Patent Description:
In order to meet the practical demands of users and bring convenience in transportation or carrying, strollers are usually designed to be foldable. Therefore, the strollers can be unfolded when it is desired to use the strollers, and the strollers also can be folded into a smaller volume for easy storage, transportation or carrying when it is not required to use the strollers.

<CIT> relates to a hinge joint assembly comprising a first lock member having tooth means extending radially toward a pivot axis and defining inwardly opening recesses arranged as diametrically opposed pairs, a second lock member including two antipodal finger members each having an outwardly projecting finger, each finger member being capable of radial reciprocation with respect to said pivot axis between a first position in which it is adapted to lodge in any one of said recesses and a second position in which it is withdrawn from said recesses, and biasing means urging said finger members toward said first position, both said fingers being shaped such that relative rotation of one lock member with respect to the other lock member with sufficient torque will urge the fingers radially inwardly against said biasing means and permit the lock members to move from a first relative orientation in which the fingers are lodged in one pair of diametrically opposed recesses to a second relative orientation in which the fingers are lodged in an adjacent pair of diametrically opposed recesses.

<CIT> relates to a stroller including a frame, a first locking mechanism, a folding mechanism and a second locking mechanism. The frame is configured to be folded and unfolded between a folded state and an unfolded state. The first locking mechanism is disposed on the frame and for locking the unfolded frame and restraining the frame from being folded when the frame is in the unfolded state. The folding mechanism is movably disposed on the frame and connected to the first locking mechanism for driving the first locking mechanism to allow the frame to be folded. The second locking mechanism is disposed on the folding mechanism and separably abuts against the frame for restraining the folding mechanism from driving the first locking mechanism so as to lock the unfolded frame.

<CIT> relates to a child stroller apparatus including a handle frame having a first side segment fixedly connected with a first coupling part, a front leg frame having a second side segment fixedly connected with a second coupling part, a rear leg frame having a third side segment fixedly connected with a shell, the third side segment being respectively connected pivotally with the first and second coupling parts, a linking member received at least partially inside the shell and respectively connected pivotally with the first and second coupling parts about two different pivot axes. The handle frame and the front leg frame being rotationally linked to each other. A latch is disposed adjacent to the first coupling part, the latch being operable to rotationally lock the handle frame with respect to the rear leg frame so as to lock the infant stroller apparatus in an unfolded state.

Currently, there are two main folding mechanisms for folding the strollers. One of the main folding mechanisms is to detach a seat from a frame and then unlock the frame to fold. The other of the main folding mechanisms is to rotatably fold the seat relative to the frame and then unlock the frame to fold. However, when the stroller is folded, certain deformations may occur among parts of the stroller, e.g., a front foot, a rear foot, a handle, so that the parts of the stroller cannot be locked properly, which results in instability of the folded stroller and causes unintentional unfolding operation of the stroller. Therefore, it is inconvenience in transportation or carrying. Although there are strollers having locking devices for locking the folded strollers, such strollers have complicated structures or require cumbersome operation before being unfolded, so they cannot satisfy the users' needs.

Therefore, it is necessary to provide an improved locking mechanism and a stroller therewith for solving the aforementioned problems.

This is mind, the present invention aims at providing a rod locking mechanism and a stroller therewith which have advantages of simple structure and easy operation.

This is achieved by a rod locking mechanism and a stroller therewith according to claims <NUM> and <NUM>. The dependent claims pertain to corresponding further developments and improvements.

As will be seen more clearly from the detail description following below, the claimed rod locking mechanism includes a central hub, a first rod component and a locking component. The first rod component is pivotally connected to the central hub. The first rod component includes an abutting portion. The abutting portion is movable between a first position and a second position when the first rod component pivots relative to the central hub. The locking component is movably disposed on the central hub. The abutting portion is located at a first side of the locking component when the abutting portion is located at the first position. The abutting portion drives the locking component to move when the abutting portion moves from the first position toward the second position, and the abutting portion abuts against a second side of the locking component opposite to the first side of the locking component when the abutting portion is located at the second position.

Preferably, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the locking component is slidably disposed on the central hub, and the abutting portion pushes the locking component to slide when the abutting portion moves from the first position toward the second position.

Preferably, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the rod locking mechanism further includes a first resilient component for biasing the locking component to recover. A first end of the first resilient component abuts against the central hub, and a second end of the first resilient component abuts against the locking component.

