Handrail assembly, backrest assembly and wheelchair

Abstract

The present invention provides a handrail assembly, which is used to be installed on a backrest assembly. The backrest assembly has a vertically extending mounting section on the side. The handrail assembly includes a folding assembly, which includes an armrest, a first rod and a second rod. The armrest has a rod section. The rod section, the first rod, the second rod and the mounting section form a first hinged four-bar mechanism, wherein the rod section and the mounting section respectively constitute a connecting rod and a frame of the first hinged four-bar mechanism, and the first rod and the second rod respectively constitute a connecting rod located on the upper side and the lower side of the first hinged four-bar mechanism. The present invention also provides a backrest assembly and a wheelchair including the handrail assembly. The above-mentioned handrail assembly can be easily folded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a handrail assembly, and also to a backrest assembly and a wheelchair. Background Art

[0002] There are basically two folding methods for folding wheelchairs on the market. The first is that the two sides of the wheelchair frame fold inward. If there is a cushion, it needs to be removed manually before folding. The backrest is generally a thin layer of fabric or if there is a cushion, it must be removed and stored separately before folding the wheelchair. The armrests of wheelchairs with this folding method are mostly fixed. Now there are also some styles where the entire armrest can be flipped behind the backrest to facilitate users to get on and off the wheelchair. The second is to use multiple sets of connecting rod mechanisms for folding. The backrest generally has a sponge pad. The armrests of wheelchairs with this structure can mostly be folded, and most of them are part of the folding frame and fold synchronously when folded, so some more complicated unlocking actions are required when folding backwards. The backrests and armrests of the wheelchairs with the above two folding methods do not have solutions that are highly comfortable and easy to operate.

[0003] The inventors have found that in the existing foldable armrest designs, the axis of rotation of one end of the armrest is often fixed to the frame of the backrest. This structure will cause the armrest to be relatively high when folding back, and the user needs to make a relatively large movement when folding the armrest on the same side with the hand on the same side. In addition, when unlocking is required, the armrest cannot be unlocked with one hand, which is a bad experience for users with inconvenient hands and feet.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a handrail assembly that is easy to fold, for example, it can be used in a wheelchair. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a handrail assembly which is convenient for folding operation.

[0006] The present invention provides a handrail assembly for being installed to a backrest assembly, wherein the backrest assembly has a vertically extending mounting section on the side, and the handrail assembly includes a folding assembly, wherein the folding assembly includes an armrest, a first rod and a second rod, and the armrest has a rod section, and the rod section, the first rod, the second rod and the mounting section form a first hinged four-bar mechanism, wherein the rod section and the mounting section respectively constitute a connecting rod and a frame of the first hinged four-bar mechanism, and the first rod and the second rod respectively constitute a connecting rod located on the upper side and the lower side of the first hinged four-bar mechanism.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first hinged four-bar mechanism is configured to be switchable from an unfolded state to a folded state. In the unfolded state, the angle between the first bar and the bar segment is α1 and the clamp faces downward. In the folded state, the angle between the first bar and the bar segment is α2 and the clamp faces upward, wherein α1 is 150-180° and α2 is 0-30°.

[0008] In one embodiment, α1 is 170-180°, and α2 is 0-10°.

[0009] In one embodiment, the handhold assembly further includes a locking assembly for locking the state of the first hinged four-bar mechanism.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first hinged four-bar mechanism has an unfolded state for handholding; and the locking assembly is used to lock the unfolded state.

[0011] In one embodiment, the locking assembly locks the state of the first hinge four-bar mechanism by locking the rod segment, the first rod, the second rod and two components in the mounting segment.

[0012] In one embodiment, the locking assembly includes a handle, a locking block and a third rod, the armrest has a branch segment, and the handle, the locking block, the third rod and the branch segment form a second hinged four-bar mechanism, wherein the branch segment and the third rod respectively constitute a frame and a connecting rod of the second hinged four-bar mechanism, and the handle and the locking block constitute two connecting rods of the second hinged four-bar mechanism; in the second hinged four-bar mechanism, the handle is configured to be rotatable relative to the branch segment, so that the locking block rotates relative to the branch segment of the armrest between a locked position and an unlocked position, in which the locking block is buckled with the first rod, thereby locking the first rod and the armrest, and in the unlocked position, the locking block is disengaged from the first rod, thereby releasing the locking connection between the first rod and the armrest.

[0013] In one embodiment, the locking block has a locking hook; the first rod is fixedly connected to a first hinge shaft and is hinged to the mounting section through the first hinge shaft, and in the locking position, the locking hook hooks the first hinge shaft, whereby the locking block buckles the first rod.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second hinged four-bar mechanism is an antiparallelogram mechanism, wherein the hinge position between the locking block and the third rod is located on the upper side of the hinge position between the locking block and the branch segment, and the hinge position between the handle and the branch segment is located on the upper side of the hinge position between the handle and the third rod.

[0015] In one embodiment, a first elastic member is further provided between the handle and the armrest, and the elastic force of the first elastic member enables the handle to have a tendency to keep the locking block in the locking position.

[0016] In one embodiment, in the second hinged four-bar mechanism, a hinge axis for hingedly connecting the third rod and the handle is located in a slide; a second elastic member is also provided between the third rod and the armrest, and the elastic force of the second elastic member causes the third rod to have a tendency to keep the locking block in the locking position.

[0017] In one embodiment, the armrest has a shell extending forward and backward and having an inverted U-shaped cross-section; the locking assembly is accommodated in the shell, and the operating end of the handle is exposed at the front end of the shell for operating the handle to rotate relative to the armrest.

[0018] In one embodiment, the handrail assembly is used for a wheelchair, and the handrail assembly further includes a control assembly for controlling the forward direction of the wheelchair, and the control assembly is arranged at the front end of the handrail.

