baby carriage

Abstract

To provide a stroller that is easy for the operator to distinguish when unlocking one of two different locking mechanisms. [Solution] The vehicle comprises a body frame including wheels, a handle frame, a first locking mechanism that can switch between locking and unlocking one movable part of the body frame, a second locking mechanism that can switch between locking and unlocking another movable part of the body frame, and an operating member provided on the handle frame that selectively operates one of the first and second locking mechanisms. The operating member is operable in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, and in response to operating the operating member in the first direction, the first locking mechanism is switched to a locked state or an unlocked state, and in response to operating the operating member in the second direction, the second locking mechanism is switched to a locked state or an unlocked state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a baby stroller, and more particularly to a baby stroller having a locking mechanism on a movable part of a vehicle body frame.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a baby stroller has a movable part that enables the main body to be folded, a movable part that enables the push bar to be switched from a rear push state to a face-to-face push state, and the like. It is well-known to provide a locking mechanism for these movable parts so that an operator of the baby stroller can release the locked state of a desired locking mechanism by an operation at hand while holding the handle.

[0003] In Japanese Patent No. 7315517 (Patent Document 1), in a baby stroller having a first locking mechanism and a second locking mechanism, a locking release device that houses a first locking release module and a second locking release module in which the first and second locking mechanisms are connected via a wire is provided on the handle.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In Patent Document 1, by moving a selection member slidable along the central axis of the handle to one side, either the first or the second locking release module becomes operable. In this state, when the operating member is pushed, the one locking release module is operated, and the lock of the corresponding locking mechanism is released.

[0006] In this manner, the operator moves the selected member to either the left or right side and then presses the operating member to activate the unlock module corresponding to the locking mechanism to be unlocked. However, there is a risk that the operator may press the operating member while the left or right position of the selected member is incorrectly selected, which could lead to an unintended unlocking operation.

[0007] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide a stroller that is easy for the operator to distinguish when locking or unlocking one of two different locking mechanisms.

[0008] For this purpose, the stroller according to the present invention comprises, in a certain phase, a body frame including wheels, a handle frame responsible for operating the body frame, a first locking mechanism capable of switching between a locked state and an unlocked state for one of a plurality of movable parts of the body frame, a second locking mechanism capable of switching between a locked state and an unlocked state for another movable part of the body frame located at a different position from one movable part, and an operating member provided on the handle frame for selectively operating one of the first and second locking mechanisms. The operating member is operable in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, and in response to operating the operating member in the first direction, the first locking mechanism is switched to a locked state or an unlocked state, and in response to operating the operating member in the second direction, the second locking mechanism is switched to a locked state or an unlocked state.

[0009] Preferably, the first direction and the second direction intersect each other.

[0010] Preferably, the stroller includes a first operating member provided on the handle frame and connected to a first locking mechanism via a first connecting member, and a second operating member provided on the handle frame and connected to a second locking mechanism via a second connecting member. The first operating member operates in response to the operation of the operating member in a first direction, and the second operating member operates in response to the operation of the operating member in a second direction.

[0011] Preferably, the first operating member is displaceable between a first pre-operation position and a first post-operation position via operation of the operating member in a first direction, and the second operating member is displaceable between a second pre-operation position and a second post-operation position via operation of the operating member in a second direction. In response to the first operating member being moved from the first pre-operation position to the first post-operation position via operation of the operating member, the first locking mechanism is switched to a locked state or an unlocked state via the first connecting member, and in response to the second operating member being moved from the second pre-operation position to the second post-operation position via operation of the operating member, the second locking mechanism is switched to a locked state or an unlocked state via the second connecting member.

[0012] Preferably, the direction in which the first operating member moves from the position before the first operation to the position after the first operation is the rotational direction, and the direction in which the second operating member moves from the position before the second operation to the position after the second operation is the linear direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the handle frame includes a casing that constitutes part of the handle frame and houses a first operating member and a second operating member, the first operating member being a rotating body rotatably supported in the casing and rotatable in the rotational direction, the second operating member slidably holding an operating member in a direction intersecting the linear direction, and the first operating member having an engaging portion that can contact the operating member in the second pre-operation position.

[0014] Preferably, the system includes an elastic member that biases the second operating member toward the position before the second operation.

[0015] In another embodiment, the handle frame includes a guide member that extends along the central axis of the handle frame and is fixed to the handle frame. The operating member includes a rotary operating section that houses the guide member, a first operating member and a second operating member and operates the first operating member, and a linear operating section that operates the second operating member, wherein the rotary operating section is rotatable about the central axis of the guide member as its axis of rotation, and the first operating member is fixed to the rotary operating section.

[0016] Preferably, the rotary operating section holds the linear operating section so that it can slide in a direction that intersects the linear direction.

[0017] Preferably, a second operating member is positioned between the guide member and the linear operating section so as to be able to contact the linear operating section, and the second operating member is displaced from a position before the second operation to a position after the second operation as the linear operating section is moved toward the guide member.

[0018] Preferably, the system further includes a rotation-stopping member that can be switched between an engaged state that prohibits the rotation of the rotating operating part and an unengaged state that allows the rotation of the rotating operating part.