Preferably, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an accommodating slot is formed on the locking component for accommodating the second end of the first resilient component.

Preferably, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the locking component includes a driven edge, and the locking component is driven to slide by cooperation of the driven edge and the abutting portion when the abutting portion moves from the first position toward the second position.

Preferably, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the locking component further includes an abutting edge, and the locking component abuts against the abutting portion by the abutting edge when the abutting portion is located at the second position.

Preferably, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the driven edge and the abutting edge are inclined relative to a sliding direction of the locking component. A sign of a slope of the driven edge relative to the sliding direction of the locking component is opposite to a sign of a slope of the abutting edge relative to the sliding direction of the locking component, and an absolute value of the slope of the driven edge relative to the sliding direction of the locking component is greater than an absolute value of the slope of the abutting edge relative to the sliding direction of the locking component.

Preferably, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the central hub includes a fixing base, and the locking component is slidably disposed on the fixing base.

Preferably, according to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one long hole is formed on the fixing base. At least one sliding slot is formed on the locking component. At least one wall of the at least one long hole is inserted into the at least one sliding slot. The locking component is slidable along a longitudinal direction of the long hole by cooperation of the at least one sliding slot and the at least one wall of the at least one long hole.

Furthermore, the claimed stroller includes the rod locking mechanism according to any one of the aforementioned embodiments and a second rod component. The second rod component is fixed on the central hub. The first rod component is pivotally movable relative to the second rod component.

Preferably, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the stroller further includes a linking component and a third rod component pivotally connected to the central hub, and two ends of the linking component are respectively pivotally connected to the first rod component and the third rod component.

Preferably, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first rod component is one of a handle and a front foot. The third rod component is another one of the handle and the front foot. The second rod component is a rear foot. The at least one at least one locking component includes two locking components, and the two locking components respectively abut against the first rod component and the third rod component when the first rod component and the third rod component are pivotally folded relative to the second rod component.

Preferably, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first rod component is one of a handle and a front foot. The second rod component is a rear foot, and the at least one locking component abuts against the first rod component when the first rod component is pivotally folded relative to the second rod component.

In summary, in the present invention, when the first rod component is pivotally folded relative to the central hub, the abutting portion can moves from the first position to the second position. When the abutting portion is located at the second position, the abutting portion abuts against the second side of the locking component to restrain the abutting portion from leaving from the second position for locking the first rod component, so as to prevent an unintentional unfolding operation of the first rod component. When it is desired to pivotally unfold the first rod component relative to the central hub, the first rod component can be operated to drive the abutting portion to move from the second position to the first position by overcoming abutment of the locking component, which achieves a purpose of an unlocking operation and the unfolding operation of the first rod component. The rod locking mechanism of the present invention can lock the first rod component for preventing the unintentional unfolding operation of the first rod component when the first rod component is pivotally folded and can unlock the first rod component by operating the first rod component to overcome the abutment of the locking component. Therefore, the present invention brings convenience in transportation or carrying. Furthermore, the present invention has advantages of not only simple structure and easy operation but also enhanced safety and enhanced usability.

In order to illustrate technical specifications and structural features as well as achieved purposes and effects of the present invention, relevant embodiments and figures are described as follows.

Please refer to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a stroller <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a partial diagram of the stroller <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is an enlarged diagram of an A portion of the stroller <NUM> shown in <FIG> according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a sectional diagram of the stroller <NUM> in an unfolded state according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is an enlarged diagram of a D portion of the stroller <NUM> shown in <FIG> according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a sectional diagram of the stroller <NUM> in a folded state according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is an enlarged diagram of an E portion of the stroller <NUM> shown in <FIG> according to the embodiment of the present invention. In order to illustrate the present invention more clearly, <FIG> and <FIG> only illustrate part of the stroller <NUM>, and some components, such as a child seat or a sun shade, are omitted. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the stroller <NUM> includes two rod locking mechanisms <NUM>, a second rod component <NUM> and a third rod component <NUM>. The two locking mechanisms <NUM> are located at two lateral sides and have identical structures. Detailed description for the locking mechanism <NUM> at one lateral side is provided as follows.