[0019] In one embodiment, the control assembly includes a control seat and a bracket, the control seat is provided with a control rod for manual control, the bracket is arranged at the front end of the armrest, and the control seat is foldably supported on the bracket and is arranged to be switchable between an open state and a folded state. In the open state, the control seat is folded to the front side of the bracket, and the control rod is exposed on the upper side of the control seat. In the folded state, the control seat is folded to the top of the bracket, and the control rod is located on the lower side of the control seat.

[0020] The present invention also provides a support assembly, including a backrest assembly and two of the aforementioned handrail assemblies, wherein the two handrail assemblies are respectively installed to the installation sections of the backrest assembly on two sides.

[0021] In one embodiment, in the backrest assembly, the backrest frame provides the mounting section, the cushion provides the backrest surface, the cushion, the two push rods and the backrest frame constitute a third hinge four-bar mechanism, wherein the cushion and the backrest frame respectively constitute a connecting rod and a frame of the third hinge four-bar mechanism, and the two push rods constitute two connecting rods of the third hinge four-bar mechanism, and the cushion is configured to be switchable from a first position to a second position via an intermediate position relative to the backrest frame, and the cushion is closer to the front side in the first position than in the second position, one end of the third elastic member is connected to one of the two push rods, and the other end is connected to the cushion, and the elastic force of the third elastic member makes the cushion have a tendency to switch from the intermediate position to the first position or the second position.

[0022] The present invention also provides a wheelchair, comprising the aforementioned backrest assembly. The aforementioned handrest assembly, the armrest provides a rod segment as a connecting rod of the hinged four-bar mechanism, through which the armrest can move freely relative to the backrest assembly, so that the structure formed by the armrest and the backrest assembly can be conveniently switched between a use state in which the front and rear dimensions of the overall structure are larger and a storage state in which the front and rear dimensions are smaller. Moreover, when switching from the use state to the storage state, the user can operate a smaller movement range, and the armrest can be comfortably folded even if the user is sitting in the wheelchair without changing the sitting posture, which is particularly convenient for folding operation.

[0023] The armrest assembly is further provided with a locking assembly, so that the user can easily unlock the armrest with one hand and fold it.

[0024] The backrest assembly provides a foldable backrest structure. Through the above structure, the back cushion can overlap with the backrest frame at the side after being folded, reducing the projection area of ​​the side. When unfolded, it can provide good back support, especially lumbar support, and can take into account both volume and comfort. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and other features, properties and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent through the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 It is a side view of the support assembly when the folding assembly is in the middle state.

[0027] Figure 2 It is a side view of the support assembly when the folding assembly is in another intermediate state. Figure 2 The intermediate state compared to Figure 1 The intermediate state is closer to the folded state.

[0028] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of an armrest inverted upside down, wherein the locking hook is disengaged from the first hinge shaft and the folding assembly is in an unfolded state.

[0029] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of an armrest inverted upside down, wherein the locking hook hooks the first hinge shaft and the folding assembly is in an unfolded state.

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the locking assembly in a locked state.

[0031] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the locking assembly in an unlocked state.

[0032] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the locking assembly in another unlocked state.

[0033] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the locking hook.

[0034] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the locking assembly.

[0035] Fig.10 is another perspective view of the locking assembly.

[0036] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram of the armrest when it is turned upside down, and the folding component is in a folded state.

[0037] Fig.12 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the backrest assembly in a fully opened use state.

[0038] Fig.13 It is another stereoscopic view of the backrest assembly when it is in a fully opened use state.

[0039] Fig.14 It is a three-dimensional view of the backrest assembly in a completely folded storage state.

[0040] Fig.15 It is another three-dimensional view of the backrest assembly in a completely folded storage state.

[0041] Fig.16 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary wheelchair, wherein an exemplary backrest assembly is in a fully opened use state.

[0042] Fig.17A is a schematic diagram of the support assembly, wherein the control seat is relative to Fig.16 Switch from the open state to the intermediate state.

[0043] Fig. 17B is a schematic diagram of the support assembly, wherein the control seat is relative to Fig.17A Switch from the intermediate state to the collapsed state.

[0044] Fig. 17C is a schematic diagram of the support assembly, wherein the locking assembly is relative to Fig. 17B Switches from locked to unlocked state.

[0045] Fig.17D is a schematic diagram of the support component, in which the folding component is relative to Fig. 17C Switch from the expanded state to the first intermediate state.

[0046] Fig.17E is a schematic diagram of the support component, in which the folding component is relative to Fig.17D Switch from the first intermediate state to the second intermediate state.

[0047] Fig.17F is a schematic diagram of the support component, in which the folding component is relative to Fig.17E Switching from the second intermediate state to the folded state.

[0048] Figure 17G is a schematic diagram of a support assembly, wherein the cushion in the backrest assembly is relative to Fig.17F Switch from the first position to the middle position.

[0049] Fig.17H is a schematic diagram of a support assembly, wherein the cushion in the backrest assembly is relative to Figure 17G Switching from the middle position to the second position, the exemplary backrest assembly is in a completely folded storage state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The present invention is further described below in conjunction with specific implementation methods and accompanying drawings. More details are elaborated in the following description to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can obviously be implemented in a variety of other ways different from this description. Those skilled in the art can make similar generalizations and deductions based on actual application situations without violating the connotation of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should not be limited by the content of this specific implementation method.

[0051] For example, a first feature described later in the specification as being formed above or on a second feature may include an embodiment in which the first feature and the second feature are formed by direct connection, and may also include an embodiment in which an additional feature is formed between the first feature and the second feature, so that the first feature and the second feature may not be directly connected. Further, when a first element is described as being connected or combined with a second element, the description includes an embodiment in which the first element and the second element are directly connected or combined with each other, and also includes an embodiment in which one or more other intervening elements are added to indirectly connect or combine the first element and the second element.

