Folding wheelchair locking device and folding wheelchair
By designing a locking device with claws and limit pins on the electric wheelchair, the locking problem when the electric wheelchair is unfolded and folded is solved, realizing safe and reliable state switching and improving user experience and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LAUNCH DESIGN INC LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
Most existing electric wheelchairs are either not foldable or have foldable structures without locking devices, leading to inconvenience and safety risks.
Design a locking device for a folding wheelchair, which adopts a claw and limit pin structure. The limit pin engages with the limit groove to lock the wheelchair in both unfolded and folded states. The device is operated by a shaft and an unlocking handle, and a torsion spring provides stability.
It improves user experience and safety, prevents accidental operation, and ensures the stability and safety of the wheelchair in different states.
Smart Images

Figure CN224403898U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of folding electric wheelchair technology, and in particular relates to a folding wheelchair locking device and a folding wheelchair. Background Technology
[0002] Most small electric wheelchairs currently on the market are fixed and non-foldable. This non-foldable design causes significant inconvenience in various scenarios. Foldable electric wheelchairs would be much easier to carry, such as by being placed in a car trunk. Non-foldable wheelchairs, however, require specialized transport equipment, making them inconvenient to use in many situations.
[0003] Although a few small electric wheelchairs on the market are foldable, their folding structure lacks a locking device. This can lead to situations where, due to negligence, one cannot lock the wheelchair or unfold it, resulting in a poor user experience and safety risks.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need to invent a locking device that is not available for existing electric wheelchairs, which would facilitate locking of the electric wheelchairs, enhance the user experience, and eliminate safety risks. Utility Model Content
[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a folding wheelchair locking device and a folding wheelchair, which can lock the unfolded and folded wheelchairs separately, thereby enhancing the user experience and safety.
[0006] A first aspect of this utility model provides a locking device for a folding wheelchair, used for locking a folding wheelchair in both a folded and unfolded state, comprising:
[0007] The gripper claw is equipped with a limit groove;
[0008] The limiting pin includes a first limiting pin and a second limiting pin, which are respectively located at different positions on the wheelchair frame of the folding wheelchair.
[0009] The claw is mounted on the wheelchair frame; when the folding wheelchair is unfolded, the limiting groove engages with the first limiting pin; when the folding wheelchair is folded, the limiting groove engages with the second limiting pin.
[0010] This utility model uses a locking claw with a limiting groove, which is used to engage with the first limiting pin and the second limiting pin at different positions on the wheelchair frame of the folding wheelchair, so as to lock the folding wheelchair in different states, thereby improving the user experience and safety.
[0011] Furthermore, the folding wheelchair locking device also includes a shaft, with the pawl located at one end of the shaft, and the shaft rotatably mounted on the wheelchair frame.
[0012] Furthermore, the other end of the shaft is provided with an unlocking handle, which is used to drive the shaft and the pawl to rotate.
[0013] Furthermore, the folding wheelchair locking device also includes a limiting mechanism, which acts on the side of the claw away from the limiting pin, so that the claw engages with the limiting pin.
[0014] Furthermore, the limiting mechanism includes a torsion spring, which is sleeved on the shaft, with one end connected to the wheelchair frame and the other end connected to the claw.
[0015] Furthermore, the folding wheelchair locking device also includes a mounting bracket, which is connected to the wheelchair frame by screws; the shaft is rotatably inserted through the mounting bracket.
[0016] Furthermore, there are two claws, located on both sides of the wheelchair frame, and the two sides of the wheelchair frame are respectively provided with limiting pins corresponding to the claws.
[0017] Furthermore, the folding wheelchair locking device also includes a connecting rod, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the two claws.
[0018] Furthermore, the claw is designed as a flat plate structure, comprising an integrated first plate and a second plate, which are arranged crosswise. The first plate has a first limiting groove on one side that engages with the first limiting pin, and the second plate has a second limiting groove on one side that engages with the second limiting pin. The intersection of the first plate and the second plate has a shaft hole for the shaft rod to pass through, and the first plate also has a through hole for connecting the connecting rod.
[0019] A second aspect of this invention provides a folding wheelchair, including the folding wheelchair locking device described above.
[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0021] The system employs rotatable claws on the wheelchair frame of a folding wheelchair, along with two limiting pins at different positions on the frame. The upper locking slots of the claws engage with different limiting pins depending on the wheelchair frame's position, thereby locking the wheelchair frame in different states, improving safety, and enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description
[0022] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same components. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings.
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the folding wheelchair locking device in an embodiment of the present invention assembled in a folding wheelchair.
