Automatic locking mechanism for unfolding a four-wheeled walker

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of unfolding automatic locking mechanism of walking aid four-wheel car, including two settings in two sides frame and the telescopic support connected between two sides frame, frame includes wheel frame and handrail frame, handrail frame can rotate relative to wheel frame to fold, locking assembly for locking the relative position of handrail frame and wheel frame is further provided on frame, support connects locking assembly;Through the linkage design of telescopic support and locking assembly, when frame is unfolded to two sides outside, the unfolding of support can trigger locking assembly, specifically, support is pulled by line from tension state to slack state, locking pin is not under the tension of pull line, under the action of spring, locking pin moves to the handrail frame and wheel frame between frame, realize the instantaneous locking of handrail frame and wheel frame;When frame is folded, support is retracted and pull line is pulled to overcome spring elasticity and pull out locking pin, frame unlocking process does not need manual operation, safe and convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of assistive walking equipment technology, and in particular to an automatic locking mechanism for unfolding a four-wheeled walking aid. Background Technology

[0002] With the arrival of an aging society, four-wheeled walking aids are becoming increasingly important as assistive walking tools, and their portability and ease of operation are receiving more and more attention from users. Existing walking aids generally adopt a multi-section folding structure design for easy storage and transportation.

[0003] Currently, folding walkers on the market mainly use two locking methods: one is a fully manual mechanical locking device, which requires the user to manually insert the positioning pin or pull the latch after unfolding the walker. This method is inconvenient for elderly users and can easily lead to safety hazards due to forgetting the locking steps. Especially for walkers with multi-directional folding structures (such as the relative folding of the armrest frame and wheel frame, or the lateral folding of the left and right frames), when the frame is unfolded, it is necessary to lock other parts separately, which not only increases the complexity of use but may also cause structural instability due to asynchronous locking of various components. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an automatic locking mechanism for the unfolding of a four-wheeled walking vehicle, which can automatically lock as the vehicle frame unfolds, and has the characteristics of simple structure and convenient operation.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is as follows:

[0006] An automatic locking mechanism for unfolding a four-wheeled walking vehicle includes two frames disposed on both sides and a retractable bracket connected between the two frames. The frames include wheel frames and handrail frames. The handrail frames can rotate relative to the wheel frames to be folded. The frames are also provided with a locking component for locking the relative position of the handrail frames and the wheel frames. The bracket is connected to the locking component.

[0007] When the frame moves outward to both sides to unfold, the bracket unfolds and the bracket can trigger the locking component so that the locking component can lock the relative position of the armrest and the wheel frame.

[0008] The wheel frame is provided with a first adapter, and the handrail frame is provided with a second adapter, the first adapter and the second adapter being hinged to each other;

[0009] The locking assembly includes a locking pin and a spring disposed within the second adapter. The elastic potential energy of the spring drives the locking pin to partially move into the first adapter to restrict the mutual rotation between the first adapter and the second adapter.

[0010] The first adapter has a first locking hole, and the second adapter has a second locking hole, with the locking pin disposed in the second locking hole;

[0011] When the handrail is in the extended state, the second locking hole is aligned with the first locking hole, and the spring drives the locking pin to move between the first locking hole and the second locking hole.

[0012] A sleeve is provided inside the second lock hole. The upper end of the sleeve has an edge extending inward and outward. The locking pin has an upward stepped surface. The upper end of the spring abuts against the inner side of the edge of the sleeve, and the lower end of the spring abuts against the stepped surface of the locking pin.

[0013] The upper end of the locking pin is connected to one end of the pull wire, and the other end of the pull wire is connected to the bracket. When the bracket is unfolded, the pull wire is in a slack state, and the locking pin is not under the tension of the pull wire.

[0014] The support consists of two branch pipes hinged together in the middle. The lower ends of the two branch pipes are respectively hinged to the handrail frame. Each branch pipe is equipped with a connecting rod at the upper part. One end of the connecting rod is hinged to the branch pipe, and the other end is hinged to the handrail frame. The other end of the pull wire is connected to the connecting rod. When the support is extended, the pull wire is relaxed. When the support is retracted, the connecting rod pulls the pull wire, causing the locking pin to move out of the first adapter.