[0052] Fig.16 The exemplary overall structure of a wheelchair 100 is shown, wherein the wheelchair 100 includes an exemplary handrail assembly 10 provided by the present invention. Fig.16 In the figure, the wheelchair 100 is placed on the ground G0. The wheelchair 100 may include a backrest assembly 200. The backrest assembly 200 may include a handrest assembly 10 and a backrest assembly 20. Although the handrest assembly 10 and the backrest assembly 200 are used for the wheelchair 100 in the illustrated embodiment, it is understood that the handrest assembly 10 and the backrest assembly 200 may also be used in other scenarios, such as a car seat, a home seat or an office chair. It should be understood that the drawings are only for example and should not limit the scope of protection actually required by the present invention.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, in the support assembly 200, the hand support assembly 10 can be installed to the backrest assembly 20. The backrest assembly 20 has a vertical ( Figure 2In the figure, the mounting section 201 extending in the up-down direction (upper and lower directions) may be used in the text to describe the relationship between an element or feature shown in the drawings and other elements or features. It can be understood that the directions in the text are described with reference to the normal use state when the user leans on the backrest assembly 20. For example, the "side" can be the left or right side of the user at this time, and the "upper side", "lower side" and the like are also used as references at this time. Moreover, unless otherwise stated, the extension in a specific direction in the text does not require strict compliance with the definition in the mathematical sense, but requires that the extension direction must have a component in the specific direction. Preferably, the angle between the extension direction and the specific direction is less than 45°. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the mounting section 201 defined as extending vertically can substantially extend strictly along the first direction D1, and the first direction D1 can have a component in the vertical direction. Preferably, the angle between the first direction D1 and the vertical is less than 45°. In the illustrated embodiment, further preferably, the first direction D1 is tilted backwards by 10-30° relative to the vertical, and further preferably, is tilted backwards by 13° to improve the comfort of the user's back leaning. It should be understood that these spatial relationship terms are intended to include other directions of elements or components in use or operation in addition to the directions depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the components in the accompanying drawings are folded, the direction of the elements described as being "below" other elements or features will be changed to "above" the other elements or features, for example, when the user inverts the wheelchair for storage in the folded storage state. Therefore, the spatial relationship descriptors used in the text should be interpreted accordingly. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting section 201 may include seat bodies 201a and 201b respectively provided at both ends, for example, the seat body 201a may be a block fixed by screws.

[0054] The handrail assembly 10 includes a folding assembly 1. The folding assembly 1 includes an armrest 2, a first rod 31 and a second rod 32. The armrest 2 has a rod segment 21. The rod segment 21 of the armrest 2, the first rod 31, the second rod 32 and the mounting segment 201 of the backrest assembly 20 form a first hinged four-bar mechanism A1. Those skilled in the art know that a hinged four-bar mechanism is a four-bar mechanism in which all the kinematic pairs are revolving pairs, in which one component as a supporting base is called a frame, a component directly hinged to the frame is called a connecting rod, and a component not directly connected to the frame is called a connecting rod, and, among them, a connecting rod that can make a full circle rotation can also be called a crank, and a connecting rod that can only swing back and forth within a certain angle range can also be called a rocker. In the first hinged four-bar mechanism A1, the rod segment 21 and the mounting segment 201 respectively constitute the connecting rod and the frame of the first hinged four-bar mechanism A1, and the first rod 31 and the second rod 32 respectively constitute the connecting rod located on the upper side and the lower side of the first hinged four-bar mechanism A1. That is, the two ends of the rod segment 21 can be respectively connected to the first end ( Figure 1 middle, upper end), the first end of the second rod 32 ( Figure 1The two ends of the mounting section 201 (specifically, the seat body 201a and the seat body 201b) can be respectively connected to the second end ( Figure 1 middle, lower end), the second end of the second rod 32 ( Figure 1 The armrest 2 is hinged at the lower end (in the middle), wherein the hinge position of the mounting section 201 and the first rod 31 is located at the upper side compared to the hinge position of the mounting section 201 and the second rod 32. The armrest 2 is a portion of the armrest 2 that provides a hinge position B31 hinged to the first rod 31 and a hinge position B32 hinged to the second rod 32. It can be understood that the armrest 2, the first rod 31, the second rod 32 and the mounting section 201 form a first hinge four-bar mechanism A1, which means that the armrest 2, the first rod 31, the second rod 32 and the mounting section 201 form the first hinge four-bar mechanism A1 at least in one state, and it does not exclude that there may be other composition relationships in another state. In other words, the four components (that is, the armrest 21, the first rod 31, the second rod 32 and the mounting section 201) that form the first hinge four-bar mechanism A1 may not be always hinged to each other, but at least have a state of being hinged to each other to form the first hinge four-bar mechanism A1.

