TWI430783B - Wheelchair with commutation function - Google Patents

Description

Wheelchair with reversing function

The present invention relates to an improvement of a wheelchair, and more particularly to a wheelchair having a reversing mechanism to assist a wheelchair occupant to safely move up and down.

When a conventional wheelchair travels through an uphill section, it is usually driven by an occupant or a caregiver to advance the wheelchair. If the occupant or the caregiver has insufficient strength to push forward, the wheelchair often rolls backward. This situation will endanger the safety of the wheelchair occupant and even the caregiver itself. Therefore, the inventors believe that it is necessary to improve the structure of the conventional wheelchair in order to avoid the injury, and the family of the wheelchair occupant is also able to Don't worry about letting it go out alone.

Existing wheelchairs, unless they are electric wheelchairs, have only a hand brake system in terms of safety mechanism. This is because there are cost and technical limitations, so no manufacturer is willing to add other safety devices to the wheelchair.

In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a reversing mechanism by using a wheelchair equipped with a hand brake, and the reversing mechanism prevents the wheelchair from going uphill when the wheelchair is going uphill. The situation. When the wheelchair goes downhill, the hand brakes form a force that blocks the wheelchair from diving down.

Another object of the present invention is to install the reversing mechanism on a wheelchair having a hand brake, which can save the cost of separately creating a wheelchair, and on the other hand, the movement of the reversing mechanism is completely completed by the mechanism transmission. Without the need for electronic control, the cost of designing and manufacturing the reversing mechanism itself can be saved, and further, the cost of purchasing a wheelchair can be saved, and the safety of the wheelchair can be popularized.

The present invention utilizes the following technical means to achieve the above object: the wheelchair having the reversing function of the present invention mainly provides a reversing mechanism between the two rear wheels of a wheelchair body, and the reversing mechanism can control the two rear wheels. Synchronous commutation.

The reversing mechanism includes two driving arms, two ratchet sets, and two cams. The ratchet set includes a ratchet and two pawls. The cam has two symmetric flanges, and the two ratchets are respectively disposed on the rotating shafts of the two rear wheels. The two driving arms are respectively located above the two ratchets, and respectively connect the two cams, and the two driving arms are connected with each other, and the two flanges of each cam respectively abut the two pawls. When one of the driving arms is pulled counterclockwise or clockwise, the two driving arms simultaneously drive the two cams to rotate in the pulling direction, and the flange opposite to the pulling direction will leave the abutting pawl, so that the spines A free end of the pawl hangs down and contacts the ratchet such that the ratchet can only rotate in a particular direction.

Therefore, the wheelchair operator can control the direction of the rear wheel traveling by the above characteristics, for example, when the driving arm is adjusted to swing forward of the wheelchair body, at this time, the two ratchets can only rotate clockwise, and the ratchet restricts the rear wheel. It can only rotate clockwise, that is, the wheelchair body can only retreat; when the adjustment drive arm swings toward the rear of the wheelchair body, at this time, the two ratchets can only rotate counterclockwise, and the ratchet restricts the rear wheel to rotate only counterclockwise. That is, the wheelchair body can only advance; when the drive arm is adjusted to the neutral position, at this time, the two flanges respectively abut the two pawls, so that the ratchet can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, and the two rear wheels can follow the ratchet Rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

The wheelchair operator may be self-operating or operated by the wheelchair occupant itself. The direction of adjustment of the reversing mechanism drive depends on the uphill and downhill slopes and the direction of operation of the operator.

Compared with a conventional wheelchair, the reversing mechanism of the present invention can control the direction of travel of the rear wheel, so that when the wheelchair passes the uphill direction, whether the wheelchair occupant pushes the wheelchair by itself or is driven by the care The wheelchair or the reverse pulling of the wheelchair can avoid the situation that the wheelchair slips to the lower part due to the center of gravity and achieves the purpose of maintaining the safety of the maintenance personnel.

Further, the reversing mechanism of the present invention is constructed in a wheelchair having a conventional hand brake (including a hand brake on a handrail of a wheelchair and a hand brake used by a wheelchair occupant). When the wheelchair goes downhill, the hand brake can form a force to block the sliding, and the wheelchair can be quickly swooped to maintain the safety of the personnel.