[0019] In another aspect, the stroller according to the present invention comprises: a body frame including wheels; a handle frame responsible for operating the movement of the body frame; a first locking mechanism capable of switching between a locked state and an unlocked state for one of a plurality of movable parts of the body frame; a second locking mechanism capable of switching between a locked state and an unlocked state for another movable part of the body frame located at a different position from one of the movable parts; a first operating member provided on the handle frame and connected to the first locking mechanism via a first connecting member, and displaceable between a first pre-operation position and a first post-operation position along one direction; a second operating member provided on the handle frame and connected to the second locking mechanism via a second connecting member, and displaceable between a second pre-operation position and a second post-operation position along a direction different from the one direction; and an operating member provided on the handle frame for selectively operating one of the first and second operating members. When the first operating member is moved by the operating member from the position before the first operation to the position after the first operation, the lock state of the first locking mechanism is released via the first connecting member, and when the second operating member is moved by the operating member from the position before the second operation to the position after the second operation, the lock state of the second locking mechanism is released via the second connecting member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] In the present invention, it is possible to selectively operate one of the first and second locking mechanisms in accordance with operating the operating member in the first direction and the second direction different from each other. Therefore, it is easy for the operator to distinguish which locking mechanism to operate.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a side view schematically showing an example of a body frame and a handle frame of a baby carriage. [Figure 2] (A) is a side view schematically showing the movement of a push bar, and (B) is a side view schematically showing the folded state of the main body. [Figure 3] It is a side view schematically showing an example of a caster locking mechanism. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view schematically showing a state of viewing a handle frame according to Embodiment 1 from below. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view of a handle frame according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a handle frame according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] (A) and (B) are cross-sectional views schematically showing a state where a first operating member according to Embodiment 1 is operated by an operating lever in a first position. [Figure 8] (A) and (B) are cross-sectional views schematically showing the relationship between a second operating member according to Embodiment 1 and an operating lever in a first position. [Figure 9] (A) and (B) are cross-sectional views schematically showing a state where a second operating member according to Embodiment 1 is operated by an operating lever in a second position. [Figure 10] (A) and (B) are cross-sectional views schematically showing the relationship between a first operating member according to Embodiment 1 and an operating lever in a second position. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a handle frame according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 12](A) and (B) are schematic cross-sectional views showing how the first operating member according to Embodiment 2 is operated by the operating lever. [Figure 13] (A) and (B) are schematic cross-sectional views showing the displacement of the second operating member according to Embodiment 2 from the position before the second operation to the position after the second operation. [Figure 14] (A) is a schematic rearward perspective view showing the handle frame according to Embodiment 3, and (B) is a schematic frontward perspective view showing the same handle frame. [Figure 15] This is an exploded perspective view of the handle frame according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 16] (A) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the handle frame according to Embodiment 3, and (B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the handle frame according to Embodiment 3 with the handle tube and guide member omitted. [Figure 17] Figures (A) to (C) are perspective views showing the displacement of the first operating member according to Embodiment 3 from the position before the first operation to the position after the first operation. [Figure 18] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the second operating member according to Embodiment 3 has been displaced to the position after the second operation. [Figure 19] (A) and (B) are diagrams that conceptually illustrate the pulling motion of the second inner wire. [Figure 20] (A) is a schematic front view showing an operating member that moves in the same direction and an operating member that is operated in different directions, and (B) is a schematic side view of the same member. [Figure 21] (A) and (B) are schematic front views showing how the operating member is operated in one direction and the first operating member moves in one direction. [Figure 22] (A) and (B) are schematic front views illustrating how the operating member is operated in opposite directions and the second operating member operates in the same direction as the first operating member. [Figure 23] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the case in which the operating lever in Embodiment 1 does not have a notch. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0023] <Overview of Strams> Figure 1 schematically shows an example of the frame of the stroller 100. The stroller 100 comprises a body frame and a handle frame 122. The body frame includes wheels 10, casters 15, front legs 16, rear legs 17, armrests 18, connecting parts 19, side bars 121, push bar locking mechanism 141, folding locking mechanism 142, and caster locking mechanism 143. In Figure 1, reference numerals A1, A2, Y1, and Y2 indicate the front, rear, top, and bottom, respectively. The same applies to the other figures.

[0024] The handle frame 122 connects the pair of side bars 121, 121 provided on the left and right sides of the stroller 100, and is responsible for moving the stroller frame. In other words, the operator grips the handle frame 122 to move the stroller 100 forward and backward. The handle frame 122 and the pair of side bars 121 constitute the push bar 12.

[0025] (Regarding the push rod lock mechanism) The push bar lock mechanism 141 is a well-known structure and is used to switch between the rear-pushing position and the front-pushing position of the push bar 12. A pair of push bar lock mechanisms 141 are provided on the left and right sides of the stroller 100, but since the operation is the same on both sides, only one side will be described below as representative.

[0026] An operating part (not shown) provided on the handle frame 122 is connected to the handle lock member 141a via a wire (not shown). When the handle lock member 141a is slid upward by operation of the operating part, the lock is released, and the push rod 12 becomes rotatable around the push rod rotation base 131, as shown in Figure 2(A). In other words, the push rod lock mechanism 141 allows the handle lock member 141a to be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0027] (Regarding the folding lock mechanism) The folding lock mechanism 142 is a well-known structure and is used to switch the stroller 100 between an unfolded state and a folded state. A pair of folding lock mechanisms 142 are provided on the left and right sides of the stroller 100, but since the operation is the same on both sides, only one side will be described below as an example.

[0028] An operating part (not shown) provided on the handle frame 122 is connected to an opening / closing locking member 142a via a wire (not shown). When the opening / closing locking member 142a is slid upward by operating the operating part, the lock is released, and the connecting part 19 becomes rotatable towards the rear and rotates around the folding rotation base 132. In this way, as shown in Figure 2(B), the position of the connecting part 19 is changed, and the stroller 100 is folded. In other words, the folding lock mechanism 142 allows the opening / closing locking member 142a to be moved to switch between a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0029] (Regarding the caster lock mechanism) Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the caster lock mechanism 143. A pair of caster lock mechanisms 143 are provided on the left and right sides of the stroller 100, but since the operation is the same on both sides, only one side will be described as representative below.

[0030] The caster lock mechanism 143 includes a push member 1431 provided on the fixed holder 151, a first spring 1432 that biases the push member 1431 downward, a lock pin 1433 eccentrically provided on the rotating holder 152, and a second spring 1434 that biases the lock pin 1433 upward. The push member 1431 is connected to the movable member 201a via a wire 201. The movable member 201a is supported from below by a drive member 202a, and the drive member 202a is connected via a wire 202 to an operating part (not shown) provided on the handle frame. The drive member 202a is biased upward by a third spring (not shown).

[0031] The biasing force of the first spring 1432 is greater than that of the second spring 1434, but the biasing force of the third spring is greater than that of the first spring 1432. Therefore, in the locked state, the pushing member 1431 is pulled upward by the biasing force of the third spring, so that the lock pin 1433 can protrude above the boundary 153 between the fixed holder 151 and the rotating holder 152 by the biasing force of the second spring 1434, and the rotation of the rotating holder 152 is prohibited.

[0032] On the other hand, when the wire 202 is pulled by the operating part to release the lock, the drive member 202a is pulled downward, and the biasing force of the first spring 1432 is exerted, causing the lock pin 1433 to be pushed downward by the pushing member 1431 to the boundary portion 153. In this way, the rotation holder 152 becomes rotatable around a rotation axis (not shown) in the caster rotation part 133. In other words, the caster lock mechanism 143 allows the lock pin 1433 to be moved to switch between a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0033] (Regarding movable parts) As described above, the stroller 100 includes three types of movable parts located in different positions from each other: a handle lock member 141a that allows the push rod 12 to rotate in accordance with the operation of the push rod lock mechanism 141; an opening / closing lock member 142a that allows the posture of the connecting part 19 to be changed in accordance with the operation of the folding lock mechanism 142; and a lock pin 1433 that allows the rotating holder 152 to rotate in accordance with the operation of the caster lock mechanism 143.

[0034] In each embodiment, any two of these three types of movable parts are moved by remotely operating the corresponding locking mechanisms 141 to 143 from the handle frame side to lock / unlock them. Any two movable parts are referred to as "one movable part" and "another movable part," and the two corresponding locking mechanisms are referred to as "the first locking mechanism" and "the second locking mechanism." Note that the structure of each movable part is illustrative and is not limited to the above structure as long as the rotation of the push bar, unfolding / folding of the stroller body and locking / unlocking of the casters can be achieved.

[0035] <Embodiment 1> Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 10. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the casing 5, which constitutes a part of the handle frame 122, from below.

[0036] (Overview of the handlebar frame) An opening 521 is formed at the bottom of the casing 5, and the operating member 4 extends downward from the opening 521. The operating member 4 is supported by the casing 5 so that it can slide in the direction in which the handle frame 122 extends (left-right direction). The left-right direction (width direction of the stroller 100) is indicated by the symbol X. The same applies to the other figures.

