulling the handle 30 upward and rearward and then pushing it downward, the third link member 33 rotates clockwise relative to the rear legs 28 in a side view similar to that of FIGS. 2 and 5. During this folding operation, the first link member 31 and the second link member 32 rotate clockwise relative to the handle 30 in a side view similar to that of FIGS. 2 and 5. This folding operation moves the handle 30 and the front legs 26 closer to each other while maintaining a substantially parallel arrangement in a side view, and the position of the handle 30 is lowered. In this way, the stroller body 25 can be folded as shown in FIG. 2.

[0074] 2, the seat 40 is also folded. Specifically, the seat portion 42 and the back portion 45 are pivoted upward relative to the seat base portion 41. This prevents the seat portion 42 and the back portion 45 from extending outward from the vehicle body 25 in the front-rear direction.

[0075] In the folded state shown in Figure 2, the dimensions of the stroller 15 in the front-to-rear and up-to-down directions can be reduced. On the other hand, to unfold the stroller body 20 from the folded state, simply follow the steps of the folding operation described above in reverse.

[0076] The method of using the childcare equipment 10 and stroller 15 having the above-described configuration will now be described.

[0077] In the illustrated example, the device main body 11 includes a base body 12 that supports the seat 40. As shown in Fig. 5, the seat 40 is held by the base body 12 in a plurality of orientations. Depending on the situation of the child using the seat 40, such as an infant, and the child's guardian, the orientation of the seat 40 can be switched between a rear-facing state shown in Fig. 5(a) and a front-facing state shown in Fig. 5(b).

[0078] In an example in which the device body 11 is the stroller body 20 and the base body 12 is the vehicle body 25, an infant riding in the stroller 15, which is the child care device 10, can look forward in the direction of movement of the stroller 15 when facing backward. When facing forward, the guardian can observe the infant riding in the stroller 15.

[0079] In the childcare apparatus 10, the seat 40 can be reclined. In the illustrated example, the seat 40 includes a seat portion 42 and a back portion 45. The back portion 45 is swingable relative to the seat portion 42. The seat 40 can be reclined by swinging the back portion 45 relative to the seat portion 42. The back portion 45 is supported from behind or below by a reclining member 21. The swinging of the back portion 45 backward or downward is restricted by the reclining member 21. The reclining member 21 can maintain a reclining angle θ40 (see FIG. 7 ) of the back portion 45 relative to the seat portion 42.

[0080] The connecting link member 49 is rotatably connected to the back portion 45 (rear frame portion 46) and to the upper rear frame member 48. The upper rear frame member 48 is rotatably connected to the support base member 47. When the seat 40 is reclined, the upper rear frame member 48 and the connecting link member 49 also move. When the seat 40 is reclined, the upper rear frame member 48 and the connecting link member 49 also swing. The upper rear frame member 48 is maintained in a position away from the rear frame portion 46, in front of or above the rear frame portion 46. The upper rear frame member 48 is located to the side of the infant on the seat portion 42 and the back portion 45. The connecting link member 49 is located behind the infant on the seat portion 42 and the back portion 45. The upper rear frame member 48 and the connecting link member 49, together with the seat portion 42 and the back portion 45, form a living area for the infant.

[0081] The childcare device 10 includes a canopy 60. The canopy 60 is attached to the stroller body 20 by a canopy base member 65. By swinging the canopy ribs 70, 75 relative to the canopy base member 65, the canopy can be switched between an open state in which the canopy cloth 62 is spread out over the seat 40 as shown in FIG. 6 and a closed state in which the canopy cloth 62 is folded as shown in FIG. 7.

[0082] In this embodiment, the seat 40 includes a rocking member 7 that rocks when the seat is reclined, and the canopy 60 may be attached to the rocking member 7. According to this embodiment, the canopy 60 attached to the rocking member 7 can move together with the baby on the seat 40 when the seat 40 is reclined.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the force applied to open the canopy 60 may act on the swinging member 7 of the seat 40, which swings during reclining, to swing the swinging member 7. In this embodiment, the swing axis A60 of the canopy bones 70, 75 may be located near the swing axis A45 of the seat back 45 or the swing axis A48 of the upper rear frame member 48. As a result, the canopy 60 can be positioned at or near the center of the reclining seat 40.

[0084] According to this stroller 15, the canopy 60 can adequately cover the reclining seat 40 without increasing the size of the canopy 60. In particular, in the stroller 15 shown in the figures, the relative position of the seat 40 with respect to the body 25 can be changed between a forward-facing position and a rear-facing position. In this stroller 15, too, the canopy 60 can adequately cover the reclining seat 40 and the baby without increasing the size of the canopy 60. In other words, the canopy 60 can be made small and lightweight while still functioning properly. Because the canopy 60 is made small and lightweight, the operability of the stroller 15 can be improved.

[0085] In the illustrated example, the seat 40 includes, as the swinging member 7, a back 45, a rear upper frame member 48, and a connecting link member 49. The hood 60 is attached to the rear upper frame member 48 of the swinging member 7.

[0086] On the other hand, in conventional strollers, when an operating force is applied to the canopy to open or close it, an operating member that operates during the reclining operation may operate instead of or in addition to the canopy frame. This prevents the canopy operator from operating the canopy as intended. Furthermore, the baby in the seat senses the operation of the operating member, making the seat and the stroller uncomfortable.