Moreover, the reversing mechanism is constructed in a conventional wheelchair with a brake mechanism, and it is not necessary to re-create a new wheelchair, thereby saving manufacturing costs. The operation of the reversing mechanism is completely completed by the mechanism, is not electronically controlled, and can also save manufacturing costs. Once the manufacturing cost is reduced, the price for the consumer to purchase the wheelchair can also be reduced to achieve the purpose of popularizing the wheelchair.

The embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings and the <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt;

Please refer to the first figure for a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of a wheelchair having a reversing function according to the present invention. Mainly, a reversing mechanism 10 is disposed between the two rear wheels of the wheelchair body 100. The reversing mechanism 10 can control the two rear wheels 101 to be synchronously commutated to apply the road section through which the wheelchair is to be traveled. A hand brake mechanism 102 is disposed between one side of the wheelchair body 100 and the side rear wheel for wheelchair occupant control, and one hand brake mechanism 103 is attached to one of the wheelchair body 100 for care control.

Please refer to the second and third figures for an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the wheelchair having the reversing function; since the structure of the reversing mechanism 10 (refer to the first figure) is symmetrical, in order to avoid excessive confusion, the figure Only unilaterally decompose the reversing mechanism. The reversing mechanism 10 mainly includes two driving arms 1, two ratchet sets 2, and two cams 3; the ratchet set 2 includes a ratchet 21 and two pawls 22; the cam 3 has two symmetric flanges 31. The two ratchets 21 are respectively disposed on the rotating shafts 104 of the two rear wheels 101. The two driving arms 1 are respectively located above the two ratchets 21, and respectively connect the two cams 3. The two driving arms 1 are pivotally connected to each other by two connecting rods 4. So that the two ratchets 21 can rotate in the same direction. The two pawls 22 of the ratchet set 2 each have a fixed end 221, and the fixed ends 221 of the two pawls 22 are symmetrically suspended on a plate surface 5, and the free ends of the two pawls 22 can swing freely. The plate surface 5 between the pawls 22 also suspends the cam 3, and the cam 3 can rotate about the suspension point. In a normal state, the two flanges 31 of the cam 3 respectively abut the two pawls 22, which The plate surface 5 is passed through the rotating shaft 104 and fixed to the armrest of the wheelchair. A guide wheel set 6 is disposed on the rotating shaft 104 between the rear wheel 101 and the ratchet wheel 22. The guide wheel set 6 includes a bearing 61 for supporting the rotating shaft 104 and smoothing the rotating shaft. The driving arm 1 and the cam 3 are connected to each other. The driving arm 1 includes a swing arm 11 and a connecting member 12 . The swing arm 11 has an elongated shape. The connecting member 12 is vertically connected to one end of the swing arm 11 . The connecting member 12 has a through hole 121; a surface of the cam 3 extends perpendicularly from a latch 32, and the latch 32 is inserted into the through hole 121 so that the driving arm 1 and the cam 3 can be interlocked.

The swing arm 11 is further connected to a connecting rod 7 , and the end of the connecting rod is laterally connected to a slider 71. The outer side of one of the guard rails of the wheelchair body is provided with a board surface 8 , and a surface of the board surface is arranged to be lowered from the height by a quarter. A circular arc-shaped profile rail 81 that is slidably fitted to the slide rail 81. A horizontally held pull handle 72 is provided between the slide rail 81 and the link 7 for the wheelchair occupant to control.

