JP3949275B2

JP3949275B2 - Wheelbarrow

Info

Publication number: JP3949275B2
Application number: JP16330198A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 薫宮城
Original assignee: 株式会社サツキ
Priority date: 1998-06-11
Filing date: 1998-06-11
Publication date: 2007-07-25
Anticipated expiration: 2018-06-11
Also published as: JPH11348789A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、シルバーカー又はベビーカー等に使用される手押し車に関し、特に、前後方向及び幅方向の双方向に折り込み可能な手押し車に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
脚腰等が幾分弱くなった年配者が路上を安全に歩行するための補助具として、手押し車（通常、シルバーカー又は老人車と呼称されている）が、近年、広く使用されるようになってきている。それに伴い、多くの種類の手押し車が発表されている。例えば、安全に路上を歩行するための歩行補助機能を具備する以外に、歩行中疲れたときにはどこにおいてでも腰をおろして休むことが可能なように座部を備えたもの、ショッピングカーとしても使用出来るように買い物を収納出来る収納スペースを備えたもの、等がある。
【０００３】
これらのシルバーカーは、不使用時には、これを僅かなスペースへ収納可能なように、多くのベビーカーの場合と同様に、出来るだけ小さな形状となるように折り畳み可能な構成となっていることが望ましい。しかしながら、これまでのシルバーカーでは、これを折り畳むとき、前後方向への折り畳みは可能であっても、幅方向への折り畳みはほとんど出来なかった。それは、シルバーカーを使用する者の体重が、通常、ベビーカーにおける幼時の体重に比較して、かなり重く、シルバーカーの構造を例えば少なくとも１００Ｋｇ程度の荷重まで耐え得るような頑丈な構成としなければならず、更に上述のような種々の機能を合わせ持つ必要があるため、前後方向への折り畳みに加えて、幅方向への折り畳み機能を持たせることは、機構的に非常に複雑になり、重量的にも重くなるという問題があったからである。
【０００４】
かかる問題を解消する手段として、本件出願人は、先に、平成９年１０月１４日付けにて「手押し車」に関する特許出願（出願番号：平９−２８０２５３号）を行った。
【０００５】
図８〜図１２に示すように、この手押し車１５は、左右一対の前脚１及び後脚２と、両側部が前脚へ取り付けられ上端部が互いに連結されている概ねＵ字形状を有している押棒３と、一端を後脚２へ中間部を前脚１へ枢着されている左右一対の座杆４と、前脚を互いに連結している一対の剛性部材からなる部材であって外端部が前脚１に対して枢動可能に装着され内端部が枢着手段５（図１０）の周りに回動自在に支持されている前脚連結部材６と、後脚を互いに連結している一対の剛性部材からなる部材であって外端部が後脚２に対して枢動可能に装着され内端部が枢着手段７の周りに互いに回動自在に支持されている後脚連結部材８と、下端部が一方の後脚２へ枢着され上端部が他方の後脚等へ枢着され中間部が枢着手段９によって回動可能に連結されている概ねＸ形状に配置されている一対の開閉杆１０（図１０）と、外端部が該開閉杆１０の枢着手段９より上方の部分に枢動自在に連結され内端部が枢着手段１１の周りに互いに回動自在に支持されている一対の操作杆１２と、これら一対の操作杆１２の内端部を互いに枢着している枢着手段１１と前記後脚連結部材８の内端部を互いに枢着している枢着手段７とを連結している可撓性連結部材１３と、下端部が前記前脚連結部材６の一方の剛性部材の中心位置よりも枢着手段５に近接した部分に枢着され上端部が一方の座杆４の２つの枢着手段間に枢着されている牽引杆１４と、折り畳み時（図９）に前脚に対して後脚の上端部を滑動せしめているスライダー１６と、から構成されている。
【０００６】
また押棒３は、図１１及び図１２に示すように、左右一対の外方杆１７と、該外方杆１７内を滑動可能な一対の内方杆１８と、該内方杆１８の上端部に対して円周方向に回転可能な回転部材１９と、下端部が該回転部材１９にピン２０によって固定されておりかつそこから上方に伸長しその後水平方向に概ね９０°に曲げられている一対の直角エルボー形ハンドル部分２１と、該一対のハンドル部分２１の上方位置の水平方向間に伸びかつそれらの水平部分を互いに連結している連結杆２２と、により構成されている。内方杆１８の上方部分が回転部材１９に収容されており、また、下方部分は外方杆１７内に滑動可能に収容されている。外方杆１７と内方杆１８には互いに一定の間隔をおいて複数の穴２３が設けてあり、これらの穴２３にピンを係合することによりハンドル部分２１の位置を上下に調節することが出来るようになっている。
【０００７】
更に回転部材１９には溝２４が形成され、この溝２４には内方杆１８の上端部に設けた突出部２５が嵌合し、これによりハンドル部分２１が内方杆１８の周りをほぼ９０°にわたり回動出来る。
【０００８】
しかして、前記一対の操作杆１２の内端部を保持している把持部材２６を上方へ移動し、更に連結部材１３を介して前記後脚連結部材８、８の枢着手段７を、上方へ移動し、かつ、図１２に示すように、連結杆２２を後方に引けば、一対のハンドル部分２１の水平部分が互いに後方に回動し、突出部２５が回転部材１９の溝２４内を図１１の位置から外側へ向かって移動する。これによりこの手押し車１５は、開閉杆１０によって幅方向に接近されかつ、同時に前脚連結部材６、６及び牽引杆１４、１４によって前後方向に接近され、こうして図９に示すように、前後方向及び左右方向に折り畳まれた折り畳み位置を得ることが出来る。
【０００９】
また、連結杆２２を前方に押せば、一対のハンドル部分２１の水平部分が互いに水平位置にて直線状態に配置され、開閉杆１０がＸ状に広がることによって幅方向に拡開されかつ、更に前脚連結部材６、６及び牽引杆１４、１４によって前後方向に拡開され、これにより図８及び図１０に示すような拡開位置を得る。
【００１０】
かかる構成により、ベビーカーより重荷重が作用するシルバーカーにおいても、使用時に安定しており、しかも不使用時には安全かつ確実に前後方向及び左右方向に自由に折り畳むことが可能な新規な手押し車を開示した。
【００１１】
また、連結杆２２は、公知であり、例えば図１３に示すように、中凹み形状を有する２つのリンクＡ、Ｂから構成されている（特開平１−２９７３７２）。これらのリンクＡの一端部はピン２７ａ、２７ｂを介して一方のハンドル部分へ取り付けられ、他端部はそこに設けた長溝内を摺動するピン２８ａ、２８ｂを介して他方のハンドル部分へ取り付けられている。これら２つのリンクＡ及びＢは中凹み部分へ係合しているつまみ２９を操作することにより、リンクＡ及びＢを相互に移動させることによりハンドル部分２１を直線状態（図１３Ａ）から折曲状態（図１３Ｂ）へ移行することが出来るようになっている。
【００１２】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
この上述のシルバーカーにおいては、前後方向及び幅方向へ円滑に折り畳むことが出来るが、拡開位置における前後方向及び幅方向の揺れを完全に防止することには幾分困難があった。
【００１３】
そこで本件発明は、前後方向及び幅方向への折り畳み機能を持たせた手押し車においては、拡開位置における前後方向及び幅方向への揺れを一層効果的に防止するための新規な構成を有する手押し車を提供することを目的とする。
【００１４】
【課題を解決するための手段】
そこで本件発明における手押し車３０においては、かかる課題を解決するために、該手押し車３０の前後方向及び左右方向の揺動又は歪みを防止するために、以下のような緊張強化手段が設けてある。即ち、下端部が一側（右側又は左側）の前脚３２へ枢着され上端部が他側（左側又は右側）の座杆３８の前記枢着手段３７よりも前方位置へ枢着されているＸ状に配置されている牽引杆５８より構成されている強化手段５９を有している。この強化手段５９は特に手押し車３０の左右の揺動又は歪みを防止する上で極めて効果的な機能を果たしている。
【００１５】
更に、本件発明の手押し車３０においては、一端がそれぞれ一側（右側又は左側）の前脚３２及び後脚３４へ枢着されている緊張杆であって、他端が互いにピン等によって枢動可能に連結されている一対の緊張杆６０からなる緊張手段６１を両側部に有している。これは特に手押し車３０の前後方向の揺動又は歪みを防止する上で極めて効果的な機能を果たしている。
