JP4431417B2 - Wheelchair airbag device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a wheelchair airbag device for protecting a user from an impact caused by a collision accident or the like in a wheelchair used by a sick person or a disabled person.

  Conventionally, as a wheelchair used by a person who has difficulty in walking, a wheelchair that is driven by the power of a user or an assistant, an electric wheel that can be driven by a user's driving operation, and the like are known. That is, even a person who has difficulty in walking can move freely by using a wheelchair as long as the wheelchair can travel.

  However, even if the wheelchair can travel, the wheelchair may fall down due to an accident. In such a case, since a normal wheelchair is not provided with means for absorbing a shock to the user at the time of falling, there is a problem that protection of the user is not sufficient.

Therefore, as a shock absorber for a wheelchair for protecting a human body from a fall of the wheelchair, an airbag that covers a predetermined part of the user of the wheelchair at the time of inflation, a charging device that inflates the airbag, and inclination of the wheelchair are detected. An inclination sensor is provided, and when an inclination due to a wheelchair falling is detected, the airbag is inflated, and an impact when the wheelchair user falls is absorbed by the airbag is known (for example, Patent Document 1). reference.).
JP 2002-17790 A

  However, in the impact absorbing device, when the wheelchair falls, the airbag can be inflated to absorb the impact on the user. For example, when the vehicle directly collides with the wheelchair due to a traffic accident or the like, the wheelchair There is a case where a shock at the time of collision is applied to the user before the user falls, and there is a problem that it is necessary to protect the user of the wheelchair even in such a case.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a wheelchair that can effectively absorb a shock to a user even when an object such as a vehicle collides with the wheelchair. The object is to provide an air bag device.

Airbag apparatus wheelchair of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, provided in lower front of the wheelchair, the first airbag inflatable upward so as to cover the front of the user seated in the wheelchair, an inflatable second airbag to cover the head and neck of the user, a plenum device for inflating the first and second air bag, at least from the front of the wheelchair to an object approaching the wheelchair a collision detection means for detecting a collision, and a control means for inflating the first and second air bag by the inflatable device when detecting a collision with an object by the collision detection means, is worn on a wheelchair user, the user's and a both the front flap portion extending across the chest from the shoulder to house the second airbag in a contracted state name Ru body attachment, and fixably formed at belt body attachment on the backrest of the wheelchair, the second of air It is provided so as to bulge the Tsu grayed from the front flap portion of the body attachment.

Thus, when the collision with an object approaching the wheelchair is detected, since the first and second air bag disposed in a predetermined position relative to the user expands, the impact to the collision of the user's first and Absorbed by the second airbag. At this time, since the first airbag swells in front of the user seated in the wheelchair, the first airbag is interposed between the object colliding from the front of the wheelchair and the user. Further, since the second airbag bulges so as to cover the user's head and neck, not only between the object colliding with the wheelchair and the user, but also the road surface when the wheelchair rolls over A second airbag is interposed between the two. In this case, since the second airbag is inflated from the human body wearing tool worn by the user, the second airbag can always be inflated so as to cover the head and neck of the user. Further, since the human body wearing tool is fixed to the backrest portion of the wheelchair, the user is reliably held by the wheelchair by the human body wearing tool.

In order to achieve the above object, the wheelchair airbag device of the present invention is provided at the lower front part of the wheelchair, and is a first airbag that can be inflated upward to cover the front of the user seated on the wheelchair. When an inflatable second airbag to cover the head and neck of the user, a plenum device for inflating the first and second air bag, the predetermined speed or more in a wheelchair from at least the front of the wheelchair An approach detecting means for detecting a distance from an approaching object, a control means for inflating the first and second airbags by the charging device when the distance detected by the approach detecting means is less than a predetermined distance, worn by the user, and a user of both the front flap portion extending across the chest from the shoulder to house the second airbag in a contracted state name Ru body attachment, wheelchair backrest human body attachment To bell In fixably formed, it is provided a second air bag so as to bulge from the front flap portion of the body attachment.

As a result, when the distance from the object approaching the wheelchair at a predetermined speed or more is equal to or less than the predetermined distance, the first and second airbags provided at predetermined positions with respect to the user are inflated. Are absorbed by the first and second airbags. At this time, since the first airbag swells in front of the user seated in the wheelchair, the first airbag is interposed between the object colliding from the front of the wheelchair and the user. Further, since the second airbag bulges so as to cover the user's head and neck, not only between the object colliding with the wheelchair and the user, but also the road surface when the wheelchair rolls over A second airbag is interposed between the two. In this case, since the second airbag is inflated from the human body wearing tool worn by the user, the second airbag can always be inflated so as to cover the head and neck of the user. Further, since the human body wearing tool is fixed to the backrest portion of the wheelchair, the user is reliably held by the wheelchair by the human body wearing tool.

