JP2010259645A - Wheelchair - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wheelchair 2 which hardly goes away from a suer when the user stands up. <P>SOLUTION: The wheelchair 2 includes a main frame 4, an axle 8, wheels 10, a seat 16, a sensor 18, control devices 22, and first cables 26. The sensor 18 is mounted on the seat 16. The sensor 18 is extendable. Whether or not the user is seated on the seat 16 is sensed by the sensor 18. The axle 8 is passed to the control devices 22. The first cables 26 connect the sensor 18 and the control devices 22. When the user is seated on the seat 16, the rotation of the wheels 10 is not hindered by the control devices 22. When the user is not seated on the seat 16, the rotation of the wheels 10 can be hindered by the control devices 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a wheelchair used for a physically disabled person, an elderly person, an injured person, and the like.

  Wheelchairs are used for the purpose of moving users. The user turns the hand rim to drive the wheelchair. The wheelchair can run also when the assistant pushes the wheelchair on which the user is seated.

  After arriving at the destination, the user may get out of the wheelchair and get up. When standing up, the back of the user's thigh or the back of the shin may push the wheelchair backwards. When standing up, the user may push the wheelchair backwards by hand. The wheelchair pushed backward moves away from the user against the intention of the user. Unless the user walks on his own, the user cannot sit down again in the wheelchair.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a wheelchair that is difficult to keep away from a user when the user stands up.

The wheelchair according to the present invention is
(1) frame,
(2) wheels attached to this frame,
(3) Seat seat for the user to sit on,
(4) A detection device that detects a state in which the user is seated on the seat seat and a state in which the user is not seated, and (5) a control device that controls the rotation of the wheel. In this wheelchair, the rotation of the wheel is not blocked by the control device when the user is seated on the seat. When the user is not seated on the seat, rotation of the wheel can be prevented by the control device.

  Preferably, the control device includes a gear that rotates integrally with the wheel, and a claw that can engage with the gear. When the user is seated on the seat, the claw does not engage the gear. When the user is not seated on the seat, the claw can engage with the gear.

  Preferably, the control device includes a band brake mechanism. This band brake mechanism has a band and a drum that rotates integrally with the wheel. The gear is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of this drum.

  Preferably, when the detection device shifts from a state where the user's weight is loaded to a state where the user's weight is not loaded, the detection device expands, and the detection device is loaded from a state where the user's weight is not loaded. The detector contracts when transitioning to a state. Due to the extension of the detection device, the state shifts from a state where the rotation of the wheel is not blocked to a state where the rotation of the wheel can be blocked. Due to the contraction of the detection device, the state shifts from the state where the rotation of the wheel can be prevented to the state where the rotation of the wheel is not blocked.

  Preferably, the detection device includes a plate. When the plate shifts from a state in which the user's weight is loaded to a state in which the plate is not loaded, the plate rotates in the forward direction and the detection device extends. When shifting from a state in which the weight of the user is not loaded on the plate to a loaded state, the plate rotates in the reverse direction and the detection device contracts.

  Preferably, the wheelchair further includes a wire coupled to the detection device. The wire is loosened by the extension of the detection device, and the state shifts from the state where the rotation of the wheel is not blocked to the state where the rotation of the wheel can be blocked. This wire is pulled by contraction of the detection device, and the state shifts from a state where the rotation of the wheel can be prevented to a state where the rotation of the wheel is not prevented.

  The wire may be pulled by extension of the detection device, and the wire may be loosened by contraction of the detection device. By pulling the wire, the state shifts from the state where the rotation of the wheel is not blocked to the state where the rotation of the wheel can be blocked. When the wire is loosened, the state shifts from a state where the rotation of the wheel can be prevented to a state where the rotation of the wheel is not blocked.

  Preferably, the wheelchair further includes a lever. By operating this lever, the prevention of wheel rotation by the control device is released in a state where the user is not seated.

  In the wheelchair according to the present invention, when the user stands up, the control device prevents the wheels from rotating. Therefore, the wheelchair does not move backward. The user can easily sit on the wheelchair again.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a wheelchair according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a part of the wheelchair of FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a part of the wheelchair detection device of FIG. 1 and a part of the first cable. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing a part of the wheelchair detection device of FIG. 1 and a part of the first cable. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing the wheelchair control device of FIG. 1. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the vertical direction showing the control device of FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the control device of FIG. FIG. 9 is a front view showing a part of a wheelchair according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the wheelchair of FIG.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments with appropriate reference to the drawings.

  1 and 2 includes a main frame 4, a back frame 6, a lever 7, a pair of axles 8, a pair of wheels 10, a pair of hand rims 12, a pair of casters 14, a seat 16, and a detection device 18. , A cushion 20, a pair of control devices 22, a pair of first cables 26, a pair of second cables 28, a pair of footrests 30 and a pair of armrests 32. In FIG. 1, the right direction is the forward direction of the wheelchair 2, and the left direction is the backward direction of the wheelchair 2.

