Wheelchair, front wheel assembly and pedal assembly thereof

Abstract

The object of the present invention is to provide a wheelchair, a front wheel assembly and a pedal assembly thereof, which can simplify and optimize the folding and fixing method of the pedal in the folding wheelchair. The pedal assembly for achieving the above-mentioned purpose includes a pedal arm, a pedal body, a trigger rod and a limit claw. The pedal arm has a mounting hole, the pedal body has a connecting portion, and the pedal body is rotatably connected to the pedal arm through the connecting portion. The trigger rod passes through the pedal arm through the mounting hole, is movable in the mounting hole, and is supported by an elastic member. The limit claw and the connecting portion are located on the same side of the pedal arm, are rotatable relative to the pedal arm, and are connected to the trigger rod. Among them, the connecting portion has a first matching portion and a second matching portion. In the folded position, the first matching portion and the limit claw limit the relative rotation of the pedal body and the pedal arm; in the unfolded position, the trigger rod is elastically supported and connected to the second matching portion, and limits the relative rotation of the pedal body and the pedal arm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of foldable wheelchairs, and in particular to a wheelchair, a front wheel assembly and a pedal assembly thereof. Background Art

[0002] The foot pedals of the existing folding wheelchairs on the market all need to be folded or unfolded by the user individually. Regardless of which of the aforementioned folding methods are used, the folding or unfolding of the movable foot pedals of the wheelchair requires manual operation by the user, and only some simple actions can be achieved by foot operation.

[0003] There are several ways to fold the footrest in existing folding wheelchairs. One is that the footrest needs to be folded before the wheelchair is folded. Some wheelchairs with this type of folding method even require the user to bend over to complete the operation. The other is a connecting rod folding wheelchair, whose footrest is generally at the highest position after folding. The position of the footrest is quite close to the backrest that serves as a handle, which is very easy for the wheelchair user to accidentally touch.

[0004] However, the inventors have found that the existing folding method of the foot pedal in the folding wheelchair is not user-friendly for the elderly or disabled people in terms of operation. At the same time, touching the foot pedal or the foot pedal connecting rod will cause hygiene problems. Therefore, it is urgent to provide a pedal assembly that can simplify and optimize the folding and fixing method of the pedal in the folding wheelchair. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a pedal assembly that can simplify and optimize the folding and fixing method of the pedal in a folding wheelchair.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a front wheel assembly, which includes the pedal assembly as described above.

[0007] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a wheelchair comprising the front wheel assembly as described above.

[0008] A pedal assembly for achieving the above-mentioned purpose includes:

[0009] A pedal arm having a mounting hole, wherein the mounting hole has a length direction;

[0010] A pedal body having a connecting portion, wherein the pedal body is rotatably connected to the pedal arm through the connecting portion and is configured to rotate relative to the pedal arm to a folded position and an unfolded position respectively;

[0011] a trigger rod, passing through the pedal arm through the mounting hole, the trigger rod being movable in the mounting hole along the length direction and supported by an elastic member along the length direction; and

[0012] A limit claw, which is located on the same side of the pedal arm as the connecting portion, is rotatable relative to the pedal arm, and is connected to the trigger rod;

[0013] Wherein, the connecting portion has a first matching portion and a second matching portion. In the folded position, the first matching portion and the limiting claw limit the relative rotation of the pedal body and the pedal arm; in the unfolded position, the trigger rod is elastically supported and connected to the second matching portion, and limits the relative rotation of the pedal body and the pedal arm.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the connecting portion further has a third matching portion, and an external force is applied to the trigger rod to release the connection between the trigger rod and the second matching portion, so as to allow the pedal body to rotate relative to the pedal arm to a flush position;

[0015] Wherein, the trigger rod and the third matching portion restrict the pedal body from continuing to rotate relative to the pedal arm at the flush position.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the first matching portion and the third matching portion are convex portions protruding from the connecting portion, and the second matching portion is a groove portion opened in the connecting portion.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, pulleys are respectively provided at the connection between the pedal body and the pedal arm, and the pulleys are configured to be located closer to the ground contact position relative to the connection portion during the folding process of the pedal assembly.

[0018] A front wheel assembly for achieving the aforementioned other purpose comprises a front wheel frame, a connecting rod and a front wheel, wherein the front wheel frame is hinged to one end of the connecting rod, and further comprises the pedal assembly as described above;

[0019] Wherein, the pedal arm is rotatably connected to the front wheel frame.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the pedal arm and the front wheel frame can move relative to each other to a retracted position, and in the retracted position, the front wheel frame applies an external force on the trigger rod.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the front wheel frame includes a pressing edge, and when the front wheel frame applies an external force on the trigger rod, the pressing edge can cooperate with the trigger rod so that when the pedal arm moves from a flush position with the pedal body to the folded position, the pedal arm and the front wheel frame are always maintained in the folded position.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the front wheel frame has a first limiting portion, and the pedal arm has a second limiting portion, and when the pedal arm moves to the folded position, the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are locked with each other in the folded position of the pedal arm and the front wheel frame to limit the rotation of the pedal arm relative to the front wheel frame;

[0023] Wherein, during the process of the pedal arm moving from the folded position to the unfolded position, the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion avoid each other.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the first limiting portion takes the hinge between the connecting rod and the front wheel frame as the rotation center, and is coaxial with the connecting rod and synchronously rotatable relative to the front wheel frame.

