Folding and automatic locking mechanism of a four-wheeled walking aid

CN224892984UActive Publication Date: 2026-10-27ZHONGSHAN YUMIN DAILY PROD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202521003010.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-05-20
Publication Date
2026-10-27
Estimated Expiration
2035-05-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

这类结构虽能保证锁紧强度,但其折叠后需额外操作步骤进行锁止,对行动能力受限的用户造成使用负担,尤其对握力衰退的老年用户不够友好;另一方面,长期使用易出现松动或者配合不牢固的现象,存在安全隐患

Benefits of technology

[0018]1、操作较为方便快捷:第一车架与第二车架向内折叠时,扣合组件自动完成对支架的锁定,使得折叠后的车架保持固定状态。具体为,车架向内收缩折叠过程中,卡扣件受扣合斜面挤压自动偏转,引导扣合销滑入扣合槽,配合扭簧的弹性势能实现自动锁紧,无需用户额外手动操作锁止装置,大幅简化折叠步骤,降低对用户握力和操作能力的要求。

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a folding automatic locking mechanism of walking aid four-wheel vehicle, including the first frame and second frame of setting on both sides, be provided with the support between first frame and second frame, when first frame and second frame are to both sides outside unfolding or to both sides inside contraction, the support can unfold or fold, be provided with the buckle assembly on the support, when first frame and second frame are to both sides inside contraction, the buckle assembly can lock the support in the folding state, and then fix the relative position of first frame and second frame, specifically, during the folding process of the inside contraction of the frame, the buckle piece is automatically deflected by the extrusion of the buckle inclined plane, and the buckle pin is guided to slide into the buckle groove, and the elastic potential of the torsional spring is used for realizing automatic locking, so that the user does not need to manually operate the locking device, the folding steps are greatly simplified, and the requirement for the user's grip and operation ability is reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the arrival of an aging society, four-wheeled walking aids, as an important assistive walking tool, have made portability and ease of operation key design factors. In existing technologies, foldable walking aids may achieve the folding function of the frame through an articulated mechanism, but the locking process after folding is not convenient or quick enough. Traditional folding locking mechanisms mostly use manual pin-type or knob-type locking devices, which fix the frame by manually tightening bolts. While these structures can ensure locking strength, they require additional steps to lock after folding, creating a burden for users with limited mobility, especially elderly users with declining grip strength. Furthermore, long-term use can lead to loosening or insecure fit, posing safety hazards. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a folding automatic locking mechanism for a four-wheeled walking vehicle, which features convenient and quick locking after folding and a simple structure.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is as follows:

[0005] A folding automatic locking mechanism for a four-wheeled walking vehicle includes a first frame and a second frame disposed on both sides, with a bracket disposed between the first frame and the second frame. When the first frame and the second frame are extended outward or retracted inward, the bracket can be extended or folded.

[0006] The bracket is equipped with a fastening assembly. When the first frame and the second frame retract inward to both sides, the fastening assembly can lock the bracket in the folded state, thereby fixing the relative position of the first frame and the second frame.

[0007] The fastening assembly includes a latching member located on one side of the first frame. One end of the latching member is provided with a fastening groove and a fastening ramp. One side of the second frame is provided with a fastening pin that can cooperate with the fastening groove. When the first frame and the second frame retract inward to both sides, the fastening ramp gradually abuts against the fastening pin until the fastening groove and the fastening pin cooperate to fix the relative position of the first frame and the second frame.

[0008] The bracket includes a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe, which are hinged together at the middle to form a cross pipe. The lower end of the first branch pipe is hinged to the first frame, and the lower end of the second branch pipe is hinged to the second frame.

[0009] A first connecting rod is provided on the upper part of the first branch pipe, one end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the first branch pipe, and the other end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the first vehicle frame; a second connecting rod is provided on the upper part of the second branch pipe, one end of the second connecting rod is hinged to the second branch pipe, and the other end of the second connecting rod is hinged to the second vehicle frame.

