Handrail folding mechanism and wheelchair

Abstract

This application discloses an armrest folding mechanism and a wheelchair, solving the problems of wheelchair armrests only being able to fold in one direction, having complex folding trigger mechanisms, and occupying a large space. The armrest folding mechanism includes an armrest, a bracket, and a button assembly. The armrest is rotatably mounted on the bracket, wherein the armrest has a first mounting hole and a first limiting guide groove, the first limiting guide groove being located on the side of the armrest facing the bracket; the button assembly includes a button and a connector, the bracket having a second mounting hole and a clearance hole; the connector has a connecting rod and a movable pin, the connecting rod passing through the second mounting hole and connecting to the button, the movable pin passing through the clearance hole; the button is used to drive the connector closer to or further away from the armrest. When the button is in a first position, the movable pin is inserted into the first limiting guide groove and can slide along the first limiting guide groove around the connecting rod, the first limiting guide groove being used to limit the rotation angle of the armrest; when the button is in a second position, the movable pin disengages from the first limiting guide groove, so that the rotation of the armrest is unrestricted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wheelchair technology, and more particularly to an armrest folding mechanism and a wheelchair. Background Technology

[0002] A wheelchair is a tool to assist people with mobility impairments. Currently, wheelchairs on the market employ a folding design for ease of transport and carrying, allowing them to change size for convenient storage or transport. Most existing folding wheelchairs only allow the armrests to fold in one direction, such as towards the backrest, to facilitate getting in and out. However, due to the relatively long armrests, the wheelchair still remains bulky when folded towards the backrest. Furthermore, the armrest folding mechanism often uses a handle and multi-link linkage, which takes up considerable space and also affects the folded size of the wheelchair. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides an armrest folding mechanism and a wheelchair, which solves the problems that the armrests of folding wheelchairs can only be folded in one direction, and that the folding trigger mechanism is complex and occupies a lot of space.

[0004] An embodiment of this application provides a folding armrest mechanism, including an armrest, a bracket, and a button assembly. The armrest is rotatably mounted on the bracket. The armrest has a first mounting hole and a first limiting guide groove, the first limiting guide groove being located on the side of the armrest facing the bracket. The button assembly includes a button and a connector. The bracket has a second mounting hole and a clearance hole. The connector has a connecting rod and a movable pin. The connecting rod passes through the second mounting hole and connects to the button, and the movable pin passes through the clearance hole. The button drives the connector to move closer to or away from the armrest. When the button is in a first position, the movable pin is inserted into the first limiting guide groove and can slide along the first limiting guide groove around the connecting rod. The first limiting guide groove limits the rotation angle of the armrest. When the button is in a second position, the movable pin disengages from the first limiting guide groove, allowing the rotation of the armrest to be unrestricted.

[0005] In the above embodiment, when the button is in the first position, the movable pin can slide along the first limiting guide groove, allowing the armrest to be adjusted within a certain range. Users can fine-tune the armrest to a more comfortable angle for their hands and arms. When the armrest needs to be folded, pressing the button to the second position disengages the movable pin from the first limiting guide groove, allowing the armrest to rotate freely relative to the support. Users can adjust the position of the armrest as needed, for example, rotating it to a position that substantially overlaps with the support, thus reducing the overall size of the armrest and support. The button assembly is located in the first and second mounting holes, achieving concealed installation and not occupying additional space beyond the armrest and support, resulting in a smaller overall size for the folding armrest structure.

[0006] In one embodiment, the handrail is further provided with a second limiting guide groove on the side facing the bracket, and the bracket is provided with a fixing pin. The fixing pin is inserted into the second limiting guide groove, and the second limiting guide groove is used to limit the rotation angle of the handrail.

[0007] In one embodiment, both the first limiting guide groove and the second limiting guide groove are arc-shaped grooves and are located on the periphery of the first mounting hole. The center of the sector plane where the first limiting guide groove is located and the center of the sector plane where the second limiting guide groove is located both overlap with the center of the first mounting hole.

[0008] In one embodiment, the connector further includes a connecting plate, with the connecting rod and the movable pin disposed on the same side of the connecting plate, and the connecting plate disposed on the side of the bracket opposite to the handrail.

