A folding-proof locking mechanism for a nursing bath chair
By incorporating a folding locking limit surface, a seat height memory limit plate, and a slow-descent reset support assembly into the nursing bath chair, the problems of seat folding restrictions and seat height memory during use are solved, achieving safe and reliable seat support and seat height adjustment, and improving ease of use and consistency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JIANGSU ZHETAI ELECTROMECHANICAL TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-06-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
The existing nursing bath chairs have independent folding locks, height adjustment and seat height maintenance, which makes it difficult to continuously restrict the folding of the seat during the process of lowering the seat under load, raising it after unloading and re-sitting. It is also difficult to maintain a suitable seat height for the user after folding and storing, which affects the safety and ease of use.
The system employs a bracket assembly, a slow-descent reset support assembly, and a folding seat plate structure. A locking guide gap is formed by the folding locking limit surface and the follow-up limit pin. The seat height memory limit plate restricts the folding of the folding seat plate at different positions of the lifting support. The seat height memory and anti-descent functions are realized through the angle memory locking assembly and the oblique bearing limit surface. The slow-descent reset support assembly is combined with the slow-descent reset support assembly to adjust the descent speed of the seat plate.
It achieves continuous support of the folding seat during use, preventing sudden loss of support, provides mechanical seat height memory, improves safety and convenience of use, adapts to the seat height needs of different users, and enhances the smoothness and reliability of the seat lifting process.
Smart Images

Figure CN122478718A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of nursing bath chair technology, and in particular to a locking mechanism for preventing accidental folding of a nursing bath chair. Background Technology
[0002] Nursing shower chairs are typically used for bathing and care of the elderly, people with limited mobility, and those recovering from surgery. Compared to ordinary chairs, nursing shower chairs are often used in more slippery environments. Users have weaker balance when sitting down, getting up, moving sideways, being assisted by caregivers, or briefly leaving and then sitting back down, requiring a high degree of continuous support and stability from the seat. Therefore, nursing shower chairs not only need to meet basic weight-bearing and storage requirements, but also need to provide reliable support when users sit down, get up, and sit back down.
[0003] Among existing nursing bath chairs or shower seats, some products adopt a folding seat structure, allowing the seat to switch between a horizontal use state and a vertical storage state to reduce the space occupied when not in use. Other products are equipped with lifting mechanisms, elastic reset mechanisms, or soft-close mechanisms to adjust the seat height or slow down the descent and flipping speed of the seat. While the above structures can improve storage convenience or user comfort to some extent, their folding lock, lifting adjustment, and seat height maintenance are usually independent of each other. Whether the seat can be folded is often controlled by a single latch, stop, or hinge limiter, making it difficult to limit the folding permission based on the current lifting position of the seat.
[0004] In actual use, users may briefly stand up or sit back down while the seat is still within its support range. If the seat is foldable at this time, or if the folding mechanism does not reliably coordinate with the lifting position, the seat may fold prematurely, the support may suddenly disappear, or the user may sit unsupported or off-center, increasing the risk of falls, especially in slippery bathroom environments. Therefore, relying solely on ordinary folding locks or single hinged limiting structures is insufficient to meet the continuous anti-folding support requirements of the nursing shower chair during descent, repositioning, and re-sitting.
[0005] Furthermore, different users have different heights, leg strengths, recovery statuses, and sitting habits, resulting in different suitable seat heights. While some existing height-adjustable shower chairs can adjust the height, caregivers often need to readjust them before each use, or they rely on fixed holes, pins, or block stops for limited adjustments, making them inconvenient to operate. For users requiring repeated care, if the seat height cannot be maintained after folding and storage, readjustment is necessary for each subsequent use, affecting care efficiency and consistency. If a fixed block stop structure directly restricts the lowering of the seat, it usually only corresponds to a fixed lowering height, making it difficult to accommodate multiple seat height adjustments and seat height memory functions.
[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a nursing bath chair anti-misfolding locking mechanism that can continuously restrict seat folding within the support lifting range, form mechanical memory according to the user's suitable seat height, and take into account multiple seat height adjustments and reliable anti-fall bearing. Summary of the Invention
[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide an anti-misfolding locking mechanism for a nursing bath chair, so as to solve the problems that the existing nursing bath chairs have independent folding locking, lifting adjustment and seat height maintenance, which make it difficult to continuously restrict the folding of the seat board during the process of lowering the seat board under load, raising it after unloading and re-sitting, and it is difficult to maintain a suitable seat height for the user after folding and storing.
[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a folding prevention locking mechanism for a nursing bath chair, comprising:
[0009] The bracket assembly includes a mounting base and support side plates fixedly mounted on both sides of the mounting base, wherein the support side plates are provided with adjustable seat height memory limiting plates.
