Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a wheelchair having the function of assisting a
sitting user in standing up.
Background Art
[0002] In the case of wheelchairs, which are often used by users unable to use their legs,
feet, and waists properly, such as the elderly, it is inconvenient that the users
cannot stand by themselves from a state in which they sit in the wheelchairs, unless
they receive assistance from helpers. In addition, even if the users are assisted
by the helpers, it is preferable that a load imposed on the users be smaller.
[0003] Thus, there has been recently proposed a wheelchair which allows a sitting user to
stand up with relative ease.
[0004] Specifically, the wheelchair comprises a body, and a seat in which the user sits
is mounted on a top surface side of the body, such that the seat can rotate and rise
with its front end functioning as a fulcrum. By stepping on a pedal provided at the
lower part of the front or back of the body, the seat can be rotated, such that its
back end side rises with its front end functioning as a fulcrum via a link mechanism.
[0005] Therefore, when a user stands up, if the user or a helper steps on the pedal, the
seat is raised while rotating with its front end functioning as a fulcrum, and pushes
up the user's buttocks. Thus, the user can stand up with relative ease.
Citation List
Patent Literature
Summary of Invention
Problem to be solved by the Invention
[0007] Incidentally, according to the wheelchair having the above-described structure, the
user sitting in the seat stands up, grasping an armrest provided in the wheelchair
to stand up with his or her body steady.
[0008] By grasping the armrest to stand, the user can maintain a pose assumed when he or
she stand, even if his or her legs, feet, and waist are unsteady. Therefore, the user
can stand up with stability.
[0009] It should be noted that, when the user stands up from the seat, the wheels of the
wheelchair are usually free to rotate. Thus, when the user grasps the armrest of the
wheelchair to stand, the wheels may rotate and the wheelchair may move. Such a case
is undesirable, as the user's pose becomes unsteady.
[0010] As described above, the wheelchair is provided with foot brakes comprising pedals.
Therefore, if the user applies the brakes by stepping on the pedals when standing,
the wheelchair is prevented from moving, and thus, the user can stand with stability,
grasping the armrest.
[0011] However, if there is no helper, or if the user needs to be assisted by a helper in
standing, it may not be possible to apply the brakes or applying the brakes may be
overlooked. If so, when the user grasps the armrest to stand, the wheelchair may move,
so that the user's pose becomes unstable.
[0012] The present invention provides a wheelchair which enables a user to stand up with
stability by causing wheels to be automatically braked when the user stands up from
a seat.
Means for solving problem
[0013] The present invention is a wheelchair comprising: a main body; a wheel rotatably
provided in the main body; a seat disposed on a top surface side of the main body;
a footrest provided on a front side of the main body; a seat link mechanism by which
the seat is supported to be movable up and down between a raised position and a lowered
position on the top surface side of the main body; and a brake mechanism which inhibits
the wheel from rotating in interlock with the seat link mechanism, when the seat is
raised from the lowered position to the raised position; a leg link mechanism which
drives the footrest in a vertical direction between a lift-up position and a grounded
position; and the seat link mechanism is configured to move in interlock with the
leg link mechanism to drive the seat from the lowered position to the raised position
when the footrest is lowered in a grounded direction.
Effect of the Invention
[0014] According to the present invention, when the user stands up and the seat rises, the
wheel is automatically braked in interlock with the rising motion of the seat. Therefore,
the user can be prevented from becoming unstable by a movement of the wheelchair made
when the user stands up.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0015]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a wheelchair according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the wheelchair in a state in which brake mechanisms are released
while a seat is lowered.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the brake mechanisms of the wheelchair in the state
shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting a
height position of a footrest.
FIG. 5 is a side view of the wheelchair in a state in which the brake mechanisms work
while the seat is raised.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the brake mechanisms of the wheelchair in the state
shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a side view of the wheelchair in a state in which the brake mechanisms work
while the seat is lowered.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the brake mechanisms of the wheelchair in the state
shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the brake mechanisms showing a state in which an engagement
pin provided in a slide link has slid along a tapered surface of a rotation link.
FIG. 10 is a side view of a wheelchair in a state in which a seat is lowered and brakes
are released according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a side view of the wheelchair in a state in which the brakes work while
the seat is raised.
FIG. 12 is a side view of a wheelchair in a state in which brakes are applied while
a seat is raised according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a side view of the wheelchair in a state in which the brakes are applied
while the seat is lowered.
FIG. 14 is a side view of the wheelchair in a state in which the brakes are compulsorily
released when the seat is lowered.
Description of Embodiments
[0016] Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference
to the accompanying drawings.
(First Embodiment)
[0017] FIG. 1 to FIG. 9 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front
view of a wheelchair 1, and FIG. 2 is a side view thereof. The wheelchair 1 comprises
a body 2 as a main body. The body 2 is structured by coupling a pair of side frames
3 formed in the shape of a rectangular frame in parallel to keep a predetermined distance
therebetween by transverse pipes 4.
[0018] It should be noted that the body 2 may has the structure in which the pair of side
frames 3 are coupled to be foldable in a width direction by links instead of the transverse
pipes 4. That is, the body 2 may be foldable flat in the width direction.
[0019] Front wheels 6 are provided at the lower parts of pipes at the front ends of the
pair of side frames 3, and rear wheels 7 are provided at intermediate parts of pipes
at the back ends. The front wheels 6 and the rear wheels 7 contact a floor F, which
is a contact patch.
[0020] To the lower ends of the pipes at the front ends of the side frames 3, support arms
8 are attached to be horizontally rotatable. In addition, the front wheels 6 are rotatably
attached to the support arms 8. The wheelchair 1 can thereby change the direction
of travel by means of the front wheels 6.
[0021] The pipes at the backs ends of the pair of side frames 3 extend upward, and their
upper ends are bent backward. To the ends of bent portions of the pipes, grips 9 gripped
when a helper drives the wheelchair 1 are attached.
[0022] Although not shown in the figures, brake levers are provided near the grips 9. If
the helper grips the brake levers when operating the wheelchair 1, the rear wheels
7 can be braked.