[0009] In one embodiment, the button assembly further includes a fixed shaft and a spring. One end of the fixed shaft is fixedly installed in the second mounting hole, and the other end passes through the first mounting hole. The fixed shaft has a shaft hole, and the connecting rod passes through the shaft hole. The inner wall of the shaft hole is provided with a first flange. The spring is sleeved on the outer wall of the connecting rod, and one end of the spring abuts against the first flange while the other end abuts against the button. The spring is used to drive the button away from the bracket.

[0010] In one embodiment, the button assembly further includes a locking nut, a clamping washer, and at least one wave spring arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the connecting rod. The locking nut, the clamping washer, and at least one wave spring are all sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed shaft. The inner wall of the first mounting hole is provided with a second flange, and the at least one wave spring abuts against the second flange.

[0011] In one embodiment, the outer wall of the fixed shaft away from the bracket has a stepped structure, the locking nut and the clamping washer are installed on the stepped structure, and the locking nut is used to lock the clamping washer to the stepped structure.

[0012] In one embodiment, the button assembly further includes a first lubricant, which is sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed shaft and disposed between the second flange and the at least one wave spring.

[0013] In one embodiment, the button assembly further includes a second lubricant sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed shaft. The second lubricant includes a bushing portion and a gasket portion that are perpendicularly connected to each other. The bushing portion is located between the fixed shaft and the inner wall of the first mounting hole, and the gasket portion is located between the handrail and the bracket.

[0014] Embodiments of this application also provide a wheelchair, which includes the aforementioned armrest folding mechanism. The armrest folding mechanism is capable of bidirectional rotation, allowing the user to adjust the armrest angle as needed, thus enabling the wheelchair user to maintain a more comfortable posture. Alternatively, when the wheelchair is folded, the folding angle of the armrests can be further increased, resulting in a smaller storage volume. The push-button assembly is convenient to operate, has a compact structure, occupies little space, and the concealed button assembly also contributes to a more aesthetically pleasing appearance for the wheelchair. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the armrest folding mechanism provided in the first position according to an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the armrest folding mechanism when the button is in the second position, provided as an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 3 A structural diagram of a handrail provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the armrest folding mechanism when the button is in the first position, according to another embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 5 An assembly diagram of an armrest folding mechanism provided for one embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 6 An exploded view of an armrest folding mechanism provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure label:

[0022] 1-Handrail; 2-Bracket; 3-Button assembly; 11-First mounting hole; 12-First limiting guide groove; 30-Button; 32-Connector; 21-Second mounting hole; 22-Allowing hole; 321-Connecting rod; 322-Modible pin; A-First position; B-Second position; 13-Second limiting guide groove; 23-Fixing pin; 323-Connecting plate; 24-Groove; 31-Fixing shaft; 33-Spring; 311-First flange; 34-Locking nut; 35-Pressure washer; 36-Wave spring; 111-Second flange; 312-Step structure; 37-First lubricant; 38-Second lubricant; 381-Busset part; 382-Washer part. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description of the application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0024] The terminology used in the following embodiments is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” “the,” and “this” are intended to also include expressions such as “one or more” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] References to “an embodiment” or “a specific embodiment” as used in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including, but not limited to,” unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0026] With the accelerating aging of its population, my country is facing an unprecedented challenge of super-aging. The increasing aging population is driving a surge in demand for wheelchairs. Furthermore, people with mobility impairments also require wheelchair assistance. Folding wheelchairs, with their lightweight and easy-to-fold characteristics, are widely used in various life scenarios, meeting the travel needs of different groups, including the elderly. Application scenarios include home settings, caregiving settings, shopping settings, and medical treatment settings. Moreover, when folded, wheelchairs are compact and can be easily placed in a car trunk or on public transportation.

[0027] In related technologies, the armrests of folding wheelchairs typically can only fold in one direction, such as folding only towards the backrest. Because the armrests are relatively long, they still occupy a significant amount of space even when folded. Furthermore, the folding mechanisms of most armrests employ a combination of handles and multi-link mechanisms, resulting in complex structures and substantial space consumption. Some folding wheelchairs simply have armrests that rotate around an axis to trigger a mechanism, making them inconvenient to secure.