For the principle of operation of the reversing mechanism 10 (refer to the first figure) of the present invention, please refer to the fourth A, fourth B, and fourth C drawings. The lowest position of the sliding rail 81 can be regarded as a low gear position, and the sliding rail 81 can be seen in the middle. For a mid-range position, the highest point of the slide rail can be regarded as a high-end position. When the slider 71 is adjusted to the low gear position, the link 7 will swing the swing arm 11 toward the front of the wheelchair body 100 (refer to the first figure); when the slider 71 is adjusted to the middle In the gear position, the link 7 keeps the swing arm 11 neutral; when the slider 71 is adjusted to the high position, the link 7 will pull the swing arm 11 toward the wheelchair body 100 (see the first Figure) is the rear swing. When the driving arm 11 swings toward the front of the wheelchair body (as shown in FIG. 4A), the driving arm connecting member 12 will drive the cam 3 to swing together, and the flange 31 on the left side of the cam pushes the left pawl 22 outward from the ratchet 21 The flange 31 on the right side of the cam no longer abuts the pawl 22 on the right side due to the swing of the cam 3, so that the free end 222 of the right pawl is brought into contact with the ratchet 21 by gravity, and the ratchet 21 can only be clockwise. Rotating in the direction, the rear wheel 101 coaxial with the ratchet 21 (refer to the first figure) can only rotate in a clockwise direction, that is, the wheelchair can only retreat; when the driving arm 11 maintains the neutral position, the cam 3 does not swing (eg, 4B), the two flanges respectively abut the two pawls 22, and the two pawls 22 are not in contact with the ratchet 21, and the ratchet 21 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, and the rear wheel 101 coaxial with the ratchet 21 ( Referring to the first figure) can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, that is, the wheelchair can be advanced or retracted; when the driving arm 11 is swung toward the rear of the wheelchair body 100 (see the first figure) (as shown in FIG. 4C), The drive arm connector 12 will drive the cam 3 to swing together, and the flange 31 on the right side of the cam pushes the right pawl 22 outward from the spine 21, the flange 31 on the left side of the cam no longer abuts the pawl 22 on the left side due to the swing of the cam 3, so that the free end 222 of the left pawl is brought into contact with the ratchet 21 by gravity, and the ratchet 21 can only reverse Rotating in the hour hand direction, the rear wheel 101 (see the first figure) coaxial with the ratchet 21 can only be rotated counterclockwise, meaning that the wheelchair can only advance.

The wheelchair operator can be self-operating or operated by the wheelchair occupant itself. The direction of adjustment of the reversing mechanism drive depends on the uphill and downhill slopes and the direction of operation of the operator. Please refer to the fifth A diagram, the fifth B diagram and the fifth C diagram, wherein the fifth diagram A shows that the wheelchair occupant operates the wheelchair uphill state by itself; the fifth diagram B shows that the caregiver reversely pulls the wheelchair uphill state; Figure C shows that the wheelchair occupant operates the wheelchair downhill.

As shown in FIG. 5A, when the wheelchair occupant operates the wheelchair uphill, the handle 72 can be pulled to the high position, and the connecting rod 7 is pushed against the driving arm 11, so that the driving arm 11 swings toward the rear of the wheelchair body 100. Since the two ratchets 21 can only rotate in the counterclockwise direction, the rear wheel 101 of the wheelchair body can only advance forward, and can block the wheelchair from slipping back to the lower part due to the center of gravity. As shown in FIG. 5B, when the nursing pulls the wheelchair uphill, the pull handle 72 can be pushed to the low gear position, and the connecting rod 7 pulls the driving arm 11 to swing the driving arm 11 toward the front of the wheelchair body 100. Since the two ratchets 21 can only rotate in the clockwise direction, the rear wheel 101 of the wheelchair body can only be retracted, and the wheelchair can be prevented from slipping back to the lower part due to the center of gravity. As shown in the fifth C diagram, when the occupant operates the wheelchair downhill, the handle 72 can be adjusted to the middle position, so that the rear wheel 101 of the wheelchair body can advance or retreat, or the handle 72 can be adjusted to the high position, so that The wheel 101 can be advanced, and the speed of the downhill is controlled by the hand brakes 102, 103.

The above is only a preferred embodiment for explaining the present invention, and is not intended to limit the invention in any way, so that any modifications or changes relating to the invention may be made in the spirit of the same invention. All should still be included in the scope of the intention of the present invention.

1. . . Drive arm

11. . . Swing arm

12. . . Connector

121. . . Insert hole

2. . . Ratchet group

twenty one. . . ratchet

twenty two. . . pawl

221. . . Fixed end

222. . . Free end

3. . . Cam

31. . . Flange

32. . . plug

4. . . link

5. . . Board surface

6. . . Guide wheel set

61. . . Bearing

7. . . link

71. . . Slider

72. . . Pull handle

8. . . Board surface

81. . . Slide rail

10. . . Reversing mechanism

100. . . Wheelchair body

101. . . rear wheel

102. . . Hand brake mechanism

103. . . Hand brake mechanism

104. . . Rotating shaft

The first figure is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of a wheelchair having a reversing function according to the present invention.

The second figure is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a wheelchair having a reversing function according to the present invention.

The third figure is another exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a wheelchair having a reversing function according to the present invention.

