Auxiliary mechanical arm for life of old people

Abstract

The invention relates to an auxiliary mechanical arm for life of old people, belongs to the technical field of mechanical arms, and solves the problems that in the prior art, a bedside or sofa standing and sitting armrest protrudes out of the outer side of a bed or a sofa, the walking space is occupied, and passage obstruction is easily caused. The mechanical arm comprises a mechanical arm base, a first supporting arm, a second supporting arm and a first rotating shaft assembly, one end of the first supporting arm is rotationally connected with the mechanical arm base through the first rotating shaft assembly, and the other end of the first supporting arm is connected with one end of the second supporting arm; the first rotating shaft assembly can enable the first supporting arm to rotate. According to the auxiliary mechanical arm, the first rotating shaft assembly can make the first supporting arm rotate, the first supporting arm swings up and down around the mechanical arm base when needed, so that the working height of the auxiliary mechanical arm is adjusted, and the use requirements of old people in different scenes are met; when not needed, the first supporting arm can be folded to be attached to the wall body, and occupied space is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of robotic arm technology, and in particular relates to a robotic arm for assisting the elderly in their daily lives. Background Technology

[0002] To help the elderly get up, there are currently bedside handrails, sofa handrails, and other devices on the market that can improve the mobility of the elderly, but they still have many shortcomings.

[0003] The “universal” design of such devices often makes it difficult to adapt to different family home environments and individual differences among the elderly: for example, mismatched home dimensions.

[0004] Bedside armrests: If the bed frame is too narrow (such as a single bed) or the mattress is too thick (more than 15cm), the armrests may not fit snugly against the edge of the bed, or the height may be too high / too low after installation (elderly people need to bend over / stand on tiptoe to grab them);

[0005] Sofa armrests: If the sofa armrests are wide or the backrest is tilted at too large an angle, the external armrests may not be able to be firmly fixed to the sofa, or the grip position may be misaligned with the body's center of gravity (requiring sideways leverage when getting up, increasing the burden on the lower back).

[0006] The handrail angle is fixed: it cannot be adjusted according to the elderly's getting-up habits (such as leaning forward to get up or supporting themselves to get up), and long-term use may cause pressure on the wrist and elbow joints, causing soreness;

[0007] Some handrails protrude from the outside of the bed / sofa after installation, which may occupy walking space in the bedroom and living room, especially for the elderly who need to use walkers or wheelchairs, and may cause passage obstruction. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Based on the above analysis, the present invention aims to provide a robotic arm for assisting the elderly in daily living, solving the problems in the prior art where bedside or sofa handrails protrude from the outside of the bed or sofa, occupying walking space and easily causing obstruction of passage; or where the handrail angle is fixed and cannot be adjusted to various angles according to the elderly's getting-up habits.

[0009] The objective of this invention is mainly achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0010] A robotic arm for assisting the elderly includes a robotic arm base, a first arm, a second arm, and a first rotating shaft assembly. One end of the first arm is rotatably connected to the robotic arm base via the first rotating shaft assembly, and the other end of the first arm is connected to one end of the second arm. The first rotating shaft assembly enables the first arm to rotate vertically, and the first arm can swing up and down around the robotic arm base to adjust the working height of the first arm.

[0011] Furthermore, the first rotating shaft assembly includes a main motor and a motor shaft. The main motor is fixed to the robotic arm base, and the motor shaft is connected to the second arm. The main motor drives the first arm to rotate around the robotic arm base through the motor shaft, thereby realizing the pitch adjustment of the first arm.

[0012] Furthermore, the first rotating shaft assembly also includes a geared disc connecting rod and a geared disc connecting rod retainer. The geared disc connecting rod retainer is fixedly connected to the main motor. One end of the geared disc connecting rod is connected to the fixed geared disc assembly, and the other end is movably connected to the geared disc connecting rod retainer. The geared disc connecting rod can slide axially within the geared disc connecting rod retainer.

[0013] Furthermore, the first rotating shaft assembly also includes a fixed gear disk assembly, which includes an inner gear ring and an outer gear ring, the inner gear ring being connected to the gear disk connecting rod.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a third arm and a second pivot assembly.

[0015] Furthermore, the structure of the second rotating shaft assembly is the same as that of the first rotating shaft assembly.

[0016] Furthermore, the main motor of the second rotating shaft assembly is connected to the second support arm, and the motor shaft of the second rotating shaft assembly is connected to the third support arm. The main motor drives the third support arm to rotate around the second support arm through the motor shaft.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes a handrail, which is disposed on the outer wall of the third arm and is aligned with the extension direction of the third arm.

[0018] Furthermore, the handrail surface is provided with an anti-slip textured layer.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes a mounting plate, which is connected to the wall by fasteners.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention can achieve at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0021] (1) The first rotating shaft assembly of the auxiliary robotic arm of the present invention enables the first arm to rotate vertically and swing up and down around the base of the robotic arm when needed, so as to adjust the working height of the auxiliary robotic arm and meet the usage needs of the elderly in different scenarios; when not needed, the first arm can be folded up and pressed against the wall to reduce space occupation.

[0022] (2) The internal and external gear rings of the auxiliary mechanical arm of the present invention can mesh with each other. The relative positions of the internal and external gear rings when they are connected are multiple. The angle between the first arm and the mechanical arm base can be multiple. The support angle of the first arm can be adjusted according to the elderly’s habit of getting up, so as to meet the support needs of the elderly for different heights or different postures.

[0023] (3) When the electromagnetic brake of the present invention is not working, the inner gear ring and the outer gear ring do not mesh, and the first arm can rotate; when the electromagnetic brake is working, the inner gear ring and the outer gear ring mesh tightly, and the angle between the first arm and the base of the mechanical arm is firmly locked, ensuring that the auxiliary mechanical arm does not deviate or slide under load.

[0024] (4) The main motor of the present invention is used to provide power output. The motor shaft, as a transmission component, transmits the rotational motion of the main motor to the first arm, thereby driving the first arm to swing up and down, providing power support for the adjustment of the first arm, and ensuring that the elderly have a stable and smooth operating experience during use.

[0025] In this invention, the above-described technical solutions can be combined with each other to achieve more preferred combinations. Other features and advantages of this invention will be set forth in the following description, and some advantages may become apparent from the specification or be learned by practicing the invention. The objectives and other advantages of this invention can be realized and obtained from the content specifically pointed out in the text and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0027] Figure 1 This is one of the overall structural schematic diagrams of the auxiliary robotic arm of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is the second schematic diagram of the overall structure of the auxiliary robotic arm of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is the third schematic diagram of the overall structure of the auxiliary robotic arm of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is the fourth schematic diagram of the overall structure of the auxiliary robotic arm of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the first rotating shaft assembly;

[0032] Figure 6 This is an exploded structural diagram of the first rotating shaft assembly.

[0033] Figure label:

[0034] 1-Robotic arm base; 2-First arm; 3-Second arm; 4-First pivot assembly; 5-Third arm; 6-Second pivot assembly; 7-Handrail; 8-Mounting plate; 9-First touch sensor; 10-Second touch sensor; 41-Main motor; 42-Motor shaft; 43-Fixed gear plate assembly; 44-Gear plate connecting rod; 45-Gear plate connecting rod retainer; 46-Electromagnetic brake; 431-Inner gear ring; 432-Outer gear ring. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of the present invention and are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to illustrate the principles of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0036] Example 1:

[0037] A specific embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, a robotic arm for assisting the elderly (hereinafter referred to as the robotic arm) is disclosed, including a robotic arm base 1, a first arm 2, a second arm 3, and a first rotating shaft assembly 4. The robotic arm base 1 is fixedly installed on a wall. One end of the first arm 2 is rotatably connected to the robotic arm base 1 via the first rotating shaft assembly 4, and the other end of the first arm 2 is connected to one end of the second arm 3. The first rotating shaft assembly 4 enables the first arm 2 to rotate vertically. When needed, the first arm 2 can swing up and down around the robotic arm base 1 to adjust the working height of the robotic arm and meet the usage needs of the elderly in different scenarios. When not needed, the first arm can be folded up and pressed against the wall to reduce space occupation.

[0038] Preferred, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first rotating shaft assembly 4 includes a main motor 41 and a motor shaft 42. The main motor 41 is fixed to the robotic arm base 1, and the motor shaft 42 is connected to the second arm 3. The main motor 41 drives the first arm 2 to rotate around the robotic arm base 1 through the motor shaft 42, thereby realizing the pitch adjustment of the first arm 2. The main motor 41 provides power output, and the motor shaft 42, as a transmission component, transmits the rotational motion of the main motor 41 to the first arm 2, thereby driving the first arm 2 to swing up and down, providing power support for the adjustment of the first arm 2, and ensuring that the elderly have a stable and smooth operating experience during use.

[0039] Preferably, the first rotating shaft assembly 4 further includes a fixed gear plate assembly 43, a gear plate connecting rod 44, and a gear plate connecting rod retainer 45. The gear plate connecting rod retainer 45 is fixedly connected to the main motor 41. One end of the gear plate connecting rod 44 is connected to the fixed gear plate assembly 43, and the other end is movably connected to the gear plate connecting rod retainer 45. The gear plate connecting rod 44 can slide axially within the gear plate connecting rod retainer 45. The gear plate connecting rod 44 and the gear plate connecting rod retainer 45 are used to prevent the fixed gear plate assembly 43 from rotating and to ensure transmission stability. The fixed gear plate assembly 43 is coaxially arranged with the motor shaft 42.

[0040] Preferably, the fixed gear plate assembly 43 includes an inner gear ring 431 and an outer gear ring 432, which are coaxially arranged opposite each other. The inner gear ring 431 is connected to the gear plate connecting rod 44. Both the inner gear ring 431 and the outer gear ring 432 are provided with multiple connecting teeth, which can mesh with each other. The relative positions of the inner gear ring 431 and the outer gear ring 432 when connected are multiple, and the angle between the first support arm 2 and the robotic arm base 1 can be multiple, so that the support angle of the first support arm 2 can be adjusted according to the elderly's getting-up habits, meeting the support needs of the elderly with different heights or different postures.

[0041] Preferably, for opening and closing the fixed gear disk assembly 43, the first rotating shaft assembly 4 further includes an electromagnetic brake 46. One side of the electromagnetic brake 46 is connected to the outer gear ring 432, and the other side is fixedly connected to the motor shaft 42. By controlling the on and off of the electromagnetic brake 46, the connection or separation of the outer gear ring 432 and the inner gear ring 431 is achieved, thereby locking and releasing the first rotating shaft assembly, and thus controlling the fixing and rotation of the first support arm 2. When the electromagnetic brake 46 is not working, the inner gear ring 431 and the outer gear ring 432 are not engaged, and the first support arm 2 can rotate. When the electromagnetic brake 46 is working, the inner gear ring 431 and the outer gear ring 432 are tightly engaged, and the angle between the first support arm 2 and the robotic arm base 1 is firmly locked, ensuring that the auxiliary robotic arm does not deviate or slide under load.

[0042] Preferably, such as Figure 1 As shown, to expand the lateral extension space of the auxiliary robotic arm in this embodiment, the auxiliary robotic arm also includes a third arm 5 and a second rotating shaft assembly 6. The structure of the second rotating shaft assembly 6 is the same as that of the first rotating shaft assembly 4. The third arm 5 is provided at the end of the second arm 3 away from the first arm 2, and the third arm 5 is rotatably connected to the second arm 3 through the second rotating shaft assembly 6.

[0043] The main motor 41 of the second rotating shaft assembly 6 is connected to the second support arm 3, and the motor shaft 42 of the second rotating shaft assembly 6 is connected to the third support arm 5. The main motor 41 drives the third support arm 5 to rotate around the second support arm 3 through the motor shaft 42. When the electromagnetic brake 46 is not working, the inner gear ring 431 and the outer gear ring 432 are not engaged, and the third support arm 5 can rotate. When the electromagnetic brake 46 is working, the inner gear ring 431 and the outer gear ring 432 are tightly engaged, and the angle between the third support arm 5 and the second support arm 3 is firmly locked, ensuring that the auxiliary robotic arm does not deviate or slide under load.

[0044] The auxiliary robotic arm in this embodiment includes various modes suitable for multiple scenarios. For example: Figure 2 As shown, this is the horizontal support mode of the auxiliary robotic arm; as Figure 3 As shown, this is the front-support mode of the auxiliary robotic arm; as Figure 4 As shown, this is the lateral sit-up mode of the auxiliary robotic arm.

[0045] Preferably, such as Figure 1 As shown, to facilitate gripping the third arm 5, the auxiliary robotic arm in this embodiment also includes a handrail 7. The handrail 7 is disposed on the outer wall of the third arm 5 and is aligned with the extending direction of the third arm 5. The surface of the handrail 7 is provided with an anti-slip textured layer to enhance friction and comfort when gripping.

[0046] Preferably, in order to enhance the connection stability between the robotic arm base 1 and the wall, the robotic arm base 1 is provided with a mounting plate 8. The robotic arm base 1 is fixedly installed on the mounting plate 8, and the mounting plate 8 is firmly connected to the wall by fasteners to ensure that the overall structure does not loosen or shift during the load-bearing process.

[0047] Compared with the prior art, the first rotating shaft assembly 4 of this embodiment enables the first arm 2 to rotate vertically. When needed, the first arm 2 can swing up and down around the robotic arm base 1 to adjust the working height of the auxiliary robotic arm and meet the usage needs of the elderly in different scenarios. When not needed, the first arm can be folded up and pressed against the wall to reduce space occupation. When the electromagnetic brake 46 is not working, the inner gear ring 431 and the outer gear ring 432 do not mesh, and the first arm 2 can rotate. When the electromagnetic brake 46 is working, the inner gear ring 431 and the outer gear ring 432 mesh tightly, and the angle between the first arm 2 and the robotic arm base 1 is firmly locked to ensure that the auxiliary robotic arm does not deviate or slide under load. The main motor 41 is used to provide power output, and the motor shaft 42, as a transmission component, transmits the rotational motion of the main motor 41 to the first arm 2, thereby driving the first arm 2 to swing up and down, providing power support for the adjustment of the first arm 2, and ensuring that the elderly have a stable and smooth operating experience during use.

[0048] Example 2:

[0049] In order to control the auxiliary robotic arm in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 In this embodiment, a first touch sensor 9 and a second touch sensor 10 are added to the first embodiment 1. The first touch sensor 9 is mounted on the armrest 7, and the second touch sensor 10 is mounted on the third support arm 5. When a user comes into contact with the first touch sensor 9 and the second touch sensor 10, the first touch sensor 9 and the second touch sensor 10 receive an electrostatic signal, the electromagnetic brake 46 starts to work, the inner gear ring 431 and the outer gear ring 432 engage and lock, the joint is fixed, and the auxiliary robotic arm of this embodiment can stably support the user.

[0050] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An elderly life-assisting robot arm characterized by, The mechanical arm base (1), the first supporting arm (2), the second supporting arm (3) and the first rotating shaft assembly (4) are included, one end of the first supporting arm (2) is rotatably connected with the mechanical arm base (1) through the first rotating shaft assembly (4), and the other end of the first supporting arm (2) is connected with one end of the second supporting arm (3); the first rotating shaft assembly (4) can make the first supporting arm (2) rotate vertically, and the first supporting arm (2) can swing up and down around the mechanical arm base (1) to adjust the working height of the first supporting arm (2).

2. The assistive robotic arm for the elderly according to claim 1, wherein, The first rotating shaft assembly (4) includes a main motor (41), and the main motor (41) is fixed on the mechanical arm base (1).

3. The assistive robotic arm for the elderly according to claim 2, wherein, The first rotating shaft assembly (4) further includes a motor shaft (42), the motor shaft (42) is connected with the second supporting arm (3), and the main motor (41) drives the first supporting arm (2) to rotate around the mechanical arm base (1) through the motor shaft (42) to realize the pitch adjustment of the first supporting arm (2).

4. The assistive robotic arm for the elderly according to claim 1, wherein, The third supporting arm (5) and the second rotating shaft assembly (6) are further included.

5. The assistive robotic arm for the elderly according to claim 4, wherein, The second rotating shaft assembly (6) has the same structure as the first rotating shaft assembly (4).

6. The assistive robotic arm for the elderly according to claim 5, wherein, The main motor (41) of the second rotating shaft assembly (6) is connected with the second supporting arm (3), the motor shaft (42) of the second rotating shaft assembly (6) is connected with the third supporting arm (5), and the main motor (41) drives the third supporting arm (5) to rotate around the second supporting arm (3) through the motor shaft (42).

7. The assistive robotic arm for the elderly according to claim 4, wherein The handrail (7) is further included, and the handrail (7) is arranged on the outer wall of the third supporting arm (5) and is consistent with the extension direction of the third supporting arm (5).

8. The assistive robotic arm for the elderly according to claim 5, wherein, The handrail (7) is further included, and the handrail (7) is arranged on the outer wall of the third supporting arm (5) and is consistent with the extension direction of the third supporting arm (5).

9. The assistive robotic arm for the elderly according to claim 8, wherein, The surface of the handrail (7) is provided with an anti-skid layer.

10. The assistive robotic arm for the elderly according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting plate (8) is further included, and the mounting plate (8) is connected with the wall body through fasteners.

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