【００１６】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施例につき図面を参照しながら述べる。本件発明は、実質的に、図８〜図１３に関して述べた構造を改良したものである。図において、図１〜図５は本件発明の手押し車３０の具体的な構成について示している。以下の説明においては、本件発明の手押し車の前方又は後方から見てその構造は実質的に左右対称となっているため、必要な場合以外は、一方の構成のみについて述べる。また、そのため、前後方向からの違いがより明確になるように図３においては、図面の中心線から左側には本件発明の手押し車を前方から見た構造を示し、右側には本件発明の手押し車を後方から見た構造を示す。また、以下においては、シルバーカーについて述べるが、本発明はベビーカーにも使用出来ることは当業者において明らかである。
【００１７】
本件発明にかかる手押し車３０は、下端に前輪３１を有している左右一対の前脚３２と、下端に後輪３３を有している左右一対の後脚３４と、前記一対の前脚３２の上端から立ち上がり上端部が互いに連結されている概ねＵ字形状を有している押棒３５と、両側方にあって一方の端部即ち一端（後端）を一側方の後脚３４へ中間部を一側方の前脚３２へそれぞれピン等の枢着手段３６、３７によって枢着されている左右一対の座杆３８と、左右一対の前脚を互いに連結している部材であって一方の端部即ち一端（外側端）が左右の前脚３２に対してそれぞれ枢動可能に装着され他端（内側端）がピン等の枢着手段３９（図３参照）の周りに互いに回動自在に支持されている左右一対の剛性部材４０からなる前脚連結部材４１と、同様に左右一対の後脚を互いに連結している部材であって一方の端部即ち一端（外側端）が左右の後脚３４に対して枢動可能に装着され他端（内側端）がピン等の枢着手段４２の周りに互いに回動自在に支持されている左右一対の剛性部材４３からなる後脚連結部材４４と、を有している。
【００１８】
この手押し車３０は、更に、下端部がそれぞれ一側（右側又は左側）の後脚３４の下方位置へ枢着され、上端部が押棒３５の他側（左側又は右側）の立ち上がり部分へ枢着され、中間部がピン等の枢着手段４９によって回動可能に連結されている概ねＸ形状に配置されている一対の開閉杆５０と、一端が各開閉杆５０の中間の枢着手段４９より上方の部分にそれぞれ枢動自在に連結され他端が枢着手段５１の周りに互いに回動自在に支持されている一対の操作杆５２と、を有している。
【００１９】
また、枢着手段５１には、例えば後方へ張り出している把持部を備えている断面がＬ字形を有する把持手段５３が取り付けてある。さらにこの把持手段５３には例えばベルト等から成る可撓性の連動部材５４の上端部が取り付けてあり、この連動部材５４の下端部は前記後脚連結部材４４の枢着手段４２に取り付けてある取り付け金具５５へ取り付けてある。このため、該把持手段５３を上方へ移動すると、一対の操作杆５２の他端が上方へ移動し、これに連動して後脚連結部材４４の枢着手段４２が上方へ移動する。しかしながら、後脚連結部材４４を構成している左右一対の剛性部材４３が拡開時（図３）において、該剛性部材４３と後脚３４とを枢着している左右の点（外側端）を結ぶ直線が、いくつかの公知例においてみられるように、常に該一対の剛性部材４３を枢動可能に連結している点４２（内側端）より下方に位置するように、該後脚連結部材４４を形成すれば、取り付け金具５５及び連動部材５４は必ずしも必須の要件ではない。なぜならかかる構造によれば、後脚３４を互いに接近すれば、該後脚連結部材４４は、必ずその中央枢動部分４２が上方へ移動しながら折り畳まれるからである。
【００２０】
本件発明の手押し車３０においては、さらにまた、該手押し車３０の左右方向及び前後方向の揺動又は歪みを防止するために、以下のような種々の緊張強化手段が設けてある。即ち、下端部が前記前脚連結部材４１の一側（右側又は左側）の剛性部材４０に枢着され上端部が他側（左側又は右側）の座杆３８の前記枢着手段３６、３７の間に枢着されている一対の第１牽引杆であって、図３において明らかなように互いにＸ形状に交差するように配置している一対の第１牽引杆５６より構成されている第１強化手段５７と、下端部が一側（右側又は左側）の前脚３２の前輪３１に近い箇所に枢着され上端部が他側（左側又は右側）の座杆３８の前記枢着手段３７と他端（前端）との間に枢着されている一対の第２牽引杆であって、図３において明らかなように互いにＸ形状に交差するように配置している一対の第２牽引杆５８より構成されている第２強化手段５９と、を有している。これらの強化手段５７、５９は特に手押し車３０の左右の揺動又は歪みを防止する上で極めて効果的な機能を果たしている。
【００２１】
更に、本件発明の手押し車３０においては、一端がそれぞれ一側（右側又は左側）の前脚３２及び後脚３４へ枢着されている一対の緊張杆であって、他端が互いにピン等によって枢動可能に連結されている一対の緊張杆６０からなる緊張手段６１を有している。これは特に手押し車３０の前後方向の揺動又は歪みを防止する上で極めて効果的な機能を果たしている。ここで前脚３２及び後脚３４と緊張杆６０の外端部とを枢着している２つの枢着手段を結ぶ線よりも、２つの緊張杆６０の内端部同士を枢着している枢着手段の位置が常に下方位置に有るように配置している。
【００２２】
押棒３５は、概括的には、一対の縦行部と、これらの縦行部の上端部を連結している横行部と、を有している概ねＵ字形状を有している。この実施例においては、図４に示すように、縦行部は、前脚３２と、前脚３２へ対して嵌合配置されている左右一対（図においてはその一方のみを示している）の下方杆６５と、下方杆６５の上端へ嵌合配置されている直角エルボー形の上方杆６６の縦方向部６６ａと、から成り、一方、横行部は左右一対の上方杆６６の横方向部６６ｂ及びそれらを連結している連結杆６７（図６及び図７）と、により構成されている。ここで上方杆６６は、好ましくは図示していないスポンジ、ゴム等のソフトタッチ可能な補助部材によってその全長が覆われている。ここで嵌合配置とは、両者が互いに嵌合関係をもって配置されている状態を指し、例示として示した、下方杆６５が前脚３２及び上方杆６６へ入り込んでいるような差し込み寸法関係に限定されず、前脚３２及び又は上方杆６６が下方杆６５へ入り込むような寸法であってもよいのである。
【００２３】
前脚３２の上方部分に軸線方向に沿って複数の穴７０が形成されている。一方、下方杆６５の下方部分には単一の穴７１が形成されている。勿論、前脚に単数の穴を、下方杆に複数の穴を設けることも可能である。これらの穴には面付きピン７２が嵌合し、前脚３２と下方杆６５と固着関係に保持している。穴に対するピン７２の嵌合位置を変動することにより、押棒３５の高さを調節することが出来る。前脚３２と下方杆６５との嵌合部分には、前記面付きピン７２の面部分を包囲するように包囲体７３が配置されている。面付きピン７２の位置調整は該包囲体７３を、例えば図示の例では、上方へ移動することにより、容易に行うことが出来る。
【００２４】
更に、該下方杆６５にはスライダー部材７４が嵌合している。このスライダー部材７４は、下方杆６５を滑動可能に受け入れるための貫通孔７５と、後脚３４の上端を受け入れための盲孔７６を有している。盲孔７６へ受け入れられた後脚３４の上端部はそこにおいてピン等の固定手段によって回動自在に取り付けられている。
【００２５】
また、この下方杆６５にはスライダー部材７４の上方位置に管状固定具７７がピン等の固定手段によって固着されている。この固定具７７は、後方へ向かって伸び中央に穴７８を有している第１フランジ７９と、第１フランジ７９に対してほぼ直角をなす位置から手押し車に中央方向へ伸びている第２フランジ８０と、を有している。この第２フランジ８０の中央部には中央に穴７８を有し前記第１フランジ７９と同様の方向に伸びている補助フランジ８１を有している。管状固定具７７はピン等の固定手段により下方杆６５へ固定されている。更にこの固定具７７はその下端部に衝接部８２を有している。この衝接部８２には、前記スライダー部材７４が衝接し当該スライダー部材７４がそれ以上上方へ移動することを阻止している。この固定具７７は、図示の例では一体形状の管状を構成しているが、取り付け容易のために縦方向に２つ割りにし左右から合わせて下方杆６５を抱くような形態のものでもよい。
【００２６】
該固定具７７の第１フランジ７９には、図３に示すように、左右の後輪３３にそれぞれ同時に作動する制動装置（図示なし）を起動するための制動レバー８３が取り付けてあり、この制動レバー８３からは可撓性コード８４が制動装置まで伸び、該レバー８３を作動することにより制動装置を起動することが出来るようになっている。よって第１フランジ７９は、左右の固定具７７の少なくとも一方の固定具にのみ設けてあればよい。また、補助フランジ８１には、図３に示すように、開閉杆５０の上端部が枢着されている。
【００２７】
