Locking mechanism and wheelchair
By introducing sliding blocks and elastic members into the wheelchair locking mechanism, clear tactile feedback is provided, which solves the problem that users cannot perceive the locking state, improves the user experience and extends the service life of the locking mechanism.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202311347606.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-01
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-10-17
AI Technical Summary
When the locking mechanism of the existing wheelchair is unlocked or locked, the user cannot clearly feel whether it is locked or unlocked, resulting in repeated operations, damage to the mechanism and reduce the user experience.
A locking mechanism is designed, including a locking seat, a sliding block, a drive member, a first and second elastic members and a locking mating block, providing a damping feeling through deformation of the elastic member, ensuring that the user can feel obvious tactile feedback when unlocking or locking.
By providing clear haptic feedback, avoiding repeated operations by users, extending the service life of the locking mechanism and improving the user experience.
Smart Images

Figure CN117257567B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of braking, and more specifically, relates to a locking mechanism and a wheelchair. Background Art
[0002] A wheelchair is an important mobile tool for the wounded, sick, and disabled for home rehabilitation, transportation, medical treatment, and outdoor activities. The wheelchair not only meets the transportation needs of the physically disabled and the mobility-impaired, but more importantly, it facilitates the movement and care of the sick by their family members, enabling the sick to exercise their bodies and participate in social activities with the help of the wheelchair. Since the users of wheelchairs are all disabled or elderly people, their legs and feet are generally not very convenient, and a handbrake needs to be provided to facilitate the braking of the wheelchair.
[0003] At present, when the wheelchair unlocks or locks the locking mechanism through the handbrake, the user cannot clearly feel whether it is locked or fully unlocked, resulting in the user repeatedly pulling the unlocking handbrake, which will cause unnecessary damage to the locking mechanism and a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of the embodiment of the present invention is to provide a locking mechanism and a wheelchair to solve the technical problem of no feel when the locking mechanism unlocks or locks in the prior art.
[0005] To achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: to provide a locking mechanism, including a locking seat, a sliding block slidably arranged on the locking seat, a driving member for driving the sliding block to slide in the locking seat, a first elastic member, a second elastic member, and a locking and cooperating block. The first elastic member is arranged between the sliding block and the locking seat. When locking, the locking and cooperating block moves to press against the sliding block, causing the first elastic member to deform. When unlocking, the sliding block and the locking and cooperating block are separated from each other, causing the locking and cooperating block to rebound under the action of the second elastic member.
[0006] Optionally, the second elastic member is arranged on the locking seat. The first end of the second elastic member is connected to the locking seat, and the second end of the second elastic member is for the locking and cooperating block to press against.
[0007] Optionally, the locking seat has a first installation part. The first end of the second elastic member is connected to the first installation part, and the second end of the second elastic member abuts against the locking and cooperating block when locking and can be separated from each other when unlocking.
[0008] Optionally, the locking seat further has a second mounting portion spaced from the first mounting portion. A limiting pin is slidably inserted through the second mounting portion. The limiting pin is connected to the second end of the second elastic member, and the limiting pin is used to abut against the locking engagement block when locking.
[0009] Optionally, the first end of the second elastic member is connected to the first mounting portion, and the second end of the second elastic member is fixedly connected to the locking engagement block.
[0010] Optionally, when locking, the locking engagement block rotates relative to the locking seat, and the locking engagement block presses against the sliding block.
[0011] Optionally, the locking engagement block has a first abutting surface and a third abutting surface arranged at an angle, and the sliding block has a second abutting surface and a fourth abutting surface arranged at an angle; when locking, the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface abut against each other, and both the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface are arranged at an angle to the sliding direction of the sliding block; when locking tightly, the third abutting surface and the fourth abutting surface abut against each other.
[0012] Optionally, the locking mechanism further includes a rotating shaft. The locking engagement block is fixed to the outer periphery of the rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft can rotate relative to the locking seat.
[0013] Optionally, the locking seat has a shaft hole, and the rotating shaft is inserted into the shaft hole; or, the rotating shaft has a shaft hole arranged along its axial direction, and the locking seat has a rotating portion inserted into the shaft hole.
[0014] Optionally, the locking engagement block includes a locking limiting portion and a rebound limiting portion fixedly connected. The locking limiting portion is used to abut against the sliding block when locking, and the rebound limiting portion is used to abut against the second elastic member when locking.