[0055] In the above-mentioned handrail assembly 10, the armrest 2 of the folding assembly 1 provides a rod segment 21 as a connecting rod of the hinged four-bar mechanism, and the backrest assembly 20 provides a mounting segment 201 as a frame of the hinged four-bar mechanism. The armrest 2 can move flexibly relative to the backrest assembly 20, so that the size of the structure formed by the armrest 2 and the backrest assembly 20 can be changed at least in the front-to-back direction. By this, the handrail assembly 10 can be conveniently switched between a state in which the front-to-back size of the overall structure is larger and a state in which the front-to-back size is smaller. In the state in which the front-to-back size of the overall structure is larger, the user can hold the armrest 2, which can also be called the use state of the handrail assembly 10. In the state in which the front-to-back size of the overall structure is smaller, it is convenient for the user to place the handrail assembly 10 and the backrest assembly 20, which can also be called the storage state of the handrail assembly 10. When using the above-mentioned handrail assembly 10, when switching from the use state to the storage state, in the process of folding the armrest 2, the user can operate a smaller range of motion, and can also comfortably fold the armrest 2 while sitting in the wheelchair 100.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the first hinged four-bar mechanism A1 is configured to be switchable from an unfolded state to a folded state. The switching process can be seen in FIG. 17B to FIG. 17F , the first hinge four-bar mechanism A1 is Fig. 17B The expanded state of Fig. 17C , Fig.17D , Fig.17E The intermediate state switches to Fig.17F Folded state. Fig. 17BIn the unfolded state shown, the angle between the first rod 31 and the rod segment 21 is α1 and the clamping opening is downward, and α1 can be 150-180°, and more preferably, α1 can be 170-180°. Fig.17F In the folded state shown, the angle between the first rod 31 and the rod segment 21 is α2, and the clamping opening is facing upward, α2 is 0-30°, and more preferably, α2 is 0-10°. Taking "α1 is 150-180°" as an example, the range value includes two endpoint values, that is, α1 can be 150°, 180°, or a value between 150° and 180°. Fig.17D and Fig.17E In the intermediate state, the angle between the first rod 31 and the rod segment 21 is shown as α. Fig. 17B In the unfolded state, the user can use the handhold assembly 10, that is, hold the handhold 2, and Fig.17F In the folded state, the user can store the handrest assembly 10 and even the backrest assembly 200. In the preferred embodiment shown in the figure, α1 is 173.6° and α2 is 5.4°. In this way, the unfolding can be more complete and the folding can be more compact. The first hinged four-bar mechanism A1 can be set as a crank-rocker mechanism, wherein the first rod 31 constitutes the crank of the crank-rocker mechanism, and the second rod 32 constitutes the rocker of the crank-rocker mechanism. For example, the first rod 31 as a crank can be the shortest rod among the four components constituting the hinged four-bar mechanism A1. It can be understood that the rod length is based on the distance between the hinge positions (hinge centers) at both ends of each component, and is not necessarily the length of the component itself.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, Fig. 17B In the unfolded state shown, the angle β between the armrest 2 and the backrest assembly 20 (specifically, the mounting section 201) is 90-120°, preferably 101.4°. Fig.17F In the folded state shown, the angle β between the armrest 2 and the backrest assembly 20 (specifically, the mounting section 201) is -10-20°, preferably 0°. FIG. 17B to FIG. 17F It can be understood that, taking -10° as an example, the angle between the armrest 2 and the backrest assembly 20 is -10°, which means that the armrest 2 is tilted backwards by 10° relative to the backrest assembly 20 .

[0058] It is understood that specific words are used herein to describe the embodiments of the present invention, such as "one embodiment", "an embodiment" and / or "another embodiment" means a certain feature, structure or characteristic related to at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mentioned twice or more in different locations in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, certain features, structures or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the present invention may be appropriately combined. In addition, the use of words such as "first" and "second" to limit components is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding components. If not otherwise stated, the above words have no special meaning and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the handgrip assembly 1 may further include a locking assembly 4. The locking assembly 4 may lock the state of the first hinged four-bar mechanism A1. For example, the first hinged four-bar mechanism A1 may be locked in a Fig. 17B in the expanded state, or locked in Fig.17F folded state, or locked in Fig.17D or Fig.17E For example, the locking assembly 4 can be a detachable fastener that can fix the first rod 31 constituting the first hinge four-bar mechanism A1 to other components of the first hinge four-bar mechanism A1, or to the backrest assembly 20, or other parts of the wheelchair 100 such as a seat cushion, so that the first rod 31 cannot rotate relative to the hinge position at either end. The fastener can be, for example, a screw, a bolt, or a locking pin, a tape, a rope, a hook, etc.

[0060] As mentioned above, the first hinged four-bar mechanism A1 has an unfolded state for handholding, such as Fig. 17B As shown. The locking assembly 4 can be used to lock the unfolded state. This can make the entire structure more reliable and not unstable when used by the user.

[0061] The locking assembly 4 can lock the state of the first hinged four-bar mechanism A1 by locking two components among the rod segment 21, the first rod 31, the second rod 32 of the armrest 2 and the mounting segment 201 of the backrest assembly 20. That is, two components can be arbitrarily selected from the four components of the rod segment 21, the first rod 31, the second rod 32 and the mounting segment 201, and the locking assembly 4 can lock the selected two components so that the two components cannot move relative to each other, thereby locking and maintaining the state of the first hinged four-bar mechanism A1. In one embodiment, for example, Figure 1A support rod is provided between the rod section 21 and the mounting section 201 as a locking assembly 4, which can lock the rod section 21 and the mounting section 201 to prevent the rod section 21 and the mounting section 201 from moving relative to each other, thereby locking the state of the first hinge four-bar mechanism A1.

[0062] Combination Figures 3 to 11 The locking assembly 4 may include a handle 41, a locking block 42 and a third rod 33. The armrest 2 may have a branch section 22. Figure 5 As shown, the handle 41, the locking block 42, the third rod 33 and the branch section 22 (for clarity, Figure 5 The second hinged four-bar mechanism A2 is formed by the third rod 33 and the second hinged four-bar mechanism A2. The branch segment 22 and the third rod 33 respectively constitute the frame and the connecting rod of the second hinged four-bar mechanism A2, and the handle 41 and the locking block 42 constitute the two connecting rods of the second hinged four-bar mechanism A2. That is, the two ends of the branch segment 22 can be respectively hinged to the first position 411 of the handle 41 and the first position 421 of the locking block 42, and the two ends of the third rod 33 can be respectively hinged to the second position 412 of the handle 41 and the second position 422 of the locking block 42. The branch segment 22 of the armrest 2 is the part of the armrest 2 that provides the hinge position B41 hinged to the handle 41 and the hinge position B42 hinged to the locking block 42. It can be understood that the rod segment 21 and the branch segment 22 of the armrest 2 are not required to be two separate parts, but can be the same part or two partially overlapping parts. Similar to the aforementioned first hinged four-bar mechanism A1, the four components constituting the second hinged four-bar mechanism A2 (i.e., the handle 41, the locking block 42, the third rod 33 and the branch segment 22) may not be always hinged to each other, but may at least be hinged to each other to form the second hinged four-bar mechanism A2. This is the case in the illustrated embodiment, which will be described in detail later.