下方杆６５の上端部には約９０°に亙って伸びている長溝８５が形成されている。この長溝８５の下方位置にはピン８６が外方に突出するように固定されている。一方、図示の例においては該下方杆６５の上端部を受け入れている上方杆６６の下方位置には同様に約９０°に亙って伸びている長溝８７が形成され、更にこの長溝８７の上方位置には穴８８が設けてある。しかして、この下方杆６５と上方杆６６との嵌合部分を管体８９が包囲している。管体８９は下端部に約９０°に亙って伸びている長溝９０を有し、この長溝９０の上方位置にはピン９１が内方に突出するように設けてある。
【００２８】
図５Ａは、下方杆６５と上方杆６６と管体８９との関係を明確にするため、特に管体８９の寸法を拡大して模式図的に示している。図から明確なように管体８９のピン９１は、図において線Ａ−Ａにて示すように上方杆６６の穴８８を介し、次いで下方杆６５の長溝８５内へ入り込んでいる。一方、下方杆６５のピン８６は、図において線Ｂ−Ｂにて示すように上方杆６６の長溝８７を介し、次いで下管体８９の長溝９０内へ入り込んでいる。図５Ｂは、図５Ａの線Ａ−Ａ断面を示しており、図５Ｃは、図５Ａの線Ｂ−Ｂ断面を示している。これから分かるように、もし上方杆６６が図２に示すように前方へ約９０°回転すると、上方杆６６の穴８８へ入り込んでいるピン９１が管体８９を同時に約９０°回転する。このとき該管体８９の長溝９０は下方杆６５のピン８６の回りに空転するため、下方杆６５は回転することはない。従って該上方杆６６は下方杆６５に関係なく前方へ約９０°回転することが出来る。
【００２９】
上方杆６６の上方水平部分へは接続杆９２の一端部９３が差し込まれ、そこへピン等の固定手段によって固着されている。一方、接続杆９２の他端部には中央部に穴を有しているカム９４が形成され、このカム９４が当該中央部の穴を介して連結杆６７へ接続されている。なお、接続杆９２の一端部９３とカム９４との間にはフランジ９５が形成されている。
【００３０】
連結杆６７（図３及び図６Ａ）は、概括的には、図６及び図７に示すように、上方ハウジング１００と、下方ハウジング１０１と、第１滑動体１０２と、第２滑動体１０３と、これらの滑動体を起動するための起動体１０４と、により構成されている。
【００３１】
上方ハウジング１００は、細長い形状を有し、両端部にそれぞれ穴１０５を、中央部には中央開口１０６を有する円形部１０７が形成されている。更に該円形部１０７には中央開口１０６と同心をなす円形溝１０８が約９０°にわたり設けてある。
【００３２】
下方ハウジング１０１は、細長い形状を有し、両端部にそれぞれ穴１０９を、中央部には円形部１１０が形成されている。更に該下方ハウジング１０１の長手方向にそった両側部には一対の立上部１１１が伸びている。
【００３３】
第１滑動体１０２は、細長い部材から構成されており、中央部には細長い溝１１２、両端部には起動体受け部１１３及びカム受け部１１４が垂直に立ち上がっている。
【００３４】
第２滑動体１０３は、同様に細長い部材から構成されており、中央部には細長片１１５、その両端部には起動体受け部１１６及びカム受け部１１７が垂直に立ち上がっている。ここで、細長片１１５は、第１滑動体１０２の細長い溝１１２へ受け入れられそこで滑動出来るようになっている。なお図において１１８は停止片を示している。
【００３５】
起動体１０４は、第１滑動体１０２及び第２滑動体１０３の起動体受け部１１３と起動体受け部１１６との間に配置されており、これらの起動体受け部へ直接作用する作動部１１９と、該作動部１１９を起動するための起動部１２０と、を好ましくは一体的に形成されている。
【００３６】
図６Ｂから明らかなように、ピン１２１、１２１が、それぞれ上方ハウジング１００の穴１０５、１０５、接続杆９２、９２のカム９４、９４、下方ハウジング１０１の穴１０９、１０９を介して伸びている。下方ハウジング１０１の一対の立上部１１１間には、第１滑動体１０２と、該第１滑動体１０２の溝１１２内を左右に滑動可能に配置されている第２滑動体１０３と、が滑動自在に収納されている。起動体受け部１１３及び起動体受け部１１６が互いに接近するように、これらの起動体受け部に設けた穴には、ばね１２１ａの端部がそれぞれ配置されている。
【００３７】
このばね１２１ａの弾性力に抗するように、起動体受け部１１３と起動体受け部１１６との間には起動体１０４の作動部１１９が配置されている。ばね１２１ａが起動体受け部１１３と起動体受け部１１６とを互い接近させる位置（図６Ｂ及び６Ｃ）に有るときには、第１滑動体１０２のカム受け部１１４と第２滑動体１０３のカム受け部１１７とは、左右に最も離れた位置に有り、これらのカム受け部１１４、１１７は、それぞれ前記カム９４、９４に設けた凹み１２２、１２２内へ嵌合している。これらの凹み１２２は、接続杆９２の軸線上に形成されており、そのため、該凹み１２２にカム受け部１１４、１１７が嵌合しているときには、左右の接続杆９２は互いに一直線をなすように保持され、押棒３５は完全にＵ字形状をなし、手押し車３０は拡開状態を維持する。このとき概ね円形をなしている前記カム９４の一部に外方へ突出して形成しているカム偏倚部１２６が、前記下方ハウジング１０１の一方の立上部１１１（ａ）の両端部に設けた衝接部１２７（図７Ｂ）へ衝接することにより一対の接続杆９２の当該衝接方向へのそれ以上の回転が阻止されている。
【００３８】
起動体１０４の起動部１２０へ差し込まれ、ねじ１２３によって当該起動体１０４へ固定されているつまみ１２４（図６Ｂ）は、底部に突起１２５を有しており、この突起１２５は上方ハウジング１００の円形溝１０８内へ入り込んでおり、該つまみ１２４の回転角度を制限している。
【００３９】
つまみ１２４を図６Ａにおいて矢印方向へ回転すると、起動体１０４が図６Ｃの位置から図６Ｄの位置まで回転移動する。このため滑動体１０２、１０３の起動体受け部１１３、１１７がばね１２１ａの力に抗して互いに引き離される。その結果該滑動体１０２、１０３のカム受け部１１４、１１７が相対的に接近するように滑動し、前記カム９４の凹み１２２から離れる。このため、それまで一直線状を維持していた該接続杆９２が、ピン１２１の回りにおいて、衝接部１２７からカムの偏倚部１２６が離れる方向（連結部６７を図６Ａ、図６Ｃにおいて紙面に沿って上方へ移動する方向）へ自由に回転出来る状態とする。この状態において連結部６７を、完全に移動すると、接続杆９２のカム９４がピン１２１の回りを回転し押棒の折り曲げが達成されるのである。このとき該カム９４のフランジ９５に近接した部分が、他方の立ち上げ部１１１（ｂ）の両端部に設けた衝接部１２７ａに衝接し、連結部６７のそれ以上の移動を阻止する。
【００４０】
本件発明の装置を折り畳む時には以下の手順による。初めに連結杆６７のつまみ１２４を図６Ａで時計方向へ回転した後、操作杆５２の把持手段５３を図３の拡開ロック位置（開閉杆５０と操作杆５２との枢着点を結ぶ線よりも操作杆５２と操作杆５２とを枢着している枢着点が下方に有る状態）から上方へ移動し、該操作杆５２の枢着手段５１の位置を上方へ引き上げる。これにより操作杆５２がＸ形状に配置されている開閉杆５０を枢着手段４９の周りに回転させ、左右の後脚３４の下方部及び左右の押棒３５下方杆６５を互いに接近させる。同時に（ある場合には該把持手段５３に対してベルト等の可撓性の連動部材５４によって連結されている）取り付け金具５５が上方へ移動し、後脚連結部材４４の中間の枢着手段４２を上方へ移動し左右の後脚３４の下方部を互いに接近させる。
【００４１】
次いで連結杆６７を進行方向前方へ押し出し、押棒３５の上方杆６６を下方杆６５の周りに前方へ回転する。この結果、上方杆６６及び管体８９が下方杆６５に対して回動する。このため、押棒３５が互いに中心方向へ折り曲げ接近し同時に前脚３２が互いに中心方向へ接近する。更に、前脚３２の接近に伴ってＸ形状に配置されている第２牽引杆５８が立ち上げ状態となり、座杆３８の先端部を立ち上げ、このため第１牽引杆５６が立ち上げ状態にとなり、剛着部材４０の中間部を下方へ押し畳む。
【００４２】
更に前記座杆３８の先端部の立ち上げ移動により前脚３２が後脚３４の方へ接近する。このとき前脚３２及び後脚３４と緊張杆６０の外端部とを枢着している２つの枢着手段を結ぶ線よりも、２つの緊張杆６０の内端部同士を枢着している枢着手段の位置が常に下方位置に有るように配置しているため、前記前脚３２と後脚３４との接近によって、該２つの緊張杆６０の内端部同士を枢着している枢着手段の位置が下方へ移動し、前脚３２と後脚３４との接近を可能とする。このようにして、手押し車３０は、迅速に図２に示すような折り畳み位置を取ることが出来るのである。
【００４３】
図２に示すような折り畳み位置から、図１に示すような拡開位置を得るためには、上記操作とは反対の操作によって容易に達成することが出来る。即ち、図２に示す折り畳み位置から、単に押棒３５の上方杆６６を下方杆６５の周りに後方へ回動する。これにより、開閉杆５０、前脚連結部材４１、後脚連結部材４４、座杆３８、第１牽引杆５６、第２牽引杆５８、緊張手段６１、操作杆５２、等が拡開作業と反対の動作を行うことにより本件発明装置は迅速に拡開位置を獲得するのである。拡開作業が完了した時点でつまみ１２４を操作してカムとカム受け部との嵌合を行い、ロック作業を行う。
