JP6448998B2 - Walking aid - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a walking aid, and more specifically, has a front wheel and a rear wheel, and a pedestrian walking on the walking surface pushes the walking surface from the rear to the front, so that the front wheel and the rear wheel change the walking surface. The present invention relates to a walking aid that moves and moves on a walking surface, and that allows a front wheel to easily get over a step (rise step) existing in front.

In the past, in a walking aid having front wheels and rear wheels (including so-called walking assistance vehicles, silver cars, etc.), various types that make it possible for the front wheels to easily get over the step (rising step) existing in the front. Proposals have been made (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Patent document 1 “presents a front wheel mechanism of a walking auxiliary vehicle that can climb over a level difference, and that can climb over even a level difference, and that does not turn forward when seated” (Patent Document 1) Specifically, in the front wheel mechanism of a walking assistance vehicle in which a holder that rotatably supports the wheel is attached to the lower part of the frame, the sub-holder is rotated relative to the holder. Attached in such a way that the tip of the sub-holder is closer to the traveling direction than the front wheel, and at least one auxiliary wheel having a smaller diameter than the front wheel is provided at the leading end of the traveling direction of the sub-holder. An elastic member that applies a force to rotate the sub-holder downward is interposed between the holder and the sub-holder, and the lower end of the auxiliary wheel is positioned above the lower end of the front wheel. To such, that controls the rotation of the sub-holder, walking assist vehicle front wheel mechanism, characterized in. According to the front wheel mechanism according to the present invention, the auxiliary wheel 5 is located in front of the front wheel 2 and higher than the front wheel 2. Therefore, when the front wheel 2 collides with a step 12 as shown in FIG. 2, for example, exceeding 20 mm, if the handle 8 moves up, the auxiliary wheel 5 comes into contact with the top of the step 12 and the handle 8 is lifted. Suppress movement. Moreover, since the sub-holder 4 to which the auxiliary wheel 5 is attached is rotated upward, and the sub-holder 4 is given a force to rotate downward by the elastic member 9, the sub-holder 4 tries to rotate downward. The main holder 3, and hence the front wheel 2, is lifted by the force to be applied, and it is possible to exceed the step 12. ”(Paragraph number 0018 of Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-46244 (for example, paragraph numbers 0001 to 0004, 0014 to 0019, FIG. 2, FIG. 5, etc. in the summary and detailed description of the invention)

The walking assist device disclosed in Patent Document 1 (walking assist vehicle in Patent Document 1) is a front wheel mechanism in which “the sub holder is rotatable with respect to the holder and the tip of the sub holder is in the direction of travel relative to the front wheel. Attached in a form that comes to the side, provided at least one auxiliary wheel with a smaller diameter than the front wheel at the tip of the sub holder in the direction of travel, and rotated the sub holder downward between the holder and the sub holder It is possible to get over the step by interposing the elastic member that gives the force to be used, and by controlling the rotation of the sub holder so that the lower end of the auxiliary wheel is positioned above the lower end of the front wheel. However, there is a problem in that the structure is complicated because a sub-holder, an auxiliary wheel, and an elastic member that are rotatable with respect to the holder are required. Such a problem increases the weight of the front wheel part, making it difficult to operate the walking aid, causing a failure, and increasing the cost.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a walking assist device that allows a front wheel to easily get over a step (rise step) existing in the front (advancing direction side of the walking assist device) with a simple structure.

The walking aid of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “the present assisting device”) has a front wheel and a rear wheel, and a pedestrian walking on the walking surface pushes the front wheel and the rear wheel forward from behind. A walking assist device that rolls on the walking surface and moves on the walking surface, the moving body having a front wheel and a rear wheel, and a pedestrian attached to the moving body and standing on the walking surface behind the moving body Is a walking aid having a treading portion having a treading surface that can be stepped down by at least one of the left and right feet behind the rotating shaft of the rear wheel.
The walking aid here has a front wheel and a rear wheel, and includes those that facilitate walking of the pedestrian by assisting the walking of the pedestrian, such as an elderly person or a physically handicapped person. Including so-called walking assistance vehicles and silver cars.
This auxiliary device, like conventional walking auxiliary devices (including so-called walking auxiliary vehicles and silver cars, etc.), a pedestrian walking on the walking surface pushes this auxiliary device from the rear toward the front, The rear wheel rolls on the walking surface and moves along the walking surface, and as described above, includes a conventionally known so-called walking assistance vehicle, silver car, and the like. Further, in the present invention, “front” and “rear” refer to “front” and “rear” recognized by a pedestrian who walks on the walking surface by pressing the auxiliary device when the pedestrian looks at the front.
The auxiliary device includes a moving body main body and a stepped portion attached to the moving body.
The mobile body has a front wheel and a rear wheel, and includes the same one as a conventional so-called walking assistance vehicle, silver car or the like.
The stepping portion is attached to the mobile body. The stepping portion has a stepping surface behind the rotating shaft of the rear wheel. The tread surface is formed such that a pedestrian standing on the walking surface behind the movable body can step down with at least one of the left and right feet.
Note that “having the tread surface behind the rotation axis of the rear wheel” means that the auxiliary device is placed on the walking surface along the plane (the front wheel and the rear wheel are in contact with the walking surface). In this state, the walking surface is divided into two regions by the normal projection of the straight line including the rotation axis of the rear wheel on the walking surface, and in the region where the normal projection of the rotation axis of the front wheel exists in the two regions. It means that the orthographic projection of the tread surface onto the walking surface exists in the non-existing region.
As a result, when a pedestrian standing on the walking surface depresses the treading surface with his / her foot, the auxiliary device rotates around the rotation axis of the rear wheel (the rear part is lower than the rear wheel rotation axis, and the rear Steps that exist in front of the front wheels (the direction of travel) (rising steps) when the front wheels float upward from the walking surface. The front wheels can easily get over.