[0063] In the second hinged four-bar mechanism A2, the handle 41 is arranged to be rotatable relative to the branch section 22 of the armrest 2, so that the locking block 42 is rotated relative to the branch section 22 of the armrest 2 between the locking position C1 and the unlocking position C2. Figure 5 to Figure 6 As shown. Figure 5 In the locking position C1, the locking block 42 is buckled with the first rod 31 constituting the first hinge four-bar mechanism A1, thereby locking the first rod 31 and the armrest 2. Figure 4. In the unlocking position C2, the locking block 42 is disengaged from the first rod 31, thereby releasing the locking connection between the first rod 31 and the armrest 2. That is, the handle 41 is pulled so that the handle 41 rotates relative to the armrest 2 at the hinge position B41. Driven by the third rod 33 hinged to the handle 41, the locking block 42 hinged to the third rod 33 can rotate relative to the armrest 2 at the hinge position B42, thereby freely switching between the locking position C1 of the first rod 31 and the unlocking position C2 of the first rod 31, and further switching between the locking state of the first rod 31 and the armrest 2 and the unlocking state of the first rod 31 and the armrest 2. In the locked state, the first rod 31 and the armrest 2 are locked, and the state of the first hinge four-bar mechanism A1 can be locked.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking block 42 may have a locking hook 420. The first rod 31 may be fixedly connected to a first hinge shaft H1 and be hinged to the mounting section 201 of the backrest assembly 20 via the first hinge shaft H1. Figure 4 In the locking position C1, the lock hook 420 of the lock block 42 hooks the first hinge shaft H1 fixed to the first rod 31, thereby the lock block 42 is buckled with the first rod 31. This locking assembly 4 has a compact structure and is easy to operate.

[0065] See also Figure 5 , the second hinged four-bar mechanism A2 can be an antiparallelogram mechanism. Those skilled in the art know that the antiparallelogram mechanism is that the line connecting the two hinge points of the frame intersects with the line connecting the two hinge points of the connecting rod. In the second hinged four-bar mechanism A2, the hinge position of the locking block 42 as the connecting rod and the third rod 33 (that is, the second position 422 of the locking block 42) is located on the upper side of the hinge position of the locking block 42 and the branch segment 22 (that is, the first position 421 of the locking block 42 or the hinge position B42 of the branch segment 22), and the hinge position of the handle 41 and the branch segment 22 (that is, the first position 411 of the handle 41 or the hinge position B41 of the branch segment 22) is located on the upper side of the hinge position of the handle 41 and the third rod 33 (that is, the second position 412 of the handle 41). In this way, the finger gently pulls the front end of the handle 41 upwards, that is, the handle moves along Figure 5 Clockwise direction ( Figure 6 In the figure, marked as R1), the locking block 42 is rotated to move along the Figure 5 Counterclockwise direction ( Figure 6 The locking hook 420 located below the hinged position B42 can be rotated from Figure 5 The lock bit C1 becomes Figure 6 The unlock bit C2 in.

[0066] Figure 5 and Figure 6In the illustrated embodiment, a first elastic member S1 is further provided between the handle 41 and the armrest 2, and the elastic force of the first elastic member S1 causes the handle 41 to have a tendency to keep the locking block 42 in the locking position C1. Figure 5 In the embodiment, a compression spring is provided between the front end of the handle 41 and the portion of the armrest 2 located above the handle 41 as the first elastic member S1. The elastic force of the compression spring makes the front end of the handle 41 tend to move downward, that is, the handle 41 has a tendency to move around Figure 5 The hinge position B41 in the middle has a tendency to rotate counterclockwise, so that, through the pushing action of the third rod 33, the locking block 42 has a tendency to rotate around Figure 5 The first elastic member S1 provides a preload force to keep the handle 41 in the locked position. In another embodiment, the first elastic member S1 may also be a tension spring disposed between the front end of the handle 41 and the portion of the armrest 2 located below the handle 41. In yet another embodiment, the tendency to keep the lock block 42 in the locked position C1 may also be achieved by an elastic member disposed between the other two of the four components constituting the second hinge four-bar mechanism A2.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, in the second hinged four-bar mechanism A2, the hinge axis H33 for hingedly connecting the third bar 33 and the handle 41 is located in the slideway 414. The slideway 414 allows one end ( Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge shaft H33 can be fixedly connected to the third rod 33, and the slideway 414 is formed by the slideway of the handle 41, and the slideway is in the form of a waist-shaped hole extending forward and backward. It can be understood that in another embodiment, the hinge shaft H33 can also be fixedly connected to the handle 41, and the slideway 414 can be provided by the third rod 33. Generally speaking, Figure 5 The locking position C1 is rotated counterclockwise around the hinge position B42 (such as Figure 7 When the locking block 42 is rotated in the direction R2 in the middle of the figure, the thrust of the locking block 42 on the third rod 33 is insufficient to overcome the elastic force of the first elastic member S1, so the handle 41 will not rotate around the hinge position B41 relative to the branch section 22 of the armrest 2. That is, at this time, the handle 41 and the armrest 2 can be regarded as an integral bracket fixed to each other, and the front end of the third rod 33 will move along the slideway 414 from Figure 5 The state of forward (such as Figure 7 Slide in the direction T1) to reach Figure 7In this process, the locking block 42, the third rod 33 and the aforementioned integral support (composed of the handrail 2 and the handle 41) form a structure similar to a crank slider mechanism or a rocker slider mechanism, wherein the aforementioned integral support, the locking block, the third rod and the hinge shaft respectively constitute the frame, the crank (or rocker), the connecting rod and the slider sliding along the slideway 414 of the crank slider mechanism (or rocker slider mechanism). For the third rod 33 shown in the figure, the third rod 33 can be unlocked by passing through one end ( Figure 5 In addition to rotating the hinge shaft H33 at the middle and rear end relative to the handle 41, the hinge shaft H33 can also slide forward along the slideway 414 to slide relative to the front end of the handle 41. In other words, the locking assembly 4 can be moved from Figure 5 The status switches to Figure 6 The status can also be changed from Figure 5 The status switches to Figure 7 As mentioned above, the four components constituting the second hinged four-bar mechanism A2 (i.e., the handle 41, the locking block 42, the third rod 33 and the branch section 22) may not be always hinged to each other, but may be hinged to each other to form the second hinged four-bar mechanism A2 (e.g., Figure 5 and Figure 6 ), and at the same time having a state in which the third rod 33 is not hinged relative to the handle 41 but constitutes a crank slider mechanism (or a rocker slider mechanism) (as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 7 shown).