[0037] Referring to Figure 5, the structure of the handle frame 122 in this embodiment will be described. The handle frame 122 includes a pair of handle tubes 1221, 1221, a base member 53 attached to the handle tubes 1221, and cover members (upper cover member 51 and lower cover member 52) that sandwich the handle tubes 1221 and the base member 53 from above and below and are fixed with assembly screws 54. The upper and lower cover members 51, 52 and the base member 53 constitute a casing.

[0038] The casing constitutes part of the handle frame 122 and houses the first and second operating members 31 and 32. In this embodiment, a housing space 531 is formed in the base member 53, penetrating vertically, and the first operating member 31 and the second operating member 32 are housed in the housing space 531. The structure of the base member 53 will be described later.

[0039] (Regarding the moving parts) In this embodiment, the first and second operating members 31 and 32 are both rotating bodies that are rotatably supported on the casing 5 (base member 53) via a rotating shaft 538. The first operating member 31 has two fixing holes 311 and a first engaging portion (for example, a pin) 312 on its outer peripheral edge. Similarly, the second operating member 32 has two fixing holes 321 and a second engaging portion (for example, a pin) 322 on its outer peripheral edge. The first engaging portion 312 and the second engaging portion 322 are positioned offset from each other in the left-right direction. The first and second operating members 31 and 32 are positioned offset from each other in the front-rear direction of the stroller 100. Therefore, the connecting members connected to each operating member 31 and 32 do not interfere with each other within the handle tube 1221.

[0040] (Regarding connecting members) A pair of first connecting members 21, 21 are connected to the first operating member 31. Each first connecting member 21 includes a first inner wire 211 and a first outer cover 212 that slidably encloses the first inner wire 211. A first fixing device 61 is attached to one end of each first inner wire 211, and the first fixing device 61 is fitted into a fixing hole 311 of the first operating member 31. In this embodiment, as shown by the dashed line, the first fixing devices 61 are fitted into two fixing holes 311 that are spaced apart from each other in a straight line.

[0041] A pair of second connecting members 22, 22 are connected to the second operating member 32. Each second connecting member 22 includes a second inner wire 221 and a second outer cover 222 that slidably encloses the second inner wire 221. A second fixing device 62 is attached to one end of each second inner wire 221, and the second fixing device 62 is fitted into a fixing hole 321 of the second operating member 32. In this embodiment, as shown by the dashed line, the second fixing devices 62 are fitted into two fixing holes 321 that are spaced apart from each other in a straight line.

[0042] (Regarding the base components) The base member 53 includes a main body 530 and fixing parts 533 provided on both the left and right sides of the main body 530 and inserted into the handle tube 1221. The main body 530 includes a housing space 531 in which the first and second operating members 31 and 32 are housed, and a shaft fixing hole 532 through which the rotating shaft 538 passes from front to back. With the first and second operating members 31 and 32 arranged in the housing space 531, the rotating shaft 538 is provided in the main body 530, passing through the shaft fixing hole 532 and the first and second operating members 31 and 32. In this way, the first and second operating members 31 and 32 are rotatably supported on the rotating shaft 538 within the housing space 531 and have a common axis of rotation.

[0043] (Regarding the operating components) As described later, the operating member 4 in this embodiment activates one of the first and second locking mechanisms at a certain position and the other of the first and second locking mechanisms at another position. The operating member 4 includes an operating lever 41 and a guide portion 42 that holds the operating lever 41 so that it can slide up and down. The operating lever 41 includes a first contact portion 411 on one of its upper front sides that can contact the first engaging portion 312 of the first operating member 31, and a second notch 414 adjacent to the first contact portion 411.

[0044] Furthermore, the operating lever 41 includes a second contact portion 412 on the upper rear side that can contact the second engaging portion 322 of the second operating member 32, and a first notch 413 adjacent to the second contact portion 412. That is, the first contact portion 411 and the second contact portion 412 are formed on the operating lever 41 with a lateral offset from each other. Also, the first notch 413 and the second notch 414 are formed on the operating lever 41 with a lateral offset from each other.

[0045] The guide portion 42 has a guide opening 421 that penetrates vertically, and the operating lever 41 is inserted into the guide opening 421. As shown in Figure 4, the lower part of the operating lever 41 is exposed from the guide opening 421 and extends downward. As shown in Figure 5, a mounting groove 422 into which an elastic member 90 is fitted is formed on one side of the guide portion 42.

[0046] (Regarding the assembly state) Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the handle frame 122 as seen from the rear, showing the first connecting member 21 and the first operating member 31, while the second connecting member 22 and the second operating member 32 are omitted.

[0047] A pair of first connecting members 21 are housed in the main body 530 of the base member 53, connected to the first operating member 31. With the fixing portion 533 of the base member 53 inserted into the handle tube 1221, the base member 53 and a portion of the handle tube 1221 are surrounded by the upper and lower cover members 51 and 52. The base member 53 and the upper and lower cover members 51 and 52 are fixed to the handle tube 1221.

[0048] The operating member 4 (guide portion 42) is held in the lower cover member 52 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction. An elastic member 90 (for example, a spring or rubber) is placed between the lower cover member 52 and the guide portion 42, biasing the guide portion 42 in one direction. The guide portion 42 holds the operating lever 41 so as to be slidable in the up-down direction.

[0049] In other words, the operating member 4 is displaceable between a first position and a second position along the first direction (left-right direction), and is also displaceable from a pre-operation position to a post-operation position along the second direction (up-down direction) which intersects the first direction.

[0050] The first connecting member 21 passes inside the handle tube 1221, and the end 213 of the outer cover 212 is fixed to the mounting groove 534 of the base member 53. A fastener 61 attached to the end of the inner wire 211 is fitted into the fixing hole 311 of the first operating member 31.

[0051] (Regarding the connection between the operating component and the locking mechanism) The first connecting member 21, one end of which is connected to the first operating member 31, extends inside the handle tube 1221 and, at its other end, is connected to one of the handle lock member 141a, the opening / closing lock member 142a in Figure 1, or the drive member 202a in Figure 3. For example, a pair of left and right first connecting members 21, 21 are connected to a pair of left and right handle lock members 141a, 141a. That is, the first operating member 31 is connected via the first connecting member 21 to one of the three types of locking mechanisms 141 to 143 described above (the first locking mechanism).

[0052] The second connecting member 22, one end of which is connected to the second operating member 32, extends inside the handle tube 1221, and at its other end, is connected to a member of the handle lock member 141a, opening / closing lock member 142a in Figure 1, and drive member 202a in Figure 3 that is not connected to the first connecting member 21. For example, a pair of left and right second connecting members 22, 22 are connected to a pair of left and right opening / closing lock members 142a, 142a. In other words, the second operating member 32 is connected via the second connecting member 22 to a lock mechanism (second lock mechanism) among the three types of lock mechanisms 141 to 143 described above, which is different from the lock mechanism that is linked to the first operating member 31.