In this auxiliary device, the tread surface may be at least two or more positions in the front-rear direction with respect to the moving body (hereinafter referred to as “tread surface front-rear moving main assist device”).
By doing so, the distance between the tread surface that the pedestrian depresses and the rear wheel rotation shaft can be changed, so that the front and rear positions of the tread surface can be adjusted according to the pedestrian's depressing force. Specifically, as the distance between the tread surface and the rear wheel rotation shaft increases, the front wheel can be lifted upward from the walking surface by a small depressing force (however, the displacement to depress the tread surface increases). On the contrary, when the distance is small, a large step-down force is required to lift the front wheel upward from the walking surface (however, the displacement of stepping down the step surface is small). For this reason, use of this auxiliary device can be facilitated by adjusting the distance in accordance with the stepping force of the pedestrian. “The tread surface can take at least two or more positions in the front-rear direction with respect to the moving body” may be any one that can take two or more positions. The number of positions may be larger than 2, and the position may be adjusted continuously in the front-rear direction (if it can be adjusted continuously, the position is adjusted to a more suitable position). be able to.).
“At least two or more positions with respect to the front-rear direction” means that there are at least two vertical legs that descend from the tread surface on a straight line extending in the front-rear direction.

In this auxiliary device, the lower part of the step has a support part that is attached to the main body of the moving body and a step pedal that has the lower face and is attached to the support part. There may be at least two positions attached to the part in the front-rear direction.
In this way, the lower part has a support part and a lower pedal. The support portion is attached to the movable body, and a step pedal having a step surface is attached to the support portion, and at least two positions where the step pedal is attached to the support portion exist in the front-rear direction. In this way, by attaching the support portion to the movable body main body, and by indirectly attaching the step pedal to the movable body main body at at least two different positions in the front-rear direction by the support portion, the tread surface can be easily installed with a simple configuration. The front-rear position can be adjusted. “There are at least two positions where the step pedal is attached to the support portion in the front-rear direction” is acceptable as long as it can take two or more positions from 3, 4, 5,. May also be capable of adjusting the position continuously in the front-rear direction (if it can be adjusted continuously, it can be adjusted to a more suitable position). it can.).
Note that “there are at least two or more positions in the front-rear direction” means that there are at least two or more vertical legs extending from each position on a straight line extending in the front-rear direction.

In this auxiliary device, a foot pedal having a base end portion that is directly or indirectly attached to the movable body main body and a main body portion that has a tread surface and is formed to protrude rearward from the base end portion is depressed. It has a lower part, and the main body part cannot move below a predetermined position with respect to the base end part, and can move above the predetermined position (hereinafter referred to as “main body part moving main assistance”). May also be referred to as a container).
The step pedal that the step lower portion has has a base end portion that is directly or indirectly attached to the movable body main body, and a main body portion that has a step bottom surface and is formed to protrude rearward from the base end portion. Since the main body part is located behind the base end part (of course, behind the rear wheel rotation shaft), when the rear wheel lowers the step that descends downward, the main part of the step pedal pedal forms the upper surface (the lower part By contacting the front rear wheel, a part of the weight of the auxiliary device is transmitted from the main body of the step pedal to the upper surface, making it difficult to move the auxiliary device (ie, stepping on the pedal). The main body of the lower pedal is caught on the upper surface of the step), and the upper surface may be damaged. For this reason, if the main body portion is movable above the predetermined position with respect to the base end portion of the step-down pedal, the main body portion with respect to the base end portion when the main body portion of the step-down pedal contacts the upper surface of the step. The portion can be moved upward to prevent or reduce the stepping pedal from being caught on the upper surface of the stepped portion or being damaged. Since the main body cannot move below the predetermined position with respect to the base end, when the tread surface is stepped down, the step-down force is transmitted to the mobile body main body through the base end, and By rotating around the rotation axis of the wheel, the front wheel can be lifted upward from the walking surface.

In the main body movement auxiliary device, the main body portion can be rotated above the predetermined position with respect to the base end portion, and the main body portion cannot be rotated below the predetermined position with respect to the base end portion. Further, it may include a rotating part that connects the base end part and the main body part.
If such a rotating part is provided in the step-down pedal, the main body part cannot move below the predetermined position with respect to the base end part and can be moved above the predetermined position. Can be realized.

This auxiliary device may be one in which at least a part of the tread surface is present directly behind the rear wheel (hereinafter referred to as “the present auxiliary device existing behind the tread surface rear wheel”).
During normal walking with this auxiliary device, the space formed inside the rear wheel (for example, if there are a pair of left and right rear wheels, the left rear wheel is to the right and the right rear wheel is to the left The space in the direction is preferably wide because the pedestrian's feet move. Compared to the case where the entire tread surface is formed in the space, the space can be widened if at least a part of the tread surface exists directly behind the rear wheel. This makes the walking smoother and may cause instability by accidentally stepping down the treadle during normal walking (may cause accidents such as falls) Can prevent or reduce the problem of interference (such as catching and collision).
Note that “at least a part of the tread surface is directly behind the rear wheel” means a plane extending in the left / right / up / down direction (a plane perpendicular to the front / rear direction in the walking plane along the horizontal plane). That is, the orthographic projection of the rear wheel onto the plane located behind the rear wheel includes a part or all of the orthographic projection onto the plane of the tread surface existing between the plane and the rear wheel.

In the case of this auxiliary device, there is a base end portion that is directly or indirectly attached to the movable body main body, and a main body portion that has a step bottom surface and is formed to protrude rearward of the base end portion. The lower part has a step pedal, and the base end part includes a rod-like member extending in the front-rear direction along the inner side of the rear wheel where at least a part of the lower surface of the step is directly behind, the main body part, A plate-like member may be provided that is attached to the tip of the rod-shaped member, forms a stepping surface on the upper surface, and does not have a portion existing inside the tip of the rod-shaped member.
By doing so, the base end portion of the step pedal provided in the step portion includes the rod-shaped member and the main body portion includes the plate-shaped member. The rod-shaped member is the inner side of the rear wheel (a rear wheel in which at least a part of the tread surface is directly behind) (for example, the right side of the left rear wheel if the rear wheel is a left rear wheel, and the rear wheel is If it is a ring, it is the left side of the right rear wheel.) And the plate-like member is attached to the tip of the rod-like member to form a stepping surface on the upper surface and from the tip of the rod-like member. (For example, if the rear wheel with at least part of the tread is directly behind is the left rear wheel, it is on the right side of the tip of the rod-like member, and the rear wheel with at least part of the tread is just behind the right rear wheel) If it is a ring, it is on the left side of the tip of the rod-like member.) As a guide, the rod-like member possessed by the base end of the step-down pedal extends in the front-rear direction along the inside of the rear wheel. In addition to being able to function, it is attached to the tip of the rod-shaped member and the tread surface on the upper surface Since the plate-like member to be formed does not have a portion existing inside the tip of the rod-like member, it is possible to prevent or reduce the pedestrian's foot from being caught by the edge (particularly the inner edge) of the plate-like member. A pedestrian can walk smoothly and stably.