[0087] In the illustrated example, as shown in Figure 7, the canopy 60 can be opened by applying an operating force 60X to the second canopy bone 75 or the first canopy bone 70. The stroller body 20 includes a back 45, a rear upper frame member 48, and a connecting link member 49 as operating members 8. The swing axis A60 of the canopy bones 70, 75 is parallel to the swing axis A48 of the rear upper frame member 48. The swing axis A60 of the canopy bones 70, 75 is located near the swing axis A48 of the rear upper frame member 48.

[0088] Therefore, the operating force 60X can also act to move the rear-upper frame member 48 relative to the support base member 47. This operating force 60X can cause the rear-upper frame member 48, which holds the hood bones 70, 75, to swing relative to the support base member 47. When the hood 60 is opened, the rear-upper frame member 48 swings up relative to the support base member 47, and the movement of the support base member 47 causes the back portion 45 to swing up relative to the seat portion 42.

[0089] The reclining member 21 supports the back portion 45 from below. The reclining member 21 restricts the movement of the back portion 45 to tilt relative to the seat portion 42, but does not restrict the movement of the back portion 45 to stand up relative to the seat portion 42.

[0090] As described above, when the rear upper frame member 48 swings relative to the support base member 47 due to the operating force 60X, the canopy bones 70, 75 cannot swing as intended relative to the canopy base member 65. When the rear upper frame member 48 moves, the back 45 also moves via the connecting link member 49. The movement of the back 45 can be sensed by an infant on the seat 40, which can make the ride uncomfortable.

[0091] To address these conventional problems, the childcare device 10 according to this embodiment includes a restriction mechanism 80 that restricts the free movement of any of the operating members 8 that operate during the reclining operation. The restriction mechanism 80 may impart a restriction force to the operating member 8 that restricts the free movement of the operating member 8, and may allow the operating member 8 to move when a force exceeding the restriction force is applied.

[0092] The restriction mechanism 80 allows the canopy 60 to be stably operated by the operating force applied to open the canopy 60. This improves the operability of the canopy 60 in the childcare equipment 10. It also prevents the operating member 8 from being unintentionally operated by the operating force 60X applied to open the canopy 60, causing the reclining action to proceed. This improves the sitting or riding comfort of the childcare equipment 10.

[0093] In the illustrated example, the stroller body 20 includes, as the operating members 8, a back portion 45, a rear upper frame member 48, and a connecting link member 49. The restricting mechanism 80 may restrict the relative movement between the rear frame portion 46 of the back portion 45 and the seat base 41. The restricting mechanism 80 may restrict the relative movement between the rear frame portion 46 of the back portion 45 and the connecting link member 49. The restricting mechanism 80 may restrict the relative movement between the connecting link member 49 and the rear upper frame member 48.

[0094] As will be described next, the restricting mechanism 80 may restrict the relative movement between the upper rear frame member 48 and the support base member 47. In the example described next, the operating member 8 is the upper rear frame member 48.

[0095] 14 to 18, the restriction mechanism 80 includes a rear upper frame member 48, a support base member 47, a pushing member 81, and an intermediate restriction member 85. The intermediate restriction member 85 is supported by one of the rear upper frame member 48 and the support base member 47, which are the operating member 8. The pushing member 81 pushes the intermediate restriction member 85 from one of the members toward the other of the rear upper frame member 48 and the support base member 47. Contact between the intermediate restriction member 85 and the other member restricts free relative movement between the other member and the one member supporting the intermediate restriction member 85.

[0096] One of the intermediate regulating member 85 and the other member may include a convex portion or a step. The other of the intermediate regulating member 85 and the other member may include a convex portion or a step that contacts the convex portion or step of the one of the members, or a recess that accommodates the convex portion of the one of the members. The relative movement of the intermediate regulating member 85 and the other member may be restricted by a convex portion or a step provided on one of the intermediate regulating member 85 and the other member contacting a convex portion or a step provided on the other of the intermediate regulating member 85 and the other member. The relative movement of the intermediate regulating member 85 and the other member may be restricted by a convex portion provided on one of the intermediate regulating member 85 and the other member being accommodated in a recess provided on the other of the intermediate regulating member 85 and the other member.

[0097] In the illustrated example, one member is the support base member 47, and the other member is the rear upper frame member 48. This example is not limiting, and one member is the rear upper frame member 48, and the other member is the support base member 47.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 4, the support base member 47 includes a base end pipe member 47A and a tip connecting member 47B. The base end pipe member 47A forms the base end portion of the support base member 47. The base end pipe member 47A is fixed to the seat base 41. The tip connecting member 47B forms the tip portion of the support base member 47. The tip connecting member 47B is swingably connected to the rear upper frame member 48. The base end pipe member 47A may be a metal pipe. The tip connecting member 47B may be a resin molded product. In the example shown, the tip connecting member 47B holds the intermediate regulating member 85.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 15, the support base member 47 includes a base plate portion 82 and a base shaft portion 83 at its tip connection member 47B. The base shaft portion 83 protrudes in the width direction from the base plate portion 82. The base shaft portion 83 includes a rotation restricting rib portion 83a. The rotation restricting rib portion 83a extends linearly in the width direction. The rotation restricting rib portion 83a may be a convex portion as shown in the figure, or a concave portion. The rotation restricting rib portion 83a defines the swing axis A48 of the rear upper frame member 48.

