JP3981548B2 - Folding car - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a folding vehicle such as a wheelchair used by a disabled person or an elderly person, a stroller for carrying an infant or a carriage used for moving luggage, and the like, and in particular, folding that can be folded small so as to be easily stored in a trunk of a vehicle. It relates to a formula car.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Here, an example in which the folding vehicle is applied to a wheelchair will be described. Wheelchairs are a typical means of transportation for disabled and elderly people, but when traveling long distances, vehicles such as automobiles are often used in combination. In this case, the wheelchair must be loaded on the trunk of the vehicle, and the wheelchair itself needs to be folded as compactly as possible. The same can be said for strollers carrying infants and wheelbarrows for carrying luggage. Since conventional wheelchairs are generally folded in the width direction, when stored in a trunk of a vehicle or the like, the length of the wheelchair in the vertical direction or the front-rear direction is larger than the length of the trunk in the vertical direction or the front-rear direction. It is necessary to lie down or lie down after folding. Further, even if the conventional wheelchair is laid down sideways, the wheelchair as a whole occupies a large volume in the trunk of the vehicle because there are protrusions such as a handle portion and a footrest, so that it is difficult to mount other loads. Furthermore, if it is mounted on its side, the stability in the trunk is poor, and it will move irregularly in the trunk when the car is running, so it is necessary to pay special nerves to fix the wheelchair. Requires labor and time.
[0003]
Further, since a general wheelchair is folded in a lateral direction, a seat portion and a backrest are made of a material such as cloth. For this reason, sitting for a long time is likely to cause bed slipping, and it is difficult for a person who does not easily apply force to the lower body to keep the body straight.
[0004]
There is also known a folding wheelchair in which the wheelchair is viewed from the side and the backrest is rotated backward to move the rear wheel forward via a link and the footrest is folded (for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-59907). No. publication). However, this has a relatively large rear wheel that the user can rotate by himself, and the folding shape is not so compact.
[0005]
On the other hand, in the case of a wheelchair of a type mainly pushed by an assistant who has a small rear wheel, there has been proposed one in which a seat, a back, and a front leg are individually folded (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-237242). However, since this cannot fold each member synchronously and folds individually, it takes time and effort. Moreover, some conventional wheelchairs can be disassembled and mounted, but there are problems that assembly and disassembly require labor or parts are lost. In addition, in conventional wheelchairs, the wheels are always subjected to a load, so that there is a problem that sag and air leakage are likely to occur.
[0006]
Although not a wheelchair, the present applicant has proposed a transporting device having a curved pantograph-type leg portion that exhibits an arcuate shape when extended and can be folded inward when stored (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-106085). reference). This can stably support a large weight while being extended in an arc shape, and can be folded very small.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention eliminates the problems of the above conventional folding wheelchairs, etc., especially reduces the working time and labor when mounted on the trunk of the vehicle as much as possible, stability when mounted on the vehicle, etc. The technical issues are to improve assembly, ease of carrying in the folded state, and comfort in use.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The folding vehicle of the present invention is a wheelchair. , Used for strollers or carts In a folding vehicle, a seat for carrying a person or an object, a front leg that is pivotally connected to the vicinity of the front end of the seat, and a left and right outer side of the seat, one end of which is an intermediate part of the seat A pair of left and right pantograph-type rear legs that are pivotably connected to the lower end and pivotally connected to the lower end of the front leg, and attached to the vicinity of the connecting point between the rear leg and the front leg. A pair of left and right front wheels and a pair of left and right rear wheels attached to the rear legs, the rear wheels having a connection point of the pantograph near the middle of the curved rear legs as a rotation center, The rear legs are curved so as to protrude rearward, and in a folded state, the rear legs are radially arranged so as to gather one end of each link. Or star shape Condition The seat is pivoted so that the vicinity of the rear end of the seat is close to the vicinity of the lower end of the front leg, and the seat is accommodated between the axis of the front wheel and the axis of the rear wheel, The shaft center is moving forward.
[0009]
In such a folding vehicle, it is preferable that an armrest for lowering the position while rotating in the forward direction in synchronization with the folding is connected to the rear leg. Furthermore, it is preferable that a backrest that is folded in conjunction with the folding is connected to the rear end and the rear leg of the seat portion (Claim 3). In addition, it is preferable that a footrest, in which the front end is rotated upward and folded around the vicinity of the rear end in synchronization with folding of the seat portion, is connected to the lower portion of the front leg or the front portion of the rear leg.
[0010]
Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a stopper mechanism between the rear leg and the seat portion to prevent the folding leg from returning to the folded state. Further, it is preferable that the pantograph-shaped rear leg is provided with a rear leg lock for restraining different members adjacent to each other so as not to expand during use. The rear wheel has a stopper rotatably connected to a part of the rear leg so that the two stop positions can be maintained, and the stopper fixes the rotation of the rear wheel at the first stop position when in use. In the state where the wheelchair is folded in a state in which the wheelchair is folded, it is preferable that it is a combined stopper that functions as a folding stopper that restrains the movement of the backrest in the second position and restrains it from expanding to the expanded state (Claim 6). .