In this auxiliary device, on the walking surface along the plane, the clearance between the front wheel and the walking surface is 3 cm to 12 cm in a state where at least a part of the lower surface of the step is lowered and the walking surface is in contact with the walking surface. Also good.
If the clearance between the front wheel and the walking surface is too small by stepping down the stepping surface and lifting the front wheel upward from the walking surface in this auxiliary device, the step (rise step) formed on the walking surface can be overcome successfully. In contrast, if it is too large, the front part of this auxiliary device may rise too much and become unstable, so it may be considered as a range where both are compatible, and the walking surface along the plane The lower limit of the gap (distance) between the front wheel and the walking surface in a state where at least a part of the lower surface of the step is in contact with the walking surface is preferably 3 cm or more, more preferably 4 cm or more, most preferably 5 cm or more, and the upper limit is preferably 12 cm or less, more preferably 10 cm or less, and most preferably 8 cm or less. That (preferably 3Cm～12cm, more preferably 4Cm～10cm, most preferably 5cm~8cm).

This auxiliary device has a gripping portion that a pedestrian grips, and the gripping portion can take at least two or more positions in the front-rear direction (hereinafter referred to as “a gripping portion equipped auxiliary device”). Also good.
When the auxiliary device is stepped down and the front wheel is lifted upward from the walking surface, the pedestrian grips the gripping part, and the gripping part has a rearward and downward force (the force is a backward component and a downward component). ), A rotational moment for rotating the movable body main body about the rear wheel rotation axis can be generated, and the front wheel can be helped to float upward from the walking surface. The rotational moment generated by the downward force applied to the gripping portion increases or decreases depending on the position of the gripping portion in the front-rear direction (usually, the rotational moment increases when the gripping portion is located rearward). Can take at least two or more positions in the front-rear direction (the gripping part may take a number of positions such as 3, 4, 5, 6... The position of the auxiliary device can be adjusted continuously according to the force that the pedestrian can apply to the gripping portion. Close.
Note that “at least two or more positions in the front-rear direction” means that there are at least two vertical legs that are lowered from the gripping portion in a straight line extending in the front-rear direction.

In the case of this auxiliary device equipped with a gripping portion, the at least two or more positions that the gripping portion can take are perpendicular to a plane including both the rotation shafts of the front wheel rotation shaft and the rear wheel rotation shaft in the straight traveling state. It is also possible to include at least two or more positions between the intermediate surface that is a plane that is at an equal distance from the rear surface and the rear wheel surface that is a plane that includes the rotation axis of the rear wheel and is parallel to the intermediate surface.
As described above, when the auxiliary device is stepped down and the front wheel is lifted upward from the walking surface, the gripping part that the pedestrian grips and applies the downward force is usually on the rear side when walking the front wheel. The rotational moment to float upward from the surface increases and it is easy to float the front wheel upward from the walking surface, which is preferable, but it is not intended to exist behind the rotation axis of the rear wheel, and the downward force component is applied to the gripping part. When added, there is a possibility that the front part of the auxiliary device may unexpectedly float upward from the walking surface (the auxiliary device may become very unstable). For this reason, as a range in which both of these are achieved, an intermediate plane that is a plane perpendicular to a plane including both rotation axes of the rotation axis of the front wheel and the rotation axis of the rear wheel in a straight traveling state and at an equal distance from both rotation axes, It is preferable that a gripping portion exists in a space between the rear wheel surface which is a plane parallel to the intermediate surface including the rotation axis of the wheel, and the at least two or more positions which the gripping portion can take in the auxiliary device provided with the gripping portion May include at least two or more positions existing in the space (a plurality of positions such as 3, 4, 5, 6... Belonging to the space may be included, and a gripping portion may be included in the space. The position may be adjusted continuously in the front-rear direction.)

  This auxiliary device includes a moving body main body having a front wheel and a rear wheel, and a stepped portion attached to the moving body main body, and the moving body main body is the same as a conventional so-called walking auxiliary vehicle or silver car. Can be used. For this reason, it is necessary to attach a stepper lower part (a pedestrian attached to the moving body body and standing on the walking surface behind the moving body body) to attach to the existing moving body body. This makes it possible to manufacture and / or sell a stepped lower part having a stepping surface that can be stepped down by the rear of the rotating shaft of the rear wheel by using the same thing as a conventional so-called walking assistance vehicle or silver car. Auxiliary equipment can be configured (for example, a person who owns a so-called walking assistance vehicle or silver car, etc.) can obtain (for example, purchase) this step and attach it to their own walking assistance car or silver car. It can be used continuously as this auxiliary device, or it can be sold with this stepping foot attached (as an option) according to the purchaser's preference when selling walking assistance vehicles, silver cars, etc. Kill.).