[0100] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the intermediate regulating member 85 includes a regulating plate portion 86 and a regulating tube portion 88. The regulating plate portion 86 faces the base plate portion 82 in the width direction. The regulating tube portion 88 penetrates the center of the regulating plate portion 86. The regulating tube portion 88 is a tubular portion extending in the width direction. The base shaft portion 83 of the support base member 47 is inserted into the regulating tube portion 88. The intermediate regulating member 85 is movable on the base shaft portion 83. That is, the intermediate regulating member 85 is movable in the width direction relative to the support base member 47.

[0101] The restricting tube portion 88 includes a rotation restricting rib portion 88a. The rotation restricting rib portion 88a extends linearly in the width direction. The rotation restricting rib portion 88a may be a recessed portion as shown in the figure, or a protruding portion. The protruding portion, which is one of the rotation restricting rib portion 83a and the rotation restricting rib portion 88a, is housed in the recessed portion, which is the other. The rotation restricting rib portion 83a and the rotation restricting rib portion 88a restrict the rotation of the intermediate restricting member 85 relative to the support base member 47. The intermediate restricting member 85 is movable in the width direction relative to the support base member 47 while being restricted from rotating relative to the support base member 47 around an axis parallel to the width direction.

[0102] The pressing member 81 is located between the support base member 47 and the intermediate regulating member 85 in the width direction. The pressing member 81 may be a compressed elastic body. The pressing member 81 may be a compression spring. The pressing member 81 may be a compression coil spring or a compression spiral spring.

[0103] The restricting plate portion 86 includes a movement restricting structure 87 on the surface facing the rear-upper frame member 48. When the intermediate restricting member 85 is pressed by the pressing member 81, the movement restricting structure 87 comes into contact with the rear-upper frame member 48. In the example shown in FIG. 17 , the movement restricting structure 87 includes a protrusion 87a. The protrusion 87a constituting the movement restricting structure 87 is a linearly extending protrusion 87a. The protrusions constituting the movement restricting structure 87 extend in the radial direction, centered on the swing axis A48 of the rear-upper frame member 48. In the example shown, the movement restricting structure 87 of the intermediate restricting member 85 includes three protrusions 87a. The three protrusions 87a are located at intervals of 120° around the swing axis A48.

[0104] The intermediate restricting member 85 may be an injection-molded product. The restricting plate portion 86, the operation restricting structure 87, and the restricting cylinder portion 88 may be integrally molded. The restricting plate portion 86, the operation restricting structure 87, and the restricting cylinder portion 88 may be formed seamlessly from the same resin material.

[0105] 18, the rear-upper frame member 48 includes a frame member plate portion 91 at its base end. The frame member plate portion 91 faces the restricting plate portion 86 in the width direction. The frame member plate portion 91 includes a receiving hole 91a. With the base shaft portion 83 inserted into the receiving hole 91a, the support base member 47 and the rear-upper frame member 48 are fixed so as to be rotatable relative to each other.

[0106] The frame member plate portion 91 includes a movement restricting structure 92 on the surface facing the restricting plate portion 86. When the intermediate restricting member 85 is pressed by the pushing member 81, the movement restricting structure 87 of the intermediate restricting member 85 comes into contact with the movement restricting structure 92 of the frame member plate portion 91. The contact between the movement restricting structure 87 and the movement restricting structure 92 restricts free relative movement (relative swing) between the intermediate restricting member 85 and the support base member 47 and the rear upper frame member 48.

[0107] 18, the movement restricting structure 92 includes a step 93b. The step 93b is connected to an inclined surface 93a. The inclined surface 93a extends in the circumferential direction about the swing axis A48 of the upper-rear frame member 48. The inclined surface 93a is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the swing axis A48 so as to gradually approach the intermediate restricting member 85 in the circumferential direction.

[0108] In the illustrated example, the movement restricting structure 92 includes an inclined portion 93. The inclined portion 93 extends in a circumferential direction around the swing axis A48. The height of the inclined portion 93 along the swing axis A48 gradually increases in the circumferential direction. The inclined portion 93 includes an inclined surface 93a and a step 93b. The inclined surface 93a and the step 93b are continuous. The three inclined portions 93 are located on a single circumference around the swing axis A48. In the illustrated example, the movement restricting structure 92 of the upper rear frame member 48 includes three steps 93b. The three steps 93b are located at intervals of 120° around the swing axis A48. A flat surface 93c is provided between two circumferentially adjacent inclined portions 93. The three flat surfaces 93c and the three steps 93b are located on a single circumference around the swing axis A48. The inclination angle of the inclined surface 93a can be adjusted by adjusting the presence or absence of the flat surface 93c and the length of the flat surface 93c along the circumferential direction.

[0109] In the illustrated example, the convex portions 87a included in the movement restricting structure 87 of the intermediate restricting member 85 come into contact with the steps 93b of the movement restricting structure 92 of the rear upper frame member 48, thereby restricting free relative movement (relative swing) between the intermediate restricting member 85 and the support base member 47 and the rear upper frame member 48. In the illustrated example, each of the three convex portions 87a can simultaneously come into contact with any of the three steps 93b.