The rod locking mechanism <NUM> includes a central hub <NUM>, a first rod component <NUM> and a locking component <NUM>. The locking component <NUM> is movably disposed on the central hub <NUM>. The first rod component <NUM> is pivotally connected to the central hub <NUM>, and the second rod component <NUM> is fixed to the central hub <NUM>, so that the first rod component <NUM> is pivotally movable relative to the second rod component <NUM>. The first rod component <NUM> includes an abutting portion <NUM>. The abutting portion <NUM> is movable between a first position as shown in <FIG> and a second position as shown in <FIG> when the first rod component <NUM> is pivotally folded relative to the central hub <NUM>. The abutting portion <NUM> is located at a first side of the locking component <NUM> when the abutting portion <NUM> is located at the first position. The abutting portion <NUM> drives the locking component <NUM> to move for allowing the abutting portion <NUM> to pass across the locking component <NUM> when the abutting portion <NUM> moves from the first position toward the second position. When the abutting portion <NUM> is located at the second position, the abutting portion <NUM> abuts against a second side of the locking component <NUM> opposite to the first side of the locking component <NUM> to restrain the abutting portion <NUM> from leaving from the second position, i.e., to lock the abutting portion <NUM>, for locking the first rod component <NUM>, so as to prevent an unintentional unfolding operation of the first rod component <NUM>. When it is desired to pivotally unfold the first rod component <NUM> relative to the central hub <NUM>, the first rod component <NUM> can be operated to be unfolded pivotally to drive the abutting portion <NUM> to move across the locking component <NUM> from the second position to the first position by overcoming abutment of the locking component <NUM>, which achieves a purpose of an unlocking operation and the unfolding operation of the first rod component <NUM>.

In order to allow the third rod component <NUM> and the first rod component <NUM> to be folded relative to the second rod component <NUM> synchronously, the stroller <NUM> further includes a linking component <NUM>. The third rod component <NUM> is pivotally connected to the central hub <NUM>. Two ends of the linking component <NUM> are respectively pivotally connected to the first rod component <NUM> and the third rod component <NUM>, so that the first rod component <NUM> can drive the third rod component <NUM> to pivot relative to the second rod component <NUM> by the linking component <NUM> when the first rod component <NUM> pivots relative to the second rod component <NUM>, and vice versa.

In this embodiment, the first rod component <NUM>, the second rod component <NUM>, the third rod component <NUM> can be a handle, a rear foot and a front foot of the stroller <NUM> respectively, and the locking component <NUM> can abut against the first rod component <NUM>, i.e., the handle, when the first rod component <NUM> is pivotally folded relative to the second rod component <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The first rod component, the second rod component or the third rod component can be any of the handle, the rear foot and the front foot of the stroller. For example, in another embodiment, the first rod component, the second rod component and the third rod component can be the front foot, the rear foot and the handle of the stroller respectively, and the locking component can abut against the first rod component, i.e., the front foot, when the first rod component is pivotally folded relative to the second rod component.

Please refer to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> is a partial enlarged diagram of the A portion of the stroller <NUM> shown in <FIG> according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a partial diagram of the stroller <NUM> in the folded state according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is an enlarged diagram of a B portion of the stroller <NUM> shown in <FIG> according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is another partial diagram of the stroller <NUM> in the folded state according to the embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is an enlarged diagram of a C portion of the stroller <NUM> shown in <FIG> according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the central hub <NUM> includes a base plate <NUM> and a covering component <NUM> which covers an inner side of the base plate <NUM> facing toward the covering component <NUM>. Preferably, in this embodiment, the base plate <NUM> can be a flat structure, and a shape of the base plate <NUM> can match with a shape of the covering component <NUM>. The first rod component <NUM> and the third rod component <NUM> are respectively pivotally connected to the base plate <NUM> at a first pivoting point P1 and a second pivoting point P2, and the second rod component <NUM> is fixed on the base plate <NUM>. The linking component <NUM> is pivotally connected to the first rod component <NUM> at a third pivoting point P3 and pivotally connected to the third rod component <NUM> at a fourth pivoting point P4. Such configuration allows the first rod component <NUM> and the third rod component <NUM> to be pivotally unfolded or folded relative to the second rod component <NUM>. The locking component <NUM> is slidably disposed on an inner side of the covering component <NUM> of the central hub <NUM> facing toward the base plate <NUM>. The abutting portion <NUM> is located at a side of the locking component <NUM> facing toward the locking component <NUM>. The locking component <NUM> is located in a moving path of the abutting portion <NUM>. When the first rod component <NUM> is pivotally folded relative to the second rod component <NUM>, the abutting portion <NUM> drives the locking component <NUM> to slide away from the moving path of the abutting portion <NUM> so as to allow the abutting portion <NUM> to pass across the locking component <NUM> when the abutting portion <NUM> moves from the first position toward the second position. When the first rod component <NUM> passes across the locking component <NUM> to be located at the second position, the locking component <NUM> is recovered to drive the second side of the locking component <NUM> to abut against the abutting portion <NUM> for locking the abutting portion <NUM>.