It is a perspective view of the walk auxiliary device (this auxiliary device) concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of this auxiliary device. It is a side view (the arrow B direction in FIG.1 and FIG.2) of this auxiliary device. It is a rear view of this auxiliary device. It is a perspective view of the pedal for the right foot in a straight state. It is a perspective view of the pedal for right feet in the state where the tread was turned upward with respect to the base end. It is a top view of the pedal for the right foot and the pedal for the left foot. FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a portion (a portion pointed by an arrow D in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4) where the right foot pedal is attached to the auxiliary device body via the attachment portion. It is a side view which shows the place where a left handle moves to the front-back direction. It is a side view which shows the place which the pedal for left legs moves to the front-back direction. It is a figure which shows the place where a front wheel gets over a level | step difference. It is sectional drawing which shows the place where the rear-wheel fell the level | step difference below.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by these.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a walking assist device (present assisting device) 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the assisting device 11 as viewed from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 3 is a side view of the auxiliary device 11 (as viewed from the direction of arrow B in FIGS. 1 and 2), and FIG. It is a rear view (The place seen from the direction of arrow C in Drawing 1 and Drawing 3 is shown). 5 is a perspective view of the right foot pedal 83 in a straight state, and FIG. 6 is a right foot pedal 83 in a state in which the step portion 83c is rotated upward with respect to the base end portion 83a of the right foot pedal 83. FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the right foot pedal 83 (FIG. 7A) and the left foot pedal 63 (FIG. 7B). In addition, FIG. 8 is a detailed view of a portion where the right foot pedal 83 is attached to the auxiliary device main body 21 via the attachment portion 91 (portion indicated by the arrow D in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4). is there. The auxiliary device 11 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The auxiliary device 11 roughly includes an auxiliary device body 21, a mounting portion 91 attached to the auxiliary device body 21, a right foot pedal 83 attached to the auxiliary device body 21 via the mounting portion 91, and an auxiliary device. An attachment portion 71 attached to the device main body 21 and a left foot pedal 63 attached to the auxiliary device main body 21 via the attachment portion 71 are provided. Here, both the left and right of the attachment portion 71 and the left foot pedal 63 and the attachment portion 91 and the right foot pedal 83 are attached to the auxiliary device main body 21, but the attachment portion 71 and the left foot pedal 63, Either the attachment portion 91 or the right foot pedal 83 may be attached.
In addition, a pedestrian (not shown) standing on the floor 101 holds the right handle 25b of the auxiliary device body 21 with the right hand (not shown) and straightly forwards with the left handle 25a held with the left hand (not shown). The upper, lower, right, left, front, and rear are recognized as upper, lower, right, left, front, and rear, respectively. D2, the right arrow D3, the left arrow D4, the front arrow D5, and the rear arrow D6).

  Here, the auxiliary device body 21 has the same structure as a so-called “walking assistance vehicle” that assists elderly people to walk. Specifically, the auxiliary device body 21 rotates on a first straight line extending in the left-right direction. A pair of left and right rear wheels 23b1 and 23b2 having a shaft, a pair of left and right front wheels 23a1 and 23a2 having a rotation axis on a second straight line parallel to the first straight line when the auxiliary device main body 21 is in a straight traveling state, and a rear near the lower end A pair of rear wheel mounting rods 26a, 26b that pivotally support the wheels 23b1, 23b2 so as to rotate forward and backward, a pair of front wheel support portions 27a, 27b that pivotally support the front wheels 23a1, 23a2 so as to rotate forward and backward, and a front wheel at the lower end A pair of front wheel mounting rods 24a and 24b for supporting the support portions 27a and 27b in a freely rotatable manner (the rotation axis extends in the vertical direction, and the rotation direction is indicated by an arrow R in FIGS. 1 and 2); Front wheel mounting rods 24a, 24 A pair of vertical bars 28a, 28b to which the upper ends of the vertical bars 28a, 28b are attached, hollow handle support bars 29a, 29b attached to the upper ends of the vertical bars 28a, 28b and extending in the front-rear direction, and hollow handle support bars 29a, 29b in the front-rear direction The handle bars 30a and 30b are slidably fitted to the handle bars, the fixing bolts 29ab and 29bb for prohibiting and allowing the handle bars 30a and 30b to slide in the front-rear direction with respect to the handle support bars 29a and 29b, and the handle bars 30a and 30b. Brake levers 31a, 31b attached to the left, left and right handles 25b attached to the rear ends of the handle bars 30a, 30b, upper left and right connecting bars 32 for connecting the handle support bars 29a, 29b to each other, Lower left and right connecting rods 33 for connecting bars 28a and 28b to each other, and lower left and right connecting rods 33, a seat portion 34 whose lower surface is rotatably supported, a rear wheel mounting rod 26a, 26b, a connecting support rod 35 that contacts the lower surface of the seat portion 34 and supports it from below, and an upper end that is a vertical bar Front and rear connecting rods 36a and 36b for connecting the rear wheel mounting rods 26a and 26b, which are pivotally attached to 28a and 28b, and the front wheel mounting rods 24a and 24b so as not to exceed a predetermined distance; It has.

  FIG. 9 is a side view showing the left handle 25a moving in the front-rear direction (showing the same direction as FIG. 3). The state in which the left handle 25a moves in the front-rear direction will be described with reference to FIG. 9, but the right handle 25b can also move in the front-rear direction in the same manner as the left handle 25a. FIG. 9A shows the left handle 25a located at the same position as the position shown in FIG. 3 (the frontmost position of the left handle 25a). By loosening all three fixing bolts 29ab from such a state, The handle support rod 29a is allowed to slide in the front-rear direction of the handle rod 30a fitted therein. In the state in which the handle bar 30a is allowed to slide in the front-rear direction with respect to the handle support bar 29a, the left handle 25a is gripped and moved backward, whereby the position shown in FIG. The left handle 25a can be moved to (position). After the left handle 25a is moved to the position shown in FIG. 9B, the handle bar 30a is prevented from sliding in the front-rear direction with respect to the handle support bar 29a by tightening all three fixing bolts 29ab. Can do. As described above, the left handle 25a can be moved and fixed to an arbitrary position between the position shown in FIG. 9A (the frontmost position) and the position shown in FIG. 9B (the rearmost position).