[0023] A canvas 10 which is a cloth constituting the back as indicated by a chain line in
FIG. 1, for example, is stretched between a pair of pipes extending upward at the
back ends of the pair of side frames 3 to be attachable and detachable. A cushion
body may be provided instead of the canvas 10.
[0024] The top surfaces of both the ends in the width direction of the body 2, that is,
the upper ends of the pair of side frames 3, are provided with armrests 11 whose side
shape is an L-shape, respectively. To be specific, ends of the armrests 11 are coupled
to the upper ends of the pipes at the front ends of the side frames 3, and the other
ends are coupled to intermediate parts of portions extending upward of the pipes at
the back ends of the side frames 3.
[0025] The pipes at the front ends of the side frames 3 and the armrests 11 may be integrally
formed of the same pipes.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, a first link mechanism 12, which is a leg link mechanism, is
provided on each front end side of the pair of side frames 3, that is, the front side
of the body 2. The first link mechanism 12 comprises a first link 13, one end of which
is pivotally attached to an intermediate part in the height direction of the front
ends of the side frames 3, and a second link 14 having the same length as the first
link 13, one end of which is pivotally attached above the first link 13.
[0027] The other ends of the first link 13 and the second link 14 are pivotally attached
to a pair of coupling members 15a attached to a fixed cylinder 21 of a height adjustment
mechanism 17, which will be described later, to keep the same distance therebetween
as that between the one end of the first link 13 and the one end of the second link
14. That is, the first link 13 and the second link 14 are coupled in parallel or substantially
in parallel.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, at each pair of first and second links 13 and 14, provided right
and left, a footrest 18 is horizontally provided via the height adjustment mechanism
17, as will be described later. The height adjustment mechanism 17 comprises the fixed
cylinder 21 coupled and fixed to the first and second links 13 and 14 as shown in
FIG. 4. The lower end of the fixed cylinder 21 is open, and in the fixed cylinder
21, a movable cylinder 22 projecting from the lower end is inserted to be slidable.
The movable cylinder 22 is inserted a height adjustment shaft 24 which comprises a
male screw portion 24a at a lower end onto which a locknut 23 is screwed.
[0029] To the tip of the height adjustment shaft 24, a pressure member 25 whose bottom surface
is formed as an inclined surface 25a is eccentrically coupled. The upper end of the
movable cylinder 22 is formed as an inclined surface 22a at an angle corresponding
to that of the inclined surface 25a of the pressure member 25.
[0030] When the locknut 23 is screwed and the height adjustment shaft 24 is slid downward,
the inclined surface 25a of the pressure member 25 slides while being pressed against
the inclined surface 22a of the movable cylinder 22, and a part of outer peripheral
surface of the pressure member 25 is pressed against the inner peripheral surface
of the fixed cylinder 21. The movable cylinder 22 is thereby held to be unable to
slide on the fixed cylinder 21.
[0031] By sliding the movable cylinder 22 on the fixed cylinder 21 for a predetermined projection
length with the locknut 23 loosened, and screwing the locknut 23 at that position,
the movable cylinder 22 can be fixed to project for a predetermined length from the
lower end of the fixed cylinder 21. That is, the height adjustment mechanism 17 has
a function to set the vertical length dimension which is configured with the fixed
cylinder 21 and the movable cylinder 22.
[0032] To the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of movable cylinders 22, which project
from the lower ends of the fixed cylinders 21, support shafts 27 are attached horizontally
and forward in the back-and-forth direction of the body 2. Receivers 29, which are
provided at end portions of the footrests 18 in the width direction, are rotatably
attached to the support shafts 27. The footrests 18 are thereby attached to rotate
in the width direction of the body 2 as indicated by arrows r in FIG. 1.
[0033] That is, the footrests 18 can rotate between a horizontal state in which they are
fallen inward in the width direction of the body 2 as shown in FIG. 1, and a state
in which they stand substantially vertical by being rotated outward in the width direction,
and can be held in each of the states.
[0034] On the bottom surfaces of the pair of footrests 18, non-slip members 31 formed as
plates of materials having a high coefficient of friction such as rubber or resin
as non-slip means are stuck. If the user weights his or her feet placed on the footrests
18 when standing up as will be described later, the first link mechanism 12 is worked
by the weight, and the pair of footrests 18 are lowered as shown in FIG. 5.
[0035] The non-slip members 31 provided on the bottom surfaces of the lowered footrests
18 are pressed against the floor F. That is, the footrests 18 are vertically lowered
in a horizontal state, and thus, the whole bottom surfaces where the non-slip members
31 are provided contact the floor F.
[0036] The wheelchair 1 is thereby prevented from slipping on the floor F when the user
stands with the footrests 18 lowered. That is, when the user stands up from the wheelchair
1, the user's pose can be prevented from becoming unstable because of a slip of the
wheelchair 1.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 5, the height adjustment mechanism 17 is slantingly attached to
the second links 14 and 15, such that its lower end is located a little more forward
than when it is vertical. Therefore, the bottom surfaces of the footrests 18 are formed
as inclined surfaces 18a, such that the whole bottom surfaces of the non-slip members
31 contact the floor F when the footrests 18 are lowered.
[0038] As the non-slip means, instead of sticking plate materials such as rubber or resin
on the bottom surfaces of the footrests 18, the bottom surfaces of the footrests 18
may be formed into a shape having a high coefficient of friction, for example, rough
surfaces.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, on the top surface side of the body 2, a rectangular
seat 32 is provided to be movable up and down by means of a second link mechanism
33 as a seat link mechanism. The second link mechanism 33 comprises a fourth link
34, one end of which is pivotally attached to the same portion as one end of the second
link 14 of the first link mechanism 12. The fourth link 34 rotates integrally with
the second link 14.
[0040] The second link 14 and the fourth link 34 may not be separate but integrally formed
in a state in which the fourth link 34 is bent from one end of the second link 14
at a predetermined angle, such that a boundary therebetween is pivotally attached
to the pipes at the front ends of the side frames 3.