[0015] Optionally, the driving member is a wrench. The wrench is rotatably connected to the locking seat. A long strip-shaped limiting hole is formed in the wrench, and the sliding block has a protruding portion movably arranged in the limiting hole.
[0016] Optionally, the driving member is a motor, a cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder that outputs linear motion.
[0017] The present invention also provides a wheelchair, including the above-mentioned locking mechanism.
[0018] The beneficial effects of the locking mechanism and wheelchair provided by the present invention are as follows: Compared with the prior art, the locking mechanism of the present invention includes a locking seat, a sliding block, a driving member, a first elastic member, a second elastic member, and a locking engagement block. When the locking engagement block moves to lock, the locking engagement block pushes the sliding block to move, and the first elastic member is compressed or stretched and deformed. Therefore, during the locking process, the user can feel the damping of the first elastic member on the locking engagement block. When the driving member slides the sliding block in the locking seat to unlock, the sliding block gradually disengages from the locking engagement block. After the two disengage from each other, the second elastic member causes the locking engagement block to rebound. At the moment when the sliding block and the locking engagement block disengage from each other, the pressure on the sliding block suddenly disappears. Therefore, the user will feel that it has been unlocked. In the locking mechanism provided by the present invention, whether it is unlocking or locking, corresponding tactile feedback will be given to the user. The user will not repeatedly operate the driving member and the locking engagement block to confirm whether it is unlocked or locked, thereby improving the user experience and prolonging the service life of the locking mechanism. Brief Description of the Drawings
[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.
[0020] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structure diagram of the locking mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present invention in the unlocked state;
[0021] Figure 2 A three-dimensional structure diagram of the locking mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present invention in the locked state;
[0022] Figure 3 A partial three-dimensional structure diagram of the locking mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present invention at the second elastic member;
[0023] Figure 4 A partial three-dimensional structure diagram of the locking mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present invention at the first elastic member;
[0024] Figure 5 A three-dimensional structure diagram of the armrest provided by the embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] Among them, the reference numerals in the drawings are as follows:
[0026] 1 - Locking mechanism; 11 - Locking seat; 111 - First mounting portion; 112 - Second mounting portion; 113 - Slide groove; 12 - Slide block; 121 - Protrusion; 122 - Second abutting surface; 123 - Fourth abutting surface; 13 - Driving member; 131 - Limit hole; 14 - First elastic member; 15 - Second elastic member; 16 - Locking engagement block; 161 - Locking limit portion; 1611 - First abutting surface; 1612 - Third abutting surface; 162 - Rebound limit portion; 17 - Rotating shaft; 18 - Limit pin; 19 - Fixing pin; 2 - Armrest. Detailed implementation manner
[0027] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects to be solved by the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.
[0028] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element.
[0029] It should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation of the present invention.
[0030] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality" means two or more unless otherwise specifically defined.
[0031] Disabled persons and the elderly need to use a wheelchair to assist in moving due to various reasons such as inconvenient legs and feet or physical weakness. In order to ensure that wheelchair passengers can control the start and stop of the wheelchair by themselves, a handbrake and a start / stop button are generally provided on the wheelchair. The handbrake can brake the wheelchair to prevent the wheelchair from slipping away from the road surface during a temporary stop and ensure the safety of wheelchair passengers.
[0032] When a wheelchair occupant operates the handbrake, the locking mechanism can be unlocked or locked accordingly, enabling the wheelchair to move freely or be braked. In current locking mechanisms, users have no tactile feedback when unlocking or locking, so they cannot clearly feel whether the locking mechanism is tightened or unlocked. This leads users to repeatedly operate the handbrake to ensure that the locking mechanism is in the desired state. Such repeated operations can cause unnecessary damage to the locking mechanism and result in a poor user experience. Therefore, the present invention proposes a new locking mechanism.
[0033] The locking mechanism provided in the embodiments of the present invention will now be described.
[0034] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 which is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the locking mechanism 1 in the unlocked state, Figure 2 and which is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the locking mechanism 1 in the locked state. The locking mechanism 1 includes a locking base 11, a sliding block 12, a driving member 13, a first elastic member 14, a second elastic member 15, and a locking engagement block 16.
[0035] The locking base 11 is a support structure of the locking mechanism 1, used to support and install structures such as the sliding block 12 and the first elastic member 14. When the locking mechanism 1 is applied to a wheelchair, the locking base 11 can be a part of the armrest 2 of the wheelchair.
