Two-step foldable walking assist apparatus

Abstract

To disclose a walking assist apparatus.SOLUTION: A disclosed walking assist apparatus comprises: first and second main frames spaced apart from each other to extend in a vertically parallel manner and having an inclined structure inclined toward a rear part; first and second rear support frames connected to middle parts of the first and second main frames, respectively, to extend in a downwardly parallel manner and having an inclined structure inclined toward a front side; handle parts provided by being connected to upper end parts of the first and second main frames; first and second front wheel parts connected to lower end parts or portions adjacent thereto of the first and second main frames, respectively; first and second rear wheel parts connected to lower end parts or portions adjacent thereto of the first and second rear support frames, respectively; a seat member installed between the first and second main frames to be connected to both the first and second main frames and the first and second rear support frames; and first and second folding parts provided on the first and second main frames at a position higher than the first and second rear support frames, respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to walking / mobility related equipment and methods, and more particularly to walkers and related methods that can be utilized by elderly people. [Background technology]

[0002] As the elderly population continues to grow, industries and related markets that provide goods and services to the elderly are expected to expand significantly. Demand for products that support / assist the elderly in their independent lives / activities and support exercise and injury prevention is rapidly increasing, and walking aids, which are mobility aids, are one such product. Demand for walking aids is increasing as they are useful not only for elderly people with aging symptoms such as weakened lower limbs and waist, poor balance, and musculoskeletal diseases, but also for people who need walking assistance due to injuries.

[0003] However, most existing walking aids are constructed of connected steel frames, which are quite large in volume and relatively vulnerable to impacts, resulting in many shortcomings in terms of logistics such as transportation and delivery. In addition, users also require compact storage and storage of walking aids, but existing walking aids have difficulty meeting such consumer needs. Furthermore, existing walking aids have problems with low convenience and safety.

[0004] Therefore, there is a demand for the development of walking assistance devices that can provide advantages in terms of logistics transportation and storage / keeping while ensuring convenience and safety. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technical problem that the present invention aims to achieve is to provide a walking assistance device that can bring about significant advantages in terms of transportation and storage / keeping of goods while ensuring convenience and safety.

[0006] The problems to be solved by the present invention should not be limited to those described above, and other problems not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle body having a first and second main frames spaced apart from each other, extending in parallel with each other in a vertical direction and having an inclined structure inclined toward the rear side, a first and second rear support frame coupled to a middle portion of each of the first and second main frames, extending in parallel with each other downward and having an inclined structure inclined toward the front side, a handle portion coupled to an upper end portion of each of the first and second main frames, a first and second front wheel portion coupled to a lower end portion or a portion adjacent thereto, each of the first and second main frames, a first and second rear wheel portion coupled to a lower end portion or a portion adjacent thereto, each of the first and second rear support frames, a handle portion coupled to an upper end portion of each of the first and second main frames, a first and second rear wheel portion coupled to a lower end portion or a portion adjacent thereto, each of the first and second rear support frames, a seat member provided between the first and second main frames and the first and second rear support frames so as to be connected to both of the first and second main frames and the first and second rear support frames, and first and second folding portions provided on the first and second main frames, respectively, at positions higher than the first and second rear support frames, wherein the lower portions of the first and second main frames and the lower portions of the first and second rear support frames can be brought close to each other and folded by lifting a front portion of the seat member upward, and the first and second folding portions can be folded downward and forward.

[0008] The seat member may include a first connecting member coupled to the first main frame and the first rear support frame to connect them to each other, and a second connecting member coupled to the second main frame and the second rear support frame to connect them to each other, and the seat member may be coupled to the first and second connecting members and positioned therebetween.

[0009] The first folding section may include a lower assembly member, an upper assembly member which is connected to the lower assembly member by a pivot member and is configured to be rotatable relative to the lower assembly member based on the pivot member, and a clutch member which is provided on the lower assembly member and is structurally connected to a part of the upper assembly member and for locking or unlocking the pivoting movement of the upper assembly member, and may be configured such that the first main frame is folded in the first folding section by the rotation of the upper assembly member.