[0028] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide an armrest folding mechanism and a wheelchair, wherein the armrest can be folded in both directions, and the folding trigger mechanism has a simple and compact structure and occupies little space.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the armrest folding mechanism provided in one embodiment of the present application when the button is in the first position. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the armrest folding mechanism in the second position provided in one embodiment of this application is shown below. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of this application provides a folding armrest mechanism including an armrest 1, a bracket 2, and a button assembly 3. The armrest 1 is rotatably mounted on the bracket 2. The armrest 1 has a first mounting hole 11 and a first limiting guide groove 12, with the first limiting guide groove 12 located on the side of the armrest 1 facing the bracket 2. The button assembly 3 includes a button 30 and a connector 32. The bracket 2 has a second mounting hole 21 and a clearance hole 22. The connector 32 has a connecting rod 321 and a movable pin 322. The connecting rod 321 passes through the second mounting hole 21 and connects to the button 30, while the movable pin 322 passes through the clearance hole 22.

[0030] Button 30 is used to drive connector 32 closer to or further away from handrail 1. Button 30 can move closer to or further away from bracket 2 along the axial direction of connecting rod 321. When button 30 is in the first position A, which can be considered the initial position of button 30, the movable pin 322 is inserted into the first limiting guide groove 12 and can slide along the first limiting guide groove 12 around connecting rod 321. The first limiting guide groove 12 is used to limit the rotation angle of handrail 1. When button 30 is pressed, making button 30 in the second position B, button 30 drives connecting rod 321 to move away from handrail 1, thereby disengaging movable pin 322 from the first limiting guide groove 12. At this time, the rotation of handrail 1 is unrestricted. The aforementioned first position A and second position B are arranged along the axial direction of connecting rod 321.

[0031] In the above embodiment, when button 30 is in the first position A, the movable pin 322 can slide along the first limiting guide groove 12, causing the armrest 1 to rotate upwards closer to the backrest, thereby increasing the space between the armrest 1 and the support 2, making it easier for the user to get in and out of the wheelchair. After the user is seated, the armrest 1 can be rotated in the opposite direction to adjust the appropriate angle, providing support for the user's arms. When the armrest 1 needs to be folded, button 30 is pressed, and when button 30 is in the second position B, the movable pin 322 disengages from the first limiting guide groove 12, allowing the armrest 1 to rotate freely relative to the support 2. The user can adjust the position of the armrest 1 as needed, for example, rotating the armrest 1 downwards to a position that basically overlaps with the support 2, making the overall volume of the armrest 1 and the support 2 smaller. The button assembly 3 is set in the first mounting hole 11 and the second mounting hole 21, achieving a hidden installation, which does not occupy more space than the armrest 1 and the support 2, making the volume of the armrest folding structure smaller. The support 2 can be the main frame of the wheelchair, and the armrest 1 and the backrest (not shown in the figure) of the wheelchair can be rotatably mounted on the support 2.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the arc length of the first limiting guide groove 12 can be one-quarter of the length of the circumference, so that the rotation angle of the armrest 1 when sliding along the first limiting guide groove 12 is approximately 90°. The armrest 1 can rotate upwards to approach the backrest position and tend to be parallel to the backrest, making it convenient for the user to get in and out of the wheelchair. After the user is seated, the armrest 1 can be rotated in the opposite direction and adjusted to a more horizontal angle to provide support for the user's arms.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a handrail provided in one embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the armrest folding mechanism when the button is in the first position, according to another embodiment of this application. (In conjunction with...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 In a further embodiment, the armrest 1 is provided with a second limiting guide groove 13 on the side facing the bracket 2. The bracket 2 is provided with a fixing pin 23, which is inserted into the second limiting guide groove 13. The second limiting guide groove 13 is used to limit the rotation angle of the armrest 1. Specifically, the fixing pin 23 can be set on the side of the second mounting hole 21 away from the avoidance hole 22. Correspondingly, the second limiting guide groove 13 can be set on the side of the first mounting hole 11 away from the first limiting guide groove 12. Since the fixing pin 23 is fixedly connected to the bracket 2, even if the button 30 is pressed, the fixing pin 23 will not come out of the second limiting guide groove 13. The fixing pin 23 and the second limiting guide groove 13 limit the rotation range of the armrest 1, preventing the armrest 1 from rotating too much and interfering with other parts of the wheelchair.