[0010] A slow-descent reset support assembly is disposed on the mounting base plate;
[0011] A lifting support is connected to the telescopic end of the slow-descent reset support assembly and is capable of being raised and lowered relative to the mounting base plate.
[0012] A folding seat plate is rotatably mounted on the lifting support seat and can switch between a horizontal support state and a vertical storage state. Follow-up limit pins are provided on both sides of the folding seat plate.
[0013] The lifting support is provided with a folding locking limit surface. When the folding seat plate is in a horizontal support state, a locking guide gap is formed between the folding locking limit surface and the follow-up limit pin. The seat height memory limit plate extends at least partially into the locking guide gap to restrict the folding seat plate from rotating to a vertical storage state.
[0014] Within the support lifting range where the lifting support seat is below the preset folding and unlocking height, the seat height memory limiting plate remains inserted into the locking guide gap, so that the folding seat plate remains in an unfoldable state during the load-bearing descent and unloading elution processes.
[0015] When the lifting support rises to the preset folding and unlocking height, the seat height memory limiting plate separates from the locking guide gap, allowing the folding seat plate to rotate to a vertical storage state.
[0016] Preferably, the support side plate is provided with an angle memory locking assembly, which includes a rotating shaft and a locking knob. The seat height memory limiting plate is rotatably mounted on the support side plate via the rotating shaft. The locking knob is threaded onto the support side plate. The end of the locking knob abuts against the seat height memory limiting plate, causing the seat height memory limiting plate to deflect around the rotating shaft and remain at the locked angle.
[0017] Preferably, the lifting support is provided with a seat height stopping and limiting surface, and the seat height memory limiting plate can be locked at a corresponding angle when the lifting support descends to a suitable seat height for the user, so as to form a seat height memory position; when the lifting support descends to the seat height memory position, the seat height memory limiting plate abuts against the seat height stopping and limiting surface to limit the lifting support from moving further down.
[0018] Preferably, the seat height stopping and limiting surface is an inclined bearing limiting surface, and the seat height memory limiting plate is disposed on both sides of the lifting support seat, and respectively forms an inclined brace abutting cooperation with the corresponding inclined bearing limiting surface, so that the downward load of the lifting support seat is transmitted to the corresponding support side plate through the seat height memory limiting plates on both sides; and when the downward load of the lifting support seat increases, the abutting and pressing force between the inclined bearing limiting surface and the seat height memory limiting plate increases.
[0019] Preferably, the seat height memory limiting plate simultaneously abuts against the seat height stop limiting surface at the seat height memory position and extends at least partially into the locking guide gap, so that the seat height memory limiting plate simultaneously restricts the lifting support from continuing to move downward and restricts the folding seat plate from rotating to the vertical storage state.
[0020] Preferably, after the seat height memory limiting plate is locked at the corresponding angle, after the folding seat plate rotates to the vertical storage state and unfolds again to the horizontal support state, the seat height memory limiting plate still maintains the corresponding angle, so that the lifting support seat stops at the support seat height memory position when it descends again.
[0021] Preferably, the slow-descent reset support assembly includes a slow-descent air pressure chamber disposed in the mounting base plate, a lifting piston rod slidably mounted in the slow-descent air pressure chamber, and a rising reset spring disposed in the slow-descent air pressure chamber for pushing the lifting piston rod upward, wherein the lifting support is fixedly connected to the top end of the lifting piston rod.
[0022] Preferably, the bottom end of the lifting piston rod is provided with a chambered piston assembly, which divides the pressure-reducing chamber into a lower pressure chamber located on the lower side and an upper return air chamber located on the upper side. The upper return air chamber is connected to the outside. The lifting piston rod is provided with a throttling guide hole that runs vertically through it. The lifting support is provided with a throttling control valve. The lower pressure chamber is connected to the throttling control valve through the throttling guide hole. The throttling control valve is used to adjust the throttling airflow speed of the lower pressure chamber.
[0023] Preferably, when the user applies force to the folding seat plate, the lifting support compresses the slow-descent reset support assembly under load, and the descent speed of the lifting support plate is controlled by the throttle control valve; when the folding seat plate is unloaded, the rising reset spring drives the lifting piston rod and the lifting support plate to rise.
[0024] Preferably, the mounting base plate is provided with a plurality of the slow-falling air pressure chambers, and each of the slow-falling air pressure chambers is slidably provided with a lifting piston rod. The mounting base plate is also provided with a lower chamber equalizing hole and an upper chamber equalizing hole. The plurality of pressure-bearing lower chambers are connected through the lower chamber equalizing hole, and the plurality of return air upper chambers are connected through the upper chamber equalizing hole.