[0110] However, by applying a large force to swing the upper-rear frame member 48, the convex portion 87a of the movement restricting structure 87 overcomes the step 93b of the movement restricting structure 92. In other words, by applying a force larger than the restricting force of the restricting mechanism 80 using the movement restricting structures 87 and 92, the pushing member 81 is compressed in the width direction, and the intermediate restricting member 85 approaches the base plate portion 82. This allows the upper-rear frame member 48 to move relative to the support base member 47 (relative swing).

[0111] The restricting force of the restricting mechanism 80 can be adjusted by the configurations of the operation restricting structures 87 and 92, the resilience (spring coefficient) of the pushing member 81, etc. For example, the restricting force can be increased by increasing the height of the convex portion 87a or the step 93b. The restricting force can also be increased by increasing the width of the convex portion 87a or the step 93b.

[0112] In the illustrated example, when the rear-upper frame member 48 and the support base member 47 swing relative to each other in one direction, the convex portion 87a of the movement restricting structure 87 collides with the step 93b from the flat surface 93c of the movement restricting structure 92. When the convex portion 87a collides with the step 93b, the free relative swing of the rear-upper frame member 48 and the support base member 47 in one direction is restricted.

[0113] On the other hand, when the rear-upper frame member 48 and the support base member 47 swing relatively in the other direction, the convex portion 87a of the operation restricting structure 87 climbs the inclined surface 93a of the operation restricting structure 92 and falls down the step 93b. In this case, when the convex portion 87a climbs the inclined surface 93a, some restricting force is generated that restricts the relative rotation of the rear-upper frame member 48 and the support base member 47.

[0114] In the illustrated stroller 15, when the canopy 60 is closed, the operating force may act as a force to swing the rocking member 7 backward or downward. However, the rocking member 7, such as the back portion 45 or the upper rear frame member 48, is restricted from swinging backward or downward by the reclining member 21. Therefore, the operating member 8 does not need to be subjected to a restricting force from the restricting mechanism 80. Rather, unnecessary or excessive restricting force from the restricting mechanism 80 will interfere with normal reclining operation.

[0115] In this regard, the restricting force applied by the restricting mechanism 80 to the operating member 8 when the operating member 8 is reclining in one direction, in which the back 45 reclines (swings backward or downward) relative to the seat 42, may be smaller than the restricting force applied by the restricting mechanism 80 to the operating member 8 when the operating member 8 is reclining in the other direction, in which the back 45 stands up (swings forward or upward) relative to the seat 42. The restricting force applied by the restricting mechanism 80 to the operating member 8 when the operating member 8 is reclining in one direction may be smaller than the restricting force applied by the restricting mechanism 80 to the operating member 8 when the operating member 8 is reclining in the other direction.

[0116] In the example shown in FIG. 18 , the multiple steps 93b are positioned 120° apart from each other around the swing axis A48 of the upper-rear frame member 48. Therefore, while the upper-rear frame member 48 swings 120° relative to the support base member 47, the protrusion 87a and the steps 93b collide, restricting the movement of the upper-rear frame member 48. In other words, the restriction mechanism 80 restricts the free movement of the moving member 8 at a single position within the movement range of the moving member 8 during the reclining movement. Here, the movement range of the moving member 8 refers to the movement range of the moving member 8 within which the reclining member 21 can restrict the rearward or downward swing of the seat 40. When the moving member 8 is the upper-rear frame member 48 or the back 45 (rear frame portion 46), the movement range is typically between 50° and 85°.

[0117] Without being limited to the illustrated example, the restriction mechanism 80 may restrict free movement of the movable member 8 at a plurality of positions within the movable member 8's range of motion during reclining. In a movement restriction structure 92 for the upper-rear frame member 48 shown in FIG. 19 , the inclined portions 93 and the steps 93b are provided at 60° intervals around the swing axis A48. In this example, every time the upper-rear frame member 48 and the support base member 47 swing relative to each other by 60°, the convex portion 87a hits the step 93b, restricting free swing of the upper-rear frame member 48 relative to the support base member 47. Without being limited to the illustrated example, the inclined portions 93 and the steps 93b may be provided at 45° intervals or at 30° intervals around the swing axis A48.

[0118] The rearward swing of the swing member 7 (rear frame portion 46 and rear upper frame member 48) of the seat 40 can be restricted by the reclining member 21. The amount of forward movement of the swing member 7 increases when the back portion 45 is tilted all the way rearward. When the canopy top is opened from a state in which the back portion 45 is tilted all the way rearward, the swing member 7 is more likely to swing due to the operating force 60X. When the back portion 45 is in a position where it is tilted farther back relative to the seat portion 42, the restriction mechanism 80 may restrict the movement of the operating member 8 associated with the reclining operation.

[0119] As an example, the restricting mechanism 80 may restrict the movement of the operating member 8 at least at one point when the back 45 oscillates between a maximum reclined position, where the back 45 is most reclined relative to the seat 42, and a position 30° raised from the maximum reclined position. The maximum reclined position refers to the position where the reclining angle θ40 is greatest among the positions where the back 45 is maintained by the reclining member 21. The reclining angle θ40 is the angle between the seat 42 and the back 45, as shown in FIG. 7. Typically, the reclining angle θ40 is greater than 90° and less than or equal to 180°.