[0011]
In addition, it is preferable that one of the links constituting the rear leg is a support member that supports the wheelchair in contact with the ground so that the wheelchair does not fall backward in a folded state. Further, it is preferable to provide a loading platform that is deployed in synchronism with the extension of the rear leg during use. Furthermore, it is preferable that a battery, a motor for driving the rear wheel, and a control device are mounted between the left and right rear legs and below the seat portion. Furthermore, it is preferable that the distance between the rotationally movable connecting points of the front end supporting the seat and the intermediate part is equal to or longer than the rotational radius of the connecting point of the intermediate part of the seat. Further, one link constituting the pantograph of the rear leg has four connecting points, and the positional relationship between three adjacent connecting points is similar to the positional relationship of the connecting points of other members constituting the pantograph shape. Further, it is more preferable that the upper end of the link and the intermediate part of the seat part are rotatably connected (claim 8). Furthermore, it is preferable that the seat is folded by a hinge or the like so that the front end of the seat does not protrude upward.
[0012]
[Operation and effect of the invention]
Since the folding vehicle of the present invention (Claim 1) supports the seat part movably by the front leg and the rear leg of the pantograph shape, and the rear wheel is installed at the connection point of the pantograph near the middle of the curved rear leg, The left and right rear legs, front legs and seat can be folded or unfolded synchronously. That is, when the pantograph-shaped rear leg is folded, the rear wheel moves in the forward direction, and the rear end portion rotates downward with the seat portion centering on the front connection point. Therefore, the dimensions of the folding vehicle in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction are reduced synchronously. Conversely, when the pantograph of the rear leg is extended, the seat and the front leg expand synchronously. Therefore, folding and unfolding work is easy. Moreover, since the rear leg exhibits a curved shape when stretched, the strength is high. In a further folded state, the left and right rear legs shrink back and forth and up and down, and the rear legs radiate so that one end of each link is gathered together. Or star shape Condition And the seat and the front leg fit in a folded state between the front wheel axis and the rear wheel axis. Therefore, the dimensions are reduced in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction, and the occupation volume of the folding vehicle can be greatly reduced, and the stability is high. In addition, since the vicinity of the connecting point between the rear leg and the front leg hardly rotates during folding, the front wheel attached in the vicinity of the front leg can stably support the entire vehicle body even when unfolded or folded.
[0013]
Further, since the left and right dimensions are not changed, and only the front and rear and top and bottom dimensions are reduced, the stability when mounted on the vehicle is improved, and the carry-in and carry-out properties of the folding vehicle to the trunk of the vehicle and the like are improved. In particular, in the case of a trunk of a passenger car, it is long to the left and right, and the front and rear and top and bottom dimensions are small. Therefore, the folding car folded as described above can be accommodated more easily. Furthermore, since the seat portion itself is not folded, the rigidity of the seat portion can be improved. As a result, the user's posture can be stabilized straight, and even when sitting for a long time, it is less likely to get tired and floor slipping is less likely to occur.
[0014]
In the foldable vehicle described above, when an armrest that lowers the position while rotating in the forward direction in synchronization with the fold is connected to the rear leg (Claim 2), when folding the seat or the front leg, In synchronism with them, the armrests are folded so that they approach the front legs and seats. Moreover, when expanding, it expand | deploys synchronizing with those members. Therefore, it can be folded compactly, and folding operation and unfolding operation are easy.
[0015]
In a folding vehicle in which the backrest that is folded in conjunction with the folding is connected to the rear end and the rear leg of the seat portion (Claim 3), when the backrest is pushed downward, the seat portion and the front leg are connected to each other. It is folded around the point, and at the same time the rear leg is folded. Further, when the backrest is pulled up, the rear leg, the front leg and the seat are deployed synchronously. Therefore, the unfolding / folding operation is further facilitated.
[0016]
Folding the front and rear legs to the lower part of the front leg or the front part of the rear leg is connected to a footrest that can be folded by rotating the front end around the rear end in synchronization with the folding of the seat. Sometimes, in sync with them, the footrest is folded to approach the front leg. Moreover, when expanding, it expand | deploys synchronizing with those members. Therefore, it can be folded compactly, and folding operation and unfolding operation are easy.
[0017]
Furthermore, when providing the stopper mechanism which prevents returning to a folding state between the said back leg and a seat part (Claim 4), the back leg comprised with many links is fixed to a seat part firmly. be able to. Therefore, a stable use state can be obtained.
[0018]
In the case of a pantograph-shaped rear leg, when a different member adjacent to the pantograph-shaped rear leg is restrained by a rear leg lock (Claim 5), the pantograph-shaped rear leg itself can be firmly held in an extended state. Thereby, the use state is more stably maintained.
