Wheelchair

Abstract

Provided is a wheelchair that can easily deploy a wheelchair outside a vehicle by a simple operation with one hand even when the wheelchair is seated in a driver's seat of the vehicle, for example. A wheelchair (1) is provided with: an upper support arm (40) and a lower support arm (50) which connect a left side frame (20) and a right side frame (30) and which are folded in the vertical direction at the center in the left-right direction; a flexible tension applying member (86) which is connected to the upper support arm (40) and the lower support arm (50); and a grip section (88) which is attached to the tension applying member (86). The upper support arm (40) and the lower support arm (50), which are in the folded state, are biased in the unfolding direction by a predetermined tension input to the tension applying member (86).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a foldable wheelchair configured to be foldable. Background Art

[0002] Generally, there is known a foldable wheelchair configured to be foldable when not in use (for example, see Patent Document 1). In the wheelchair of Patent Document 1, the left support arm is rotatably connected to the left side frame on which the left driving wheel is mounted, and the right support arm is rotatably connected to the right side frame on which the right driving wheel is mounted. The folding mechanism of the wheelchair includes a grip extending in the rotation direction of the left support arm and the right support arm when switching from the folded state to the unfolded state, and the wheelchair can be unfolded by the weight of the wheelchair by the wheelchair user grasping the grip and lifting it up.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-114835 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In addition, in the case of a wheelchair user who can drive a car, the wheelchair user sometimes drives the car alone in order to increase his or her freedom of movement. When the wheelchair user sitting in the driver's seat of the car transfers to the wheelchair, the wheelchair in a folded state loaded in the car needs to be carried outside the car and then unfolded.

[0008] At this time, since the grip portion of Patent Document 1 is attached to the left support arm and the right support arm, the moving direction of the grip portion is constrained by the two support arms, and the degree of freedom is low. Therefore, for example, when the wheelchair user holds the grip portion to perform the unfolding operation while sitting on the driver's seat, the wheelchair user may be forced to adopt an unreasonable posture.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in view of this point, and an object of the present disclosure is to enable a wheelchair outside a vehicle to be easily unfolded by a simple operation with one hand even when the user is sitting in a driver's seat of the vehicle, for example.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, in the first scheme of the present disclosure, a foldable wheelchair in which a wheelchair user can sit can be provided as a premise. The wheelchair comprises: a left side frame that axially supports a driving wheel on the left side of the vehicle body; a right side frame that axially supports a driving wheel on the right side of the vehicle body; an upper support arm that connects the left side frame and the right side frame and is folded in the vertical direction at the center of the left-right direction; a lower support arm that connects the left side frame and the right side frame and is folded in the vertical direction at the center of the left-right direction and is arranged at a position lower than the upper support arm; a tension applying member that is connected to the upper support arm and the lower support arm and has flexibility; and a gripping portion that is mounted on the side of the tension applying member opposite to the side connected to the upper support arm and the lower support arm. The structure is such that the upper support arm and the lower support arm in the folded state are forced in the unfolding direction by a predetermined tension input to the tension applying member.

[0012] According to this structure, the upper support arm and the lower support arm are folded in the vertical direction, so that the left side frame and the right side frame are brought close to each other, and the wheelchair is put into a folded state. When the folded wheelchair is unfolded, for example, if the wheelchair user holds the grip portion and inputs a predetermined tension to the tension applying member, the upper support arm and the lower support arm are urged in the unfolding direction and unfolded, thereby putting the wheelchair into the unfolded state.

[0013] Since the tension applying member is flexible, the moving direction of the grip held by the wheelchair user is not restricted by the upper support arm and the lower support arm, and the user can move relatively freely. Therefore, the user can input a predetermined tension while pulling the grip toward the user, or move the grip to a position where tension can be easily input, making the wheelchair deployment operation easier.

[0014] The tension applying member in the second embodiment of the present disclosure may be composed of a wire. In this case, the wheelchair may be provided with a winding device capable of winding the wire. The gripping portion may be provided on the upper portion of the winding device and may be mounted on the side of the wire opposite to the side connected to the upper support arm and the lower support arm via the winding device.

[0015] According to this structure, by winding the remaining part of the wire around the winding device, the wire is less likely to become loose, and the wire is less likely to be entangled with other components, etc. When the folded wheelchair is unfolded, the grip is located at the upper part of the winding device, so it is easy to grasp the grip, and the operability during unfolding is good.

[0016] The upper support arm in the third aspect of the present disclosure may also include: a first upper arm component constituting the left side of the upper support arm; a second upper arm component constituting the right side of the upper support arm; and an upper connecting component rotatably connecting the right end of the first upper arm component and the left end of the second upper arm component. In this case, a base portion capable of placing the winding device may be provided on the upper connecting component.

[0017] According to this structure, by providing the base portion on the upper connecting member, the winding device can be positioned above the lower supporting arm, making it easy to grasp the gripping portion. In addition, by simply grasping the gripping portion and lifting it up, the winding device can be separated from the base portion and a predetermined tension can be easily input to the tension applying member.

[0018] The winding device in the fourth aspect of the present disclosure may be configured to be able to unwind the wire material until the winding device is separated from the base portion by a predetermined distance upward from the placement position on the base portion.

[0019] According to this configuration, when the grip portion is grasped and lifted, the winding device moves upward to a position away from the base portion, so that the degree of freedom of the position of the winding device is improved, and input of tension can be easily performed.

[0020] The winding device in the fifth aspect of the present disclosure may limit the unwinding amount of the wire material so as not to move upward from the placement position placed on the base portion by an amount greater than the predetermined distance.

[0021] That is, if the wire is released to the extent that the winding device is separated from the base portion unnecessarily to a large extent, it may become difficult to unfold the wheelchair. In the present structure, by limiting the amount of wire released, the distance between the winding device and the base portion can be properly maintained, and the unfolding operation of the wheelchair will not become difficult.

[0022] The winding device in the sixth aspect of the present disclosure may be configured to always apply a force in the winding direction to the wire material.

[0023] According to this configuration, the wire is less likely to sag, and the winding device can be prevented from floating from the base portion by utilizing the winding force of the winding device.

[0024] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the left end of the first upper arm component may be connected to the left side frame in a manner that allows rotation around an axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The right end of the second upper arm component may be connected to the right side frame in a manner that allows rotation around an axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The first upper arm component and the second upper arm component may be folded by rotating upward.

[0025] The lower support arm in the eighth aspect of the present disclosure may also include: a first lower arm component constituting the left side of the lower support arm; a second lower arm component constituting the right side of the lower support arm; and a lower connecting component that connects the right end of the first lower arm component and the left end of the second lower arm component in a rotatable manner. In this case, the left end of the first lower arm component may be connected to the left side frame in a rotatable manner around an axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The right end of the second lower arm component may be connected to the right side frame in a rotatable manner around an axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The first lower arm component and the second lower arm component may be folded by rotating downward.

[0026] That is, since the folding directions of the upper support arm and the lower support arm are opposite to each other, the upper support arm and the lower support arm can be simultaneously unfolded by a predetermined tension input to the tension applying member, thereby simplifying the structure.

[0027] The wire material in the ninth aspect of the present disclosure can be connected to the upper connecting member and the lower connecting member, so that a predetermined tension can be reliably input to the left-right central portion of the upper supporting arm and the lower supporting arm.

[0028] Effects of the Invention

[0029] As described above, the upper support arm and the lower support arm in the folded state can be forced in the unfolding direction by a flexible tension applying member, so that even when the person is sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle, the wheelchair outside the vehicle can be easily unfolded by a simple one-handed operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the wheelchair according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the wheelchair with the seat removed, as viewed from the front.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a front view of the wheelchair with the seat removed.

[0033] Figure 4 It is a left side view of the chair seat.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the folded wheelchair body viewed from above.

[0035] Figure 6 It is a front view of the folded wheelchair body.

[0036] Figure 7 It is the right side view of the left side frame.

[0037] Figure 8 It is a left side view of the right side frame.

[0038] Fig. 9 This is a top view showing an enlarged view of the footrest, rod, and support arm in the unfolded state.

[0039] Fig.10 is with Figure 2 The XX line is equivalent to the cross-sectional view.

[0040] Fig.11 is with Figure 2 A cross-sectional view corresponding to the line XI-XI.

[0041] Fig.12 The wheelchair is folded up. Fig.10 Quite a picture.

[0042] Fig.13 This is a perspective view of the wheelchair body in a folded state viewed from the left side, with the left side frame and wheels omitted.

[0043] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing a folded wheelchair body as viewed from the left side, with the left side frame and wheels omitted.

[0044] Fig.15 It is a diagram showing the positional relationship of each arm component in the expanded state.

[0045] Fig.16 It is a diagram showing the positional relationship of each arm component in the folded state.