[0015] An unlocking assembly for fixing the relative positions of the branch pipe and the connecting rod is provided between them. The unlocking assembly includes an unlocking block hinged to the branch pipe and an unlocking pin provided on the connecting rod. The lower end of the unlocking block is provided with a hook that can cooperate with the unlocking pin, and a lifting part is provided on one side of the unlocking block. By pulling the lifting part upward, the hook is disengaged from the unlocking pin.

[0016] The upper end of the bracket is provided with a seat cushion rod, and a flexible seat cushion is provided between the seat cushion rods. A pull rope connected to the lifting part is provided above the seat cushion.

[0017] The first adapter and the second adapter are disc-shaped. The second adapter is hinged inside the first adapter. The second adapter is also provided with a limiting block for abutting against the first adapter when the handrail is unfolded.

[0018] The wheel frame is equipped with wheels, the handrail frame is equipped with handles, and a backrest cushion is installed between the two handrail frames.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0020] 1. Through the linkage design of the telescopic bracket and locking component, when the frame is unfolded to the outside, the unfolding of the bracket can trigger the locking component. Specifically, the bracket pull cable changes from a taut state to a slack state, and the locking pin is not under the tension of the pull cable. Under the action of the spring, the locking pin moves between the handlebar frame and the wheel frame of the frame, realizing the instantaneous locking of the handlebar frame and the wheel frame. When the frame is folded, the bracket retracts and pulls the pull cable to overcome the spring force and pull out the locking pin. The unlocking process does not require manual operation, which completely solves the safety hazards of traditional walkers that require step-by-step locking and are easy to miss steps.

[0021] 2. As the frame extends laterally on both sides, the expansion and contraction of the brackets automatically trigger the locking of the handrails and wheel frames on both sides of the frame. This achieves coordinated control of the folding structure, avoids structural instability caused by a single side not being locked, and significantly improves overall rigidity.

[0022] 3. When the locking pin is not under the tension of the cable, the locking pin is continuously pressed into the first and second locking holes by the spring. The sleeve is set in the second locking hole by interference fit. The outer edge of the upper end of the sleeve further fixes the position of the sleeve. A spring is set between the inner edge and the stepped surface of the locking pin to ensure that the spring and the locking pin will not accidentally come off due to vibration during vehicle movement, thus improving the stability of locking and unlocking. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of this four-wheeled walking aid.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the frame and support;

[0025] Figure 3 This is an explosion diagram of the handrail and wheel frame;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the locking assembly when the handrail is deployed;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the support frame in its unfolded and folded states;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the locking assembly when the bracket is folded.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the unlocking component;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the unlocking component;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the frame of the four-wheeled walking aid vehicle when it is folded down;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the frame of the four-wheeled walking vehicle when folded down. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the technical problem solved by this utility model, the technical solution adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining this utility model and not for limiting it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts related to this utility model are shown in the accompanying drawings, not all of them.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 This utility model proposes an automatic locking mechanism for unfolding a four-wheeled walking vehicle, including two frames 1 arranged on both sides, and a retractable bracket 2 connected between the two frames 1. The frame 1 includes a wheel frame 10 and a handrail frame 11. The handrail frame 11 can rotate relative to the wheel frame 10 to be folded. The frame 1 is also provided with a locking component 4 for locking the relative position of the handrail frame 11 and the wheel frame 10. The bracket 2 is connected to the locking component 4.

[0035] When the frame 1 moves outward to both sides to unfold, the bracket 2 unfolds, and the bracket 2 can trigger the locking component 4 so that the locking component 4 can lock the relative position of the handrail frame 11 and the wheel frame 10.