[0019]
As a rear wheel stopper that has a stopper that is rotatably connected to a part of the rear leg so that two stop positions can be maintained, and that the stopper fixes rotation of the rear wheel at the first stop position when in use In the state where the wheelchair is functioning and being folded, when it is a combined stopper that functions as a folding stopper that restrains the movement of the backrest at the second stop position and expands to the expanded state (Claim 6), In use, the rear wheel stopper can be used as a brake. That is, since the two stop positions are rotatably connected to a part of the rear wheel, the stop state can be safely maintained by restraining the rear wheel with the stopper at the first stop position. In addition, at the second stop position, by suppressing the movement of the backrest, the folding shape is stabilized, the carrying becomes easy, and even when stored in the trunk of the car, it can be stored in a stable state. Since the rear wheel stopper is unnecessary in the folded state, and the folding stopper is not necessary in use, there is no inconvenience even if a single member serves as the rear wheel stopper and the folding stopper. Moreover, since one part serves two functions, the number of parts can be reduced.
[0020]
One of the links constituting the rear leg is a support member that supports the ground in a folded state so that the folding vehicle does not fall backward, because the support member supports the ground when folded. The load is not applied. Therefore, it is difficult for the tire air to escape. Further, the use of a loading platform that is deployed in synchronism with the extension of the rear leg during use is convenient because various loads can be placed on the loading platform. In the case where the loading platform is provided at the lower part of the leg, by placing the load on the loading platform, the center of gravity is lowered, and the folding vehicle is stabilized. In addition, when a battery, a motor for driving the rear wheel, and a control device are placed between the left and right rear legs and below the seat (Claim 7), the labor of the person pushing the folding vehicle such as a caregiver is reduced. Since the center of gravity can be lowered, stability during running is improved.
[0021]
In the case of a foldable vehicle, the distance between the rotationally movable connecting points of the front end supporting the seat part and the intermediate part is equal to or longer than the rotational radius of the connecting point of the intermediate part of the seat part. Since it is fully folded and the rear wheels are also moved sufficiently forward, it can be folded compactly. Further, one link constituting the pantograph of the rear leg has four connecting points, and the positional relationship between three adjacent connecting points is similar to the positional relationship of the connecting points of other members constituting the pantograph shape. In addition, in the case where the upper end of the link and the intermediate part of the seat part are rotatably connected (Claim 8), the armrest and the seat part are connected using a link constituting the rear leg. be able to. In that case, the rigidity is improved. In addition, when the rear leg is folded, the intermediate connection point of the seat portion connecting the link and the seat portion can be moved downward, so that the seat portion can be maintained in a substantially vertical state and the size in the front-rear direction can be reduced.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment of a folding vehicle according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1, 2, and 3 are a side view, a rear view, and a rear perspective view in a state of use showing an embodiment in which the folding vehicle of the present invention is applied to a wheelchair, and FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are side views of the main part of the wheelchair. Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b are skeleton diagrams of the wheelchair link mechanism, simplified skeleton diagrams, Fig. 5c is a skeleton diagram of the upper part of the wheelchair, and Fig. 6 is a side view of the main part showing the backrest of the wheelchair. FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is a side view of the main part showing the armrest of the wheelchair, FIG. 8 is a side view showing the folding of the wheelchair, and FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 are side views showing the folded state of the wheelchair. It is a front view and a rear perspective view.
[0023]
1 to 3 show a use state of the wheelchair A. The wheelchair A is connected to the plate-like seat 1 and the vicinity of the front end of the seat 1 at a connecting point (pin) P1 so as to be rotatable. Left and right front legs 2 extending downward, and a backrest 3 that is pivotally connected to the vicinity of the rear end of the seat portion 1 at a connection point P2 and extends upward. Further, a pantograph-type rear leg (rear leg assembly) B in a form in which a plurality of cross links are connected between a connecting point P3 near the rear end of the seat 1 and a connecting point P4 near the lower end of the front leg 2 is provided. Are connected. The rear leg B has a curved pantograph shape that protrudes rearward as a whole. A pair of left and right armrests 4 are provided between the seat 1 and the backrest 3.
[0024]
The seat portion 1 is composed of a pair of frame members 1a extending in the front-rear direction and a plate member 1b fixed to the upper surface of the frame members. The frame 1a is composed of a prism or a square pipe made of metal or synthetic resin (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 3, an L-shaped metal fitting 1c that rotatably supports the lower end of the backrest 3 is attached to the rear end of the frame member 1a. Further, it is preferable that the backrest 1 is folded by a hinge or the like with respect to other portions of the seat portion 1 so that the front end 1d does not protrude in the folded state (see FIG. 8). Further, the front end 1d may be fixed to the upper end of the front leg 2.
[0025]
A metal fitting 2 a is fixed to the upper end of the front leg 2, and the metal fitting 2 a is rotatably connected to the outside of the front end of the frame member 1 a of the seat portion 1 with a pin. A stay 2b projects from the front side near the lower end of the front leg 2, and a shaft of a caster 16 serving as a front wheel is rotatably attached to the lower surface of the stay. The left and right rear legs are connected by a connecting member (see reference numeral 32 in FIG. 2). Even if the connecting member 32 is not provided, if the loading platform 23 is interposed between corresponding links below the rear leg B, which will be described later, the loading platform 23 keeps the distance between the left and right front legs 2 and the rigidity of the wheelchair A. Is effective.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 3, the backrest 3 is composed of left and right frame members 3a and a plate member 3b fixed to the front surface of the frame members. In this embodiment, the plate member 3b is provided in the upper half of the frame member 3a. A lower end of the frame member 3a is rotatably connected to an L-shaped metal fitting 1c at the rear end of the seat portion 1 by a pin. A handle 17 projects from each of the upper rear surfaces of the left and right frame members 3a. These handles 17 function as a grip when the wheelchair A is pushed and operated, and also function as a grip when the wheelchair A is folded and unfolded as described later.