[0046] Fig.17 It is a front view showing the lower arm component and the engaged plate in the unfolded state.

[0047] Fig.18 This is a diagram showing the engaging portion attached to the upper connecting member as viewed from the rear.

[0048] Fig.19 It is a top view of the chair seat.

[0049] Fig. 20 It is the rear view of the chair seat.

[0050] Fig.21 is with Figure 1 A cross-sectional view corresponding to the line XXI-XXI in FIG.

[0051] Fig. 22 This is a view of the left side frame portion of the seat frame as viewed from above, showing a partial cross section.

[0052] Fig.23 This is a diagram showing a portion of the seat back as viewed from the rear.

[0053] Description of Reference Numerals

[0054] 1Wheelchair

[0055] 10, 11 left driving wheel, right driving wheel

[0056] 20 Left side frame

[0057] 30 Right side frame

[0058] 40 Upper support arm

[0059] 44a, 44b left side pin (first pin), right side pin (second pin)

[0060] 50 Lower support arm

[0061] 54 engaged plate (second engaged portion)

[0062] 60 pedals

[0063] 70 snap-fit ​​part

[0064] 80 Operation Department

[0065] 85 strokes

[0066] 86 wire (tension applying component)

[0067] 87 Winding device

[0068] 88 Control Unit

[0069] 89 base

[0070] 90 Chair Seat Frame

[0071] 100 clamping part

[0072] 101 frame abutment portion

[0073] 102 abutment member

[0074] 106 first coil spring (first force applying member)

[0075] 111 Locking pin DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. Note that the following description of the preferred embodiments is essentially just an example and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0077] Figure 1This is a perspective view of the wheelchair 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention viewed from the front and obliquely upward. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the wheelchair 1 is configured such that the seat 3 can be detached from the wheelchair body 2 without preparing a tool. Figure 4 3 is a left side view of the seat 3 removed from the wheelchair body 2. In addition, the wheelchair body 2 with the seat 3 removed is configured to be able to Figure 5 , Figure 6 The wheelchair 1 of the present embodiment is folded as shown, and thus is a foldable wheelchair on which a wheelchair user can sit.

[0078] In the description of this embodiment, the direction of travel when the wheelchair 1 moves forward is referred to as the front, and the front of the wheelchair 1 is equivalent to the front of the wheelchair user (not shown) sitting on the wheelchair 1. In addition, the direction of travel when the wheelchair 1 moves backward is referred to as the rear, and the rear of the wheelchair 1 is equivalent to the rear of the wheelchair user sitting on the wheelchair 1. The front-to-back direction of the wheelchair 1 is also the length direction of the vehicle body. In addition, the left side of the wheelchair user sitting on the wheelchair 1 is the left side of the vehicle body of the wheelchair 1, referred to as the left. And, the right side of the wheelchair user sitting on the wheelchair 1 is the right side of the vehicle body of the wheelchair 1, referred to as the right. The left-right direction of the wheelchair 1 is the width direction of the vehicle body, also referred to as the vehicle width direction. In addition, the "upper side" of the wheelchair 1 refers to the side that is upper when placed on a horizontal plane in a state where a seat is available, and the "lower side" of the wheelchair 1 refers to the side that is lower when placed on a horizontal plane in a state where a seat is available.

[0079] (Structure of the wheelchair body)

[0080] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown in the figures, the wheelchair body 2 includes left and right driving wheels 10, 11, left and right casters 12, 13, left and right side frames 20, 30, upper and lower support arms 40, 50, and a footrest 60. The left driving wheel 10 is axially supported by the left side frame 20, and the right driving wheel 11 is axially supported by the right side frame 30. In addition, the left side frame 20 and the right side frame 30 are connected by the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50. By folding the upper support arm 40, the lower support arm 50 and the footrest 60, as shown in the figure, the wheelchair body 2 includes left and right driving wheels 10, 11, and the upper and lower support arms 40, 50, and the footrest 60. Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the wheelchair 1 can be in a folded state.

[0081] The driving wheels 10 and 11 are large-diameter wheels for the wheelchair user who is seated on the seat 3 to hold by hand and rotate forward or backward. Since they are arranged on the rear side of the wheelchair body 2, they can also be called driving rear wheels. The structure of the driving wheels 10 and 11 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the driving wheels 10 and 11 are respectively formed of wheels 10a and 11a formed of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) and rubber tires 10b and 11b are installed. Hand grips 10c and 11c for the wheelchair user to hold by hand when driving are provided on the outer sides of the wheels 10a and 11a in the vehicle width direction. In addition, although not shown in the figure, a brake is provided on the wheelchair 1. The brake is configured to be operated by the wheelchair user who is seated on the seat 3, and specifically, it contacts the tires 10b and 11b to generate braking force. Such a brake is conventionally known.

[0082] The casters 12 and 13 are wheels for changing the traveling direction of the wheelchair 1, and have a diameter smaller than that of the driving wheels 10 and 11. Since the casters 12 and 13 are provided on the front side of the wheelchair body 2, they can also be called front wheels for changing the traveling direction.

[0083] (Structure of the side frame)

[0084] like Figure 2 As shown, the left side frame 20 includes an upper frame portion 21 extending in the front-rear direction and a caster support portion 22 . Figure 7 The left side frame 20 is shown when the wheelchair 1 is placed on a horizontal surface. As shown in the figure, the upper frame portion 21 is gently inclined so that it is located upward as it approaches the front. The inclination angle of the upper frame portion 21 may not be the angle shown in the figure, and may be horizontal. The upper frame portion 21 and the caster support portion 22 are integrally formed by the above-mentioned CFRP, so that the left side frame 20 is composed of a single member. In addition, the left side frame 20 may also be composed of a metal material, or may be composed by combining a plurality of members.

[0085] An axle insertion hole 21a is formed at the rear end of the upper frame portion 21, and the axle 10d (such as Figure 1 The right side of the axle 10d is inserted into the axle insertion hole 21a and fixed to the axle insertion hole 21a. In a state where the right side of the axle 10d is fixed to the rear end of the upper frame 21, the left driving wheel 10 is axially supported by the left side frame 20 in a manner that allows rotation around an axis extending in the left-right direction.

[0086] A concave left seat frame receiving portion 21b is formed on the right side of the upper frame portion 21, and the rear portion of the left frame portion 93 (as shown by the imaginary line) of the seat 3 is received in the left seat frame receiving portion 21b. The left seat frame receiving portion 21b is continuously formed in the front-to-back direction except for the rear end portion of the upper frame portion 21. The left seat frame receiving portion 21b is open to the upper and right sides, and is also open to the front, so that the rear portion of the left frame portion 93 can be received from above.

[0087] like Figure 7 As shown by the imaginary line in the middle, the front side portion of the left side frame portion 93 is arranged so as to protrude forward from the left seat frame accommodating portion 21b. The upper frame portion 21 is provided with a seat support plate portion 23 for supporting the middle portion of the left side frame portion 93 in the front-rear direction from below. The seat support plate portion 23 is in the shape of an elongated plate extending forward, and constitutes a part of the left side frame 20. The front end portion of the seat support plate portion 23 is located at a rearward position relative to the front end portion of the left side frame portion 93. A recessed portion 23a is provided on the right side surface (inner surface in the vehicle width direction) of the middle portion of the seat support plate portion 23 in the front-rear direction.

[0088] The left side frame 20 has an arm connection member 24. The arm connection member 24 is fixed to the right side surface (the surface located inside in the vehicle width direction) of the middle part of the left side frame 20 in the front-rear direction, and is a member that connects the left end portions of the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50. An upper protruding plate portion 24a extending in the up-down direction is provided on the upper side of the arm connection member 24 in a manner protruding to the right. An upper through hole 24b penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed in the upper protruding plate portion 24a. A lower protruding plate portion 24c extending in the up-down direction is provided on the lower side of the arm connection member 24 in a manner protruding to the right. The lower protruding plate portion 24c is located at a rearward position relative to the upper protruding plate portion 24a. A lower through hole 24d penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed in the lower protruding plate portion 24c.

[0089] The caster support 22 extends forward and is formed so as to be located downward as it approaches the front end. A caster mounting portion 22a is provided at the front end of the caster support 22 in a manner protruding downward, and the left caster 12 is mounted on the caster mounting portion 22a in a manner that allows the left caster 12 to rotate around an axis extending in the vertical direction. In addition, a pedal support portion 22b that supports a pedal described later is provided at the front end of the caster support 22 in a manner protruding downward. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the step support portion 22 b is located on the right side (inward in the vehicle width direction) of the caster mounting portion 22 a.

[0090] The right side frame 30 is symmetrical with the left side frame 20. Figure 8 As shown, the right side frame 30 includes an upper frame portion 31 and a caster support portion 32 .