  The back frame 6 is fixed to the main frame 4. The back frame 6 extends upward from the main frame 4. The back frame 6 includes a pusher 34. When the assistant pushes the wheelchair 2, the pusher 34 is held. A lever 7 is further attached to the back frame 6.

  Each axle 8 is fixed to the main frame 4. Each wheel 10 is attached to the main frame 4 via the axle 8. The wheel 10 can rotate with respect to the axle 8. Each hand rim 12 is fixed to the wheel 10. The hand rim 12 is concentric with the wheel 10. Each caster 14 is attached to the main frame 4 via a pipe 36. The pipe 36 is fixed to the main frame 4 by welding.

  The seat sheet 16 is made of cloth. The seat 16 may be made of other materials. The seat 16 is stretched on the main frame 4. A detection device 18 is placed on the seat sheet 16. The detection device 18 is fixed to the seat 16. A cushion 20 is placed on the detection device 18.

  The axle 8 passes through each control device 22. Each first cable 26 connects the detection device 18 and the control device 22. Each second cable 28 connects the lever 7 and the control device 22.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the detection device 18 includes a lower plate 38, a hinge 40, an upper plate 42, and a spring 44. The lower plate 38 is bonded to the seat sheet 16 with an adhesive. The hinge 40 is joined to the lower plate 38 and the upper plate 42 by welding. The upper plate 42 can rotate around the hinge 40. The spring 44 is sandwiched between the lower plate 38 and the upper plate 42. The lower end of the spring 44 is fixed to the lower plate 38, and the upper end thereof is fixed to the upper plate 42. The spring 44 is a compression coil. The spring 44 biases the upper plate 42 upward.

  In FIG. 3, the upper plate 42 extends substantially horizontally. On the other hand, in FIG. 4, the upper plate 42 is inclined upward. Accordingly, the distance L between the end 46 of the lower plate 38 and the end 48 of the upper plate 42 is large in FIG. 3 and small in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first cable 26 includes a first wire 50 and a first tube 52 that covers the first wire 50. The first wire 50 passes through the lower plate 38 and the upper plate 42. A stopper 56 is attached to the upper end 54 of the first wire 50. The position of the upper end 54 of the first wire 50 and the upper plate 42 is fixed by the stopper 56.

  In FIG. 3, the spring 44 is contracted. Therefore, the detection device 18 is also contracted in the height direction. In FIG. 4, the spring 44 is extended. Therefore, the detection device 18 also extends in the height direction. As the upper plate 42 rotates in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 4, the detection device 18 contracts. As the upper plate 42 rotates in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 3, the detection device 18 extends. The direction of arrow B in FIG. 3 is the “positive direction”. The direction of arrow A in FIG. 4 is the “reverse direction”.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the control device 22 includes a casing 58, a stay 60, a band 62, a drum 64, a gear 66, a pin 68, and a lock 70. 5 to 7 show the control device 22 on the left side of the user. The right control device 22 has a shape obtained by inverting the shape of the left control device 22.

  The casing 58 includes a hole 72. The axle 8 is passed through the hole 72. The casing 58 further includes a window 74. A lock 70 is passed through the window 74. A stay 60 is joined to the casing 58 by welding.

  The band 62 exists along the inner peripheral surface of the casing 58. The drum 64 is accommodated in the casing 58. The drum 64 is located inside the band 62. The drum 64 is fixed to the axle 8 by a nut 76. Accordingly, the wheel 10, the axle 8, and the drum 64 rotate as a unit. In FIG. 6, the band 62 is separated from the drum 64. Although not shown, the wheelchair 2 includes a brake lever and a wire. By operating this lever, the wire is pulled, and the band 62 is pulled by this wire. The drawn band 62 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the drum 64. When the band 62 tightens the drum 64, the wheel 10 is braked. The drum 64 and the band 62 constitute a band brake mechanism. The control device 22 includes a band brake mechanism.

  The gear 66 is a so-called internal tooth type. The gear 66 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the drum 64. The gear 66 is joined to the drum 64 by welding. The gear 66 is located concentrically with the drum 64. The gear 66 rotates integrally with the drum 64. Therefore, the gear 66 rotates integrally with the wheel 10.

  The pin 68 is fixed to the stay 60. The lock 70 includes a shank 78 and a jaw 80. A pin 68 is passed through the shank 78. The lock 70 can rotate around the pin 68. As shown in FIG. 6, the jaw 80 includes a claw 82.