[0025] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0026] 1. This invention provides a folding locking limit surface on the lifting support, and uses the folding locking limit surface and the follower limit pin on the folding seat plate to form a locking guide gap, allowing the seat height memory limit plate to extend into the locking guide gap to restrict the rotation of the folding seat plate to a vertical storage state; within the support lifting range where the lifting support is lower than the preset folding unlocking height, the seat height memory limit plate always maintains the folding restriction on the folding seat plate, so that the folding seat plate remains in a horizontal support state during the user's descent under load, short-term unloading and ascent, and re-sitting, preventing the folding seat plate from folding prematurely, the support from suddenly disappearing, and causing the user to sit empty, sit off-center, or fall.
[0027] 2. The seat height memory limiting plate of the present invention can be locked at the corresponding angle by the locking knob when the lifting support seat is lowered to the user's appropriate seat height, thereby forming a support seat height memory position; when the folding seat is folded and stored and unfolded for use again, the seat height memory limiting plate still maintains the original locking angle, so that the lifting support seat automatically stops at the previously set support seat height position during subsequent descent, realizing the mechanical seat height memory function, reducing the operation of nursing staff to repeatedly adjust the seat height before each use, and improving the convenience and consistency of continuous nursing use by different users.
[0028] 3. This invention employs an adjustable-angle seat height memory limiting plate in conjunction with the oblique bearing limiting surface of the lifting support to achieve seat height stabilization and limiting. Compared to using a fixed block structure to directly stop the vertical movement of the lifting support, the seat height memory limiting plate of this invention can bear the downward load of the lifting support in an inclined state. This allows the vertical downward pressure on the folding seat plate to be converted into an oblique supporting force towards the supporting side plate, thereby distributing the load to the supporting side plate. This avoids the load being concentrated on a single vertical stop, reducing the risk of bending deformation or damage to the seat height memory limiting plate. Furthermore, the limiting plate does not need to be designed as a thick block structure to achieve a good stabilization and limiting effect. Simultaneously, different tilt angles correspond to different stabilization positions of the lifting support, enabling various support seat height adjustments, which is difficult to achieve with a fixed block stop structure.
[0029] 4. This invention supports the lifting support seat through a slow-descent reset support assembly, allowing the lifting support seat to descend slowly under load when the user sits down. A throttling control valve regulates the throttling airflow speed in the lower pressure chamber, preventing sudden sinking of the folding seat plate. When the folding seat plate is unloaded, the rising reset spring drives the lifting piston rod and the lifting support seat to rise, providing upward slow-rising support for the user's ascent. Multiple slow-descent air pressure chambers are connected through lower and upper pressure equalization holes, which facilitates synchronized action of multiple lifting piston rods, reducing problems such as tilting, jamming, or excessive localized stress on the lifting support seat during uneven seating, and improving the stability and reliability of the folding seat plate's lifting process. Attached Figure Description
[0030] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the anti-misfolding locking mechanism for a nursing bath chair provided by the present invention;
[0031] Figure 2 An exploded view of the anti-misfolding locking mechanism for a nursing bath chair provided by the present invention;
[0032] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the end structure of the lifting support provided by the present invention;
[0033] Figure 4 A front view schematic diagram of the anti-misfolding locking mechanism for a nursing bath chair provided by the present invention;
[0034] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the front section structure of the support side plate provided by the present invention;
[0035] Figure 6 This is a rear cross-sectional view of the mounting substrate provided by the present invention, wherein the rising reset spring is in the lifting state;
[0036] Figure 7A rear cross-sectional view of the mounting substrate provided by the present invention, wherein the rising return spring is in a compressed state;
[0037] Figure 8 A side sectional view of the anti-misfolding locking mechanism for a nursing bath chair provided by the present invention, wherein the seat height memory limiting plate extends into the locking guide gap;
[0038] Figure 9 This is a side sectional view of the anti-misfolding locking mechanism for a nursing bath chair provided by the present invention, wherein the lifting support seat is raised to a position above the preset folding unlocking height;
[0039] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the anti-misfolding locking mechanism for a nursing bath chair provided by the present invention applied to a folding chair;
[0040] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the anti-misfolding locking mechanism for the nursing bath chair provided by the present invention applied to wall mounting.
[0041] In the picture:
[0042] 101. Mounting base plate; 102. Support side plate; 103. Seat height memory limit plate; 104. Rotary shaft; 105. Locking knob;
[0043] 201. Slow-down pressure chamber; 202. Lifting piston rod; 203. Rising return spring; 204. Pressure-bearing lower chamber; 205. Return air upper chamber; 206. Throttling guide hole; 207. Throttling control valve; 208. Lower chamber equalizing hole; 209. Upper chamber equalizing hole;
[0044] 300. Lifting support seat; 301. Folding seat plate; 302. Follow-up limit pin; 303. Folding locking limit surface; 304. Seat height lowering limit surface. Detailed Implementation
[0045] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.