[0036] Furthermore, as the frames 1 on both sides unfold laterally, the unfolding and retraction of the brackets 2 automatically triggers the locking of the handrail frames 11 and wheel frames 10 on both sides of the frame 1, realizing the coordinated control of the folding structure, avoiding structural instability caused by the lack of locking on one side, and significantly improving the overall rigidity.

[0037] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 The wheel frame 10 is provided with a first adapter 100, and the handrail frame 11 is provided with a second adapter 110. The first adapter 100 and the second adapter 110 are hinged to each other.

[0038] Specifically, through the linkage design of the retractable bracket 2 and the locking component 4, when the frame 1 unfolds to both sides, the unfolding of the bracket 2 can trigger the locking component 4. Specifically, the bracket 2 changes the tension of the pull cable 40 from a taut state to a slack state, and the locking pin 41 is not subjected to the tension of the pull cable 40. Under the action of the spring 43, the locking pin 41 moves between the handrail frame 11 and the wheel frame 10 of the frame 1, realizing the instantaneous locking of the handrail frame 11 and the wheel frame 10. When the frame 1 is folded, the bracket 2 retracts and pulls the pull cable 40 to overcome the elasticity of the spring 43 and pull out the locking pin 41. The unlocking process does not require manual operation, which completely solves the safety hazards of traditional walkers that require step-by-step locking and are prone to missing steps.

[0039] Reference Figure 4 The locking assembly 4 includes a locking pin 41 and a spring 43 disposed within the second adapter 110. The elastic potential energy of the spring 43 drives the locking pin 41 to partially move into the first adapter 100 to restrict the mutual rotation between the first adapter 100 and the second adapter 110.

[0040] Reference Figure 4 or Figure 6 The first adapter 100 has a first locking hole 1000, the second adapter 110 has a second locking hole 1100, and the locking pin 41 is disposed in the second locking hole 1100.

[0041] When the handrail 110 is in the unfolded state, the second locking hole 1100 is aligned with the first locking hole 1000, and the spring 43 drives the locking pin 41 to move between the first locking hole 1000 and the second locking hole 1100.

[0042] Reference Figure 4 or Figure 6 A sleeve 42 is provided inside the second locking hole 1100. The upper end of the sleeve 42 has an edge 420 extending inward and outward. The locking pin 41 has an upward stepped surface 410. The upper end of the spring 43 abuts against the inner side of the edge 420 of the sleeve 42, and the lower end of the spring 43 abuts against the stepped surface 410 of the locking pin 41.

[0043] Specifically, when the locking pin 41 is not under the tension of the cable 40, the locking pin 41 is continuously pressed into the first locking hole 1000 and the second locking hole 1100 by the spring 43. The sleeve 42 is set in the second locking hole 1100 by interference fit. The outer side of the edge 420 at the upper end of the sleeve 42 further fixes the position of the sleeve 42. The spring 43 is installed between the inner side of the edge 420 and the stepped surface 410 of the locking pin 41, ensuring that the spring 43 and the locking pin 41 will not accidentally come off due to vibration during vehicle movement, thereby improving the stability of locking and unlocking.

[0044] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The upper end of the locking pin 41 is connected to one end of the pull wire 40, and the other end of the pull wire 40 is connected to the bracket 2. When the bracket 2 is unfolded, the pull wire 40 is in a slack state, and the locking pin 41 is not subject to the tension of the pull wire 40.

[0045] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6The support 2 consists of two branch pipes hinged together in the middle. The lower ends of the two branch pipes are respectively hinged to the handrail frame 11. Each branch pipe is equipped with a connecting rod 3 at the top. One end of the connecting rod 3 is hinged to the branch pipe, and the other end is hinged to the handrail frame 11. The other end of the pull wire 40 is connected to the connecting rod 3. When the support 2 is extended, the pull wire 40 is relaxed. When the support 2 is retracted, the connecting rod 3 pulls the pull wire 40, which causes the locking pin 41 to move out of the first adapter 100.