The right foot pedal 83 has a square bar-like base end portion 83a, a step portion 83c having a tread surface 83ca on which the user (pedestrian) of the auxiliary device 11 steps down on the sole of the foot, and a base end portion 83a. The step 83c is within a predetermined range (the state of FIGS. 5 and 8 is the lower limit position of the step 83c with respect to the base end 83a, and the step 83c is stepped with respect to the base end 83a in the direction of arrow Q in FIG. The part 83c is pivotable, and the hinge part 83b is rotatably supported by the step part 83c pivoted upward relative to the base end part 83a. It becomes.
As shown in FIG. 8 in particular, the mounting portion 91 includes a mounting portion main body 93, a fixing bolt 95 for fixing the mounting portion main body 93 to the lower end of the rear wheel mounting rod 26b, and a through-hole formed in the mounting portion main body 93. And a slide fixing bolt 97 for fixing the penetrated base end portion 83a. The through hole formed in the mounting portion main body 93 is continuously formed in the front-rear direction (arrows D5 and D6) further below the lower end of the rear wheel mounting rod 26b. As described above, the right foot pedal 83 is formed. The base end portion 83a is internally fitted so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction.
In this manner, the mounting portion main body 93 is fixed near the lower end of the rear wheel mounting rod 26b by the pair of fixing bolts 95, and the base end portion 83a of the right foot pedal 83 is inserted into the through hole formed in the mounting portion main body 93 in the front-rear direction. Can be slidably fitted in the front-rear direction so that the position of the right foot pedal 83 in the front-rear direction can be adjusted with respect to the lower end of the rear wheel mounting rod 26b, and the slide fixing bolt 97 is tightened at a suitable position. Thus, the position in the front-rear direction of the right foot pedal 83 can be fixed at a suitable position. In this state, the step portion 83c is rotatable with respect to the base end portion 83a in the direction of the arrow Q in FIG. 8 (upward) (the right foot pedal 83 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6; Then, the rotation from FIG. 5 to FIG. 6 is possible.) However, the rotation is prohibited in the opposite direction (the direction in which the step portion 83c is rotated downward relative to the base end portion 83a). The

The left foot pedal 63 has the same configuration as the right foot pedal 83 (the shape of the left foot pedal 63 and the right foot pedal 83 is symmetrical with respect to the shape (for example, FIG. 7), but the basic configuration is the same). In particular, as shown in FIG. 7B, a tread having a square bar-like base end portion 63a and a tread surface 63ca on which the user (pedestrian) of the auxiliary device 11 steps down on the sole of the foot is used as an upper surface. And a hinge portion 63b that rotatably supports the step portion 63c within a predetermined range (similar to the right foot pedal 83) with respect to the base end portion 63a.
The mounting portion 71 has the same configuration as the mounting portion 91, and is formed in the mounting portion main body 73, a fixing bolt 75 that fixes the mounting portion main body 73 to the lower end of the rear wheel mounting rod 26a, and the mounting portion main body 73. And a slide fixing bolt 77 for fixing the base end portion 63a penetrating through the through hole. The through hole formed in the attachment portion main body 73 is continuously formed in the front-rear direction (arrows D5, D6) further downward than the lower end of the rear wheel attachment rod 26a. As described above, the left foot pedal 63 The base end portion 63a is internally fitted so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction.
In this manner, the mounting portion main body 73 is fixed by the pair of fixing bolts 75 near the lower end of the rear wheel mounting rod 26a, and the base end portion 63a of the left foot pedal 63 is inserted into the through hole formed in the mounting portion main body 73 in the front-rear direction. Can be slidably fitted in the front-rear direction so that the position of the left foot pedal 63 in the front-rear direction can be adjusted with respect to the lower end of the rear wheel mounting rod 26a, and the slide fixing bolt 77 is tightened at a suitable position. Thus, the position of the left foot pedal 63 in the front-rear direction can be fixed at a suitable position. FIG. 10 is a side view showing the left foot pedal 63 moving in the front-rear direction (showing the same direction as FIG. 3). A state in which the left foot pedal 63 moves in the front-rear direction will be described with reference to FIG. 10, but the right foot pedal 83 can also move in the front-rear direction in the same manner as the left foot pedal 63. FIG. 10 (a) shows the left foot pedal 63 located at the same position as the position shown in FIG. 3 (the frontmost position of the left foot pedal 63). The base end portion 63a inserted in the through hole is allowed to slide in the front-rear direction with respect to the portion 71. In the state in which the proximal end portion 63a is allowed to slide in the front-rear direction with respect to the attachment portion 71, the left foot pedal 63 is gripped and moved rearward to thereby move the position shown in FIG. 10B (the left foot pedal 63). The left foot pedal 63 can be moved to the rearmost position). After the left foot pedal 63 is moved to the position shown in FIG. 10B, the slide fixing bolt 77 is tightened to prevent the base portion 63 a from sliding in the front-rear direction with respect to the mounting portion 71. . As described above, the left foot pedal 63 can be moved and fixed to an arbitrary position between the position shown in FIG. 10A (the frontmost position) and the position shown in FIG. 10B (the rearmost position). .
In this state, the step portion 63c is rotatable with respect to the base end portion 63a in the direction of arrow Q (upward) in FIG. 3, but the step portion 63c is moved in the opposite direction (with respect to the base end portion 63a). Rotation is prohibited in the direction of turning downward.

Next, a method of using the auxiliary device 11 will be described.
FIG. 11 shows that the pedestrian 201 standing on the floor surface 101 holds the right handle 25b of the auxiliary device 11 with the right hand and the left handle 25a with the left hand 203 and moves in the forward direction (arrow D5). However, it shows. In the normal movement state, the right handle 25b and the left handle 25a of the auxiliary device 11 are fixed at the foremost position (the position shown in FIG. 9A). The positions of the left foot pedal 63 and the right foot pedal 83 are adjusted in advance in the front-rear direction in accordance with the magnitude of the stepping force of the pedestrian 201 (the left foot pedal 63 or the right foot pedal 83 is set as described later). In order to lift down the front wheels 23a1, 23a2 from the floor surface 101 by stepping down, the pedestrian 201 is required to step down because the pedals 63 for the left foot and the pedal 83 for the right foot are located behind the rear wheels 23b1, 23b2. As the force is smaller, the left foot pedal 63 or the right foot pedal 83 is positioned rearward). In FIG. 11, there is a step 103 rising on the floor surface 101 in front of the auxiliary device 11, and the situation when the front wheels 23 a 1 and 23 a 2 get over this step 103 is shown (the step 103 is the front wheel). It also exists in front of 23a2.)