[0046] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.
[0047] Example 1, referring to Figures 1 to 9This embodiment provides an anti-misfolding locking mechanism for a nursing bath chair, including a bracket assembly, a slow-descent reset support assembly, a lifting support 300, and a folding seat plate 301.
[0048] The support assembly includes a mounting base 101 and support side plates 102 fixedly mounted on both sides of the mounting base 101. The support side plates 102 provide a mounting and support base for the seat height memory limiting plate 103. An adjustable-angle seat height memory limiting plate 103 is provided on the support side plates 102. Preferably, seat height memory limiting plates 103 are provided on both sides of the support side plates 102 of the mounting base 101, so that both sides of the lifting support seat 300 can obtain limiting support, thereby improving the stability of the seat in the supported state.
[0049] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a slow-descent reset support assembly is mounted on the mounting base 101. A lifting support 300 is connected to the telescopic end of the slow-descent reset support assembly, allowing the lifting support 300 to move up and down relative to the mounting base 101. A folding seat plate 301 is rotatably mounted on the lifting support 300. The end of the lifting support 300 is provided with a supporting step surface for supporting the folding seat plate 301, allowing the folding seat plate 301 to be stably maintained in a horizontal supporting state. The folding seat plate 301 can switch between a horizontal supporting state and a vertically folded state. The horizontal supporting state refers to the state where the folding seat plate 301 is roughly horizontally unfolded and used to support the user; the vertically folded state refers to the state where the folding seat plate 301 is folded upwards or to the side to reduce the space occupied.
[0050] like Figure 3 , Figure 8 As shown, the folding seat plate 301 has follower limit pins 302 on both sides, which rotate synchronously with the folding seat plate 301. The lifting support 300 has a folding locking limit surface 303. When the folding seat plate 301 rotates to the horizontal support state, a locking guide gap is formed between the folding locking limit surface 303 and the follower limit pins 302, and the seat height memory limit plate 103 extends at least partially into this locking guide gap. At this time, the seat height memory limit plate 103 is located between the folding locking limit surface 303 and the follower limit pins 302, preventing the follower limit pins 302 from rotating with the folding seat plate 301 in the vertical storage direction, thereby restricting the folding seat plate 301 from changing from the horizontal support state to the vertical storage state.
[0051] like Figure 8 , Figure 9As shown, in actual use, the folding seat 301 is in a horizontal support state. After the user sits down, the lifting support 300 moves downward under the weight of the user along with the slow-descent reset support assembly. Within the support lifting range where the lifting support 300 is below the preset folding unlock height, the seat height memory limit plate 103 remains inserted into the locking guide gap, preventing the folding seat 301 from folding into a vertical storage state during the load-bearing descent. When the user briefly gets up or reduces the load on the folding seat 301, the lifting support 300 rises under the action of the slow-descent reset support assembly. However, as long as the lifting support 300 has not risen to the preset folding unlock height, the seat height memory limit plate 103 remains within the locking guide gap, and the folding seat 301 remains in an unfoldable state. Thus, the folding seat 301 can continuously maintain a horizontal support state during the user's sitting, brief departure, and re-sitting processes, preventing the folding seat 301 from folding prematurely and causing a sudden loss of support.
[0052] It should be noted that, as Figure 9 As shown, the preset folding unlocking height is when the lifting support 300 rises to the position where the seat height memory limit plate 103 disengages from the locking guide gap. At this position, the rotation path of the follower limit pin 302 is no longer blocked by the seat height memory limit plate 103.
[0053] Reference Figure 9 When the folding seat 301 needs to be rotated to a vertical storage state, the lifting support 300 rises to a preset folding unlock height along with the slow-descent reset support assembly. When the lifting support 300 reaches or exceeds this preset folding unlock height, the seat height memory limit plate 103 separates from the locking guide gap, no longer restricting the rotation path of the follower limit pin 302. At this time, the folding seat 301 can rotate relative to the lifting support 300 to a vertical storage state. Through this structure, this embodiment associates the height position of the lifting support 300 with the folding permission of the folding seat 301, so that the folding seat 301 is only allowed to be folded and stored after the lifting support 300 rises to the preset folding unlock height, thereby improving the safety during the use of the nursing bath chair.
[0054] Example 2, refer to Figures 3 to 5 , Figure 8 Based on Example 1, this embodiment further explains the angle adjustment, seat height memory, and inclined brace anti-fall structure of the seat height memory limiting plate 103.