According to the airbag device for a wheelchair of the present invention, even when an object such as a vehicle collides with the wheelchair, the impact on the user can be effectively absorbed by the airbag. This is extremely advantageous when protecting from the like. In that case, since the 1st airbag which swells ahead of the user who sat in the wheelchair can be interposed between the object colliding from the front of a wheelchair, and a user, it can join a user directly from an object. The shock can be effectively absorbed. In addition, a second airbag that bulges so as to cover the head and neck of the user can be interposed between the object colliding with the wheelchair and the user, and the road surface when the wheelchair rolls over. Since the second airbag can be interposed between the vehicle and the vehicle, the impact on the user can be effectively absorbed in addition to the direct collision with the object. In this case, since the second airbag can always be inflated from the human body wearing device so as to cover the head and neck of the user, the impact absorbing effect of the second airbag 13 can be sufficiently exhibited. Can do. In addition, since the user can be reliably held in the wheelchair by the human body wearing tool, it is possible to prevent the user from being displaced during normal use.

  1 to 7 show an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a side view of an electric wheelchair equipped with the airbag device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view thereof, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system. 4 is a front view showing a wearing state of the human body wearing tool, FIG. 5 is a front view of the human body wearing tool, FIG. 6 is a rear view thereof, and FIG. 7 is a side view thereof.

  The wheelchair 1 shown in the figure is a well-known electric wheelchair that can be self-propelled by a motor, and includes a seat 2 and a backrest 3 on which a user A is seated. A front wheel 4 and a rear wheel 5 are provided on both sides of the wheelchair 1, and each rear wheel 5 is driven by a drive unit 6 including a motor and a battery (not shown). Armrests 7 are provided on both sides of the seat 2, and an operation unit 8 is provided at the front end of one of the armrests 7 for the user A to steer during self-running. In addition, on both sides of the back surface of the backrest 3, there are provided grip portions 9 that are gripped when an assistant (not shown) travels manually.

  The airbag device 10 provided in the wheelchair 1 includes a collision detector 11 provided in front of the wheelchair 1, a first airbag 12 that covers the front of the user A when inflated, and the head of the user A when inflated. And a second airbag 13 that covers the neck, and a control unit 14 that inflates the airbags 12 and 13 based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 11, and the second airbag 13 is worn by the user A. The human body wearing tool 20 is provided.

  The collision detector 11 includes a detection member 11a disposed in front of the wheelchair 1 and a pressure sensor 11b provided on the detection member 11a. The detection member 11a is a plate-like member extending in the width direction of the wheelchair 1, and both end sides thereof are bent slightly rearward. The detection member 11a is attached to the front ends of a pair of attachment members 11c extending in the front-rear direction at two places in the width direction, and the rear ends of the attachment members 11c are fixed to the frame 1a of the wheelchair 1. The pressure-sensitive sensor 11b is made of a well-known pressure-sensitive conductive rubber formed in a sheet shape, and is attached from the front surface of the detection member 11a to both side surfaces in the width direction.

  The first airbag 12 is stored in a contracted state together with the charging device 12b in a storage case 12a attached to the center of the detection member 11a in the width direction, and is detected when the charging device 12b is filled with air. A shape that covers the front of the wheelchair 1 is formed above the member 11a.

  The second airbag 13 is housed in the human body wearing device 20 in a contracted state together with the charging device 13a. When the charging device 13a is filled with air, the portion 13b covering the periphery of the human head is annular. The portion 13c covering the back of the neck of the human body bulges up and down.

  The control unit 14 is configured by a microcomputer, and is connected to the pressure-sensitive sensor 11b, the charging device 12b of the first airbag 12, and the charging device 13a of the second airbag 13. In the control part 14, when the detection pressure of the pressure-sensitive sensor 11b becomes more than predetermined pressure, each charging device 12b, 13a is expanded. The control part 14 is arrange | positioned at the wheelchair 1 side or the human body wearing tool 20, and is electrically connected to the pressure sensor 11b and each charging device 12b, 13a by the lead wire etc. which are not shown in figure.