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, a second elastic member S2 may be provided between the third rod 33 and the armrest 2, and the elastic force of the second elastic member S2 causes the third rod 33 to have a tendency to keep the locking block 42 in the locking position C1. Figure 5 In the embodiment, a compression spring is arranged between the third rod 33 and the portion of the armrest 2 located above the third rod 33, as the second elastic member S2. The elastic force of the compression spring makes the front end of the third rod 33 tend to move backward. Through the pushing action of the third rod 33, the locking block 42 has the function of rotating around the locking block 42. Figure 5 The third rod 33 has a tendency to rotate clockwise at the hinge position B42, that is, the third rod 33 has a tendency to keep the locking block 42 at the locking position C1. In actual settings, it can be easier to overcome the elastic force of the second elastic member S2 when the locking block 42 is actively rotated counterclockwise, but it is more difficult to overcome the elastic force of the first elastic member S1. That is, the second elastic member S2 provides a pre-tightening force for the locking block 42.

[0069] The above structure allows the user to not only unlock the lock block 42 by pulling up or lifting the front end of the handle 41 at the front side, but also actively pull the lock block 42 at the rear side to unlock the lock.

[0070] Figure 8An example structure of the locking block 42 is shown, where the locking block 42 is on one side ( Figure 8 The locking block 42 has a locking hook 420 on the front side, as described above, for hooking the first hinge shaft H1 to which the first rod 31 is fixed. Figure 8 The rear side of the locking assembly 4 has a protruding finger portion 423, which is convenient for the user to pull the locking block 42 upward from the rear side of the locking assembly 4, so that the locking block 42 is out of the locking position C1. The locking block 42 can have a through hole at the first position 421 and the second position 422, respectively, for the hinge shaft to pass through, so as to be hinged with the branch section 22 of the handrail 2 and the third rod 33, respectively, so as to form the locking assembly 4. Figure 8 In the embodiment, the locking block 42 may also be provided with a magnet 424. Fig.14 When the lock block 42 is in the storage state, the magnet 424 of the locking block 42 can be attracted to the magnet 324 provided in the second rod 32, providing a restraining force in the storage state. In other words, the storage state can be locked. Figure 8 In the embodiment, the locking block 42 may also have a protruding edge 425, when the handrail assembly 10 is in Figure 3 When the first rod 31 is in the unfolded state, the first rod 31 can contact the edge 425 of the locking block 42, and the locking block 42 can rotate around the first position 421 by a certain angle, so that the locking hook 420 hooks the first hinge shaft H1. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The overall structure of the locking assembly 4 is also shown from different angles.

[0071] Fig.11 The example structure of the locking assembly 4 and the armrest 2 is shown. The armrest 2 has a housing 23 extending forward and backward and having an inverted U-shaped cross section. The rod section 21 and the branch section 22 of the armrest 2 can be provided by the housing 23. The locking assembly 4 can be accommodated in the housing 23. And the operating end (that is, the front end) of the handle 41 can be exposed at the front end of the housing 23, which is used to operate the handle 41 to rotate relative to the armrest 2. In this way, it is convenient for the user to pull the handle 41 from the front side to switch the state of the locking assembly 4. Fig.11 A hinge shaft H31 is also shown in the figure, and the first rod 31 is hinged to the armrest 2 via the hinge shaft H31.

[0072] In the above-mentioned armrest assembly 10, the user can unlock the state lock of the folding assembly 1 with one hand without changing the sitting posture, so that the armrest 2 can be folded with a small range of motion.

[0073] Fig.16In the illustrated embodiment, the handgrip assembly 10 may further include a control assembly 30 for controlling the forward direction of the wheelchair 100, and the control assembly 30 may be disposed at the front end of the armrest 2. In this way, it is convenient for the user to control the forward direction of the wheelchair 100 when sitting on the wheelchair 100, which is also ergonomic. In the illustrated embodiment, the control assembly 30 may be disposed at the front end of the armrest 2 by being connected to the front end of the handle 41, so that the entire structure is simpler and more compact.