[0036] The sliding block 12 is slidably disposed on the locking base 11. Under the drive of the driving member 13, the sliding block 12 can slide relative to the locking base 11, and the sliding of the sliding block 12 can put the locking mechanism 1 into the unlocked state or the locked state.
[0037] The driving member 13 is used to drive the sliding block 12 to slide on the locking base 11. The driving member 13 can be manually driven, such as a handbrake, a wrench, etc., or it can also be mechanically driven.
[0038] The first elastic member 14 can be deformed under the action of an external force, for example, it can be stretched and shortened. It is disposed between the sliding block 12 and the locking base 11. When the sliding block 12 slides relative to the locking base 11, the first elastic member 14 is correspondingly in a stretched or compressed state. The first elastic member 14 is provided for two purposes. One is to provide a certain movement damping when the sliding block 12 slides, making the movement of the sliding block 12 more stable. The other is that when the sliding block 12 is in the free state (not in contact with the locking engagement block 16), the first elastic member 14 can make the sliding block 12 return to its initial position.
[0039] The second elastic member 15 can also be deformed under the action of an external force, for example, it can be stretched and shortened. When the locking mechanism 1 is unlocked, the second elastic member 15 is used to make the locking engagement block 16 rebound.
[0040] The locking and mating block 16 can push the sliding block 12 to move when locking, and can also return to its original position under the elastic force of the second elastic member 15 when unlocking. Specifically, when the locking and mating block 16 moves to lock, the sliding block 12 and the locking and mating block 16 are in mutual abutting and mating, and the movement of the locking and mating block 16 pushes the sliding block 12 to slide on the locking seat 11, and the first elastic member 14 is compressed or stretched and deformed. Thus, when the locking and mating block 16 moves to lock, due to the damping effect of the first elastic member 14, the locking and mating block 16 has a certain damping feel, and the locking process of the locking mechanism 1 can be clearly felt. When the sliding block 12 slides to unlock, relative movement occurs between the sliding block 12 and the locking and mating block 16, causing the sliding block 12 and the locking and mating block 16 to change from the mutually abutting state to the mutually separated state. At the moment when the sliding block 12 and the locking and mating block 16 are mutually separated, the abutting pressure of the locking and mating block 16 on the sliding block 12 disappears instantly, and the force required to manually drive the driving member 13 also decreases instantly. Therefore, the user can clearly perceive that the locking mechanism 1 has been unlocked.
[0041] The locking mechanism 1 in the above embodiment includes a locking seat 11, a sliding block 12, a driving member 13, a first elastic member 14, a second elastic member 15, and a locking and mating block 16. When the locking and mating block 16 moves to lock, the locking and mating block 16 pushes the sliding block 12 to move, and the first elastic member 14 is compressed or stretched and deformed. Therefore, during the locking process, the user can feel the damping effect of the first elastic member 14 on the locking and mating block 16. When the driving member 13 slides the sliding block 12 in the locking seat 11 to unlock, the sliding block 12 gradually disengages from the locking and mating block 16. After the two are mutually disengaged, the second elastic member 15 causes the locking and mating block 16 to rebound. At the moment when the sliding block 12 and the locking and mating block 16 are mutually disengaged, the pressure on the sliding block 12 suddenly disappears. Therefore, the user will feel that it has been unlocked. In the locking mechanism 1 provided by the present invention, whether unlocking or locking, corresponding tactile feedback will be given to the user, and the user will not repeatedly operate the driving member 13 and the locking and mating block 16 to confirm whether it is unlocked or locked, thereby improving the user experience and prolonging the service life of the locking mechanism 1.
[0042] In some embodiments of the present invention, the locking mechanism 1 is used in a wheelchair, the locking seat 11 is fixedly connected to the armrest 2 of the wheelchair, and the sliding block 12 slides on the locking seat 11.
[0043] Optionally, the locking seat 11 is long and strip-shaped, which is convenient to be installed in the armrest 2 along its length direction. The sliding direction of the sliding block 12 can be the same as the length direction of the locking seat 11, so that the sliding block 12 has a larger sliding stroke. The sliding block 12 can be long and strip-shaped or square-shaped, etc., as long as it can slide stably in the locking seat 11. In other embodiments, the locking seat 11 can also be block-shaped, triangular-shaped, irregular-shaped, etc.