  The human body wearing tool 20 includes a first back flap portion 21 disposed on the back side of the backrest portion 3 of the wheelchair 1, a second back flap portion 22 disposed on the front side of the backrest portion 3, and both human bodies. Front flap portion 23 extending from the shoulder to the chest, a pair of left and right first belts 24 extending from both shoulders of the human body to the front surface, a second belt 25 extending around the torso of the human body, and a second belt 25 and a third belt 26 extending downward from the seat portion 2 of the wheelchair 1 and is formed by sewing a cloth made of a chemical fiber such as nylon.

  The first back surface flap portion 21 is formed to have substantially the same size as the back surface of the backrest portion 3, and its upper end side is integrally formed so as to be continuous with one end side of the front surface flap portion 23. A pair of left and right first fixing belts 21a that can be folded forward from below the backrest portion 3 is provided on the lower end side of the back flap portion 21, and a second back flap is provided on the leading end side of each first fixing belt 21a. The part 22 is provided with a detachable fastener 21b. A pair of left and right second fixing belts 21c fixed to each gripping portion 9 of the wheelchair 1 are provided on the upper end side of the back flap portion 21, and each second fixing belt 21c is fixed to the gripping portion 9 by a fastener 21d. It has become so. A storage bag 21e capable of storing any article is provided on the back surface of the back flap portion 21.

  The second back flap portion 22 is formed to have a size substantially the same as the front surface of the backrest portion 3, and the upper end side thereof is connected to the upper end side of the first back flap portion 21. That is, by fixing the first fixing belts 21a of the first back flap part 21 to the lower end side of the second back flap part 22 by the fasteners 21b, the back flap parts 21 and 22 are fixed to the backrest part 3. It has come to be.

  The front flap portion 23 has a hole 23a through which the head of the human body can be inserted, and one end thereof is integrally formed so as to be continuous with the upper end side of the first back flap portion 21. The front flap portion 23 is covered with a storage cover 23b for storing the second airbag 13, and the folded second airbag 13 and the charging device 13a are stored in the storage cover 23b. That is, when the second airbag 13 is inflated, the storage cover 23b is opened, and the second airbag 13 is inflated from the front flap portion 23 as shown by a one-dot chain line in the figure.

  Each first belt 24 has one end connected to the other end of the front flap portion 23 and the other end connected to the second belt 25, and can be separated vertically by detachable buckles 24a and 24b. Yes.

  Both ends of the second belt 25 are connected to the lower end of the first back flap portion 21, and can be separated into left and right by attaching and detaching buckles 25a and 25b.

  Both ends of the third belt 26 are connected to both sides in the width direction of the second belt 25, and can be separated into left and right by attaching and detaching buckles 26a and 26b.

  In the above configuration, the first and second back flap portions 22 of the human body wearing tool 20 are fixed to the backrest portion 3 and each gripping portion 9 of the wheelchair 1 by the first and second fixing belts 21a and 21c. By passing the third belt 26 under the seat 2 of the wheelchair 1 and connecting the buckles 26 a and 26 b, the human body wearing tool 20 is fixed to the wheelchair 1.

  Next, the user A sits on the wheelchair 1 and inserts the head through the hole 23a of the front flap portion 23, and connects the buckles 24a and 24b of the first belts 24 at the front of the chest, respectively, By connecting the buckles 25a and 25b of the belt 25 in front of the waist, the human body wearing tool 20 is worn by the user A.

  Here, for example, when a vehicle such as an automobile collides from the front with the wheelchair 1 traveling outdoors, the automobile first collides with the detection member 11a of the collision detector 11, and the pressure at the time of the collision generated on the detection member 11a is increased. It is detected by the pressure sensor 11b. When the detected pressure is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, the controller 14 activates the charging devices 12b and 13a of the first and second airbags 12 and 13, respectively, and the airbags 12 and 13 are inflated instantaneously. As a result, the first airbag 12 is inflated in front of the user A of the wheelchair 1, and the second airbag 13 is inflated around the head of the user A and behind the neck, The impact on the user A is absorbed by the airbags 12 and 13.

  Thus, according to this embodiment, since the collision detector 11 detects a collision with an object approaching the wheelchair 1, the first and second airbags 12 and 13 are inflated. For example, even when an object such as a vehicle directly collides with the wheelchair 1, the impact to the user A can be effectively absorbed by the airbags 12 and 13, and the user A of the wheelchair 1 is protected from traffic accidents and the like. This is extremely advantageous.

  The collision detector 11 includes a detection member 11a provided in front of the wheelchair 1 and a pressure sensor 11b that detects pressure applied to the detection member 11a due to a collision with an object, and is detected by the pressure sensor 11b. Since the airbags 12 and 13 are inflated when the applied pressure is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, it is possible to reliably detect a collision with a simple configuration, and when the detected pressure is lower than the predetermined pressure, Since the airbags 12 and 13 do not inflate, it is possible to reliably prevent malfunctions when the airbags 12 and 13 do not need to be inflated, such as collisions at low speed with little impact and contact with pedestrians. Can do.