[0091] An axle insertion hole 31a is formed at the rear end of the upper frame portion 31 of the right side frame 30, and an axle 11d (such as Fig.11 The left side of the axle 11d is inserted into the axle insertion hole 31a and fixed to the axle insertion hole 31a. In a state where the left side of the axle 11d is fixed to the rear end of the upper frame portion 31, the right driving wheel 11 is axially supported on the right side frame 30 in a manner that allows rotation around an axis extending in the left-right direction.

[0092] A concave right seat frame receiving portion 31b is formed on the left side of the upper frame portion 31 of the right side frame 30, and the rear portion of the right frame portion 94 (as shown by the imaginary line) of the seat 3 is received in the right seat frame receiving portion 31b. The right seat frame receiving portion 31b is continuously formed in the front-to-back direction except for the rear end portion of the upper frame portion 31. The right seat frame receiving portion 31b is open to the upper and left sides, and is also open to the front, so that the rear portion of the right frame portion 94 can be received from above.

[0093] like Figure 8 As shown by the imaginary line in the middle, the front side portion of the right side frame portion 94 is arranged so as to protrude forward from the right seat frame accommodating portion 31b. The upper frame portion 31 is provided with a seat support plate portion 33 for supporting the middle portion of the right side frame portion 94 in the front-back direction from below. The seat support plate portion 33 is in the shape of an elongated plate extending forward, and constitutes a part of the right side frame 30. The front end portion of the seat support plate portion 33 is located at a position rearward of the front end portion of the right side frame portion 94. A recessed portion 33a is provided on the left side surface of the middle portion of the seat support plate portion 33 in the front-back direction.

[0094] The right side frame 30 has an arm connection member 34. The arm connection member 34 is fixed to the left side surface (the surface located on the inner side in the vehicle width direction) of the middle part of the right side frame 30 in the front-rear direction, and is a member that connects the right end portions of the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50. On the upper side of the arm connection member 34, an upper protruding plate portion 34a extending in the up-down direction is provided in a manner protruding to the left. An upper through hole 34b penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed in the upper protruding plate portion 34a. On the lower side of the arm connection member 34, a lower protruding plate portion 34c extending in the up-down direction is provided in a manner protruding to the left. The lower protruding plate portion 34c is located at a rearward position relative to the upper protruding plate portion 34a. A lower through hole 34d penetrating in the front-rear direction is formed in the lower protruding plate portion 34c.

[0095] The caster support portion 32 of the right side frame 30 extends forward and is formed so as to be located downward as it approaches the front end. A caster mounting portion 32a is provided at the front end of the caster support portion 32 in a manner protruding downward, and the right caster 13 is mounted on the caster mounting portion 32a in a manner that allows it to rotate around an axis extending in the vertical direction. Furthermore, a pedal support portion 32b that supports a pedal described later is provided at the front end of the caster support portion 32 in a manner protruding downward. Figure 3 As shown, the step support portion 32b is located on the left side (inward in the vehicle width direction) of the caster mounting portion 32a.

[0096] (Structure of the pedal)

[0097] like Figure 1 As shown, a footrest 60 for placing the feet of a wheelchair user sitting on the seat 3 is provided at the front of the wheelchair body 2. The footrest 60 is configured by connecting the footrest support portion 22b as the front end portion of the left side frame 20 and the footrest support portion 32b as the front end portion of the right side frame 30, and can be folded at the center portion in the left-right direction.

[0098] That is, the footrest 60 is a three-part structure, including a left footrest component 61 constituting the left side of the footrest 60, a right footrest component 62 constituting the right side of the footrest 60, and a bracket 63 that rotatably connects the right end of the left footrest component 61 and the left end of the right footrest component 62. The bracket 63 is disposed at the center of the footrest 60 in the left-right direction. In addition, the left footrest component 61 and the right footrest component 62 are made of plate materials, and a plate-shaped foot rest portion extending in the left-right direction is formed by the left footrest component 61 and the right footrest component 62.

[0099] Fig. 9 The figure shows a top view of the footrest 60. The left side footrest support portion 22b supports a left side connecting shaft 22c extending in the front-rear direction. The left end portion of the left side footrest component 61 is connected to the left side footrest support portion 22b via the left side connecting shaft 22c. The left side footrest component 61 can rotate in the up-down direction around the axis of the left side connecting shaft 22c. Either the left side connecting shaft 22c can rotate relative to the footrest support portion 22b, or the left side footrest component 61 can rotate relative to the left side connecting shaft 22c.

[0100] The right pedal support part 32b also supports a right connecting shaft 32c extending in the front-rear direction in the same manner as the left side. The right end of the right pedal component 62 is connected to the right pedal support part 32b via the right connecting shaft 32c. The right pedal component 62 can rotate in the up-down direction around the axis of the right connecting shaft 32c.

[0101] A left notch 61a is formed at the center of the front-to-back direction at the right end of the left footrest component 61. A right notch 62a is also formed at the center of the front-to-back direction at the left end of the right footrest component 62. The positions of the left notch 61a and the right notch 62a in the front-to-back direction are the same, so that an opening 64 is formed between the right end of the left footrest component 61 and the left end of the right footrest component 62 by the two notches 61a and 62a.

[0102] A first connecting shaft 63a extending in the front-rear direction is supported on the left side of the bracket 63. The right end of the left footrest component 61 is rotatably connected to the bracket 63 via the first connecting shaft 63a. In addition, a second connecting shaft 63b extending in the front-rear direction is supported on the right side of the bracket 63. The left end of the right footrest component 62 is rotatably connected to the bracket 63 via the second connecting shaft 63b.

[0103] When the footrest 60 is unfolded, the bracket 63 is arranged in the opening 64 formed between the right end of the left footrest component 61 and the left end of the right footrest component 62. When the footrest 60 is unfolded, the bracket 63 is sandwiched between the left footrest component 61 and the right footrest component 62. Specifically, the left end of the bracket 63 is formed so as to abut against the edge of the left notch 61a of the left footrest component 61 when the footrest 60 is unfolded. In addition, the right end of the bracket 63 is formed so as to abut against the edge of the right notch 62a of the right footrest component 62 when the footrest 60 is unfolded.

[0104] In this way, the footrest 60 has a three-part structure. The left footrest component 61 is connected to the footrest support part 22b in a manner that can rotate upward and downward relative to the footrest support part 22b, and the right footrest component 62 is connected to the footrest support part 32b in a manner that can rotate upward and downward relative to the footrest support part 32b. In addition, the bracket 63 is connected to the left footrest component 61 and the right footrest component 62 in a manner that can rotate relative to the left footrest component 61 and the right footrest component 62, so that it can be moved from Figure 1 The expanded state (usable state) shown in the following example switches to Figure 5The folded state (unusable state) shown in the figure can be switched to the folded state (unusable state) shown in the figure, and the reverse switching can also be performed. When the unfolded state is changed to the folded state, the left footrest component 61 and the right footrest component 62 are rotated upward to make the footrest 60 convex toward the upper side. When the folded state is changed to the unfolded state, the left footrest component 61 and the right footrest component 62 are rotated downward to be extended in the left-right direction. In other words, the folding direction and the unfolding direction of the footrest 60 are the up-down direction, so that the footrest 60 does not hinder the folding and unfolding of the wheelchair 1.

[0105] The rear end of the bracket 63 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the left footrest component 61 and the right footrest component 62, and the third connecting shaft 63c extending in the left-right direction is supported on the protruding portion protruding upward. The third connecting shaft 63c is a component for connecting the lower end of the rod 85 described later to the bracket 63.

[0106] (Structure of upper support arm and lower support arm)

[0107] The wheelchair body 2 is configured to be movable without using tools. Figure 1 to Figure 3 The expanded state shown is set to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The folded state shown in the figure can be set to the unfolded state from the folded state. In the unfolded state, the distance between the left side frame 20 and the right side frame 30 is widened, and the seat 3 can be installed. On the other hand, in the folded state, the distance between the left side frame 20 and the right side frame 30 is narrowed, and the seat 3 cannot be installed.

[0108] In the present embodiment, the seat 3 is configured to be detachable from the wheelchair body 2. Therefore, when the wheelchair 1 is not in use, the seat 3 can be removed from the wheelchair body 2 to separate the wheelchair body 2 and transport the wheelchair body 2 and the seat 3. In addition, the wheelchair body 2 can be folded, so the wheelchair body 2 becomes compact. Hereinafter, as a structure for making the wheelchair body 2 foldable, the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50 are described in detail.

[0109] like Figure 10 to Figure 14 As shown, the upper support arm 40 is composed of a plurality of parts, connects the left side frame 20 and the right side frame 30, and is folded in the vertical direction at the center portion in the left-right direction (length direction). The lower support arm 50 connects the left side frame 20 and the right side frame 30, and is folded in the vertical direction at the center portion in the left-right direction (length direction), and is provided at a position lower than the upper support arm 40. The lower support arm 50 is also composed of a plurality of parts. In addition, the number of support arms is not limited to two.