【００４４】
なお、制動装置は、車輪に接触することによる公知の摩擦制動装置を使用することが出来る。
【００４５】
また、この実施例においてはスライダー部材７４は、押棒３５を構成している下方杆６５に沿って滑動するように記載しているが、勿論前脚３２を上方まで伸ばし、この前脚部分を滑動するようにすることも出来る。
【００４６】
さらに折り畳み時の連結杆６７の動作は、図４に示す長溝関係及び図６及び図７のカム及び立ち上げ部の衝接部の関係を取り替えるだけで、簡単に、後方へ引くことによって達成することが出来るようにすることが可能である。
【００４７】
本件発明における手押し車３０においては、下端部が一側（右側又は左側）の前脚３２へ枢着され上端部が他側（左側又は右側）の座杆３８の前記枢着手段３７よりも前方位置へ枢着されているＸ状に配置されている牽引杆５８より構成されている強化手段５９を有し、この強化手段５９により、本件の手押し車３０における左右の揺動又は歪みはほぼ完全に解消している。
【００４８】
更に、本件発明の手押し車３０においては、一端がそれぞれ一側（右側又は左側）の前脚３２及び後脚３４へ枢着されている一対の緊張杆であって、他端が互いにピン等によって枢動可能に連結されている一対の緊張杆６０からなる緊張手段６１を有し、この緊張手段６１により、本件の手押し車３０における前後方向の揺動又は歪みはほぼ完全に解消している。
【００４９】
こうして本件発明においては、不使用時には、前後方向及び幅方向の双方向へ円滑に折り畳むことが出来るにもかかわらず、拡開位置における前後方向及び幅方向への揺れを効果的に防止することが出来る。
【００５０】
さらに連結杆６７が非常に簡単な構造を有しており、常に円滑に作動し、また価格が安いという効果がある。
【００５１】
また、本件発明は、前後方向及び幅方向への折り畳みが可能なため、その収納スペースを極めて狭くすることが出来る。
【００５２】
更にこの発明は、前脚と押棒とを連結することにより折り込み拡開機構が最小限の要素により達成出来るようにした。このため、部品点数が減少し、折り込み構造が単純化し、全体の重量が少なくなり、また折り込み及び拡開機構が非常にスムースに達成出来るようになり、使用者にとって非常に取り扱い易い手押し車を提供することに成功した。
【００５３】
更に、本件発明を前後方向及び幅方向へ折り畳んだ状態でも、前輪及び後輪が常に面に対して接触しているので、直立状態を保持出来、収納場所への収納及びそこからの取り出し、更には折り畳み及び拡開作業を容易に達成することが出来る。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本件発明の拡開状態を示す側面図である。
【図２】本件発明の折り畳み状態を示す側面図である。
【図３】本件発明の拡開状態を示す図であり、左半分が前方から見た図であり、右半分が後方から見た図である。
【図４】本件発明の押棒の分解斜視図である。
【図５】本件発明の押棒の構成を示すための説明図であり、Ａは下方杆と上方杆と管体との関係を示すための説明図、ＢはＡの線Ａ−Ａ断面図、ＣはＡの線Ｂ−Ｂ断面図である。
【図６】本件発明の連結杆の構成を示すための説明図であり、Ａは連結杆の上面図、Ｂは連結杆の縦断面図、Ｃは直線状態を示す連結杆の横断面図、Ｄは折り曲げ状態を示す連結杆の横断面図である。
【図７】本件発明の連結杆の構成部品を示すための説明図であり、Ａは連結杆の上方ハウジングを示す図、Ｂは連結杆の下方ハウジングを示す図、Ｃは連結杆の第１滑動体を示す斜視図、Ｄは連結杆の第２滑動体を示す斜視図、Ｅは連結杆の起動体を示す斜視図である。
【図８】出願人が先に出願した手押し車の側面図である。
【図９】図８の手押し車の折り畳み状態を示す側面図である。
【図１０】図８の手押し車の拡開状態を示す図であり、左半分が前方から見た図であり、右半分が後方から見た図である。
【図１１】図８の手押し車に使用されている押棒の説明図である。
【図１２】図１１の押棒に使用されている連結杆の折り込み状態を示す図である。
【図１３】公知の連結杆の内部を示す図であり、Ａは折り曲げ前の状態を示す図、Ｂは折り曲げ後の状態を示す図である。
【符号の説明】
３０：手押し車３２：前脚
３４：後脚３５：押棒
３８：座杆４１：前脚連結部材
４４：後脚連結部材５０：開閉杆
５２：操作杆５４：連動部材
５６：第１牽引杆５７：第１強化手段
５８：第２牽引杆５９：第２強化手段
６１：緊張手段６５：下方杆
６６：上方杆６７：連結杆
７４：スライダー部材７７：管状固定具
８９：管体９２：接続杆
１００：上方フランジ１０１：下方フランジ
１０２：第１滑動体１０３：第１滑動体
１０４：起動体[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a handcart used for a silver car or a baby stroller, and more particularly to a handcart that can be folded in both the front-rear direction and the width direction.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A wheelbarrow (usually called a silver car or an elderly car) is widely used in recent years as an assisting tool for elderly people who have weak legs and legs to walk safely on the street. It has become to. Along with that, many types of wheelbarrows have been announced. For example, in addition to having a walking assist function for safely walking on the road, if you get tired while walking, you can sit down and rest anywhere and use it as a shopping car There are things with storage space that can store shopping as much as possible.
[0003]
It is desirable that these silver cars can be folded so as to be as small as possible in the same way as many baby strollers so that they can be stored in a small space when not in use. . However, in the conventional silver car, when it was folded, it could be folded in the front-rear direction but could hardly be folded in the width direction. The weight of a person who uses a silver car is usually much heavier than that of a baby in a stroller, and the structure of the silver car must be strong enough to withstand, for example, a load of at least 100 kg. Furthermore, since it is necessary to have various functions as described above, in addition to folding in the front-rear direction, providing a folding function in the width direction is very complicated mechanically and heavy. This is because there was a problem of becoming heavy.
[0004]
As a means for solving such a problem, the present applicant previously filed a patent application (application number: Hei 9-280253) related to “handcart” on October 14, 1997.