[0041] The other end of the fourth link 34 extends toward the back of the body 2, and is
pivotally attached to a portion on the front end side of the seat 32, namely a side
portion at the front end in the present embodiment. To a side portion on the back
end side of the seat 32, one end of a fifth link 35, the other end of which is pivotally
attached to a higher position than one end of the fourth link 34 closer to the back
end side than the fourth link 34 on the top surface of the body 2, is pivotally attached.
The fifth link 35 is set in the same length as the fourth link 34.
[0042] The fourth link 34 and the fifth link 35 rotate in the same direction. Thus, in accordance
with the direction of the rotation, the seat 32 is driven in a direction in which
it is raised from the top surface of the body 2 while being inclined to become lower
toward the front as shown in FIG. 5, or in a direction in which it is lowered to be
horizontal as shown in FIG. 7 from a raised state.
[0043] The first link mechanism 12 and the second link mechanism 33 can be worked by applying
external force.
[0044] In the present embodiment, the weights of the seat 32 and the footrests 18 are set,
such that in a state in which no load (i.e., external force) is added to the footrests
18 and the seat 32, the seat 32 is lowered to the lower limit by the second link mechanism
33 as shown in FIG. 2, and the footrests 18 are lifted to the upper limit by the first
link mechanism 12.
[0045] Therefore, by adding a load to the footrests 18 in the state shown in FIG. 2, the
footrests 18 can be displaced downward as shown in FIG. 5.
[0046] Either of the fourth and fifth links 34 and 35 of the second link mechanism 33 may
be urged by an urging means such as a gas spring or a spring in a direction in which
the seat 32 is raised, which is a direction in which the fourth and fifth links 34
and 35 stand up.
[0047] By doing so, when the user sits in the seat 32, the seat 32 is lowered against urging
force of the urging means, and the footrests 18 are lifted. In addition, when the
user stands, the seat 32 pushes the user's buttocks upward by urging force of the
urging means. Thus, the user is assisted in standing.
[0048] The rear wheels 7 can be prevented from rotating, that is, can be braked by brake
mechanisms 41. The brake mechanisms 41 each comprise a base member 42 in the shape
of a flat plate drooping along the back-and-forth direction on one side at the upper
part on the front end side of the body 2 as shown in FIG. 3. At the lower end of the
base material 42, a guide long hole 43 is formed along the back-and-forth direction.
[0049] In the guide long hole 43, a slide link 44 is provided by engaging a guide pin 45
provided at its intermediate part in the longitudinal direction, such that it is slidable.
Although not shown in the figures, the guide pin 45 comprises a head having a greater
diameter than the width of the guide long hole 43. The guide pin 45 is thereby prevented
from coming out of the guide long hole 43.
[0050] At one end of the slide link 44, an engagement pin 46 is provided. With the engagement
pin 46, a tip portion of a rotation link 47 engages. The tip portion (the other end)
of the rotation link 47 is formed as a tapered surface 47a having a tapered shape.
[0051] On the front end side of the base material 42, an attachment member 48 is provided.
To the attachment member 48, a proximal end (one end) of the rotation link 47 is pivotally
attached by a support shaft 48a. That is, the rotation link 47 and the support shaft
48a are integrated, and the support shaft 48a is rotatably attached to the attachment
member 48.
[0052] To an intermediate part of the attachment member 48, a proximal end (one end) of
a brake link 49 is rotatably attached. A tip portion of the brake link 49 faces the
outer peripheral surfaces of the rear wheels 7, and at its tip (the other end), a
brake member 51 is provided.
[0053] To the support shaft 48a, to which the base end of the rotation link 47 is pivotally
attached, one end of a first interlock link 52 is coupled integrally, that is, such
that it rotates together with the support shaft 48a. To an intermediate part of the
brake link 49, one end of a second interlock link 53 is pivotally attached. The other
end of the first interlock link 52 and the other end of the second interlock link
53 are pivotally attached to each other.
[0054] The first interlock link 52 and the second interlock link 53 bend in a V-shape as
shown in FIG. 3 when the seat 32 is located at a lowered position, and are substantially
straight as shown in FIG. 6 when the seat 32 is located at a raised position.
[0055] As described above, one end of the fourth link 34, which couples the seat 32 to the
body 2, is pivotally attached to a lower position of the body 2 than one end of the
fifth link 35.
[0056] Thus, the fourth link 34 and the fifth link 35 are not in a parallel state. Thus,
when the seat 32 is raised as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the seat 32 is inclined
to become lower toward the front.
[0057] In addition, the fourth link 34 and the fifth link 35 may be formed in parallel,
such that the seat 32 is raised in a horizontal state. To be specific, both the ends
of the fourth link 34 and the fifth link 35 of the same length may be pivotally attached
to the same height positions of the body 2 and the seat 32, respectively, such that
they are parallel to each other.
[0058] By doing so, the seat 32 can move up and down in a horizontal state when the fourth
link 34 and the fifth link 35 are rotated.
[0059] To an end portion of the fifth link 35, which is pivotally attached to the body 2
by a support shaft 55, one end of a first transmission link 54 is coupled, such that
it rotates on the same fulcrum as that of the fifth link 35, and further, integrally
with the support shaft 55.
[0060] To the other end of the first transmission link 54, one end of a second transmission
link 56 is pivotally attached. The other end of the second transmission link 56 is
pivotally attached to the other end of the slide link 44. The first transmission link
54 and the second transmission link 56 thereby constitute a transmission means which
transmits the movement (rotational movememt) of the fifth link 35 made when the seat
32 is raised and lowered to the slide link 44.
[0061] To the support shaft 48a, by which the base end of the rotation link 47 and one end
of the first interlock link 52 are pivotally attached to the attachment member 48,
a base end of an operation lever 61 is coupled to rotate integrally with the rotation
link 47.
