Brake mechanism

Abstract

To provide a brake mechanism which enables a switching operation between a brake state and a travel state to be performed stably.SOLUTION: A brake mechanism (2) includes: a wheel holder (20) and an operation member (50) attached to a vehicle body frame; a wheel (40); a wheel lock member (60) supported by the wheel holder (20) so as to be displaced between a lock position and a non-lock position; and a force transmission mechanism for bringing the wheel lock member (60) to a lock position in response to displacement of the operation member (50). The force transmission mechanism includes a transmission member (70) displaced by receiving a force from the operation member (50). The transmission member (70) is a one-way clutch mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a brake mechanism, and more particularly to a brake mechanism that is held on a body frame of a child care implement. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, various structures have been known as brake mechanisms to be provided in childcare equipment with casters, such as those disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-176701 (Patent Document 1) and International Publication No. 2010 / 143300 (Patent Document 2).

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses that a pin provided on the wheel cover is supported in a heart-shaped cam groove provided on the operating part, and that the wheel is braked by pressing the operating part once, and that the wheel is released from the brake by pressing the operating part again.

[0004] Patent document 2 discloses that a sliding member connected to a regulating engagement member that locks the wheels is inserted into a heart-shaped cam provided on an operating member, and that by pushing the operating member from above, the sliding member is alternately held in a lock position that locks the wheels and an unlock position that unlocks the wheels. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Publication No. 63-176701 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2010 / 143300 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In both Patent Documents 1 and 2, the switching between braking and driving states is performed by providing a heart-shaped cam groove in the operating section, but this increases the number of parts and can make the switching operation unstable.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a brake mechanism that can stably switch between a braking state and a running state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] For this purpose, one embodiment of the present invention provides a caster brake mechanism that is rotatably held on the body frame of a childcare device, and includes a wheel holder attached to the body frame so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis, a wheel supported by the wheel holder so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis, an operating member attached to the wheel holder so as to be displaceable between a first position and a second position, a wheel locking member supported by the wheel holder so as to be displaceable between a locked position that engages with the wheel to prevent rotation of the wheel and an unlocked position that does not engage with the wheel to allow rotation of the wheel, and a force transmission mechanism that brings the wheel locking member to the locked position in response to displacement of the operating member from the first position to the second position, and the force transmission mechanism includes a transmission member that is displaced in response to force from the operating member, and a first biasing member that brings the wheel locking member to the locked position in response to displacement of the transmission member.

[0009] Preferably, the brake mechanism further includes a second biasing member that biases the operating member to the first position.

[0010] Preferably, the transmission member switches between a first state in which the wheel locking member is brought to the locked position and a second state in which the wheel locking member is brought to the unlocked position each time the operating member is moved from the first position to the second position.

[0011] Preferably, the first position of the operating member is an upper position higher than the second position, and the operating member is positioned at the upper position by a second biasing member.

[0012] Preferably, the transmission member is a one-way clutch mechanism configured to engage with the operating member and move together with the operating member in the direction in which the operating member moves from the first position to the second position, and to disengage from the operating member and remain in a stationary position in the direction in which the operating member moves from the second position to the first position.

[0013] Preferably, the operating member and the transmission member are configured to be rotatable about a horizontal axis.

[0014] Preferably, the operating member is configured to be rotatable about a horizontal axis, and the transmission member is configured to be slidable along the horizontal axis of the operating member.

[0015] Preferably, the one-way clutch mechanism includes an engagement tooth provided on either the transmission member or the operating member, and an engagement claw provided on the other of the transmission member or the operating member, and the engagement claw is displaceable between an engagement position in which it engages with the engagement tooth and an engaged position in which it does not engage with the engagement tooth.

[0016] Preferably, the one-way clutch mechanism further includes a third biasing member that biases the engagement pawl toward the engagement position.

[0017] Preferably, the transmission member further includes a link member having one end rotatably connected to the operating member via a rotary shaft, and the wheel locking member includes a cam groove that displaceably receives the other end of the link member, and the shape of the cam groove is selected to have: a) a first operation transmission position in which the wheel locking member is brought to the locked position by pressure from the link member when the operating member is moved from the first position to the second position; b) a guide position in which the other end of the link member is displaced while maintaining the wheel locking member at the locked position when the operating member is moved from the second position to the first position by the biasing force of the second biasing member; and c) a second operation transmission position in which the wheel locking member is brought to the unlocked position by pressure from the link member when the wheel locking member is in the locked position and the operating member is moved from the first position to the second position.

[0018] Preferably, the wheel holder includes a wheel holder main body having a storage space and a lid portion that closes the storage space, and the storage space of the wheel holder main body accommodates a portion of the operating member, a portion of the wheel locking member, and a portion of the force transmission mechanism.

[0019] A brake mechanism according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a wheel holder attached to the body frame of the childcare equipment, a wheel supported by the wheel holder so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis, an operating member attached to the wheel holder so as to be displaceable between a first position and a second position, a wheel locking member supported by the wheel holder so as to be displaceable between a locked position where it engages with the wheel to prevent rotation of the wheel and an unlocked position where it does not engage with the wheel to allow rotation of the wheel, and a force transmission mechanism that brings the wheel locking member to the locked position in response to displacing the operating member from the first position to the second position, wherein the force transmission mechanism includes a transmission member that is displaced in response to force from the operating member, and the transmission member is a one-way clutch mechanism configured to engage with the operating member and move together with the operating member in the direction where the operating member moves from the first position to the second position, and to disengage from the operating member and remain in a stationary position in the direction where the operating member moves from the second position to the first position.

[0020] Preferably, the brake mechanism of the caster further includes a second biasing member that biases the operating member to bring it to the first position.

[0021] Preferably, the first position of the operating member is an upper position higher than the second position, and the operating member is positioned at the upper position by a second biasing member.

[0022] Preferably, the transmission member switches between a first state in which the wheel locking member is brought to the locked position and a second state in which the wheel locking member is brought to the unlocked position each time the operating member is moved from the first position to the second position.

[0023] Preferably, the operating member and the transmission member are configured to be rotatable about a horizontal axis.

[0024] Preferably, the one-way clutch mechanism includes an engagement tooth provided on either the transmission member or the operating member, and an engagement claw provided on the other of the transmission member or the operating member, and the engagement claw is displaceable between an engagement position in which it engages with the engagement tooth and an engaged position in which it does not engage with the engagement tooth.

[0025] Preferably, the one-way clutch mechanism further includes a third biasing member that biases the engagement pawl toward the engagement position.

[0026] A brake mechanism according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a wheel holder attached to the body frame of a childcare equipment; a wheel supported by the wheel holder so as to rotate about a horizontal axis; an operating member attached to the wheel holder so as to be displaceable between a first position and a second position; a wheel locking member supported by the wheel holder so as to be displaceable between a locked position where it engages with the wheel to prevent rotation of the wheel and an unlocked position where it does not engage with the wheel to allow rotation of the wheel; and a force transmission mechanism that brings the wheel locking member to the locked position in response to displacing the operating member from the first position to the second position, wherein the force transmission mechanism includes a transmission member that is displaced by receiving force from the operating member, the transmission member having a link member one end of which is rotatably connected to the operating member via an axis, and the wheel locking member includes a cam groove that displaceably receives the other end of the link member.

[0027] Preferably, the brake mechanism further includes a second biasing member that biases the operating member to the first position.

[0028] Preferably, the shape of the cam groove is selected so as to have: a) a first operation transmission position in which the wheel locking member is brought to the locked position by pressure from the link member when the operating member is moved from the first position to the second position; b) a guide position in which the other end of the link member is displaced while maintaining the wheel locking member in the locked position when the operating member is moved from the second position to the first position; and c) a second operation transmission position in which the wheel locking member is brought to the unlocked position by pressure from the link member when the wheel locking member is in the locked position and the operating member is moved from the first position to the second position.

[0029] Preferably, the guide position is an elongated hole extending along the running direction of the wheel, the first motion transmission position is a first recess located at one end of the elongated hole and recessed downward, and the second motion transmission position is a second recess located at the other end of the elongated hole and recessed downward.

[0030] Preferably, the first position of the operating member is an upper position higher than the second position, and the operating member is positioned at the upper position by a second biasing member.

[0031] A caster brake mechanism according to another aspect of the present invention is a caster brake structure rotatably held on a body frame of a childcare device, and includes a wheel holder attached to the body frame so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis, a wheel supported on the wheel holder so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis, an operating member attached to the wheel holder so as to be displaceable between a first position and a second position, a second biasing member that biases the operating member to bring it to the first position, a lock position in which the wheel is engaged with the wheel to prohibit rotation, and a lock position in which the wheel is not engaged with the wheel to prevent rotation of the wheel. a wheel locking member supported by the wheel holder so as to be displaceable between a locked position and an unlocked position which allows rotation; and a force transmission mechanism which, when the wheel locking member is in the locked position, displacing the operating member from a first position to a second position displaces the wheel locking member to the unlocked position, and, when the wheel locking member is in the unlocked position, displacing the operating member from the first position to the second position displaces the wheel locking member to the locked position, wherein the force transmission mechanism includes a transmission member which is displaced by receiving a force from the operating member, and the transmission member is displaceable relative to the operating member.