  First, as a first step in which the front wheels 23a1 and 23a2 get over the step 103, the front and rear positions of the right handle 25b and the left handle 25a are adjusted according to the arm strength of the pedestrian 201. This is because when the pedestrian 201 steps down the left foot pedal 63 or the right foot pedal 83 and lifts the front wheels 23a1 and 23a2 from the floor surface 101, the pedestrian 201 grips the right handle 25b and the left handle 25a and pulls downward. 11 (shown by an arrow Z as an example in FIG. 11) makes it easier to lift the front wheels 23a1, 23a2 from the floor surface 101. At this time, the more the right handle 25b and the left handle 25a are located rearward, the more the right handle 25b Further, the downward force applied to the left handle 25a can be reduced (that is, the right handle 25b and the left handle 25a are positioned rearward as the arm force of the pedestrian 201 decreases). As described above, the front and rear positions of the right handle 25b and the left handle 25a are adjusted by loosening the fixing bolts 29ab and 29bb and adjusting the front and rear positions of the right handle 25b and the left handle 25a, and then tightening the fixing bolts 29ab and 29bb again. Good.

As a second step in which the front wheels 23a1 and 23a2 get over the step 103, the pedestrian 201 depresses the left foot pedal 63 or the right foot pedal 83 (in FIG. 11, the left foot pedal 63 is depressed by the left foot 205). The front wheels 23a1 and 23a2 are easily lifted from the floor surface 101 by applying a force pulling rearward and downward to the right handle 25b and the left handle 25a gripped by the pedestrian 201 (indicated by an arrow Z in FIG. 11 as an example) ( This state is shown in FIG.
As a third step in which the front wheels 23a1 and 23a2 get over the step 103, the front wheels 23a1 and 23a2 move the auxiliary device 11 forward while the front wheels 23a1 and 23a2 are lifted from the floor surface 101. By moving to the upper stage 107, the front wheels 23a1 and 23a2 can get over the step 103.
Thereafter, the pedestrian 201 moves the auxiliary device 11 further forward, and the rear wheels 23b1 and 23b2 are also moved to the upper stage 107 of the step 103 (in this case, the right handle 25b and the left handle 25a held by the pedestrian 201 are lifted). Thus, an upward force is applied to the right handle 25b and the left handle 25a), so that the rear wheels 23b1 and 23b2 can also get over the step 103.

In FIG. 12, there is a downward step 109 on the floor surface 101 in front of the auxiliary device 11, and after the front wheels 23a1 and 23a2 get over the step 109, the rear wheels 23b1 and 23b2 further pass the step 109. It is sectional drawing which shows the place which descend | falls (The cross section regarding this auxiliary device 11 has shown the XX cross section of FIG. 2). With reference to FIG. 12, the state which this auxiliary device 11 passes through the level | step difference 109 which falls is demonstrated. For ease of illustration, the pedestrian 201 is not shown in FIG. 12, and the front and rear positions of the right handle 25b and the left handle 25a are adjusted forward of those in FIG.
First, a pedestrian (not shown) standing on the upper stage 107 holds the right handle 25b of the auxiliary device 11 with the right hand and the left handle 25a with the left hand 203, and moves in the forward (arrow D5) direction. The front wheels 23 a 1 and 23 a 2 rolling on the upper stage 107 are lowered to the floor surface 101.

Further, a pedestrian (not shown) moves the auxiliary device 11 in the forward (arrow D5) direction, and lowers the rear wheels 23b1, 23b2 that have rolled on the upper stage 107 to the floor surface 101 (the rear wheels 23b1, 23b2). FIG. 12 shows the position of the lowering on the floor surface 101). At this time, the lower surface of the step portion 83c collides with the upper stage 107. As described above, the step portion 83c is rotatable upward with respect to the base end portion 83a, so that the hinge portion 83b is attached as shown in FIG. The rear wheel 23b1, 23b2 can be smoothly lowered to the floor surface 101 by turning the step part 83c upward at the center (if the step part 83c does not turn upward with respect to the base end part 83a, Due to the weight of the auxiliary device 11 and the like, the lower surface of the step portion 83c strongly contacts the upper stage 107, which may make it difficult to move the auxiliary device 11 in the forward (arrow D5) direction or damage the upper stage 107. ).
Then, when the auxiliary device 11 is further moved forward (arrow D5) from the state of FIG. 12 and the lower surface of the step portion 83c does not come into contact with the upper stage 107, the step portion centering on the hinge portion 83b due to the weight of the step portion 83c. 83c rotates downward and the step 83c returns to the lower limit position (FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 8, and 11).

Although the above has been described with respect to the right foot pedal 83, the left foot pedal 63 functions in the same manner. Specifically, when the rear wheels 23 b 1 and 23 b 2 descend from the upper stage 107 to the floor surface 101, the lower surface of the step 63 c is the upper stage 107. However, since the stepped portion 63c is rotatable upward with respect to the base end portion 63a, the rear wheels 23b1 and 23b2 are smoothly moved by rotating the stepped portion 63c around the hinge portion 63b. It is possible to descend to the floor surface 101 (if the step portion 63c does not rotate upward with respect to the base end portion 63a, the lower surface of the step portion 63c strongly contacts the upper step 107 due to the weight of the auxiliary device 11 or the like. The movement of the auxiliary device 11 in the forward direction (arrow D5) may be difficult, and the upper stage 107 may be damaged.)
In this way, the step portions 83c and 63c are rotatable upward with respect to the base end portions 83a and 63a, but the pedestrian 201 is prevented from rotating in the opposite direction so that the pedestrian 201 When the front wheels 23a1 and 23a2 can be lifted from the floor surface 101 and the rear wheels 23b1 and 23b2 are lowered from the upper stage 107 to the floor surface 101 by stepping down 63c (prohibition of the downward rotation of the step portions 83c and 63c) Even if the lower surfaces of the stepped portions 83c and 63c collide with the upper stage 107, the stepped portions 83c and 63c rotate upward with respect to the base end portions 83a and 63a, so that the rear wheels 23b1 and 23b2 are smoothly brought into contact with the floor surface 101. You can descend.