[0046] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 An unlocking component 6 is provided between the branch pipe and the connecting rod 3 to fix their relative positions. The unlocking component 6 includes an unlocking block 60 hinged to the branch pipe and an unlocking pin 61 provided on the connecting rod 3. The lower end of the unlocking block 60 is provided with a hook 602 that can cooperate with the unlocking pin 61. A lifting part 601 is provided on one side of the unlocking block 60. By pulling up the lifting part 601, the hook 602 is disengaged from the unlocking pin 61.

[0047] The upper end of the bracket 2 is provided with a seat rod 50, and a flexible seat cushion 51 is provided between the seat rods 50. A pull rope 62 connected to the lifting part 601 is provided above the seat cushion 51.

[0048] Furthermore, the lifting part 601 of the unlocking component 6 extends to the seat cushion 51 via the pull rope 62. The user only needs to lift the seat cushion 51 to trigger the unlocking action, which makes it easy to fold the four-wheeled walking aid, which is in line with the operating habits of the elderly and is relatively easy to operate.

[0049] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 10 The first adapter 100 and the second adapter 110 are disc-shaped. The second adapter 110 is hinged inside the first adapter 100. The second adapter 110 is also provided with a limiting block 1101 for abutting against the first adapter 100 when the handrail 11 is unfolded.

[0050] Specifically, when this four-wheeled walking aid is folded from its unfolded state, refer to... Figure 5 First, pull the cord 62 on the seat cushion 51, causing the unlocking block 60 to rotate, disengaging the hook 602 from the unlocking pin 61, thus releasing the connection between the connecting rod 3 and the bracket 2. Simultaneously, pull up the folding seat cushion 51, causing the seat cushion rods 50 on both sides of the seat cushion 51 to fold inward, thus folding the bracket 2. Since one end of the connecting rod 3 is hinged to the bracket 2 and the other end is hinged to the armrest frame 11, when the bracket 2 rotates, the end of the connecting rod 3 that is hinged to the bracket 2 rotates upward. One end of the pull cable 40 is connected to the connecting rod 3. When the connecting rod 3 rotates upward, the distance between the two ends of the pull cable 40 increases, and the pull cable 40 receives tension, causing the other end of the pull cable 40 to overcome the elasticity of the spring 43 and pull the locking pin 41, thereby unlocking the first adapter 100 and the second adapter 110. The armrest frame 11 can then rotate towards the wheel frame 10 for further folding.

[0051] Furthermore, when the four-wheeled walking vehicle is unfolded from its folded state, the frame 1 is pulled outward, the support 2 unfolds, the distance between the two ends of the pull cable 40 becomes shorter, the pull cable 40 becomes looser, and the locking pin 41 is no longer under the tension of the pull cable 40. Under the elastic potential energy of the spring 43, the locking pin 41 tends to move downward. After the frame 1 is fully unfolded laterally, the handrail frame 11 is rotated to a suitable position. When the second locking hole 1100 in the second adapter 110 is aligned with the first locking hole 1000 in the first adapter 100, the spring 43 pushes the locking pin 41 into the first locking hole 1000. The first locking hole 1000 is designed as a countersunk hole. Finally, the locking pin 41 is locked between the first locking hole 1000 and the second locking hole 1100, thus achieving relative fixation between the handrail frame 11 and the wheel frame 10.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 The wheel frame 10 is equipped with wheels 8, the armrest frame 11 is equipped with handles 7, and a backrest cushion 9 is installed between the two armrest frames 11.

[0053] In summary, this technical solution, through innovative mechanical structure design, achieves the core functions of automatic frame locking upon unfolding and convenient operation while ensuring unfolded and folded strength. It solves the pain point of traditional walkers relying on manual locking and has significant market application value.

Claims

1. An automatic locking mechanism for unfolding a four-wheeled walking vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes two frames (1) on both sides and a retractable bracket (2) connecting the two frames (1). The frame (1) includes a wheel frame (10) and a handrail frame (11). The handrail frame (11) can rotate relative to the wheel frame (10) to be folded. The frame (1) is also provided with a locking component (4) for locking the relative position of the handrail frame (11) and the wheel frame (10). The bracket (2) is connected to the locking component (4). When the frame (1) moves outward to both sides to unfold, the bracket (2) unfolds, and the bracket (2) can trigger the locking component (4) so ​​that the locking component (4) can lock the relative position of the armrest (11) and the wheel frame (10).