[0010] The fastener is located on the other end of the first link, and the locking pin is located on the other end of the second link. When the bracket is folded, the other ends of the first and second links swing downward, causing the fastener to engage with the locking pin.

[0011] The other end of the buckle is connected to a torsion spring, and the lower end of the buckle is provided with a limiting member that can abut against the buckle. The elastic potential energy of the torsion spring makes the buckle tend to abut against the limiting member.

[0012] A lever is provided on one end of the fastening groove of the buckle. Pushing the lever upward can disengage the buckle from the fastening pin.

[0013] The first branch pipe is provided with an unlocking component, which includes an unlocking block hinged to the first branch pipe and an unlocking pin provided on the first 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.

[0014] The first branch pipe and the second branch pipe are each provided with a seat cushion rod at their upper ends, a flexible seat cushion is provided between the seat cushion rods, and a pull rope connected to the lifting part is provided above the seat cushion.

[0015] The unlocking block is also provided with a limiting groove, which cooperates with a limiting pin provided on the first branch pipe.

[0016] The first frame and the second frame each have wheels at their lower ends and handles at their upper ends, and a backrest cushion is provided between the first frame and the second frame.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0018] 1. Convenient and quick operation: When the first and second frames fold inward, the fastening assembly automatically locks the brackets, keeping the folded frames in a fixed position. Specifically, during the inward folding process, the fasteners are automatically deflected by the pressure of the fastening ramp, guiding the fastening pins into the fastening grooves. Combined with the elastic potential energy of the torsion spring, automatic locking is achieved, eliminating the need for manual operation of the locking device by the user. This significantly simplifies the folding process and reduces the demands on the user's grip strength and operational skills.

[0019] 2. The cross-hinged bracket between the first and second frames and the linkage structure between the first and second links synchronously drive the locking action of the buckle assembly during the frame folding process, ensuring precise matching with the folding trajectory and avoiding jamming or locking failure due to misalignment.

[0020] 3. Unlocking the bracket from folding to unfolding is done by pushing the buckle upwards, causing the buckle's locking groove to disengage from the locking pin. When unfolding is required, the operation is also simple and quick.

[0021] 4. The unlocking mechanism ensures the support frame remains relatively stable in the unfolded state. Specifically, the unlocking block on the first branch tube engages with the unlocking pin on the first connecting rod, keeping the first branch tube and the first connecting rod relatively fixed. To move from the unfolded to the folded state, simply pull the cord on the seat to lift the unlocking block, unlocking the hook and pin. The unlocking direction naturally aligns with the user's standing posture, making it especially suitable for elderly people with mobility issues to quickly fold the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the four-wheeled walking vehicle in its unfolded state;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the support frame in its deployed state;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the fastening assembly on the bracket;

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of part A in the diagram;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the four-wheeled walking aid in its folded state;

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of part B in the diagram;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the bracket is folded.

[0029] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A magnified view of part of C;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the unlocking component when the support is deployed;

[0031] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the unlocking component. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the technical problem solved by this utility model, the technical solution adopted, and the technical effect 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.

[0033] Reference Figure 1 This utility model proposes a folding automatic locking mechanism for a four-wheeled walking vehicle, including a first frame 10 and a second frame 11 arranged on both sides, and a bracket 2 arranged between the first frame 10 and the second frame 11. When the first frame 10 and the second frame 11 are extended outward or retracted inward, the bracket 2 can be extended or folded.

[0034] The bracket 2 is provided with a fastening component 4. When the first frame 10 and the second frame 11 retract inward to both sides, the fastening component 4 can lock the bracket 2 in the folded state, thereby fixing the relative position of the first frame 10 and the second frame 11.