[0027]
Next, the configuration of the rear leg B will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 4b replaces each link with a bar or curved bar shape to facilitate understanding of the link structure of FIG. 4a. As shown in FIG. 4a, the rear leg B is pivoted at a connecting point P4 in the vicinity of the lower end of the front leg 2 and a curved or bent rear link 9 that is rotatably connected at the connecting point P3 in the middle of the seat portion 1. A linear lower link 14 that is freely connected and a cross link C that connects the rear link 9 and the lower link 14 are provided. The cross link C includes a first member 11 and a second member 12 that are rotatably connected to each other at a connection point P5. One end of the first member 11 and the rear link 9 are connected via a first connection link 10, and one end of the second member 12 and a lower link 14 are connected via a second connection link 13. .
[0028]
That is, one end of the first connection link 10 is rotatably connected to the first member 11 by a connection point P6, and the central portion is rotatably connected to the middle of the rear link 9 by a connection point P7. On the other hand, one end of the second connecting link 13 is rotatably connected to one end of the second member 12 by a connecting point P8, and the other end is rotatably connected to the middle of the lower link 14 by a connecting point P9. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4b, a rear leg B in which two pantographs are continuous is formed. This can be better understood with reference to the skeleton diagram of FIG. 5a.
[0029]
The link mechanism of the rear leg B having a curved link in FIG. 5a is a skeleton diagram of a parallel link mechanism obtained by linearizing each curved link, and can be understood more intuitively. As is apparent from these skeleton diagrams, the link mechanism constituted by the seat 1, the front leg 2 and the rear leg B is defined as a whole when the angle between two links sharing any one of the connecting points P1 to P9 is determined. Is uniquely determined. When the angle is changed, the angle between the other links of the link mechanism also changes uniquely correspondingly. Thus, for example, when the seat 1 is rotated counterclockwise (arrow S1) around the connection point P1 with the front leg 2 so as to follow the front leg 2, the entire pantograph-like link of the rear leg B is folded. (See FIGS. 8 and 9). Moreover, if it rotates in the reverse direction from the folded state, it will return to the original expanded state.
[0030]
In the deployed state of FIG. 4a and the folded state of FIG. 9, the front surface 9a of the rear link 9 of the rear leg B and the rear end surface 11a of the first member 11 of the cross link C are in contact with each other so as not to approach each other. ing. As a result, the angles of the first member 11 and the second member 12 of the cross link C are determined, and the shapes of the expanded state and the folded state are stably maintained. In addition, the lower surface of the first connection link 10 and the upper surface of the second member 12 or the lower surface of the second connection link 14 and the upper surface of the front side of the second member 12 have a similar contact shape. However, it is not necessary to adopt all these contact shapes, and it is sufficient to provide at least one or two places.
[0031]
In FIG. 4a, among the members constituting the rear leg B, the first member 11 and the second member 12 of the cross arm each have three connection points, and the lines connecting the connection points have the same shape. Presents a letter shape. A straight line L1 connecting the connection point at one end and the central connection point, and a straight line L2 connecting the connection point at the other end and the central connection point form an obtuse angle θ. In this embodiment, the triangles obtained by connecting the three connecting points of the first member 11 and the second member 12 are isosceles triangles that are congruent to each other, and the obtuse angles are equal to each other.
[0032]
The rear link 9 has a connection point P10 that is pivotably connected to the lower end of the second armrest link 7 described later, in addition to the three connection points described above, and has four connection points as a whole. Yes. And three of the connecting points adjacent to each other are located at positions corresponding to both ends and the center of the “<” shape, and the two straight lines connecting the connecting points at both ends and the connecting point at the center are An obtuse angle is formed around the central connecting point. In this embodiment, among the four connection points of the rear link, the triangle formed by the three connection points adjacent to each other is an isosceles triangle formed by the three connection points of the first member 11. And congruent.
[0033]
As described above, since the rear link 9 and the first and second members 11 and 12 of the cross arm C are respectively bent links, the entire rear leg B connecting them as described above is shown in FIG. A curved shape is exhibited in the unfolded state. Further, as folded, the rear link 9, the first member 11 and the second connecting link 12 rotate clockwise as shown in FIG. 8, and finally, as shown in FIG. Or star shape Condition Gather in the form of Therefore, the wheelchair A can be folded compactly. Note that the lower link 14 rotates somewhat counterclockwise during the folding (see FIG. 8), and finally becomes substantially horizontal (see FIG. 9). The other links, that is, the second member 12 and the first connecting link 10 move toward the front side while rotating counterclockwise.