2. The automatic locking mechanism for unfolding a four-wheeled walking vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wheel frame (10) is provided with a first adapter (100), and the handrail frame (11) is provided with a second adapter (110). The first adapter (100) and the second adapter (110) are hinged to each other. The locking assembly (4) includes a locking pin (41) and a spring (43) disposed in the second adapter (110). The elastic potential energy of the spring (43) drives the locking pin (41) to partially move into the first adapter (100) to restrict the mutual rotation between the first adapter (100) and the second adapter (110).

3. The automatic locking mechanism for unfolding a four-wheeled walking vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first adapter (100) has a first locking hole (1000) and the second adapter (110) has a second locking hole (1100). The locking pin (41) is disposed in the second locking hole (1100). When the handrail (11) is in the unfolded state, the second locking hole (1100) is aligned with the first locking hole (1000), and the spring (43) drives the locking pin (41) to move between the first locking hole (1000) and the second locking hole (1100).

4. The automatic locking mechanism for unfolding a four-wheeled walking vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, A sleeve (42) is provided inside the second locking hole (1100). The upper end of the sleeve (42) has an edge (420) extending inward and outward. The locking pin (41) has an upward stepped surface (410). The upper end of the spring (43) abuts against the inner side of the edge (420) of the sleeve (42), and the lower end of the spring (43) abuts against the stepped surface (410) of the locking pin (41).

5. The automatic locking mechanism for unfolding a four-wheeled walking vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper end of the locking pin (41) is connected to one end of the pull wire (40), and the other end of the pull wire (40) is connected to the bracket (2). When the bracket (2) is unfolded, the pull wire (40) is in a slack state, and the locking pin (41) is not subjected to the tension of the pull wire (40).

6. The automatic locking mechanism for unfolding a four-wheeled walking vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that, The support (2) consists of two branch pipes hinged together in the middle. The lower ends of the two branch pipes are respectively hinged to the handrail frame (11). Each branch pipe is provided with a connecting rod (3) at the top. One end of the connecting rod (3) is hinged to the branch pipe, and the other end is hinged to the handrail frame (11). The other end of the pull wire (40) is connected to the connecting rod (3). When the support (2) is unfolded, the pull wire (40) is slack. When the support (2) is retracted, the connecting rod (3) pulls the pull wire (40), causing the locking pin (41) to move out of the first adapter (100).

7. The automatic locking mechanism for unfolding a four-wheeled walking vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that, An unlocking assembly (6) for fixing the relative position of the branch pipe and the connecting rod (3) is provided. The unlocking assembly (6) includes an unlocking block (60) hinged to the branch pipe and an unlocking pin (61) provided on the connecting rod (3). The lower end of the unlocking block (60) is provided with a hook (602) that can cooperate with the unlocking pin (61). A lifting part (601) is provided on one side of the unlocking block (60). By pulling up the lifting part (601), the hook (602) is disengaged from the unlocking pin (61).

8. The automatic locking mechanism for unfolding a four-wheeled walking vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The upper end of the bracket (2) is provided with a seat rod (50), and a flexible seat cushion (51) is provided between the seat rods (50). A pull rope (62) connected to the lifting part (601) is provided above the seat cushion (51).

9. The automatic locking mechanism for unfolding a four-wheeled walking vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first adapter (100) and the second adapter (110) are disc-shaped. The second adapter (110) is hinged inside the first adapter (100). The second adapter (110) is also provided with a limiting block (1101) for abutting against the first adapter (100) when the handrail (11) is unfolded.

10. The automatic locking mechanism for unfolding a four-wheeled walking vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wheel frame (10) is provided with wheels (8), the armrest frame (11) is provided with handles (7), and a backrest cushion (9) is installed between the two armrest frames (11).

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