[0032] Preferably, the first position of the operating member is higher than the second position.

[0033] Preferably, the second biasing member has one end or the other end connected to the operating member, and the other end or one end connected to the wheel holder.

[0034] Preferably, either the wheel holder or the operating member is provided with a heart-shaped cam groove which is a substantially heart-shaped groove and is formed by a first path groove extending linearly from the first tilt position to the second tilt position, a second path groove turning back from the second tilt position to extend to a third tilt position located at the other end different from the first tilt position, a third path groove turning back from the third tilt position to extend to a fourth tilt position located at the other end different from the second tilt position, and a fourth path groove turning back from the fourth tilt position to extend to the first tilt position located at the other end different from the third tilt position, and one end or the other end of the second biasing member is engaged with the heart-shaped cam groove and moves in a circular motion along the heart-shaped cam groove as the operating member is displaced from the first position to the second position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] According to the brake mechanism of the present invention, the switching operation between the braking state and the running state can be performed stably. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a brake mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a brake mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a brake mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a brake mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are side views showing the inside of the device with the cover removed, in which (A) shows the state in which the operating member is not operated, and (B) shows the state in which the operating member is operated. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are perspective views showing the operation of the wheel locking member, in which (A) shows the unlocked position and (B) shows the locked position. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from an unlocked position to a locked position. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 7, showing a state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the unlocked position to the locked position. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from a locked position to an unlocked position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 9, showing a state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the locked position to the unlocked position. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a modified example of the brake mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1A and 1B are perspective views showing the operation of the wheel locking member, in which (A) shows the unlocked position and (B) shows the locked position. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the engagement claws and the engagement teeth. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a side view of a brake mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a brake mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 18A and 18B are diagrams showing the relationship between the transmission member, the engagement claw, and the third biasing member, in which (A) is a front view and (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIIIb-XVIIIb in FIG. 18. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from an unlocked position to a locked position. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from an unlocked position to a locked position. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a side view of a brake mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a brake mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a transmission member. [Figure 24] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from an unlocked position to a locked position. [Figure 25] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a modified example of the brake mechanism according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another modified example of the brake mechanism according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a brake mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a brake mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a brake mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] 1A and 1B are perspective views showing the operation of the wheel locking member, in which (A) shows the unlocked position and (B) shows the locked position. [Figure 31] 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the wheel locking member, in which (A) shows the unlocked position and (B) shows the locked position. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing the positional relationship between the heart-shaped cam groove and the insertion pin. [Figure 33] 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from an unlocked position to a locked position; FIG. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 33, showing a state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the unlocked position to the locked position. [Figure 35] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a brake mechanism according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a brake mechanism according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a heart-shaped cam. [Figure 38] 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from an unlocked position to a locked position and then displaced to the unlocked position; FIG. [Figure 39] 39 is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 38, showing the state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the unlocked position to the locked position and then displaced to the unlocked position. FIG. [Figure 40]FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIGS. 38 and 39, showing the state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the unlocked position to the locked position and then displaced to the unlocked position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts and will not be described repeatedly.

[0038] The brake mechanism 2 according to this embodiment is attached to the body frame 10 of the childcare equipment 1 having wheels 40. The childcare equipment 1 is typically a stroller with multiple wheels, but may also be a baby stroller, a childcare chair, a tricycle, or any other equipment with multiple wheels at the lower end of the body frame 10. The body frame 10 is typically a leg, but may be anything that forms the framework of the childcare equipment. The brake mechanism 2 used in the childcare equipment 1 will be described in detail below.

[0039] <First Embodiment> The configuration and operation of the brake mechanism according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. In the following description, the direction indicated by arrow A is the forward direction, the opposite direction is the rearward direction, and the direction indicated by arrow B is the left-right direction, also referred to as the width direction.

[0040] (For each configuration) The stroller 1 in which the brake mechanism 2 is employed may have the same structure as a typical stroller, and comprises a body frame 10 and a seat portion supported by the body frame 10. The body frame 10 in this embodiment is the rear legs, but the stroller 1 has a pair of rear legs and a pair of front legs, and therefore has at least four of the components shown in Fig. 1. The body frame 10 is formed, for example, from a metal pipe, a resin pipe, or the like.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the body frame 10 includes a body frame main body 11 and a fixed frame 12 attached to the lower end thereof. The fixed frame 12 is fixed to the body frame main body 11 so as not to be able to turn. A brake mechanism 2 is attached to the fixed frame 12. Therefore, the brake mechanism 2 is attached to the body frame main body 11 so as to be able to turn about a vertical axis La. The brake mechanism 2 will be described in detail below.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the brake mechanism 2 generally includes a wheel holder 20, a wheel 40, an operating member 50, a wheel locking member 60, and a transmission member .

[0043] 1, the wheel holder 20 is rotatably attached to the body frame main body 11 via the fixed frame 12. Note that the fixed frame 12 is not an essential component, and the wheel holder 20 may be directly connected to the body frame main body 11 and provided rotatably relative to the body frame main body 11.

[0044] The wheel holder 20 is attached to the body frame 10 so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis (swivel axis) La. The wheel holder 20 and the fixed frame 12 are connected to each other so as to be rotatable relative to each other by a caster shaft extending along the vertical axis La. The wheel holder 20 has a hollow portion, inside which a suspension or the like may be provided that absorbs unevenness in the road surface and does not transmit the unevenness to the seat. The wheel holder 20 rotatably supports the wheel 40 via an axle 45.

[0045] 3 and 4, the wheel holder 20 includes a wheel holder support part 21 that supports the axle 45, a wheel holder main body 22 having a storage space, and a lid part 30 that closes the storage space. The storage space of the wheel holder main body 22 accommodates a part of the operating member 50 (described later) excluding an operating part 53, a part of the wheel lock member 60 (described later) excluding a lock part 62, a transmission member 70, and a second biasing member 80.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the wheel holder main body 22 is fixed to the wheel holder support portion 21, has a substantially cylindrical shape, and includes a first wall portion 23 serving as a peripheral wall portion and a second wall portion 25 serving as a bottom wall portion. A first opening 24 is formed in a portion of the rear side of the first wall portion 23. An operating portion 53 of an operating member 50 (described later) protrudes rearward from the first opening 24. The second wall portion 25 is formed with a second opening 26 that opens toward the wheel 40. A case body 64 for holding and fixing a wheel lock member 60 (described later) is fitted into and fixed in the second opening 26. A hole 27a is formed in the approximate center of the second wall portion 25, and holes 27b and 27c are formed above and below the second wall portion 25.

[0047] The cover 30 is formed, for example, by a plate 31 that is circular in plan view. As shown in Fig. 3, the rear surface of the plate 31 is flat, but as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the front surface of the plate 31 (the surface on the wheel holder main body 22 side) is provided with a protrusion 32 for preventing reverse rotation of the transmission member 70 and a step 33 for holding the second biasing member 80. Furthermore, a hole 34a is formed in the approximate center of the plate 31, and holes 34b and 34c are formed above and below it.

[0048] The wheel 40 is rotatable relative to the wheel holder 20. Specifically, the wheel 40 is supported by the wheel holder 20 via an axle 45 so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis Lb. The wheel 40 in this embodiment is a single wheel, that is, a caster in which one wheel is provided for one wheel holder 20.

[0049] The wheel 40 has a wheel body 41, a tire portion 42 held by the wheel body 41, a wheel portion 43 that holds the inner periphery of the tire portion 42, and a plurality of locking recesses 44 fixed to the wheel portion 43. In this embodiment, the locking recesses 44 are, for example, ribs. The locking recesses 44 are fixed to the side of the wheel portion 43 that faces the wheel holder body 22. The plurality of locking recesses 44 extend radially from the axle 45. When a wheel locking member 60, which will be described later, is positioned between adjacent locking recesses 44, the wheel 40 is prevented from rotating.

[0050] As shown in Figures 3, 5(A), and 5(B), the operating member 50 operates the wheel lock member 60, which will be described later. For ease of understanding, the operating member 50 is shown with light ink in Figures 5(A) and 5(B). As shown in Figures 5(A) and 5(B), the operating member 50 is attached to the wheel holder 20 so as to be movable between a first position (upper position) and a second position (lower position). In the following description, the first position of the operating member 50 will be referred to as the upper position, and the second position will be referred to as the lower position.