[0034]
In this embodiment, the shaft of the rear wheel 15 passes through the connecting point P6 between the first connecting link 10 and the first member 11 described above. Therefore, in the state of FIG. 1 in which the rear leg B is expanded, the rear wheel 15 is located at the rear, and when folded as shown in FIG. 9, it is located at the center of the assembled link group. Therefore, the link group fits in a substantially rectangular space surrounding the front and rear and the top and bottom of the rear wheel 15.
[0035]
Next, the periphery of the backrest 3 will be described with reference to FIG. A rear end of the backrest link 5 is rotatably connected to a connection point P11 in the middle of the backrest 3. On the other hand, the lower end of the armrest link 6 is rotatably connected to a connecting point P3 located near the rear end in the middle of the seat portion 1. The free ends of the backrest link 5 and the armrest link 6 are rotatably connected at a connection point P12. Accordingly, the four links of the backrest 3, the seat portion 1, the backrest link 5 and the armrest link 6 constitute a four-bar linkage mechanism. Therefore, each link is freely rotatable, and when the angle between any adjacent links is determined, the quadrilateral shape is uniquely determined. In this embodiment, the connecting point P3 between the seat portion 1 and the upper end of the rear leg B and the connecting point at the lower end of the armrest link 6 are arranged concentrically, and are therefore given the same reference numerals. However, they may be shifted from each other.
[0036]
Further, in this embodiment, one end of the operating link 8 is rotatably connected to the armrest link 6 by a connecting point P13, and the other end of the operating link 8 is the second leg of the rear leg B as shown in FIG. The upper end of one connection link 10 is rotatably connected by a connection point P14. Therefore, when the rear leg B is folded and the operation link 8 rotates clockwise, the armrest link 6 is finally folded clockwise with respect to the seat portion 1 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). As a result, the angle between the armrest link 8 and the backrest link 5 is narrowed, and the backrest 3 is folded so that the angle with the seat portion 1 is narrowed and finally overlaps with the seat portion 1. Therefore, if it says in height including the backrest 4, the height at the time of folding of the wheelchair A will be about half of the height at the time of use.
[0037]
FIG. 7 shows the periphery of the armrest 4 described above. A second armrest link 7 is arranged in parallel with the armrest link 6, and its upper end is pivotally connected to the armrest 4 by a connection point P15, and its rear end is connected to the rear link 9 of the rear leg B as described above. It is rotatably connected at a connection point P10. Thereby, the armrest 4, the armrest link 6, the second armrest link 7, and the rear link 9 constitute a four-bar linkage mechanism. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance between each connection point is defined so that those 4 joint link mechanisms may become a parallel link mechanism. Therefore, the rear link 9 and the armrest 4 of the rear leg B can be rotated while maintaining a parallel state at all times. The link structure of these armrests 4 is shown in the skeleton diagram of FIG. 5c together with the link structure of the backrest 3 of FIG. Therefore, the above configuration can be understood more clearly by referring to FIG. 5c and further referring to FIG. 5a.
[0038]
On the other hand, as described above, since the operating link 8 is connected to the armrest link 6 at the connection point P13, as the back leg B is folded, that is, as the backrest 3 and the seat portion 1 are folded, the armrest 4 It moves downward while rotating in the direction (see FIG. 8). Finally, it is disposed on the front side of the front leg 2 (see FIG. 9). Therefore, even if the armrest 4 is long in the front-rear direction, it can be stored compactly. Also, when unfolding, it moves upward while rotating counterclockwise, contrary to the above.
[0039]
In the present embodiment, the intermediate portion of the operating link 8 is connected to the intermediate portion of the second armrest link 7 by a connection point P16. The straight line connecting the connection point P13 of the operating link 8 with the armrest link 6 and the connection point P16 of the second armrest link 7 is the front and back of the armrest link 4 so that the four-joint parallel link mechanism can be rotated. It is parallel to the straight line connecting the connection points. Therefore, the operation link 8 can be operated while maintaining the parallel state with the armrest 4. As can be seen from this configuration, the operation link 8 may actually be connected to either the armrest link 6 or the second armrest link 7. However, the connection strength with the other links of the second armrest link 6 is increased by connecting to both. In this embodiment, the operation link 8 may be the same as the first member 11 of the leg B or a different one. In the case of a mistake, the right operation link and the left first member 11 can be made common. Therefore, the manufacturing cost and management cost of parts can be reduced.
[0040]
In FIG. 7, the second armrest link 7 has an upside down triangular shape because a transfer handle 24 for carrying a wheelchair is attached to the outer surface of the second armrest link 7. is there. As shown in FIG. 3, the handles 24 have a U shape in plan view, and are provided as a pair so as to be opposed to each other on the left and right second armrest links 7. When the wheelchair A is in use as shown in FIG. 3, these handles 24 are used when the wheelchair A crosses an obstacle, is held by the assistant from the left and right, and lifts the wheelchair A. Further, when folded as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, since the handle 24 is at the upper part, the wheelchair A can be carried by one person alone, and it can be easily taken in and out of the trunk of the car. can do.