[0025] A wheelchair for achieving the aforementioned further object comprises a wheelchair body, a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly, wherein the front wheel assembly is the front wheel assembly as described above;

[0026] The wheelchair body includes a driving assembly, and the driving assembly drives the connecting rod to move, thereby driving the front wheel frame to move.

[0027] The improved effects of the present invention include one or a combination of the following:

[0028] The wheelchair and its pedal assembly are provided with matching connecting parts and a trigger rod of a limit claw 13, so that the relative position relationship between the pedal body and the pedal arm 10 in the pedal assembly can be adjusted and limited by operating the trigger rod of a single component. It is easier to operate than the existing pedal folding method, and provides a basis for realizing an automatically foldable wheelchair. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] 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:

[0030] Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram schematically showing a posture of an embodiment of the pedal assembly;

[0031] Figure 2 A side view schematically showing one embodiment of the front wheel assembly and the pedal assembly thereof in one posture;

[0032] Figure 3 A three-dimensional schematic diagram schematically showing another posture of an embodiment of the pedal assembly;

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic side view schematically showing another posture of one embodiment of the front wheel assembly and the pedal assembly thereof;

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic side view schematically showing another posture of an embodiment of the front wheel assembly and the pedal assembly thereof;

[0035] Figure 6 A three-dimensional schematic diagram schematically showing a posture of an embodiment of the front wheel assembly;

[0036] Figure 7 A three-dimensional schematic diagram schematically showing another posture of an embodiment of the front wheel assembly;

[0037] Figure 8 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the wheelchair is schematically shown;

[0038] Fig. 9 A partial exploded view of an embodiment of the wheelchair is schematically shown;

[0039] Figures 10 to 20 The diagram schematically shows the changing state of the wheelchair gradually moving from one posture to another in one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The following discloses a variety of different implementation methods or embodiments of the subject technical solution. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of each element and arrangement are described below. Of course, these are only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. In addition, the disclosure may repeat the figure numerals and / or letters in different examples. This repetition is for brevity and clarity and does not in itself represent the relationship between the various embodiments and / or structures to be discussed.

[0041] At the same time, the present application uses specific words to describe the embodiments of the present application, such as "one embodiment", "an embodiment", and / or "some embodiments" refer to a certain feature, structure or characteristic related to at least one embodiment of the present application. 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 application 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 application.

[0042] It should be noted that, in the case of use, the top, bottom, clockwise and counterclockwise in the following description are only used for convenience and do not imply any specific fixed direction. In fact, they are used to reflect the relative position and / or direction between the various parts of the object.

[0043] It should be noted that these and other subsequent drawings are only examples, are not drawn in accordance with the conditions of equal proportion, and should not be used as a limitation on the actual protection scope of the present invention. In addition, the transformation methods under different embodiments can be appropriately combined.

[0044] In order to solve the many inconvenient operating problems existing in the existing foldable wheelchairs, on the one hand, an embodiment of the present invention provides a pedal assembly, such as Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the pedal assembly is shown.

[0045] The pedal assembly 1 includes a pedal arm 10 , a pedal body 11 , a trigger rod 12 and a limit claw 13 .

[0046] The pedal arm 10 is provided with a mounting hole 100, which is, as shown in the figure, provided through the pedal arm 10 and is a long hole as a whole, having a length direction. It is understood that the length direction of the mounting hole 100 mentioned here refers to the extending direction of the maximum inner diameter of the mounting hole 100 in the plane where the side wall of the pedal arm 10 is located.

[0047] The pedal body 11 has a connecting portion 110, through which the pedal body 11 is rotatably connected to the pedal arm 10. The relative position relationship between the pedal arm 10 and the pedal body 11 can be adjusted by rotation so that the pedal arm 10 and the pedal body 11 can be rotated to different relative position states.

[0048] Specifically, in Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the pedal arm 10 and the pedal body 11 are in an unfolded position. When the pedal assembly 1 is assembled in a wheelchair, the pedal arm 10 and the pedal body 11 in the unfolded position are suitable for the user to place his feet on the pedal body 11. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the pedal arm 10 and the pedal body 11 are in a folded position. When the pedal assembly 1 is assembled in a wheelchair, the pedal arm 10 and the pedal body 11 in the folded position will occupy a relatively small space, which is convenient for storage and transportation.

[0049] Please continue to see Figure 1, the trigger rod 12 is assembled on the pedal arm 10 through the mounting hole 100. In the assembled state, the trigger rod 12 is arranged to penetrate the pedal arm 10 and has an end protruding after penetrating the pedal arm 10. At the same time, the outer shape of the mounting hole 100 in the shape of a long hole is configured so that the trigger rod 12 installed on the pedal arm 10 can move along the length direction of the mounting hole 100. The trigger rod 12 is supported by the elastic member 14 in the length direction of the mounting hole 100, so that in the embodiment shown in the figure, the trigger rod 12 in the elastically supported state is elastically pressed against the inner wall on one side of the mounting hole 100 in the length direction. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in the figure, the elastic member 14 is a coil spring, which is arranged in the pedal arm 10, and its two ends are respectively connected to the trigger rod 12 and the pedal arm 10. When an external force is applied to the trigger rod 12, the elastic member 14 can be elastically compressed, so as to move from the inner wall on one side as mentioned above to the inner wall on the other side in the length direction. And during the activity, the elastic member 14 makes the trigger rod 12 always maintain the tendency to move toward the inner wall of one side as mentioned above. Of course, in some other embodiments, the elastic member can also be a tension spring. When an external force is applied to the trigger rod 12, the tension spring can be elastically stretched during the activity of the trigger rod 12. In other embodiments different from the illustrated ones, the setting position of the elastic member 14 can be adjusted according to the actual working conditions. For example, the elastic member 14 can be set outside the pedal arm 10, but relative to this embodiment, setting the elastic member 14 inside the pedal arm 10 can ensure that the elastic member 14 will not interfere with other components during the movement of the trigger rod 12.