[0055] like Figure 5As shown, an angle memory locking assembly is provided on the support side plate 102, which includes a rotating shaft 104 and a locking knob 105. A seat height memory limiting plate 103 is rotatably mounted on the support side plate 102 via the rotating shaft 104, allowing the seat height memory limiting plate 103 to deflect around the rotating shaft 104. The locking knob 105 is threaded onto the support side plate 102, with its end pressing against the seat height memory limiting plate 103. When the locking knob 105 is rotated, it pushes the seat height memory limiting plate 103 to deflect around the rotating shaft 104, holding the seat height memory limiting plate 103 at the corresponding locking angle.
[0056] The lifting support 300 is equipped with a seat height stop limiting surface 304. When the user uses it for the first time, the folding seat plate 301 is in a horizontal support state, and the lifting support 300 slowly descends under the user's weight. When the lifting support 300 descends to a comfortable seat height position for the user, the caregiver or user tightens the locking knob 105, keeping the seat height memory limiting plate 103 at the current corresponding angle. At this time, the seat height memory limiting plate 103 abuts against the seat height stop limiting surface 304 on the lifting support 300, thereby limiting the lifting support 300 from further downward movement; this position is the seat height memory position.
[0057] In subsequent use, even if the folding seat plate 301 has been rotated to the vertical storage state, the seat height memory limiting plate 103 remains locked at the corresponding angle by the locking knob 105. When the folding seat plate 301 unfolds again to the horizontal support state, and the user sits down again, the lifting support 300 descends to the seat height memory position. At this point, the seat height memory limiting plate 103 again abuts against the seat height stop limiting surface 304, causing the lifting support 300 to automatically stop at the previously set appropriate seat height position. Thus, this embodiment achieves mechanical seat height memory by maintaining the angle of the seat height memory limiting plate 103, reducing the need to readjust the seat height before each use.
[0058] Furthermore, different tilt angles of the seat height memory limiting plate 103 correspond to different stop positions of the lifting support 300. When the seat height memory limiting plate 103 is at different locking angles, its position abutting against the seat height stop limiting surface 304 is different, thus the minimum stop height of the lifting support 300 is also different. Therefore, this embodiment can realize the adjustment of multiple seat height positions and maintain the seat height memory position after determining the appropriate seat height. Compared with the fixed block stop structure, the fixed block stop can usually only correspond to a single stop height, while the seat height memory limiting plate 103 of this embodiment can correspond to different stop heights by changing the angle, thus taking into account both seat height adjustment and seat height memory functions.
[0059] Preferably, the seat height stopping and limiting surface 304 is an inclined bearing limiting surface, and the seat height memory limiting plate 103 is disposed on both sides of the lifting support 300, forming an inclined bracing abutment with the corresponding inclined bearing limiting surface. When the user acts on the folding seat plate 301, the lifting support 300 is subjected to a downward load, and the inclined bearing limiting surface transmits this downward load to the seat height memory limiting plates 103 on both sides. Since the seat height memory limiting plate 103 abuts against the inclined bearing limiting surface in an inclined state, the vertical downward pressure of the lifting support 300 can be converted into an inclined supporting force towards the supporting side plate 102 through the seat height memory limiting plate 103, and further transmitted to the corresponding supporting side plate 102. Thus, the downward load can be avoided from being concentrated vertically acting on a single block stop position, reducing the risk of bending deformation or damage to the seat height memory limiting plate 103, so that the seat height memory limiting plate 103 does not need to be designed as a thick block structure to achieve a good stopping and limiting effect.
[0060] Furthermore, as the downward load on the lifting support 300 increases, the clamping force between the inclined bearing limiting surface and the seat height memory limiting plate 103 also increases, making the lowering limit of the lifting support 300 at the seat height memory position more reliable. In other words, the greater the bearing force applied by the user to the folding seat plate 301, the more obvious the clamping tendency between the seat height memory limiting plate 103 and the inclined bearing limiting surface, thus forming a self-reinforcing lowering limit effect.
[0061] At the height-memory position of the support seat, the height-memory limiting plate 103 abuts against the height-stopping limiting surface 304 to restrict the lifting support seat 300 from moving further downward. Simultaneously, the height-memory limiting plate 103 still extends at least partially into the locking guide gap formed between the folding locking limiting surface 303 and the follower limiting pin 302 to restrict the folding seat plate 301 from rotating to the vertically retracted state. Therefore, the same height-memory limiting plate 103 can simultaneously achieve the height-stopping limiting of the lifting support seat 300 and the anti-misfolding limiting of the folding seat plate 301, reducing the number of independent locking components and improving structural compactness.
[0062] Example 3, referring to Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 This embodiment, based on Embodiments 1 and 2, further explains the slow-descent reset support assembly and the installation and application method of the present invention.