[0062] The operation lever 61 can be thereby rotated between a state in which it stands
substantially vertical as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 and a state in which it is inclined
toward the front of the body 2 as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 2, in a state in which the footrests 18 are lifted up, the seat
32 is located at the lowered position, and the operation lever 61 stands substantially
vertical, the first interlock link 52 and the second interlock link 53 bend in a V-shape
as shown enlargedly in FIG. 3. In this state, the brake link 49 is rotated, such that
the brake member 51 provided at its tip portion is separated from the outer peripheral
surfaces of the rear wheels 7.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 2, when the user sitting in the seat 32 stands with his or her feet
placed on the footrests 18 in a state in which the seat 32 is raised, the first link
mechanism 12 is worked by the weight of the user and the footrests 18 are lowered.
[0065] When the first link mechanism 12 works, the second link mechanism 33 moves in interlock
with the working. To be specific, the fourth link 34 in a inclined state as shown
in FIG. 3 rotates in a rising direction as shown in FIG. 6 in interlock with the rotating
motion of the second link 14 of the first link mechanism 12, and the fifth link 35
moves in interlock with the rotating motion of the fourth link 34 via the seat 32.
The seat 32 is thereby raised while being inclined to become lower toward the front
as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.
[0066] When the seat 32 is raised and the fifth link 35 rotates in a direction in which
the fifth link 35 stand up, the first transmission link 54 moves in interlock with
the rotating motion. To be specific, the first transmission link 54 rotates counterclockwise
as indicated by arrow a in FIG. 3 integrally with the fifth link 35 with the support
shaft 55 functioning as a fulcrum.
[0067] When the first transmission link 54 rotates, the second transmission link 56, one
end of which is coupled to the first transmission link 54, moves in the rotation direction
of the first transmission link 54, that is, a direction indicated by arrow b in FIG.
3. The slide link 44 coupled to the second transmission link 56 moves in interlock
with the movement.
[0068] To be specific, the slide link 44 slides toward the back of the body 2 while the
guide pin 45 provided at its intermediate part is guided by the guide long hole 43.
FIG. 6 shows a state in which the slide link 44 has slid.
[0069] When the slide link 44 slides, the rotation link 47 rotates counterclockwise as indicated
by arrow c in FIG. 3 together with the support shaft 48a with the support shaft 48a
functioning as a fulcrum because of the engagement between the engagement pin 46 provided
at one end of the slide link 44 and the tip portion of the rotation link 47.
[0070] The first interlock link 52 and the second interlock link 53, which have been bent
in a V-shape as shown in FIG. 3, thereby become substantially straight with the support
shaft 48a as a starting point as shown in FIG. 6. As a result, the brake link 49,
an intermediate part of which is pivotally attached to one end of the second interlock
link 53, rotates counterclockwise with its proximal end pivotally attached to the
attachment member 48 functioning as a fulcrum as indicated by arrow d in FIG. 6.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 6, when the brake link 49 rotates counterclockwise, the brake member
51 provided at its tip is pressed against the outer peripheral surfaces of the rear
wheels 7, and thus, the rear wheels 7 are held immovable. To be specific, when the
user places his or her feet on the footrests 18 and stands while lowering the footrests
18, the brakes of the brake mechanisms 41 are automatically applied, and thus, the
body 2 is prevented from moving when the user stands.
[0072] Moreover, when the footrests 18 are trodden until they contact the floor F, the non-slip
members 31 provided on the bottom surfaces of the footrests 18 are pressed against
the floor F. To be specific, the bottom surfaces of the footrests 18, which are vertically
lowered in a horizontal state, contact the floor F uniformly and surely.
[0073] Therefore, even if the body 2 is likely to move because of the front wheels 6 and
the rear wheels 7 provided in the body 2, the movement of the body 2 is limited by
the non-slip members 31 pressed against the floor F when the user stands up. Also
for this reason, the user can stand in stable condition.
[0074] On the other hand, if the operation lever 61, which stands substantially vertical,
is rotated toward the front of the body 2 as indicated by arrow e in FIG. 8, that
is, counterclockwise, in a state in which the seat 32 is lowered as shown in FIG.
2 and FIG. 3, the first interlock link 52 and the second interlock link 53, which
are bent substantially in a V-shape as shown in FIG. 3, rotate and become substantially
straight.
[0075] The brake link 49 is thereby pressed by the second interlock link 53, and rotates.
Thus, the brake member 51 provided at the tip of the brake link 49 is pressed against
the outer peripheral surfaces of the rear wheels 7, and the brakes are applied.
[0076] To be specific, even if the user remains sitting in the seat 32, the brakes can be
applied by working the brake mechanisms 41 to prevent the wheelchair 1 from moving.
[0077] In order for the user sitting in the seat 32 to release the brakes applied on the
rear wheels 7 in a state in which the user brakes while sitting in the seat 32, the
operation lever 61 is rotated clockwise in a direction opposite to that indicated
by arrow e in FIG. 8.
[0078] The first interlock link 52 and the second interlock link 53, which have been substantially
straight, are thereby bent in a V-shape, and thus, the brakes applied by the brake
link 49 can be released.
[0079] In addition, when the user sitting in the seat 32 stands while lowering the footrests
18 in a state in which the rear wheels 7 are braked as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8,
the second link mechanism 33 works, and the seat 32 is raised.
[0080] The first link mechanism 12 and the second link mechanism 33 thereby work, and the
slide link 44 slides in a direction indicated by arrow f in FIG. 8.
[0081] However, the rotation link 47 is rotated in advance counterclockwise, and the engagement
pin 46 provided at one end of the slide link 44 and the tip portion of the rotation
link 47 are separated.
[0082] Thus, even if the slide link 44 slides along the guide long hole 43, the brake link
49 does not rotate. That is, the brakes applied by the brake member 51 are maintained.
[0083] In a state in which the seat 32 is raised and the rear wheels 7 are braked as shown
in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, when the user sits and lowers the seat 32, the slide link 44
slides in a direction indicated by arrow g in FIG. 6.
[0084] However, at that time, the engagement pin 46 provided at the tip portion of the slide
link 44 does not press the rotation link 47, the rotation link 47 is not rotated by
the sliding motion of the slide link 44.
[0085] Therefore, even if the user sits in the raised seat 32 and lowers the seat 32 in
a state in which the rear wheels 7 are braked, the brakes on the rear wheels 7 are
not automatically released.