[0050] The limit claw 13 and the connecting portion 110 are located on the same side of the pedal arm 10. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in the figure, the limit claw 13 and the connecting portion 110 are located on the relatively outer side of the pedal arm 10 when it is assembled. Of course, in other embodiments different from the figure, the limit claw 13 and the connecting portion 110 can be located on the relatively inner side of the pedal arm 10 when it is assembled. The limit claw 13 is rotatable relative to the pedal arm 10 and is connected to the trigger rod 12. Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, a first hole 130 is opened on the limit claw 13, and the trigger rod 12 is penetrated in the first hole 130, so that when the trigger rod 12 moves along its length direction in the mounting hole 100, it can drive the limit claw 13 to move, so that the limit claw 13 rotates with the connection with the pedal arm 10 as the rotation center.

[0051] Please continue to see Figure 2 The connecting portion 110 has a first matching portion 111 and a second matching portion 112. Figure 1 to Figure 2In the unfolded position shown in FIG, the trigger rod 12 is elastically supported by the elastic member and connected to the second matching portion 112, so that the trigger rod 12 and the second matching portion 112 jointly limit the relative rotation between the pedal arm 10 and the pedal body 11. Specifically, the elastically supported connection means that when the trigger rod 12 and the second matching portion 112 are in a state of matching and limiting, the trigger rod 12 is elastically supported by the elastic member 14 and is in a state of connecting with the second matching portion 112 in this elastically supported state. It can be understood that when the elastic member 14 is a coil spring as described above, when the trigger rod 12 and the second matching portion 112 are in a position of matching and limiting, the coil spring is in a state of being slightly elastically compressed, so that it has a tendency to elastically support the trigger rod 12 and press it toward the second matching portion 112. When an external force is applied to the trigger rod 12, the elastic member 14 can be elastically compressed, so that the matching state between the trigger rod 12 and the second matching portion 112 is released, and the relative rotation between the pedal arm 10 and the pedal body 11 is allowed. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the connecting portion 110 is arranged at one end of the trigger rod 12 after passing through the pedal arm 10, and is limited in position with the end thereof. In some other embodiments different from those shown in the figure, the connecting portion 110 may also be arranged on the inner side of the pedal arm 10, and is limited in position with the rod body of the trigger rod 12.

[0052] In such Figure 3 to Figure 4 In the retracted position shown in FIG, the first matching portion 111 and the limiting claw 13 cooperate with each other to limit the relative rotation of the pedal body 11 relative to the pedal arm 10. Specifically, an external force is applied to the trigger rod 12 to make it move along the length direction of the mounting hole 100, and the matching state between the trigger rod 12 and the second matching portion 112 is released. At this time, the pedal body 11 can rotate relative to the pedal arm 10 until it moves to the position shown in FIG. Figure 3 to Figure 4 When the pedal body 11 is in the retracted position shown in the figure, the first matching portion 111 and the limiting claw 13 cooperate to limit. Since the trigger rod 12 is kept in the mounting hole 100 under the action of external force, the limiting claw 13 will not rotate around the connection between it and the pedal arm 10, thereby ensuring that no matter the pedal body 11 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the pedal arm 10 as shown in the figure, the first matching portion 111 and the limiting claw 13 are both against each other, so as to achieve the retention of the pedal body 11 and the pedal arm 10 in the retracted position.

[0053] The pedal assembly is provided with a matching connecting portion 110, a limiting claw 13 and a trigger rod 12, so that the relative position relationship between the pedal body 11 and the pedal arm 10 in the pedal assembly can be adjusted and limited by operating the single component trigger rod 12. It is easier to operate than the existing pedal folding method, and provides a basis for realizing an automated folding wheelchair.

[0054] Although one embodiment of the pedal assembly is described above, in other embodiments of the pedal assembly, the pedal assembly may have more details in many aspects relative to the above embodiment, and at least a portion of these details may have various variations. At least a portion of these details and variations are described below with some embodiments.