[0051] The operating member 50 includes an arc-shaped standing wall portion 51, a pivot support portion 52 extending inward from the standing wall portion 51, and an operating portion 53 extending outward from the standing wall portion 51. The standing wall portion 51 is a portion that closes the first opening 24 when the operating member 50 is attached to the wheel holder main body 22. Therefore, the standing wall portion 51 has a shape that follows the arc-shaped form of the first opening 24.

[0052] The operating member 50 is biased toward the upper position by a second biasing member 80. The second biasing member 80 is, for example, a spring, specifically a torsion spring. As shown in FIG. 5 , the second biasing member 80 includes a spring main body 81, one end 82, and the other end 83. The spring main body 81 is disposed on the pivot support 52 of the operating member 50, and the pin 35a passes through the spring main body 81. The one end 82 is hooked onto the step 54 of the operating member 50, and the other end 83 is hooked onto the step 33 of the cover 30. As a result, the operating member 50 is biased toward the upper position by the second biasing member 80 except when pressed.

[0053] A hole 52a is formed in the center of the pivot support portion 52. A pin 35a passes through the hole 52a. This allows the operating member 50 to be rotatably fixed to the wheel holder main body 22 and to rotate around a horizontal axis. The operating portion 53 protrudes outward from the wheel holder main body 22 when the operating member 50 is attached to the wheel holder main body 22. The operating portion 53 protrudes, for example, toward the rear, and preferably protrudes, for example, diagonally upward. The operating portion 53 is, for example, a pedal, and can be operated by a user stepping on it with their foot from above. The operating portion 53 in this embodiment is rod-shaped, but may be designed to have a width to make it easier for a user to step on.

[0054] As shown in Figures 7(A) and 7(C), the operating unit 53 has a hollow shape, and disposed therein are an engagement claw 56 and a third biasing member 55 that biases the engagement claw 56 toward the engagement teeth 72. The engagement claw 56 has a tapered shape with an inclined tip, and engages with the engagement teeth 72 of the transmission member 70, which will be described later. The third biasing member 55 is, for example, a spring, and more specifically, a compression coil spring. The engagement claw 56 is displaceable between an engagement position (Figure 7(A)) in which it engages with the engagement teeth 72 and an engaged position (Figure 7(C)) in which it does not engage with the engagement teeth 72.

[0055] The wheel locking member 60 is supported by the wheel holder 20 so as to be movable between a locked position (Figures 6(B), 7(B), and 8(B)) in which it engages with the wheel 40 to prevent the wheel 40 from rotating, and an unlocked position (Figures 6(A), 7(A), and 8(A)) in which it does not engage with the wheel 40.

[0056] As shown in Figures 3 and 6(A), the wheel lock member 60 includes a lock main body 61 having, for example, a semicircular shape, and a lock portion 62 that protrudes outward from the lock main body 61. The lock main body 61 is provided with a hole 61a that penetrates in the width direction. In particular, as shown in Figures 6(A) and 8(A), the end of the lock main body 61 facing the opening on the wheel 40 side of the case body 64 is not a flat surface but has an arcuate surface 61b centered on the hole 61a.

[0057] The wheel locking member 60 is biased to the locked position by a first biasing member 63. The first biasing member 63 elastically connects the transmission member 70 and the wheel locking member 60, and brings the wheel locking member 60 to the locked position as the transmission member 70 is displaced. The first biasing member 63 is, for example, a spring, and more specifically, a torsion spring.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3, the wheel lock member 60 is fixed to a case body 64. The case body 64 is a frame body with openings on both side surfaces located in the width direction, and holes 64a are provided on the front and rear surfaces. A pin 65 passes through the hole 61a of the wheel lock member 60 and the hole 64a of the case body 64. Furthermore, the case body 64 is fitted into the second opening 26 of the second wall portion 25 of the wheel holder 20. In this way, the wheel lock member 60 is rotatably fixed to the wheel holder 20. Furthermore, the case body 64 is provided with a hole 65a that passes through in the axial direction.

[0059] As shown in Figures 8(A) and 8(B), the wheel lock member 60 is fixed to the wheel holder 20 so that it can rotate. The wheel lock member 60 can rotate around a horizontal axis. As described above, the end of the lock main body 61 facing the opening on the wheel 40 side of the case body 64 is not flat, but has an arc shape with the hole 61a as the center. Therefore, compared to when this end is formed as a flat surface, it is possible to make it more difficult for external dirt and dust to enter the wheel holder main body 22 as the wheel lock member 60 rotates.

[0060] The transmission member 70 is a member that is displaced upon receiving a force from the operating member 50. The transmission member 70 is provided between the operating member 50 and the wheel locking member 60, and serves as a cushion between the operating member 50 and the wheel locking member 60. In other words, the transmission member 70 does not transmit the operating force from the operating member 50 directly to the wheel locking member 60, but rather serves to first receive the operating force and then transmit it to the wheel locking member 60.

[0061] Each time the operating member 50 is moved from the upper position to the lower position, the transmission member 70 switches between a first state (FIGS. 7(A), 7(B), 8(A), 8(B)) in which the wheel locking member 60 is brought to the locked position and a second state (FIGS. 9(A), 9(B), 10(A), 10(B)) in which the wheel locking member 60 is brought to the unlocked position. The transmission member 70 is a member that rotates only in one direction, for example, only clockwise on the plane of FIG. 7(A).

[0062] 3 and 4, the transmission member 70 includes a gear-shaped transmission main body 71, engagement teeth 72 provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and a protrusion 73 provided on the inner side (wheel holder main body 22 side) of the transmission main body 71. A hole 71a is provided in the approximate center of the transmission main body 71. A single pin 35a passes through the hole 52a of the operating member 50, the hole 71a of the transmission member 70, 65a of the case body 64, and the hole 27a of the wheel holder 20. This allows the operating member 50 and the transmission member 70 to rotate around a horizontal axis.

[0063] The engagement teeth 72 engage with the above-mentioned engagement pawls 56. The engagement teeth 72 are, for example, ratchet-shaped, and the blades are provided at an angle so that the rotation direction is limited to one direction.

[0064] In this embodiment, the engagement teeth 72 of the transmission member 70, the engagement pawl 56 of the operating member 50, and the third biasing member 55 described above constitute a "one-way clutch mechanism." The one-way clutch mechanism is a mechanism for applying a rotational force in only one direction. Specifically, the one-way clutch mechanism is configured to engage with the operating member 50 and move together with the operating member 50 in the direction in which the operating member 50 moves from the upper position to the lower position (FIG. 7(A)), and to disengage from the operating member 50 and remain in a stationary position in the direction in which the operating member 50 moves from the lower position to the upper position (FIG. 7(B)).

[0065] A plurality of protrusions 73 are provided at predetermined intervals. As shown in FIGS. 6(B) and 8(A), when the lock main body 61 of the wheel lock member 60 abuts against the tip of a protrusion 73, the wheel lock member 60 is in the unlocked position and the transmission member 70 is in the second state. Also, as shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 8(A), when the lock main body 61 of the wheel lock member 60 does not abut against the tip of a protrusion 73 but is positioned between adjacent protrusions 73, the wheel lock member 60 is in the locked position and the transmission member 70 is in the second state. For ease of understanding, the protrusions 73 are shown in light gray in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0066] In this embodiment, the above-mentioned transmission member 70 and the first biasing member 63 that biases the wheel locking member 60 constitute a "force transmission mechanism." The force transmission mechanism brings the wheel locking member 60 from the unlocked position (FIG. 6(A)) to the locked position (FIG. 6(B)) in accordance with the displacement of the transmission member 70. Note that in the following embodiments as well, the "force transmission mechanism" includes the transmission member and the first biasing member and brings the wheel locking unit to the locked position in accordance with the displacement of the operating member from the upper position to the lower position.

[0067] The above has described each of the components that make up the brake mechanism 2. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, pin 35a passes through hole 34a in lid portion 30, hole 52a in operating member 50, hole 71a in transmission member 70, hole 65a in case body 64, and hole 27a in wheel holder 20. Furthermore, pin 35b passes through hole 34b in lid portion 30 and hole 27b in wheel holder 20, and pin 35c passes through hole 34c in lid portion 30 and hole 27c in wheel holder 20, thereby fixing lid portion 30 to wheel holder main body 22.

[0068] (About operation) The operation of the brake mechanism 2 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 10. Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams showing the state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the unlocked position to the locked position, and Figures 9 and 10 are diagrams showing the state in which the wheel locking member is displaced from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0069] First, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the operation for changing from a running state in which the wheel 40 rotates to a braking state in which rotation of the wheel 40 is prohibited will be described. As shown in Figures 7(A) and 8(A), the lock main body 61 of the wheel lock member 60 abuts the tip of the convex portion 73 of the transmission member 70, and the lock portion 62 does not protrude toward the wheel 40. Therefore, the wheel 40 is in a running state in which the lock portion 62 of the wheel lock member 60 is not fitted between the lock recessed portions 44 of the wheel 40. Furthermore, when the operating member 50 is in the upper position, the engagement claw 56 of the operating member 50 and the engagement tooth 72 of the transmission member 70 are in an engaged state.