[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the folding wheelchair locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the shaft according to an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0026] Figure 4 This is an embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 1 A left view of the local structure;
[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of the locking device of the folding wheelchair when it is unfolded, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of the locking device of the folding wheelchair in the folded state according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] Figure label:
[0030] 1. Wheelchair frame; 11. First frame; 12. Second frame; 13. First limiting pin; 14. Second limiting pin;
[0031] 2. Fixed bracket; 21. Mounting hole;
[0032] 3. Unlock the controller;
[0033] 4. Connecting rod;
[0034] 5. Claw; 51. First limiting groove; 52. Second limiting groove; 53. Shaft hole; 54. Through hole;
[0035] 6. Torsion spring; 61. Bushing;
[0036] 7. Shaft. Detailed Implementation
[0037] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. It should be understood that these descriptions are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0038] Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and techniques are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concepts disclosed in this utility model.
[0039] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The terms "installed," "connected," and "joined" should be interpreted broadly; for example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0040] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this invention. Rather, they are merely examples of systems consistent with some aspects of this invention as detailed in the appended claims.
[0041] This utility model proposes a folding wheelchair locking device and a folding wheelchair, which solves the problem that existing folding electric wheelchairs cannot be effectively locked when unfolded or folded, reducing the user experience and safety.
[0042] This utility model provides a locking device for a folding wheelchair, used to lock the folding wheelchair in both its folded and unfolded states, including:
[0043] Claw 5 is equipped with a limit groove;
[0044] The limiting pins include a first limiting pin 13 and a second limiting pin 14, which are respectively located at different positions on the wheelchair frame 1 of the folding wheelchair.
[0045] The claw 5 is mounted on the wheelchair frame 1; when the folding wheelchair is unfolded, the limiting groove engages with the first limiting pin 13; when the folding wheelchair is folded, the limiting groove engages with the second limiting pin 14.
[0046] This utility model uses a locking claw 5 with a limiting groove, which is used to engage with the first limiting pin 13 and the second limiting pin 14 at different positions on the wheelchair frame 1 of the folding wheelchair, so as to lock the folding wheelchair in different states, improve the user experience and safety.
[0047] A first limiting pin 13 and a second limiting pin 14 are respectively provided at different positions on the wheelchair frame 1, and a limiting groove is provided on the locking device claw 5, see [reference]. Figure 5 As shown, the wheelchair frame 1 is in the unfolded state for the patient to sit on. In this state, the limiting groove of the claw 5 engages with the first limiting pin 13 on the wheelchair frame 1, thus limiting this unfolded state and preventing the first frame 11 and the second frame 12 of the wheelchair frame 1 from folding and affecting normal use; see also... Figure 6 As shown, the wheelchair frame 1 is in a folded state, that is, the first frame 11 and the second frame 12 are folded, which is equivalent to folding up the entire wheelchair frame 1. At this time, the upper limit groove of the claw 5 is engaged with the second limit pin 14 on the wheelchair frame 1 to ensure the stability of the folded state and reduce the space occupied by the wheelchair.
[0048] The claw 5 is mounted on the wheelchair frame 1 and can be fixed with screws or rotatably connected, etc. See [reference needed]. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the claw 5 is rotatably mounted on the wheelchair frame 1, and the claw 5 is provided with two limiting grooves: a first limiting groove 51 and a second limiting groove 52. Different limiting grooves and limiting pins are used for locking depending on the state of the wheelchair frame 1. If the claw 5 is directly fixed, a single limiting groove can also be provided, which can be locked with different limiting pins depending on the state of the wheelchair frame 1.
[0049] Furthermore, the folding wheelchair locking device also includes a shaft 7, the claw 5 is disposed on one end of the shaft 7, and the shaft 7 is rotatably disposed on the wheelchair frame 1.
[0050] This utility model uses a shaft 7 rotatably mounted on a wheelchair frame 1, with a claw 5 connected to one end of the shaft 7. This allows the claw 5 to be locked in place and rotate with the shaft 7, thereby changing the position of the upper limit groove of the claw 5. This facilitates engagement with different limit pins on the wheelchair frame 1, making the operation simple.
[0051] Furthermore, the other end of the shaft 7 is provided with an unlocking handle 3, which is used to drive the shaft 7 and the pawl 5 to rotate.
[0052] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, an unlocking handle 3 is provided on the other end of the shaft 7, which is used to drive the shaft 7 and the pawl 5 to rotate, thereby achieving the unlocking function.
[0053] When the unlocking handle 3 is manually moved, the shaft 7 rotates, causing the pawl 5 to rotate as well. With the upper limit slot of the pawl 5 engaged with the limit pin, it can disengage from the limit pin, achieving a contact locking function, thereby changing the state of the wheelchair frame 1.