[0086] To release the brakes on the rear wheels 7 in a state in which the seat 32 is lowered,
the operation lever 61, which is inclined toward the front of the body 2, is rotated
clockwise in a direction opposite to that indicated by arrow e in FIG. 8, that is,
in a rising direction.
[0087] The first interlock link 52 and the second interlock link 53, which have been straight,
are thereby bent in a V-shape as shown in FIG. 3, and the brake link 49 can be rotated
in a direction in which the brake member 51 at its tip is separated from the rear
wheels 7. Thus, the brakes on the rear wheels 7 are released.
[0088] In this manner, according to the wheelchair 1 having the above-described structure,
when the user places his or her feet on the footrests 18 and stands up while lowering
the footrests 18, the seat 32 is raised in interlock with the rising motion of the
footrests 18.
[0089] When the seat 32 is raised, the brake mechanisms 14 work in interlock with the raising
motion, and turning of the rear wheels 7 of the wheelchair 1 is prevented. That is,
when the user stands up from the wheelchair 1, the rear wheels 7 are automatically
braked.
[0090] Therefore, even if the user adds accidental external force to the wheelchair 1 by,
for example, concentrating force on the hands with which the user grasps the armrests
11 of the wheelchair 1 to keep a balance himself or herself after standing up from
the wheelchair 1 while grasping the armrests 11, the wheelchair 1 does not move, and
thus, the user can maintain standing posture with stability.
[0091] The brake mechanisms 41 can be worked by operating the operation lever 61, even when
the user is sitting in the seat 32. Thus, for example, if the user rests, sitting
in the seat 32, the wheelchair 1 can be prevented from accidentally moving by operating
the operation lever 61 and braking the wheelchair 1.
[0092] Even if the user sits and lowers the seat 32 in a state in which the seat 32 is raised
and the rear wheels 7 are braked as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the brakes on the
rear wheels 7 are not released.
[0093] To release the brakes on the rear wheels 7 in a state in which the user sits, the
operation lever 61, which is inclined toward the front of the body 2 as shown in FIG.
8, is manually rotated into a substantially vertical state as shown in FIG. 3.
[0094] The brake link 49 is thereby rotated, and the brakes on the rear wheels 7 can be
released. That is, even if the user sits in the seat 32, the wheelchair 1 does not
accidentally move unless the operation lever 61 is operated.
[0095] A height at which the seat 32 is raised can be changed by adjusting a length for
which the movable cylinders 22 of the height adjustment mechanisms 17 project from
the fixed cylinders 21. When the height at which the seat 32 is raised is increased,
a sliding distance of the slide link 44 increases.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 9, even if the sliding distance of the slide link 44 increases,
the lower end of the rotation link 47 is formed as the tapered surface 47a. Thus,
even if the sliding distance of the slide link 44 increases, the engagement pin 46
provided in the slide link 44 slides along the tapered surface 47a, and thus, the
raising motion of the seat 32 is not inhibited. That is, the elevation height of the
seat 32 can be increased in accordance with the length of the tapered surface 47a.
(Second Embodiment)
[0097] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show a wheelchair 1B according to a second embodiment of the
present invention. The present embodiment is a modification of the second link mechanism
33 of the first embodiment. The same portions as those of the first embodiment are
given the same symbols, and explanations thereof are omitted.
[0098] The second link mechanism 33 of the present embodiment is composed of one interlock
link 63, one end of which is coupled and fixed to the bottom surface on the front
end side of the seat 32 at a predetermined angle of inclination. The other end of
the interlock link 63 is integrally attached to one end of the second link 14 of the
first link mechanism 12, which is pivotally attached to the upper part on the front
end side of the body 2. That is, the interlock link 63 rotates integrally with the
second link 14.
[0099] In the present embodiment, the interlock link 63 is formed separately from the second
link 14; however, they may be integrated, that is, may be continuously and integrally
formed in a state in which the second link 14 and the interlock link 63 are bent,
such that a boundary at which they are bent is pivotally attached to a front end portion
of the side frame 3.
[0100] At a portion where the second link 14 and the interlock link 63 are pivotally attached
to each other, a pressing arm 64, one end of which is coupled thereto, is provided
to rotate integrally with the interlock link 63. The other end of the pressing arm
64 engages with an interlock pin 65 provided at the tip of the slide link 44.
[0101] In the second embodiment, the slide link 44 is formed longer than the slide link
44 of the first embodiment so that the other end of the pressing arm 64 engages with
the interlock pin 65.
[0102] As in the first embodiment, in the slide link 44 of the second embodiment, the engagement
pin 46, which engages with a tip portion of the rotation link 47, is provided closer
to the back end side than the interlock pin 65, and the guide pin 45, which engages
with the guide long hole 43 formed in the base material 42, is provided closer to
the back end side than the engagement pin 46.
[0103] According to the wheelchair 1B having the above-described structure, in a state in
which the seat 32 is sunk and the footrests 18 are raised as shown in FIG. 10, if
the user sits in the seat 32 and stands with his or her feet placed on the footrests
18, the footrests 18 falls, and the seat 32 moves in interlock with the falling motion.
[0104] The seat 32 thereby rotates in a direction in which its back is raised with the front
end side functioning as a fulcrum as shown in FIG. 11. That is, the seat 32 is rotated
and raised slantingly.
[0105] When the seat 32 is rotated and raised, the pressing arm 64 rotates the one end of
which in the backward direction with the other end functioning as a fulcrum, and the
tip portion, which is the one end of the pressing arm 64, presses the interlock pin
65 provided at the tip portion of the slide link 44.
[0106] Because the slide link 44 is thereby slid backward as shown in FIG. 11, the rotation
link 47 is rotated by the engagement pin 46 provided at an intermediate part of the
slide link 44.
[0107] When the rotation link 47 rotates, the first interlock link 52 and the second interlock
link 53, which have been bent in a V-shape, become substantially straight, and the
brake link 49 rotates. When the brake link 49 rotates, the brake member 51 provided
at the tip portion of the brake link 49 is pressed against the rear wheels 7.