[0005]
As shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, the handcart 15 has a pair of left and right front legs 1 and rear legs 2, and has a generally U shape in which both side portions are attached to the front legs and upper end portions are connected to each other. And a pair of left and right seat rods 4 having one end pivoted to the rear leg 2 and an intermediate portion pivoted to the front leg 1, and a pair of rigid members connecting the front legs to each other. Is connected to the front leg 1 so that it can pivot and the inner end of the front leg connecting member 6 is rotatably supported around the pivoting means 5 (FIG. 10), and a pair of connecting the rear legs to each other. A rear leg connecting member 8 having an outer end portion pivotably attached to the rear leg 2 and an inner end portion rotatably supported around the pivot means 7. The lower end is pivotally attached to one rear leg 2, the upper end is pivotally attached to the other rear leg, etc., and the intermediate part is rotated by the pivot means 9. A pair of opening / closing rods 10 (FIG. 10) arranged in a generally X shape, and an outer end portion of the opening / closing rod 10 being pivotally connected to a portion above the pivoting means 9 of the opening / closing rod 10 A pair of operating rods 12 whose ends are rotatably supported around the pivoting means 11, the pivoting means 11 pivotally attaching the inner ends of the pair of operating rods 12 and the rear The flexible connecting member 13 that connects the pivoting means 7 that pivots the inner end portions of the leg connecting member 8 to each other, and the lower end portion from the center position of one rigid member of the front leg connecting member 6. The traction rod 14 is pivotally attached to a portion close to the pivot attachment means 5 and the upper end is pivotally attached between the two pivot attachment means of one of the seat rods 4, and the front leg when folded (FIG. 9). And a slider 16 that slides the upper end of the rear leg.
[0006]
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the push rod 3 includes a pair of left and right outer rods 17, a pair of inner rods 18 that can slide in the outer rod 17, and an upper end portion of the inner rod 18. A pair of rotating members 19 that can be rotated in the circumferential direction and a lower end of the rotating member 19 that is fixed to the rotating member 19 by a pin 20 and that extends upward from the rotating member 19 and is then bent approximately 90 ° in the horizontal direction. The right angle elbow-shaped handle portion 21 and a connecting rod 22 that extends between the horizontal positions above the pair of handle portions 21 and connects the horizontal portions to each other. An upper portion of the inner rod 18 is accommodated in the rotating member 19, and a lower portion is slidably accommodated in the outer rod 17. The outer rod 17 and the inner rod 18 are provided with a plurality of holes 23 at regular intervals, and the position of the handle portion 21 can be adjusted up and down by engaging a pin with these holes 23. Can be done.
[0007]
Further, a groove 24 is formed in the rotating member 19, and a protrusion 25 provided at the upper end portion of the inner rod 18 is fitted into the groove 24, whereby the handle portion 21 is approximately 90 around the inner rod 18. It can be rotated over °.
[0008]
Accordingly, the gripping member 26 holding the inner ends of the pair of operating rods 12 is moved upward, and the pivoting means 7 of the rear leg connecting members 8 and 8 is further moved upward via the connecting member 13. 12 and pulling the connecting rod 22 backward as shown in FIG. 12, the horizontal portions of the pair of handle portions 21 rotate backward with respect to each other, and the protruding portion 25 moves in the groove 24 of the rotating member 19. It moves outward from the position of FIG. As a result, the handcart 15 is approached in the width direction by the opening / closing rod 10 and at the same time is approached in the front-rear direction by the front leg connecting members 6, 6 and the traction rods 14, 14, and as shown in FIG. A folding position folded in the left-right direction can be obtained.
[0009]
Further, when the connecting rod 22 is pushed forward, the horizontal portions of the pair of handle portions 21 are arranged in a straight line at the horizontal position, and the opening / closing rod 10 is expanded in the width direction by spreading in an X shape. The front leg connecting members 6 and 6 and the traction rods 14 and 14 are expanded in the front-rear direction, thereby obtaining an expanded position as shown in FIGS.
[0010]
With this configuration, a new wheelbarrow that is stable during use and can be folded freely in the front-rear and left-right directions safely and reliably when not in use, even in a silver car that is heavier than a stroller. did.
[0011]
Further, the connecting rod 22 is publicly known and, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, is constituted by two links A and B having an indented shape (JP-A-1-297372). One end of these links A is attached to one handle portion via pins 27a and 27b, and the other end is attached to the other handle portion via pins 28a and 28b sliding in the long grooves provided there. It has been. These two links A and B are bent from the straight state (FIG. 13A) by moving the links A and B relative to each other by manipulating the knob 29 engaged with the center recess. (FIG. 13B) can be shifted to.
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-mentioned silver car, it can be smoothly folded in the front-rear direction and the width direction, but it was somewhat difficult to completely prevent the swing in the front-rear direction and the width direction at the expanded position.
[0013]
Accordingly, the present invention provides a hand pusher having a novel configuration for more effectively preventing swinging in the front-rear direction and the width direction at the spread position in the handcart provided with a folding function in the front-rear direction and the width direction. The purpose is to provide a car.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Therefore, in the wheelbarrow 30 in the present invention, such a problem Solve In order to prevent the wheelbarrow 30 from swinging or distorting in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, Nasu Tension reinforcement means are provided. That is ,under Front leg 32 with one end (right side or left side) What The pivoting means 37 of the buckle 38 pivoted and having an upper end on the other side (left side or right side) Than forward Pivoted Checkered in X shape It consists of a pulling rod 58 Strength Means 5 9 Have. this Strengthening hand Stage 5 No. 9 performs an extremely effective function in preventing the handcart 30 from swinging or distorting left and right.
[0015]
Further, in the wheelbarrow 30 of the present invention, one end is a tension rod that is pivotally attached to the front leg 32 and the rear leg 34 on one side (right side or left side), and the other end can be pivoted by a pin or the like. It has tension means 61 consisting of a pair of tension rods 60 connected to each other on both sides. This functions extremely effectively in preventing the wheelbarrow 30 from swinging or distorting in the front-rear direction.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is substantially an improvement of the structure described with respect to FIGS. In the figure, FIGS. 1-5 has shown about the specific structure of the handcart 30 of this invention. In the following description, since the structure of the wheelbarrow of the present invention is substantially symmetrical when viewed from the front or rear, only one configuration will be described unless necessary. Therefore, in order to make the difference from the front-rear direction clearer, FIG. 3 shows the structure of the wheelbarrow of the present invention viewed from the front on the left side from the center line of the drawing, and the hand push of the present invention on the right side. The structure of the car viewed from the rear is shown. In the following, a silver car will be described, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can also be used in a stroller.
[0017]
The handcart 30 according to the present invention includes a pair of left and right front legs 32 having a front wheel 31 at a lower end, a pair of left and right rear legs 34 having a rear wheel 33 at a lower end, and upper ends of the pair of front legs 32. A push bar 35 having a generally U-shape with its upper ends connected to each other, and one end, that is, one end (rear end) on both sides to the rear leg 34 on one side, A pair of left and right seat rods 38, which are pivotally attached to one front leg 32 by means of pivot attachment means 36, 37 such as pins, respectively, and a pair of left and right front legs which are connected to each other at one end, One end (outer end) is pivotably attached to the left and right front legs 32, and the other end (inner end) is rotatably supported around a pivoting means 39 (see FIG. 3) such as a pin. A front leg connecting member 41 comprising a pair of left and right rigid members 40, It is a member that connects the rear legs to each other, and one end, that is, one end (outer end) is pivotably attached to the left and right rear legs 34, and the other end (inner end) is pivotally attached such as a pin. And a rear leg connecting member 44 comprising a pair of left and right rigid members 43 supported around the means 42 so as to be rotatable with respect to each other.
[0018]
The wheelbarrow 30 further has a lower end pivoted to a position below the rear leg 34 on one side (right side or left side), and an upper end pivoted to the rising portion on the other side (left side or right side) of the push bar 35. The pair of opening / closing rods 50 arranged in an X shape, the intermediate portion of which is pivotally connected by a pivoting means 49 such as a pin, and one pivot end of the opening / closing rod 50 between the opening / closing rods 50. A pair of operation rods 52 that are pivotably connected to the upper portion and whose other ends are pivotally supported around the pivoting means 51 are provided.