Specifically, the central hub <NUM> further includes a fixing base <NUM>. The fixing base <NUM> is fixed on the inner side of the covering component <NUM>. The locking component <NUM> is slidably disposed on the fixing base <NUM>. The fixing base <NUM> can guide a sliding movement of the locking component <NUM> when the locking component <NUM> is driven to slide by abutment of the abutting portion <NUM>. Preferably, the fixing base <NUM> can be a flat structure, and the fixing base <NUM> can be fixed on the covering component <NUM> by screwing or integrally forming the fixing base <NUM> with the covering component <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

More specifically, a long hole <NUM> is formed on the fixing base <NUM>. The long hole <NUM> has an opening 131a. Two sliding slots <NUM> are formed on the locking component <NUM>. The locking component <NUM> is partially sleeved in the long hole <NUM> via the opening 131a. Two walls of the long hole <NUM> are inserted into the two sliding slots <NUM>. The locking component <NUM> is slidable along a longitudinal direction of the long hole <NUM> by cooperation of the two sliding slots <NUM> and the two walls of the long hole <NUM>. Such configuration not only ensures a sliding direction of the sliding movement of the locking component <NUM> but also provides an effect of restraining the locking component <NUM> from shaking during the sliding movement of the locking component <NUM> to ensure stability of the sliding movement of the locking component <NUM>. However, the numbers of the wall of the long hole, the long hole and the sliding slot are not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, there can be one sliding slot formed on the locking component and one long hole formed on the fixing base, and one wall of the long hole is slidably inserted into the sliding slot.

Besides, in order to recover the locking component <NUM> automatically, the rod locking mechanism <NUM> further includes a first resilient component <NUM>. A first end <NUM> of the first resilient component <NUM> abuts against an inner wall of the covering component <NUM> of the central hub <NUM>, and a second end <NUM> of the first resilient component <NUM> abuts against the locking component <NUM>, so that the locking component <NUM> is biased to resiliently abut against the abutting portion <NUM>, which achieves a purpose of recovering the locking component <NUM> to abut against the abutting portion <NUM> for locking the abutting portion <NUM> when the abutting portion <NUM> is located at the second position. Such configuration not only has advantages of simple structure and low manufacturing cost but also makes abutment of the abutting portion <NUM> and the locking component <NUM> more flexible. Preferably, the first resilient component <NUM> can be a compression spring. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the locking component also can be recovered by a pneumatic driving device or an electrical motor driving device.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an accommodating slot <NUM> is formed on the locking component <NUM> for accommodating the second end <NUM> of the first resilient component <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the first resilient component <NUM> abuts against an inner wall of the accommodating slot <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the first resilient component <NUM> abuts against the inner side of the covering component <NUM> of the central hub <NUM>. Such configuration not only makes the arrangement of the locking component <NUM> and the first resilient component <NUM> more compact but also prevents the first resilient component <NUM> from moving relative to the locking component <NUM>, which concentrates a resilient force of the first resilient component <NUM> and enhances responsiveness of recovering of the locking component <NUM>, so as to ensure the abutting portion <NUM> to be locked by the locking component <NUM> properly.