Figure 4A shows the direction of ratchet rotation when the handle is adjusted to the low gear.

The fourth B picture shows the direction of the ratchet rotation when the pull handle is adjusted to the mid-range position.

The fourth C picture shows the ratchet rotation direction when the pull handle is adjusted to the high position.

The fifth A picture shows the adjustment of the handle to the high-end position, and the occupant operates the wheelchair to go uphill.

The fifth B picture shows the adjustment of the pull handle to the low gear position, and the nursing care pulls the wheelchair to go uphill.

The fifth C picture shows the adjustment of the handle to the mid-range position, and the occupant operates the wheelchair to go downhill.

10. . . Reversing mechanism

100. . . Wheelchair body

101. . . rear wheel

102. . . Hand brake mechanism

103. . . Hand brake mechanism

Claims (9)

A wheelchair having a reversing function includes: a wheelchair body; a reversing mechanism disposed between the two rear wheels of the wheelchair body to control synchronous reversal of the two rear wheels, the reversing mechanism comprising two driving arms, two a ratchet set, two cams, each of the ratchet sets includes a ratchet and two pawls, each cam has two symmetrical flanges, and the two ratchets are respectively disposed on the rotating shafts of the two rear wheels, and the two driving arms are respectively located at the two Above the ratchet wheel, and each of the driving arms further includes a swing arm and a connecting member connected to the swing arm, and each of the cams is respectively connected by the connecting member, and the two driving arms are connected with each other. The flanges respectively abut the two pawls; one of the swing arms is further connected with a connecting rod, and the end of the connecting rod is laterally connected with a slider; a side of one of the guard rails of the wheelchair body is provided with a board surface a slide rail that is lowered in height and has a quarter-arc contour, the slider is slidably fitted to the slide rail; and the occupant rotates the swing arm in a counterclockwise or clockwise direction by controlling the slider, The two swing arms will simultaneously drive the two cams toward the Rotating, the flange opposite to the direction will leave the abutting pawl, causing the pawl to hang down at a free end and contact the ratchet, so that the ratchet can only rotate in a specific direction, thereby controlling the The direction in which the rear wheels travel. A wheelchair having a reversing function according to claim 1, wherein when the two driving arms are swung toward the front of the wheelchair body, the two ratchets can only rotate in a clockwise direction, the wheelchair The body can only retreat; when the two driving arms swing toward the rear of the wheelchair body, the two ratchets can only be counterclockwise Rotating, the wheelchair body can only advance forward; when the two flanges respectively abut the two pawls, the two rear wheels can advance or retreat. A wheelchair having a reversing function according to claim 2, wherein the driving arm comprises a swing arm and a connecting member, the swing arm is elongated, and the connecting member is vertically connected to one end of the swing arm. The connecting member has a through hole; the cam surface extends perpendicularly to a latch, and the latch is inserted into the through hole, so that the driving arm and the cam can be interlocked. A wheelchair having a reversing function according to claim 4, wherein the lowest position of the slide rail can be regarded as a low gear position, and the middle portion of the slide rail can be regarded as a middle gear position, and the highest position of the slide rail can be regarded as a high-grade position; when the slider is located in the low gear position, the connecting rod will swing the swing arm toward the front of the wheelchair body, and when the slider is located at the high-grade position, the connecting rod will pull the swing arm Swinging toward the rear of the wheelchair body, the link maintains the swing arm neutral when the slider is in the neutral position. A wheelchair having a reversing function according to claim 5, wherein a horizontally held pull handle is disposed between the slide rail and the connecting rod for the wheelchair operator to control the gear position. A wheelchair having a reversing function according to claim 3, wherein the two swing arms are pivotally connected by two links. A wheelchair having a reversing function according to claim 1, wherein a guide wheel set is disposed on the rotating shaft between the rear wheel and the ratchet, and the guide wheel set includes a bearing. A wheelchair having a reversing function according to claim 1 of the patent application scope, wherein The two pawls of the ratchet set and the cams that are in contact with the two pawls are all disposed on a plate surface, and the plate faces are passed through by the rotating shaft. A wheelchair having a reversing function according to claim 1, wherein a hand brake mechanism is provided between one side of the wheelchair body and the side rear wheel for control by a wheelchair occupant. One of the handrails is equipped with another brake mechanism for the caregiver to control.