[0110] like Fig.10As shown, the upper support arm 40 is configured to extend in the left-right direction when in the unfolded state. The upper support arm 40 is located directly below the seat 3, but since the upper support arm 40 extends in a substantially horizontal direction, it does not interfere with the cushion portion of the seat 3 when the user sits down. The upper support arm 40 includes a first upper arm component 41 constituting the left side of the upper support arm 40, a second upper arm component 42 constituting the right side of the upper support arm 40, and an upper connecting component 43 that connects the right end of the first upper arm component 41 and the left end of the second upper arm component 42 in a rotatable manner.

[0111] The lower support arm 50 is configured to be located upward as it approaches the left end and the right end when in the unfolded state. That is, the left-right central portion of the lower support arm 50 protrudes downward more than the two ends, but since there is a space between the left and right drive wheels 10 and 11, it does not cause a problem when in use. The lower support arm 50 includes a first lower arm component 51 constituting the left side of the lower support arm 50, a second lower arm component 52 constituting the right side of the lower support arm 50, and a lower connecting component 53 that connects the right end of the first lower arm component 51 and the left end of the second lower arm component 52 in a rotatable manner. The first lower arm component 51 is tilted so that the right end of the first lower arm component 51 is located below the left end, and the second lower arm component 52 is tilted so that the left end of the second lower arm component 52 is located below the right end.

[0112] Fig.15 The figure shows the positional relationship between the first upper arm component 41 and the second upper arm component 42 and the first lower arm component 51 and the second lower arm component 52 in the unfolded state. As shown in the figure, when viewed from the rear (also when viewed from the front), the interval between the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50 becomes wider as it approaches the center in the left-right direction, while the interval between the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50 becomes narrower as it approaches the left end and the right end.

[0113] The left end portion of the first upper arm component 41 is connected to the upper protruding plate portion 24a of the arm connecting member 24 of the left side frame 20 via the upper first support shaft 41a. The upper first support shaft 41a extends in the front-to-back direction and is supported in a state of being inserted into the upper through hole 24b. The upper first support shaft 41a can rotate around the axis relative to the left end portion of the first upper arm component 41, or can rotate around the axis relative to the upper protruding plate portion 24a. In other words, the left end portion of the first upper arm component 41 is connected to the left side frame 20 in a manner that allows rotation around an axis extending in the front-to-back direction.

[0114] Furthermore, the left end and the right end of the first upper arm component 41 are the ends that become the left end and the right end in the unfolded state, and become the lower end and the upper end, respectively, in the folded state. Similarly, the left end and the right end of the second upper arm component 42 are the ends that become the left end and the right end in the unfolded state, and become the upper end and the lower end, respectively, in the folded state.

[0115] The right end of the second upper arm component 42 is connected to the upper protruding plate portion 34a of the arm connection component 34 of the right side frame 30 via the upper second support shaft 42a. The upper second support shaft 42a extends in the front-to-back direction and is supported in a state of being inserted into the upper through hole 34b. The upper second support shaft 42a can rotate around the axis relative to the right end of the second upper arm component 42, or can rotate around the axis relative to the upper protruding plate portion 34a. In other words, the left end of the second upper arm component 42 is connected to the right side frame 30 in a manner that it can rotate around an axis extending in the front-to-back direction.

[0116] The right end of the first upper arm component 41 is connected to the left side portion of the upper connecting component 43 via the upper third support shaft 43a. The upper third support shaft 43a extends in the front-to-back direction and is supported on the upper connecting component 43 in a state of penetrating the right end of the first upper arm component 41 in the front-to-back direction. The upper third support shaft 43a can rotate around the axis relative to the right end of the first upper arm component 41, or can rotate around the axis relative to the upper connecting component 43. In other words, the right end of the first upper arm component 41 is connected to the upper connecting component 43 in a manner that allows rotation around an axis extending in the front-to-back direction.

[0117] The left end of the second upper arm component 42 is connected to the right side portion of the upper connecting component 43 via the upper fourth support shaft 43b. The upper fourth support shaft 43b extends in the front-to-back direction and is supported on the upper connecting component 43 in a state of penetrating the left end of the second upper arm component 42 in the front-to-back direction. The upper fourth support shaft 43b can rotate around the axis relative to the left end of the second upper arm component 42, or can rotate around the axis relative to the upper connecting component 43. In other words, the left end of the second upper arm component 42 is connected to the upper connecting component 43 in a manner that it can rotate around an axis extending in the front-to-back direction.

[0118] The left end of the first lower arm component 51 is connected to the lower protruding plate portion 24c of the arm connecting member 24 of the left side frame 20 via the lower first support shaft 51a. The lower first support shaft 51a extends in the front-to-back direction and is supported in a state of being inserted into the lower through hole 24d. The lower first support shaft 51a can rotate around the axis relative to the left end of the first lower arm component 51, or can rotate around the axis relative to the lower protruding plate portion 24c. In other words, the left end of the first lower arm component 51 is connected to the left side frame 20 in a manner that allows rotation around an axis extending in the front-to-back direction.

[0119] Furthermore, the left end and the right end of the first lower arm component 51 are the ends that become the left end and the right end in the unfolded state, and become the upper end and the lower end, respectively, in the folded state. Similarly, the left end and the right end of the second lower arm component 52 are the ends that become the left end and the right end in the unfolded state, and become the lower end and the upper end, respectively, in the folded state.

[0120] The right end of the second lower arm component 52 is connected to the lower protruding plate portion 34c of the arm connection component 34 of the right side frame 30 via the lower second support shaft 52a. The lower second support shaft 52a extends in the front-to-back direction and is supported in a state of being inserted into the lower through hole 34d. The lower second support shaft 52a can rotate around the axis relative to the right end of the second lower arm component 52, or can rotate around the axis relative to the lower protruding plate portion 34c. In other words, the left end of the second lower arm component 52 is connected to the right side frame 30 in a manner that it can rotate around an axis extending in the front-to-back direction.

[0121] The right end of the first lower arm component 51 is connected to the left side portion of the lower connecting component 53 via the lower third support shaft 53a. The lower third support shaft 53a extends in the front-to-back direction and is supported by the lower connecting component 53 in a state of penetrating the right end of the first lower arm component 51 in the front-to-back direction. The lower third support shaft 53a can rotate around the axis relative to the right end of the first lower arm component 51, or can rotate around the axis relative to the lower connecting component 53. In other words, the right end of the first lower arm component 51 is connected to the lower connecting component 53 in a manner that it can rotate around the axis extending in the front-to-back direction.

[0122] The left end of the second lower arm component 52 is connected to the right side portion of the lower connecting component 53 via the lower fourth support shaft 53b. The lower fourth support shaft 53b extends in the front-to-back direction and is supported on the lower connecting component 53 in a state of penetrating the left end of the second lower arm component 52 in the front-to-back direction. The lower fourth support shaft 53b can rotate around the axis relative to the left end of the second lower arm component 52, or can rotate around the axis relative to the lower connecting component 53. In other words, the left end of the second lower arm component 52 is connected to the lower connecting component 53 in a manner that it can rotate around the axis extending in the front-to-back direction.

[0123] The upper support arm 40 is formed into one arm by connecting the first upper arm component 41, the second upper arm component 42, and the upper connecting component 43, and the lower support arm 50 is formed into one arm by connecting the first lower arm component 51, the second lower arm component 52, and the lower connecting component 53. The left end of the upper support arm 40 and the left end of the lower support arm 50 are connected to the left side frame 20, and the right end of the upper support arm 40 and the right end of the lower support arm 50 are connected to the right side frame 30. Therefore, the left side frame 20 and the right side frame 30 and the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50 in the expanded state form a truss structure with all nodes composed of free nodes as a structural framework below the seat 3.

[0124] Fig.16 The figure shows the positional relationship between the first upper arm component 41 and the second upper arm component 42 and the first lower arm component 51 and the second lower arm component 52 when they are in a folded state. In this embodiment, the upper support arm 40 is folded by rotating the first upper arm component 41 and the second upper arm component 42 upward, so that the folding direction of the upper support arm 40 is upward. When folded, the upper support arm 40 becomes a shape that bulges toward the upper direction. On the other hand, when the first lower arm component 51 and the second lower arm component 52 are rotated downward, the lower support arm 50 is folded, so that the folding direction of the lower support arm 50 is the opposite direction to the folding direction of the upper support arm 40, that is, downward, and when folded, the lower support arm 50 becomes a shape that bulges toward the downward direction. In addition, as Fig.14 As shown, the upper support arm 40 is positioned forward of the lower support arm 50 .