[0010] The second folding portion may have the same configuration as the first folding portion, or may have a symmetrical configuration.

[0011] The vehicle may further include a brake lever connected to at least one of the first and second main frames below the handle portion and for braking at least one of the first and second rear wheel portions, and the brake lever may have a hand brake function while driving and a parking brake function when parking.

[0012] The storage device may further include a storage member disposed under the sheet member and made of a flexible material.

[0013] The vehicle may further include a steering adjustment member for controlling a rotation range for steering of the first and second front wheel portions.

[0014] The seat back may further include a seat back connecting frame arranged to connect the first and second main frames to each other between the seat member and the handle portion. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to realize a walking assistance device that can provide considerable advantages in terms of logistics movement and storage / keeping while ensuring convenience and safety. The walking assistance device according to the embodiment has a two-stage folding structure, i.e., a structure that can be folded twice, and therefore can provide many advantages in terms of logistics movement such as transportation and delivery / shipping. Also, from the user's perspective, it can enable compact storage / keeping. Furthermore, the walking assistance device according to the embodiment can provide excellent convenience and safety.

[0016] The effects of the present invention should not be limited to those described above, but may be variously expanded without departing from the technical spirit and scope of the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a two-stage foldable walking assistance device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a two-stage foldable walking assistance device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a two-stage foldable walking assistance device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4a-d] 4a to 4d are diagrams showing a process of folding a two-stage foldable walking assistance device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a two-stage foldable walking assistance device in a folded state (folded twice) in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a two-stage foldable walking assistance device in a folded state (folded twice) in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a two-stage foldable walking assistance device in a folded state (folded twice) in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a specific configuration that a folding section applicable to a two-stage foldable walking assistance device according to one embodiment of the present invention can have. [Figure 9] 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the upper assembly member is rotated relative to the lower assembly member with the rotary shaft member as a reference after the clutch member is unlocked at the folding portion in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 10] 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the upper assembly member is rotated relative to the lower assembly member with the rotary shaft member as a reference after the clutch member is unlocked at the folding portion in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 11] 1A to 1C are diagrams for explaining a method for adjusting the height of a walking assistance device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a hand brake operation method of the walking assistance device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a parking brake operation method of the walking assistance device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a diagram for explaining a steering control method of a walking assistance device in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a two-stage foldable walking assistance device in another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] The embodiments of the present invention described below are provided to more clearly explain the present invention to those having ordinary skill in the art, and the scope of the present invention should not be limited by the following embodiments, which may be modified into various other forms.

[0020] The terms used herein are used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular terms used herein may include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising" used herein specify the presence of a described shape, step, number, operation, member, element, and / or group thereof, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, steps, numbers, operations, members, elements, and / or groups thereof. In addition, the term "connected" used herein not only means that a certain member is directly connected, but also includes a concept in which other members are further interposed between the members to indirectly connect the members.

[0021] In addition, in the present specification, when a member is said to be "on" another member, this includes not only when the member is in contact with the other member, but also when another member is present between the two members. The term "and / or" as used herein includes all combinations of any one or more of the items listed therein. Furthermore, terms indicating degree, such as "about" and "substantially," as used in the present specification, are used to mean a numerical value or degree range or a range close to the numerical value, taking into consideration inherent manufacturing and material tolerances, and are used to prevent infringers from unfairly using the disclosure content described in the precise or absolute numerical values ​​provided to facilitate understanding of the present application.

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The size and thickness of regions and parts shown in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated for clarity of the specification and convenience of explanation. The same reference numerals used throughout the detailed description refer to the same components.

[0023] 1 to 3 are perspective views showing a two-stage folding walking aid device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 to 3 show the walking aid device in an unfolded state. The walking aid device may be called a "walker" or a "walking aid."