[0120] As another example, the restriction mechanism 80 may restrict the movement of the operating member 8 at least at one point when the back 45 oscillates between an upright position where it is most upright relative to the seat 42 and a position reclined 45 degrees from the upright position. The upright position refers to the position where the reclining angle θ40 is smallest among the positions where the back 45 can be maintained by the reclining member 21. The upright position refers to the position where the back 45 is most upright relative to the seat 42 among the positions where the back 45 can be maintained by the reclining member 21.

[0121] The restricting force from the restricting mechanism 80 that restricts the swing of the operating member 8 may be greater than the restricting force that restricts the swing of the top ribs 70, 75 relative to the top base member 65. In other words, when an operating force 60X is applied to grip the top ribs 70, 75 and swing them relative to the top base member 65, the opening maintaining mechanism 61 and the restricting mechanism 80 may be adjusted so that the top ribs 70, 75 swing relative to the top base member 65 while the swing of the operating member 8 is restricted.

[0122] In the present embodiment described above, the childcare implement 10 has an implement body 11 and a canopy 60 attached to the implement body 11. The implement body 11 includes a reclining seat 40. The canopy 60 can be opened and closed. In the present embodiment, the seat 40 includes a rocking member 7 that rocks during a reclining operation, and the canopy 60 may be attached to the rocking member 7. In the present embodiment, a force 60X applied to open or close the canopy 60 may act on the rocking member 7 of the seat that rocks during a reclining operation to rock the rocking member 7. The childcare implement 10 includes a restriction mechanism 80 that restricts free movement of any of the operating members 8 that operate during a reclining operation.

[0123] The operating member 8, which operates during the reclining operation, is restricted from free movement by the restricting mechanism 80. Therefore, the canopy 60 can be stably operated by the operating force 60X applied to open or close the canopy 60. This improves the operability of the canopy 60 in the childcare equipment 10. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the operating member 8 from being unintentionally operated by the operating force 60X applied to open or close the canopy 60, thereby advancing the reclining operation. Therefore, the sitting comfort or riding comfort of the childcare equipment 10 can be improved.

[0124] In one specific example of the present embodiment, the restriction mechanism 80 may restrict the free movement of the operating member 8 at a single position within the operating range of the operating member 8 during the reclining operation. This example makes it possible to prevent the restriction mechanism 80 from excessively restricting the reclining operation. Therefore, the reclining operation of the seat 40 can be performed easily and stably.

[0125] In one specific example of this embodiment, the seat 40 includes a seat portion 42 and a back portion 45 that can swing relative to the seat portion 42. The restricting mechanism 80 may restrict the movement of the operating member 8 when the back portion 45 swings between a maximum reclined position relative to the seat portion 42 and a position raised 30 degrees from the maximum reclined position. Alternatively, the restricting mechanism 80 may restrict the movement of the swinging member 7 when the back portion 45 swings between a maximum upright position relative to the seat portion 42 and a position raised 45 degrees from the upright position. In the childcare device 10, the canopy 60 may be opened forward when the back portion 45 is reclined backward relative to the seat portion 42, i.e., when an infant is lying on the seat 40. During this opening operation of the canopy 60, the canopy 60 can be stably opened forward. Furthermore, the operating force 60X for operating the canopy 60 can be prevented from acting on the seat 40 on which the infant is lying. This effectively improves the riding comfort for infants.

[0126] In one specific example of the present embodiment, the restricting force applied to the operating member 8 by the restricting mechanism 80 when the operating member 8 moves in one direction to recline is smaller than the restricting force applied to the operating member 8 when the operating member 8 moves in the other direction to recline. This example makes it possible to prevent the restricting mechanism 80 from restricting the reclining operation excessively. Therefore, the reclining operation of the seat 40 can be performed easily and stably.

[0127] In one specific example of the present embodiment, seat 40 includes seat 42 and back 45 that can swing relative to seat 42. The restricting force applied by restricting mechanism 80 to operating member 8 when reclining back 45 in a direction that tilts backward relative to seat 42 may be smaller than the restricting force applied by restricting mechanism 80 to operating member 8 when reclining back 45 in a direction that stands up relative to seat 42. Relative swing of back 45 in a direction that tilts backward relative to seat 42 is usually restricted by a mechanism or member other than restricting mechanism 80, such as reclining member 21. According to this specific example, excessive restriction of reclining action by restricting mechanism 80 can be avoided. Therefore, reclining action of seat 40 can be easily and stably performed.

[0128] In one specific example of this embodiment, the canopy 60 includes a canopy base member 65 attached to the swinging member 7, canopy bones 70, 75 swingably held by the canopy base member 65, and a canopy cloth 62 held by the canopy bones 70, 75. The restricting force from the restricting mechanism 80 restricting the swing of the operating member 8 may be greater than the restricting force restricting the swing of the canopy bones 70, 75 relative to the canopy base member 65. According to this specific example, the canopy bones 70, 75 are more likely to swing than the swing of the operating member 8. The canopy 60 can be operated more stably while the reclining movement of the seat 40 is restricted by the operating force 60X for opening or closing the canopy 60. This effectively improves the operability of the canopy 60 and the sitting or riding comfort of the childcare device 10. Furthermore, the restricting force from the restricting mechanism 80 can be set without being excessively large, taking into account the operating force 60X normally applied. This prevents the restricting mechanism 80 from excessively restricting the reclining movement. The reclining operation can be performed easily and stably.