[0125] like Fig.15 and Fig.16As shown, at the right end of the first upper arm component 41, a plurality of first upper teeth 41b are formed around the axis of the upper third support shaft 43a. At the left end of the second upper arm component 42, a plurality of second upper teeth 42b are formed around the axis of the upper fourth support shaft 43b. The first upper teeth 41b and the second upper teeth 42b are arranged in a manner of meshing with each other. At the right end of the first lower arm component 51, a plurality of first lower teeth 51b are formed around the axis of the lower third support shaft 53a. At the left end of the second lower arm component 52, a plurality of second lower teeth 52b are formed around the axis of the lower fourth support shaft 53b. The first lower teeth 51b and the second lower teeth 52b are arranged in a manner of meshing with each other.

[0126] (Structure that keeps the wheelchair body in the folded state)

[0127] In this embodiment, a holding mechanism is provided for holding the wheelchair body 2 in the folded state. By providing the holding mechanism, the wheelchair body 2 in the folded state will not be accidentally unfolded when being carried, and it is easy to carry. In addition, the holding mechanism may also include a mechanism for holding the wheelchair body 2 in the unfolded state. Thereby, the wheelchair body 2 in the unfolded state is stable.

[0128] The above-mentioned holding mechanism is described in detail below. Fig.10 As shown in the figure, the holding mechanism includes: a left pin (first pin) 44a and a right pin (second pin) 44b as a first engaged portion provided on the upper support arm 40; an engaged plate (second engaged portion) 54 provided on the lower support arm 50; and an engaging portion 70. The engaged portion of this embodiment includes a first engaged portion including the left pin 44a and the right pin 44b and a second engaged portion composed of the engaged plate 54, but is not limited to this, and may include only one of them. In other words, it may also be a structure including an engaged portion provided on at least one of the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50.

[0129] Also Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown, the left pin 44a protrudes backward from the portion of the first upper arm component 41 to the right of the center portion in the longitudinal direction, specifically, from the left side of the upper third support shaft 43a. In addition, the right pin 44b protrudes backward from the portion of the second upper arm component 42 to the left of the center portion in the longitudinal direction, specifically, from the right side of the upper fourth support shaft 43b. The left pin 44a and the right pin 44 are parallel to each other.

[0130] like Fig.17As shown in the enlarged view, the engaged plate 54 is arranged in front of the right end of the first lower arm component 51 and the left end of the second lower arm component 52, and is rotatably mounted on the right end of the first lower arm component 51 and the left end of the second lower arm component 52. Specifically, the front end of the lower third support shaft 53a and the front end of the lower fourth support shaft 53b pass through the engaged plate 54, and the lower third support shaft 53a and the lower fourth support shaft 53b can rotate around the axis relative to the engaged plate 54. Thus, the first lower arm component 51 and the second lower arm component 52 are also connected by the engaged plate 54 in a relatively rotatable manner.

[0131] A left protrusion 54 a protruding to the left is formed on the upper portion of the left side of the engaged plate 54. A right protrusion 54 b protruding to the right is formed on the upper portion of the right side of the engaged plate 54.

[0132] The engaging portion 70 is a portion that engages with the left pin 44a and the right pin 44b when the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50 are folded, thereby preventing the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50 from being displaced in the vertical direction in the left-right central portion. In addition, the engaging portion 70 engages with the engaged plate 54 when the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50 are unfolded, thereby preventing the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50 from being displaced in the vertical direction in the left-right central portion.

[0133] In this embodiment, the engaging portion 70 is provided on the upper connecting member 43 so that the engaging portion 70 and the upper connecting member 43 are integrated. Therefore, the fixing portion A (only in the case of Fig.18 In this case, the engaging portion 70 of the fixing portion A engages with the pins 44a, 44b or the engaged plate 54, thereby preventing the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50 from being displaced in the vertical direction in the left-right direction center. In addition, the fixing portion A may not be constituted by the engaging portion 70 and the upper connecting member 43.

[0134] like Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 1 , the engaging portion 70 includes a left engaging member (first engaging member) 71 and a right engaging member (second engaging member) 72. The left engaging member 71 is supported on a left portion of the upper connecting member 43 that is closer to the left side than the left-right central portion via a left rotation shaft 71a. The left rotation shaft 71a is located below and closer to the left-right central portion than the upper third support shaft 43a, and extends in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the left engaging member 71 can rotate around the axis of the left rotation shaft 71a.

[0135] An upper concave portion 71b is formed on the upper side of the left engagement member 71 above the left rotation axis 71a to open to the left, and a lower concave portion 71c is formed on the lower side of the left engagement member 71 below the left rotation axis 71a to open to the right.

[0136] The right engaging member 72 is supported by the right side portion of the upper connecting member 43, which is closer to the right side than the left-right central portion, via the right rotating shaft 72a. The right rotating shaft 72a is located below and closer to the left-right central portion than the upper fourth support shaft 43b, and extends in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the right engaging member 72 can rotate around the axis of the right rotating shaft 72a.

[0137] An upper concave portion 72b is formed in the upper part of the right engaging member 72 above the right rotating shaft 72a to open to the right, and a lower concave portion 72c is formed in the lower part of the right engaging member 72 below the right rotating shaft 72a to open to the left.

[0138] When the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50 are folded, the left side pin 44a (such as Fig.18 The left pin 44a (shown by the imaginary line in the middle) enters the upper concave portion 71b of the left engaging member 71 from the left side, and the left pin 44a after entering the upper concave portion 71b engages with the upper concave portion 71b in a state of contact with the inner surface of the upper concave portion 71b. In addition, when the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50 are folded, the right pin 44b (shown by the imaginary line in the middle) enters the upper concave portion 71b of the left engaging member 71 from the left side. Fig.18 The right pin 44b (shown by the imaginary line in the middle) enters the upper concave portion 72b of the right engaging member 72 from the right side, and after entering the upper concave portion 72b, it engages with the inner surface of the upper concave portion 72b in a state of contact with it.

[0139] When the upper supporting arm 40 and the lower supporting arm 50 are unfolded, the left protrusion 54a of the clamped plate 54 enters the lower concave portion 71c of the left clamping member 71 from the lower right, and the left protrusion 54a after entering the lower concave portion 71c engages with the lower concave portion 71c in a state of contact with the inner surface of the lower concave portion 71c. In addition, when the upper supporting arm 40 and the lower supporting arm 50 are unfolded, the right protrusion 54b of the clamped plate 54 enters the lower concave portion 72c of the right clamping member 72 from the lower left, and the right protrusion 54b after entering the lower concave portion 72c engages with the lower concave portion 72c in a state of contact with the inner surface of the lower concave portion 72c. Fig.18 In FIG. 1 , both the engaged state when the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50 are unfolded and the engaged state when they are folded are shown by imaginary lines. However, in reality, when one is in the engaged state, the other cannot be in the engaged state.

[0140] exist Fig.18, the left engaging member 71 is shown in the engaging position where it engages with the left pin 44a and the left protrusion 54a. If the left engaging member 71 rotates to the right around the axis of the left rotating shaft 71a, it is positioned in the non-engaging position where it does not engage with the left pin 44a and the left protrusion 54a. The right engaging member 72 is also positioned in the non-engaging position where it does not engage with the left pin 44a and the left protrusion 54a. Fig.18 7a and 7b. The left side engaging member 71 and the right side engaging member 72 are shown in the figure in the engaging position where they are engaged with the right side pin 44b and the right side protrusion 54b. If the right side engaging member 72 rotates to the left side around the axis of the right side rotating shaft 72a, it is positioned in the non-engaging position where it is not engaged with the right side pin 44b and the right side protrusion 54b. That is, the left side engaging member 71 and the right side engaging member 72 are supported by the upper side connecting member 43 in a manner that allows them to rotate between the engaging position and the non-engaging position.

[0141] The engaging part 70 is provided with a biasing member 73 for biasing the left engaging member 71 and the right engaging member 72 to the engaging position, respectively. The biasing member 73 is composed of a torsion spring, and has an annular portion 73a in the center, and a first arm 73b and a second arm 73c extend from the annular portion 73a. A pin-shaped spring support portion 43d is provided in the center of the upper connecting member 43 in the left-right direction at a position above the left rotation axis 71a and the right rotation axis 72a so as to protrude toward the rear. The biasing member 73 is held on the upper connecting member 43 by inserting the spring support portion 43d into the annular portion 73a of the biasing member 73.

[0142] The first arm 73b of the force applying member 73 is engaged with the upper portion of the left engaging member 71 above the left rotation axis 71a. In addition, the second arm 73c of the force applying member 73 is engaged with the upper portion of the right engaging member 72 above the right rotation axis 72a. The force applying member 73 generates a force in a direction in which the interval between the first arm 73b and the second arm 73c is expanded, thereby applying force to the left engaging member 71 and the right engaging member 72 toward the engaging position.