[0024] 1 to 3, the walking assistance device according to the embodiment of the present invention may include first and second main frames 10a, 10b that are spaced apart from each other, extend in parallel in the vertical direction, and have an inclined structure inclined toward the rear side. The first and second main frames 10a, 10b may have a predetermined bent structure while being inclined toward the rear side as a whole. The lower end of each of the first and second main frames 10a, 10b may be disposed forward of the upper end. The first main frame 10a may be called a first main pillar portion or a first main pillar frame portion, and the second main frame 10b may be called a second main pillar portion or a second main pillar frame portion. The walking assistance device may include a handle portion 12 that is connected to the upper end of the first and second main frames 10a, 10b. The handle portion 12 may have a structure that connects the upper end of the first main frame 10a and the upper end of the second main frame 10b to each other.

[0025] The walking assistance device may include first and second rear support frames 20a, 20b coupled to the middle parts of the first and second main frames 10a, 10b, respectively, and having an inclined structure extending side by side with each other on the lower side and tilting forward. The first and second rear support frames 20a, 20b may be coupled to the rear sides of the roughly central parts of the first and second main frames 10a, 10b, respectively. The first and second rear support frames 20a, 20b may be coupled to the first and second main frames 10a, 10b, respectively, so as to be rotatable relative to the first and second main frames 10a, 10b. The first rear support frame 20a may be referred to as a first rear support rod, and the second rear support frame 20b may be referred to as a second rear support rod.

[0026] The walking assist device may include first and second front wheel units 30a, 30b coupled (connected) to the lower ends or adjacent portions of the first and second main frames 10a, 10b, respectively. The walking assist device may also include first and second rear wheel units 40a, 40b coupled (connected) to the lower ends or adjacent portions of the first and second rear support frames 20a, 20b, respectively.

[0027] The walking assistance device may include a seat member 50 provided between the first and second main frames 10a, 10b so as to be connected to both the first and second main frames 10a, 10b and the first and second rear support frames 20a, 20b. The seat member 50 may be provided at a position lower than the upper ends of the first and second rear support frames 20a, 20b. The seat member 50 may have a flat or substantially flat plate shape. A person may sit on the seat member 50 or an object may be placed on the seat member 50.

[0028] The walking assistance device may include first and second folding parts F10a, F10b provided on the first and second main frames 10a, 10b at positions higher than the first and second rear support frames 20a, 20b. The first and second folding parts F10a, F10b may be provided adjacent to the upper ends of the first and second rear support frames 20a, 20b, respectively. The first main frame 10a may be folded from the first folding part F10a, and the second main frame 10b may be folded from the second folding part F10b. The specific structures of the first and second folding parts F10a, F10b will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0029] The walking assist apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention may be configured so that the lower parts of the first and second main frames 10a, 10b and the lower parts of the first and second rear support frames 20a, 20b can be brought closer to each other and folded by lifting the front part of the seat member 50 upward, and the first and second main frames 10a, 10b can be folded downward from the front side through the first and second folding parts F10a, F10b. Therefore, the walking assist apparatus can have a structure that can be folded twice, and can be folded quite compactly. It can be said that the walking assist apparatus is a 2-step folding type walking assist apparatus.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the walking assistance device may further include a first connecting member 55a coupled to the first main frame 10a and the first rear support frame 20a to connect them to each other, and a second connecting member 55b coupled to the second main frame 10b and the second rear support frame 20b to connect them to each other. In this case, the seat member 50 may be coupled to the first and second connecting members 55a, 55b and disposed between them. In addition, the first and second connecting members 55a, 55b may be configured to support at least a portion of the seat member 50. When the front portion of the seat member 50 is raised upward, the first and second connecting members 55a, 55b may be rotated, and a gap between the lower parts of the first and second main frames 10a, 10b and the lower parts of the first and second rear support frames 20a, 20b may be narrowed.