[0055] In one embodiment of the pedal assembly, the connecting portion 110 further has a third matching portion 113. Figure 2 The trigger rod 12 in the state shown in FIG. 1 applies an external force, so that the elastic member 14 supporting it is elastically compressed or stretched, thereby allowing the trigger rod 12 and the second matching portion 112 to release the matching limit state, thereby allowing the pedal body 11 to rotate relative to the pedal arm 10 to the state shown in FIG. Figure 5 , wherein the trigger rod 12 abuts against the third matching portion 113 in the flush position, and together restricts the pedal body 11 from further rotating relative to the pedal arm 10. The pedal body 11 being flush with the pedal arm 10 refers to moving to an unfolded position with the same extension direction, that is, the angle between the pedal body 11 and the pedal arm 10 is close to 180°. In this position, when the pedal assembly or the folding wheelchair in which it is assembled needs to be folded, the pedal body 11 can provide the avoidance space required for folding to prevent interference with other components during the folding process. It is understandable that in the actual folding process, when the trigger rod 12 and the second matching portion 112 are released from the matching limit state, the pedal body 11 can move to the flush position by gravity. Of course, since the pedal body 11 can be moved to a flush position by gravity, in some embodiments, the third matching portion 113 may not be provided in the connection portion 110, and the unfolded position of the pedal body 11 may be limited directly by the ground. However, another advantage of providing the third matching portion 113 for limiting is that it can limit the range of motion of the pedal body 11 relative to the main body of the wheelchair. Of course, it can be understood that, similar to the aforementioned embodiment, in the embodiment shown in the figure, the third matching portion 113 is provided at one end of the trigger rod 12 after passing through the pedal arm 10, and is limited by the end thereof. In other embodiments different from the figure, the connection portion 110 may also be provided on the inner side of the pedal arm 10, so that the third matching portion 113 is limited by the rod body of the trigger rod 12.

[0056] like Figures 1 to 5As shown in the figure, in one embodiment of the pedal assembly, the first matching portion 111 and the third matching portion 113 are convex portions protruding from the connecting portion 110, and the convex portion structure can be a protrusion protruding outward from the outer periphery of the connecting portion 110 as shown in the figure. Among them, the first matching portion 111 in the shape of a convex portion is connected with the limiting claw 13 by snapping, and the third matching portion 113 in the shape of a convex portion is in contact with the trigger rod 12 and is limited by the trigger rod 12. The second matching portion 112 is a groove portion opened in the connecting portion 110, and the groove portion structure can be formed by being concave from the outer peripheral edge of the connecting portion 110 to the inner side of the connecting portion 110 as shown in the figure. By inserting at least a part of the trigger rod 12 (such as the rod body or the end) into the groove-shaped second matching portion 112 through elastic force, the matching and limiting between the trigger rod 12 and the connecting portion 110 is realized, and by applying external force to the trigger rod 12, it can be disengaged from the groove portion, thereby releasing the limiting state.

[0057] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 In a specific embodiment of the pedal assembly, the limit claw 13 has a hook portion 131. Specifically, the hook portion 131 is formed by protruding from the limit claw body 132, wherein the limit claw body 132 is provided with a first hole 130 for mating with the trigger rod 12, and an extension direction of the hook portion 131 and an extension direction of the limit claw body 132 are at an angle, so that when the limit claw body 132 is driven by the trigger rod 12 to rotate, the hook portion 131 will also rotate at an angle with the limit claw body 132 to engage with the first matching portion 111. In a specific embodiment, the hook portion 131 is an elastic member, so that when the hook portion 131 is subjected to an external force, it can be deformed, so that it can be engaged with or disengaged from the first matching portion 111 in the form of a convex portion. Specifically, in Figure 2 In the state shown in , when the connecting portion 110 rotates clockwise as shown in the figure, the first matching portion 111 can abut against the upper end surface of the hook portion 131, so that the hook portion 131 is bent downward as a whole, and the first matching portion 111 is inserted into the hook portion 131 to complete the buckle. Figure 4 In the state shown in the figure, when the connecting portion 110 rotates counterclockwise as shown in the figure, the first matching portion 111 can abut against the lower end surface of the hook body of the hook portion 131, so that the hook body is deformed upward as a whole, and the first matching portion 111 is disengaged from the hook portion 131 to complete the release. In a specific embodiment, the hook portion 131 can be made of plastic with a certain elasticity. In another embodiment, the limiting claw 13 is configured as an elastic member as a whole.

[0058] In a specific embodiment of the pedal assembly, see Figure 2 as well as Figure 4The hook portion 131 has an upper end surface 131a. When the pedal arm 10 and the pedal body 11 move from the extended position to the retracted position, that is, when the first matching portion 111 moves from the unfastened state to the state engaged with the hook portion 131, the upper end surface 131a is the surface that first contacts the first matching portion 111. The upper end surface 131a is configured as an inclined surface. Specifically, the hook portion 131 has a hook portion body 131b and a hook body 131c. The hook body 131c protrudes toward one side of the hook portion body 131b. The upper end surface 131a is inclined from the end of the hook body 131c toward the side where the hook body 131c and the hook portion body 131b are connected. When the upper end surface 131a contacts the first matching portion 111, the upper end surface 131a in the shape of an inclined surface can be matched with the inclined surface of the first matching portion 111, so that the hook portion 131 is deformed, so that the first matching portion 111 is easier to engage with the hook body 131c. Of course, in other embodiments different from those shown in the figure, the first matching portion 111 and the hook portion 131 may not be guided by the inclined surface, but only rely on external force to deform them and then engage or disengage.