[0044] Optionally, the locking seat 11 and the sliding block 12 are made of metal or plastic. Metal parts have a higher cost but are more durable, while plastic parts have a lower cost but are prone to damage during long-term use.
[0045] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first elastic member 14 and the second elastic member 15 are springs, such as cylindrical springs, butterfly springs, plate springs, etc. The first elastic member 14 and the second elastic member 15 can also be expandable airbags, etc. The first elastic member 14 and the second elastic member 15 can also be structural members made of deformable materials.
[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, the driving member 13 is manually controlled. When a user's hand holds the driving member 13, the force exerted on the driving member 13 can be felt. Since the driving member 13 is manually controlled, at least part of the structure of the driving member 13 is exposed, which is convenient for hand-holding or hand-grasping.
[0047] Optionally, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the driving member 13 is a wrench. The wrench is rotatably connected to the locking seat 11 and is movably connected to the sliding block 12. When the user holds the wrench and rotates the wrench relative to the locking seat 11, the wrench simultaneously causes the sliding block 12 to slide relative to the locking seat 11. By using the wrench to rotate and drive the sliding block 12 to move, the moment at the end of the wrench away from the sliding block 12 is larger. Therefore, it is more labor-saving to use the wrench to control the sliding block 12.
[0048] Optionally, a limiting hole 131 is formed in the wrench, and a protruding portion 121 is provided on the sliding block 12 in a protruding manner. The protruding portion 121 extends into the limiting hole 131. The limiting hole 131 is elongated, and the protruding portion 121 can slide in the limiting hole 131, thereby movably connecting the wrench to the sliding block 12. When the wrench rotates relative to the locking seat 11, under the double limitation of the locking seat 11 and the limiting hole 131 on the sliding block 12, the sliding block 12 rotates relative to the locking seat 11. By providing the elongated limiting hole 131, when the wrench rotates relative to the locking seat 11 to drive the sliding block 12 to move, the protruding portion 121 of the sliding block 12 will not interfere with the wrench, enabling the sliding block 12 to slide freely within the locking seat 11. The length direction of the limiting hole 131 can be the same as the length direction of the wrench, providing a better layout space for the limiting hole 131. Specifically, please refer to Figure 4 , when the wrench rotates upward, the protruding portion 121 of the sliding block 12 slides within the limiting block, and the sliding block 12 slides downward relative to the locking seat 11; when the wrench rotates downward, the protruding portion 121 of the sliding block 12 slides within the limiting block, and the sliding block 12 slides upward relative to the locking seat 11.
[0049] Optionally, the driving member 13 is an exposed toggling member. The toggling member is fixedly connected to the sliding block 12. When the toggling member is manually driven to move, the sliding member moves synchronously with the toggling member. The toggling direction of the toggling member is the same as the sliding direction of the sliding block 12, so that the sliding block 12 can slide smoothly relative to the locking seat 11.
[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, the driving member 13 is controlled electromechanically, so that the locking mechanism 1 can be automatically locked and unlocked without manual operation, which can save the physical strength of the wheelchair occupant.
[0051] Optionally, the driving member 13 is an electromechanical structure such as a motor, a cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder that can output linear motion. The power end of the driving member 13 is connected to the sliding block 12, so that the driving member 13 can directly drive the sliding block 12 to move linearly.
[0052] Optionally, the driving member 13 includes a power member and a transmission assembly. The power member is an electromechanical structure such as a motor, a cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder. The power input end of the transmission assembly is connected to the driving member 13, and the power output end of the transmission assembly is fixedly connected to the sliding block 12. The power of the driving member 13 is transmitted to the sliding block 12 through the transmission assembly. The transmission assembly can be a gear assembly, etc., which can decelerate the power output end of the driving member 13.
[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, please refer to Figure 4 , a first elastic member 14 is disposed between the sliding block 12 and the locking seat 11. The first end of the first elastic member 14 is connected to the sliding block 12. For example, the first end of the first elastic member 14 is fixedly connected to or abuts against the sliding block 12. The second end of the first elastic member 14 is connected to the locking seat 11. For example, the second end of the first elastic member 14 is fixedly connected to or abuts against the locking seat 11. S
[0054] Optionally, a sliding groove 113 is formed on the locking seat 11. The sliding block 12 is located in the sliding groove 113. The two opposite side surfaces of the sliding block 12 are respectively positioned and matched with the sliding groove 113, so that the sliding block 12 can stably move along the length direction of the sliding groove 113. In other embodiments, a sliding protrusion is provided on the locking seat 11, and a sliding groove is provided on the sliding block 12. Through the cooperation of the sliding protrusion and the sliding groove, the sliding block 12 can also move stably.