[0031] According to one embodiment, a brake lever 14 may be further provided, which is connected to at least one of the first and second main frames 10a, 10b under the handle portion 12 and is for braking at least one of the first and second rear wheel portions 40a, 40b. For example, the brake lever 14 may be provided to be connected to both the first and second main frames 10a, 10b and may be configured to brake the first and second rear wheel portions 40a, 40b. In this regard, a first brake unit 27a for braking the first rear wheel portion 40a may be disposed in an area adjacent to the first rear wheel portion 40a, and a second brake unit 27b for braking the second rear wheel portion 40b may be disposed in an area adjacent to the second rear wheel portion 40b. The first brake unit 27a may be provided coupled to the first rear support frame 20a, and the second brake unit 27b may be provided coupled to the second rear support frame 20b. The first and second brake units 27a, 27b may operate in conjunction with the brake lever 14.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the brake lever 14 may have a hand brake function while traveling and a parking brake function while parking. In the case of the hand brake function while traveling, the brake may be applied when the user pulls the brake lever 14, and the brake may be released when the user releases the brake lever 14. In the case of the parking brake function while parking, when the user pulls the brake lever 14 down, the brake lever 14 may be fixed to the lower side and the braked state may be fixed. When the brake lever 14 is raised up again from this state, the fixed braked state may be released. The convenience and safety of the walking assistance device according to the embodiment can be improved by the function and operation method of the brake lever 14.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the walking assist device may further include a storage member (not shown) (see 52 in FIG. 4a) disposed under the sheet member 50. The storage member may be made of a flexible material. The storage member may have a shape similar to a basket or pocket. The sheet member 50 may act as a lid (door) of the storage member and may have a waterproof function. Various items may be easily stored in the storage member. In addition, the storage member may be made of a flexible material, which may prevent inconvenience when folding the walking assist device. In some cases, the storage member may be configured to be removable.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the walking assist device may further include steering adjustment members 35a, 35b for controlling the rotation range for steering of the first and second front wheel parts 30a, 30b. A first steering adjustment member 35a for controlling the rotation range for steering of the first front wheel part 30a may be provided, and a second steering adjustment member 35b for controlling the rotation range for steering of the second front wheel part 30b may be provided. First and second wheel coupling members 33a, 33b coupled to the lower end or a portion adjacent thereto of the first and second main frames 10a, 10b and extending downward may be further provided, and the first and second wheel coupling members 33a, 33b may be coupled to the first and second wheel coupling members 33a, 33b, respectively. By using the first steering adjustment member 35a, the rotation range of the first front wheel part 30a can be adjusted to be narrow or wide, and it can also be fixed so that it does not rotate (i.e., 0°). Similarly, by using the second steering adjustment member 35b, the rotation range of the second front wheel portion 30b can be adjusted to be narrower or wider, or it can be fixed so that it does not rotate (i.e., 0°). Therefore, the steering adjustment members 35a and 35b can improve the convenience and safety of the walking assistance device according to the embodiment.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the walking assistance device may further include a seat back connection frame 60 disposed between the seat member 50 and the handle portion 12 to connect the first and second main frames 10a, 10b to each other. The seat back connection frame 60 may be disposed between the handle portion 12 and the folding portions F10a, F10b closer to the folding portions F10a, F10b. When a person sits on the seat member 50 or an object is placed on it, the seat back connection frame 60 may function as a seat back or as a side support. In addition, the seat back connection frame 60 may function to make the structure of the walking assistance device stronger.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the walking assistance device may further include first and second height fixing members 11a, 11b disposed in areas adjacent to the upper ends of the first and second main frames 10a, 10b. The first and second main frames 10a, 10b may be configured to be height adjustable above the first and second height fixing members 11a, 11b, and the first and second height fixing members 11a, 11b may serve to fix the adjusted height. Therefore, the height of the first and second main frames 10a, 10b can be easily controlled depending on the height, body shape, etc. of the user.