[0143] When the left side pin 44a and the right side pin 44b are engaged with the left side engaging member 71 and the right side engaging member 72, the left side pin 44a and the right side pin 44b approach the upper side concave portions 71b and 72b respectively by folding the upper side supporting arm 40 and the lower side supporting arm 50 in the unfolded state, and enter the upper side concave portions 71b and 72b while sliding in contact with the peripheral portions of the upper side concave portions 71b and 72b. At this time, since the folding force is greater than the force of the force applying member 73, the left side engaging member 71 and the right side engaging member 72 overcome the force of the force applying member 73 and rotate, and then, if the left side pin 44a and the right side pin 44b are fully entered, they become engaged.

[0144] When the left protrusion 54a and the right protrusion 54b are engaged with the left engaging member 71 and the right engaging member 72, the left protrusion 54a and the right protrusion 54b approach the lower concave portions 71c and 72c respectively by unfolding the upper supporting arm 40 and the lower supporting arm 50 in the folded state, and enter the lower concave portions 71c and 72c while slidingly contacting the introduction surfaces 71d and 72d formed below the lower concave portions 71c and 72c. At this time, since the unfolding force is greater than the force of the force applying member 73, the left engaging member 71 and the right engaging member 72 overcome the force of the force applying member 73 and rotate, and then, when the left protrusion 54a and the right protrusion 54b are fully entered, they become engaged.

[0145] like Fig.11 , Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the wheelchair body 2 includes an operating portion 80 for switching the engaging portion 70 from the engaged state to the engaged portion to the non-engaged state. The operating portion 80 is composed of a rod-shaped member extending in the front-to-back direction and is provided in a manner that penetrates the upper connecting member 43 in the front-to-back direction. The middle portion of the operating portion 80 in the front-to-back direction is connected to the upper connecting member 43 by a mounting shaft 80a (such as a mounting shaft 80a) extending in the left-right direction. Fig.11 As shown in the figure, the operating portion 80 is rotatably mounted on the upper connecting member 43, whereby the operating portion 80 is able to swing freely around the mounting axis 80a.

[0146] The front side portion of the operation portion 80 protrudes forward from the front surface of the upper connecting member 43. On the other hand, the rear side portion of the operation portion 80 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the upper connecting member 43. Fig.18 As shown by the imaginary line in the middle, the rear part of the operating part 80 is arranged above the right part of the left engaging part 71 which is on the right side of the left rotation axis 71a and above the left part of the right engaging part 72 which is on the left side of the right rotation axis 72a. If the operating part 80 is operated in a manner of pulling up the front part of the operating part 80, the rear part of the operating part 80 moves downward and pushes the left engaging part 71 and the right engaging part 72 downward. If the left engaging part 71 and the right engaging part 72 are pushed downward by the rear part of the operating part 80, the left engaging part 71 and the right engaging part 72 overcome the force of the force applying part 73 and rotate until they reach the non-engaging position. As a result, the left pin 44a and the right pin 44b can be disengaged from the left engaging part 71 and the right engaging part 72, and the left protrusion 54a and the right protrusion 54b can be disengaged from the left engaging part 71 and the right engaging part 72.

[0147] The upper connecting member 43 is provided with a handle 48. The handle 48 protrudes forward from the front surface of the upper connecting member 43 and is positioned above the front portion of the operating unit 80. The wheelchair body 2 can be carried by holding the handle 48. In addition, the vertical distance between the handle 48 and the front portion of the operating unit 80 is set, for example, so that an adult can hook his fingers on the front portion of the operating unit 80 and pull it upward while placing his palm on the upper surface of the handle 48. Thus, the operating unit 80 can be easily operated using the handle 48. In addition, the handle 48 may protrude rearward.

[0148] (Connection structure of support arm and foot pedal)

[0149] In this embodiment, the folding direction and the unfolding direction of the upper support arm 40 are respectively the same as the folding direction and the unfolding direction of the footrest 60, and therefore a connection structure is provided for connecting the upper support arm 40 and the footrest 60 by a high-strength and high-rigidity member. That is, the wheelchair 1 includes a rod 85 connecting the left-right center portion of the upper support arm 40 and the left-right center portion of the footrest 60. The rod 85 is made of a member having high strength and rigidity, such as metal or the above-mentioned CFRP.

[0150] like Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the lower end (one end) of the rod 85 is connected to the bracket 63 of the footrest 60 via the third connecting shaft 63c. Therefore, the lower end of the rod 85 is allowed to rotate relative to the bracket 63 only around the axis of the third connecting shaft 63c. On the other hand, the upper end (the other end) of the rod 85 is connected to the front surface of the upper connecting member 43 located in the middle of the left-right direction of the upper support arm 40 in a manner that it cannot move. Fig.18 As shown, when the upper connecting member 43 constitutes a part of the fixing portion A, the rod 85 can be connected to the first upper arm component 41 and the second upper arm component 42 constituting the upper support arm 40 via the fixing portion A.

[0151] If the wheelchair user unfolds the wheelchair body 2 and installs the seat 3 ( Figure 1 When the wheelchair user sits on the seat 3 in the state shown in the figure, the weight of the wheelchair user is applied to the left side frame 20 and the right side frame 30, thereby applying a force in the deployment direction to the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50. The force applied to the upper support arm 40 is transmitted to the left-right center portion of the footrest 60 via the rod 85. Since the upper support arm 40 is also deployed in the same direction as the deployment direction of the footrest 60, the force in the deployment direction of the upper support arm 40 can be applied to the footrest 60 as a force in the deployment direction. As a result, the footrest 60 is maintained in the deployed state, and thus the rigidity of the vehicle body using the footrest 60 can be improved.

[0152] In addition, the force applied to the upper support arm 40 by the wheelchair user sitting is transmitted to the bracket 63 via the rod 85. Thus, the bracket 63 is sandwiched from the left and right directions by the left and right footrest components 61 and 62, so that the shaking of the footrest 60 is reduced, and as a result, the vehicle body rigidity is further improved.

[0153] (Auxiliary mechanism for deployment operation)

[0154] In this embodiment, an auxiliary mechanism for the unfolding operation is provided to facilitate the unfolding operation when the wheelchair body 2 is unfolded. Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , the wheelchair 1 includes a flexible wire (tension applying member) 86 connected to the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50, a winding device 87 capable of winding the wire 86, and a gripping portion 88. The structure is such that a predetermined tension input to the wire 86 can apply force to the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50 in the folded state in the unfolding direction.

[0155] The wire 86 is a member for applying a force in the unfolding direction to the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50 in the folded state, and may be made of metal or resin. Instead of the wire 86, a thin and long member that can be bent or curved, such as a belt, a line, a chain, a rope, a wire, etc., may be used as a tension applying member.

[0156] like Fig.18 As shown by the imaginary line in the figure, the front end of the wire 86 is fixed to the rear part of the operating part 80. That is, since the operating part 80 is provided on the upper connecting member 43, the front end of the wire 86 is connected to the upper connecting member 43 via the rear part of the operating part 80. Therefore, the tension of the wire 86 acts directly on the rear part of the operating part 80.

[0157] like Fig.14 As shown in the figures, the wire 86 fixed to the rear part of the operating part 80 extends downward and is connected to the lower connecting member 53 of the lower supporting arm 50 at the lower end. Specifically, a pulley 53d that rotates around an axis extending in the left-right direction is provided on the rear surface of the lower connecting member 53, and the middle part of the wire 86 is connected to the lower connecting member 53 in a state of being wound around the pulley 53d. In addition, instead of providing the pulley 53d, a guide member may be provided on the rear surface of the lower connecting member 53, and the guide member is used to prevent the middle part of the wire 86 from deviating in the left-right direction, and the middle part of the wire 86 can slide on the guide member.

[0158] The upper connecting member 43 is provided with a base portion 89 on which the winding device 87 can be placed. The base portion 89 protrudes backward from the rear surface of the upper connecting member 43 and is formed so as to be located downward as it approaches the rear side. The rear side portion of the base portion 89 is in a shape that is concave downward. By placing the winding device 87 on the concave portion of the base portion 89, the winding device 87 is held so as not to move relative to the wheelchair body 2 in the left-right direction and the front-back direction. In the folded state, the winding device 87 placed on the base portion 89 moves upward away from the pulley 53d.

[0159] After the wire 86 wound on the pulley 53d extends upward, it is connected to the winding mechanism (not shown) provided inside the winding device 87. The winding device 87 is configured to be able to always apply a force in the winding direction to the wire 86, and for the above-mentioned winding mechanism, a conventionally known winding mechanism can be used. The winding force of the winding device 87 on the wire 86 (in other words, the force required to release the wire 86) can be arbitrarily set by the winding mechanism. In this embodiment, if the wire 86 is pulled downward by a load smaller than the weight of the wheelchair body 2 (excluding the weight of the winding device 87), the wire 86 is released. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the winding device can also be an electric winding device. In the case of an electric type, for example, if a switch is operated, the wire 86 can be wound by a motor, etc., so the winding device can also be not lifted.