[0034] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 3In one specific embodiment, both the first limiting guide groove 12 and the second limiting guide groove 13 are arc-shaped grooves. The arc length of the second limiting guide groove 13 is greater than that of the first limiting guide groove 12, allowing the armrest 1 to have a larger range of motion when folded. The first limiting guide groove 12 provides limiting during fine-tuning of the armrest 1's angle, while the second limiting guide groove 13 provides limiting during folding of the armrest 1.

[0035] In one embodiment, the first limiting guide groove 12 and the second limiting guide groove 13 are both located around the first mounting hole 11. The center of the sector plane containing the first limiting guide groove 12 and the center of the sector plane containing the second limiting guide groove 13 both overlap with the center of the first mounting hole 11. The first mounting hole 11 and the second mounting hole 21 are coaxially arranged, and the first limiting guide groove 12 and the second limiting guide groove 13 are arranged around the first mounting hole 11.

[0036] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 4 In one embodiment, the connector 32 further includes a connecting plate 323, with the connecting rod 321 and the movable pin 322 disposed on the same side of the connecting plate 323, making the connecting plate 323 approximately U-shaped. The connecting plate 323 is located on the side of the bracket 2 away from the armrest 1, and the connecting plate 323 allows the movable pin 322 to move together with the connecting rod 321. Furthermore, the connecting plate 323 has a thin structure, so that when the button 30 is in the second position B, the connecting plate 323 moves away from the bracket 2 without occupying a large space.

[0037] Figure 5 An assembly diagram of the armrest folding mechanism provided for one embodiment of this application is shown below. Figure 5 As shown, in a further embodiment, the bracket 2 may have a groove 24 on the side away from the armrest 1. When the button 30 is in the first position A, the connecting plate 323 is embedded in the groove 24, making the surface of the bracket 2 flat.

[0038] Figure 6 An exploded view of an armrest folding mechanism provided in one embodiment of this application, combined with Figure 5 and Figure 6 In one embodiment, the button assembly 3 further includes a fixed shaft 31 and a spring 33. One end of the fixed shaft 31 is fixedly mounted in the second mounting hole 21, and the other end passes through the first mounting hole 11. The fixed shaft 31 has a shaft hole through which the connecting rod 321 passes. The fixed shaft 31 provides a guiding function for the connecting rod 321, enabling it to move in a straight line. The inner wall of the shaft hole is provided with a first flange 311. The spring 33 is sleeved on the outer wall of the connecting rod 321. One end of the spring 33 abuts against the first flange 311, and the other end abuts against the button 30. The spring 33 is used to drive the button 30 away from the bracket 2, thereby resetting the connecting member 32.

[0039] In one embodiment, the button assembly 3 further includes a locking nut 34, a clamping washer 35, and at least one wave spring 36 arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the connecting rod 321. The locking nut 34, the clamping washer 35, and at least one wave spring 36 are all sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed shaft 31. The inner wall of the first mounting hole 11 is provided with a second flange 111, and at least one wave spring 36 abuts against the second flange 111. The locking nut 34 and the clamping washer 35 are used to fix the wave spring 36, which acts as a damper, so that the handrail 1 has a certain resistance when rotating, making it easier for the user to find the appropriate angle position.

[0040] In one embodiment, the number of wave springs 36 can be one, three, four, five, etc., and this application does not impose specific limitations.

[0041] In one embodiment, the outer wall of the fixed shaft 31 away from the bracket 2 is provided with a stepped structure 312, the outer diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the fixed shaft 31. A locking nut 34 and a clamping washer 35 are installed on the stepped structure 312. The locking nut 34 is used to lock the clamping washer 35 to the stepped structure 312 to prevent the clamping washer 35 from slipping.

[0042] In one embodiment, the button assembly 3 further includes a first lubricant 37, which is sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed shaft 31 and disposed between the second flange 111 and at least one wave spring 36. The first lubricant 37 is used to reduce the friction between the wave spring 36 and the handrail 1, so that the handrail 1 rotates more smoothly.