[0055] Optionally, a fixing nail 19 is fixedly provided on the locking seat 11. The second end of the first elastic member 14 is connected to the fixing nail 19. For example, the first elastic member 14 is a cylindrical spring. The tail of the fixing nail 19 passes through the first elastic member 14, which can radially position the first elastic member 14, and the second end of the first elastic member 14 abuts against the head of the fixing nail 19. In the embodiment where the locking seat 11 is provided with the sliding groove 113, the fixing nail 19 can be fixed at one end of the sliding groove 113.
[0056] In some embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figure 3 , the second elastic member 15 is disposed on the locking seat 11. The first end of the second elastic member 15 is connected to the locking seat 11, and the second end of the second elastic member 15 is for the locking engagement block 16 to press against.
[0057] The second elastic member 15 is disposed on the locking seat 11. It can be understood that at least one end of the second elastic member 15 is mounted on the locking seat 11. For example, the first end of the second elastic member 15 is connected to the locking seat 11, which can be specifically a fixed connection or mutual abutment. The second end of the second elastic member 15 is for the locking engagement block 16 to press against when locking.
[0058] By disposing the second elastic member 15 on the locking seat 11, the position of the second elastic member 15 can be kept stationary, and only telescopic deformation movement occurs, so that the locking mechanism 1 does not additionally occupy the movement space.
[0059] In other embodiments, the second elastic member 15 can also be disposed on the locking engagement block 16, and at least one end of the second elastic member 15 is mounted on the locking engagement block 16. For example, the first end of the second elastic member 15 is connected to the locking engagement block 16, which can be specifically a fixed connection or mutual abutment. The second end of the second elastic member 15 is for the locking seat 11 to press against when locking.
[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, refer to Figure 3 , the locking seat 11 has a first mounting portion 111. The first end of the second elastic member 15 is connected to the first mounting portion 111, and the second end of the second elastic member 15 abuts against the locking engagement block 16 when locking and can be separated from each other when unlocking.
[0061] Specifically, when the locking mechanism 1 enters the locking state, the locking engagement block 16 abuts against the second elastic member 15. The locking engagement block 16 pushes the sliding block 12 to slide, the first elastic member 14 is gradually compressed, and the second elastic member 15 is gradually elongated, so that the user has a certain damping feel when operating the driving member 13. When the locking mechanism 1 enters the unlocking state, the driving member 13 moves the sliding block 12, so that the sliding block 12 and the locking engagement block 16 are separated from each other. At this time, the locking engagement block 16 is not pressed by the sliding block 12. The second elastic member 15 pushes the locking engagement block 16 to return under the action of its own elastic force. There is no connection relationship between the locking engagement block 16 and the second elastic member 15 at this time, and the locking engagement block 16 can be separated from the second elastic member 15.
[0062] By enabling the second elastic member 15 and the locking engagement block 16 to be separable after the locking mechanism 1 is unlocked, the installation of the locking engagement block 16 and the second elastic member 15 becomes more convenient. There is no need to provide a connection structure between the locking engagement block 16 and the second elastic member 15, thus making the structure of the locking mechanism 1 simpler.
[0063] In some other embodiments of the present invention, the first end of the second elastic member 15 is connected to the first mounting portion 111 of the locking seat 11, and the second end of the second elastic member 15 is fixedly connected to the locking engagement block 16.
[0064] Specifically, when the locking mechanism 1 enters the locked state, the locking engagement block 16 abuts against the second elastic member 15, the locking engagement block 16 pushes the sliding block 12 to slide, the first elastic member 14 is gradually compressed, and the second elastic member 15 is gradually elongated, so that the user has a certain damping feeling when operating the driving member 13. When the locking mechanism 1 enters the unlocked state, the driving member 13 moves the sliding block 12, so that the sliding block 12 and the locking engagement block 16 are separated from each other. At this time, the locking engagement block 16 is not pressed by the sliding block 12, and the second elastic member 15 pushes the locking engagement block 16 to return under the action of its own elastic force. The locking engagement block 16 is fixedly connected to the second end of the second elastic member 15 to prevent the locking engagement block 16 from being pushed by the second elastic member 15 to a position far from its initial position, and to limit the movement of the locking engagement block 16.