[0054] Furthermore, the folding wheelchair locking device also includes a limiting mechanism, which acts on the side of the claw 5 away from the limiting pin, so that the claw 5 engages with the limiting pin.
[0055] Since the unlocking handle 3 allows for easy adjustment of the rotation of the locking claw 5, this poses a safety hazard to the wheelchair frame 1 when it is in a locked state. This invention employs a limiting mechanism to provide stability when the locking claw 5 is engaged with the limiting pin, preventing the engagement between the locking claw 5 and the limiting pin from being easily released by slight application of the unlocking handle 3. Specifically, the limiting mechanism includes a torsion spring 6, which is sleeved on the shaft 7, with one end connected to the wheelchair frame 1 and the other end connected to the locking claw 5.
[0056] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the limiting mechanism includes a torsion spring 6, which is sleeved on the shaft 7. One end of the torsion spring 6 is connected to the wheelchair frame 1, and the other end is connected to the claw 5. The elastic force provided by the torsion spring 6 makes the claw 5 and the limiting pin stably engaged and not easy to fall off. Only when the unlocking handle 3 applies a large force, which is greater than the elastic force of the torsion spring 6, will the claw 5 rotate, thus avoiding the instability of the engagement between the claw 5 and the limiting pin.
[0057] Among them, a bushing 61 can be added between the torsion spring 6 and the shaft 7, that is, the torsion spring 6 is sleeved on the bushing 61, and then the bushing 61 is sleeved on the shaft 7, thereby reducing the direct wear between the two moving parts, the shaft 7 and the torsion spring 6.
[0058] Furthermore, the folding wheelchair locking device also includes a mounting bracket, which is connected to the wheelchair frame 1 by screws; the shaft 7 is rotatably inserted through the mounting bracket.
[0059] For the mounting structure of the shaft 7 on the wheelchair frame 1, a mounting bracket can be used. The mounting bracket is connected to the wheelchair frame 1 by screws passing through the mounting holes 21 on the mounting bracket. The shaft 7 can be rotatably installed in the mounting bracket. The fixing structure is simple and can be installed on the wheelchair frame 1 of a traditional electric wheelchair. The modification can be completed by adding screw holes and limit pins.
[0060] Furthermore, there are two claws 5, located on both sides of the wheelchair frame 1, and the limiting pins corresponding to the claws 5 are respectively provided on both sides of the wheelchair frame 1.
[0061] This utility model is equipped with two locking claws 5, located on both sides of the wheelchair frame 1, which can lock the state of the wheelchair frame 1 from both sides, thereby improving the overall stability and safety of use.
[0062] Furthermore, the folding wheelchair locking device also includes a connecting rod 4, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the two claws 5.
[0063] A connecting rod 4 is installed between the two jaws 5 so that the rotation of the two jaws 5 is synchronized. (See [reference]) Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the connecting rod 4 is connected to the through hole 54 on the chuck 5. The chuck 5 is also provided with a shaft hole 53 connected to the shaft 7. The through hole 54 and the shaft hole 53 are set in different positions. The rotation of the chuck 5 around the shaft hole 53 can drive the connecting rod 4 to move with a large displacement. Accordingly, the connecting rod 4 can be set as a bent structure to enhance the transmission effect.
[0064] Furthermore, the claw 5 is designed as a flat plate structure, comprising an integrated first plate and a second plate, which are arranged in a cross configuration. The first plate has a first limiting groove 51 on one side that engages with the first limiting pin 13, and the second plate has a second limiting groove 52 on one side that engages with the second limiting pin 14. The intersection of the first plate and the second plate is provided with a shaft hole 53 through which the shaft 7 passes, and the first plate is also provided with a through hole 54 for connecting the connecting rod 4.
[0065] This utility model sets the claw 5 as a flat plate structure. The flat plate is composed of an integrated first plate and a second plate connected at one end. A first limiting groove 51 is provided on one side of the first plate, and a second limiting groove 52 is provided on one side of the second plate. The double limiting groove structure is adopted to accommodate different structural states of the wheelchair frame 1. When the wheelchair frame 1 is unfolded, the first limiting groove 51 is engaged with the first limiting pin 13; when the wheelchair frame 1 is folded, the second limiting groove 52 is engaged with the second limiting pin 14.
[0066] The first limiting groove 51 and the second limiting groove 52 can be located on the same side or opposite side of the first plate and the second plate, depending on the actual structure. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first limiting groove 51 and the second limiting groove 52 are located on the same side of the first plate and the second plate.