[0043] In one embodiment, the button assembly 3 further includes a second lubricant 38, which is sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed shaft 31. The second lubricant 38 includes a bushing portion 381 and a gasket portion 382 that are perpendicularly connected to each other. The bushing portion 381 is located between the fixed shaft 31 and the inner wall of the first mounting hole 11, and the gasket portion 382 is located between the armrest 1 and the bracket 2. The second lubricant 38 is used to reduce the friction between the armrest 1 and the bracket 2, as well as the friction between the armrest 1 and the fixed shaft 31, so that the armrest 1 rotates more smoothly.

[0044] Embodiments of this application also provide a wheelchair, which includes an armrest folding mechanism as described in any of the above embodiments. The armrest folding mechanism is capable of bidirectional rotation, allowing the user to adjust the armrest angle as needed, thereby enabling the wheelchair user to maintain a more comfortable posture, or further increasing the folding angle of the armrests when the wheelchair is folded, resulting in a smaller storage volume. The push-button assembly is convenient to operate, has a compact structure, and occupies little space; the concealed button assembly also contributes to the wheelchair's aesthetic appearance.

[0045] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A folding armrest mechanism, characterized in that, It includes an armrest, a bracket, and a button assembly, wherein the armrest is rotatably mounted on the bracket, wherein... The handrail is provided with a first mounting hole and a first limiting guide groove, the first limiting guide groove being disposed on the side of the handrail facing the bracket; The button assembly includes a button and a connector, and the bracket is provided with a second mounting hole and a clearance hole; The connector has a connecting rod and a movable pin. The connecting rod passes through the second mounting hole and is connected to the button. The movable pin passes through the clearance hole. The button is used to drive the connector to move closer to or away from the handrail. When the button is in the first position, the movable pin is inserted into the first limiting guide groove and can slide around the connecting rod along the first limiting guide groove. The first limiting guide groove is used to limit the rotation angle of the handrail. When the button is in the second position, the movable pin disengages from the first limiting guide groove, so that the rotation of the handrail is unrestricted.

2. The armrest folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handrail is also provided with a second limiting guide groove on the side facing the bracket. The bracket is provided with a fixing pin, which is inserted into the second limiting guide groove. The second limiting guide groove is used to limit the rotation angle of the handrail.

3. The armrest folding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the first limiting guide groove and the second limiting guide groove are arc-shaped grooves and are located on the periphery of the first mounting hole. The center of the sector plane where the first limiting guide groove is located and the center of the sector plane where the second limiting guide groove is located both overlap with the center of the first mounting hole.

4. The armrest folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector also has a connecting plate, the connecting rod and the movable pin are disposed on the same side of the connecting plate, and the connecting plate is disposed on the side of the bracket away from the handrail.

5. The armrest folding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The button assembly further includes a fixed shaft and a spring. One end of the fixed shaft is fixedly installed in the second mounting hole, and the other end passes through the first mounting hole. The fixed shaft has a shaft hole, and the connecting rod passes through the shaft hole. The inner wall of the shaft hole is provided with a first flange. The spring is sleeved on the outer wall of the connecting rod. One end of the spring abuts against the first flange, and the other end abuts against the button. The spring is used to drive the button away from the bracket.

6. The armrest folding mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The button assembly further includes a locking nut, a clamping washer, and at least one wave spring arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the connecting rod. The locking nut, the clamping washer, and at least one wave spring are all sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed shaft. The inner wall of the first mounting hole is provided with a second flange, and the at least one wave spring abuts against the second flange.

7. The armrest folding mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outer wall of the fixed shaft away from the bracket has a stepped structure. The locking nut and the clamping washer are installed on the stepped structure. The locking nut is used to lock the clamping washer to the stepped structure.

8. The armrest folding mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The button assembly further includes a first lubricant, which is sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed shaft and disposed between the second flange and the at least one wave spring.

9. The armrest folding mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The button assembly further includes a second lubricant, which is sleeved on the outer wall of the fixed shaft. The second lubricant includes a bushing portion and a gasket portion that are perpendicularly connected to each other. The bushing portion is located between the fixed shaft and the inner wall of the first mounting hole, and the gasket portion is located between the handrail and the bracket.

10. A wheelchair, characterized in that, Includes the armrest folding mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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