[0065] By setting the second end of the second elastic member 15 to be fixedly connected to the locking engagement block 16, when the locking engagement block 16 rebounds under the elastic force of the second elastic member 15, it will not exceed its movement stroke, resulting in its inability to return to its original position.
[0066] In some embodiments of the present invention, please refer to Figure 3 , the locking seat 11 has a first mounting portion 111 and a second mounting portion 112 that are spaced apart from each other. A limiting pin 18 is slidably inserted through the second mounting portion 112. The first end of the second elastic member 15 is connected to the first mounting portion 111, the limiting pin 18 is connected to the second end of the second elastic member 15, and the limiting pin 18 is used to abut against the locking engagement block 16 when locking.
[0067] The second elastic member 15 is located between the first mounting portion 111 and the second mounting portion 112. The first end of the second elastic member 15 can be in abutment or fixedly connected with the first mounting portion 111, and the second end of the second elastic member 15 is in abutment or fixedly connected with the limit pin 18. A through hole for the tail of the limit pin 18 to insert is formed on the second mounting portion 112. The head of the limit pin 18 is located on the side of the second mounting portion 112 facing away from the first mounting portion 111. The second end of the second elastic member 15 is in abutment or fixedly connected with the tail of the limit pin 18. The tail of the limit pin 18 can be inserted into the second elastic member 15, so that the limit pin 18 has a certain positioning effect on the second elastic member 15. And when unlocking, the locking engagement block 16 abuts against the head of the limit pin 18, compressing the second elastic member 15. Or, the head of the limit pin 18 is located on the side of the second mounting portion 112 facing the first mounting portion 111. The second end of the second elastic member 15 is in abutment or fixedly connected with the head of the limit pin 18. And when unlocking, the locking engagement block 16 abuts against the tail of the limit pin 18, compressing the second elastic member 15.
[0068] Specifically, when the locking mechanism 1 enters the locked state, the locking engagement block 16 abuts against the limit pin 18. Under the elastic force of the second elastic member 15, the limit pin 18 is pushed, causing the locking engagement block 16 to move, and then pushing the sliding block 12, compressing the first elastic member 14, so that the user has a certain damping feel when operating the driving member 13. When the locking mechanism 1 enters the unlocked state, the driving member 13 causes the sliding block 12 to move, so that the sliding block 12 is separated from the locking engagement block 16. At this time, the locking engagement block 16 is not pressed by the sliding block 12, and the second elastic member 15 pushes the locking engagement block 16 to return under its own elastic force.
[0069] In some embodiments of the present invention, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , when locking, the locking engagement block 16 rotates relative to the locking seat 11, and the locking engagement block 16 presses against the sliding block 12.
[0070] The locking engagement block 16 rotates relative to the locking seat 11, causing the sliding block 12 to linearly move relative to the locking seat 11. When the locking engagement block rotates counterclockwise, the sliding block 12 moves upward, compressing the first elastic member 14.
[0071] By setting the locking engagement block 16 to a rotational motion, the locking engagement block 16 can be fixed on the following rotating shaft 17, which is more convenient for the structural layout at the wheelchair armrest 2.
[0072] In other embodiments of the present invention, when locking, the locking engagement block 16 linearly moves relative to the locking seat 11, causing the locking engagement block 16 to press against the sliding block 12.
[0073] In some embodiments of the present invention, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the locking mechanism 1 further includes a rotating shaft 17. The locking engagement block 16 is fixed to the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 17. The braking and unlocking of the wheelchair can be achieved by the rotation of the rotating shaft 17. The rotating shaft 17 can rotate relative to the locking seat 11 by itself, avoiding excessive trajectory space occupied by the locking engagement block 16 during movement. Thus, when the sliding block 12 pushes the locking engagement block 16, the locking engagement block 16 and the rotating shaft 17 move synchronously and rotate relative to the locking seat 11 by itself, so as to achieve the rotational movement of the locking engagement block 16. In other embodiments, the locking engagement block 16 can also be hinged to the locking seat 11 to achieve the rotational movement of the locking engagement block 16.