[0108] That is, when the user stands up from the seat 32 while lowering the footrests 18,
the rear wheels 7 are automatically braked.
[0109] When the user sits in the seat 32, which is rotated and raised as shown in FIG. 11,
the seat 32 rotates in a flattened direction together with the interlock link 63 constituting
the second link mechanism 33. At that time, the second link mechanism 33 moves in
interlock with the rotating motion of the seat 32, and the footrests 18 are lifted
up.
[0110] However, because the brake link 49 does not move in interlock with the raising motion
of the seat 32 and the lifting motion of the footrests 18, the rear wheels 7 remain
in a braked state. That is, the brakes on the rear wheels 7 are not released simply
by the user's sitting in the wheelchair 1B, which is braked. Therefore, even if the
user sits in the wheelchair 1B, the wheelchair 1B does not move accidentally.
[0111] In order for the user sitting in the seat 32 to release the brakes on the rear wheels
7, the operation lever 61, which is inclined forward as shown in FIG. 11, is rotated
backward until it becomes substantially vertical as shown in FIG. 10.
[0112] The brake link 49 can be thereby rotated in a direction in which the brake member
51 is separated from the rear wheels 7, and thus, the brakes on the rear wheels 7
can be released.
[0113] At this time, because the rotation link 47 rotates together with the operation lever
61, the slide link 44 slides toward the front of the body 2, and the tip of the slide
link 44 contacts the tip of the pressing arm 64. That is, the state shown in FIG.
10 appears again.
[0114] In this manner, also in the wheelchair 1B of the second embodiment, as in the first
embodiment, when the user sits in the seat 32 in a raised state and lowers the seat
32, the rear wheels 7 remains braked, and the operation lever 61 must be operated
to release the brakes.
[0115] Therefore, the wheelchair 1B can be prevented from accidentally moving by the user's
sitting therein. Moreover, when the user stands up from the seat 32 after lowering
the footrests 18 and raising the seat 32, the rear wheels 7 are automatically braked.
Therefore, even if the user stands up while grasping the body 2, the body 2 does not
accidentally move.
(Third Embodiment)
[0116] FIG. 12 to FIG. 14 show a third embodiment of the present invention. A wheelchair
1C of the third embodiment is a modification of the wheelchair 1 of the first embodiment.
In the third embodiment, the same portions as those of the first embodiment are given
the same symbols, and explanations thereof are omitted.
[0117] In the first embodiment, the footrests 18 are provided on the front end side of the
body 2 to be movable up and down. However, in the third embodiment, footrests 18A
are provided on the front end side of the body 2 to be not movable up and down, but
are fixedly provided on the body 2.
[0118] To be specific, at the front ends of the pair of side frames 3 of the body 2, a pair
of support members 71 (only one of which is shown in the figures) formed by bending
pipe materials in a reverse L-shape is provided to project forward. In addition, the
footrests 18A are attached to the lower ends of the support members 71.
[0119] On the top surfaces of the footrests 18A, coupling pipes 72 are provided, and the
coupling pipes 72 are inserted and fixed in the lower ends of the support members
71. A height at which the footrests 18A are attached can be changed by adjusting a
length for which the coupling pipes 72 are inserted in the support members 71.
[0120] As in the first embodiment, the footrests 18A are used in a state in which they are
flattened horizontal to the width direction of the body 2, and when not used, they
are rotated outward in the width direction of the body 2, and can be held in a state
in which they stand substantially vertical.
[0121] The seat 32 on the top surface side of the body 2 is provided to be movable up and
down by means of the second link mechanism 33 as a seat link mechanism having the
same structure as in the first embodiment. To be specific, the seat 32 can move up
and down by means of the second link mechanism 33 between a raising state in which
it is inclined to become lower toward the front as shown in FIG. 12 and a lowering
state in which it is a horizontal state as shown in FIG. 13.
[0122] An attachment piece 73 is provided at a portion on the bottom surface side of the
seat 32 on the back end side of the side frames 3, and a spring 74 as an urging means
is stretched between the attachment piece 73 and the first transmission link 54 of
the second link mechanism 33. The first transmission link 54 is elastically urged
by the spring 74 counterclockwise as indicated by arrow m in FIG. 12.
[0123] The urging means is not limited to the spring 74, and may be, for example, a gas
spring. In short, it may be anything that can elastically urge the second link mechanism
33 in a direction in which the seat 32 is raised.
[0124] When the first transmission link 54 is urged by the spring 74 in the direction indicated
by arrow m, the first transmission link 54 is rotated by the urging force counterclockwise
as indicated by arrow m with one end integrally coupled to the fifth link 35 functioning
as a fulcrum as shown in FIG. 12. Thus, the fifth link 35 rotates and uprights counterclockwise
as indicated by arrow n in the figure, that is, a upward direction, in interlock with
the rotating motion.
[0125] When the fifth links 35 rotates and rises, the seat 32 moves in interlock with the
movement, and the fourth link 34 rotates and rises in interlock with the movement
of the seat 32.
[0126] The seat 32 is thereby raised and held, elastically in a raised state in which it
is inclined to become lower toward the front by the urging force of the spring 74
as shown in FIG. 12, that is, in the raised state in which the seat 32 can be lowered
against the urging force of the spring 74.
[0127] To be specific, in a state in which no external force such as the weight of the user
is added to the seat 32, the seat 32 is elastically held at a position where it is
raised by the urging force of the spring 74.
[0128] When the first transmission link 54 is rotated by the spring 74 in the direction
indicated by arrow m, the first transmission link 54 slides the slide link 44 from
the state shown in FIG. 13 in a direction indicated by arrow p in FIG. 12 via the
second transmission link 56.
[0129] The rotation link 47 is thereby rotated by the engagement pin 46 provided in the
slide link 44 counterclockwise as indicated by arrow s in FIG. 12. When the rotation
link 47 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow s, the first interlock link 52
rotates in interlock with the rotation. Thus, the first interlock link 52 and the
second interlock link 53, which have been bent in a V-shape as shown in FIG. 13, become
substantially straight as shown in FIG. 12.