[0059] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 3 In a specific embodiment of the pedal assembly, the pedal arm 10 is a pair provided in the pedal assembly 1 as shown in the figure, wherein the pedal body 11 has a length direction a, and the connecting parts 110 are two spaced apart along the length direction a, and the two connecting parts 110 are respectively hingedly connected to the pedal arms 10. Specifically, the two connecting parts 110 are respectively hingedly connected to the two pedal arms 10 through the first shaft 15, so that the hinged pedal body 11 is rotatable relative to the two pedal arms 10 along the axial direction of the first shaft 15 as the rotation axis. Since the pedal body 11 has a certain length, it can play a more stable supporting role by being hingedly connected to it by two pedal arms 10. Of course, in other embodiments different from the ones shown in the figure, the number of pedal arms 10 can also be one or more than two. Further, the limiting claws 13 are a pair provided corresponding to the number of the connecting parts 110. Specifically, the two limiting claws 13 are hingedly connected to the two pedal arms 10 via the second shaft 16, so that the two hinged limiting claws 13 can rotate relative to the two pedal arms 10 along the axial direction of the second shaft 16 as the rotation axis. It can be understood that since the limiting claws 13 are matched with the connecting parts 110 in a one-to-one correspondence, the number of the limiting claws 13 is matched with the number of the connecting parts 110, and at the same time, the limiting claws 13 and the connecting parts 110 that are matched in a one-to-one correspondence are provided on the same side of the pedal arm 10.

[0060] Please see for further details Figures 1 to 5In a specific embodiment of the pedal assembly, a pulley 17 is provided at the hinged connection between the pedal body 11 and the pedal arm 10. The pulley 17 is configured to be closer to the ground contact position relative to the connecting portion 110 during the folding process of the pedal assembly 1. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in the figure, the pulley 17 can be mounted on the first shaft 15 and can rotate relative to the first shaft 15. Figure 2 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, in the unfolded position, folded position and flush position of the pedal assembly 1, the pulley 17 is located closer to the ground relative to the connecting portion 110, thereby preventing the connecting portion 110 from directly rubbing against the ground during the folding process, thereby preventing damage to the ground or wheelchair components. At the same time, by providing the pulley 17, the friction between the wheelchair components and the ground can be reduced during the folding process. The role of the pulley 17 component in the folding wheelchair will be further described later.

[0061] Please see Figure 2 In a specific embodiment of the pedal assembly, as shown in the figure, there is an angle x1 between the pedal body 11 and the pedal arm 10 in the unfolded position, and the size of the angle is 1105° to 135°. The unfolded state of the pedal body 11 and the pedal arm 10 within the angle range makes it easier for the user to place his foot on the pedal arm 10.

[0062] Please see Figure 4 In another specific embodiment of the pedal assembly, as shown in the figure, there is an angle x2 between the pedal body 11 and the pedal arm 10 in the folded position, and the size of the angle is 85° to 95°. The folded state of the pedal body 11 and the pedal arm 10 within the angle range makes the pedal assembly 1 easier to fold and store.

[0063] As described above, the pedal assembly in one or more embodiments may be applied to a front wheel assembly. Figure 6 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a first position of an embodiment of the front wheel assembly is shown. Figure 7 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a second position of an embodiment of the front wheel assembly is shown, wherein: Figure 6 In the front wheel assembly 2 shown in , the pedal assembly 1 is in the unfolded position; Figure 7 In the front wheel assembly 2 shown in FIG. , the pedal assembly 1 is in the folded position. Of course, it is understood that Figures 1 to 5 FIG. 2 also shows a part of the pedal assembly 1 applied to the front wheel assembly 2 .

[0064] like Figure 6 as well as Figure 7As shown, the front wheel assembly 2 includes a front wheel frame 20, a connecting rod 21 and a front wheel 22. The front wheel frame 20 is hingedly connected to one end of the connecting rod 21, and the pedal arm 10 is rotatably connected to the front wheel frame 20. Specifically, the pedal arm 10 and the front wheel frame 20 can be hingedly connected by a pin or the like.

[0065] Furthermore, the coordination and movement relationship between the pedal assembly 1 and the remaining components in the front wheel assembly 2 will be described in further detail later.

[0066] Please see Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 , in one embodiment of the front wheel assembly, Figure 6 The pedal assembly 1 is in the unfolded position, and similarly, the pedal arm 10 and the front wheel frame 20 are in the use position. Figure 6 In the state shown in FIG. 1 , the front wheel assembly is suitable for a user to place his feet on the pedal body 11 for use. Figure 7 The pedal assembly 1 is in the folded position, and at the same time, the pedal arm 10 and the front wheel frame 20 are relatively moved to the folded position, that is, the pedal arm 10 and the front wheel frame 20 rotate with the hinge as the rotation axis and move to the folded position. Figure 7 In the folded position shown in the figure, the front wheel frame 20 can be pressed against the trigger rod 12 and apply an external force to the trigger rod 12, so that the elastic member 14 supporting the trigger rod 12 is elastically stretched (when the elastic member 14 is a tension spring) or elastically compressed (when the elastic member 14 is a coil spring), thereby allowing the pedal body 11 to rotate relative to the pedal arm 10.

[0067] For further information, see Figure 6 In one embodiment of the front wheel assembly, the front wheel frame 20 includes a pressure edge 201. When the front wheel frame 20 is pressed against the trigger rod 12 and an external force is applied to the trigger rod 12, the pressure edge 201 can be engaged with the trigger rod 12. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in the figure, when the front wheel frame 20 is pressed against the trigger rod 12, the trigger rod 12 is pressed down by the pressure edge 201, so that when in the state as shown in the figure, the front wheel frame 20 is pressed against the trigger rod 12. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the pedal arm 10 and the front wheel frame 20 are in the retracted position, when the pedal arm 10 is free to Figure 5 The flush position shown in FIG. 1 is moved to the Figure 4During the process of moving from the folded position shown in the figure, the trigger rod 12 can contact the pressure edge 201, so that the pedal arm 10 and the front wheel frame 20 are always kept in the folded position. It can be understood that, during the process of moving from the flush position to the folded position as described above, the pedal body 11 is placed flat on the ground, so that by providing the pressure edge 201, it can be ensured that during the entire movement process, the pedal arm 10 moves with the front wheel frame 20, and does not rotate relative to the front wheel frame 20 to change the relative position relationship.