[0067] A second aspect of this invention provides a folding wheelchair, including the folding wheelchair locking device described above.
[0068] The aforementioned locking device for folding wheelchairs is convenient to operate, simple in structure, highly safe, prevents accidental operation, features a modular design, and provides stable locking and limiting effects. This utility model includes an electric folding wheelchair.
[0069] The following instructions describe how to operate a folding electric wheelchair.
[0070] When the folding electric wheelchair is unfolded, it is in the folding lock state. The torsion spring 6 engages the claw 5, and the first limiting groove 51 of the claw 5 is locked onto the first limiting pin 13, automatically locking the wheelchair. This is the unfolded state. When folding the foldable electric wheelchair, the unlocking handle 3 must be manually operated while pulling the frame backward. To prevent accidental unlocking or over-unlocking, a limiting device is provided on the mounting bracket to ensure that the first limiting groove 51 of the claw 5 disengages from the first limiting pin 13. Simultaneously, the hand operating the unlocking handle 3 can be released until the frame reaches the folded state, and the claw 5...
[0071] The second limiting groove 52 automatically engages with the second limiting pin 14 and locks itself in place; this is the folded state. To unfold, simply repeat the above steps in reverse.
[0072] This utility model's folding wheelchair locking device is convenient, highly secure, and simple to use. The mounting bracket itself limits the locking mechanism, preventing accidental over-locking or incomplete locking that could pose safety hazards. Through modular design, individual components can be made from specially selected materials, reducing weight and cost.
[0073] Unlike traditional folding electric wheelchairs, this invention utilizes the elasticity of the torsion spring 6 to achieve semi-automatic unlocking and locking, making it convenient and efficient to operate. The mounting bracket itself acts as a limit, preventing safety hazards caused by misoperation, over-locking, or failure to lock.
[0074] This invention utilizes a modular design, allowing components to be made from multiple materials simultaneously. This ensures strength while reducing weight and cost. Furthermore, component replacement is convenient, efficient, and reduces labor costs, while ensuring easy quality control.
[0075] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present utility model, and not to limit it. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present utility model. 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 utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A locking device for a folding wheelchair, used to lock the folding wheelchair in both a folded and unfolded state, characterized in that, include: The claw (5) is equipped with a limiting groove; The limiting pins include a first limiting pin (13) and a second limiting pin (14), which are respectively located at different positions on the wheelchair frame (1) of the folding wheelchair. The claw (5) is provided on the wheelchair frame (1); when the folding wheelchair is unfolded, the limiting groove engages with the first limiting pin (13); when the folding wheelchair is folded, the limiting groove engages with the second limiting pin (14).
2. The folding wheelchair locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The folding wheelchair locking device also includes a shaft (7), and the claw (5) is disposed on one end of the shaft (7). The shaft (7) is rotatably disposed on the wheelchair frame (1).
3. The folding wheelchair locking device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The other end of the shaft (7) is provided with an unlocking handle (3), which is used to drive the shaft (7) and the pawl (5) to rotate.
4. The folding wheelchair locking device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The folding wheelchair locking device also includes a limiting mechanism, which acts on the side of the claw (5) away from the limiting pin, so that the claw (5) engages with the limiting pin.
5. The folding wheelchair locking device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The limiting mechanism includes a torsion spring (6), which is sleeved on the shaft (7), with one end connected to the wheelchair frame (1) and the other end connected to the claw (5).
6. The folding wheelchair locking device according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, The folding wheelchair locking device also includes a mounting bracket, which is connected to the wheelchair frame (1) by screws; the shaft (7) is rotatably inserted in the mounting bracket.
7. The folding wheelchair locking device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Two claws (5) are provided, located on both sides of the wheelchair frame (1), and the limiting pins corresponding to the claws (5) are provided on both sides of the wheelchair frame (1).
8. The folding wheelchair locking device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The folding wheelchair locking device also includes a connecting rod (4), the two ends of which are respectively connected to the two claws (5).
9. The folding wheelchair locking device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The claw (5) is a flat plate structure, including an integrated first plate and a second plate. The first plate and the second plate are arranged in a cross configuration. The first plate has a first limiting groove (51) on one side that engages with the first limiting pin (13), and the second plate has a second limiting groove (52) on one side that engages with the second limiting pin (14). The intersection of the first plate and the second plate has a shaft hole (53) through which the shaft rod (7) passes, and the first plate also has a through hole (54) to facilitate the connection of the connecting rod (4).
10. A folding wheelchair, characterized in that, Includes the folding wheelchair locking device as described in any one of claims 1-9.