[0130] The brake link 49, an intermediate part of which is pivotally attached to one end
of the second interlock link 53, thereby rotates with its one end functioning as a
fulcrum, and the brake member 51 provided at its tip portion, which is the other end,
is pressed against the outer peripheral surfaces of the rear wheels 7. That is, the
rear wheels 7 are braked.
[0131] According to the wheelchair 1C having the above-described structure, when the user
does not sit in the seat 32 as shown in FIG. 12, the fourth link 34 and the fifth
link 35 of the second link mechanism 33 are rotated in a rising direction by the urging
force of the spring 74. The seat 32 is thereby raised in a state in which it is inclined
to become lower toward the front.
[0132] When the user sits in the seat 32 which is the raised state as shown in FIG. 12,
the seat 32 is lowered, while the fourth link 34 and the fifth link 35 of the second
link mechanism 33 are rotated in a inclined direction against the urging force of
the spring 74 by the weight of the user. FIG. 13 shows a state in which the seat 32
is lowered.
[0133] When the seat 32 is lowered, the first transmission link 54 rotates clockwise integrally
with the fifth link 35, and thus, the slide link 44 slides in a direction opposite
to that indicated by arrow p in FIG. 12.
[0134] At this time, the engagement pin 46, which is provided at a tip portion in a sliding
direction of the slide link 44, does not engage with the rotation link 47, and thus,
the rotation link 47 is not rotated in the sliding direction of the slide link 44.
To be specific, the brake member 51 provided at the tip portion of the rotation link
47 is pressed against the outer peripheral surfaces of the rear wheels 7, and a state
in which the rear wheels 7 are braked is maintained.
[0135] To drive the wheelchair 1C after the user sits in the seat 32, the operation lever
61 inclined toward the front of the body 2 as shown in FIG. 13 is rotated backward
in a standing direction as shown in FIG. 14.
[0136] The first interlock link 52 and the second interlock link 53, which have been substantially
straight as shown in FIG. 13, are thereby bent substantially in a V-shape as shown
in FIG. 14, and the brake link 49 is rotated in a direction in which the brake member
51 provided at its tip is separated from the rear wheels 7. That is, the brakes on
the rear wheels 7 are released, and thus, the user can drive the wheelchair 1C.
[0137] Specifically, according to the wheelchair 1C having the above-described structure,
the second link mechanism 33, by which the seat 32 is attached on the top surface
side of the body 2 to be movable up and down, is urged by the spring 74, and the seat
32 is elastically held at the raised position by means of the urging force.
[0138] Further, when the seat 32 is located at the raised position, the brake member 51
provided at the brake link 49 is pressed against the rear wheels 7 to cause a braked
state. Even if the user sits in the seat 32 and lowers the seat 32 in this state,
the brakes on the rear wheels 7 are not released.
[0139] Thus, when the user sits in the seat 32, the rear wheels 7 are braked, and thus,
the wheelchair 1C does not accidentally move. Accordingly, the user can sit in the
seat 32 securely.
[0140] Even when the user sits in the seat 32, the rear wheels 7 are in a braked state as
shown in FIG. 13. In addition, to release the brakes on the rear wheels 7 after sitting
in the seat 32, the user must pull the operation lever 61 toward himself or herself,
and rotate it in a rising direction as shown in FIG. 14.
[0141] That is, the wheelchair 1C does not move unless the user sits in the seat 32 and
releases the brakes on the rear wheels 7. Also for this reason, the wheelchair 1C
can be surely prevented from accidentally moving.
[0142] Moreover, according to the third embodiment, when the user stands up from the seat
32, the second link mechanism 33, which is elastically urged upward by the spring
74, is worked and the rear wheels 7 can be automatically braked, even if the footrests
18 are not configured to move up and down by means of the first link mechanism 12
as in the first embodiment. Accordingly, the structure for braking the rear wheels
7 can also be more simplified than in the first embodiment.
[0143] Since the seat 32 is urged upward by the spring 74, the seat pushes the user's buttocks
upward by restoring force of the spring 74 when the user sitting in the seat 32 stands
up. Therefore, the user can also stand up from the seat with relative ease.
Explanations of letters or numerals
[0144] 2 body, 3 side frames, 11 armrests, 12 first link mechanism (leg link mechanism),
13 first link,
14 second link, 15 third link, 17 height adjustment mechanism, 18 footrest, 31 non-slip
members, 32 seat, 33 second link mechanism, 34 fourth link, 35 fifth link, 41 brake
mechanisms, 44 slid link, 45 guide pin, 46 engagement pin, 47 rotation link, 49 brake
link, 51 brake member, 61 operation lever, 74 spring (urging means).
1. Rollstuhl (1), umfassend:
einen Hauptkörper (2),
ein Rad (7), das drehbar in dem Hauptkörper vorgesehen ist,
einen Sitz (32), der auf einer oberseitigen Fläche des Hauptkörpers angeordnet ist,
und
eine Fußstütze (18), die an einer Vorderseite des Hauptkörpers (2) vorgesehen ist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Rollstuhl (1) ferner umfasst:
einen Sitzverbindungsmechanismus (33), durch den der Sitz so abgestützt ist, dass
er zwischen einer angehobenen Position und einer abgesenkten Position auf der oberseitigen
Fläche des Hauptkörpers auf und ab bewegbar ist, und
einen Bremsmechanismus (41), der verhindert, dass sich das Rad in Verriegelung mit
dem Sitzverbindungsmechanismus dreht, wenn der Sitz aus der abgesenkten Position in
die angehobene Position angehoben wird, und
einen Beinverbindungsmechanismus (12), der die Fußstütze in einer vertikalen Richtung
zwischen einer angehobenen Position und einer bodenständigen Position führt,
wobei der Sitzverbindungsmechanismus (33) konfiguriert ist, sich in Verriegelung mit
dem Beinverbindungsmechanismus (12) zu bewegen, um den Sitz (32) aus der abgesenkten
Position in die angehobene Position zu führen, wenn die Fußstütze (18) in eine bodenständige
Richtung abgesenkt wird.