[0063] like Figure 6As shown, the slow-descent reset support assembly includes a slow-descent air pressure chamber 201 disposed within the mounting base plate 101, a lifting piston rod 202 slidably mounted within the slow-descent air pressure chamber 201, and a rising reset spring 203 disposed within the slow-descent air pressure chamber 201 for pushing the lifting piston rod 202 upward. A lifting support 300 is fixedly connected to the top end of the lifting piston rod 202, allowing the lifting support 300 to move up and down with the lifting piston rod 202.
[0064] The bottom end of the lifting piston rod 202 is provided with a chambered piston assembly. The chambered piston assembly includes a piston head fixed to the bottom end of the lifting piston rod 202 and a sealing ring disposed on the outer periphery of the piston head. The sealing ring slides and seals with the inner wall of the slow-falling air pressure chamber 201. The chambered piston assembly divides the slow-falling air pressure chamber 201 into a lower pressure-bearing chamber 204 located on the lower side and an upper return air chamber 205 located on the upper side. The upper return air chamber 205 is connected to the outside. A throttling guide hole 206 is provided inside the lifting piston rod 202, running vertically through it. A throttling control valve 207 is provided on the lifting support 300. The lower pressure-bearing chamber 204 is connected to the throttling control valve 207 through the throttling guide hole 206. The throttling control valve 207 is used to adjust the throttling air flow rate of the pressure-bearing lower chamber 204, thereby controlling the descent speed of the lifting support 300 under load and the rising speed under unload. The return air upper chamber 205 is connected to the outside, so that when the lifting piston rod 202 moves up and down, the gas in the return air upper chamber 205 can enter and exit in time, avoiding the formation of compression air resistance or negative pressure resistance in the return air upper chamber 205, which would affect the smooth movement of the lifting piston rod 202.
[0065] Reference Figure 7 When a user applies pressure to the folding seat 301, the lifting support 300 experiences downward pressure, compressing the slow-descent reset support assembly. The lifting piston rod 202 moves downward, compressing the rising reset spring 203. Gas in the pressurized lower chamber 204 is discharged through the throttling vent 206 and the throttling control valve 207. Because the throttling control valve 207 restricts the gas flow rate, the lifting support 300 descends slowly, preventing the folding seat 301 from suddenly sinking. Caregivers can adjust the descent speed of the lifting support 300 by adjusting the opening of the throttling control valve 207 to adapt to different users' seating habits and care needs.
[0066] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the support height memory position of the folding seat plate 301 is not determined by the air pressure maintained after the throttle control valve 207 is closed, but by the mechanical stop position formed by the abutment between the seat height memory limiting plate 103 and the seat height stop limiting surface 304 on the lifting support 300. The throttle control valve 207 is mainly used to adjust the throttle airflow rate of the pressure-bearing lower chamber 204, thereby controlling the descent or ascent speed of the lifting support 300; when the throttle control valve 207 is closed or at a small opening, the lifting support 300 can form a temporary holding or slow movement state in the current position, but this temporary holding state is different from the support height memory position formed by the seat height memory limiting plate 103.
[0067] When adjusting the seat height for the first time, the user sits on the folding seat plate 301, and the lifting support 300 slowly descends under the weight. When the lifting support 300 descends to the user's suitable seat height, the opening of the throttling control valve 207 can be closed or reduced to temporarily hold the lifting support 300 near that height, making it easy for caregivers to lock the seat height memory limit plate 103 at the corresponding angle using the locking knob 105. After the seat height memory limit plate 103 is locked, it forms a mechanical anti-descent engagement with the seat height stop limit surface 304, thereby determining the seat height memory position. In subsequent use, even if the throttling control valve 207 is open to allow the lifting support 300 to continue rising and falling, after the lifting support 300 descends to the seat height memory position, it will still be mechanically restrained by the seat height memory limit plate 103 and automatically stop at that seat height position.
[0068] Reference Figure 6 When the folding seat plate 301 is unloaded, i.e., when the user stands up or their body weight decreases, the throttling control valve 207 can be opened, allowing outside air to enter the pressure-bearing lower chamber 204 through the throttling control valve 207 and the throttling guide hole 206. The rising return spring 203 releases its elastic force and pushes the lifting piston rod 202 upward, causing the lifting support 300 to rise. The rising speed of the lifting support 300 can also be adjusted by the opening of the throttling control valve 207 to prevent the lifting support 300 from springing up too quickly. This gradual rising process provides upward support for the user as they stand up, helping to reduce the effort required during the process.