[0037] Additionally, the walking aid device may further include a first auxiliary connection frame 15 connecting the lower end or an area adjacent thereto of the first main frame 10a and the lower end or an area adjacent thereto of the second main frame 10b to each other. The walking aid device may further include a second auxiliary connection frame 25 disposed between the first rear support frame 20a and the second rear support frame 20b to connect them to each other. The first and second auxiliary connection frames 15, 25 can make the structure of the walking aid device more solid. In Figs. 1 to 3, the first auxiliary connection frame 15 is connected to other frames. Although it is shown in an intact state, a person skilled in the art would understand that the final form is realized by connecting it to other frames via a connecting member as shown in Figs. 4A to 7.

[0038] 4a to 4d are diagrams illustrating a process of folding a two-stage foldable walking assistance device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] 4a and 4b, when the front portion of the seat member 50 of the walking assistance device according to the embodiment is grasped by hand and lifted upward, the main body of the device may stand vertically so that the lower portions of the first and second main frames 10a, 10b and the lower portions of the first and second rear support frames 20a, 20b are close to each other. FIG. 4b shows a state in which one stage of folding is completed. At this time, a part of the first and second front wheel portions 30a, 30b may be disposed between the first and second rear wheel portions 40a, 40b so as to overlap them laterally.

[0040] Referring to Fig. 4c and Fig. 4d, with the clutch members of the first and second folding parts F10a, F10b unlocked, the handle part 12 may be lowered downward on the front side of the walking aid device. The first and second main frames 10a, 10b may be folded from the first and second folding parts F10a, F10b. Fig. 4d shows a state where the two-stage folding is completed. The walking aid device is folded in two stages to be folded quite compactly, which makes it very convenient to transport and store. The folded walking aid device is quite slim and can stand by itself.

[0041] The process of unfolding the walking assistance device may be performed in the reverse order of the process described with reference to FIGS. 4a to 4d.

[0042] 5 to 7 are perspective views showing a two-stage foldable walking assistance device in a folded state (folded twice) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] 5 to 7, the walking assist device according to this embodiment may be configured so that the lower parts of the first and second main frames 10a, 10b and the lower parts of the first and second rear support frames 20a, 20b can be brought closer to each other and folded by lifting the front part of the seat member 50 upward. The walking assist device may also be configured so that the first and second main frames 10a, 10b can be folded downward toward the front side from the first and second folding parts F10a, F10b. The walking assist device may have a structure that can be folded twice, and can be folded quite compactly.

[0044] At this time, a portion of the first and second front wheel portions 30a, 30b may be arranged between the first and second rear wheel portions 40a, 40b so as to overlap laterally with them. In relation to this, the first and second front wheel portions 30a, 30b may be arranged below (immediately below) the first and second main frames 10a, 10b, respectively, and the first and second rear wheel portions 40a, 40b may be arranged on the outer side of the first and second rear support frames 20a, 20b, respectively. The first rear wheel portion 40a may be arranged on the outer side of the first rear support frame 20a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b may be arranged on the outer side of the second rear support frame 20b. Therefore, when the walking assist device is folded, a portion of the first and second front wheel portions 30a, 30b overlaps laterally with the first and second rear wheel portions 40a, 40b between them.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a specific configuration that a folding section applicable to a two-stage foldable walking assistance device according to one embodiment of the present invention can have.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 8, the folding unit applicable to the walking assistance device according to the present embodiment may include a lower assembly member P10, an upper assembly member P20 connected to the lower assembly member P10 by a pivot member A1, and a clutch member C1 provided on the lower assembly member P10 and structurally connected to a part of the upper assembly member P20. The upper assembly member P20 may be provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the lower assembly member P10 with reference to the pivot member A1. The clutch member C1 may be provided so as to be able to lock or unlock the rotational movement of the upper assembly member P20. According to a non-limiting example, the clutch member C1 may have a kind of valve structure and may be configured to lock or unlock the rotational movement of the upper assembly member P20 by opening or closing the valve. The main frame may be configured to be folded from the folding unit by the rotation of the upper assembly member P20. A first portion of the main frame may be coupled to the lower assembly member P10, and a second portion of the main frame may be coupled to the upper assembly member P20.