  FIG. 7 also shows the first cable 26 and the second cable 28. The first wire 50 of the first cable 26 is passed through the lock 70. The position of the lower end 84 of the first wire 50 with respect to the lock 70 is fixed by a stopper 86. A first spring 88 is passed through the first wire 50. The first spring 88 is located between the stay 60 and the lock 70. The first spring 88 is a compression coil. The first spring 88 urges the lock 70 in the right direction in FIG.

  The second cable 28 includes a second wire 90 and a second tube 92 that covers the second wire 90. The second wire 90 is passed through the lock 70. The position of the lower end 94 of the second wire 90 with respect to the lock 70 is fixed by a stopper 96. A second spring 98 is passed through the second wire 90. The second spring 98 is located between the stay 60 and the lock 70. The second spring 98 is a compression coil. The second spring 98 biases the lock 70 in the right direction in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper end 100 of the second cable 28 is connected to the lever 7.

  In FIG. 7, the first spring 88 and the second spring 98 are extended. The claw 82 is engaged with the gear 66 (see FIG. 6). In the state shown in FIG. 7, the rotation of the gear 66 is blocked by the claw 82. In other words, the rotation of the wheel 10 is prevented.

  In FIG. 8, the first spring 88 and the second spring 98 are contracted. The claw 82 is separated from the gear 66. The separated claws 82 are indicated by two-dot chain lines in FIG. In the state shown in FIG. 8, the claw 82 does not prevent the gear 66 from rotating. In other words, the rotation of the wheel 10 is not prevented.

  As the lock 70 rotates in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 7, the claw 82 is separated from the gear 66. As the lock 70 rotates in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 8, the claw 82 engages with the gear 66.

  In the wheelchair 2, whether or not the user is seated on the seat 16 is detected based on a change in the distance L in the detection device 18. When a user sits on the wheelchair 2, the weight of the user is applied to the detection device 18 via the cushion 20. The upper plate 42 receiving the weight rotates in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 4 while compressing the spring 44. In other words, the detection device 18 contracts. The detection device 18 shifts from the state shown in FIG. 4 to the state shown in FIG. This shift increases the distance L. The first wire 50 is pulled by the rotation of the upper plate 42.

  When the first wire 50 is pulled, the lock 70 rotates in the direction of arrow A in FIG. The lock 70 shifts from the state shown in FIG. 7 to the state shown in FIG. By this transition, the jaw 80 is separated from the gear 66, and the engagement between the claw 82 (see FIG. 6) and the gear 66 is released. The claw 82 does not prevent the gear 66 from rotating. In other words, the control device 22 does not prevent the wheel 10 from rotating. The user can run the wheelchair 2 by turning the hand rim 12. The assistant can hold the pusher 34 and drive the wheelchair 2.

  When the user stands up from the wheelchair 2, the weight of the user on the detection device 18 is removed. The upper plate 42 is pushed by the spring 44 and rotates in the direction of arrow B in FIG. In other words, the detection device 18 expands. The detection device 18 shifts from the state shown in FIG. 3 to the state shown in FIG. This shift reduces the distance L. The first wire 50 is loosened by the rotation of the upper plate 42.

  Due to the loosening of the first wire 50, the lock 70 rotates in the direction of arrow B in FIG. The lock 70 shifts from the state shown in FIG. 8 to the state shown in FIG. By this transition, the jaw 80 comes into contact with the gear 66, and the claw 82 (see FIG. 6) engages with the gear 66. The claw 82 prevents the gear 66 from rotating. In other words, the control device 22 prevents the wheel 10 from rotating. When standing up, the back of the user's thigh or the back of the shin may push the wheelchair 2 backward. When standing up, the user may push the wheelchair 2 backward by hand. Since the rotation of the wheel 10 is prevented, the wheelchair 2 hardly reverses even if pushed backward. The user can stand up with the wheelchair 2 as a support. Even after the user stands up, the wheelchair 2 is not far from the user. The user can sit on the wheelchair 2 again without walking. Since the user is inferior in muscular strength as compared to a healthy person, the user who has stood up may fall backward immediately. Even if it falls, the wheelchair 2 receives the user.

  When the user is not seated on the wheelchair 2, the rotation of the wheel 10 is blocked by the control device 22 as described above. In other words, unintended forward and backward movement of the wheelchair is prevented. The control device 22 also functions as a parking brake.

  If the user pulls the lever 7 (see FIG. 1) when the user is not seated on the wheelchair 2, the second wire 90 is pulled. As a result, the lock 70 rotates in the direction of arrow A in FIG. The lock 70 shifts from the state shown in FIG. 7 to the state shown in FIG. By this transition, the jaw 80 is separated from the gear 66, and the engagement between the claw 82 (see FIG. 6) and the gear 66 is released. The claw 82 does not prevent the gear 66 from rotating. In other words, the operation of the lever 7 cancels the prevention of the rotation of the wheel 10. The helper can move the wheelchair 2 in a so-called “empty state” in which the user is not seated while pulling the lever 7. The wheelchair 2 may be provided with a mechanism for locking the state in which the lever 7 is pulled.