[0041]
Further, a seat stopper 19 is provided between the inner surfaces of the left and right second armrest links 7. As shown in FIG. 3, the seat stopper 19 includes a rod-shaped portion 19a extending left and right, a suspension arm 19b extending upward from the left and right ends of the rod-shaped portion, and a shaft 19c protruding left and right from the upper end of the suspension arm 19b. The left and right shafts 19 c are rotatably attached to the inner surface of the second armrest link 7.
[0042]
The seat stopper 19 is used to insert and engage the rod-like portion 19a below the seat portion 1 with the wheelchair A deployed as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and maintain the deployed state. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the four-bar parallel link mechanism including the rear link 9, the armrest 4, the armrest link 7, and the second armrest link 8 shown in FIG. 7 tries to expand once into a rectangular shape when the wheelchair is folded. . Therefore, the seat stopper 19 is used to maintain the collapsed state so that the parallel link mechanism does not expand. And when a care recipient sits on the seat 1, the seat 1 tries to incline downward with its weight, but because it is stretched in the direction of its force, it can more reliably resist the weight. It is possible to prevent the wheelchair from being folded.
[0043]
When the wheelchair is folded, the rod-shaped portion 19a is pulled backward to rotate the seat stopper 19 around the shaft 19c, and the engagement between the rod-shaped portion 19a and the lower surface of the seat portion 1 is released. Then, the seat portion 1 and the backrest 3 tend to fall downward due to their own weight, and the front leg 2 tilts forward with its lower end as the center as shown in FIG. 8, and the seat portion 1 tends to fall with its rear end side centered on the front end. . Therefore, the user grasps the handle 17 and slowly lowers it. Accordingly, the wheelchair is finally folded as shown in FIG. 9 after the state shown in FIG. As described above, the seat 1, the front leg 2, the pantograph-shaped rear leg B, the backrest 3, and the armrest 4 can be supported and operated by the handle 17 because the overall shape is determined when the angle of one place is determined as a whole. Thus, the folding operation of the wheelchair A is possible.
[0044]
The basic configuration and operation of the wheelchair A in FIG. 1 have been described above, but the accompanying configuration and the operation and effects thereof will be described below. In the wheelchair A of FIG. 1, a rear wheel stopper 20 is rotatably provided on the rear link 9 of the left and right rear legs B. The rear wheel stopper 20 includes a lever 21 having one end rotatably attached to the rear link 9 and a contact bar 21 a (see FIG. 3) that protrudes outward from the middle of the lever 21. One end of a spring 22 is connected to the lever 21, and the other end of the spring is connected to the rear link 9. The spring 22 is a tension spring, and a tension coil spring is usually used. In this embodiment, when the lever 21 is operated downward (counterclockwise) and the contact rod 21a is in contact with the rear wheel 15, the lever 21 is positioned slightly below the extension line of the lever 21. Further, the other end of the spring 22 is connected to the rear link 9 so that the lever 21 is positioned above the extension line when the lever 21 is rotated upward (clockwise). In this embodiment, as further shown in FIG. 3, the upper portion of the lever 21 is bent somewhat upward, and the upper ends of the left and right levers 21a are connected to each other by a gripping rod 21b.
[0045]
In the rear wheel stopper 20 configured as described above, when the grip rod 21b is operated downward, the spring 22 biases the lever 21 downward. As a result, the rear wheel 15 can be braked and stopped. On the other hand, when the gripping rod 21b is operated upward, the state can be maintained by the biasing force of the spring 22, and the brake can be released. Therefore, the caregiver may run the wheelchair in that state.
[0046]
Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, when the grip bar 21 b is operated upward (clockwise) with the wheelchair A folded, the lever 21 is always urged clockwise by the urging force of the spring 22, The grip bar 21b always holds the handle 17 downward. Note that the grip bars 21b may simply come above the grip 17 without contacting the handle 17. In any case, the folded state of the wheelchair A can be maintained safely, and the wheelchair A can be transported in a stable state.
[0047]
In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a footrest 18 is provided near the lower end of the front leg 2. As shown in FIG. 8, the footrest 18 includes a pair of left and right support bars 18 a that are rotatably connected to the front legs 2, and a plate member 18 b that is placed thereon. The rear portion 18c of the support rod 18a extends beyond the rotation axis to the rear of the front leg 2. The upper end of the interlocking link 25 extending vertically from the free end of the rear portion 18c and the rear end of the seat portion 1 to a position somewhat rearward and The lower ends are connected to each other in a freely rotatable manner.
[0048]
The interlocking link 25 constitutes a four-joint link mechanism together with the seat portion 1, the front leg 2 and the rear portion 18c. Therefore, when the seat portion 1 and the front leg 2 are folded, they are folded counterclockwise (see FIG. 8) and are finally stored in a state of overlapping with the front leg 2 (see FIG. 9). Therefore, when the assistant folds or unfolds the wheelchair, the assistant does not need to turn forward to store or unfold the footrest 18 and save time. Furthermore, there is no forgetting storage. In addition, if the interlocking link 25 and the footrest 18 are not directly connected, and the footrest 18 is pushed down by the interlocking link, only the footrest 18 can be rotated upward during use.