[0160] The gripping portion 88 provided on the upper portion of the winding device 87 is a portion that a wheelchair user or the like grips when unfolding the wheelchair body 2. By providing the gripping portion 88 on the upper portion of the winding device 87, it is easy to grip the gripping portion 88 from above. Thus, the gripping portion 88 is attached to the side of the wire 86 opposite to the side connected to the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50 via the winding device 87.

[0161] When the folded wheelchair body 2 is unfolded, for example, if the wheelchair user holds the grip 88 and lifts the winding device 87, the wire 86 is pulled upward. At this time, the wire 86 pulls the rear part of the operating part 80 downward, and thus, the operating part 80 is operated by the wire 86 to rotate the left engaging part 71 and the right engaging part 72 until they reach the non-engaging position. In addition, since the wire 86 is connected to the left-right central part of the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50, if the tension of the wire 86 becomes a predetermined tension, the upper support arm 40 is urged in the unfolding direction, and the lower support arm 50 is also urged in the unfolding direction, so that the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50 are unfolded.

[0162] The winding device 87 is configured to unwind the wire 86 until the winding device 87 is moved from a placement position (such as Fig.14The solid line in the middle portion is shown as a predetermined distance upward and is arranged at a disengagement position (as shown in FIG. Fig.14 As shown by the imaginary line in the middle). Since the wire 86 is flexible, the moving direction of the grip 88 held by the wheelchair user is not easily restricted by the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50, and the wheelchair user can move relatively freely. Therefore, the user can input a predetermined tension while pulling the grip 88 toward the user, or move the grip 88 to a position where the tension can be easily input, and the unfolding operation of the wheelchair body 2 becomes easy.

[0163] The winding device 87 limits the amount of wire 86 to be released so as not to move upward from the loading position on the base portion 89 by a greater amount than a predetermined distance. That is, if the distance in the vertical direction between the loading position and the detached position is long, the winding device 87 must be lifted to a higher place when unfolding, and the unfolding operation may become difficult in particular when sitting. In response to this situation, the amount of wire 86 to be released is predetermined so that the winding device 87 does not need to be lifted to a higher place when unfolding, thereby making the unfolding operation easier.

[0164] By unfolding the lower support arm 50, the left-right center portion of the lower support arm 50 moves upward, and the distance between the pulley 53d and the winding device 87 placed on the base portion 89 becomes shorter. Therefore, the wire 86 becomes redundant, but the redundant portion of the wire 86 is wound around the winding device 87, so that the wire 86 is less likely to be loose, and the wire 86 is less likely to be entangled with other components.

[0165] (Chair seat disassembly and assembly structure)

[0166] like Figure 4 As shown, the seat 3 includes a seat cushion portion 91 for a wheelchair user to sit on, a backrest cushion portion 92, and a seat frame 90. The seat frame 90 is provided at the lower portion of the seat 3 and is configured to be detachable from the left side frame 20 and the right side frame 30.

[0167] like Fig.19 and Fig. 20 As shown, the seat frame 90 includes: a left frame portion 93, which extends in the front-to-rear direction at the left side of the lower part of the seat 3; a right frame portion 94, which extends in the front-to-rear direction at the right side of the lower part of the seat 3; and a connecting frame portion 95 ( Fig. 20 As shown in the figure, it extends from the left frame part 93 to the right frame part 94, connecting the left frame part 93 and the right frame part 94. The left frame part 93 is a part accommodated in the left seat frame accommodation part 21b and supported by the seat support plate part 23, and can be disassembled relative to the upper frame part 21 of the left side frame 20. In addition, the right frame part 94 is a part accommodated in the right seat frame accommodation part 31b and supported by the seat support plate part 33, and can be disassembled relative to the upper frame part 31 of the right side frame 30.

[0168] Since the left side frame portion 93 and the right side frame portion 94 are bilaterally symmetrical structures, the left side frame portion 93 will be described in detail below. Fig.21 As shown, the left side frame portion 93 has a clamping portion 100 that clamps the seat support plate portion 23 from the left and right directions while being supported by the seat support plate portion 23. The clamping portion 100 has a frame abutting portion 101 and an abutting component 102. The frame abutting portion 101 and the abutting component 102 are shown as being hollow in the accompanying drawings, but may also be solid. The frame abutting portion 101 is composed of a portion of the left side frame portion 93 in the front-to-back direction, and is configured to abut the seat support plate portion 23 from the left side. The abutting component 102 is a component that abuts the seat support plate portion 23 from the right side, and is configured on the inner side of the seat frame 90 in the vehicle width direction. The lower side portion of the abutting component 102 has a fitting portion 102a, and the fitting portion 102a is configured in the recessed portion 23a (such as the recessed portion 23a) of the seat support plate portion 23. Figure 7 As shown), it engages with the recess 23a.

[0169] The contact member 102 is supported so as to be movable in the left-right direction relative to the frame contact portion 101. Fig. 22 As shown, the frame contact part 101 has a plurality of guide pins 103 extending in the left-right direction. The guide pins 103 are arranged at intervals in the front-back direction. The left end (base end) of the guide pin 103 is fixed to the frame contact part 101. The guide pin 103 extends in a manner of penetrating the contact part 102 in the left-right direction, and the right end (front end) of the guide pin 103 protrudes from the right side surface of the contact part 102. The contact part 102 can slide in the left-right direction relative to the guide pin 103, thereby, the contact part 102 is guided by the guide pin 103 and can only move in the left-right direction.

[0170] A fixed shaft 104 is provided between the front guide pin 103 and the rear guide pin 103 in the contact member 102. The fixed shaft 104 extends in the left-right direction substantially parallel to the guide pin 103, and the right end of the fixed shaft 104 is fixed to the contact member 102. The fixed shaft 104 protrudes from the left side surface of the contact member 102 into the frame contact portion 101. The left side portion of the fixed shaft 104 is accommodated in an accommodation portion 105 provided inside the frame contact portion 101.

[0171] A first coil spring 106 as a first biasing member is accommodated inside the housing portion 105. The left side portion of the fixed shaft 104 is accommodated inside the first coil spring 106, and the axis of the fixed shaft 104 coincides with the central axis of the first coil spring 106. One end of the first coil spring 106 is held inside the housing portion 105, and the other end of the first coil spring 106 is engaged with the left side portion of the fixed shaft 104. In this state, the first coil spring 106 causes a force that biases the fixed shaft 104 in the left direction to always act on the fixed shaft 104. Since the fixed shaft 104 is fixed to the abutting member 102, the biasing force of the first coil spring 106 acts as a force that biases the abutting member 102 in the direction of abutting against the seat support plate portion 23.

[0172] The clamping part 100 has a locking part 110 for locking the contact member 102 in contact with the seat support plate 23. The locking part 110 has a locking pin 111 and a second coil spring 112 as a second urging member. The locking pin 111 and the second coil spring 112 are arranged on the rear side of the contact member 102.

[0173] A locking pin storage box 113 is provided on the left side frame portion 93 adjacent to the rear side of the abutment member 102. A locking pin 111 is arranged inside the locking pin storage box 113 in a posture extending in the front-rear direction. The locking pin 111 is supported by the locking pin storage box 113 in a manner that allows it to move in the front-rear direction, and the front end portion (tip end) of the locking pin 111 switches between an entering state in which it protrudes from the front surface of the locking pin storage box 113 and a retreating state in which it does not protrude from the front surface of the locking pin storage box 113.

[0174] The second coil spring 112 is also housed in the lock pin housing box 113. One end of the second coil spring 112 is held inside the lock pin housing box 113, and the other end of the second coil spring 112 is engaged with the lock pin 111. In this state, the second coil spring 112 is a component for urging the lock pin 111 in the advancing direction.

[0175] A hole 102b is formed in the rear wall of the contact member 102, into which the front end of the locking pin 111 is inserted. The radial center of the hole 102b is positioned to coincide with the axis of the locking pin 111 when the contact member 102 is in contact with the seat support plate 23. The direction in which the second coil spring 112 applies force to the locking pin 111 is in the front direction, and therefore coincides with the direction in which the front end of the locking pin 111 is inserted into the hole 102b. By inserting the front end of the locking pin 111 into the hole 102b, the contact member 102 does not move in the left-right direction, and is locked in a state of contact with the seat support plate 23.

[0176] A guide surface 102c for guiding the locking pin 111 into the hole 102b is provided on the inner surface of the hole 102b. The guide surface 102c is provided on the rear side of the inner surface of the hole 102b, that is, the part close to the front side of the insertion direction based on the insertion direction of the locking pin 111, and is composed of a tapered surface whose inner diameter increases as it approaches the front side of the insertion direction. In addition, the guide surface 102c can be provided as required. In addition, for example, although not shown in the figure, the locking pin 111 can also be made to reduce its diameter as it approaches the front end, thereby achieving the same effect as the case of providing the guide surface 102c, that is, the locking pin 111 can be reliably inserted into the hole 102b to lock the abutment component 102.