  In the wheelchair 2, a brake mechanism provided in a general wheelchair is used for the control device 22. Therefore, the number of parts is not excessive. In the wheelchair 2, the gear 66 is housed in the drum 64. In other words, the gear 66 is not exposed. In the wheelchair 2, clothes and the like are not caught in the gear 66.

  9 and 10 show a wheelchair according to another embodiment of the present invention. The structure of this wheelchair other than that shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is the same as that of the wheelchair 2 shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 9 shows the detection device 102. In the detection device 102, the first wire 50 is located on the right side of the hinge 40. When the user's weight is applied to the detection device 102, the upper plate 42 rotates while compressing the spring 44. By this rotation, the detection device 102 contracts and the first wire 50 is loosened. When the user stands up, the upper plate 42 is pushed by the spring 44 and rotates. By this rotation, the detection device 102 extends and the first wire 50 is pulled.

  FIG. 10 shows the control device 104. As is clear from FIG. 10, when the first wire 50 is loosened, the lock 70 is pushed by the first spring 88 and rotates. By this rotation, the jaw 80 is separated from the gear 66. In the separated state, the rotation of the wheel 10 is not prevented. When the first wire 50 is pulled, the lock 70 rotates while compressing the first spring 88. By this rotation, the jaw 80 comes into contact with the gear 66. In the contact state, the rotation of the wheel 10 is prevented.

  The control device described above can be used for various types of wheelchairs.

2 ... Wheelchair 4 ... Main frame 7 ... Lever 8 ... Axle 8
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Wheel 16 ... Seat seat 18, 102 ... Detection device 22, 104 ... Control device 26 ... First cable 28 ... Second cable 38 ... Lower plate 40 ... -Hinge 42 ... Upper plate 44 ... Spring 50 ... First wire 58 ... Casing 60 ... Stay 62 ... Band 64 ... Drum 66 ... Gear 68 ... Pin 70 ... Lock 78 ... Shank 80 ... Jaw 82 ... Claw 88 ... First spring 90 ... Second wire 98 ... Second spring

Claims (8)

(1) frame,
(2) wheels attached to this frame,
(3) Seat seat for the user to sit on,
(4) a detection device for detecting a state in which the user is seated on the seat seat and a state in which the user is not seated; and (5) a control device for controlling the rotation of the wheel.
When the user is seated on the seat, the rotation of the wheel is not prevented by the control device,
A wheelchair in which rotation of a wheel can be prevented by a control device when a user is not seated on the seat. The control device includes a gear that rotates integrally with the wheel, and a claw that can be engaged with the gear.
The claw can be engaged with the gear when the user is not seated on the seat and the claw can be engaged with the gear when the user is seated on the seat. The wheelchair described in 1. The control device includes a band brake mechanism,
The band brake mechanism has a band and a drum that rotates integrally with the wheel,
The wheelchair according to claim 2, wherein the gear is fixed to an inner peripheral surface of the drum. When shifting from a state in which the weight of the user is loaded on the detection device to a state in which the user is not loaded, the detection device expands,
When shifting from a state where the user's weight is not loaded on the detection device to a loaded state, the detection device contracts,
Due to the extension of the detection device, the state shifts from the state where the rotation of the wheel is not blocked to the state where the rotation of the wheel can be blocked,
The wheelchair according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a transition from a state in which wheel rotation can be prevented to a state in which wheel rotation is not prevented by contraction of the detection device. The detection device includes a plate,
When shifting from a state in which the weight of the user is loaded on the plate to a state in which it is not loaded, the plate rotates in the forward direction and the detection device extends,
The wheelchair according to claim 4, wherein when the weight of the user is not loaded on the plate, the plate rotates in the reverse direction and the detection device contracts. A wire connected to the detection device;
The wire is loosened by the extension of the detection device, and the state shifts from the state where the rotation of the wheel is not blocked to the state where the rotation of the wheel can be blocked,
The wheelchair according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the wire is pulled by contraction of the detection device, and the state shifts from a state where the rotation of the wheel can be prevented to a state where the rotation of the wheel is not prevented. A wire connected to the detection device;
The wire is pulled by the extension of the detection device, and the state shifts from the state where the rotation of the wheel is not blocked to the state where the rotation of the wheel can be blocked,
The wheelchair according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the wire is loosened due to contraction of the detection device, and the state shifts from a state where the rotation of the wheel can be prevented to a state where the rotation of the wheel is not prevented.   The wheelchair according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a lever, wherein by the operation of the lever, the prevention of the rotation of the wheel by the control device is released when the user is not seated.

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