[0129] In one specific example of the present embodiment, the rocking member 7 and the operating member 8 may be the same member. According to this specific example, the restricting mechanism 80 directly restricts the operation of the rocking member 7, on which the operating force 60X for opening or closing the canopy 60 acts. Therefore, the operating force 60X for opening or closing the canopy 60 can be more stably and quickly inhibited from causing the reclining movement of the seat 40 to proceed. This more effectively improves the operability of the canopy 60 and the sitting or riding comfort of the childcare apparatus 10. Furthermore, the restricting force from the restricting mechanism 80 can be set without being excessively large, taking into consideration the operating force 60X that is normally applied. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the restricting mechanism 80 from excessively restricting the reclining movement of the seat 40. The reclining movement of the seat 40 can be easily and stably performed.

[0130] In one specific example of the present embodiment, the device body 11 includes a base body 12 that supports the seat 40, and the seat 40 may be held by the base body 12 in a plurality of orientations. In this specific example, the position of the seat 40 changes relative to the base body 12, such as the vehicle body 25. By attaching the canopy 60 to the seat 40 or near the seat 40, it is possible to prevent the canopy 60 from becoming too large. This makes it possible to prevent the childcare device 10, such as the stroller 15, from becoming too large.

[0131] In one specific example of this embodiment, the stroller body 20 includes a support base member 47 swingably connected to the operating member 8. The regulating mechanism 80 may include an intermediate regulating member 85 supported by one of the operating member 8 and the support base member 47, and a pushing member 81 that pushes the intermediate regulating member 85 toward the other of the operating member 8 and the rear upper frame member 48. One of the intermediate regulating member 85 and the other member may include a convex portion or a step. The other of the intermediate regulating member 85 and the other member may include a convex portion or a step that contacts the convex portion or step of the one member, or a concave portion that accommodates the convex portion of the one member. According to this specific example, the free movement of the operating member 8 can be stably restricted with a simple configuration. Furthermore, the regulating mechanism 80 can be made smaller and lighter.

[0132] In one specific example of the present embodiment, the intermediate restricting member 85 may restrict rotation of the operating member 8 and the upper-rear frame member 48 relative to the one of the members about the swing axis A48, while allowing movement relative to the one of the members in a direction parallel to the swing axis A48. The step 93b provided on the one of the members connects to an inclined surface 93a that is inclined so as to gradually approach the other of the members along the circumferential direction about the swing axis A48. According to this specific example, the restricting force applied to the operating member 8 by the restricting mechanism 80 during a reclining operation in which the operating member 8 moves in one direction can be made smaller than the restricting force applied to the operating member 8 by the restricting mechanism 80 during a reclining operation in which the operating member 8 moves in the other direction. This prevents the restricting mechanism 80 from excessively restricting the reclining operation. This allows the reclining operation of the seat 40 to be performed easily and stably.

[0133] In one specific example of the present embodiment, the seat 40 may include a seat portion 42, a back portion 45 that can swing relatively to the seat portion 42, a frame member (rear upper frame member) 48 that can swing relatively to the seat portion 42, and a link member (connecting link member) 49 that connects the back portion 45 and the frame member 48. The swinging member 7 may be the back portion 45 or the frame member 48. The operating member 8 may be the back portion 45 or the frame member 48. In this specific example, by attaching the canopy 60 to the seat 40 or near the seat 40, it is possible to prevent the canopy 60 from becoming too large. This makes it possible to prevent the childcare equipment 10, such as the stroller 15, from becoming too large.

[0134] Although the present embodiment has been described with reference to specific examples, the above-described specific examples do not limit the present embodiment. The above-described embodiment can be implemented with various other specific examples, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, additions, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0135] An example of the modification will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description and the drawings used in the following description, parts that can be configured similarly to the above-described specific example will be designated by the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the above-described specific example, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0136] In the above-described example, the canopy 60 was attached to the seat 40. The canopy 60 may also be attached to a component of the stroller main body 20 other than the seat 40. The canopy 60 may also be attached to the vehicle body 25. By attaching the rear end portion of the canopy cloth 62 to the back 45 or the upper rear frame member 48, the operating force 60X applied to open or close the canopy 60 is transmitted via the canopy cloth 62, etc. to the rocking member 7 of the seat (the back 45 or the upper rear frame member 48) that rocks during the reclining operation, and can act to rock the rocking member 7.

[0137] In the example described above, the swinging member 7 and the operating member 8 were both the rear upper frame member 48. However, this is not limiting, and the swinging member 7 and the operating member 8 may be different members. As an example, the swinging member 7 may be the rear upper frame member 48, and the operating member 8 may be the back 45 (rear frame portion 46). In this example, the restricting mechanism 80 may restrict free relative swinging between the seat base 41 and the back 45 (rear frame portion 46), or may restrict free relative swinging between the back 45 (rear frame portion 46) and the connecting link member 49.