As shown in <FIG>, the locking component <NUM> further includes a driven edge <NUM> and an abutting edge <NUM>. The locking component <NUM> is driven to slide away from the moving path of the abutting portion <NUM> by cooperation of the driven edge <NUM> and the abutting portion <NUM> when the abutting portion <NUM> moves from the first position toward the second position. The locking component <NUM> abuts against the abutting portion <NUM> by the abutting edge <NUM> for locking the abutting portion <NUM> when the abutting portion <NUM> is located at the second position. Specifically, the driven edge <NUM> and the abutting edge <NUM> are inclined relative to the sliding direction of the locking component <NUM>. The driven edge <NUM> and the abutting edge <NUM> are formed on an abutting end of the locking component <NUM> adjacent to the abutting portion <NUM> and respectively located adjacent to the first side and the second side of the locking component <NUM>. A sign of a slope of the driven edge <NUM> relative to the sliding direction of the locking component <NUM> is opposite to a sign of a slope of the abutting edge <NUM> relative to the sliding direction of the locking component <NUM>. An absolute value of the slope of the driven edge <NUM> relative to the sliding direction of the locking component <NUM> is greater than an absolute value of the slope of the abutting edge <NUM> relative to the sliding direction of the locking component <NUM>. Preferably, the driven edge <NUM> can be an arc-shaped structure and extend from the first side of the locking component <NUM> toward the abutting edge <NUM> adjacent to the second side of the locking component <NUM>. The abutting portion <NUM> abuts against the driven edge <NUM> to drive the locking component <NUM> to slide away from the moving path of the abutting portion <NUM> to allow the abutting portion <NUM> to pass across the locking component <NUM> when the abutting portion <NUM> moves from the first position toward the second position. When the abutting portion <NUM> is located at the second position, the locking component <NUM> can be recovered by the resiliently deformed first resilient component <NUM> to drive the abutting edge <NUM> of the locking component <NUM> to abut against the abutting portion <NUM> for locking the abutting portion <NUM>. By the aforementioned configuration, the driven edge <NUM> can facilitate the abutting portion <NUM> to drive the locking component <NUM> to slide, and the abutting edge <NUM> can stably restrain the abutting portion <NUM> from leaving from the second position to prevent the unintentional unfolding operation of the first rod component <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the rod locking mechanism <NUM> further includes a restraining component <NUM>, a second resilient component <NUM> and a driven component <NUM> for cooperating with an external component, such as the child seat. A first end <NUM> of the restraining component <NUM> is disposed on the covering component <NUM> of the central hub <NUM>. The restraining component <NUM> can engage with the third rod component <NUM> to restrain a pivotal movement of the third rod component <NUM> for locking the stroller <NUM> in the unfolded state. The second resilient component <NUM> abuts against the restraining component <NUM> for biasing the restraining component <NUM> to engage with the third rod component <NUM>. The driven component <NUM> is movable disposed on the central hub <NUM>. The driven component <NUM> can be driven by the external component, such as the child seat, to drive the restraining component <NUM> to disengage from the third rod component <NUM> to allow the pivotal movement of the third rod component <NUM> for unlocking the stroller <NUM>. Specifically, an engaging portion <NUM> protrudes from the third rod component <NUM>. An engaging notch <NUM> is formed on the restraining component <NUM> and for engaging with the engaging portion <NUM>. When the engaging portion <NUM> engages with the engaging notch <NUM>, the pivotal movement of the third rod component <NUM> is restrained by the restraining component <NUM>. Furthermore, since the pivotal movement of the third rod component <NUM> is restrained by the restraining component <NUM>, a pivotal movement of the first rod component <NUM> is restrained by the linking component <NUM>.

Specifically, a driving inclined surface <NUM> is formed on an inner end of the driven component <NUM> facing toward the base plate <NUM>. The restraining component <NUM> is pivotally connected to the central hub <NUM>, and a second end <NUM> of the restraining component <NUM> opposite to the first end <NUM> of the restraining component bends toward the driven component <NUM>. An inclined portion <NUM> is formed on the second end <NUM> of the restraining component <NUM> and for cooperating with the driving inclined surface <NUM>. The driving inclined surface <NUM> drives the restraining component <NUM> to pivotally disengage from the third rod component <NUM> along a clockwise direction shown in <FIG> by abutment of the driving inclined surface <NUM> and the inclined portion <NUM> when the driven inclined surface <NUM> slides toward the base plate <NUM>. When the restraining component <NUM> pivots to disengage the engaging notch <NUM> from the engaging portion <NUM>, the third rod component <NUM> and the first rod component <NUM> are allowed to be pivotally folded relative to the second rod component <NUM> because the third rod component <NUM> and the first rod component <NUM> are not abutted by the restraining component <NUM> and the linking component <NUM> respectively. Besides, preferably, a restraining inclined surface <NUM> can be formed on the inner end of the driven component <NUM> facing toward the base plate <NUM>, and the restraining inclined surface <NUM> and the driving inclined surface <NUM> can be cooperatively formed in a V shape. The restraining inclined surface <NUM> can restrain a sliding distance of the inclined portion <NUM> relative to the driving inclined surface <NUM>. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the restraining inclined surface can be omitted. Preferably, the second resilient component <NUM> can be a compression spring, and two ends of the second resilient component <NUM> can abut against an abutting part <NUM> of the restraining component <NUM> and the inner wall of the covering component <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a guiding portion <NUM> protrudes from a lower end of the central hub <NUM> toward a center of the stroller <NUM>. Preferably, the guiding portion <NUM> can be a hollow structure. The driven component <NUM> is slidably inserted into the guiding portion <NUM>. An exposing end of the driven component <NUM> is exposed out of the guiding portion <NUM>. Two operating inclined surfaces <NUM> are formed on the exposing end of the driven component <NUM> for cooperating with the external component. The external component, such as the child seat, can be operated to pivot to abut against the operating inclined surface <NUM> to drive the driven component <NUM> to slide into the guiding portion <NUM> for allowing the driven component <NUM> to cooperate with the restraining component <NUM>. Preferably, the two operating incline surfaces <NUM> can be respectively formed on two sides of the exposing end of the driven component <NUM>, so that the external component can drive the driven component <NUM> to slide no matter which direction the external component pivots along. In other words, the driven component <NUM> can be driven to slide when the external component pivots along the clockwise direction or a counter clockwise direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, there can be only one operating inclined surface formed on one side of the exposing end of the driven component for allowing the external component to drive the driven component when the external component pivots along one direction.