  As described above, the auxiliary device 11 has the front wheels 23a1, 23a2 and the rear wheels 23b1, 23b2, and the pedestrian 201 walking on the walking surface (here, the floor surface 101) moves from the rear to the front (in the direction of arrow D5). ), The front wheels 23a1, 23a2 and the rear wheels 23b1, 23b2 roll on the walking surface (floor surface 101) and move along the walking surface (floor surface 101), and the front wheels 23a1, 23a2 And rear wheels 23b1 and 23b2 are attached to the movable body main body (here, auxiliary device main body 21) and the movable body main body (auxiliary device main body 21), and behind the movable body main body (auxiliary device main body 21) (in the direction of arrow D6). ) On the walking surface (floor surface 101), and the treading surface (treading surface 83ca, treading surface 63ca) on which the pedestrian 201 standing on the walking surface (floor surface 101) can step down with at least one of the left and right feet is set to the rotational axis Y of the rear wheels 23b1, 23b2. Stepping-on portion (the mounting portion 91 and the right foot pedal 83 in this case, the mounting portion 71 and the left foot pedal 63 comprises a.) Having a remote rearwardly, consisting comprise a walker.

In the auxiliary device 11, the tread surface (the tread surface 83ca, the tread surface 63ca) can take at least two or more positions with respect to the moving body (auxiliary device main body 21) in the front-rear direction (arrow D5, arrow D6). (Here, the tread surface (the tread surface 83ca, the tread surface 63ca) can be continuously adjusted in the front-rear direction with respect to the movable body main body (auxiliary device main body 21), so that the tread surface (the tread surface 83ca, the tread surface 63ca) is moved to the movable body main body ( (A countless number of positions can be taken in the front-rear direction (arrow D5, arrow D6) with respect to the auxiliary device body 21).)
In the auxiliary device 11, a step portion (an attachment portion 91 and a right foot pedal 83, an attachment portion 71 and a left foot pedal 63) is attached to a support body (here, the attachment portion 91) attached to the mobile body (auxiliary device body 21). , An attachment portion 71), and a foot pedal (here, the right foot pedal 83 and the left foot pedal 63) having a tread surface (the tread surface 83ca and the tread surface 63ca) and attached to the support portion (the attachment portion 91 and the attachment portion 71); The position where the step pedal (right foot pedal 83, left foot pedal 63) is attached to the support portion (attachment portion 91, attachment portion 71) is at least 2 with respect to the front-rear direction (arrow D5, arrow D6). As described above, as described above, the position can be continuously adjusted in the front-rear direction.

In the auxiliary device 11, a base end portion (here, a base end portion 83 a that is indirectly attached via the attachment portion 91, and an attachment portion 71) that is directly or indirectly attached to the mobile body (auxiliary device main body 21). A base end portion 63a) that is indirectly attached and a tread surface (step surface 83ca, tread surface 63ca) are formed so as to protrude rearward (arrow D6) of the base end portion (base end portion 83a, base end portion 63a). A lower pedal (attachment portion 91 and right foot pedal 83, attachment portion 71 and left foot) having a lower pedal (right foot pedal 83 and left foot pedal 63) having a main body portion (here, step portion 83c and step portion 63c). Pedal 63), and the main body (step 83c, step 63c) is in a predetermined position (FIGS. 1, 3, and 4) with respect to the base end (base end 83a, base end 63a). From the positions shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 8, FIG. 10, and FIG. It is impossible to move downward (in the direction of arrow D2) and above the predetermined position (the position shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, and 11) (in the direction of arrow D1). ) Is movable.
In the auxiliary device 11, the main body (the step 83c and the step 63c) is placed at the predetermined position (FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 4) with respect to the base end (base end 83a, base end 63a). 5, the position of the main body (stepping) with respect to the base end portions (base end portion 83a, base end portion 63a) so as to be rotatable upward (in the direction of arrow D1) from the positions shown in FIGS. The portion 83c and the step portion 63c) cannot be rotated downward (in the direction of arrow D2) below the predetermined position (the positions shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, and 11). Includes a pivoting portion (here, hinge portion 83b, hinge portion 63b) for connecting the base end portion (base end portion 83a, base end portion 63a) and the main body portion (stepping portion 83c, stepping portion 63c). It is.

In the auxiliary device 11, at least a part of the tread surface (the tread surface 83ca and the tread surface 63ca) is located directly behind the rear wheels 23b1 and 23b2.
In the auxiliary device 11, a base end portion (here, a base end portion 83 a that is indirectly attached via the attachment portion 91, and an attachment portion 71) that is directly or indirectly attached to the mobile body (auxiliary device main body 21). A base end portion 63a) that is indirectly attached and a tread surface (step surface 83ca, tread surface 63ca) are formed so as to protrude rearward (arrow D6) of the base end portion (base end portion 83a, base end portion 63a). A lower pedal (attachment portion 91 and right foot pedal 83, attachment portion 71 and left foot) having a lower pedal (right foot pedal 83 and left foot pedal 63) having a main body portion (here, step portion 83c and step portion 63c). Pedal 63), and the base end portions (base end portion 83a, base end portion 63a) are inside the rear wheels 23b1, 23b2 in which at least a part of the tread surface (the tread surface 83ca, the tread surface 63ca) is located directly behind. Along front and back The rod-shaped member (here, the base end portion 83a and the square bar member forming the base end portion 63a) includes a main body (the step portion 83c and the step portion 63c). It is attached to the front end (arrow D6 side) of the square bar member that forms the base end part 63a and forms a treading surface (treading face 83ca, treading face 63ca) on the top surface, and the rod-like members (base end part 83a, base end part 63a) It has a plate-like member (here, a plate-like member that forms the step portion 83c and the step portion 63c) that does not have a portion existing inside the tip end of the square bar member to be formed.

  In the auxiliary device 11, on the walking surface (floor surface 101) along the plane, the stepping surface (the tread surface 83 ca, the tread surface 63 ca) is stepped down and the stepped lower portion (the mounting portion 91 and the right foot pedal 83, the mounting portion 71 and the left foot Pedal 63) between the front wheels 23a1 and 23a2 and the walking surface (floor surface 101) in a state in which at least a part of the pedal 63 is in contact with the walking surface (floor surface 101). The gap is 5 cm to 8 cm. Like the auxiliary device 11, on the walking surface (floor surface 101) along the plane, the stepping surface (the tread surface 83 ca and the tread surface 63 ca) is stepped down and the treading portion (the mounting portion 91 and the right foot pedal 83, the mounting portion 71 and the like) Between the front wheels 23a1, 23a2 and the walking surface (floor surface 101) in a state where at least a part of the left foot pedal 63) (here, the step portion 83c and the lower surface of the step portion 63c) is in contact with the walking surface (floor surface 101). Is set to be a predetermined distance or less (preferably 12 cm or less, more preferably 10 cm or less, most preferably 8 cm or less), so that the lower part (mounting portion 91 and right foot pedal 83, mounting portion 71 and left foot) The pedal 63) can function as a stopper that prevents the auxiliary device 11 from tipping over backwards (the base end portion (the base end portion 83a, the base end portion 63a) Limiting the amount of upward rotation of the main body (the step 83c, the step 63c) (for example, the main (the step 83c, the step 63c) relative to the base (the base 83a, the base 63a). By prohibiting the portion 63c) from rotating above a predetermined position), this stopper function for preventing the auxiliary device 11 from turning over backwards without restricting the function of the stepping portion is further effective. Can also be demonstrated.)