[0138] As yet another example, the swinging member 7 may be the back portion 45 (rear frame portion 46), and the operating member 8 may be the upper rear frame member 48. In this example, the restricting mechanism 80 may restrict free relative swinging between the support base member 47 and the upper rear frame member 48, or may restrict free relative swinging between the upper rear frame member 48 and the connecting link member 49.

[0139] As yet another example, both the swinging member 7 and the operating member 8 may be the back portion 45 (rear frame portion 46).

[0140] In the specific example described above, the seat 40 can be held on the base body 12 in multiple orientations. The seat 40 was detachable from the base body 12. However, the body 25, which is the base body 12, is not limited to the specific example described above. For example, as shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, the seat 40 may be movable relative to the base body 12 (body 25). In this example, too, the position of the seat 40 changes with respect to the base body 12, such as the body 25. By attaching a canopy to the seat 40 or near the seat 40, it is possible to prevent the canopy 60 from becoming too large. This makes it possible to prevent the childcare equipment 10, such as the stroller 15, from becoming too large.

[0141] 20 to 22, a vehicle body 25 includes front legs 26 including front wheels 27, rear legs 28 including rear wheels 29, a first link member 31, a second link member 32, a third link member 33, a handle 30, and a fourth link 34. In this vehicle body 25, the fourth link 34 functions as a link member in the folding and unfolding operations instead of the handle 30 of the above-described specific example.

[0142] In the illustrated vehicle body 25, the rear end portion of the first link member 31 is rotatably (swingably) connected to the upper end portion of the fourth link member 34, not to the handlebar 30. The lower end portion of the fourth link member 34 is rotatably (swingably) connected to the rear end portion of the second link member 32. The lower end portion of the fourth link member 34 is rotatably (swingably) connected to the upper end portion of the third link member 33. The lower end portion of the fourth link member 34 is rotatably (swingably) connected to the lower end portion of the handlebar shaft 30a of the handlebar 30.

[0143] The vehicle body 25 includes a shaft member 38 that passes through the second link member 32, the third link member 33, the fourth link member 34, and the handle 30. The shaft member 38 defines a relative swing axis (relative rotation axis) of the second link member 32, the third link member 33, the fourth link member 34, and the handle 30.

[0144] The handle 30 can be maintained in the rear position shown in Fig. 20. The handle 30 can be maintained in the rear position by holding the handle holding piece 39A shown in Fig. 21. The handle 30 can be maintained in the forward-facing position shown in Fig. 21. The handle 30 can be maintained in the forward-facing position by holding the handle holding piece 39B shown in Fig. 20. The handle 30 can swing between the rear position and the forward-facing position.

[0145] The seat 40 of the stroller 15 shown in Figures 20 to 22 may be configured generally similarly to the seat 40 of the specific example described above. The seat 40 shown in Figures 20 to 22 may include a seat base 41, a seat portion 42, a back portion 45, a support base member 47, a rear upper frame member 48, and a connecting link member 49. The back portion 45 may be connected to both the seat base 41 and the seat portion 42 in a manner that allows them to rock (rotate).

[0146] As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the stroller body 20 includes a movable guide member 54 fixed to the seat 40. The movable guide member 54 is fixed to the seat portion 42. The movable guide member 54 is slidable relative to the second link member 32 and can move back and forth along the second link member 32. In other words, the seat 40 can move along the second link member 32 relative to the body 25. In the example shown in the figures, the seat 40 includes four movable guide members 54. The four guard members 52 are fixed to the front frame portion 43 at intervals in the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0147] As shown in Fig. 22, the stroller body 20 includes a motion transmission member 55 that connects the handle 30 and the seat 40. The motion transmission member 55 transmits the swinging motion (rotating motion) of the handle to the seat 40 as a linear motion. As shown in Fig. 20, when the handle 30 is maintained in the rearward position, the seat 40 is located rearward in the front-to-rear direction. As shown in Fig. 21, when the handle 30 is maintained in the forward-to-rear position, the seat 40 is located forward in the front-to-rear direction.

[0148] 20 to 22, the position of the seat 40 in the stroller body 20 in the front-to-rear direction changes in response to the swinging of the handle 30. The position of the center of gravity of the baby supported on the seat 40 in the front-to-rear direction also changes in response to the swinging of the handle 30. Therefore, it is possible to suppress changes in the distance in the front-to-rear direction between the gripping portion of the handle 30 (handle connecting portion 30b) and the center of gravity of the baby on the seat 40 when the position of the handle 30 is changed. This suppresses changes in the operability of the stroller 15.