[0068] For further details, please see Figures 1 to 6 In one embodiment of the front wheel assembly, the front wheel frame 20 has a first limiting portion 202, and the pedal arm 10 has a second limiting portion 103. Figure 7 The pedal arm 10 and the front wheel frame 20, which are in the retracted position, move together to the position shown in FIG. Figure 4 After the first limit portion 202 and the second limit portion 103 are in the closed position shown in Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the first limiting portion 202 and the second limiting portion 103 cooperate to limit the rotation of the pedal arm 10 relative to the front wheel frame 20 in the counterclockwise direction. At the same time, when the pedal arm 10 is free Figure 4 The collapsed position shown in FIG. is moved to expand, that is, to Figure 2 The folded middle position shown in or Figure 5 When the first limit portion 203 and the second limit portion 103 are in the flush position shown in , the first limit portion 203 and the second limit portion 103 are mutually avoided. Figure 6 The front wheel frame 20 is provided with an escape notch 200, and the second limit portion 103 is provided at the exit side of the escape notch 200. Figure 4 During the movement from the folded position shown in FIG, the first limiting portion 202 can be accommodated in the avoidance gap 200 , thereby avoiding interference with the second limiting portion 103 .

[0069] In one embodiment of the front wheel assembly, the first limiting portion 202 and the second limiting portion 103 are respectively hook structures as shown in the figure, and the hooks of the two hook structures can cooperate with each other to limit. Of course, in other embodiments different from the figure, the first limiting portion 202 and the second limiting portion 103 can also have other suitable structures, such as a buckle structure, or a matching structure of a protrusion and a groove, which can also form a mutually matching limiting structure.

[0070] In one embodiment of the front wheel assembly, Figure 6As shown, the first limiting portion 202 is coaxial with the connecting rod 21 and the front wheel frame 20 and rotates synchronously with the front wheel frame 20 with the hinge of the connecting rod 21 and the front wheel frame 20 as the rotation center. Specifically, the connecting rod 21 and the front wheel frame 20 are hingedly connected to each other through the third shaft 24, so that the connecting rod 21 and the front wheel frame 20 can rotate relative to each other with the axial direction of the third shaft 24 as the rotation axis. A sleeve 25 is provided in the front wheel assembly 2, and the first limiting portion 202 is formed on the sleeve 25, and the sleeve 25 is provided on the third shaft 24 and configured to rotate synchronously with the connecting rod 21. Specifically, the sleeve 25 can be limited by a limiting member such as a pin to rotate synchronously with the connecting rod 21. In some embodiments, the sleeve 25 can also be configured to be an integral part with the connecting rod 21. By configuring the first position-limiting portion 202 to rotate coaxially and synchronously with the connecting rod 21 , when the connecting rod 21 is actuated, the first position-limiting portion 202 can be driven to actuate synchronously.

[0071] In one embodiment of the front wheel assembly, the front wheel frame 20 further has a third limiting portion (not shown in the figure). It can be understood that the third limiting portion can be arranged on the connecting shaft at the hinge position between the pedal arm 10 and the front wheel frame 20. Figure 6 In the use position shown in , the third limiting portion can support the pedal arm 10 to limit its rotation relative to the front wheel frame 20, thereby limiting the pedal arm 10 and the front wheel frame 20 in the use position.

[0072] In one embodiment of the front wheel assembly, Figure 6 In the use position shown in FIG. 1 , the angle between the pedal arm 10 and the front wheel frame 20 is between 155° and 175°, which is suitable for the user to place his feet on the pedal.

[0073] As described above, the pedal assembly and / or the front wheel assembly in one or more embodiments may be applied to a wheelchair, such as Figure 8 FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the wheelchair. Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of an exploded view of an embodiment of the wheelchair is shown.

[0074] The wheelchair includes a wheelchair body 3, a front wheel assembly 2 and a rear wheel assembly 4. A driving assembly 5 is provided in the wheelchair body 3. The driving assembly 5 can drive the connecting rod 21 to move, so that when the connecting rod 21 moves, the front wheel frame 20 can be driven to move, so that the front wheel assembly and its pedal assembly can move between multiple positions. The driving assembly 5 drives the wheelchair and its front wheel assembly and pedal assembly to move in a manner that will be further described in detail later.

[0075] For further information, see Fig. 9The driving assembly 5 includes a power unit 51, a screw rod 52 and a slider 53, wherein the driving unit 51 is used to drive the screw rod 52 to rotate, and the slider 53 is threadedly connected to the screw rod 52, so that when the screw rod 52 rotates, the slider 53 can move linearly along the movement direction of the screw rod 52, and the other end of the connecting rod 21 is hingedly connected to the slider 53, so that when the slider moves along the screw rod 52, it can drive the connecting rod 21 and the front wheel frame 20 connected thereto to move.