[0035] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 The fastening assembly 4 includes a fastener 40 located on one side of the first frame 10. One end of the fastener 40 is provided with a fastening groove 400 and a fastening ramp 402. One side of the second frame 11 is provided with a fastening pin 42 that can cooperate with the fastening groove 400. When the first frame 10 and the second frame 11 retract inward to both sides, the fastening ramp 402 gradually abuts against the fastening pin 42 until the fastening groove 400 and the fastening pin 42 cooperate to fix the relative position of the first frame 10 and the second frame 11.

[0036] Specifically, when the first frame 10 and the second frame 11 are folded inward, the fastening assembly 4 automatically locks the bracket 2, keeping the folded frame 1 in a fixed state. Specifically, during the inward folding process of the frame 1, the buckle 40 is automatically deflected by the fastening pin 42 pressing against the fastening ramp 402, guiding the fastening pin 42 into the fastening groove 400. This, combined with the elastic potential energy of the torsion spring 43, achieves automatic locking, eliminating the need for manual operation of the locking device by the user. This significantly simplifies the folding process and reduces the requirements for the user's grip strength and operational ability.

[0037] refer to Figure 2 The bracket 2 includes a first branch tube 20 and a second branch tube 21. The first branch tube 20 and the second branch tube 21 are hinged together in the middle to form a cross tube. The lower end of the first branch tube 20 is hinged to the first frame 10, and the lower end of the second branch tube 21 is hinged to the second frame 11.

[0038] A first connecting rod 30 is provided on the upper part of the first branch pipe 20. One end of the first connecting rod 30 is hinged to the first branch pipe 20, and the other end of the first connecting rod 30 is hinged to the first frame 10. A second connecting rod 31 is provided on the upper part of the second branch pipe 21. One end of the second connecting rod 31 is hinged to the second branch pipe 21, and the other end of the second connecting rod 31 is hinged to the second frame 11.

[0039] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The buckle 40 is located on the other end of the first link 30, and the locking pin 42 is located on the other end of the second link 31. When the bracket 2 is folded, the other ends of the first link 30 and the second link 31 swing downward, so that the buckle 40 and the locking pin 42 cooperate.

[0040] Furthermore, the linkage structure of the first branch tube 20, the second branch tube 21 and the first link 30 and the second link 31, which are connected by a cross joint between the first frame 10 and the second frame 11, synchronously drives the locking action of the buckle assembly 4 during the folding process of the frame 1, ensuring precise matching with the folding trajectory, avoiding jamming or locking failure due to misalignment, and also ensuring the rigid connection of the frame 1.

[0041] Specifically, the first branch pipe 20 and the second branch pipe 21 are hinged in the middle to form a branch pipe hinge point 22. The first connecting rod 30 is connected to the first branch pipe 20 through the first connecting rod hinge point 300, and the second connecting rod 31 is connected to the second branch pipe 21 through the second connecting rod hinge point 310. When the frame 1 is folded, the first branch pipe 20 and the second branch pipe 21 rotate around the branch pipe hinge point 22, and the first connecting rod 30 and the second connecting rod 31 rotate downward around the first connecting rod hinge point 300 and the second connecting rod hinge point 310 respectively, so that the buckle 40 at the other end of the first connecting rod 30 engages with the locking pin 42 at the other end of the second connecting rod 31. Since the other end of the first connecting rod 30 is also hinged to one side of the first frame 10 and the other end of the second connecting rod 31 is also hinged to one side of the second frame 11, when the buckle 40 and the locking pin 42 are engaged and fixed, the frame 1 is also in a relatively fixed state.

[0042] refer to Figure 4 The other end of the buckle 40 is connected to a torsion spring 43. The lower end of the buckle 40 is provided with a limiting member 41 that can abut against the buckle 40. The elastic potential energy of the torsion spring 43 makes the buckle 40 tend to abut against the limiting member 41.

[0043] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 8 A lever 401 is provided on one end of the fastening groove 400 of the buckle 40. Pushing the lever 401 upward can disengage the buckle 40 from the fastening pin 42.