[0053] (Regarding operations in the first position) The operation of the operating member 4 will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 10, which schematically illustrate the handle frame 122 from the rear. Figures 7(A) and (B) show the relationship between the operating lever 41 and the first operating member 31.

[0054] Figure 7(A) shows the operating lever 41 in a first position P1 in the left-right direction and a pre-operation position Q1 in the up-down direction. The guide portion 42 is biased toward the first position P1 by the elastic member 90. The first inner wire 211 is attached to the first operating member 31 via the first fixing device 61. The first engaging portion 312 of the first operating member 31 is positioned to be able to contact the first contact portion 411 of the operating lever 41 (operating member) in the first position P1.

[0055] Figure 7(B) shows the state in which the operating lever 41 is pushed upward from the state in Figure 7(A), displacing it from the pre-operation position Q1 to the post-operation position Q2. In response to the displacement of the operating lever 41 from the first position P1 to the post-operation position Q2, the first operating member 31 operates, and the locked state of the first locking mechanism is released via the first connecting member 21.

[0056] Specifically, in accordance with the displacement of the operating lever 41 to the post-operation position Q2, the first engaging portion 312, which is in contact with the first contact portion 411, is pushed upward, and the first operating member 31 rotates counterclockwise on the plane of the paper around the rotation axis 538. As a result of this rotation, the fixing device 61 also rotates, causing the first inner wire 211 connected to the fixing device 61 to be wound up. This winding releases the lock state of the lock mechanism (one of the push rod lock mechanism, folding lock mechanism, and caster lock mechanism) on the other end connected to the first inner wire 211.

[0057] Figures 8(A) and 8(B) show the relationship between the operating lever 41 and the second operating member 32. Figure 8(A), similar to Figure 7(A), shows the operating lever 41 in the first position P1 and the pre-operation position Q1. The second inner wire 221 is attached to the second operating member 32 via the second fixing device 62. The second engaging portion 322 of the second operating member 32 is positioned to be received by the first notch 413.

[0058] As shown in Figure 8(B), when the operating lever 41 is pushed upward and displaced from the pre-operation position Q1 to the post-operation position Q2, the second contact portion 412 and the second engaging portion 322 do not come into contact, and the second engaging portion 322 is received by the first notch 413. Therefore, the second operating member 32 does not rotate. In other words, the first notch 413 receives the second engaging portion 322 of the second operating member 32 in a state where the first contact portion 411 of the operating lever 41 is in contact with the first engaging portion 312 of the first operating member 31 at the post-operation position Q2 (Figure 7(B)), thus avoiding contact with the second engaging portion 322.

[0059] As the operating lever 41, which is in the first position P1, is displaced from the pre-operation position Q1 to the post-operation position Q2, the first contact portion 411 contacts the first engaging portion 312, causing the first operating member 31 to rotate, while the first notch 413 receives the second engaging portion 322, preventing the second operating member 32 from rotating. Therefore, only the first operating member 31 operates, and the first locking mechanism connected to the first operating member 31 is activated.

[0060] When the upward force applied to the operating lever 41 in the post-operation position Q2 is released, a restoring force from the locking mechanism acts on the first operating member 31 via the first connecting member 21, pushing down the operating lever 41 that is in contact with the first operating member 31 and returning it to its original position (pre-operation position Q1). Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, a protrusion 313 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first operating member 31, and a receiving portion 5311 that contacts the protrusion 313 may be provided on the base member 53 to allow the operating member to rotate back appropriately.

[0061] (Regarding operations in the second position) Figures 9(A) and 9(B) show the relationship between the operating lever 41 and the second operating member 32. Figure 9(A) shows the operating lever 41 in the second position P2 and the pre-operation position Q1. That is, Figure 9(A) shows the operating member (operating lever 41 and guide portion 42) in Figure 8(A) displaced to one side in the left-right direction (second position P2) against the biasing force of the elastic member 90. In this state, the second engaging portion 322 of the second operating member 32 is positioned to be able to contact the second contact portion 412 of the operating lever 41 in the second position P2.

[0062] Figure 9(B) shows the state in which the operating lever 41 is pushed upward from the state in Figure 9(A), displacing it from the pre-operation position Q1 to the post-operation position Q2. As the operating lever 41, which is in the second position P2, is displaced to the post-operation position Q2, the second operating member 32 moves, and the locked state of the second locking mechanism is released via the second connecting member 22.

[0063] Specifically, in accordance with the displacement of the operating lever 41 to the post-operation position Q2, the second engaging portion 322, which is in contact with the second contact portion 412, is pushed upward, and the second operating member 32 rotates clockwise on the plane of the paper around the rotation axis 538. That is, it is displaced in a direction different from the displacement direction of the first operating member 31. As a result of this rotation, the second fixing device 62 also rotates, causing the second inner wire 221 connected to the second fixing device 62 to be wound up. This winding releases the locked state of the locking mechanism on the other end connected to the second inner wire 221 (among the push rod locking mechanism, folding locking mechanism, and caster locking mechanism, the mechanism not operated by the first connecting member 21).

[0064] Figures 10(A) and (B) show the relationship between the operating lever 41 and the first operating member 31. Figure 10(A) shows the operating lever 41 in the second position P2 and the pre-operation position Q1. That is, Figure 10(A) shows the operating member (operating lever 41 and guide portion 42) in Figure 7(A) displaced to one side in the left-right direction against the biasing force of the elastic member 90. Due to this displacement, the first contact portion 411 is positioned away from the first engagement portion 312, while the second notch 414 is positioned to receive the first engagement portion 312.

[0065] Figure 10(B) shows the state in which the operating lever 41 is pushed upward from the second position P2 (Figure 10(A)) and displaced from the pre-operation position Q1 to the post-operation position Q2. When the operating lever 41 is displaced to the post-operation position Q2, the first contact portion 411 and the first engaging portion 312 do not come into contact, and the first engaging portion 312 is received by the second notch 414. Therefore, the first operating member 31 does not rotate.

[0066] In other words, the second notch 414 receives the first engaging portion 312 of the first operating member 31 so as to avoid contact with the first engaging portion 312 when the second contact portion 412 of the operating lever 41 is in contact with the second engaging portion 322 of the second operating member 32 at the post-operation position Q2 (Figure 9(B)).

[0067] When the upward force applied to the operating lever 41 in the second position P2 and post-operation position Q2 is released, a restoring force from the locking mechanism acts on the second operating member 32 via the second connecting member 22, pushing down the operating lever 41 that is in contact with the second operating member 32 and returning it to the pre-operation position Q1. Furthermore, the biasing force from the elastic member 90 pushes it to one side in the left-right direction, returning it from the second position P2 to the first position P1.

[0068] According to this embodiment, to activate the first locking mechanism when the operating lever 41 is in the first position P1, the operating lever 41 is pushed upward to the post-operation position Q2 without displacing it in the left-right direction. On the other hand, to activate the second locking mechanism, the operating lever 41 is displaced to the second position P2 and then to the post-operation position Q2. In this way, operating the operating member 4 (operating lever 41) at different positions (first position P1 and second position P2) activates one of the first or second locking mechanisms, making it easy for the operator to distinguish between them. Furthermore, since the first and second operating members 31 and 32 can be selectively operated by the displacement of a single operating lever 41, it leads to a reduction in the number of parts.