As shown in <FIG>, a release button <NUM> is disposed on the central hub <NUM> for driving the restraining component <NUM> to disengage the engaging notch <NUM> of the restraining component <NUM> from the engaging portion <NUM> of the third rod component <NUM>. The release button <NUM> is slidably disposed on the covering component <NUM>. A releasing inclined surface <NUM> is formed on an end of the release button <NUM> for pushing the restraining component <NUM> away from the third rod component <NUM>. A cooperating portion <NUM> is formed on the restraining component <NUM> and for cooperating with the releasing inclined surface <NUM>. The release button <NUM> can drive the restraining component <NUM> by abutment of the releasing inclined surface <NUM> and the cooperating portion <NUM> of the restraining component <NUM> to disengage the engaging notch <NUM> of the restraining component <NUM> from the engaging portion <NUM> of the third rod component <NUM>, which provides an alternative release mechanism for disengagement of the restraining component <NUM> and the third rod component <NUM>.

Operational principle of the stroller <NUM> is provided as follows. When it is desired to fold the stroller <NUM>, the external component, such as the child seat, can be operated to pivot to abut against the operating inclined surface <NUM> of the driven component <NUM> to drive the driven component <NUM> to slide toward the base plate <NUM>. When the driven component <NUM> slides toward the base plate <NUM>, the driven component <NUM> drives the restraining component <NUM> to pivot and compress the second resilient component <NUM> by the abutment of the driving inclined surface <NUM> and the inclined portion <NUM> for disengaging the engaging notch <NUM> of the restraining component <NUM> from the engaging portion <NUM> of the third rod component <NUM>. When the engaging notch <NUM> of the restraining component <NUM> is disengaged from the engaging portion <NUM> of the third rod component <NUM>, the third rod component <NUM> and the first rod component <NUM> can be pivotally folded relative to the second rod component <NUM> to fold the stroller <NUM> because the third rod component <NUM> and the first rod component <NUM> are not abutted by the restraining component <NUM> and the linking component <NUM> respectively. At this movement, the first rod component <NUM> can be operated to be pivotally folded relative to the second rod component <NUM> to drive the third rod component <NUM> to be pivotally folded relative to the second rod component <NUM> by the linking component <NUM>. When the first rod component <NUM> is pivotally folded relative to the second rod component <NUM>, the abutting portion <NUM> moves from the first position to the second position. When the abutting portion <NUM> moves from the first position toward the second position, the abutting portion <NUM> abuts against the driven edge <NUM> of the locking component <NUM> to drive the locking component <NUM> to slide and compress the first resilient component <NUM>. When the abutting portion <NUM> is located at the second position, the locking component <NUM> can be recovered by the resiliently deformed first resilient component <NUM> to drive the abutting edge <NUM> of the locking component <NUM> to abut against the abutting portion <NUM> for locking the abutting portion <NUM>. At this movement, since the abutting portion <NUM> is locked by the abutting edge <NUM> of the locking component <NUM>, it prevents the unintentional unfolding operation of the first rod component <NUM> relative to the second rod component <NUM> and an unintentional unfolding operation of the third rod component <NUM> relative to the second rod component <NUM>, which locks the stroller <NUM> in the folded state.