[0049]
In the wheelchair A of FIG. 1, the front end of the first member 11 of the rear leg B extends further forward than the connection point with the lower link 14, thereby providing a support stay 30. The support stays 30 are provided on the left and right first members 11. Therefore, in this wheelchair A, since the entire wheelchair A can be supported by the left and right support stays 30 and the front wheels 16 as shown in FIG. 9 in a folded state, there is little risk of movement and falling, and stable in the trunk. Loading is possible. In addition, since the load applied to the rear wheel 15 in the folded state can be reduced, there is an advantage that the rear wheel is less likely to be deflated or sag.
[0050]
Next, the structure and effect of the rear leg stopper 31 will be described with reference to FIGS. The rear leg stopper 31 is a long ring-shaped member provided between the connecting point P15 at the lower end of the armrest 4 and the connecting point P13 at the front end of the operating link 8. The rear leg stopper 31 is for constraining the four-joint parallel link mechanism constituted by the armrest 4, the armrest link 6, the second armrest link 7 and the operation link 8 shown in FIG. Thereby, since the pantograph of the rear leg B does not expand, the unfolded state is maintained safely. Moreover, since the pantograph is restrained in the extended state, the rigidity of the rear leg B is increased.
[0051]
If a clamp member using a screw or the like is provided at the end of the long ring-shaped rear leg stopper 31, the length of the internal passing can be adjusted. In this case, the rear leg stopper 31 does not need to be removed and can be left attached to the wheelchair. In addition, it can replace with a long ring shape, can also be comprised in a long C-shape, and can also be comprised with a strong rubber ring. Further, the position where the rear leg stopper 31 is provided is not limited to the position between the armrest 4 and the operation link 8 but is provided between the adjacent parts of the pair of links constituting the pantograph of the rear leg B when in use. Just do it.
[0052]
In the above-described embodiment, the rear wheel 15 is provided at the connection point P6 between the first member 11 and the first connection link 10. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this case. Can be obtained. For example, as can be seen from FIG. 1, it may be provided near the upper end of the first connecting link 10 or in the vicinity of the connecting point P6 with another member interposed.
[0053]
In the wheelchair A of FIG. 1, the loading platform 23 is provided in the lower part. The loading platform 23 includes a rear loading platform 23a and a front loading platform 23b. When such a loading platform 23 is provided, it becomes possible to transport articles together with a disabled person or an elderly person. The side edges of the rear cargo bed 23a are respectively connected to a connection point P5 between the first member 11 and the second member 12 of the cross link C of the rear leg B and a connection point P8 between the second member 12 and the second connection link 13. It is attached freely. Similarly, the front cargo bed 23b is rotatably attached to the connecting point P8 and the connecting point P9. Therefore, it is developed in synchronization with the extension of the rear leg B. Moreover, since it fits in the side profile of the rear wheel 15 when folded, it can be stored compactly.
[0054]
A battery, a motor, a control panel, etc. can be mounted on a wheelchair between the rear legs B and below the seat. The power of the motor is preferably such that the wheelchair A is driven by itself, but an assisting action that assists the caregiver to press is sufficient. In the case of an assist action, it is preferable to generate a power proportional to the pushing force. In addition, it is preferable that the brake is automatically applied when the force of pushing the wheelchair is loosened, such as a brake function using the regenerative current of the motor in the control circuit, especially when it is suddenly released.
[0055]
In the above-described embodiment, when the seat stopper is removed for folding, if the handle 17 is not sufficiently held, the seat 1 and the backrest 3 may be folded rapidly due to their own weight. In order to prevent this, a gas spring, a spring, or a shock absorber using a gas cylinder, an oil cylinder and an orifice may be interposed between the links of the pantograph-shaped rear leg B. For example, as indicated by an imaginary line 33 in FIG. 9, a shock absorber is provided between a connection point P14 at the rear end of the operating link 8 and a connection point P17 at the front end (rear end in FIG. 9) of the first member 11. preferable. In this case, the position of the connecting point P between the first member 11 and the first connecting link 10 in use is positioned behind the line segment connecting the connecting point P6 between the operating link 8 and the first connecting link 10. Is preferable.
[0056]
In other words, when used, the line connecting the connecting point P14 at the rear end of the operating link 8 and the connecting point P5 in the middle of the cross arm C and the connecting point P17 at the front end of the first member 11 is "". Because of the positional relationship of the characters, the distance between the connecting points P14 and P17 once becomes longer when folded, and then becomes shorter after the connecting points P14, P5 and P17 are aligned with each other. Therefore, if the shock absorber 33 is provided between the connecting point P14 at the rear end of the operating link 8 and the connecting point P17 at the front end of the first member 11, it can be prevented from being suddenly folded.
[0057]
In the embodiment, the caster 16 is connected to the front leg 2, but the caster 16 may be fixed to the lower surface of the front leg B or the like. Thereby, there is an effect that the wheelchair can be prevented from tilting in the front-rear direction when folded. Furthermore, in the said embodiment, although the footrest 18 rotates in synchronization with the change of the angle of the seat part 1 and the front leg 2, it can also be comprised so that it may rotate independently.