[0069] While it is arbitrary which of the three locking mechanisms will be designated as the first and second locking mechanisms, it is preferable to designate the folding locking mechanism as the second locking mechanism. This is because activating the second locking mechanism requires a two-step procedure: displacing the operating lever 41 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, and then displacing it to the post-operation position Q2. This prevents the stroller body from being accidentally folded suddenly.

[0070] <Embodiment 2> Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 13. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing this embodiment.

[0071] (Overview of the handlebar frame) The handle frame 122 includes a casing that forms part of the handle frame 122. The casing includes an upper cover member 51, a lower cover member 52, and a base member 53. Fixing portions 533 on both the left and right sides of the base member 53 are inserted into the handle tube 1221. The base member 53 and a portion of the handle tube 1221 are surrounded by the upper cover member 51 and the lower cover member 52.

[0072] (Regarding the first operating member) In this embodiment, the rotating body 31 is the first operating member. The rotating body 31 is housed in the base member 53 (casing) and is rotatably supported on the base member 53 via the rotating shaft 538. That is, the rotating body 31 is rotatable in the rotational direction R1 (Figure 12(B)) around the rotating shaft 538.

[0073] The rotating body 31 is connected to the first locking mechanism via the first connecting member 21. The first connecting member 21, with one end connected to the rotating body 31, is connected at its other end to one of the handle lock member 141a, the opening / closing lock member 142a in Figure 1, or the drive member 202a in Figure 3. For example, a pair of left and right first connecting members 21, 21 are connected to a pair of left and right handle lock members 141a, 141a. That is, the first operating member 31 is connected via the first connecting member 21 to one of the three types of locking mechanisms 141 to 143 described above (the first locking mechanism).

[0074] Specifically, a first fixing device 61 is fixed to the outer peripheral edge of the rotating body 31, and a first connecting member 21, one end of which is connected to the first fixing device 61, extends inside the handle tube 1221 and is connected to a first locking mechanism at the other end. The rotating body 31 has an engaging portion 312 on its outer peripheral edge that can come into contact with the operating lever 41 (operating member). As will be described later, the rotating body 31 is displaceable between a first pre-operation position and a first post-operation position along the rotational direction.

[0075] (Regarding the second operating member) In this embodiment, the guide portion 42 is the second operating member. The guide portion 42 is housed in the lower cover member 52 (casing) and is slidable in the left-right linear direction (left-right direction X).

[0076] The guide section 42 is connected to the second locking mechanism via the second connecting member 22. The second connecting member 22, one end of which is connected to the guide section 42, is connected at its other end to one of the handle lock member 141a in Figure 1, the opening / closing lock member 142a, and the drive member 202a in Figure 3, to which the first connecting member 21 is not connected. For example, a pair of left and right second connecting members 22, 22 are connected to a pair of left and right opening / closing lock members 142a, 142a. In other words, the second operating member 32 is connected via the second connecting member 22 to a locking mechanism (the second locking mechanism) among the three types of locking mechanisms 141 to 143 described above, which is different from the locking mechanism that is linked to the first connecting member 21.

[0077] Specifically, second fasteners 62 are fixed to both the left and right sides of the guide section 42, and a second connecting member 22, one end of which is connected to the second fastener 62, extends inside the handle tube 1221 and is connected to a second locking mechanism at the other end. The guide section 42 is biased toward one side in the left-right direction by an elastic member 90A (spring or rubber, etc.) positioned between the guide section 42 and the lower cover member 52. In this embodiment, the elastic member 90A is housed inside the casing (lower cover member 52), but the arrangement is not limited to this, and the elastic member may be provided on the locking mechanism side to bias the guide section 42 toward one side in the left-right direction. As will be described later, the guide section 42 is displaceable between a position before the second operation and a position after the second operation along the left-right direction. One of the second connecting members 22 (left side of the paper) is hooked onto the hooking section 535.

[0078] (Regarding the operating components) In this embodiment, the operating member (operating lever 41) activates one of the first and second locking mechanisms when operated in one direction, as will be described later, and activates the other of the first and second locking mechanisms when operated in the other direction. The operating lever 41 is slidable in the left-right direction together with the guide portion 42, and is held by the guide portion 42 so as to be slidable in a direction intersecting the left-right direction, i.e., in the up-down direction. The operating lever 41 also has a contact portion 411 on one side in the left-right direction that contacts the engaging portion 312 of the rotating body 31, and a notch 414 is formed adjacent to the contact portion 411. As will be described later, the operating lever 41 selectively operates either the rotating body 31 or the guide portion 42.

[0079] (Regarding the operation of the first moving member) The operation of the rotating body 31 will be explained with reference to Figure 12. In Figure 12(A), the rotating body 31 is located at position P1 before the first operation, and in Figure 12(B), it is located at position P2 after the first operation.

[0080] In Figure 12(A), the rotating body 31 has an engaging portion 312 that can come into contact with the operating lever 41. That is, the engaging portion 312 is in contact with or close to the contact portion 411 of the operating lever 41. From this state, as shown in Figure 12(B), the first locking mechanism is released via the first connecting member 21 as the rotating body 31 is moved from the position P1 before the first operation to the position P2 after the first operation by operating the operating lever 41 in the upward direction Y1 (first direction).

[0081] Specifically, in accordance with the displacement of the rotating body 31 to the position P2 after the first operation, the engaging portion 312 that contacts the contact portion 411 is pushed upward, causing the rotating body 31 to rotate clockwise on the plane of the paper around the rotation axis 538. As a result of this rotation, the first fixing device 61 also rotates, causing the first connecting member 21 connected to the first fixing device 61 to be wound up. This winding releases the lock state of the lock mechanism (one of the push bar lock mechanism, folding lock mechanism, and caster lock mechanism) on the other end connected to the first connecting member 21.

[0082] When the upward force applied to the operating lever 41 at the position P2 after the first operation is released, a restoring force from the locking mechanism acts on the rotating body 31 via the first connecting member 21, pushing down the operating lever 41 that is in contact with the engaging portion 312, and the rotating body 31 returns to its original position (position P1 before the first operation).

[0083] (Regarding the operation of the second moving member) The operation of the guide portion 42 will be explained with reference to Figure 13. In Figure 13(A), the guide portion 42 is located in the position Q1 before the second operation, and in Figure 13(B), it is located in the position Q2 after the second operation. As shown in Figure 13(A), the guide portion 42 is biased toward the position Q1 before the second operation by the elastic member 90A located inside the lower cover member 52 (casing).

[0084] As shown in Figure 13(B), when the guide portion 42 is moved from the position Q1 before the second operation to the position Q2 after the second operation via operation of the operating lever 41 in one direction X1 (second direction), the locked state of the second locking mechanism is released via the second connecting member 22.