[0070] To switch from the running state to the braking state, the user steps on the operating portion 53 of the operating member 50 with their foot to move it downward. This moves the operating member 50 from the upper position to the lower position, and the transmission member 70 rotates clockwise on the paper. The rotation of the transmission member 70 also rotates the transmission member 70, and the position of the convex portion 73 also moves. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 7(B) and 8(B), the lock main body portion 61 of the wheel lock member 60 no longer abuts against the convex portion 73. Because the wheel lock member 60 is biased to the locked position (FIG. 8(A)) by the first biasing member 63, the wheel lock member 60 no longer abuts against the convex portion 73, and thus rotates upward on the paper about the pin 65, and the lock portion 62 fits into the lock recess 44 of the wheel 40, thereby establishing the braking state.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 5A, the operating member 50 is biased toward the upper position by the second biasing member 80. Therefore, when the foot is released from the operating member 50, the biasing force of the second biasing member 80 attempts to return the operating member 50 to its original upper position. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7A, the engagement claw 56 is biased toward the engagement tooth 72 by the third biasing member 55. The biasing force of the third biasing member 55 is set to be smaller than the biasing force of the second biasing member 80. In addition, a protrusion 32 is provided on the cover 30 and engages with the engagement tooth 72 of the transmission member 70. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7C, with the counterclockwise rotation of the transmission member 70 restricted, the engagement claw 56 is pushed inward against the biasing force of the third biasing member 55, and the biasing force of the second biasing member 80 automatically returns the operating member 50 to its upper position.

[0072] Next, the operation of changing from the braking state to the running state will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. As shown in Figures 9(A) and 10(A), the lock main body 61 of the wheel lock member 60 is positioned between the protrusions 73 of the transmission member 70 without abutting the tip of the protrusions 73, and the lock portion 62 protrudes toward the wheel 40. Therefore, the wheel 40 is in a running state in which the lock portion 62 of the wheel lock member 60 fits between the lock recessed portions 44 of the wheel 40. Furthermore, when the operating member 50 is in the upper position, the engagement claw 56 of the operating member 50 and the engagement tooth 72 of the transmission member 70 are in an engaged state.

[0073] To switch from the braking state to the driving state, the user again steps on the operating portion 53 of the operating member 50 with their foot to move it downward. This moves the operating member 50 from the upper position to the lower position, and the transmission member 70 rotates clockwise. The rotation of the transmission member 70 also rotates the transmission member 70, and the position of the convex portion 73 also moves. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 9(B) and 10(B), the lock main body portion 61 of the wheel lock member 60 abuts on the tip of the convex portion 73. The wheel lock member 60 is biased to the locked position (FIG. 8(A)) by the first biasing member 63, but rotates clockwise around the pin 65 against the biasing force, and the lock portion 62 disengages from the lock recessed portions 44 of the wheel 40, thereby establishing the driving state.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 5A, the operating member 50 is biased toward the upper position by the second biasing member 80. Therefore, when the foot is released from the operating member 50, the biasing force of the second biasing member 80 attempts to return the operating member 50 to its original upper position. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7A, the engagement claw 56 is biased toward the engagement tooth 72 by the third biasing member 55. The biasing force of the third biasing member 55 is set to be smaller than the biasing force of the second biasing member 80. In addition, a protrusion 32 is provided on the cover 30 and engages with the engagement tooth 72 of the transmission member 70. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7C, with the counterclockwise rotation of the transmission member 70 restricted, the engagement claw 56 is pushed inward against the biasing force of the third biasing member 55, and the biasing force of the second biasing member 80 automatically returns the operating member 50 to its upper position.

[0075] (About the effects) In this way, when the user wants to park the stroller 1, the wheel locking member 60 is put into a locked state by simply pressing and stepping on the operating member 50 from above (Figs. 7 and 8), and when the user wants to drive the stroller 1, the wheel locking member 60 is put into an unlocked state by simply pressing and stepping on the operating member 50 from above (Figs. 9 and 10). In this way, the brake can be switched on and off simply by repeatedly pressing the operating member 50, such that the brake is put into a braked state by pressing the operating member once, and into a drive state by pressing the operating member again.

[0076] In the brake mechanism 2 of this embodiment, a transmission member 70 is provided between the operating member 50 and the wheel locking member 60 to transmit the movement of the operating member 50 to the wheel locking member 60. Therefore, for example, the operating member 50 can be provided at a position away from the wheel 40, and various configurations can be adopted for the operating member 50 and the wheel locking member 60, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the design of the brake mechanism 2.

[0077] The brake mechanism 2 of this embodiment is provided with a first biasing member 63 that brings the wheel locking member 60 into the locked position. Therefore, even if the positions of the locking recess 44 of the wheel 40 and the wheel locking member 60 are misaligned and the locking portion 62 of the wheel locking member 60 cannot fit between the locking recess 44, the wheel locking member 60 will not be forced to fit between the locking recess 44, but will fit when the wheel locking member 60 and the locking recess 44 are aligned due to the biasing force of the first biasing member 63, thereby preventing damage to the brake mechanism 2.

[0078] The brake mechanism of a conventional stroller 1 applies the brake when the operating member is pressed and releases the brake when the operating member is kicked up, and there is a possibility that the top of the shoes may get dirty when the operating member is kicked up.

[0079] In contrast, the brake mechanism 2 of this embodiment is provided with a second biasing member 80 that biases the operating member 50 to the upper position, so that when the pressure from the operating member 50 is released, the operating member 50 is always located in the upper position.

[0080] As a result, the user only needs to press the operating member 50 from above, and there is no need to kick the operating member 50 up, which prevents the user's shoes from getting dirty. In particular, the brake mechanism 2 of this embodiment has a first position which is an upper position and a second position which is a lower position, and the first position is higher than the second position, so that the brake state and the running state can be switched by stepping from above to below, thereby improving operability. Furthermore, the operation of switching from the running state to the brake state and the operation of switching from the brake state to the running state both involve pressing the operating member 50 from above, which simplifies the user's operation.

[0081] The brake mechanism 2 of this embodiment is equipped with a one-way clutch mechanism that is configured to engage with the operating member 50 and move together with the operating member when the operating member 50 moves from the upper position to the lower position, and to disengage from the operating member 50 and remain in a stationary position when the operating member 50 moves from the lower position to the upper position, thereby enabling stable switching between the braking state and the driving state.

[0082] In addition, in the brake mechanism 2 of this embodiment, the storage space of the wheel holder main body 22 can store part of the operating member 50, part of the wheel lock member 60, the force transmission mechanism, the first biasing member 63, and the second biasing member 80, and since the components that make up the brake mechanism 2 can be concentrated in one place, assembly and repair can be easily performed, improving workability.

[0083] (Regarding variants) A modified example of the brake mechanism according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 13. The brake mechanism 2 of the first embodiment is for a single wheel, but this modified example is different in that it is for a double wheel. Only the differences from the brake mechanism 2 shown in the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 12(A), in the brake mechanism 2A of this modification, the wheel holder 20A is disposed between the pair of wheels 40A. That is, the wheel holder 20A is positioned between the pair of wheels 40A. As shown in FIG. 11, the wheel holder main body 22A has, for example, a hollow, generally cubic shape, and a peripheral wall portion is formed by a first wall portion 23A and a second wall portion 25A provided opposite the first wall portion 23A. The first wall portion 23A is provided with a first opening 24A through which the operating portion 53 of the operating member 50 protrudes. The second wall portion 25A is provided with a second opening 26A through which the wheel locking member 60 protrudes in the left-right direction. As a result, the operating member 50 protrudes rearward and diagonally upward, and the pair of wheel locking members 60 are shaped to be able to protrude toward the pair of wheels, respectively.

[0085] Wheel holder main body 22A has an opening at its bottom, which is covered by lid 30A. As shown in Figures 11 and 13, lid 30A has a protrusion 32 at its widthwise center to prevent transmission member 70 from rotating in the reverse direction.

[0086] 11 and 12, a pair of wheel locking members 60 are provided, and a pair of case bodies 64 for fixing the wheel locking members 60 to the wheel holder 20A are also provided. A pair of transmission members 70 are provided, and their flat surfaces are overlapped with each other so that the convex portions 73 face outward (toward the wheel 40A side).

[0087] In this way, the brake mechanism 2 of the first embodiment can be used not only for a single wheel but also for the dual wheels of the brake mechanism 2A of the modified example. Because the pair of wheel locking members 60 are each biased in the locking direction by the first biasing member 63, even if one wheel locking member 60 is locked and the other wheel locking member 60 is not locked, the wheel locking member 60 is not forcibly locked to the wheel but is locked in accordance with the rotation of the wheel. Therefore, since the two wheels 40A do not need to be locked at the same time, it is possible to prevent the wheel locking member 60 from breaking down.

[0088] <Embodiment 2> The configuration and operation of a brake mechanism 2B according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 20. The brake mechanism 2B of this embodiment has the same basic configuration as the brake mechanism 2 of the first embodiment, but differs in the locations where the engagement teeth and engagement pawls are provided and in the configuration of the wheel locking member. Only the differences from the brake mechanism 2 shown in the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0089] (For each configuration) Wheel 40B of the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of lock recesses 44B spaced apart in the circumferential direction, each opening toward axle 45. Lower end 68B of wheel lock member 60B fits into these lock recesses 44B, thereby locking rotation of wheel 40B.

[0090] The operating member 50B includes an operating body 51B and an operating portion 53 that protrudes outward from the operating body 51B. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the operating body 51B is provided with an operating opening 54B that is, for example, generally circular in plan view. The operating opening 54B accommodates a transmission member 70B, a pair of engagement pawls 56, and a third biasing member 55 that biases the pair of engagement pawls 56 outward. A plurality of engagement teeth 52B, with which the pair of engagement pawls 56 engage, are provided at intervals on the peripheral wall of the operating opening 54B. These engagement pawls 56 and engagement teeth 52B constitute a one-way clutch mechanism. The operating member 50B is biased upward by a second biasing member (not shown). As in the above embodiment, the operating member 50B is rotatable about a horizontal axis.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 17, the wheel lock member 60B is, for example, a vertically elongated member having a lock main body 66B, an upper end 67B, and a lower end 68B. The upper end 67B and the lower end 68B are formed by bending the lock main body 66B in the same direction. As shown in FIG. 16, the wheel lock member 60B is held by a guide portion 26B extending vertically inside the wheel holder 20 so as to be vertically movable. The wheel lock member 60B is movable along a vertical axis. Also, as shown in FIG. 14, the wheel lock member 60B is provided with a first biasing member 63B that biases the wheel lock member 60B toward the locked position. The first biasing member 63B is, for example, a tension spring, one end of which is fixed to the wheel lock member 60B and the other end of which is fixed to the wheel holder 20.

[0092] As described above, the transmission member 70B is disposed within the opening of the operation main body 51B. As shown in FIG. 18B, the transmission member 70B has a front surface 74B and a rear surface 75B sandwiched between the front surface 74B and the operation opening 54B. As shown in FIG. 17, recesses 76B are provided at 90-degree intervals on the outer periphery of the front surface 74B. When the wheel lock member 60B is in the locked state, the upper end 67B of the wheel lock member 60B is positioned in the recesses 76B. As shown in FIG. 18A, the rear surface 75B is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion on the paper, and a gap is provided between the upper portion and the lower portion to accommodate the pair of engagement claws 56 and the third biasing member 55. The transmission member 70B is rotatable around a horizontal axis, as in the above embodiment. Preferably, the front surface 74B and the rear surface 75B are formed from the same member.

[0093] As shown in Figure 14, when the wheel locking member 60B is in the locked state, the upper end 67A of the wheel locking member 60B is inserted into the recess 76B of the transmission member 70B, and the lower end 68B is inserted into the lock recess 44B of the wheel 40B. As a result, the wheel locking member 60B moves in conjunction with the movement of the transmission member 70B. Furthermore, when the wheel locking member 60B is in the unlocked state, as shown in Figure 19(D), the upper end 67B of the wheel locking member 60B moves out of the recess 76B of the transmission member 70B, i.e., between the transmission member 70B and the operation opening 54B of the operation main body 51B, and the lower end 68B disengages from the lock recess 44B of the wheel 40B.

[0094] (About operation) First, the operation for changing from the braking state to the running state will be described with reference to Figure 19. The state shown in Figure 19(A) is the braking state, in which the lower end 68B of the wheel locking member 60B is fitted into the lock recess 44B of the wheel 40B. The state shown in Figure 19(D) is the running state, in which the lower end 68B of the wheel locking member 60B is disengaged from the lock recess 44B of the wheel 40B.

[0095] As shown in Figure 19(A), in the braking state, the upper end 67B of the wheel lock member 60B fits into the recess 76B of the transmission member 70, and the lower end 68B of the wheel lock member 60B fits into the lock recess 44B of the wheel 40. Furthermore, the engagement teeth 52B of the operating member 50B and the engagement pawl 56 of the transmission member 70B are engaged with each other. In this state, when the operating member 50 is pressed downward, the transmission member 70 also rotates counterclockwise, as shown in Figure 19(B).

[0096] Because the operating member 50 is biased toward the upper position by the second biasing member (not shown), when the foot is released from the operating member 50, it automatically returns to the upper position as shown in Figures 19(B) and 19(C). In this case, the biasing force of the first biasing member 63B is set smaller than the biasing force of the second biasing member (not shown) of the operating member 50B. Therefore, the engaging claw 56 is pressed inward against the biasing force of the third biasing member 55, and the biasing force of the second biasing member moves the operating part 53 upward.

[0097] 19(D), when only the operating member 50B rotates and the engagement pawl 56 engages with the engagement tooth 52B of the operating member 50B, the operating member 50B is pushed outward by the biasing force of the third biasing member 55, and the engagement pawl 56 engages with the engagement tooth 52B of the operating member 50. Furthermore, the upper end 67B of the wheel lock member 60B disengages from the recess 76B of the transmission member 70, and the lower end 68B thereof remains disengaged from the lock recess 44 of the wheel 40. In this way, by pressing the operating member 50 once, the brake state can be changed to the running state.

[0098] Next, referring to Figure 20, a description will be given of a state in which the wheel 40B transitions from a state in which the wheel 40B rotates to a state in which the wheel 40B is prohibited from rotating. The state shown in Figure 20(A) is the running state in which the lower end 68B of the wheel locking member 60B is disengaged from the lock recess 44B of the wheel 40. The state shown in Figure 20(D) is the braking state in which the lower end 68B of the wheel locking member 60 is fitted into the lock recess 44B of the wheel 40.

[0099] As shown in Figure 20(A), in the traveling state, the upper end 67B of the wheel lock member 60B is disengaged from the recessed portion 76B of the transmission member 70, and the lower end 68B thereof is disengaged from the lock recessed portion 44B of the wheel 40. Furthermore, the engagement tooth 52B of the operating member 50 and the engagement pawl 56 of the transmission member 70 are engaged with each other. In this state, when the operating member 50 is pressed downward, the transmission member 70 also rotates counterclockwise, as shown in Figure 20(B).

[0100] Because the operating member 50 is biased toward the upper position by the second biasing member (not shown), when the foot is removed from the operating member 50, it automatically returns to the upper position as shown in Figures 20(B) and 20(C). In this case, the biasing force of the first biasing member 63B is set smaller than the biasing force of the second biasing member of the operating member 50B. Therefore, the engaging claws 56 are pushed inward against the biasing force of the third biasing member 55, and the biasing force of the second biasing member moves the operating member 50B upward.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 20(D), when only the operating member 50 rotates and the engagement pawl 56 engages with the engagement tooth 52B of the operating member 50, the third biasing member 55 pushes the operating member 50 outward, causing the engagement pawl 56 to engage with the engagement tooth 52B of the operating member 50. Furthermore, the upper end 67B of the wheel locking member 60B engages with the recess 76B of the transmission member 70, and the lower end 68B engages with the lock recess 44B of the wheel 40. In this way, pressing the operating member 50 once changes the vehicle from the braking state to the running state, and pressing it again changes the vehicle from the running state to the braking state. In this way, the wheel locking member 60B can be alternately switched between the locked and unlocked positions each time the operating member 50 is pressed. Specifically, pressing the operating member 50 twice to change the vehicle from the running state to the braking state and then back to the running state results in the transmission member 70 rotating 95 degrees.

[0102] In this embodiment, a protrusion 32 may be provided to prevent reverse rotation of the transmission member 70, as shown in the first embodiment. For example, such a protrusion is preferably provided in the operation opening 54B of the operation unit 53.

[0103] <Third Embodiment> The configuration and operation of a brake mechanism 2C according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 21 to 24. The brake mechanism 2C of this embodiment differs from the brake mechanisms 2 to 2B of the above-described embodiments in that a link portion is used as a transmission member. Only the differences from the brake mechanisms 2 to 2B described above will be described in detail.

[0104] (For each configuration) Wheel 40C has locking recesses 44C on the wheel 40C side, similar to wheel 40B in the second embodiment. Locking recesses 44C are provided radially, with rounded tips. Operating member 50C is, for example, a rod-shaped member, and is rotatably connected to wheel holder 20 via a rotation shaft 58C. Operating member 50C is constantly biased to an upward position by a second biasing member 80, shown by a dashed line.

[0105] The transmission member 70C is a link member having one end (upper end) rotatably connected to the operating member 50C via a rotation shaft 74C. The other end (lower end) of the transmission member 70C is movably connected to a cam groove 92C of the wheel lock member 60C via a slide shaft 75C. The link member 70C in this embodiment is a rod-shaped member extending vertically, but it may be any member that connects the operating member 50C and the wheel lock member 60C.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 23, the wheel locking member 60C includes a plate-shaped locking body 91C, a cam groove 92C provided in the locking body 91C, and a locking portion 62C protruding downward from the locking body 91C. As described above, the cam groove 92C displaceably receives the slide shaft 75C of the linking member 70C. The cam groove 92C is an elongated hole extending along the traveling direction of the wheel 40C. The front-rear direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 21 coincides with the traveling direction. The wheel locking member 60C is rotatably attached to the wheel holder 20 by the fixed shaft 90C.

[0107] 24, the cam groove 92C has a first recess 93C located at one end of the elongated hole and recessed downward, a second recess 95C located at the other end of the elongated hole and recessed downward, and a connecting portion 94C connecting the first recess 93C and the second recess 95C. The connecting portion 94C extends linearly, but the first recess 93C and the second recess 95C are inclined so that their depths increase toward their ends. The locking portion 62C is located below the cam groove 92C.

[0108] (About operation) The operation of the brake mechanism 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 24. FIG. 24(A) shows the vehicle in a traveling state with the wheel locking member 60C in the unlocked position. In this state, when the operating member 50C is stepped on and moved from the upper position to the lower position, the link member 70C is pressed, as shown in FIG. 24(B), causing the link member 70C to tilt rearward and press the first recessed portion 93C of the cam groove 92C. Further, due to the pressure from the link member 70C, the wheel locking member 60C moves to the locked position, and the locking portion 62C fits between the locking recessed portions 44C. In this way, the link member 70C presses the first recessed portion 93C and is displaced, so the first recessed portion 93C is in the "first operation transmitting position."

[0109] As shown in Figure 24(B), when the foot is released from the operating member 50C after the braking state is established, the operating member 50C moves from the lower position to the upper position due to the biasing force of the second biasing member 80 (Figure 21), and assumes the state shown in Figure 24(C). With the wheel lock member 60C maintained in the locked position, the slide shaft 75C of the link member 70C moves along the connecting portion 94C and reaches the second recess 95C. In this way, because the link member 70C moves along the connecting portion 94C, the connecting portion 94C is in the guide position.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 24(C), when the brake state is established and the operating member 50C is pressed again to move it from the upper position to the lower position, the link member 70C is pressed against the second recess 95C, causing the link member 70C to tilt forward and press the second recess 95C of the cam groove 92C, as shown in FIG. 24(D). Furthermore, the pressure from the link member 70C moves the wheel lock member 60C to the unlock position, and the lock portion 62C is disengaged from the lock recess 44C. In this way, the link member 70C is displaced by pressing the second recess 95C, and the second recess 95C is in the "second operation transmitting position."

[0111] The brake mechanism 2C of this embodiment can be simply configured in that the transmission member 70C is made of a link member and the slide shaft 75C of the link member is received in the cam groove 92C, so that the running state and the braking state can be achieved simply by moving the slide shaft 75C of the link member 70C back and forth along the cam groove 92C. Therefore, compared to the structures of the other embodiments, the brake mechanism 2C of this embodiment can have a smaller number of parts, resulting in a simpler structure and simpler operation.

[0112] (Regarding variants) A modified example of the brake mechanism 2C according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 25 and 26. Figure 25 shows a modified example of the shape of the wheel locking member, and Figure 26 shows a modified example of the dual wheels.

[0113] In the brake mechanism 2C of the third embodiment, the lock portion 62C of the wheel lock member 60C is directly fixed to the lock main body 91C. However, as shown in FIG. 25, the wheel lock member 60D of this modification may be elastically supported by a first biasing member 63D. The first biasing member 63D may be, for example, a coil spring, and is biased in a direction to lock the wheel lock member 60D. Specifically, the wheel lock member 60D is provided with a downward opening 97D that opens downward, and the lock portion 62D and the first biasing member 63D are disposed within the downward opening 97D.

[0114] Although the brake mechanism 2C in the third embodiment is a single-wheel brake mechanism, it may be a dual-wheel brake mechanism like the brake mechanism 2E of this modification, as shown in Fig. 26. In this case, like the brake mechanism 2A of the modification of the first embodiment (Figs. 11 and 12), the wheel holder 20 may be disposed between the wheels 40C, and the wheel lock member 60 may engage with each wheel 40C.

[0115] In the present embodiment, cam groove 92C is formed as an elongated hole, and first recess 93C and second recess 95C are formed therein, but the shape is not limited to this. For example, the shape of cam groove 92C may be selected so as to have the following positions a) to c). a) A first operation transmitting position in which, when the operating member is moved from the first position to the second position, the wheel locking member is brought to the locked position by pressure from the link member. b) A guide position in which, when the operating member is moved from the second position to the first position by the biasing force of the second biasing member, the other end of the link member is displaced while maintaining the wheel locking member in the locked position. c) A second operation transmitting position in which, when the wheel locking member is in the locked position and the operating member is moved from the first position to the second position, the wheel locking member is brought to the unlocked position by the pressing force from the link member.

[0116] <Fourth Embodiment> 27 to 34, the configuration and operation of a brake mechanism 2F according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The brake mechanism 2F of this embodiment is similar to the brake mechanisms 2 to 2E described above in that the operating member rotates around a horizontal axis, but differs from the brake mechanisms 2 to 2E described above in that the transmission member slides along the horizontal axis of the operating member and in that a heart-shaped cam groove is used. Only the differences from the brake mechanisms 2 to 2E shown in the first to third embodiments will be described in detail.

[0117] (For each configuration) As shown in Figures 27 to 29, the wheel holder 20 has substantially the same shape as the wheel holder 20 of the first embodiment and includes a cylindrical wheel holder main body 22F having a storage space and a lid portion 30F. The wheel holder main body 22F and the lid portion 30F are fixed at, for example, three locations. The storage space of the wheel holder 20F contains an operating member 50F, a wheel locking member 60F, a transmission member 70F, a second biasing member 80F, a first biasing member 63F, an insertion pin 100F, and a groove support portion 120F, and when the lid portion 30F is closed, only the operating portion 53 protrudes obliquely upward and rearward.

[0118] 28, a groove support portion 120F is fixed to a recess 23F formed in the first wall portion 23 of the wheel holder main body 22F. A heart-shaped cam groove 110F shown in Fig. 32 is formed in the groove support portion 120F. The heart-shaped cam groove 110F will be described later.

[0119] The operating member 50F rotates about a horizontal axis, similarly to the above-described first to third embodiments. As shown in Fig. 29, the operating main body 51F of the operating member 50F is, for example, cylindrical, and a first step 57F is formed on its inner circumferential surface. The first step 57F extends at an angle from one end to the other end in the width direction, with a concave shape on the wheel 40F side and a convex shape on the outward side.

[0120] The wheel locking member 60F is a rod-shaped member extending in the axial direction and is biased to the locked position by a first biasing member 63F. The first biasing member 63F is, for example, a torsion spring. As shown in FIG. 31(A), the wheel locking member 60F and the first biasing member 63F are attached to a transmission member 70F. Therefore, as the transmission member 70F moves, the wheel locking member 60F and the first biasing member 63F also move.

[0121] The transmission member 70F is, for example, hollow and cylindrical, and has a second step portion 77F formed on its outer circumferential surface. The first step portion 57F of the operation body 51F abuts and meshes with this second step portion 77F in the width direction. Similar to the first step portion 57F, the second step portion 77F extends at an angle from one end to the other end in the width direction, with a convex shape on the wheel 40F side and a concave shape on the outward side.

[0122] As shown in Fig. 31(A), since transmission member 70F fits into operation main body 51F, first step portion 57F of operation main body 51F abuts against second step portion 77F of transmission member 70F in the width direction. Therefore, by pressing operation unit 53 downward, second step portion 77F of transmission member 70F slides toward the wheel in the width direction on first step portion 57F of operation main body 51F, as shown in Fig. 31(B). The operation of transmission member 70F will be described later.

[0123] As shown in Figure 31(A), an insertion pin 100F is connected to the transmission member 70F. The insertion pin 100F includes a fixed portion 101F fixed to the transmission member 70F, a rod-shaped portion 102F extending axially from the fixed portion 101F, and a pin portion 103F provided at the tip of the rod-shaped portion 102F. The insertion pin 100F is slightly movable up and down, and in particular, the pin portion 103F is movable within the heart-shaped cam groove 110F of the groove support portion 120F described above. The transmission member 70F is also biased in the direction opposite to the wheel 40F by a fourth biasing member 78F.

[0124] 32, the heart-shaped cam groove 110F is a groove that is generally heart-shaped in a plan view. Specifically, the heart-shaped cam groove 110F is formed by a first path groove 111F that extends linearly from a first tilt position 121F to a second tilt position 122F, a second path groove 112F that turns back from the second tilt position 122F to extend to a third tilt position 123F that is located at the other end different from the first tilt position 121F, a third path groove 113F that turns back from the third tilt position 123F to extend to a fourth tilt position 124F that is located at the other end different from the second tilt position 122F, and a fourth path groove 114F that turns back from the fourth tilt position 124F to extend to the first tilt position 121F that is located at the other end different from the third tilt position 123F.

[0125] The pin portion 103F of the insertion pin 100F is engaged with the heart-shaped cam groove 110F, and moves in a circular motion along the heart-shaped cam groove 110F as the operating member 50F is displaced from the upper position to the lower position. In this way, the heart-shaped cam groove 110F functions as a guide for guiding the insertion pin 100F.

[0126] (About operation) The operation for changing from the running state to the braking state will be described with reference to Figures 30, 31, 33, and 34. The states shown in Figures 30(A), 31(A), 33(A), and 34(A) are the running state, which is an unlocked state in which the wheel locking member 60F is not fitted into the lock recess 44F of the wheel 40F. The states shown in Figures 30(B), 31(B), 33(B), and 34(B) are the braking state, which is a locked state in which the wheel locking member 60F protrudes toward the wheel 40F and is fitted into the lock recess 44F of the wheel 40F.

[0127] 31(A), in particular, in the traveling state, the transmission member 70F is inserted into the operating member 50F. Therefore, the wheel lock member 60F attached to the transmission member 70F via the third biasing member is located inside the wheel holder 20 and does not protrude outward from the wheel holder 20. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 31(A) and 34(A), the first step portion 57F of the operating member 50F and the second step portion 77F of the transmission member 70F are engaged with each other, and the pin portion 103F of the insertion pin 100F is positioned in the first tilt position 121F.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 33(B), when the operating member 50F is stepped on to move it from the upper position to the lower position, as shown in FIG. 34(B), the operating member 50F moves to the lower position, and as a result, the first step portion 57F of the operating member 50F engages with the second step portion 77F of the transmission member 70F, causing the transmission member 70F to slide widthwise toward the wheel 40F. In other words, rotation of the operating member 50F is converted into movement along the horizontal axis of the transmission member 70F. As a result, the wheel lock member 60F provided on the transmission member 70F protrudes toward the wheel 40F and fits into the lock recess 44F of the wheel 40F. In addition, the pin portion 103F of the insertion pin 100F moves to the second inclined position 122F via the first path groove 111F.

[0129] The operating member 50F is constantly biased toward the upper position by the second biasing member 80. Therefore, when the foot is removed from the operating member 50F, the operating portion 53 automatically returns to the upper position due to the biasing force of the second biasing member 80, as shown in FIG. 33(C). At this time, as shown in FIG. 34(C), the pin portion 103F of the insertion pin 100F moves to the third inclined position 123F via the second path groove 112F. Therefore, the transmission member 70F is held in a position on the wheel 40F side, and the wheel lock member 60 remains locked even if the operating portion 53 moves to the upper position.

[0130] Next, the operation for changing from the braking state to the running state will be described. As shown in Figure 31(D), in the braking state, the transmission member 70F slides toward the wheel 40F of the operating member 50F, so that the wheel lock member 60F protrudes from the wheel holder 20 and fits into the lock recess 44F.

[0131] In this state, when the operating member 50F is stepped on to move it from the upper position to the lower position, as shown in Fig. 34(D), the first step portion 57F of the operating member 50F and the second step portion 77F of the transmitting member 70F are not engaged with each other and do not contribute to their movement. However, the pin portion 103F of the insertion pin 100F moves to the fourth tilt position 124F via the third path groove 113F and returns to the first tilt position 121F via the fourth path groove 114F due to the biasing force of the second biasing member 80, which biases the operating member 50F to the upper position. As a result, the transmitting member 70F moves to the right position on the paper, allowing the wheel locking member 60F to be pulled out of the lock recess 44F, thereby achieving the traveling state shown in Fig. 34(A).

[0132] <Fifth Embodiment> (For each configuration) The configuration and operation of a brake mechanism 2G according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 35 to 40. The brake mechanism 2G of this embodiment uses a heart-shaped cam groove like the brake mechanism 2G of the fourth embodiment, but differs in that one end of a second biasing member 80G is engaged with the heart-shaped cam groove. Only the differences from the brake mechanisms shown in the above embodiments will be described in detail.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 36, a wheel holder 20G has a vertically elongated hole 22G, a through-hole 23G, a heart-shaped cam groove 110G, and a long cutout 24G provided on the side surface of a wheel holder support portion 21G.

[0134] The operating member 50G includes a pair of side surface portions 51G located on the sides of the wheel holder 20G and an operating portion 53G spanning the pair of side surface portions 51G and protruding forward. The pair of side surface portions 51G are provided with a first horizontally elongated hole 54G, a second horizontally elongated hole 55G located below the first horizontally elongated hole 54G, and a through-hole 56G. The length of the first horizontally elongated hole 54G is preferably shorter than the length of the second horizontally elongated hole 55G.

[0135] The second biasing member 80G is, for example, a torsion spring and includes a spring main body 81G, one end 82G extending from the spring main body 81G to one side, and the other end 83G extending from the spring main body 81G to the other side. The one end 82G is fixed to a second engagement pin 58G that passes through the through hole 23G of the wheel holder 20G and the through hole 56G of the operating member 50G. The other end 83G passes through the second horizontally elongated hole 55G of the operating member 50G of the wheel holder 20G and engages with the heart-shaped cam groove 110G of the wheel holder 20G. As a result, the operating member 50G is biased upward by the second biasing member 80G.

[0136] The transmission member 70G is, for example, T-shaped and has a horizontal portion 71G and a vertical portion 72G. A through-hole 73G that penetrates the horizontal portion 71G in the width direction is provided, and a first biasing member 63 is inserted into the vertical portion 72G. The first biasing member 63G is, for example, a torsion spring, and biases a wheel locking member 60G (described later) to the locked position.

[0137] The wheel lock member 60G has a lock main body 61G and a rod-shaped lock portion 62G fixed to the lock main body 61G. The lock main body 61G and a vertical portion 72G are not connected to each other, and the vertical portion 72G passes through a through-hole provided in the lock main body 61G and serves to position the first biasing member 63. The wheel lock member 60G and the transmission member 70G are biased downward by the first biasing member 63.

[0138] A first engagement pin 57G passes through the first horizontally elongated hole 54G of the operating member 50G, the vertically elongated hole 22G of the wheel holder 20G, and the through-hole 73G of the transmission member 70G. Furthermore, a second engagement pin 58G passes through the through-hole 56G of the operating member 50G and the through-hole 23G of the wheel holder 20G and fixes one end 82G of the second biasing member 80G. As a result, when the operating part 53G is pressed, the operating member 50G rotates about the first engagement pin 57G, and the transmission member 70G moves up and down together with the operating member 50G.

[0139] 36, the heart-shaped cam groove 110G is a groove that is generally heart-shaped in a plan view. Specifically, the heart-shaped cam groove 110G is formed by a first path groove 111G that extends linearly from a first tilt position 121G to a second tilt position 122G, a second path groove 112G that turns back from the second tilt position 122G to extend to a third tilt position 123G that is located at the other end different from the first tilt position 121G, a third path groove 113G that turns back from the third tilt position 123G to extend to a fourth tilt position 124G that is located at the other end different from the second tilt position 122G, and a fourth path groove 114G that turns back from the fourth tilt position 124G to extend to the first tilt position 121G that is located at the other end different from the third tilt position 123G.

[0140] The bottom surface of the first route groove 111G has a first flat surface 111aG located on the first inclined position 121G side and a second inclined surface 111bG that is continuous with the first flat surface 111aG and slopes so that its depth decreases toward the second inclined position 122G. The bottom surface of the second route groove 112G has a step at its boundary with the second inclined surface 111bG and slopes so that its depth decreases toward the third inclined position 123G. Similar to the groove surface of the second route groove 112G, the third route groove 113G has a step at its boundary with the third route groove 113G and slopes so that its depth decreases toward the fourth inclined position 124G. The bottom surface of the fourth route groove 114G is a flat surface with the same depth as the first flat surface 111a.

[0141] One end 82G of the second biasing member 80G is engaged with the heart-shaped cam groove 110G, and moves in a circular motion along the heart-shaped cam groove 110G as the operating member 50G is displaced from the upper position to the lower position. By engaging with the heart-shaped cam groove 110G, the one end 82G of the second biasing member 80G maintains the position of the operating member 50G and the state of the wheel locking member 60G.

[0142] (About operation) The operation of the brake mechanism 2G will be described with reference to Figures 37 to 39. The states shown in Figures 37(A), 38(A), and 39(A) are the vehicle traveling state, in which the locking portion 62 of the wheel locking member 60G is not fitted into the locking recessed portion 44G of the wheel 40. When the operating portion 53G is pressed downward from this state, the operating member 50G tilts, and as shown in Figure 40(B), the transmission member 70G moves downward, and the lock main body portion 61G moves downward due to the biasing force of the first biasing member 63G, and the locking portion 62G fits into the locking recessed portion 44G of the wheel 40G.

[0143] Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 39(A) and 39(B), one end 82G of the second biasing member 80G fitted in the heart-shaped cam groove 110G passes through the first path groove 111G and stops at the second inclined position 122G. As shown in FIG. 37, as the first path groove 111G moves from the first inclined position 121G to the second inclined position 122G, it passes through the first flat surface 111aG and the second inclined surface 111bG and stops at the second inclined position 122G. Because the operating member 50G is biased upward by the second biasing member 80G, it moves along the second path groove 112G and stops at the third inclined position 123G. As a result, the operating member 50 is maintained in the downward position shown in FIG. 38(B), and the wheel locking member 60 is maintained in the locked state.

[0144] To change from the braking state shown in Figure 37(B) to the running state shown in Figure 37(D), the operating member 50 in the lower position is pressed again from above as shown in Figure 37(C). The transmission member 70G moves downward once against the biasing force of the second biasing member 80, and then the biasing force of the second biasing member 80G returns the operating member 50 to its original upper position. As shown in Figure 40(C), the transmission member 70G moves upward, and the lock main body 66G moves upward, causing the lock portion 62G to disengage from the lock recess 44G of the wheel 40G.

[0145] 39(C) and 39(D), one end 82G of the second biasing member 80G fitted in the heart-shaped cam groove 110G passes through the third path groove 113G and the fourth path groove 114G and stops at the first inclined position 121G. As a result, the operating member 50 is maintained in the upper position shown in FIG. 38(D), and the wheel lock member 60 is maintained in the unlocked state.

[0146] The brake mechanism 2G of this embodiment has one end of the second biasing member 80G connected to the operating member 50G and the other end connected to the wheel holder 20G, so that the number of parts can be reduced compared to the structures of other embodiments, resulting in a simple structure.

[0147] Furthermore, the brake mechanism 2G of this embodiment differs from the other embodiments in that when the wheel locking member 60G is in the unlocked position, the operating member 50G is in the upper position (Figure 38(A)), and when the wheel locking member 60G is in the locked position, the operating member 50G is in the lower position (Figure 38(C)). Therefore, the running state and braking state can be determined from the position of the operating member 50G, thereby preventing malfunction.

[0148] In the brake mechanism 2G of this embodiment, although the height position of the operating member 50G differs depending on whether the wheel locking member 60G is in the locked position or the unlocked position, the wheel locking member 60G can be switched between the locked position and the unlocked position each time the operating member 50G is moved from the upper position (first position) to the lower position (second position).

[0149] (Regarding variants) In the brake mechanism 2G of the present embodiment, the heart-shaped cam groove 110G is provided in the wheel holder 20G, but it may be provided in the operating member 50. In this case, it is sufficient that one end of the second biasing member 80G is fixed to the wheel holder 20G and the other end is inserted into the heart-shaped cam groove 110G provided in the operating member 50.

[0150] Furthermore, in the brake mechanism 2G of this embodiment, when the wheel locking member 60G is in the unlocked position, the operating member 50G is in the upper position, and when the wheel locking member 60G is in the locked position, the operating member 50G is in the lower position. However, as in the above-described embodiment, the operating member may be in the upper position even when the wheel locking member 60G is in the unlocked position.

[0151] <Regarding modified examples spanning multiple embodiments> In all the above embodiments, the wheels have been described as being casters, but the wheels may be simple wheels that do not rotate around a vertical axis.

[0152] In the above embodiments, the "force transmission mechanism" has been described as including the transmission member and the first biasing member and bringing the wheel locking unit to the locked position in response to the displacement of the operating member from the upper position to the lower position. In the first and second embodiments, the transmission mechanism constituting the force transmission mechanism is a one-way clutch mechanism, but it may also be a link member as in the third embodiment, or may have various other configurations.

[0153] In addition, in the above embodiment, a first biasing member that biases the wheel locking member to the locked position and a second biasing member that biases the operating member to the first position (upper position) are provided, but these do not necessarily have to be provided in the brake mechanism and can be selected depending on the required accuracy of the brake mechanism.

[0154] In all of the above embodiments, the operating member rotates via a shaft, but it may be attached to the wheel holder so as to be displaceable between a first position and a second position, and may, for example, be slidable up and down without rotating around a shaft. Also, throughout the specification, the first position is described as the upper position and the second position as the lower position, but the operating member may also move in the width direction or the front-to-rear direction, for example.

[0155] In embodiments 1 and 2, the operating member and the transmission member rotate around a common horizontal axis, and in embodiment 4, the operating member rotates around a horizontal axis and the transmission member slides along the horizontal axis of the operating member, but the operating member and the transmission member may rotate in different directions, and the rotation direction is not limited.

[0156] Furthermore, while the one-way clutch mechanisms disclosed in the first and second embodiments include a third biasing member that biases the engagement pawl to the engagement position, they may be configured with at least an engagement pawl and an engagement tooth. Furthermore, the one-way clutch mechanism is not limited to a configuration of an engagement tooth and an engagement pawl, as long as it is configured to engage with the operating member and move together with the operating member in the direction in which the operating member moves from the first position to the second position, and to disengage from the operating member and remain in a stationary position in the direction in which the operating member moves from the second position to the first position.

[0157] In all of the above embodiments, the storage space of the wheel holder body accommodates all components of the brake mechanism, such as part of the operating member, part of the wheel locking member, the force transmission mechanism, and the first biasing member. However, part of the operating part of the operating member is always positioned outward, and the locking part of the wheel locking member is positioned outward when in the locked state.

[0158] Although a plurality of embodiments have been described in this specification, the configurations of the embodiments may be extracted and combined with each other.

[0159] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Various modifications and variations can be made to the illustrated embodiments within the same scope as the present invention or within an equivalent scope. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 1 stroller (childcare equipment), 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G brake mechanism, 10 body frame, 20, 20A, 20F, 20G wheel holder, 30, 30A, 30F cover portion, 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40F, 40G wheel, 50, 50B, 50C, 50F, 50G operating member, 52B engagement tooth, 55 third biasing member, 56 engagement claw, 60, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60F, 60G wheel lock member, 63, 63B, 63D, 63F, 63G first biasing member, 70, 70B, 70F, 70G transmission member, 70C link member (transmission member), 72 engagement tooth, 80, 80F, 80G Second urging member, 93C first recess (first operation transmission position), 96C guide position, 95C second recess (second operation transmission position), 110F, 110G heart-shaped cam groove, 111F, 111G first path groove, 112F, 112G second path groove, 113F, 113G third path groove, 114F, 114G fourth path groove, 121F, 121G first inclined position, 122F, 122G second inclined position, 123F, 123G third inclined position, 124F, 124G fourth inclined position.

Claims

1. a wheel holder attached to a body frame of the childcare equipment; a wheel supported by the wheel holder so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis; an operating member attached to the wheel holder so as to be displaceable between a first position and a second position; a wheel locking member supported by the wheel holder so as to be displaceable between a locked position where the wheel is engaged with the wheel to inhibit rotation of the wheel and an unlocked position where the wheel is not engaged with the wheel to allow rotation of the wheel; a force transmission mechanism that brings the wheel locking member to the locking position in response to displacement of the operating member from the first position to the second position, the force transmission mechanism includes a transmission member that is displaced by receiving a force from the operation member, The transmission member is a one-way clutch mechanism configured to engage with the operating member and move together with the operating member in the direction in which the operating member moves from the first position to the second position, and to disengage from the operating member and remain in a stationary position in the direction in which the operating member moves from the second position to the first position.

2. The brake mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising a second biasing member biasing the operating member to the first position.

3. the first position of the operating member is an upper position higher than the second position, The brake mechanism according to claim 2 , wherein the operating member is positioned in the upper position by the second biasing member.

4. 4. The brake mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the transmission member switches between a first state in which the wheel locking member is brought to the locked position and a second state in which the wheel locking member is brought to the unlocked position each time the operation of the operating member is performed from the first position to the second position.

5. 4. The brake mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the operating member and the transmission member are configured to be rotatable about a horizontal axis.

6. the one-way clutch mechanism includes an engagement tooth provided on one of the transmission member or the operation member, and an engagement pawl provided on the other of the transmission member or the operation member, 3. The brake mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the engaging claw is displaceable between an engaging position where it engages with the engaging tooth and an engaged position where it does not engage with the engaging tooth.

7. 7. The brake mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the one-way clutch mechanism further includes a third biasing member that biases the engagement pawl toward the engagement position.

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