[0058]
In the above embodiment, the case where the folding vehicle is applied to a wheelchair has been described. However, the folding vehicle of the present invention can be applied to a baby carriage, a wheelbarrow for transportation, and the like in addition to a wheelchair. The same effect can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view in a use state showing an embodiment in which a folding vehicle of the present invention is applied to a wheelchair.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the wheelchair.
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the wheelchair.
4a and 4b are a side view and a link configuration diagram of the main part of the wheelchair, respectively.
5a and 5b are a skeleton diagram and a simplified skeleton diagram of the wheelchair linkage, respectively, and FIG. 5c is a skeleton diagram of the upper part of the wheelchair.
FIG. 6 is a side view of the main part showing the backrest of the wheelchair.
FIG. 7 is a side view of an essential part showing an armrest of the wheelchair.
FIG. 8 is a side view showing the middle of folding the wheelchair.
FIG. 9 is a side view showing a folded state of the wheelchair.
FIG. 10 is a front view showing a folded state of the wheelchair.
FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view showing the wheelchair in a folded state.
[Explanation of symbols]
A Wheelchair
1 seat
1a Frame material
1b Board material
1c L-shaped bracket
1d Seat front edge
Connection part between P1 seat and front leg
2 Front legs
Connection point between P2 seat and backrest
3 Backrest
Connection point between P3 seat and rear leg
B Rear legs
Connection point between P4 front and rear legs
4 armrests
2a bracket
2b stay
16 casters
32 connecting members
23 cargo bed
23a Rear cargo bed
23b Front loading platform
3a Frame material
3b Board material
17 Handle
9 Rear link
14 Bottom link
C Cross link
P5 Cross link center connection point
11 First member
12 Second member
10 First link
13 Second link
Connection point between P6 first connection link and first member
Connection point between P7 first link and rear link
Connection point between P8 second connecting link and second member
P9 Connection point between second link and lower link
9a Front of rear link
11a Rear end surface of first member
Connection point between P10 rear link and second armrest link
15 Rear wheel
Connection point of P11 backrest and backrest link
Connection point of P12 backrest link and armrest link
8 Working links
Connection point of P13 armrest link and actuating link
Connection point between P14 actuating link and first connecting link
Connection point between P15 armrest and second armrest link
6 Armrest links
7 Second armrest link
Connection point between P16 working link and second armrest link
24 Handle
19 Seat stopper
19a Bar-shaped part
19b Hanging arm
19c axis
20 Rear wheel stopper
21 Lever
21a Contact rod
22 Spring
21b Grip stick
18 Footrest
18a Support rod
18b Board material
18c rear
30 Support stay
31 Rear leg stopper
Connection point between P17 first member and lower link
33 Shock absorber

Claims (8)

In a folding car used for a wheelchair , stroller or cart ,
A seat where people or things can be placed;
A front leg rotatably connected to the vicinity of the front end of the seat,
A pantograph type comprising a plurality of links disposed on the left and right outer sides of the seat part, one end of which is pivotally connected to the intermediate part of the seat part and the other end pivotally connected to the lower end of the front leg. A pair of left and right rear legs,
A pair of left and right front wheels attached near the connecting point of the rear leg and the front leg;
A pair of left and right rear wheels attached to the rear legs,
The rear wheel has a pivot point at the connection point of the pantograph near the middle of the curved rear leg,
In the deployed state, the rear leg is curved so as to protrude rearward,
In the folded state, the rear leg is set in a radial or star shape to gather one end of each link, the vicinity of the rear end of the seat portion is pivoted so as to close to the vicinity of the lower end of the front leg, said seat Is housed between a front wheel shaft center and a rear wheel shaft center, and the rear wheel shaft center is moved forward. The foldable vehicle according to claim 1, wherein an armrest for lowering a position while rotating in the forward direction in synchronization with the folding is connected to the rear leg. The folding vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a backrest that is folded in conjunction with the folding is connected to a rear end and a rear leg of the seat portion. The foldable vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a stopper mechanism is provided between the rear leg and the seat portion to prevent returning to the folded state. 2. The folding vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a rear leg lock for restraining different members adjacent to each other so as not to expand at the time of use in the pantograph-shaped rear leg. As a rear wheel stopper that has a stopper that is rotatably connected to a part of the rear leg so that two stop positions can be maintained, and that the stopper fixes rotation of the rear wheel at the first stop position when in use The foldable vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the foldable vehicle is a dual-purpose stopper that functions as a foldable stopper that functions and restrains the movement of the backrest from being expanded at the second stop position when the wheelchair is folded. The folding vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a battery, a motor for driving the rear wheel, and a control device are attached between the left and right rear legs and below the seat. One link constituting the pantograph of the rear leg has four connecting points, and the positional relationship between three adjacent connecting points is similar to the positional relationship of the connecting points of other members constituting the pantograph shape. The foldable vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: an upper end of the link and an intermediate portion of the seat portion that are rotatably connected.

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