[0019]
Further, the pivot means 51 is provided with a grip means 53 having an L-shaped cross section including a grip portion projecting rearward, for example. Further, the upper end of a flexible interlocking member 54 made of, for example, a belt or the like is attached to the gripping means 53, and the lower end of the interlocking member 54 is attached to the pivoting means 42 of the rear leg connecting member 44. It is attached to the mounting bracket 55. For this reason, when the gripping means 53 is moved upward, the other ends of the pair of operating rods 52 are moved upward, and in conjunction with this, the pivoting means 42 of the rear leg connecting member 44 is moved upward. However, when the pair of left and right rigid members 43 constituting the rear leg connecting member 44 are expanded (FIG. 3), the left and right points (outer ends) at which the rigid member 43 and the rear leg 34 are pivotally attached. As shown in some known examples, the rear leg connection is such that the straight line is always located below the point 42 (inner end) that pivotally connects the pair of rigid members 43. If the member 44 is formed, the mounting bracket 55 and the interlocking member 54 are not necessarily essential requirements. This is because according to such a structure, when the rear legs 34 are brought close to each other, the rear leg connecting member 44 is always folded while the central pivot portion 42 moves upward.
[0020]
In the handcart 30 of the present invention, in order to prevent the handcart 30 from swinging or distorting in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction, the following various tension strengthening means are provided. That is, the lower end portion is pivotally attached to the rigid member 40 on one side (right side or left side) of the front leg connecting member 41, and the upper end portion is between the pivot means 36, 37 of the other side (left side or right side) seat rod 38. A pair of first traction rods pivotally attached to each other, and as is apparent from FIG. 3, a first reinforcement composed of a pair of first traction rods 56 arranged so as to cross each other in the X shape. The means 57 and the lower end of the front leg 32 on one side (right side or left side) are pivotally mounted near the front wheel 31, and the upper end of the pivot 38 on the other side (left side or right side) of the seat 38 and the other end. A pair of second traction rods pivotally attached to (the front end), and as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of second traction rods 58 arranged so as to cross each other in the X shape. Second reinforcing means 59. These reinforcing means 57 and 59 perform extremely effective functions especially in preventing the left and right swinging or distortion of the handcart 30.
[0021]
Furthermore, in the handcart 30 of the present invention, one end is a pair of tension rods that are pivotally attached to the front leg 32 and the rear leg 34 on one side (right side or left side), and the other ends are pivoted by pins or the like. It has tension means 61 composed of a pair of tension rods 60 that are movably connected. This functions extremely effectively in preventing the wheelbarrow 30 from swinging or distorting in the front-rear direction. Here, the inner ends of the two tension rods 60 are pivoted rather than the line connecting the two pivoting means pivoting the front legs 32 and the rear legs 34 and the outer ends of the tension rods 60. It arrange | positions so that the position of a pivot attachment means may always exist in a downward position.
[0022]
The push bar 35 generally has a generally U-shape having a pair of longitudinal portions and a transverse portion connecting the upper ends of these longitudinal portions. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the longitudinal portion is composed of a front leg 32 and a pair of left and right lower legs (only one of which is shown in the figure) that is fitted to the front leg 32. 65, and a vertical portion 66a of a right-angle elbow-shaped upper ridge 66 fitted and arranged at the upper end of the lower ridge 65, while the transverse portion is a lateral portion 66b of the pair of left and right upper ridges 66 and those And a connecting rod 67 (FIGS. 6 and 7). Here, the upper hook 66 is preferably covered with a soft touch-supporting auxiliary member such as sponge or rubber (not shown). Here, the fitting arrangement refers to a state in which both are arranged in a fitting relationship, and is limited to the insertion dimension relationship in which the lower rod 65 enters the front leg 32 and the upper rod 66 as shown as an example. Instead, the front leg 32 and / or the upper collar 66 may be dimensioned so as to enter the lower collar 65.
[0023]
A plurality of holes 70 are formed in the upper portion of the front leg 32 along the axial direction. On the other hand, a single hole 71 is formed in the lower part of the lower rod 65. Of course, it is also possible to provide a single hole in the front leg and a plurality of holes in the lower heel. The surfaced pins 72 are fitted into these holes, and the front legs 32 and the lower flange 65 are held in a fixed relationship. By changing the fitting position of the pin 72 with respect to the hole, the height of the push bar 35 can be adjusted. A surrounding body 73 is disposed at a fitting portion between the front leg 32 and the lower flange 65 so as to surround the surface portion of the surfaced pin 72. The position adjustment of the pin 72 with the surface can be easily performed by moving the surrounding body 73 upward in the illustrated example, for example.
[0024]
Further, a slider member 74 is fitted to the lower flange 65. The slider member 74 has a through hole 75 for slidably receiving the lower rod 65 and a blind hole 76 for receiving the upper end of the rear leg 34. The upper end portion of the rear leg 34 received in the blind hole 76 is rotatably attached thereto by fixing means such as a pin.
[0025]
Further, a tubular fixture 77 is fixed to the lower rod 65 at a position above the slider member 74 by a fixing means such as a pin. The fixture 77 extends rearward and has a first flange 79 having a hole 78 in the center, and a second flange extending in the center direction from the position perpendicular to the first flange 79 toward the wheelbarrow. And a flange 80. A central portion of the second flange 80 has an auxiliary flange 81 having a hole 78 in the center and extending in the same direction as the first flange 79. The tubular fixture 77 is fixed to the lower flange 65 by a fixing means such as a pin. Further, the fixture 77 has a contact portion 82 at its lower end. The slider member 74 contacts the contact portion 82 and prevents the slider member 74 from moving further upward. In the example shown in the figure, the fixing member 77 has an integral tubular shape. However, the fixing member 77 may be divided into two pieces in the vertical direction so as to be easily attached and hold the lower hook 65 from the left and right sides.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 3, the first flange 79 of the fixture 77 is provided with a braking lever 83 for activating a braking device (not shown) that operates simultaneously on the left and right rear wheels 33. A flexible cord 84 extends from the lever 83 to the braking device, and the braking device can be activated by operating the lever 83. Therefore, the first flange 79 may be provided only on at least one of the left and right fixtures 77. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper end portion of the opening / closing rod 50 is pivotally attached to the auxiliary flange 81.
[0027]
A long groove 85 extending over about 90 ° is formed at the upper end of the lower flange 65. A pin 86 is fixed at a position below the long groove 85 so as to protrude outward. On the other hand, in the example shown in the figure, a long groove 87 that extends over about 90 ° is formed in the lower position of the upper collar 66 that receives the upper end of the lower collar 65. A hole 88 is provided at the position. Therefore, the tubular body 89 surrounds the fitting portion between the lower rod 65 and the upper rod 66. The tube body 89 has a long groove 90 extending at about 90 ° at a lower end portion, and a pin 91 is provided above the long groove 90 so as to protrude inward.
[0028]
FIG. 5A schematically shows the dimensions of the tubular body 89 in an enlarged manner in order to clarify the relationship among the lower collar 65, the upper collar 66, and the tubular body 89. As is clear from the drawing, the pin 91 of the tube 89 passes through the hole 88 of the upper flange 66 and then enters the long groove 85 of the lower flange 65 as shown by line AA in the drawing. On the other hand, the pin 86 of the lower rod 65 passes through the long groove 87 of the upper rod 66 and then enters the long groove 90 of the lower tubular body 89 as shown by line BB in the drawing. 5B shows a cross section taken along line AA in FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5C shows a cross section taken along line BB in FIG. 5A. As can be seen, if the upper rod 66 is rotated about 90 ° forward as shown in FIG. 2, the pin 91 entering the hole 88 of the upper rod 66 simultaneously rotates the tube 89 by about 90 °. At this time, the long groove 90 of the tubular body 89 idles around the pin 86 of the lower rod 65, so that the lower rod 65 does not rotate. Accordingly, the upper rod 66 can be rotated about 90 ° forward regardless of the lower rod 65.
[0029]
One end portion 93 of the connection rod 92 is inserted into the upper horizontal portion of the upper rod 66, and is fixed thereto by fixing means such as a pin. On the other hand, a cam 94 having a hole in the center is formed at the other end of the connecting rod 92, and this cam 94 is connected to the connecting rod 67 through the hole in the center. A flange 95 is formed between the one end 93 of the connecting rod 92 and the cam 94.
[0030]
The connecting rod 67 (FIGS. 3 and 6A) generally includes an upper housing 100, a lower housing 101, a first sliding body 102, and a second sliding body 103, as shown in FIGS. , And an activation body 104 for activating these sliding bodies.
[0031]
The upper housing 100 has an elongated shape, and is formed with circular portions 107 having holes 105 at both ends and a central opening 106 at the center. Further, the circular portion 107 is provided with a circular groove 108 concentric with the central opening 106 over about 90 °.