[0047] The folding section described with reference to Fig. 8 may be applied to the first and second folding sections F10a, F10b described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. The first and second folding sections F10a, F10b may have the same configuration or may have a symmetrical configuration. The specific configuration of the folding section described with reference to Fig. 8 is merely exemplary and may vary depending on the case.

[0048] 9 and 10 are perspective views showing a state in which the upper assembly member P20 is rotated relative to the lower assembly member P10 with the rotary shaft member A1 as a reference after the clutch member C1 is unlocked in the folding portion of FIG.

[0049] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method for adjusting the height of a walking assistance device in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Referring to Fig. 11, the first main frame 10a may be configured to be height adjustable on the upper side of the first height fixing member 11a, and the first height fixing member 11a may play a role in fixing the adjusted height. The height of the first main frame 10a may be adjusted by opening the first height fixing member 11a, and then the first height fixing member 11a may be closed and fixed. This height adjustment method may be similarly applied to the second main frame (10b in Fig. 1). The height of the first and second main frames 10a, 10b may be easily adjusted depending on the height and body type of the user.

[0051] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a hand brake operation method of a walking assistance device in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 12, in the case of a hand brake function, braking may be applied when the user pulls the brake lever 14, and braking may be released when the user releases the brake lever 14.

[0053] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a parking brake operation method of the walking assistance device in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] 13, in the case of the parking brake function, when the user pushes the brake lever 14 downward, the brake lever 14 may be fixed at the lower side, and the braking state may be fixed. When the brake lever 14 is pulled up again in this state, the fixed braking state may be released.

[0055] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a steering control method for a walking assistance device in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Referring to Fig. 14, the first steering adjustment member 35a may be used to adjust the rotation range of the first front wheel portion 30a to be narrower or wider, or may be fixed so as not to rotate (i.e., 0°). Similarly, the second steering adjustment member (35b in Fig. 1) may be used to adjust the rotation range of the second front wheel portion (30b in Fig. 1) to be narrower or wider, or may be fixed so as not to rotate (i.e., 0°). Therefore, steering control of the front wheels 30a, 30b can be easily performed.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the walking assistance device may be equipped with certain sensors and electronic braking devices, and can provide pedestrian safety enhancement functions based on the sensors.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the first front wheel portion 30a, the second front wheel portion 30b, the first rear wheel portion 40a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b may be provided with pressure sensors, and the first front wheel portion 30a, the second front wheel portion 30b, the first rear wheel portion 40a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b may be controlled based on the pressure acquired by the provided pressure sensors. More specifically, when the average value of the first pressure acquired by the first pressure sensor provided in the first front wheel portion 30a and the second pressure acquired by the second pressure sensor provided in the second front wheel portion 30b is equal to or less than a first threshold value, and the average value of the third pressure acquired by the third pressure sensor provided in the first rear wheel portion 40a and the fourth pressure acquired by the fourth pressure sensor provided in the second rear wheel portion 40b is equal to or greater than a second threshold value, braking may be applied so that the first rear wheel portion 40a and the second rear wheel portion 40b do not rotate. As a result, when a pedestrian is about to fall backward while gripping the handles 12a, 12b, the pressure distribution described above will occur in the wheel section, and in this case, braking will be automatically applied to the first rear wheel section 40a and the second rear wheel section 40b to prevent them from rotating, thereby increasing the stability of the pedestrian.