[0085] Specifically, in accordance with the displacement of the guide section 42 to the second post-operation position Q2, one of the second connecting members 22 (right side of the page), which is fixed to the guide section 42 via the second fixing device 62, is pulled by the guide section 42. The other second connecting member 22 (left side of the page), which is hooked onto the hooking portion 535, is pulled in in the opposite direction to the displacement of the guide section 42. These pulling and pulling actions release the lock state of the lock mechanism on the other end connected to the second connecting member 22 (any one of the push bar lock mechanism, folding lock mechanism, and caster lock mechanism that is not connected to the first connecting member 21).

[0086] When the external force applied to the guide portion 42 at the post-second operation position Q2 is released, the biasing force of the elastic member 90A acts on the guide portion 42, and the guide portion 42 returns to its original position (pre-second operation position Q1).

[0087] The operating lever 41 may also have a notch 414 to avoid contact between the rotating shaft 538 and the operating lever 41.

[0088] According to this embodiment, in order to activate the first locking mechanism, the operating lever 41 is pushed upward (first direction Y1) to displace the rotating body 31 from the first pre-operation position P1 to the first post-operation position P2 in the rotational direction. On the other hand, in order to activate the second locking mechanism, the operating lever 41 is slid to the left or right (second direction X1) to displace it together with the guide portion 42 from the second pre-operation position Q1 to the second post-operation position Q2 in the left or right direction. In this way, the first and second locking mechanisms can be selectively activated by changing the direction in which the operating member (operating lever 41) is operated, making them easy for the operator to distinguish between.

[0089] <Embodiment 3> Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 19. Figures 14(A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing the handle frame 122 of this embodiment, respectively.

[0090] (Overview of the handlebar frame) The handle frame 122 has a guide member 7 attached to the outer circumferential surface of the handle tube 1221, and an operating member 4 is attached to the guide member 7. In this embodiment, the operating member 4 includes a rotary operating section 43 and a linear operating section 44. As described later, when the rotary operating section 43 is operated in one direction, it activates one of the first and second locking mechanisms, and when the linear operating section 44 is operated in the other direction, it activates the other of the first and second locking mechanisms. The structure of the handle frame 122 will now be described with reference to Figures 14 to 16.

[0091] (Regarding the handlebar tube) In this embodiment, the handle tube 1221 extends in a continuous line in the left-right direction. A through hole 1222 is opened on one side of the central portion, and as will be described later, a connecting member extends through the through hole 1222 to the inside and outside of the handle tube 1221.

[0092] (Regarding guide materials) As shown in Figure 16(A), the guide member 7 extends along the central axis C of the handle frame 122 and is fixed to the handle tube 1221. As shown in Figure 15, the guide member 7 consists of an upper guide member 71 and a lower guide member 72, and is attached by sandwiching the handle tube 1221 from above and below. The upper and lower guide members 71 and 72 are each formed in a bellows-like shape with multiple protrusions 711, 721 and recesses 712, 722 that repeat in the left-right direction, and mounting grooves 713 are formed in the two protrusions 711 of the upper guide member 71.

[0093] (Regarding the rotary operation section) The rotary operating section 43 includes a front rotary operating section 431 and a rear rotary operating section 432, and is provided sandwiching the handle tube 1221 and the guide member 7 from the front and rear directions. It is rotatable around the guide member 7 with the central axis of the guide member 7 as the axis of rotation. That is, the rotary operating section 43 is operable along the rotation direction R2 (first direction) shown in Figure 14(A).

[0094] The rotary operating section 43 has a first housing section 433 that houses the handle tube 1221 and the guide member 7, and a second housing section 434 that houses the linear operating section 44. The first housing section 433 of the rear rotary operating section 432 has a pair of first fixing holes 435. The rear rotary operating section 432 also has a second fixing hole 436 on one side in the left-right direction. Although not shown, the front rotary operating section 431 has a second fixing hole 436 on the other side in the left-right direction.

[0095] A rotation-stopping member 9 is provided on one side of the rear rotation operating section 432 in the left-right direction, which prohibits and allows the rotation of the rotation operating section 43. The rotation-stopping member 9 is biased in one direction by a spring 91 sandwiched between the rotation-stopping member 9 and the support section 437 of the rear rotation operating section 432. The rotation-stopping member 9 will be described later.

[0096] (Regarding the telescopic mechanism) The telescopic operating member 8 is positioned so as to be able to contact the linear operating section 44 between the guide member 7 (lower guide member 72) and the linear operating section 44 in the vertical direction. The telescopic operating member 8 includes a pair of operating pieces 81, 81 spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, and a telescopic section 83 sandwiched between the opposing surfaces of the two operating pieces 81, and the pair of operating pieces 81 perform an action of moving closer to or away from each other. Each operating piece 81 has a mounting groove 82 formed on its upper surface along the left-right direction, and has an inclined portion 811 that extends diagonally and intersects the upper surface.

[0097] (Regarding the linear control section) As shown in Figure 16(A), the linear operating section 44 is operable along the upward direction Y1 (second direction). Specifically, the linear operating section 44 is held by the rotary operating section 43 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction, and is located below the telescopic operating member 8, and operates the telescopic operating member 8. That is, the telescopic operating member 8 is positioned between the guide member 7 and the linear operating section 44 so as to be in contact with the linear operating section 44. The linear operating section 44 has a receiving section 441 on its upper side that receives the operating piece 81 of the telescopic operating member 8. The receiving sections 441 are provided on both the left and right sides and are formed in a substantially V-shape such that the distance between them increases as they extend upward.

[0098] (Regarding connecting members) The connecting member includes a first connecting member 21 and a second connecting member 22. The first connecting member 21 includes a first inner wire 211 and a first outer cover 212 that slidably encloses the first inner wire 211. The first connecting member 21 passes through a through hole 1222 from inside the handle tube 1221, and the end 213 of the first outer cover 212 is fitted into a mounting groove 713 of the protruding portion 711 of the upper guide member 71. A first fixing device 61 is attached to one end of the first inner wire 211, and as shown by the dashed line in Figure 15, the first fixing device 61 is fitted into a first fixing hole 435 of the rear rotating operation part 432.

[0099] The second connecting member 22 includes a second inner wire 221 and a second outer cover 222 that slidably encloses the second inner wire 221. The second connecting member 22 passes through a through hole 1222 from inside the handle tube 1221, and the end 223 of the second outer cover 222 is fitted into a mounting groove 82 formed in the operating piece 81 of the telescopic operating member 8. A second fixing device 62 is attached to one end of the second inner wire 221, and as shown by the dashed line, the second fixing device 62 is fitted into a second fixing hole 436 provided in the front and rear rotating operating parts 431 and 432.

[0100] (Regarding the first operating member) In this embodiment, the first fixing device 61 attached to the first inner wire 211 is the first operating member and is operated by the rotation operating unit 43. The first connecting member 21, one end of which is connected to the first fixing device 61, is connected at the other end to one of the handle lock member 141a, opening / closing lock member 142a in Figure 1, or drive member 202a in Figure 3. For example, a pair of left and right first connecting members 21, 21 are connected to a pair of left and right handle lock members 141a, 141a. That is, the first fixing device 61 is connected via the first connecting member 21 to one of the three types of locking mechanisms 141 to 143 described above (the first locking mechanism).