2. Rollstuhl (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei
der Bremsmechanismus (41) einen Betätigungshebel (61) umfasst, der manuell betätigt
wird, um eine an dem Rad (7) angezogene Bremse in einem Zustand, in dem die Bremse
an dem Rad angezogen ist, während der Sitz abgesenkt wird, zwangsweise zu lösen.
3. Rollstuhl (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei
die Fußstütze (18) eine Unterseite aufweist, die vollständig aufsetzt, wenn die Fußstütze
durch den Beinverbindungsmechanismus (12) in eine vertikale Richtung geführt wird.
4. Rollstuhl (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei
der Beinverbindungsmechanismus (12) mit einem Höhenverstellmechanismus (17) versehen
ist, welcher konfiguriert ist, um eine Höhe der Fußstütze in einer vertikalen Richtung
zu verstellen.
5. Rollstuhl (1) nach Anspruch 3, wobei
die Unterseite der Fußstütze (18) ein rutschfestes Mittel umfasst, welches bei dem
Aufsetzen mit einem Boden (F) in Kontakt kommt.
6. Rollstuhl (1) nach Anspruch 1,
wobei der Beinverbindungsmechanismus (12) umfasst:
eine erste Verbindung (13), deren eines Ende schwenkbar an der Vorderseite des Hauptkörpers
(2) befestigt ist,
eine zweite Verbindung (14), deren eines Ende schwenkbar an einem höheren Abschnitt
als das eine Ende der ersten Verbindung an der Vorderseite des Hauptkörpers befestigt
ist, und
ein Element (17), das den Höhenverstellmechanismus bildet, an dem die anderen Enden
der ersten Verbindung und der zweiten Verbindung schwenkbar befestigt sind,
wobei der Sitzverbindungsmechanismus (33) umfasst:
eine vierte Verbindung (34), deren eines Ende mit dem einen Ende der zweiten Verbindung
gekoppelt ist, um sich in Verriegelung mit der Drehbewegung der zweiten Verbindung
zu bewegen, und deren anderes Ende schwenkbar an einer vorderen Endseite des Sitzes
befestigt ist, und
eine fünfte Verbindung (35), deren eines Ende weiter hinten an einer Oberseite des
Hauptkörpers als die vierte Verbindung schwenkbar befestigt ist, und deren anderes
Ende an einer hinteren Endseite des Sitzes (32) schwenkbar befestigt ist, wobei die
fünfte Verbindung konfiguriert ist, um sich mit der vierten Verbindung zu drehen und
den Sitz anzuheben, wenn sich die vierte Verbindung in Verriegelung mit der zweiten
Verbindung des Beinverbindungsmechanismus dreht.
7. Rollstuhl (1) nach Anspruch 2, wobei
der Beinverbindungsmechanismus (12) konfiguriert ist, um die Fußstütze (18) von einer
angehobenen Position in eine bodenständige Position abzusenken, während die Fußstütze
in eine Richtung bewegt wird, in der sich die Fußstütze einer Vorderseite des Hauptkörpers
(2) nähert, und
der Sitzverbindungsmechanismus (33) konfiguriert ist, um den Sitz (32) anzuheben,
während er den Sitz in Richtung der Vorderseite des Hauptkörpers (2) bewegt.
8. Rollstuhl (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei
der Bremsmechanismus (41) umfasst:
eine Gleitverbindung (44), die an einem Ende ein Eingriffselement (46) umfasst, wobei
die Gleitverbindung vorgesehen ist, um entlang einer Hin- und Herrichtung des Hauptkörpers
(2) verschiebbar zu sein,
eine Drehverbindung (47), deren eines Ende drehbar in dem Hauptkörper vorgesehen ist,
und deren anderes Ende mit dem Eingriffselement in Eingriff steht, welches an dem
einen Ende der Gleitverbindung vorgesehen ist, wobei die Drehverbindung konfiguriert
ist, um sich in Verriegelung mit einer Gleitbewegung der Gleitverbindung zu drehen,
eine Bremsverbindung (49), deren eines Ende drehbar in dem Hauptkörper vorgesehen
ist und deren anderes Ende mit einem Bremselement (51) versehen ist, das konfiguriert
ist, um auf das Rad (7) zu drücken und das Drehen des Rades zu verhindern,
eine erste Verriegelungsverbindung (52), deren eines Ende integral an dem einen Ende
der Drehverbindung vorgesehen ist, die ein Rotationsdrehpunkt ist,
eine zweite Verriegelungsverbindung (53), deren eines Ende schwenkbar an einem Zwischenteil
der Bremsverbindung befestigt ist und deren anderes Ende schwenkbar an einem anderen
Ende der ersten Verriegelungsverbindung befestigt ist, wobei die zweite Verriegelungsverbindung
konfiguriert ist, um die Drehbewegung der Drehverbindung über die erste Verbindung
(13) auf die Bremsverbindung zu übertragen, und
eine Übertragungseinrichtung (54, 56), die konfiguriert ist, um, wenn der Sitz (32)
aus der abgesenkten Position angehoben wird und der Sitzverbindungsmechanismus (33)
betätigt wird, die Bewegung des Sitzverbindungsmechanismus über die Gleitverbindung,
die Drehverbindung und die erste und die zweite Verriegelungsverbindung auf die Bremsverbindung
zu übertragen und um das Bremselement durch Drehen der Bremsverbindung gegen das Rad
zu drücken.
9. Rollstuhl (1) nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend
eine Drückeinrichtung (74), die konfiguriert ist, um den Sitzverbindungsmechanismus
(33) elastisch in eine Richtung zu drücken, in welcher der Sitz (32) angehoben wird.
10. Rollstuhl (1) nach Anspruch 9, wobei
die Drückeinrichtung (74) konfiguriert ist, um den Sitz (32) durch Bewegen des Sitzverbindungsmechanismus
(33) anzuheben, wenn eine Last auf dem Sitz entfernt wird.