[0044] Specifically, the torsion spring 43 presses the buckle 40 to fix it on the limiting member 41, so that the buckle 40 maintains a relatively stable state. When the bracket 2 is folded, the movement trajectory of the buckle 40 and the fastening pin 42 are precisely aligned. The fastening inclined surface 402 abuts against the fastening pin 42. The buckle 40 overcomes the elastic potential energy of the torsion spring 43 until the fastening groove 400 and the fastening pin 42 cooperate to complete the folding and lock the bracket 2.

[0045] Furthermore, the bracket 2 can be unlocked from folding to unfolding by pushing the lever 401 of the buckle 40 upward, so that the buckle 400 of the buckle 40 disengages from the buckle pin 42. When unfolding is required, the operation is also relatively simple and quick.

[0046] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The first branch pipe 20 is provided with an unlocking component 5, which includes an unlocking block 50 hinged to the first branch pipe 20 and an unlocking pin 51 provided on the first connecting rod 30. The lower end of the unlocking block 50 is provided with a hook 500 that can cooperate with the unlocking pin 51, and a lifting part 501 is provided on one side of the unlocking block 50. By pulling up the lifting part 501, the hook 500 is disengaged from the unlocking pin 51.

[0047] refer to Figure 9 The upper ends of the first branch pipe 20 and the second branch pipe 21 are each provided with a seat rod 60, a flexible seat cushion 61 is provided between the seat rods 60, and a pull rope 54 connected to the lifting part 501 is provided above the seat cushion 61.

[0048] Specifically, the unlocking component 5 ensures that the support 2 is in a relatively stable state when unfolded. Specifically, the unlocking block 50 on the first branch tube 20 engages with the unlocking pin 51 on the first connecting rod 30 via a hook 5000, maintaining a relatively fixed position between the first branch tube 20 and the first connecting rod 30. When transitioning from the unfolded to the folded state, simply pull the pull cord 54 on the seat cushion 61 to lift the lifting part 501 of the unlocking block 50, unlocking the hook 5000 and the unlocking pin 51. The unlocking direction naturally matches the user's standing posture, making it especially suitable for elderly people with mobility issues to quickly fold the vehicle.

[0049] Furthermore, pulling the cord 54 can unlock the locking state between the first branch tube 20 and the first connecting rod 30 through the unlocking block 50. On the other hand, the flexible seat cushion 61 can also pull the seat cushion rods 60 on both sides, further pulling the first branch tube 20 and the second branch tube 21 to retract them in the folding direction. The operation is relatively simple and convenient.

[0050] refer to Figure 10The unlocking block 50 is also provided with a limit groove 502, which cooperates with the limit pin 53 provided on the first branch pipe 20.

[0051] Specifically, the unlocking block 50 is mounted on the first branch pipe 20 via a hinge point 52. A hook 5000 is located at the lower part of the unlocking block 50, and a lifting part 501 is located on one side of the hinge point 52. When the bracket 2 is unfolded, the hook 5000 automatically hooks onto the unlocking pin 51 under the weight of the lifting part 501. When the lifting part 501 is pulled upwards, the unlocking block 50 rotates around the hinge point 52, and the hook 5000 disengages from the unlocking pin 51. A limiting groove 502 is located on the other side of the hinge point 52, allowing the unlocking block 50 to rotate around the hinge point 52 within a certain range.

[0052] refer to Figure 1 The first frame 10 and the second frame 11 are each equipped with a wheel 7 at their lower ends and a handle 8 at their upper ends. A backrest cushion 9 is provided between the first frame 10 and the second frame 11.

[0053] In summary, this technical solution, through innovative mechanical structure design, achieves one-click unlocking and automatic locking while ensuring folding strength, thus solving the pain point of traditional walkers relying on manual locking and has significant market application value.