  Furthermore, since the collision detector 11 can be easily attached to the wheelchair 1 by the attachment member 11c, it is extremely advantageous when the airbag device of the present invention is mounted on a wheelchair that does not include the airbag device.

  In addition, since the first airbag 12 is inflated in front of the wheelchair 1, the first airbag 12 can be interposed between an object colliding from the front of the wheelchair 1 and the user A. The impact directly applied to the user A from the object can be effectively absorbed.

  Further, since the second airbag 13 is inflated around the head of the user A and the back of the neck, the wheelchair 1 is of course not only between the object colliding with the wheelchair 1 and the user A. The second airbag 13 can be interposed also between the road surface when 1 rolls over, and the impact on the user A can be effectively absorbed in addition to the direct collision with the object.

  In this case, since the second airbag 13 is provided in the human body wearing tool 20 worn by the user A, the second airbag 13 can always be inflated to a predetermined position with respect to the user A. The impact absorbing effect of the airbag 13 can be sufficiently exhibited.

  Further, since the human body wearing tool 20 is formed so as to be fixable to the backrest part 3 and the seat part 2 of the wheelchair 1, the user A can be securely held on the wheelchair 1 by the human body wearing tool 20. Misalignment of the user A can also be prevented.

  Further, by attaching and detaching the buckles 24a and 24b of each first belt 24 and the buckles 25a and 25b of the second belt 25, the human body wearing device 20 is formed to be detachable from the human body while being fixed to the wheelchair 1. Therefore, the user A can get on and off the wheelchair 1 while wearing the human body wearing tool 20 on the wheelchair 1, and the attaching / detaching work of the human body wearing tool 20 can be performed very easily.

  In addition, although the thing which applied the airbag apparatus of this invention to the electric wheelchair 1 was shown in the said embodiment, this invention can be used also for the wheelchair which drive | works with a human power.

  In the above embodiment, the collision detector 11 that detects a collision with an object by the pressure sensor 11b is shown. However, as another collision detection means, for example, a detection member that collides with an object is used as a spring. The collision detection switch may be actuated by moving it against it, or when the detection member is broken due to collision with an object, the detection signal line may be disconnected to detect the collision.

  Furthermore, in addition to the collision detector 11, if a sensor for detecting the inclination of the wheelchair 1 is provided as in the prior art so that the airbags 12 and 13 are inflated even when the wheelchair 1 falls down, the user of the wheelchair 1 is provided. A can be protected not only from a collision accident with a vehicle or the like but also from a single fall accident.

  8 and 9 show another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a plan view of an electric wheelchair provided with the airbag device of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control system. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and shown to the component equivalent to the said embodiment.

  The airbag device 10 of the present embodiment includes an approach detector 15 that replaces the collision detector 11 of the embodiment, and a control unit 16 that inflates the airbags 12 and 13 when the approach detector 15 detects the approach of an object. It has.

  The proximity detector 15 includes a detection member 15a disposed in front of the wheelchair 1 and a plurality of millimeter wave radar sensors 15b provided on the detection member 15a. The detection member 15a is a plate-like member extending in the width direction of the wheelchair 1, and both end sides thereof are bent slightly rearward. The detection member 15 a is attached to the front ends of a pair of attachment members 15 c extending in the front-rear direction at two places in the width direction, and the rear ends of the attachment members 15 c are fixed to the frame 1 a of the wheelchair 1. The millimeter wave radar sensor 15b is a known device that detects a relative speed and a relative distance from an object by radiating a millimeter wave band toward a predetermined area ahead and receiving a reflected wave from the object. The detection member 15a is provided on the front surface and both side surfaces in the width direction with a space therebetween.

  The control unit 16 includes a microcomputer, and is connected to each millimeter wave radar sensor 15b, the charging device 12b of the first airbag 12, and the charging device 13a of the second airbag 13. In the control unit 16, when an object approaching the wheelchair 1 at a predetermined speed or more is detected by any of the millimeter wave radar sensors 15b, when the detection distance from the object is equal to or less than the predetermined distance, each of the charging devices 12b and 13a. Is designed to inflate.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the first and second airbags 12 and 13 are inflated by detecting the distance from the approaching detector 15 to the object approaching the wheelchair 1 at a predetermined speed or higher. Therefore, for example, the airbags 12 and 13 can be inflated immediately before an object such as a vehicle collides with the wheelchair 1, and the impact on the user A can be effectively absorbed.