[0177] like Figure 4 , Fig.19 , Fig. 20 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the seat 3 includes a seat back frame 96 that supports the back cushion portion 92. The seat back portion B is formed by the back cushion portion 92 and the seat back frame 96.

[0178] A horizontal beam 97 extending in the left-right direction is provided in the middle part of the seat back frame 96 in the vertical direction. The lower end of the seat back frame 96 is supported by the rear end of the seat frame 90 via a tilting operation portion 98. The tilting operation portion 98 is a portion that enables the seat back frame 96 to tilt forward. On the left and right sides of the lower part of the tilting operation portion 98, there are provided pushing portions 99 that push the rear ends of the upper frame portion 21 of the left side frame 20 and the rear ends of the upper frame portion 31 of the right side frame 30 from the rear. When the seat 3 is removed from the left side frame 20 and the right side frame 30, the pushing portions 99 are separated from the rear ends of the upper frame portions 21, 31 by tilting the seat back frame 96 forward. When the seat 3 is installed, the seat back frame 96 tilted forward is returned rearward, so that the pressing portion 99 presses the rear end portions of the upper frame portions 21 and 31, thereby suppressing the shaking of the seat 3.

[0179] like Fig.23 As shown in FIG. 1 , a lock release operation unit 120 is provided on the horizontal beam 97 of the backrest B of the seat. The lock release operation unit 120 includes a release mechanism 121 provided inside the center of the horizontal beam 97 in the left-right direction and a release lever 122 provided so as to protrude downward from the horizontal beam 97. The release mechanism 121 includes a left swing member 123 and a right swing member 124 supported by the horizontal beam 97 in a vertically swingable manner by support shafts 123a and 124a. The release lever 122 is arranged in a posture extending in the vertical direction, and the upper end of the release lever 122 is rotatably connected to the left swing member 123 and the right swing member 124 via a rotation shaft 122a. Therefore, when the release lever 122 is moved upward, the left swing member 123 and the right swing member 124 are swung upward around the support shafts 123a and 124a, respectively.

[0180] The base end of a left operating wire 130 for operating the locking pin 111 is connected to the lower portion of the left swing member 123 below the support shaft 123a. The left operating wire 130 passes through the cross beam 97 and the seat back frame 96. Fig. 22 The front end of the left operating wire 130 is connected to the base end of the lock pin 111 via the connecting member 130a. That is, the lock portion 110 is connected to the unlocking operation portion 120 via the left operating wire 130, so the biasing force of the second coil spring 112 acts on the left operating wire 130.

[0181] Furthermore, since the lock pin 111 is disposed behind the contact member 102, the lock pin 111 can be brought close to the unlocking operation portion 120. This shortens the length of the left operating wire 130, makes it easier to handle the left operating wire 130, and improves the operability during unlocking.

[0182] When the left swing member 123 is swung upward by the release lever 122, the left operating wire 130 is pulled, and the pulling force of the left operating wire 130 acts on the lock pin 111 in a direction in which the lock pin 111 is pulled out from the hole 102b (lock release direction).

[0183] like Fig.23 As shown in the figure, the right side swing member 124 is connected to the right side operation wire 131 in the same manner as the left side. The right side operation wire 131 is a member for releasing the lock of the right side locking pin (not shown). In addition, in this embodiment, the left side frame part 93 and the right side frame part 94 are set to be a left-right symmetrical structure, but the clamping part may not be provided for one side.

[0184] In the detachable structure of the seat 3 of this embodiment, when the seat frame 90 is mounted on the left side frame 20 and the right side frame 30, the left side frame 20 can be clamped in the left-right direction by the clamping portion 100 of the seat frame 90, so that the seat 3 can be easily mounted. In addition, by clamping the left side frame 20 in the left-right direction by the clamping portion 100 of the seat frame 90, it is difficult to generate a play between the seat frame 90 and the left side frame 20, and the shaking of the seat 3 after mounting can be suppressed. The right side frame 30 can be clamped by the clamping portion on the right side.

[0185] In addition, the abutting member 102 of the clamping portion 100 is locked in a state of abutting against the left side frame 20 by the urging force of the first coil spring 106, so that the seat 3 is firmly fixed to the left side frame 20. On the other hand, when the seat 3 is removed, the lock can be released by operating the lock release operation portion 120, and the operation force is transmitted to the lock pin 111 via the left operating wire 130. At this time, the lock release operation portion 120 is provided at the seat back portion B located at a position higher than the seat cushion portion 91, so the operability is good.

[0186] (Effect)

[0187] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the left side frame 20 and the right side frame 30 are brought close to each other by folding the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50 in the vertical direction, so that the wheelchair body 2 is in the folded state. When the left engaging member 71 and the right engaging member 72 of the engaging portion 70 are engaged with the left pin 44a and the right pin 44b in the folded state of the wheelchair body 2, the relative displacement of the left-right central portion of the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50 in the vertical direction is prevented, so that the two support arms 40 and 50 are no longer unfolded and are maintained in the folded state.

[0188] Furthermore, when the folded wheelchair body 2 is unfolded, the locking portion 70 can be released and the upper support arm 40 and the lower support arm 50 can be unfolded by utilizing the tension of the wire 86 only by the lifting winding device 87, so that the unfolding operation becomes easy. During the unfolding, the upper support arm 40 and the foldable footrest 60 connecting the front end of the left side frame and the front end of the right side frame are connected by the rod 85, so that the footrest 60 can be maintained in the unfolded state when riding. Thus, the footrest 60 can be used to improve the rigidity of the vehicle body.

[0189] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative in all aspects and should not be interpreted as limiting. Moreover, all modifications and changes within the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

[0190] Industrial Applicability

[0191] As described above, the wheelchair of the present disclosure can be used when being loaded on a car or the like for transportation, for example.

Claims

1. A wheelchair, which is a foldable wheelchair for a wheelchair user to sit on, characterized in that: have: A left side frame, which supports the drive wheel on the left side of the vehicle body; a right side frame, which axially supports the drive wheel on the right side of the vehicle body; an upper support arm connecting the left side frame and the right side frame and folded in the up-down direction at a center portion in the left-right direction; a lower support arm connecting the left side frame and the right side frame, folded in the up-down direction at a center portion in the left-right direction, and provided at a position lower than the upper support arm; A tension applying member connected to the upper supporting arm and the lower supporting arm and having flexibility; as well as a gripping portion mounted on a side of the tension applying member opposite to a side connected to the upper supporting arm and the lower supporting arm; The upper support arm and the lower support arm in the folded state are urged in the unfolding direction by the predetermined tension input to the tension applying member.

2. The wheelchair according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tension applying member is composed of a wire, The wheelchair is provided with a winding device capable of winding the wire. The holding portion is provided on an upper portion of the winding device, and is attached to a side of the wire opposite to a side connected to the upper support arm and the lower support arm via the winding device.

3. The wheelchair according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper support arm comprises: a first upper arm component constituting a left side of the upper support arm; a second upper arm component constituting a right side of the upper support arm; and an upper connecting component rotatably connecting a right end portion of the first upper arm component and a left end portion of the second upper arm component; The upper connecting member is provided with a base portion on which the winding device can be placed.

4. The wheelchair according to claim 3, characterized in that: The winding device is configured to be able to unwind the wire material until the winding device is separated upward by a predetermined distance from a placement position on the base portion and is disposed at a position separated from the base portion.

5. The wheelchair according to claim 4, characterized in that: The winding device limits the unwinding amount of the wire material so as not to be separated upward from a placement position placed on the base portion by an amount greater than the predetermined distance.

6. The wheelchair according to claim 4, characterized in that: The winding device is configured to always apply a force in a winding direction to the wire material.

7. The wheelchair according to claim 4, characterized in that: The left end portion of the first upper arm component is connected to the left side frame in a manner that allows rotation around an axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The right end portion of the second upper arm component is connected to the right side frame in a manner that allows rotation around an axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The first upper arm component and the second upper arm component are folded by rotating upward.

8. The wheelchair according to claim 7, characterized in that: The lower support arm comprises: a first lower arm component constituting a left side of the lower support arm; a second lower arm component constituting a right side of the lower support arm; and a lower connecting component rotatably connecting a right end portion of the first lower arm component and a left end portion of the second lower arm component; The left end portion of the first lower arm component is connected to the left side frame in a manner that allows rotation around an axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The right end portion of the second lower arm component is connected to the right side frame in a manner that allows rotation around an axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. The first lower arm component and the second lower arm component are folded by rotating downward.

9. The wheelchair according to claim 8, characterized in that: The wire is connected to the upper connecting member and the lower connecting member.

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