[0059] In another embodiment, when the average value of the first pressure acquired by the first pressure sensor provided in the first front wheel portion 30a and the second pressure acquired by the second pressure sensor provided in the second front wheel portion 30b is equal to or greater than the third threshold value, and the average value of the third pressure acquired by the third pressure sensor provided in the first rear wheel portion 40a and the fourth pressure acquired by the fourth pressure sensor provided in the second rear wheel portion 40b is equal to or less than the fourth threshold value, braking may be applied so that the first front wheel portion 30a and the second front wheel portion 30b rotate. In this case, by applying braking to the front wheels in a situation where the pedestrian is likely to fall forward on a downhill slope, etc., a means for increasing the stability of the pedestrian can be provided.

[0060] According to another embodiment, the walking assist device may provide safety to the user by electronically braking the first front wheel portion 30a, the second front wheel portion 30b, the first rear wheel portion 40a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b based on the walking pattern of the pedestrian. More specifically, based on the speed sensor (e.g., a sensor provided on the wheel to detect the number of rotations per time, etc.), the walking assist device may determine the average walking speed of the pedestrian according to the walking pattern of the pedestrian, and if the current speed of the walking assist device exceeds a predetermined threshold value higher than the average walking speed of the pedestrian, the walking assist device may assist the pedestrian to walk within a predetermined speed range by electronically applying a certain level of braking to the first front wheel portion 30a, the second front wheel portion 30b, the first rear wheel portion 40a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b. In this process, the walking assist device may provide a means for allowing the pedestrian to walk while gradually reducing the speed by applying braking below a predetermined acceleration.

[0061] According to another embodiment, the first front wheel portion 30a, the second front wheel portion 30b, the first rear wheel portion 40a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b may be provided with a gravity sensor, and the walking assist device may control the first front wheel portion 30a, the second front wheel portion 30b, the first rear wheel portion 40a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b based on the pressure acquired by the provided gravity sensor. More specifically, when the gravity sensor determines that the positions of the first front wheel portion 30a and the second front wheel portion 30b are higher than the positions of the first rear wheel portion 40a and the second rear wheel portion 40b by a predetermined threshold or more, the walking assist device can assist the pedestrian in walking uphill by providing a predetermined power to the first front wheel portion 30a, the second front wheel portion 30b, the first rear wheel portion 40a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b.

[0062] Conversely, if the gravity sensor determines that the positions of the first front wheel portion 30a and the second front wheel portion 30b are lower than the positions of the first rear wheel portion 40a and the second rear wheel portion 40b by a predetermined threshold or more, the walking assist device can provide a means for safely supporting a pedestrian walking downhill by applying a predetermined braking force to the first front wheel portion 30a, the second front wheel portion 30b, the first rear wheel portion 40a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b.

[0063] In addition, when the rate of change in pressure sensed by the pressure sensors in the first front wheel portion 30a, the second front wheel portion 30b, the first rear wheel portion 40a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b is detected at a period greater than or equal to a predetermined period, the walking assistance device can support the safety of pedestrians walking on roads with uneven surfaces by applying a predetermined braking force to the first front wheel portion 30a, the second front wheel portion 30b, the first rear wheel portion 40a, and the second rear wheel portion 40b.

[0064] Furthermore, during the process of electronically applying the brakes, if the force applied to the brakes exceeds a predetermined braking force threshold (in this case, the braking force threshold is determined to be a value smaller than the maximum braking force), the walking assistance device can prevent the pedestrian from getting into a situation where it is unable to brake by emitting a warning sound.

[0065] In addition, the walking assistance device may further include a specific computing device capable of linking with traffic lights, and linking the walking assistance device with traffic lights can provide a function of supporting pedestrian safety by applying brakes to the wheels in situations where walking is not possible (e.g., when the light is red).

[0066] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to realize a walking assistance device that provides considerable advantages in terms of logistics movement and storage / keeping while ensuring convenience and safety. The walking assistance device according to the embodiment has a two-stage folding structure, i.e., a structure that can be folded twice, which can provide many advantages in terms of logistics movement such as transportation and delivery / transportation, and also enables compact storage / keeping from the user's perspective. Furthermore, the walking assistance device according to the embodiment can achieve excellent convenience and safety.