[0101] Specifically, the first fixing device 61 is displaceable between a first pre-operation position and a first post-operation position along the direction of rotation (first direction) around the central axis of the guide member 7. That is, as shown in Figures 15 and 16(B), since the first fixing device 61 is fixed to the first fixing hole 435 of the rear rotating operation unit 432, the first fixing device 61 rotates in conjunction with the rotation operation of the rotating operation unit 43, and the locking mechanism on the other end is activated via the first inner wire 211.

[0102] (Regarding the second operating member) In this embodiment, the retractable operating member 8 is the second operating member. The second connecting member 22, one end of which is connected to the retractable operating member 8, is connected at its other end to one of the following members: the handle lock member 141a in Figure 1, the opening / closing lock member 142a, and the drive member 202a in Figure 3, to which the first connecting member 21 is not connected. For example, a pair of left and right second connecting members 22, 22 are connected to a pair of left and right opening / closing lock members 142a, 142a. That is, the retractable operating member 8 is connected via the second connecting member 22 to a locking mechanism (second locking mechanism) among the three types of locking mechanisms 141 to 143 described above, which is different from the locking mechanism that is linked to the first operating member.

[0103] Specifically, the telescopic operating member 8 is displaceable between a position before the second operation and a position after the second operation, along the left-right direction (second direction), which is a different direction from the first direction. That is, when the linear operating part 44 provided below the telescopic operating member 8 is pushed upward, the receiving part 441 of the linear operating part 44 slides against the operating piece 81, causing the pair of operating pieces 81 to be linearly displaced in the left-right direction so that they move closer to each other.

[0104] (Regarding the operation of the first moving member) The operation of the first fixing device (first operating member) 61 will be explained with reference to Figures 17(A) to (C). In Figure 17(A), the first fixing device 61 is located at the position P1 before the first operation, and in Figure 17(C), it is located at the position P2 after the first operation. Note that the rotation operation unit 43 is omitted in this figure.

[0105] In the first pre-operation position P1 shown in Figure 17(A), as shown in the enlarged view, the protruding portion 721 of the lower guide member 72 and the rotation-stopping member 9 are in contact in the circumferential direction. In other words, the rotation-stopping member 9 is engaged in a state that prevents the rotation of the rotation operation unit 43.

[0106] As shown in Figure 17(B), when the rotation-stopping member 9 is pushed in the direction of the arrow, the engagement between the rotation-stopping member 9 and the protrusion 721 is released, and the rotation-stopping member 9 switches to an unengaged state that allows the rotation of the rotation operation unit 43. In the unengaged state, as shown in Figure 17(C), as the rotation operation unit 43 rotates around the guide member 7 fixed to the handle tube 1221 via operation in the rotation direction (first direction R2), the first fixing device 61 fixed to the rotation operation unit 43 also rotates and is displaced to the post-first operation position P2. During the rotation of the rotation operation unit 43, the rotation-stopping member 9 rotates while sliding along the side surface of the protrusion 721.

[0107] The first fixing device 61 rotates so that the first inner wire 211 is pulled out from the end 213 of the first outer cover 212, which is fixed to the protruding portion 711 of the upper guide member 71, and the locking mechanism on the other end (one of the push rod locking mechanism, folding locking mechanism, and caster locking mechanism) connected via the first inner wire 211 is activated.

[0108] Thus, as the first fixing device 61 is moved from the first pre-operation position P1 to the first post-operation position P2 by the rotating operation unit (operating member) 43, the locked state of the first locking mechanism is released via the first inner wire (first connecting member) 211.

[0109] When the force that rotates the rotary operating part 43 in the post-first operation position P2 is released, a restoring force from the locking mechanism acts on the first fixing device 61 via the first inner wire 211, returning it together with the rotary operating part 43 to the pre-first operation position P1.

[0110] (Regarding the operation of the second moving member) The operation of the telescopic operating member 8 (second operating member) will be explained with reference to Figures 16(A), 18, and 19. In Figure 16(A), the telescopic operating member 8 is in the position Q1 before the second operation, and in Figure 18, it is in the position Q2 after the second operation. In the position Q1 before the second operation, the left and right operating pieces 81, 81 are biased by the telescopic portion 83 to move away from each other in the left-right direction.

[0111] The telescopic operating member 8 is positioned to come into contact with the linear operating section 44. As shown in Figure 18, the telescopic operating member 8 is displaced from the position before the second operation Q1 to the position after the second operation Q2 via an upward operation (second direction Y1) of the linear operating section 44 (displacement toward the guide member 7), thereby releasing the locked state of the second locking mechanism via the telescopic operating member 8.

[0112] Specifically, when the linear operating section 44 housed in the rotary operating section 43 is pushed upward, the receiving section 441 of the linear operating section 44 slides against the inclined section 811 of the operating piece 81, and as shown in Figure 18, the operating pieces 81 are displaced to a position where they are closer to each other, reaching the second post-operation position Q2. Since the end 223 of the second outer cover 222 is fixed to the operating piece 81 (Figure 15), the second outer cover 222 loosens as the operating piece 81 is displaced, and the second inner wire 221 on the second locking mechanism side is pulled up. This pull-up releases the lock state of the locking mechanism on the other end connected to the second inner wire 221 (any one of the push rod locking mechanism, folding locking mechanism, and caster locking mechanism that is not connected to the first fixing device 61).

[0113] The behavior of the second inner wire 221 will be briefly explained with reference to Figure 19. In Figures 19(A) and (B), the end of the second outer cover 222 on the operating piece 81 side is indicated by reference numeral 223a, and the end on the locking mechanism side is indicated by reference numeral 223b. The end 223b on the locking mechanism side is fixed and does not displace. Also, the end of the second inner wire 221 on the side fixed to the rotary operating part 43 is indicated by reference numeral 62a, and the end on the locking mechanism side is indicated by reference numeral 62b. The end 62a on the rotary operating part side is fixed and does not displace in the left-right direction.

[0114] As shown in Figure 19(B), when the end 223a of the second outer cover 222 on the operating piece 81 side is displaced by a distance L in one direction, the second inner wire 221 passing through the second outer cover 222 is displaced together with the second outer cover 222 in the same direction. In this way, the end 62b of the second inner wire 221 on the locking mechanism side is pulled up by a distance L.

[0115] When the external force applied to the linear operating section 44 in the post-second operation position Q2 is released, the biasing force of the telescopic operating member 8 causes the operating pieces 81, 81 to displace from side to side, pushing down the linear operating section 44, and the linear operating section 44 returns to its original position (pre-second operation position Q1).

[0116] According to this embodiment, in order to activate the first locking mechanism, the rotary operating part 43 is rotated around the guide member 7 to rotate and displace the first fixing device 61, which is fixed to the rotary operating part 43, from the position before the first operation P1 to the position after the first operation P2. On the other hand, in order to activate the second locking mechanism, the linear operating part 44 is pushed upward to displace the operating piece 81 of the telescopic operating member 8 from the position before the second operation Q1 to the position after the second operation Q2. In this way, since the direction in which the operating members are moved to operate each operating member is different (rotational direction and linear direction), it is easy for the operator to distinguish between them.