  In the above embodiment, the millimeter wave radar sensor 15b detects the distance from the wheelchair 1 with an object approaching the wheelchair 1 at a predetermined speed or more. However, a sensor using laser light, ultrasonic waves, or the like is used. You may do it.

  In the above embodiment, the millimeter wave radar sensor 15b is attached to the detection member 15a. However, the millimeter wave radar sensor 15b may be attached directly to the wheelchair 1 without providing the detection member 15a.

The side view of the electric wheelchair provided with the airbag apparatus for wheelchairs which shows one Embodiment of this invention Top view of wheelchair airbag device Block diagram showing the control system Front view showing the wearing state of the wearing device for human body Front view of human body wearing tool Rear view of human wear Side view of human wear The side view of the electric wheelchair provided with the airbag apparatus for wheelchairs which shows other embodiment of this invention. Block diagram showing the control system

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Wheelchair, 10 ... Airbag apparatus for wheelchairs, 11 ... Collision detector, 11a ... Detection member, 11b ... Pressure sensor, 12 ... 1st airbag, 13 ... 2nd airbag, 14 ... Control part, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 ... Approach detector, 16 ... Control part, 20 ... Human body wearing tool, A ... User.

Claims (5)

A first airbag (12) provided at a lower front portion of the wheelchair (1) and inflatable upward so as to cover the front of the user (A) seated on the wheelchair (1) ;
A second airbag (13) that is inflatable to cover the head and neck of the user (A);
A charging device (12b, 13a) for inflating the first and second airbags (12, 13) ;
A collision detection means (11) for detecting a collision with an object approaching the wheelchair (1) from at least the front of the wheelchair (1);
A control means (14) for inflating the first and second airbags (12, 13) by the charging device (12b, 13a) when a collision with an object is detected by the collision detection means (11);
The second airbag (13) is stored in a contracted state in a front flap part (23) that is worn by a user (A) of the wheelchair (1) and extends from both shoulders of the user (A) to the chest. with Do that body attachment and (20),
The human body wearing tool (20) is formed so as to be fixed to the backrest (3) of the wheelchair (1) with belts (21a, 21c),
An airbag device for a wheelchair, characterized in that the second airbag (13) is provided so as to bulge from the front flap portion (23 ) of the human body wearing tool (20). The collision detection means (11) includes a detection member (11a) provided at least in front of the wheelchair (1), and a pressure sensor (11b) for detecting pressure generated in the detection member (11a) due to a collision with an object. Consisting of
The wheelchair for the wheelchair according to claim 1, wherein the control means (14) is configured to operate the charging device (12b, 13a) when a pressure detected by the pressure sensor (11b) is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure. Airbag device. A first airbag (12) provided at a lower front portion of the wheelchair (1) and inflatable upward so as to cover the front of the user (A) seated on the wheelchair (1) ;
A second airbag (13) that is inflatable to cover the head and neck of the user (A);
A charging device (12b, 13a) for inflating the first and second airbags (12, 13) ;
An approach detection means (15) for detecting a distance from an object approaching the wheelchair (1) at a predetermined speed or more from at least the front of the wheelchair (1);
Control means (14) for inflating the first and second airbags (12, 13) by the charging device (12b, 13a) when the distance detected by the approach detection means (15) is less than or equal to a predetermined distance;
The second airbag (13) is stored in a contracted state in a front flap part (23) that is worn by a user (A) of the wheelchair (1) and extends from both shoulders of the user (A) to the chest. with Do that body attachment and (20),
The human body wearing tool (20) is formed so as to be fixed to the backrest (3) of the wheelchair (1) with belts (21a, 21c),
An airbag device for a wheelchair, characterized in that the second airbag (13) is provided so as to bulge from the front flap portion (23 ) of the human body wearing tool (20). The approach detection means (15) receives a reflected wave from the object by radiating a millimeter wave band toward a predetermined area in front by the millimeter wave radar sensor (15b), and the relative velocity with the object and The airbag device for a wheelchair according to claim 3, wherein the airbag device is configured to detect a relative distance. The human body wearing device (20) is provided with a belt (24, 25) that can be attached to and detached from the human body, and the human body wearing device (20) is fixed to the backrest (3) of the wheelchair (1) by attaching and detaching the belt (24, 25). The wheelchair airbag device according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the airbag device is configured to be attached to and detached from a human body in a state where the wheelchair is attached.

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