[0149] In the modified example shown in Figs. 20 to 22, the device main body 11 includes a base body 12 (car body 25) that supports a seat 40. The seat 40 is movable relative to the base body 12. That is, the position of the seat 40 changes with respect to the base body 12, such as the car body 25. By attaching the canopy 60 to the seat 40 or in the vicinity of the seat 40, it is possible to prevent the canopy 60 from becoming larger. This makes it possible to prevent the childcare device 10, such as the stroller 15, from becoming larger. By providing the restricting mechanism 80 according to this embodiment in such a device main body 11, it is possible to improve the operability of the canopy 60, which expands to an appropriate range relative to the seat 40, while still being compact. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] A42: axis, A45: axis, A48: axis, A60: axis, θ40: reclining angle, 7: swinging member, 8: operating member, 10: childcare equipment, 11: equipment body, 12: base body, 15: stroller, 16: cushion cloth material, 20: stroller body, 21: reclining member, 21A: first reclining member, 21B: second reclining member, 23: adjustment member, 25: body, 26: front legs, 27: front wheels, 28: rear legs, 29: rear wheels, 30: handle, 30a: handle shaft, 30b: Handle connecting portion, 31: first link member, 32: second link member, 33: third link member, 35: seat holding member, 37: cross member, 34: fourth link member, 38: shaft member, 39A: holding piece, 39B: holding piece, 40: seat, 41: seat base, 41a: held portion, 42: seat portion, 43: front frame portion, 44: central frame portion, 45: back portion, 46: rear frame portion, 47: support base member, 47A: base end pipe member, 47B: tip connecting member, 48: rear upper frame member, 48a: frame material holding portion, 49: connecting link Link member, 51: guard support member, 52: guard member, 54: moving guide member, 55: operation transmission member, 60: canopy, 60X: operating force, 61: opening degree maintaining mechanism, 62: canopy cloth, 65: canopy base member, 66: canopy base holding portion, 67: base connecting plate portion, 67a: shaft member, 67b: first restricting concave-convex, 67c: long groove, 70: first canopy bone, 71: first canopy connecting member, 72: first connecting plate portion, 72a: first through hole, 72b: second restricting concave-convex, 72c: third restricting concave-convex, 73: first bone member, 75: second canopy bone, 76: second hood connecting member, 77: second connecting plate portion, 77a: second through hole, 77b: fourth restricting concave / convex portion, 77c: long groove, 78: second frame member, 80: restricting mechanism, 81: pushing member, 82: base plate portion, 83: base shaft portion, 83a: rotation restricting rib portion, 85: intermediate restricting member, 86: restricting plate portion, 87: operation restricting structure, 87a: convex portion, 88: restricting cylinder portion, 88a: rotation restricting rib portion, 91: frame material plate portion, 91a: receiving hole, 92: operation restricting structure, 93: inclined portion, 93a: inclined surface, 93b: step, 93c: flat surface

Claims

1. an apparatus body including a reclining seat; a canopy attached to a rocking member of the seat that rocks during a reclining operation, The childcare equipment is provided with a restricting mechanism that restricts free movement of any of the operating members that operate during the reclining operation.

2. an apparatus body including a reclining seat; A hood attached to the appliance body; a force applied to open or close the canopy acts on a rocking member of the seat that rocks during a reclining operation to rock the rocking member; The childcare equipment is provided with a restricting mechanism that restricts free movement of any of the operating members that operate during the reclining operation.

3. 3. The childcare equipment according to claim 1, wherein the restricting mechanism restricts free movement of the operating member at a single position within a range of movement of the operating member during the reclining movement.

4. 3. The childcare device according to claim 1, wherein a restraining force applied from the restraining mechanism to the operating member during a reclining operation in which the operating member moves in one direction is smaller than a restraining force applied from the restraining mechanism to the operating member during a reclining operation in which the operating member moves in the other direction.

5. The seat includes a seat portion and a back portion that can swing relative to the seat portion, 3. The childcare device according to claim 1, wherein the restricting mechanism restricts the free movement of the operating member when the back portion swings between a maximum inclined position where it is most reclined relative to the seat portion and a position that is 30 degrees raised from the maximum inclined position.

6. The seat includes a seat portion and a back portion that can swing relative to the seat portion, 3. The childcare device according to claim 1, wherein the restricting mechanism restricts free movement of the operating member when the back portion swings between a most upright position relative to the seat portion and a position reclined 45 degrees from the upright position.

7. The seat includes a seat portion and a back portion that can swing relative to the seat portion, 3. The childcare device according to claim 1, wherein the restricting force applied by the restricting mechanism to the operating member when the back portion is reclined in a direction in which it reclines relative to the seat portion is smaller than the restricting force applied by the restricting mechanism to the operating member when the back portion is reclined in a direction in which it stands up relative to the seat portion.

8. The apparatus body includes a base body that supports the seat, The childcare equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the seat is held by the base body in a plurality of orientations and / or is movable relative to the base body.

9. the base body is a vehicle body, The device body is a stroller body, 9. The childcare apparatus according to claim 8, which is a stroller.

10. 3. The childcare equipment according to claim 1, wherein the rocking member and the operating member are the same member.

11. The hood includes a hood base member attached to the tool body or the swinging member, a hood bone held in a swingable manner by the hood base member, and a hood cloth held by the hood bone, 3. The childcare implement according to claim 1, wherein the restricting force from the restricting mechanism restricting the swinging of the operating member is greater than the restricting force restricting the swinging of the canopy bones relative to the canopy base member.

12. The seat includes a seat portion, a back portion that can swing relatively to the seat portion, a frame member that can swing relatively to the seat portion, and a link member that connects the back portion and the frame member, the swinging member is either the back portion or the frame member, The childcare equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operating member is either the back portion or the frame member.

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