[0074] In some embodiments of the present invention, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the locking seat 11 has a shaft hole, and the rotating shaft 17 is inserted into the shaft hole. The locking engagement block 16 is fixed to the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 17. The locking engagement block 16 and the rotating shaft 17 move synchronously, so that the locking engagement block 16 can rotate relative to the locking seat 11 by itself without occupying extra space due to its rotation.
[0075] In some embodiments of the present invention, the rotating shaft 17 has a shaft hole arranged along its axial direction, and the locking seat 11 has a rotating part inserted into the shaft hole. The locking engagement block 16 is fixed to the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 17. The locking engagement block 16 and the rotating shaft 17 move synchronously, so that the locking engagement block 16 can rotate relative to the locking seat 11 by itself without occupying extra space due to its rotation.
[0076] In some embodiments of the present invention, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the locking engagement block 16 includes a locking limit portion 161 and a resilience limit portion 162 which are fixedly connected. The locking limit portion 161 is used to abut against the sliding block 12 during locking, and the resilience limit portion 162 is used to abut against the second elastic member 15 during locking.
[0077] The locking limit portion 161 and the resilience limit portion 162 are fixedly connected. In some embodiments, the locking limit portion 161 and the resilience limit portion 162 are integrally formed, and the locking limit portion 161 and the resilience limit portion 162 can be respectively fixed on the rotating shaft 17. In some embodiments, the locking limit portion 161 and the resilience limit portion 162 are integrally formed, and after the locking limit portion 161 and the resilience limit portion 162 are fixedly connected to form the locking engagement block 16, they are integrally fixed to the rotating shaft 17. In some embodiments, the locking limit portion 161 and the resilience limit portion 162 are integrally formed and integrally fixed to the rotating shaft 17.
[0078] The relative positions of the locking limit portion 161 and the resilient limit portion 162 are not limited herein, and the positions of the locking limit portion 161 and the resilient limit portion 162 can be arranged according to the distribution positions of the components of the locking mechanism 1.
[0079] In some embodiments of the present invention, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the locking limit portion 161 has a first abutting surface 1611, and the sliding block 12 has a second abutting surface 122. When the locking mechanism 1 is locked, the first abutting surface 1611 and the second abutting surface 122 abut against each other, so that the movement of the locking limit portion 161 can push the sliding block 12.
[0080] Optionally, both the first abutting surface 1611 and the second abutting surface 122 are arranged at an angle with the sliding direction of the sliding block 12, so that when the second abutting surface 122 of the sliding block 12 contacts the first abutting surface 1611 of the locking limit portion 161, the movement of the sliding block 12 in its sliding direction can be partially converted into the movement of the locking limit portion 161 perpendicular to the sliding direction of the sliding block 12, thereby causing the locking limit portion 161 to rotate.
[0081] In some embodiments, the locking limit portion 161 has a third abutting surface 1612, and the sliding block 12 has a fourth abutting surface 123. When the locking mechanism 1 is in the locked position, the third abutting surface 1612 and the fourth abutting surface 123 abut against each other. That is to say, when the locking mechanism 1 is locked, the first abutting surface 1611 and the second abutting surface 122 abut against each other, causing the sliding block 12 to slide upward until the first abutting surface 1611 and the second abutting surface 122 are disengaged from each other. Under the resilient action of the first elastic member 14, the third abutting surface 1612 and the fourth abutting surface 123 abut against each other, so that the locking mechanism 1 is in the locked position.
[0082] Optionally, both the third abutting surface 1612 and the fourth abutting surface 123 are arranged parallel to the sliding direction of the sliding block 12, so that when the locking mechanism 1 is in the locked position, the first elastic member 14 can return to its initial state.
[0083] In some embodiments of the invention, after the locking mechanism 1 is unlocked, the sliding block 12 is disengaged from the locking engagement block 16, and the locking engagement block 16 can rebound to its initial position under the action of the second elastic member 15, and the initial position is the position of the locking engagement block 16 before locking. Alternatively, after the locking mechanism 1 is unlocked, the sliding block 12 is disengaged from the locking engagement block 16, and the locking engagement block 16 is manually returned to its initial position, which is convenient for locking again.
[0084] Please refer to Figure 5 , the present invention also provides a wheelchair, which includes the locking mechanism 1 in any of the above embodiments. The wheelchair further includes an armrest 2, a seat, pedals, etc., and the locking mechanism 1 is located inside the armrest 2.