Claims

1. A folding automatic locking mechanism for a four-wheeled walking aid, characterized in that, Includes a first frame (10) and a second frame (11) set on both sides, with a bracket (2) between the first frame (10) and the second frame (11). When the first frame (10) and the second frame (11) expand outward or contract inward, the bracket (2) can expand or fold. The bracket (2) is provided with a fastening component (4). When the first frame (10) and the second frame (11) retract inward to both sides, the fastening component (4) can lock the bracket (2) in the folded state, thereby fixing the relative position of the first frame (10) and the second frame (11).

2. The folding automatic locking mechanism of a four-wheeled walking aid vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fastening assembly (4) includes a fastener (40) located on one side of the first frame (10). One end of the fastener (40) is provided with a fastening groove (400) and a fastening ramp (402). On one side of the second frame (11), there is a fastening pin (42) that can cooperate with the fastening groove (400). When the first frame (10) and the second frame (11) retract inward to both sides, the fastening ramp (402) gradually abuts against the fastening pin (42) until the fastening groove (400) cooperates with the fastening pin (42) to fix the relative position of the first frame (10) and the second frame (11).

3. The folding automatic locking mechanism of a four-wheeled walking aid vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bracket (2) includes a first branch pipe (20) and a second branch pipe (21). The first branch pipe (20) and the second branch pipe (21) are hinged together in the middle to form a cross pipe. The lower end of the first branch pipe (20) is hinged to the first frame (10), and the lower end of the second branch pipe (21) is hinged to the second frame (11). The upper part of the first branch pipe (20) is provided with a first connecting rod (30), one end of the first connecting rod (30) is hinged to the first branch pipe (20), and the other end of the first connecting rod (30) is hinged to the first frame (10); the upper part of the second branch pipe (21) is provided with a second connecting rod (31), one end of the second connecting rod (31) is hinged to the second branch pipe (21), and the other end of the second connecting rod (31) is hinged to the second frame (11).

4. The folding automatic locking mechanism of a four-wheeled walking aid vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The buckle (40) is located on the other end of the first link (30), and the fastening pin (42) is located on the other end of the second link (31). When the bracket (2) is folded, the other ends of the first link (30) and the second link (31) swing downward, so that the buckle (40) and the fastening pin (42) cooperate.

5. The folding automatic locking mechanism of a four-wheeled walking aid vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The other end of the buckle (40) is connected to a torsion spring (43), and the lower end of the buckle (40) is provided with a limiting member (41) that can abut against the buckle (40). The elastic potential energy of the torsion spring (43) makes the buckle (40) tend to abut against the limiting member (41).

6. The folding automatic locking mechanism of a four-wheeled walking aid vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, A lever (401) is provided on one end of the fastening groove (400) of the buckle (40). By pushing the lever (401) upward, the buckle (40) can be disengaged from the fastening pin (42).

7. The folding automatic locking mechanism of a four-wheeled walking aid vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first branch pipe (20) is provided with an unlocking component (5), which includes an unlocking block (50) hinged to the first branch pipe (20) and an unlocking pin (51) provided on the first connecting rod (30). The lower end of the unlocking block (50) is provided with a hook (500) that can cooperate with the unlocking pin (51), and a lifting part (501) is provided on one side of the unlocking block (50). By pulling up the lifting part (501), the hook (500) is disengaged from the unlocking pin (51).

8. The folding automatic locking mechanism of a four-wheeled walking aid vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first branch pipe (20) and the second branch pipe (21) are each provided with a seat cushion rod (60) at their upper ends. A flexible seat cushion (61) is provided between the seat cushion rods (60). A pull rope (54) connected to the lifting part (501) is provided above the seat cushion (61).

9. The folding automatic locking mechanism of a four-wheeled walking aid vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The unlocking block (50) is also provided with a limiting groove (502), which cooperates with the limiting pin (53) provided on the first branch pipe (20).

10. The folding automatic locking mechanism of a four-wheeled walking aid vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first frame (10) and the second frame (11) are each provided with a wheel (7) at their lower ends and a handle (8) at their upper ends. A backrest cushion (9) is provided between the first frame (10) and the second frame (11).