[0067] In this specification, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed. Although specific terms have been used herein, these are merely used in a general sense to briefly explain the technical contents of the present invention and to aid in the understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In addition to the embodiments disclosed herein, it will be obvious to those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs that other modifications based on the technical idea of ​​the present invention can be implemented. For example, those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field will understand that the walking assistance device according to the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 15 can be modified in various ways. For this reason, the scope of the present invention should not be determined by the described embodiments, but should be determined by the technical idea described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 10a First mainframe 10b Second Mainframe 11a First height fixing member 11b Second height fixing member 12 Handle 14 Brake lever 15 First auxiliary connecting frame 20a First rear support frame 20b Second rear support frame 25 Second auxiliary connecting frame 27a First Braking Unit 27b Second braking unit 30a 1st front wheel 30b 2nd front wheel 33a First wheel connecting member 33b Second wheel connecting member 35a First steering adjustment member 35b Second steering adjustment member 40a 1st rear wheel section 40b 2nd rear wheel section 50 Sheet material 52 Storage materials 55a First connecting member 55b Second connecting member 60 Seat back connecting frame A1 Rotating shaft member C1 Clutch parts F10a 1st Folding Section F10b 2nd Folding Section P10 Lower assembly member P20 Upper assembly member

Claims

1. a first main frame and a second main frame extending in parallel in the up-down direction and spaced apart from each other, the first main frame and the second main frame having an inclined structure inclined backward; first and second rear support frames coupled to respective middle portions of the first and second main frames, each having an inclined structure extending downwardly in parallel with each other and inclined forward; a handle portion connected to an upper end portion of the first and second main frames; first and second front wheel portions coupled to lower ends or portions adjacent thereto of the first and second main frames, respectively; first and second rear wheel portions coupled to lower ends or portions adjacent thereto of the first and second rear support frames, respectively; a seat member provided between the first and second main frames so as to be connected to both the first and second main frames and the first and second rear support frames; a first folding portion and a second folding portion provided on the first main frame and the second main frame, respectively, at a position higher than the first rear support frame and the second rear support frame; A two-stage folding walking assistance device configured so that the lower parts of the first and second main frames and the lower parts of the first and second rear support frames can be folded close to each other by lifting a front portion of the seat member upward, and configured so that the first and second main frames can be folded downward and forward from the first and second folding parts.

2. a first connecting member provided to connect the first main frame and the first rear support frame to each other; a second connecting member provided to be coupled with the second main frame and the second rear support frame so as to connect the second main frame and the second rear support frame to each other, The two-stage folding walking assistance device according to claim 1 , wherein the seat member is coupled to and disposed between the first and second connecting members.

3. The first folding section includes: A lower assembly member; an upper assembly member which is connected to the lower assembly member by a pivot member and is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the lower assembly member with the pivot member as a reference; a clutch member provided on the lower assembly member and configured to be structurally coupled to a portion of the upper assembly member, for locking or unlocking a pivotal movement of the upper assembly member; The first main frame is folded from the first folding section by the rotation of the upper assembly member, The two-stage folding walking assistance device according to claim 1 , wherein the second folding section has the same or symmetrical configuration as the first folding section.

4. a brake lever connected to at least one of the first and second main frames below the handle portion, for braking at least one of the first and second rear wheel portions; 2. The two-stage foldable walking assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the brake lever has a hand brake function during driving and a parking brake function during parking.

5. The two-stage foldable walking assistance device according to claim 1 , further comprising a storage member disposed under the sheet member and made of a flexible material.

6. a steering adjustment member for controlling a rotation range for steering of the first and second front wheel portions; The two-stage folding walking assistance device according to claim 1 , further comprising a seat back connecting frame arranged to connect the first and second main frames to each other between the seat member and the handle portion.

Images