[0076] The following content records in detail the movement process of the wheelchair and its front wheel assembly and pedal assembly switching from the unfolded state to the folded state:

[0077] Figures 10 to 20 The schematic diagram shows a process diagram of the wheelchair moving from the unfolded state to the folded state in one embodiment of the present invention, wherein it can be understood that, as described below and Figures 10 to 20 The schematically shown contents show the movement process of the wheelchair, which can also be used to explain and understand the movement process of the front wheel assembly and the pedal assembly.

[0078] in Fig.10 In the wheelchair state shown, the front wheel assembly 2 and the pedal assembly 1 of the wheelchair are in an unfolded state. Fig. 20 In the wheelchair state shown, the front wheel assembly 2 and the pedal assembly 1 of the wheelchair are in a folded state. Figures 11 to 19 It refers to the multiple intermediate states of the wheelchair moving from the unfolded state to the folded state. Specifically:

[0079] like Fig.10 In the wheelchair state shown, the pedal assembly 1 at the corresponding position is roughly as follows Figure 2 In the unfolded state shown in FIG, at the same time, the front wheel assembly 2 is roughly as shown in FIG. Figure 6 The usage status shown in .

[0080] When the slider 53 is Fig.10 When the pedal body 11 moves toward the right side in the direction of the pedal body 11, the connecting rod 21 is driven by the slider 53, and the hinges of the connecting rod 21 and the slider 53 and the hinges of the connecting rod 21 and the front wheel frame 20 rotate respectively, and drive the front wheel frame 20 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction shown in the figure, so that the end of the pedal body 11 contacts the ground and moves to Fig.11 An intermediate state of the wheelchair during folding is shown.

[0081] When the slider 53 is Fig.11 When the pedal body 11 continues to move toward the right side in the direction of rotation, the connecting rod 21 continues to be driven by the slider 53 to continue to drive the front wheel frame 20 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction as shown in the figure. At this time, the pedal body 11 is pressed by the pedal arm 10 and is placed flat on the ground as a whole. Fig.12In this state, the elastic member supporting the trigger rod 12 is elastically compressed or stretched to allow the trigger rod 12 to slightly disengage from the groove-shaped second matching portion 112, but not completely disengage from the second matching portion 112, and move to Fig.12 Specifically, the movement direction between the pedal body 11 and the pedal arm 10 from the unfolded position to the folded position is used as a reference, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The groove-shaped second matching portion 112 shown in the figure is defined by two convex protrusion structures. The convex protrusion 6a forming the groove-shaped structure at the upstream position in the movement direction is more protruding from the outer surface of the connecting portion 110 than the convex protrusion 6b of the groove-shaped structure at the downstream position in the movement direction, so that the trigger rod 12 can slightly escape from the groove-shaped second matching portion 112 under the action of external force, and quickly return to the second matching portion 112 after the external force is removed. At the same time, the convex protrusion 6a with a higher protrusion height can further prevent the trigger rod 12 from being disengaged from the side of the convex protrusion 6a. Of course, the second matching portion 112 formed by the two convex protrusion structures can also have the same protrusion height.

[0082] When the slider 53 is Fig.12 When the pedal arm 10 continues to move toward the right side in the direction of the figure, the connecting rod 21 continues to be driven by the slider 53 to continue to drive the front wheel frame 20 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction shown in the figure. At the same time, the front wheel 22 rolls toward the right side in the figure, and the angle between the pedal arm 10 and the front wheel frame 20 gradually increases. Fig.13 After the intermediate state of the wheelchair folding process shown, continue to move to Fig.14 The wheelchair is shown in an intermediate state during the folding process. Fig.12 Exercise to Fig.14 During the state, the pulley 17 is always in contact with the ground, so that rolling friction is generated between the wheelchair components and the ground, thereby preventing interference between the wheelchair components and the ground and causing wear.

[0083] In wheelchair sports Fig.14 After the state shown, the pulley 17 rolls in contact with the ground, so that the angle between the pedal arm 10 and the ground gradually decreases, the pedal body 11 no longer contacts the ground, and the trigger rod 12 returns to the second matching portion 112 and remains there.

[0084] Slider 53 is used to Fig.14 The pedal arm 10 is pressed against the ground, and the angle between the pedal arm 10 and the front wheel frame 20 is gradually reduced, while the angle between the pedal arm 10 and the front wheel frame 20 is gradually increased until the pedal arm 10 moves to the right side. Fig.15 In the state shown, the front wheel frame 20 and the pedal arm 10 move to a position that is almost level with the ground.

[0085] Slider 53 is used to Fig.15 The pedal arm 10 continues to move upward to the right in the direction of the pedal arm 10, thereby further pulling the front wheel frame 20, so that the angle between the pedal arm 10 and the front wheel frame 20 is further increased, until the front wheel frame 20 presses down on the trigger rod 12, so that the trigger rod 12 is disengaged from the second matching portion 112, and the pedal body 11 falls to be flush with the ground under the action of gravity, until it moves to Fig.16 The relative positional relationship among the pedal arm 10, the pedal body 11 and the front wheel frame 20 in this state is as shown in FIG. Figure 5 At the same time, the pedal arm 10 and the pedal body 11 are in a retracted position.