[0032]
The lower housing 101 has an elongated shape, and has holes 109 at both ends and a circular portion 110 at the center. Further, a pair of upright portions 111 extend on both side portions along the longitudinal direction of the lower housing 101.
[0033]
The first sliding body 102 is formed of an elongated member, and an elongated groove 112 is formed at the center, and an activation body receiving portion 113 and a cam receiving portion 114 are vertically raised at both ends.
[0034]
Similarly, the second sliding body 103 is formed of an elongated member, and an elongated piece 115 is formed at the center, and an activation body receiving portion 116 and a cam receiving portion 117 are vertically raised at both ends thereof. Here, the elongated piece 115 is received in the elongated groove 112 of the first sliding body 102 and can slide there. In the figure, reference numeral 118 denotes a stop piece.
[0035]
The starting body 104 is disposed between the starting body receiving portion 113 and the starting body receiving portion 116 of the first sliding body 102 and the second sliding body 103, and the operating portion 119 that directly acts on these starting body receiving portions. And the activation part 120 for activating the operation part 119 are preferably formed integrally.
[0036]
6B, the pins 121 and 121 extend through the holes 105 and 105 of the upper housing 100, the cams 94 and 94 of the connecting rods 92 and 92, and the holes 109 and 109 of the lower housing 101, respectively. Between the pair of upright portions 111 of the lower housing 101, a first sliding body 102 and a second sliding body 103 slidably arranged in the groove 112 of the first sliding body 102 to the left and right are slidable. It is stored in. The end portions of the springs 121a are arranged in the holes provided in the starting body receiving portions so that the starting body receiving portion 113 and the starting body receiving portion 116 approach each other.
[0037]
The actuating portion 119 of the activator 104 is disposed between the activator receiving portion 113 and the activator receiving portion 116 so as to resist the elastic force of the spring 121a. When the spring 121a is in a position (FIGS. 6B and 6C) where the starting body receiving portion 113 and the starting body receiving portion 116 approach each other, the cam receiving portion 114 of the first sliding body 102 and the cam receiving portion of the second sliding body 103 117 is the farthest left and right position, and these cam receiving portions 114 and 117 are fitted into recesses 122 and 122 provided in the cams 94 and 94, respectively. These recesses 122 are formed on the axis of the connecting rod 92. Therefore, when the cam receiving portions 114 and 117 are fitted in the recess 122, the left and right connecting rods 92 are aligned with each other. The push bar 35 is completely U-shaped, and the wheelbarrow 30 maintains the expanded state. At this time, cam biasing portions 126 formed so as to protrude outwardly from a part of the cam 94 having a substantially circular shape are provided at both ends of one upright portion 111 (a) of the lower housing 101. Further contact with the contact portion 127 (FIG. 7B) prevents the pair of connecting rods 92 from rotating further in the contact direction.
[0038]
A knob 124 (FIG. 6B) that is inserted into the activation portion 120 of the activation body 104 and is fixed to the activation body 104 with a screw 123 has a protrusion 125 at the bottom, and this protrusion 125 is a circular shape of the upper housing 100. It enters into the groove 108 and limits the rotation angle of the knob 124.
[0039]
When the knob 124 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 6A, the activation body 104 rotates from the position of FIG. 6C to the position of FIG. 6D. For this reason, the starting body receiving parts 113 and 117 of the sliding bodies 102 and 103 are separated from each other against the force of the spring 121a. As a result, the cam receiving portions 114 and 117 of the sliding bodies 102 and 103 slide so as to relatively approach each other, and are separated from the recess 122 of the cam 94. For this reason, the connecting rod 92 that has been maintained in a straight line until then is the direction in which the cam biasing portion 126 moves away from the abutting portion 127 around the pin 121 (the connecting portion 67 on the paper surface in FIGS. 6A and 6C). (In the direction of moving upward along the direction). When the connecting portion 67 is completely moved in this state, the cam 94 of the connecting rod 92 rotates around the pin 121 and the bending of the push rod is achieved. At this time, the portion of the cam 94 adjacent to the flange 95 abuts against the abutting portion 127a provided at both ends of the other rising portion 111 (b), thereby preventing further movement of the connecting portion 67.
[0040]
When folding the apparatus of the present invention, the following procedure is used. First, after the knob 124 of the connecting rod 67 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 6A, the gripping means 53 of the operating rod 52 is moved to the expansion lock position (line connecting the pivot point of the opening / closing rod 50 and the operating rod 52 in FIG. (The state in which the pivot point on which the operation rod 52 and the operation rod 52 are pivotally attached is lower), and the position of the pivot means 51 of the operation rod 52 is raised upward. Accordingly, the opening / closing rod 50 in which the operating rod 52 is arranged in the X shape is rotated around the pivoting means 49, and the lower portion of the left and right rear legs 34 and the lower rod 65 of the left and right push rods 35 are brought close to each other. At the same time, the mounting bracket 55 (in some cases connected to the gripping means 53 by a flexible interlocking member 54 such as a belt) moves upward, and the pivot means 42 in the middle of the rear leg connecting member 44. Is moved upward to bring the lower parts of the left and right rear legs 34 closer to each other.
[0041]
Next, the connecting rod 67 is pushed forward in the traveling direction, and the upper rod 66 of the push bar 35 is rotated forward around the lower rod 65. As a result, the upper rod 66 and the pipe body 89 rotate with respect to the lower rod 65. For this reason, the push rods 35 bend toward each other in the center direction, and at the same time, the front legs 32 approach each other in the center direction. Further, as the front leg 32 approaches, the second traction rod 58 arranged in the X shape is in a raised state, and the leading end of the seat rod 38 is raised, so that the first traction rod 56 is in the raised state. The intermediate portion of the rigid member 40 is folded downward.
[0042]
Further, the front leg 32 approaches the rear leg 34 by the rising movement of the front end of the seat rod 38. At this time, the inner ends of the two tension rods 60 are pivoted rather than the line connecting the two pivoting means pivoting the front legs 32 and the rear legs 34 and the outer ends of the tension rods 60. Since the position of the pivot attachment means is always located at the lower position, the pivot attachment that pivotally attaches the inner ends of the two tension rods 60 by the approach of the front leg 32 and the rear leg 34. The position of the means moves downward, allowing the front leg 32 and the rear leg 34 to approach each other. In this way, the handcart 30 can quickly take the folding position as shown in FIG.
[0043]
In order to obtain the expanded position as shown in FIG. 1 from the folded position as shown in FIG. 2, it can be easily achieved by an operation opposite to the above operation. That is, from the folding position shown in FIG. 2, the upper bar 66 of the push bar 35 is simply rotated backward around the lower bar 65. Thereby, the opening / closing rod 50, the front leg coupling member 41, the rear leg coupling member 44, the seat rod 38, the first traction rod 56, the second traction rod 58, the tension means 61, the operation rod 52, etc. are opposite to the expansion work. By performing the operation, the inventive device quickly acquires the expanded position. When the expanding operation is completed, the knob 124 is operated to engage the cam and the cam receiving portion to perform the locking operation.
[0044]
In addition, the well-known friction braking device by contacting a wheel can be used for a braking device.
[0045]
In this embodiment, the slider member 74 is described so as to slide along the lower rod 65 constituting the push bar 35. Of course, the front leg 32 is extended upward and the front leg portion is slid. You can also
[0046]
Further, the operation of the connecting rod 67 during folding is achieved by simply pulling backwards by simply changing the relationship between the long groove shown in FIG. 4 and the relationship between the cam and the abutment portion of the rising portion shown in FIGS. Can be made possible.
[0047]
In the handcart 30 in the present invention, ,under Front leg 32 with one end (right side or left side) What The pivoting means 37 of the buckle 38 pivoted and having an upper end on the other side (left side or right side) Than forward Pivoted Checkered in X shape It consists of a pulling rod 58 Strength Means 5 9 Have this Strengthening hand Stage 5 9, the left and right swinging or distortion in the handcart 30 of the present case is almost completely eliminated.
[0048]
Furthermore, in the handcart 30 of the present invention, one end is a pair of tension rods that are pivotally attached to the front leg 32 and the rear leg 34 on one side (right side or left side), and the other ends are pivoted by pins or the like. The tension means 61 includes a pair of tension rods 60 that are movably connected, and the tension means 61 almost completely eliminates the rocking or distortion in the front-rear direction of the wheelbarrow 30 of the present case.