[0117] <Other> In the embodiments described above, first and second locking mechanisms that can be switched from a locked state to an unlocked state by an operating member were explained exemplarily. However, the invention is not limited to these, and locking mechanisms that can be switched from an unlocked state to a locked state may also be employed. For example, as one locking mechanism, a locking mechanism for the brakes of a stroller may be employed that can be switched from a brake-released state to a brake-locked state via the operation of an operating member.

[0118] Furthermore, although the embodiments described above have explained the case in which the first and second operating members operate in different directions, they may also operate in the same direction as shown in Figures 20 to 22. Specifically, as shown in Figure 21, the first operating member 31 may operate in the rotational direction (clockwise) in response to the operation member 4 being operated in one direction (upper side of the paper), and as shown in Figure 22, the second operating member 32 may operate in the same rotational direction (clockwise) in response to the operation member 4 being operated in a different direction (left side of the paper).

[0119] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment 1, the operating lever 41 is provided with first and second notches 413 and 414, but these are not required. That is, as shown in Figure 23, the first and second contact portions 411 and 412 may be in the same position in the left-right direction X, with the first contact portion 411 contacting the first engaging portion 312 and the second contact portion 412 contacting the second engaging portion 322.

[0120] Furthermore, the connecting member fixed to the operating member does not have to be a pair; a single connecting member may be fixed.

[0121] Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, the guide portion 42 holds the operating lever 41 and is structured to be displaceable in both the left and right directions. However, two independent operating members may be provided, one that is displaceable only in the left and right directions and another that is displaceable only in the up and down directions.

[0122] Although embodiments of this invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, this invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Various modifications and variations can be made to the illustrated embodiments within the same scope as this invention, or within the equivalent scope. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 100 Stroller, 10 Wheels, 122 Handle frame, 141-143 Locking mechanism, 21 First connecting member, 22 Second connecting member, 31 First operating member, 312 First engaging part, 32 Second operating member, 322 Second engaging part, 4 Operating member, 41 Operating lever, 411 First contact part, 412 Second contact part, 413 First notch, 414 Second notch, 42 Guide part, 43 Rotating operating part, 44 Linear operating part, 5 Casing, 61 First fixing device, 62 Second fixing device, 7 Guide member, 8 Telescopic operating member, 9 Rotation stopper member, 90, 90A Elastic member, P1 First position, Pre-first operation position, P2 Second position, Post-first operation position, Q1 Pre-operation position, Pre-second operation position, Q2 Post-operation position, Post-second operation position

Claims

1. It was a baby carriage, The vehicle frame including the wheels, A handle frame responsible for moving the aforementioned vehicle body frame, A first locking mechanism that can switch between a locked state and an unlocked state for one of the multiple movable parts of the vehicle frame, A second locking mechanism is provided that can switch between a locked state and an unlocked state for one of the movable parts of the vehicle frame and another movable part located at a different position from the aforementioned movable part. The handle frame is provided with an operating member that selectively operates one of the first and second locking mechanisms, The operating member is operable in a first direction and in a second direction different from the first direction. By operating the operating member in the first direction, the first locking mechanism is switched between a locked state and an unlocked state. A stroller that switches the second locking mechanism to a locked state or an unlocked state in response to operating the operating member in the second direction.

2. The stroller according to claim 1, wherein the first direction and the second direction intersect each other.

3. A first operating member is provided on the handle frame and connected to the first locking mechanism via a first connecting member, The handle frame is provided with a second operating member which is connected to the second locking mechanism via a second connecting member, In response to operating the operating member in the first direction, the first operating member moves, The stroller according to claim 1, wherein the second operating member operates in response to the operation of the operating member in the second direction.

4. The first operating member is displaceable between a position before the first operation and a position after the first operation via operation of the operating member in the first direction. The second operating member is displaceable between a position before the second operation and a position after the second operation via operation of the operating member in the second direction. As the first operating member is moved from the pre-first operation position to the post-first operation position via the operation of the operating member, the first locking mechanism is switched to a locked state or an unlocked state via the first connecting member. The stroller according to claim 3, wherein the second operating member is moved from the position before the second operation to the position after the second operation via the operation of the operating member, and the second locking mechanism is switched to a locked state or an unlocked state via the second connecting member.

5. The stroller according to claim 4, wherein the direction in which the first operating member moves from the position before the first operation to the position after the first operation is the rotational direction, and the direction in which the second operating member moves from the position before the second operation to the position after the second operation is the linear direction.

6. The handle frame includes a casing that constitutes a part of the handle frame and houses the first operating member and the second operating member. The first operating member is a rotating body that is rotatably supported in the casing and is rotatable in the rotational direction. The second operating member holds the operating member so that it can slide in a direction intersecting the linear direction, The stroller according to claim 5, wherein the first operating member has an engaging portion that can come into contact with the operating member in the second pre-operation position.

7. The stroller according to claim 6, further comprising an elastic member that biases the second operating member toward the second pre-operation position.

8. The handle frame includes a guide member that extends along the central axis of the handle frame and is fixed to the handle frame. The operating member is The system includes the guide member, the first operating member, and the second operating member, and a rotary operating unit that houses them and operates the first operating member, and a linear operating unit that operates the second operating member, The aforementioned rotational operation unit is rotatable with respect to the central axis of the guide member as the axis of rotation. The stroller according to claim 5, wherein the first operating member is fixed to the rotating operating part.

9. The stroller according to claim 8, wherein the rotational operating section holds the linear operating section so as to be slidable in a direction intersecting the linear direction.

10. Between the guide member and the linear operation section, the second operating member is arranged so as to be able to contact the linear operation section. The stroller according to claim 9, wherein the second operating member is displaced from the position before the second operation to the position after the second operation in response to the linear operating section being moved toward the guide member.

11. The stroller according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a rotation-stopping member that can be switched between an engaged state that prohibits the rotation of the rotation operating part and an unengaged state that allows the rotation of the rotation operating part.

12. It was a baby carriage, The vehicle frame including the wheels, A handle frame responsible for moving the aforementioned vehicle body frame, A first locking mechanism that can switch between a locked state and an unlocked state for one of the multiple movable parts of the vehicle frame, A second locking mechanism is provided that can switch between a locked state and an unlocked state for one of the movable parts of the vehicle frame and another movable part located at a different position from the aforementioned movable part. A first operating member is provided on the handle frame, connected to the first locking mechanism via a first connecting member, and is displaceable between a first pre-operation position and a first post-operation position along one direction. A second operating member is provided on the handle frame, connected to the second locking mechanism via a second connecting member, and is displaceable between a second pre-operation position and a second post-operation position along a direction different from the one direction, The handle frame includes an operating member provided therein, which selectively operates one of the first and second operating members, As the first operating member is moved by the operating member from the position before the first operation to the position after the first operation, the lock state of the first locking mechanism is released via the first connecting member. A stroller in which the second locking mechanism is released via the second connecting member in response to the second operating member being moved from the position before the second operation to the position after the second operation by the operating member.

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