[0069] During the process of getting up or performing nursing procedures, when the lifting support 300 rises to the height that the caregiver or user wishes to temporarily stay at, the opening of the throttling control valve 207 can be closed or reduced again, so that the lifting support 300 temporarily maintains that height for nursing procedures such as wiping, transferring, tidying, or sitting down again. This temporary holding height can be changed according to the needs of the current use without affecting the support seat height memory position determined by the seat height memory limit plate 103. Furthermore, when the temporary holding height is still lower than the preset folding unlocking height, the lifting support 300 remains within the support lifting range, and the seat height memory limit plate 103 remains inserted into the locking guide gap formed between the folding locking limit surface 303 and the follow-up limit pin 302, thereby continuing to restrict the folding seat plate 301 from rotating to the vertical storage state. Therefore, the throttle control valve 207 can not only be used for speed adjustment and temporary height maintenance during the lifting process, but also can cooperate with the seat height memory limit plate 103 in the temporary holding state to keep the folding seat plate 301 in an anti-accidental folding state; while the seat height memory limit plate 103 is used to determine the long-term repeatable mechanical seat height memory position.
[0070] Preferably, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the mounting base plate 101 is provided with multiple slow-descent air pressure chambers 201, and each slow-descent air pressure chamber 201 is slidably equipped with a lifting piston rod 202. The mounting base plate 101 is also provided with a lower chamber equalizing hole 208 and an upper chamber equalizing hole 209. Multiple pressure-bearing lower chambers 204 are connected through the lower chamber equalizing hole 208, and multiple return air upper chambers 205 are connected to the outside through the upper chamber equalizing hole 209. Through the connection between the lower chamber equalizing hole 208 and the upper chamber equalizing hole 209, pressure balance can be achieved among the multiple slow-descent air pressure chambers 201, so that the multiple lifting piston rods 202 maintain good synchronization during the lifting process, improving the lifting stability and support reliability of the folding seat plate 301.
[0071] Reference Figure 10 The anti-misfolding locking mechanism for the nursing bath chair of the present invention can be applied to a folding chair. In this case, the mounting base plate 101 can be connected to the folding chair frame or the seat body, and the folding seat plate 301 can be unfolded to a horizontal support state when in use and rotated to a vertical storage state when not in use. Since the seat height memory limit plate 103 can restrict the folding of the folding seat plate 301 within the support lifting range, the folding seat plate 301 can still maintain a horizontal support state even if the user's body movements are unstable during the process of getting up or sitting down again.
[0072] Reference Figure 11The anti-misfolding locking mechanism for the nursing bath chair of the present invention can also be applied to wall-mounted structures. In this case, the mounting base plate 101 can be fixed to the wall or wall support frame, and the folding seat plate 301 can be unfolded or folded relative to the wall, making it suitable for use in places with limited space such as bathrooms, nursing rooms, and rehabilitation institutions. In the wall-mounted configuration, the seat height memory limiting plate 103, the lifting support 300, and the slow-descent reset support assembly can still achieve the aforementioned functions of anti-misfolding, seat height memory, diagonal bracing to stop descent, and slow-descent reset.
[0073] It should be noted that the slow-descent reset support component in this embodiment is not limited to a pneumatic structure. It can also adopt a hydraulic, pneumatic-hydraulic composite, or spring-damped structure according to actual needs. As long as it can realize the slow descent of the lifting support 300 under load and the reset and rise under unloaded state, it can be used as an equivalent replacement of the present invention.
[0074] 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 equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A mechanism for preventing accidental folding of a nursing bath chair, characterized in that, include: The bracket assembly includes a mounting base (101) and support side plates (102) fixedly mounted on both sides of the mounting base (101), wherein the support side plates (102) are provided with adjustable seat height memory limiting plates (103). A slow-descent reset support assembly is disposed on the mounting base plate (101); A lifting support (300) is connected to the telescopic end of the slow-descent reset support assembly and is capable of being raised and lowered relative to the mounting base plate (101); A folding seat plate (301) is rotatably mounted on the lifting support (300) and can switch between a horizontal support state and a vertical storage state. Follow-up limit pins (302) are provided on both sides of the folding seat plate (301). The lifting support (300) is provided with a folding locking limiting surface (303). When the folding seat plate (301) is in a horizontal supporting state, a locking guide gap is formed between the folding locking limiting surface (303) and the follow-up limiting pin (302). The seat height memory limiting plate (103) extends at least partially into the locking guide gap to restrict the folding seat plate (301) from rotating to a vertical storage state. Within the support lifting range where the lifting support (300) is below the preset folding unlocking height, the seat height memory limiting plate (103) remains inserted into the locking guide gap, so that the folding seat plate (301) remains in an unfoldable state during the load-bearing descent and unloading descent. When the lifting support (300) rises to the preset folding unlocking height, the seat height memory limiting plate (103) separates from the locking guide gap, allowing the folding seat plate (301) to rotate to a vertical storage state.