[0074] An example configuration of the control assembly 30 can be found in Figures 12 to 15 The control assembly 30 may include a control seat 301 and a bracket 302, wherein the bracket 302 may be disposed at the front end of the armrest 2. The control seat 301 may be provided with a control rod 303 for manual control. The control rod 303 may be in any existing form, for example, it may be a rocker, and the user manually operates the control rod 303, and the control rod 303 may convert its own movement into electronic information that can be processed by the control system of the wheelchair 100, thereby controlling the forward direction of the wheelchair 100. The control seat 301 may be foldably supported on the bracket 302 and may be arranged to be in an open state ( Fig.16 See also Fig.12 and Fig.13 ) and collapsed state ( Fig. 17B See also Fig.14 and Fig.15 ), Fig.17A It also shows that Fig.16 The open state switches to Fig. 17B The intermediate state of the folded state. Fig.16 In the opened state, the control seat 301 is opened to the front side of the bracket 302, and the control rod 303 is exposed on the upper side of the control seat 301. Fig. 17B In the folded state, the control seat 301 is folded above the bracket 302, and the control rod 303 is located at the lower side of the control seat 301. Fig.12 As shown, the bracket 302 may include a support plate 306 and two pillars 305 distributed on the left and right sides of the front end of the support plate 306. The rear end of the control seat 301 may be hinged to the two pillars 305, and the rear end of the control seat 301 is arranged between the two pillars 305, so that the control seat 301 can be folded relative to the bracket 302 and supported on the bracket 302. Fig.12 and Fig.13 In the opened state, the control seat 301 and the support plate 306 of the bracket 302 can be approximately in a state of opening 180°. Fig.14 and Fig.15In the folded state, the control seat 301 and the support plate 306 of the bracket 302 can be approximately in a folded state of 0°. In the figure, the support plate 306 can also have a placement hole 304, allowing the control rod 303 located at the lower side of the control seat 301 in the folded state to pass through. The above-mentioned control seat 301 can protect its control rod 303 when it is folded (or folded).

[0075] Continue to see Figures 12 to 15 The backrest assembly 200 may include two handrail assemblies 10. The two handrail assemblies 10 may be respectively mounted to the mounting sections 201 on the two sides of the backrest assembly 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the two mounting sections 201 may be formed by two pipes such as steel pipes. In another embodiment, the two mounting sections 201 may also be formed by two parts of a backboard on the two sides.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the backrest assembly 20 may include a backrest frame 202, and the backrest frame 202 may provide the aforementioned two mounting sections 201. In the illustrated embodiment, the backrest frame 202 includes two vertical tubes 203 and a transverse tube 204, and the transverse tube 204 connects the two vertical tubes 203 on the upper side of the two vertical tubes 203, and the two vertical tubes 203 may be supported on the wheelchair 100, such as a seat cushion. The two vertical tubes 203 and the transverse tube 204 may be formed by bending a pipe, or may be formed by welding after being processed separately. The two vertical tubes 203 may provide the aforementioned two mounting sections 201 respectively.

[0077] The backrest assembly 20 may further include a backrest cushion 5, which may provide a backrest surface 51 for the user to lean on. The backrest cushion 5 may be made of, for example, a soft material to improve the comfort of the user leaning back.

[0078] The backrest assembly 20 may further include two upper and lower push rods 61, 62. The backrest cushion 5, the two push rods 61, 62 and the backrest frame 202 may constitute a third hinge four-bar mechanism A3. The backrest cushion 5 and the backrest frame 202 respectively constitute the connecting rod and the frame of the third hinge four-bar mechanism A3, and the two push rods 61, 62 constitute the two connecting rods of the third hinge four-bar mechanism A3. The backrest cushion 5 is configured to be movable relative to the backrest frame 202 from the first position P1 ( Fig.17F See also Fig.12 and Fig.13 ) through the intermediate position P0( Figure 17G ) switches to the second position P2 ( Fig.17H See also Fig.14 and Fig.15). The back cushion 5 is closer to the front side in the first position P1 than in the second position P2. In other words, the back cushion 5 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, substantially from the back to the front. In the illustrated embodiment, the back cushion 5 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2, and can also move from the bottom to the top. In a preferred embodiment, in the first position P1, the side projection of the back cushion 5 can overlap with the backrest frame 202.

[0079] The backrest assembly 20 may also include a third elastic member S3. One end of the third elastic member S3 may be connected to one of the two push rods 61 and 62, and the other end may be connected to the cushion 5. The elastic force of the third elastic member S3 makes the cushion 5 have a tendency to switch from the middle position P0 to the first position P1 or the second position P2. That is, by providing the third elastic member S3, it is difficult for the cushion 5 to remain in the middle position P0, and it will always remain stably in the first position P1 or the second position P2. In the first position P1, it is convenient for the user to lean back, and in the second position P2, it is convenient for the user to store, that is, the third elastic member S3 provides the holding force of the cushion 5 after it is unfolded or folded. The above structure makes the structure simple and reliable while realizing diversified functions. For example, the third elastic member S3 may be a tension spring, so that the tension amount of the tension spring is the smallest at the first position P1 or the second position P2, and the tension amount is the largest at the middle position P0. In the illustrated embodiment, a spring column 54 is disposed on the back of the back cushion 5 , a spring column 64 is disposed on the push rod 61 , and the third elastic member S3 is a tension spring connected and fixed between the spring column 54 and the spring column 64 .

[0080] In another embodiment, the cushion 5 can be kept at the first position P1 or the second position P2 by providing a locking means. For example, when the cushion 5 reaches the first position P1, a fastener is manually used to lock it at the first position P1.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, two upper and lower push rods are respectively provided on both sides of the back cushion 5. For example, the upper and lower push rods on the right side are marked with 61 and 62, and the upper and lower push rods on the left side are marked with 61a and 62a (as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 ). The back cushion 5, the two push rods (such as 61, 62, or 61a, 62a) on each side, and the mounting section 201 on the side where the two push rods are located all constitute a hinged four-bar mechanism. In other words, one side of the back cushion 5 is connected to the mounting section 201 on the one side through the push rods 61, 62, and the other side is connected to the mounting section 201 on the other side through the push rods 61a, 62a. This structure is more reliable.