[0049]
Thus, in the present invention, when not in use, it is possible to effectively prevent shaking in the front-rear direction and the width direction at the expanded position even though it can be smoothly folded in both the front-rear direction and the width direction. I can do it.
[0050]
Further, the connecting rod 67 has a very simple structure, so that there is an effect that it always operates smoothly and the price is low.
[0051]
Moreover, since this invention can be folded in the front-back direction and the width direction, the storage space can be extremely narrowed.
[0052]
Further, according to the present invention, the folding and expanding mechanism can be achieved with a minimum number of elements by connecting the front leg and the push bar. For this reason, the number of parts is reduced, the folding structure is simplified, the overall weight is reduced, and the folding and expanding mechanism can be achieved very smoothly, providing a handcart that is very easy for the user to handle. Succeeded in doing.
[0053]
Furthermore, even when the present invention is folded in the front-rear direction and the width direction, the front wheels and the rear wheels are always in contact with the surface, so that the upright state can be maintained, storage in the storage place and removal from there, Can easily be folded and expanded.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view showing an expanded state of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view showing a folded state of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an expanded state of the present invention, with the left half as viewed from the front and the right half as viewed from the rear.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a push rod according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for illustrating a configuration of a push rod according to the present invention, wherein A is an explanatory diagram for illustrating a relationship between a lower rod, an upper rod, and a tubular body, and B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of A. C is a sectional view taken along line BB of A. FIG.
FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams for illustrating a configuration of a connecting rod according to the present invention, in which A is a top view of the connecting rod, B is a longitudinal sectional view of the connecting rod, and C is a cross-sectional view of the connecting rod showing a straight state; D is a cross-sectional view of the connecting rod showing a bent state.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory views for showing components of the connecting rod according to the present invention, in which A is a diagram showing an upper housing of the connecting rod, B is a diagram showing a lower housing of the connecting rod, and C is a first of the connecting rod. The perspective view which shows a sliding body, D is a perspective view which shows the 2nd sliding body of a connection rod, E is a perspective view which shows the starting body of a connection rod.
FIG. 8 is a side view of a wheelbarrow previously filed by the applicant.
9 is a side view showing a folded state of the handcart of FIG. 8. FIG.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an expanded state of the wheelbarrow of FIG. 8, with the left half viewed from the front and the right half viewed from the rear.
11 is an explanatory diagram of a push bar used in the handcart of FIG. 8;
12 is a view showing a folded state of a connecting rod used in the push rod of FIG. 11. FIG.
FIG. 13 is a view showing the inside of a known connecting rod, wherein A is a view showing a state before bending, and B is a view showing a state after bending.
[Explanation of symbols]
30: Wheelbarrow 32: Front leg
34: Rear leg 35: Push rod
38: Seat rod 41: Front leg connecting member
44: Rear leg connecting member 50: Opening / closing hook
52: Operation rod 54: Interlocking member
56: First traction rod 57: First strengthening means
58: Second traction rod 59: Second strengthening means
61: Tension means 65: Downward heel
66: Upper side 67: Connection side
74: Slider member 77: Tubular fixture
89: Tube 92: Connection rod
100: Upper flange 101: Lower flange
102: First sliding body 103: First sliding body
104: Startup body

Claims

A pair of left and right front legs 32;
A pair of left and right rear legs 34;
Push bar 35;
A pair of left and right buckles 38 pivoted at one end to the rear leg 34 and the middle portion to the front leg 32 by pivot means 36, 37, respectively;
A front leg connecting member 41 comprising a pair of rigid members 40 having one end pivotally attached to the front leg 32 and the other end rotatably supported by a pivot means 39;
A rear leg connecting member 44 comprising a pair of rigid members 43 having one end pivotally attached to the rear leg 34 and the other end rotatably supported by a pivot means;
Opening and closing disposed in a generally X shape with a lower end pivotally attached to the rear leg 34 on one side, an upper end pivotally attached to the push bar 35 on the other side, and an intermediate portion rotatably connected by a pivoting means 49杆 50,
A pair of operating rods 52 having one end pivotably connected to a portion above the pivoting means 49 of each opening / closing rod 50 and the other end pivotally supported around the pivoting means 51;
A slider member 74 holding the upper end of the rear leg 34 slidably with respect to the front leg 32 or the push bar 35;
A wheelbarrow that can be folded in both the front-rear direction and the width direction,
A pair of left and right tension means 61 composed of a pair of front and rear tension rods 60 having one end pivotally attached to one front leg 32 and rear leg 34 and the other end pivotally attached to each other ;
And 牽引杆58 upper end pivotally connected to the front legs 32 of the lower end one side that are arranged in an X shape which is pivotally connected to the forward position than the pivot means 37 on the other side of the seat rods 38 ,
A wheelbarrow characterized by comprising:

A wheelbarrow that can be folded in both the front-rear direction and the width direction,
A pair of left and right front legs 32;
A pair of left and right rear legs 34;
A push bar 35 comprising a longitudinal portion extending upward from a front leg and a transverse portion connecting the upper end portions of the longitudinal portion, the intermediate portion of the transverse member being bendable;
A pair of left and right buckles 38 pivoted at one end to the rear leg 34 and the middle portion to the front leg 32 by pivot means 36, 37 respectively;
A front leg connecting member 41 comprising a pair of rigid members 40 having one end pivotally attached to the front leg 32 and the other end rotatably supported by a pivot means 39;
A rear leg connecting member 44 comprising a pair of rigid members 43 having one end pivotally attached to the rear leg 34 and the other end rotatably supported by a pivot means ;
And 牽引杆58 upper end pivotally connected to the front legs 32 of the lower end one side that are arranged in an X shape which is pivotally connected to the forward position than the pivot means 37 on the other side of the seat rods 38 ,
Opening and closing disposed in a generally X shape with a lower end pivotally attached to the rear leg 34 on one side, an upper end pivotally attached to the push bar 35 on the other side, and an intermediate portion rotatably connected by a pivoting means 49杆 50,
A pair of operating rods 52 having one end pivotably connected to a portion above the pivoting means 49 of each opening / closing rod 50 and the other end pivotally supported around the pivoting means 51;
A pair of left and right tension means 61 composed of a pair of front and rear tension rods 60 having one end pivotally attached to one front leg 32 and rear leg 34 and the other end pivotally attached to each other;
A slider member 74 holding the upper end of the rear leg 34 slidably with respect to the front leg 32 or the push bar 35;
A wheelbarrow characterized by comprising:

A wheelbarrow that can be folded in both the front-rear direction and the width direction,
A pair of left and right front legs 32;
A pair of left and right rear legs 34;
A lower rod 65 connected to the upper portion of the front leg, an upper rod 66 extending upward from the lower rod 65 and then horizontally extending, and a connection connecting the horizontally extending portions of the upper rod 66 to each other A generally U-shaped push bar 35 having a portion 67;
A pair of left and right buckles 38 pivoted at one end to the rear leg 34 and the middle portion to the front leg 32 by pivot means 36, 37, respectively;
A front leg connecting member 41 comprising a pair of rigid members 40 having one end pivotably attached to the left and right front legs 32 and the other end rotatably supported by a pivot means 39;
A rear leg connecting member 44 composed of a pair of rigid members 43 having one end pivotably attached to the left and right rear legs 34 and the other end pivotally supported by a pivot means ;
And 牽引杆58 upper end pivotally connected to the front legs 32 of the lower end one side that are arranged in an X shape which is pivotally connected to the forward position than the pivot means 37 on the other side of the seat rods 38 ,
The lower end portion is pivotally attached to the rear leg 34 on one side, the upper end portion is pivotally attached to the lower rod 65 of the push bar 35 on the other side, and the intermediate portion is rotatably connected by the pivot attachment means 49. Open / close hook 50,
A pair of operating rods 52 having one end pivotally connected to a portion above each pivoting means 49 of each opening / closing rod 50 and the other end rotatably supported around the pivoting means 51;
An interlocking member 54 that connects the pivot means 51 of the pair of operating rods 52 and the pivot means of the rear leg coupling member 44;
A pair of left and right tension means 61 composed of a pair of front and rear tension rods 60 having one end pivotally attached to one front leg 32 and rear leg 34 and the other end pivotally attached to each other;
A slider member 74 holding the upper end of the rear leg 34 slidably with respect to the front leg 32 or the push bar 35;
A wheelbarrow characterized by comprising: