Wheelchair fixing device

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of reducing the burden on a wheelchair user. The wheelchair fixing device is provided with a base plate which is arranged in a state of being continuous with the ground surface and supports a wheelchair moving from the ground surface. The base plate is configured so that, when the wheelchair is placed, the base plate is inclined downward from the ground and sinks with a connection portion with the ground as a fulcrum.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a wheelchair restraint device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a floor with a locking groove in which the floor is inclined in a way that lowers to the rear side in the direction of wheelchair entry, and a wheelchair mounting space is provided to temporarily fix the wheelchair.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-152508 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the technology of Patent Document 1, when getting off the vehicle, it is necessary to cross steps in order to move from a temporarily fixed state, which puts a burden on wheelchair users.

[0005] The objective of this implementation is to reduce the burden on wheelchair users.

[0006] One embodiment of the wheelchair restraint device according to the present invention includes:

[0007] A base plate, which is provided in a continuous state with the ground and supports a wheelchair moving from the ground, is included in the wheelchair securing device.

[0008] The substrate is configured such that, when the wheelchair is placed, it tilts and sinks downwards from the connection point with the ground as a fulcrum.

[0009] Invention Effects

[0010] According to the present invention, the burden on wheelchair users can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view illustrating the structure of a wheelchair restraint device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a schematic side view illustrating the structure of the wheelchair restraint device and the locking mechanism provided in the wheelchair restraint device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic top view illustrating the structure of the wheelchair securing device and the locking mechanism provided in the wheelchair securing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are labeled with the same symbol. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts is appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0016] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The outline of the wheelchair restraint device 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view illustrating the structure of the wheelchair restraint device 10 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the wheelchair restraint device 10 is configured to be installed on a vehicle. The vehicle can be any vehicle, such as an autonomous vehicle.

[0018] The wheelchair restraint device 10 includes a base plate B1, which is continuously disposed with respect to the ground F1 and supports a wheelchair WC moving from the ground F1. Furthermore, the wheelchair restraint device 10 may include a support plate B2, which extends upward from the base plate B1 to support the wheelchair WC on the base plate B1 from behind. Additionally, in this specification, as... Figure 1 As shown, "above" refers to the direction indicated by the arrow X.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the ground surface F1 has an inclined surface F2 extending obliquely from the lower part of the base plate B1. A spring portion S is disposed between the lower surface of the base plate B1 and the upper surface of the inclined surface F2. When the wheelchair WC' located on the ground surface F1 moves and is placed on the base plate B1 (wheelchair WC), the base plate B1 is pressed down by the weight of the wheelchair WC and sinks (base plate B1'), temporarily securing the wheelchair WC. When the wheelchair WC is removed from the base plate B1, the base plate B1' is configured to return to its original position (base plate B1) by the restoring force of the spring portion S.

[0020] When using a wheelchair in a vehicle, it is necessary to secure the wheelchair for safety reasons. In conventional welfare vehicles, assistive personnel use straps or similar devices to secure the wheelchair. However, in, for example, autonomous vehicles, it is assumed that there is no assistive personnel. According to this embodiment, the wheelchair securing device 10 has a state where the ground F1 and the base plate B1 are flat (normal state) and a state where the base plate B1' is located lower than the ground F1 (temporary securing state). With this structure, when the wheelchair WC moves to the base plate B1, the base plate B1 automatically descends to the temporary securing state. Therefore, the user of the wheelchair WC can secure the wheelchair even without the assistance of an assistive person. Furthermore, when getting off the vehicle, as the wheelchair WC moves forward, the base plate B1' is configured to return to its original position (base plate B1) by the restoring force of the spring S. Therefore, as the wheelchair WC moves forward, the angle with the ground becomes gentler, making it easier to move. Thus, the burden on the wheelchair user is reduced.

[0021] In this embodiment, the base plate B1 can be formed from a steel floor panel or the like. The floor panel can be part of the ground F1. The support plate B2 is provided in a direction orthogonal to the entry direction of the wheelchair WC entering from the rear, and extends upward from the base plate B1 (arrow X direction), supporting the wheelchair WC entering the wheelchair fixing device from the rear, and restricting the movement of the wheelchair WC beyond the base plate B1 to the rear. In addition, the support plate B2 is not limited to the shape shown in the figure, for example, a cylindrical, hemispherical, square prism, or L-shaped wheelchair stop can also be used. The support plate B2 can be movable. Alternatively, it can be configured such that, instead of providing the support plate B2, a limiting groove or the like is formed on the base plate B1, which can restrict the movement of the wheelchair WC beyond the base plate B1 to the rear. In this case, the support plate B2 can be omitted.

[0022] The spring section S is designed as follows: when the wheelchair WC is placed on the base plate B1, it is pressed down by its own weight; when the wheelchair WC moves forward to remove itself from the base plate B1, a restoring force pushes the base plate B1 back to its original position. When selecting the spring constituting the spring section S, the maximum and minimum loads acting on the spring are calculated, thereby determining the required spring constant. The spring material can be arbitrarily selected considering factors such as the required spring constant, strength, and durability. For example, steel or stainless steel can be used, or other materials can be selected as needed. Regarding the shape of the spring section S, any shape can be selected, such as a coiled compression spring, a leaf spring, or a torsion spring, and a shape / size suitable for the required load and displacement range can be chosen.

[0023] As a variation of this embodiment, the structure can also be configured to use pneumatic or hydraulic pressure instead of the spring S to move the base plate B1. For example, by providing a joystick on the base plate B1 and operating the joystick, the base plate B1 is pressed by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure. When the wheelchair WC is removed from the base plate B1, it returns to its original position by using the joystick, and the base plate B1 returns to its original position by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure. A light-emitting device, such as a lamp, can be provided on the joystick; by illuminating or turning on the light-emitting device, the user of the wheelchair WC can be guided to lower the joystick. Alternatively, guidance can be provided by outputting sound from a speaker instead of a light-emitting device.

[0024] As another variation of this embodiment, the base plate B1 can be moved by a motor instead of the spring S. For example, it can be configured such that when the motor is working, the base plate B1 is pressed by a mechanism such as a ball screw or linear guide. In this example, the motor is operated by a switch. When the user of the wheelchair WC moves onto the base plate B1 and presses the switch provided on the wall, the motor works, the ball screw or linear guide works, and the base plate B1 is pressed. When the wheelchair WC is removed from the base plate B1, the user of the wheelchair WC pulls the switch, the motor works, and the base plate B1 returns to its original position via the ball screw or linear guide. A light-emitting device or the like can also be provided on the switch to guide the user of the wheelchair WC in operating the switch.

[0025] As described above, the wheelchair securing device 10 according to this embodiment includes a base plate B1, which is provided in a continuous state with the ground F1 and supports a wheelchair WC that moves from the ground F1. The base plate B1 is configured such that when the wheelchair WC is placed, it tilts downwards and sinks with the connection point with the ground F1 as the fulcrum P.

[0026] According to this embodiment, by placing the wheelchair WC on the base plate B1, the wheelchair WC can be automatically and temporarily secured. Furthermore, when disembarking, as the wheelchair WC moves forward, the base plate B1 returns to its original position. Therefore, the incline of the wheelchair WC's travel path becomes gentler, making movement easier. This reduces the burden on wheelchair users.

[0027] The wheelchair fixing device 10 according to this embodiment may also include a locking mechanism for fixing the wheelchair WC to the base plate B1.

[0028] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The structure of the locking mechanism will be explained. Figure 2 This is a schematic side view showing the structure of the locking mechanism. Figure 3 This is a schematic top view illustrating the structure of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes: stops L7 and L7', which restrict wheel movement by being inserted between the rims of the wheelchair WC's wheels; and a lever L1, operated by the user to activate the stops L7 and L7'. The locking mechanism is configured such that, with the base plate B1 lowered and the wheelchair WC temporarily secured, the stops L7 and L7' are activated by operating the lever L1. When getting off the vehicle, the stops L7 and L7' are removed by lowering the lever L1, and the lock is released.

[0029] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The operation of the locking mechanism will be explained. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the locking mechanism includes: a lever L1; a ratchet L2 disposed on the lever L1; a pinion L3 and a rack L4 fixed to the lever L1; a pinion L5 that rotates via the rack L4 and engages with racks L6 and L7; and a stop L7' disposed on the rack L6. The rack L7 also functions as a stop. When the wheelchair WC is placed on the base plate B1 and the base plate B1 is pressed, when the user of the wheelchair WC pulls up the lever L1, the pinion L3 and rack L4 cause the pinion L5 to rotate. Due to the rotation of the pinion L5, the racks L7 and L6 move, and the stop L7 (which also functions as a rack) and the stop L7' disposed on the rack L6 insert into the gap of the rim of the rear wheel of the wheelchair WC. As a result, the wheelchair WC is secured. Furthermore, the lever L1 has a ratchet mechanism, which allows the lever L1 to remain in the pulled state via the ratchet L2. That is, the structure is such that if the ratchet L2 provided on the lever L1 is not released before the lever L1 is lowered, the lock will not be released. A light-emitting device such as a lamp can be provided on the operating part of the lever L1 to guide the operation of the lever L1 by illuminating or flashing the light. The stops L7 and L7' can have mechanisms for easy insertion and removal. For example, the front ends of the stops L7 and L7' can be rounded, or they can be combined with a helical coil spring to make them movable.

[0030] According to this embodiment, wheelchair users can lock the wheels using a lever at hand without relying on an assistive person. Therefore, in unmanned autonomous vehicles and the like, wheelchair users can secure their wheelchairs even without an assistive person. This reduces the burden on wheelchair users.

[0031] As a variation of this embodiment, the locking mechanism can also be activated using a switch and a motor. For example, when the wheelchair WC is temporarily secured, the user of the wheelchair WC operates the switch instead of pulling the control lever L1. Then, the motor operates, causing the pinion L5 to rotate. The subsequent actions are the same as when the control lever L1 is pulled up, so the description is omitted. To release the locking mechanism, the user operates the switch again. Then, the motor operates, and the rotation of the pinion L5 moves the racks L7 and L6, which also act as stops. The stops L7 and L7' located on the rack L6 are removed from the gap in the rim of the rear wheel of the wheelchair WC, thereby releasing the lock. A light-emitting device can be provided on the switch to guide the securing or releasing of the wheelchair WC and to guide the operation of the switch.

[0032] In this embodiment, the locking mechanism may include a detection device for detecting the operating status of the stoppers L7 and L7'. When the wheelchair restraint device 10 is installed on the vehicle, when the detection device detects that the stoppers L7 and L7' are engaged and the wheelchair WC is secured, it can communicate with the vehicle to inform it that the wheelchair WC is secured. When the vehicle detects that the wheelchair WC is secured, it can start the vehicle based on this detection information. Alternatively, the detection information can be combined with information from an in-vehicle camera for determining when to start the vehicle. When the vehicle is driven by a driver, the driver can determine when to start the vehicle based on this information without leaving the driver's seat.

[0033] According to this structure, in the case of autonomous vehicles, the vehicle can automatically detect the fixed status of the wheelchair WC and then start the vehicle. Furthermore, even when the vehicle is driven by a driver, it eliminates the need for manual confirmation by the driver, improving operational efficiency.

[0034] In this embodiment, the vehicle equipped with the wheelchair restraint device 10 may be equipped with a vehicle boarding and alighting guidance device that performs guidance with regard to the wheelchair restraint device 10. The vehicle boarding and alighting guidance device may include a control unit that, when a wheelchair user is detected sitting in the vehicle, guides the wheelchair user to a parking position using the wheelchair restraint device 10.

[0035] In this structure, wheelchair users who wish to use the vehicle register as wheelchair users when making a reservation. Reservations can be made, for example, through any vehicle reservation system. The control unit of the boarding and alighting guidance device detects wheelchair users based on information from the vehicle reservation system and information acquired by image sensors such as exterior and interior cameras installed on the vehicle. When the control unit detects that a wheelchair user has boarded, it guides the wheelchair user to park in the correct orientation using images or videos, such as dynamic images, displayed on a screen installed on the vehicle. The control unit can also provide guidance via sound from speakers installed on the vehicle. Alternatively, the boarding position and orientation can be clearly indicated by projection onto the ground F1. Furthermore, guide slots can be projected onto the tire positions of the wheelchair parking area (WC) on the ground F1. The same procedure can be used to guide the user to the exit when alighting.

[0036] According to this structure, wheelchair users can intuitively grasp the parking location of the wheelchair WC and move around smoothly. Therefore, it can reduce the burden on wheelchair users.

[0037] Furthermore, the wheelchair restraint device 20 according to this embodiment may also include a seat belt restraint device having a seat belt for securing the occupant mounted on the wheelchair WC and a seat belt insertion port. Additionally, a mechanism may be provided to detect when the seat belt is inserted into the seat belt insertion port and notify the vehicle.

[0038] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, multiple block diagrams described in the flowcharts may be merged, or a single block diagram may be divided. Instead of executing each step sequentially according to the order of multiple steps described in the flowcharts, the steps may be executed in parallel or in a different order, depending on the processing capacity of the device executing each step or as needed. Furthermore, modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention.

[0039] Symbol Explanation

[0040] 10 - Wheelchair restraint device, WC, WC' - Wheelchair, B1, B1' - Base plate, B2, B2' - Support plate, F1 - Ground, F2 - Inclined surface, S - Spring part, P - Pivot point, L1 - Control lever, L2 - Ratchet, L3 - Pinion, L4 - Rack, L5 - Pinion, L6 - Rack, L7 - Stop (rack), L7' - Stop.

Claims

1. A wheelchair restraint device comprising a base plate, the base plate being disposed in a continuous manner with respect to the ground and supporting a wheelchair moving from the ground, characterized in that... The substrate is configured such that, when the wheelchair is placed, it tilts and sinks downwards from the connection point with the ground as a fulcrum.

2. The wheelchair restraint device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ground surface has an inclined surface that extends at an angle to the lower part of the substrate. The wheelchair securing device includes a spring portion disposed between the lower surface of the base plate and the upper surface of the inclined surface. The base plate is configured such that, by the action of the spring, the wheelchair placed on the base plate is pressed down by its own weight and sinks, and when the wheelchair is removed from the base plate, it returns to its original position by the restoring force of the spring.

3. The wheelchair restraint device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has: The locking mechanism that secures the wheelchair to the base plate. The locking mechanism has the following features: A stopper that restricts the movement of the wheels by being inserted between the rims of the wheels of the wheelchair; and A joystick, operated by the user, activates the stop.

4. The wheelchair restraint device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The wheelchair securing device is installed on the vehicle. The locking mechanism includes a detection device for detecting the working state of the stop. When the detection device detects that the stopper is working and the wheelchair is secured, it communicates with the vehicle to inform it that the wheelchair is secured.

5. A vehicle equipped with: The wheelchair restraint device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; and The vehicle boarding and alighting guidance device performs guidance regarding the use of the wheelchair securing device. The vehicle is characterized in that... The boarding and alighting guidance device includes: The control unit, upon detecting a wheelchair user riding in the vehicle, guides the wheelchair user to a parking position using the wheelchair securing device.

Images