[0085] The wheelchair provided by the present invention adopts the locking mechanism 1 in any of the above embodiments. The locking mechanism 1 includes a locking seat 11, a sliding block 12, a driving member 13, a first elastic member 14, a second elastic member 15 and a locking engagement block 16. When the driving member 13 slides the sliding block 12 in the locking seat 11 to lock, the sliding block 12 pushes the locking engagement block 16 to move, so that the second elastic member 15 is compressed through the locking engagement block 16. Therefore, during the locking process, the user can feel the damping sensation brought by the compression of the second elastic member 15. The closer it is to the locked state, the stronger the damping sensation. When the driving member 13 slides the sliding block 12 in the locking seat 11 to unlock, the sliding block 12 gradually disengages from the locking engagement block 16. After the two disengage from each other, the second elastic member 15 causes the locking engagement block 16 to rebound. At the moment when the sliding block 12 disengages from the locking engagement block 16, the pressure on the sliding block 12 suddenly disappears. Therefore, the user will feel that it has been unlocked. In the locking mechanism 1 provided by the present invention, whether it is unlocking or locking, corresponding tactile feedback will be given to the user, and the user will not repeatedly operate the driving member 13 to confirm whether it is unlocked or locked, thereby improving the user experience and extending the service life of the locking mechanism 1.
[0086] In one embodiment of the present invention, please refer to Figure 5 , the number of armrests 2 is two, and the number of locking mechanisms 1 is also two, which are respectively arranged on the left armrest 2 and the right armrest 2. The structures of the two locking mechanisms 1 can be selected to be the same.
[0087] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A locking mechanism, characterized in that: It includes a locking seat, a sliding block slidably arranged on the locking seat, a driving member for driving the sliding block to slide within the locking seat, a first elastic member, a second elastic member, and a locking and engaging block. The driving member is for the user to operate to unlock or lock the locking mechanism. The first elastic member is arranged between the sliding block and the locking seat. When locking, the locking and engaging block moves to press against the sliding block, causing the first elastic member to deform. When unlocking, the sliding block is disengaged from the locking and engaging block, causing the locking and engaging block to rebound under the action of the second elastic member. When locking, the locking and engaging block rotates relative to the locking seat, and the locking and engaging block presses against the sliding block. The locking and engaging block includes a locking limiting portion and a rebound limiting portion fixedly connected. The locking limiting portion is used to abut against the sliding block when locking, and the rebound limiting portion is used to abut against the second elastic member when locking.
2. The locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second elastic member is arranged on the locking seat. The first end of the second elastic member is connected to the locking seat, and the second end of the second elastic member is for the locking and engaging block to press against.
3. The locking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The locking seat has a first mounting portion. The first end of the second elastic member is connected to the first mounting portion, and the second end of the second elastic member abuts against the locking and engaging block when locking and can be separated from each other when unlocking.
4. The locking mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The locking seat further has a second mounting portion spaced from the first mounting portion. A limiting pin is slidably inserted through the second mounting portion. The limiting pin is connected to the second end of the second elastic member, and the limiting pin is used to abut against the locking and engaging block when locking.
5. The locking mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first end of the second elastic member is connected to the first mounting portion, and the second end of the second elastic member is fixedly connected to the locking and engaging block.
6. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The locking and engaging block has a first abutting surface and a third abutting surface arranged at an angle. The sliding block has a second abutting surface and a fourth abutting surface arranged at an angle. When locking, the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface abut against each other, and both the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface are arranged at an angle to the sliding direction of the sliding block. When locking tightly, the third abutting surface and the fourth abutting surface abut against each other.
7. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The locking mechanism further includes a rotating shaft. The locking and engaging block is fixed to the outer periphery of the rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft can rotate relative to the locking seat.
8. The locking mechanism according to claim 7, wherein: The locking seat has a shaft hole, and the rotating shaft is inserted into the shaft hole; or, the rotating shaft has a shaft hole arranged along its axial direction, and the locking seat has a rotating portion inserted into the shaft hole.
9. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The driving member is a wrench. The wrench is rotatably connected to the locking seat. A long strip-shaped limiting hole is formed in the wrench, and the sliding block has a protruding portion movably arranged in the limiting hole.
10. The locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The driving member is a motor, a cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder that outputs linear motion.
11. Wheelchair, characterized in that: It includes the locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1-10.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Locking mechanism and wheelchair
CN221751193U