When it is desired to unfold the stroller <NUM>, it only has to operate the first rod component <NUM> to be pivotally unfolded relative to the second rod component <NUM> by overcoming abutment of the abutting edge <NUM> and the abutting portion <NUM> to move the abutting portion <NUM> from the second position to the first position. Afterwards, the restraining component <NUM> can be recovered by the second resilient component <NUM> to engage the engaging notch <NUM> of the restraining component <NUM> with the engaging portion <NUM> of the third rod component <NUM> to lock the stroller <NUM> in the unfolded state.

Furthermore, the number and the configuration of the locking component are not limited to this embodiment. For example, please refer to <FIG> is a partial diagram of a stroller according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the first rod component <NUM>, the second rod component <NUM>, the third rod component <NUM> are the handle, the rear foot and the front foot respectively, and each of the first rod component <NUM> and the third rod component includes the abutting portion <NUM>. The rod locking mechanism can include two locking components <NUM> movably disposed on the base plate <NUM> of the central hub and respectively located near the handle and the front foot. The two locking components <NUM> can respectively abut against the abutting portions <NUM> of the first rod component <NUM> and the third rod component <NUM> when the first rod component <NUM> and the third rod component <NUM> are pivotally folded relative to the second rod component <NUM>.

In contrast to the prior art, in the present invention, when the first rod component is pivotally folded relative to the central hub, the abutting portion can move from the first position to the second position. When the abutting portion is located at the second position, the abutting portion abuts against the second side of the locking component to restrain the abutting portion from leaving from the second position for locking the first rod component, so as to prevent the unintentional unfolding operation of the first rod component. When it is desired to pivotally unfold the first rod component relative to the central hub, the first rod component can be operated to drive the abutting portion to move from the second position to the first position by overcoming abutment of the locking component, which achieves the purpose of the unlocking operation and the unfolding operation of the first rod component. The rod locking mechanism of the present invention can lock the first rod component for preventing the unintentional unfolding operation of the first rod component when the first rod component is pivotally folded and can unlock the first rod component by operating the first rod component to overcome the abutment of the locking component. Therefore, the present invention brings convenience in transportation or carrying. Furthermore, the present invention has advantages of not only simple structure and easy operation but also enhanced safety and enhanced usability.

Claim 1:
A rod locking mechanism (<NUM>) comprising:
a central hub (<NUM>);
a first rod component (<NUM>) pivotally connected to the central hub (<NUM>), the first rod component (<NUM>) comprising an abutting portion (<NUM>), the abutting portion (<NUM>) being movable between a first position and a second position when the first rod component (<NUM>) pivots relative to the central hub (<NUM>);
a locking component (<NUM>) movably disposed on the central hub (<NUM>), the abutting portion (<NUM>) being located at a first side of the locking component (<NUM>) when the abutting portion (<NUM>) is located at the first position, the abutting portion (<NUM>) driving the locking component (<NUM>) to move when the abutting portion (<NUM>) moves from the first position toward the second position, and the abutting portion (<NUM>) abutting against a second side of the locking component (<NUM>) opposite to the first side of the locking component (<NUM>) when the abutting portion (<NUM>) is located at the second position;
characterized in that the rod locking mechanism (<NUM>) further comprises:
a third rod component (<NUM>) pivotally connected to the central hub (<NUM>);
a restraining component (<NUM>) engageable with the third rod component (<NUM>) to restrain a pivotal movement of the third rod component (<NUM>);
a linking component (<NUM>) pivotally connected to the first rod component (<NUM>) and the third rod component (<NUM>), wherein a pivotal movement of the first rod component (<NUM>) is restrained by the linking component (<NUM>), when the pivotal movement of the third rod component (<NUM>) is restrained by the restraining component (<NUM>);
a driven component (<NUM>) movable disposed on the central hub (<NUM>), the driven component (<NUM>) configured to drive the restraining component (<NUM>) to disengage from the third rod component (<NUM>) to allow the pivotal movement of the third rod component (<NUM>), wherein the driven component (<NUM>) is drivable by an external component; and
a second resilient component (<NUM>) abutting against the restraining component (<NUM>) for biasing the restraining component (<NUM>) to engage with the third rod component (<NUM>).