The auxiliary device 11 has a grip part (here, the right handle 25b and the left handle 25a) that the pedestrian 201 grips, and the grip part (the right handle 25b and the left handle 25a) is in the front-rear direction (arrow D5). , Arrow D6) can take at least two or more positions (here, since the position can be continuously adjusted in the front-rear direction, innumerable positions are taken in the front-rear direction).
In the auxiliary device 11, as shown in FIG. 3 in particular, the at least two or more positions that can be taken by the gripping portion (the right handle 25b and the left handle 25a) are the rotational axis Z of the front wheels 23a1, 23a2 and the rear in the straight traveling state. Rotation of the rear wheels 23b1, 23b2 and an intermediate surface P2 which is a plane perpendicular to the plane P1 including both rotation axes Z, Y with respect to the rotation axis Y of the wheels 23b1, 23b2 and at an equal distance from both rotation axes Z, Y It includes at least two or more positions between the rear wheel surface P3 that is a plane parallel to the intermediate surface P2 including the axis Y (here, the gripping portions (the right handle 25b and the left handle 25a) can slide continuously). So including countless positions).
The stepping parts (the attachment portion 91 and the right foot pedal 83, the attachment portion 71 and the left foot pedal 63) constituting the auxiliary device 11 may be sold separately from the mobile body (auxiliary device body 21). Well, if it does so, it can attach to a mobile body main body (auxiliary device main body 21) as needed.

11 Auxiliary device 21 Auxiliary device body 23a1, 23a2 Front wheel 23b1, 23b2 Rear wheel 24a, 24b Front wheel mounting rod 25a Left handle 25b Right handle 26a, 26b Rear wheel mounting rod 27a, 27b Front wheel support portion 28a, 28b Vertical rod 29a, 29b Handle support rod 29ab, 29bb Fixing bolt 30a, 30b Handle rod 31a, 31b Brake lever 32 Upper left / right connecting rod 33 Lower left / right connecting rod 34 Seat 35 Connecting support rod 36a, 36b Front / rear connecting rod 63 Left foot pedal 63a Base end 63b Hinge part 63c Step part 63ca Tread surface 71 Attachment part 73 Attachment part body 75 Fixing bolt 77 Slide fixation bolt 83 Right foot pedal 83a Base end part 83b Hinge part 83c Step part 83ca Tread surface 91 Attachment part 93 Attachment part body 95 Fixing bolt 97 Slide fixed Constant bolt 101 Floor 103 Level difference (rise)
107 Upper 109 Step (Descent: Fall)
201 Pedestrian 203 Left hand 205 Left foot

Claims (9)

A walking aid that has a front wheel and a rear wheel, and a pedestrian walking on the walking surface pushes from the rear to the front, the front wheel and the rear wheel roll on the walking surface and move the walking surface,
A moving body having a front wheel and a rear wheel;
A stepped portion that is attached to the moving body and has a treading surface behind the rotating shaft of the rear wheel that a pedestrian standing on the walking surface behind the moving body can step on with at least one of the left and right feet. Ri name a,
The lower part of the stepped pedal has a stepped pedal having a base end part that is directly or indirectly attached to the movable body body and a main body part that has a tread surface and is formed to protrude rearward of the base end part. ,
The base end portion and the main body portion are connected so that the main body portion can be rotated above the predetermined position with respect to the base end portion and the main body portion cannot be rotated below the predetermined position with respect to the base end portion. A rotating part that
When the rear wheel descends the step, even if the lower surface of the main body collides with the upper stage of the step, the main body rotates upward so that the rear wheel can descend,
When the lower surface of the main body portion does not contact the upper stage of the step, the main body portion rotates downward due to the weight of the main body portion, and the main body portion returns to the predetermined position .   The walking aid according to claim 1, wherein the tread surface can take at least two or more positions in the front-rear direction with respect to the movable body. The lower part has a support part attached to the mobile body, and a step pedal that has a lower part and is attached to the support part.
The walking assist device according to claim 2, wherein there are at least two positions where the step pedal is attached to the support portion in the front-rear direction. The walking aid according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein at least a part of the tread surface is located directly behind the rear wheel. The lower part of the stepped pedal has a stepped pedal having a base end part that is directly or indirectly attached to the movable body body and a main body part that has a tread surface and is formed to protrude rearward of the base end part. ,
The base end portion includes a rod-like member extending in the front-rear direction along the inner side of the rear wheel in which at least a part of the tread surface is directly behind.
Body portion is made of a plate-like member having no portion present inside the tip of the rod-shaped member to form a stepping-on surface on the upper surface attached to the tip of the rod-shaped member, according to claim 4 The walking aid described in 1. In the tread surface along a plane, the gap between the front wheels and the walking surface in a state in which at least part is in contact with the walking surface of the stepping-on portion is lowered down the stepping-on surface is 3Cm～12cm, of claims 1 to 5 The walking aid according to any one of the above. It has a gripping part that a pedestrian grips,
The walking aid according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the grip portion can take at least two or more positions in the front-rear direction. The at least two or more positions that the gripper can take are intermediate planes that are perpendicular to a plane including both rotation axes of the front wheel rotation axis and the rear wheel rotation axis and are at an equal distance from both rotation axes in the straight traveling state. The walking assist device according to claim 7 , comprising at least two or more positions between the surface and a rear wheel surface that is a plane parallel to the intermediate surface and including a rotation axis of the rear wheel. The stepping portion according to any one of claims 1 to 8 .

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