[0082] The backrest assembly 20, especially the backrest cushion 5, can be opened or folded, and even the side projection of the backrest cushion 5 can overlap with the backrest frame 202 after folding, so as to provide good back support, especially waist support, when opened.

[0083] In general, the support assembly 200 is transformed from a fully unfolded state for use to a fully folded state for storage, as shown in FIG. Figures 16 to 17H For example, first, Figures 16 to 17B As shown, the control assembly 30 changes from the open state to the folded state. Fig. 17C As shown, the handle 41 of the locking assembly 4 of the hand-held assembly 10 is pulled upward. Then, as shown in FIG. FIG. 17C to FIG. 17F As shown, the folding assembly 1 of the handrail assembly 10 is transformed from the unfolded state to the folded state. FIG. 17F to FIG. 17H As shown, the cushion 5 of the backrest assembly 20 is transformed from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

[0084] In the above-mentioned wheelchair's backrest assembly, the structure of the handrest assembly allows the user to fold the armrest with only a small movement, and the armrest locking assembly can also be unlocked with one hand without the user changing the sitting position. The handle at the front end of the armrest and the lock block at the rear end of the armrest are linked, and the user can operate the unlocking action without leaving the armrest when unlocking. After folding back a certain distance, the entire armrest can be folded to a position that overlaps with the backrest. A foldable control seat is installed on the handle of the locking assembly, and the control rod of the control seat can be folded and protected.

[0085] Although the present invention is disclosed as above with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art may make possible changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiments according to the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A handrail assembly, used for mounting to a backrest assembly, wherein the backrest assembly has a vertically extending mounting section on the side, characterized in that: The handrail assembly comprises: A folding assembly, comprising an armrest, a first rod and a second rod, wherein the armrest has a rod segment, and the rod segment, the first rod, the second rod and the mounting segment form a first hinged four-bar mechanism, wherein the rod segment and the mounting segment respectively constitute a connecting rod and a frame of the first hinged four-bar mechanism, and the first rod and the second rod respectively constitute connecting rods located at the upper side and the lower side of the first hinged four-bar mechanism; A locking assembly is used to lock the first hinged four-bar mechanism in an unfolded state by locking the rod segment, the first rod, the second rod and two components in the mounting segment. The locking assembly comprises a handle, a locking block and a third rod, the armrest has a branch section, the handle, the locking block, the third rod and the branch section form a second hinge four-bar mechanism, wherein the branch section and the third rod respectively constitute a frame and a connecting rod of the second hinge four-bar mechanism, and the handle and the locking block constitute two connecting rods of the second hinge four-bar mechanism; In the second hinged four-bar mechanism, the handle is configured to be rotatable relative to the branch segment, so that the locking block rotates relative to the branch segment of the armrest between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking block is buckled with the first rod, thereby locking the first rod and the armrest. In the unlocked position, the locking block is disengaged from the first rod, thereby releasing the lock between the first rod and the armrest.

2. The handrail assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first hinged four-bar mechanism is configured to be switchable from an unfolded state to a folded state. In the unfolded state, the angle between the first bar and the bar segment is α1 and the clamp faces downward. In the folded state, the angle between the first bar and the bar segment is α2 and the clamp faces upward, wherein α1 is 170-180° and α2 is 0-10°.

3. The handrail assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first elastic member is further provided between the handle and the armrest, and the elastic force of the first elastic member enables the handle to have a tendency to keep the locking block in the locking position.

4. The handrail assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the second hinged four-bar mechanism, a hinge axis for hingedly connecting the third bar and the handle is located in the slideway; A second elastic member is further provided between the third rod and the armrest, and the elastic force of the second elastic member enables the third rod to have a tendency to keep the locking block in the locking position.

5. The handhold assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The armrest has a shell extending frontward and rearward and having an inverted U-shaped cross section; The locking assembly is accommodated in the shell, and the operating end of the handle is exposed at the front end of the shell, and is used for operating the handle to rotate relative to the armrest.

6. The handhold assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The handrail assembly is used for a wheelchair, and the handrail assembly further comprises a control assembly for controlling the forward direction of the wheelchair, and the control assembly is arranged at the front end of the handrail; The control component comprises: A control seat provided with a control lever for manual control; and The bracket is arranged at the front end of the armrest, and the control seat is foldably supported on the bracket and is arranged to be switchable between an open state and a folded state. In the open state, the control seat is folded to the front side of the bracket, and the control rod is exposed on the upper side of the control seat. In the folded state, the control seat is folded above the bracket, and the control rod is located on the lower side of the control seat.

7. A support assembly, comprising a backrest assembly, characterized in that: It also includes two handrail assemblies according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the two handrail assemblies are respectively mounted to the mounting sections of the backrest assembly at two sides; The backrest assembly comprises: A backrest frame, providing the mounting section; Cushions, providing a backrest surface; an upper and a lower push rod, the back cushion, the two push rods and the backrest frame constitute a third hinge four-bar mechanism, wherein the back cushion and the backrest frame respectively constitute a connecting rod and a frame of the third hinge four-bar mechanism, the two push rods constitute two connecting rods of the third hinge four-bar mechanism, the back cushion is arranged to be switchable from a first position to a second position via an intermediate position relative to the backrest frame, and the back cushion is closer to the front side in the first position than in the second position; and A third elastic member has one end connected to one of the two push rods and the other end connected to the cushion. The elastic force of the third elastic member enables the cushion to have a tendency to switch from the middle position to the first position or the second position.

8. A wheelchair, characterized in that: It comprises the support assembly as claimed in claim 7.

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