2. The anti-misfolding locking mechanism for a nursing bath chair according to claim 1, characterized in that: An angle memory locking assembly is provided on the support side plate (102). The angle memory locking assembly includes a rotating shaft (104) and a locking knob (105). The seat height memory limiting plate (103) is rotatably mounted on the support side plate (102) through the rotating shaft (104). The locking knob (105) is threaded onto the support side plate (102). The end of the locking knob (105) presses against the seat height memory limiting plate (103), causing the seat height memory limiting plate (103) to deflect around the rotating shaft (104) and remain at the locking angle.
3. The anti-misfolding locking mechanism for a nursing bath chair according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lifting support (300) is provided with a seat height stop limiting surface (304). The seat height memory limiting plate (103) can be locked at the corresponding angle when the lifting support (300) descends to the user's suitable seat height to form a support seat height memory position. When the lifting support (300) descends to the support seat height memory position, the seat height memory limiting plate (103) abuts against the seat height stop limiting surface (304) to limit the lifting support (300) from continuing to move down.
4. The anti-misfolding locking mechanism for a nursing bath chair according to claim 3, characterized in that: The seat height stop limit surface (304) is an inclined bearing limit surface. The seat height memory limit plate (103) is set on both sides of the lifting support (300) and forms an inclined brace abutment with the corresponding inclined bearing limit surface, so that the downward load of the lifting support (300) is transmitted to the corresponding support side plate (102) through the seat height memory limit plates (103) on both sides; and when the downward load of the lifting support (300) increases, the abutment and clamping force between the inclined bearing limit surface and the seat height memory limit plate (103) increases.
5. The anti-misfolding locking mechanism for a nursing bath chair according to claim 3, characterized in that: The seat height memory limiting plate (103) abuts against the seat height stop limiting surface (304) at the seat height memory position and extends at least partially into the locking guide gap, so that the seat height memory limiting plate (103) simultaneously restricts the lifting support (300) from continuing to move down and restricts the folding seat plate (301) from rotating to the vertical storage state.
6. The anti-misfolding locking mechanism for a nursing bath chair according to claim 3, characterized in that: After the seat height memory limiting plate (103) is locked at the corresponding angle, after the folding seat plate (301) is rotated to the vertical storage state and unfolded again to the horizontal support state, the seat height memory limiting plate (103) still maintains the corresponding angle so that the lifting support seat (300) stops at the support seat height memory position when it descends again.
7. The anti-misfolding locking mechanism for a nursing bath chair according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slow-descent reset support assembly includes a slow-descent air pressure chamber (201) disposed in the mounting base plate (101), a lifting piston rod (202) slidably installed in the slow-descent air pressure chamber (201), and a rising reset spring (203) disposed in the slow-descent air pressure chamber (201) for pushing the lifting piston rod (202) upward. The lifting support (300) is fixedly connected to the top end of the lifting piston rod (202).
8. The anti-misfolding locking mechanism for a nursing bath chair according to claim 7, characterized in that: The bottom end of the lifting piston rod (202) is provided with a chamber piston assembly, which divides the slow-falling air pressure chamber (201) into a lower pressure chamber (204) located on the lower side and an upper return air chamber (205) located on the upper side. The upper return air chamber (205) is connected to the outside. The lifting piston rod (202) is provided with a vertically penetrating throttling guide hole (206). The lifting support (300) is provided with a throttling control valve (207). The lower pressure chamber (204) is connected to the throttling control valve (207) through the throttling guide hole (206). The throttling control valve (207) is used to adjust the throttling air flow rate of the lower pressure chamber (204).
9. The anti-misfolding locking mechanism for a nursing bath chair according to claim 8, characterized in that: When the user applies force to the folding seat plate (301), the lifting support (300) compresses the slow-descent reset support assembly under the load, and controls the descent speed of the lifting support (300) through the throttle control valve (207); when the folding seat plate (301) is unloaded, the rising reset spring (203) drives the lifting piston rod (202) and the lifting support (300) to rise.
10. The anti-misfolding locking mechanism for a nursing bath chair according to claim 8, characterized in that: The mounting base plate (101) is provided with a plurality of the slow-falling air pressure chambers (201), and each of the slow-falling air pressure chambers (201) is slidably provided with a lifting piston rod (202). The mounting base plate (101) is also provided with a lower chamber equalization hole (208) and an upper chamber equalization hole (209). The plurality of pressure-bearing lower chambers (204) are connected through the lower chamber equalization hole (208), and the plurality of return air upper chambers (205) are connected through the upper chamber equalization hole (209).