[0086] Slider 53 is used to Fig.16 The direction of movement is changed from the direction of the wheelchair body 3 to the left and lower direction, thereby pulling the wheelchair body 3 as a whole to rotate in the counterclockwise direction as shown in the figure, and continuing to pull until the wheelchair body 3 is automatically Fig.17 Gradually turned to Fig.18 The intermediate state of folding shown in .

[0087] Slider 53 is used to Fig.18 The pedal arm 10 and the front wheel frame 20 are in the retracted position, and the pressure edge 201 can be pressed against the trigger rod 12. When the front wheel frame 20 rotates in the counterclockwise direction in the figure, the pedal arm 10 can be driven to rotate relative to the wheelchair body 3 in the same movement relationship, and gradually move to Fig.19 After the position relationship shown in Fig. 20 The wheelchair status shown in .

[0088] exist Fig. 20 In the state shown in , the first limiting portion 202 and the second limiting portion 103 cooperate with each other to limit, thereby preventing the pedal arm 10 from being separated from the front wheel frame 20. At the same time, the pedal 10 also cooperates with the limiting hook claw 13 to limit, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 At this point, the entire pedal and front wheel assembly 2 is completely engaged with the wheelchair body 3, making it easy to carry.

[0089] exist Fig. 20 In the wheelchair state shown in FIG, the wheelchair is folded as a whole, and the pulley 17 can act as a roller when transporting the wheelchair in the folded state.

[0090] It is understandable that the wheelchair can be automatically moved by taking the steps opposite to the above steps. Fig. 20 The folded state shown gradually expands to Fig.10 Shown in expanded state.

[0091] Furthermore, the wheelchair may include a sensor unit. When the slider 53 moves, the sensor unit can issue instructions to the power unit 51 at a specified position, so that the power unit 51 controls the slider 53 to move in different directions.

[0092] Specifically, in a specific embodiment, the power unit 51 can be a motor or a motor assembly equipped with a reduction box, and the sensor unit monitors the movement position of the slider 53 by monitoring the number of rotations of the motor output shaft. In another specific embodiment, the sensor can be a photoelectric switch or a displacement sensor for monitoring the active position of the slider 53 on the screw rod 52, or both methods can be used at the same time to achieve a better effect.

[0093] 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 pedal assembly, characterized in that: include: A pedal arm having a mounting hole, wherein the mounting hole has a length direction; A pedal body having a connecting portion, wherein the pedal body is rotatably connected to the pedal arm through the connecting portion and is configured to rotate relative to the pedal arm to a folded position and an unfolded position respectively; a trigger rod, passing through the pedal arm through the mounting hole, the trigger rod being movable in the mounting hole along the length direction and supported by an elastic member along the length direction; as well as A limit claw, which is located on the same side of the pedal arm as the connecting portion, is rotatable relative to the pedal arm, and is connected to the trigger rod; Wherein, the connecting portion has a first matching portion and a second matching portion. In the folded position, the first matching portion and the limiting claw limit the relative rotation of the pedal body and the pedal arm; in the unfolded position, the trigger rod is elastically supported and connected to the second matching portion, and limits the relative rotation of the pedal body and the pedal arm.

2. The pedal assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting portion further comprises a third matching portion, and an external force is applied to the trigger rod to release the contact state between the trigger rod and the second matching portion, so as to allow the pedal body to rotate relative to the pedal arm to a flush position with each other; Wherein, the trigger rod and the third matching portion restrict the pedal body from continuing to rotate relative to the pedal arm at the flush position.

3. The pedal assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first matching portion and the third matching portion are convex portions protruding from the connecting portion, and the second matching portion is a groove portion opened in the connecting portion.

4. The pedal assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Pulleys are respectively provided at the connection points between the pedal body and the pedal arm. The pulleys are configured to be located closer to the ground contact position relative to the connection portion during the folding process of the pedal assembly.

5. A front wheel assembly, comprising a front wheel frame, a connecting rod and a front wheel, wherein the front wheel frame is hinged to one end of the connecting rod, and is characterized in that: Also includes a pedal assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4; Wherein, the pedal arm is rotatably connected to the front wheel frame.

6. The front wheel assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The pedal arm and the front wheel frame can move relative to each other to a retracted position, and at the retracted position, the front wheel frame applies an external force on the trigger rod.

7. The front wheel assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The front wheel frame includes a pressing edge. When the front wheel frame applies an external force on the trigger rod, the pressing edge can cooperate with the trigger rod to ensure that when the pedal arm moves from a flush position with the pedal body to the folded position, the pedal arm and the front wheel frame are always maintained in the folded position.

8. The front wheel assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The front wheel frame has a first limiting portion, and the pedal arm has a second limiting portion. When the pedal arm moves to the folded position, the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are locked with each other in the folded position of the pedal arm and the front wheel frame to limit the rotation of the pedal arm relative to the front wheel frame. Wherein, during the process of the pedal arm moving from the folded position to the unfolded position, the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion avoid each other.

9. The front wheel assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first limiting portion takes the hinge between the connecting rod and the front wheel frame as the rotation center, and is coaxial with the connecting rod and can be rotated synchronously relative to the front wheel frame.

10. A wheelchair, comprising a wheelchair body, a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly, characterized in that: The front wheel assembly is a front wheel assembly as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9; The wheelchair body includes a driving assembly, and the driving assembly drives the connecting rod to move, thereby driving the front wheel frame to move.

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