Wheelchair fixing device

Abstract

To provide a wheelchair fixing device allowing a user to determine whether or not a wheelchair is fixed to a vehicle with higher accuracy by individually detecting whether or not a fixing bar and a plurality of fixing levers are in a locking state.SOLUTION: A wheelchair fixing device 14 for fixing a wheelchair 12 in a vehicle 10, the wheelchair fixing device includes a plurality of fixing levers 18 to be locked to a fixing bar 20 provided in a lower part of the wheelchair 12, where the plurality of fixing levers 18 have a detection means 24 for detecting each locking state with the fixing bar 20, and when even one of the plurality of fixing levers 18 is not in the locking state, the detection means 24 determines that the locking is defective.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheelchair fixing device for fixing a wheelchair in a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, techniques related to wheelchair fixing devices for fixing wheelchairs in vehicles have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a wheelchair fixing device that has a hook member protruding upward from the floor surface of a vehicle, and when the wheelchair moves in such a manner that the fixing bar at the bottom of the wheelchair hits the hook member, the fixing bar is engaged by the hook member and locked. Non-Patent Document 1 also discloses a wheelchair one-touch fixing device that fixes the wheelchair to the floor of the vehicle by providing a fixing bar on the wheelchair and a hook on the floor of the vehicle that rises and fixes it with one touch. This wheelchair one-touch fixing device is said to be able to significantly reduce the time required to fix a wheelchair in a vehicle compared to the conventional method, and further, to minimize the scope of modifications and the addition of parts to both the wheelchair and the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-035522 [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Best Car Web, [Searched on September 22, 2023], Internet<URL:https: / / bestcarweb.jp / news / business / 662069> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a wheelchair fixing device that fixes a wheelchair inside a vehicle, as described above, it is desirable to shorten the fixing time and simplify the fixing operation, but at the same time, it is necessary for the user to be able to confirm more reliably that the wheelchair is fixed to the vehicle.

[0006] For example, since it is difficult for a wheelchair user to visually check the state of the underside of the wheelchair, when there is no assistant, confirmation of whether or not the fixing lever provided on the floor of the vehicle is engaged with the fixing bar provided on the bottom of the wheelchair is left to the judgment function of the wheelchair fixing device. Here, for example, when there are multiple fixing levers, even if the engagement part of one fixing lever is disengaged, it may be judged that the wheelchair is in the engaged state if the other fixing levers are engaged with the fixing bar. In such a state (i.e., a state in which the wheelchair cannot be said to be securely fixed to the floor of the vehicle), it is possible that the driver or other vehicle operator will mistakenly recognize that the wheelchair is fixed to the vehicle and drive the vehicle. In this case, depending on the driver's operation and road conditions, the wheelchair may move forward and backward or tilt inside the vehicle while it is moving. Therefore, it is desired that the wheelchair fixing device detects the engagement state between the vehicle and the wheelchair with higher accuracy.

[0007] Therefore, in this specification, a wheelchair fixing device is realized that, when there are multiple fixing levers that are engaged with a fixing bar provided at the bottom of the wheelchair, can detect whether all of the fixing levers are engaged with the fixing bar. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The wheelchair fixing device disclosed in this specification is a wheelchair fixing device for fixing a wheelchair inside a vehicle, and is characterized in that it is equipped with a plurality of fixing levers that are engaged with a fixing bar provided at the bottom of the wheelchair, the plurality of fixing levers have detection means for detecting their respective engagement states with the fixing bar, and the detection means determines that the engagement is defective if any one of the plurality of fixing levers is not in an engaged state. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the wheelchair fixing device disclosed in this specification, it is possible to individually detect whether each of the multiple fixing levers is engaged with the fixing bar, thereby making it possible to determine with greater accuracy whether the wheelchair is fixed to the vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a wheelchair fixing device including a wheelchair. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic plan view of a floor surface of a vehicle on which a wheelchair fixing device is provided. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the fixing lever shown in FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The wheelchair fixing device of a vehicle will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, "Fr", "Up" and "Rh" respectively indicate the front, upper and right sides of the vehicle.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a wheelchair fixing device including a wheelchair. Fig. 1 shows a wheelchair fixing device 14 for fixing a wheelchair 12 in a vehicle 10. More specifically, the wheelchair fixing device 14 is provided on a floor 16 of the vehicle 10.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the wheelchair fixing device 14 has a plurality of fixing levers 18. The fixing levers 18 are generally flat members extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10, and have a notch formed in the lower part on the front side. In FIG. 1, the fixing levers 18 are shown as lightly shaded parts. The fixing levers 18 are stored in the floor 16 except when the wheelchair 12 is fixed in the vehicle 10, and when the wheelchair 12 is fixed in the vehicle 10 (i.e., when the wheelchair fixing device 14 is used), the front end side of the fixing levers 18 protrudes upward from the floor 16 by operating a switch or a wireless remote control (not shown). FIG. 1 shows a state in which the front end side of the fixing levers 18 protrudes upward from the floor 16. As shown in FIG. 1, in this example, two fixing levers 18 are provided, but the number is not particularly limited to this.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, a fixing bar 20 is provided at the bottom of the wheelchair 12. In this example, the fixing bar 20 is provided at the bottom of the wheelchair 12 between the wheels on both the left and right sides. In this example, the wheelchair 12 is arranged to face the front side of the vehicle and is fixed to the vehicle 10 at this position, so that the fixing bar 20 can be said to extend in the vehicle width direction. In FIG. 1, the fixing bar 20 is shown as a dark black part. As shown in FIG. 1, a notch portion formed at the bottom of the front free end of a fixing lever 18, the rear end of which is pivotally supported on the floor 16, is engaged with the fixing bar 20 of the wheelchair 12, thereby fixing the wheelchair 12 in the vehicle 10. The engagement between the fixing lever 18 and the fixing bar 20 will be described in detail later.

[0015] The wheelchair fixing device 14 further includes a control unit 22. The control unit 22 is an electronic control unit having at least a CPU for performing various arithmetic processing and a memory in which control programs and data are stored. The wheelchair fixing device 14 further includes a detection means 24. In FIG. 1, the detection means 24 is shown as a part of the control unit 22, but this is to show that the function of the detection means 24 is realized by the control of the control unit 22. Although it is separated in FIG. 1, the detection means 24 is provided on the fixing lever 18 and has a function of detecting the locking state between the fixing bar 20 and each of the two fixing levers 18. Then, when even one of the two fixing levers 18 is not in the locking state, the detection means 24 judges that the locking is defective. The detection of the locking state will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0016] The control unit 22 transmits the determination result of the detection means 24 to the vehicle monitor 26 and the communication system 28. For example, when the vehicle 10 is a manned vehicle, the control unit 22 transmits a signal to the vehicle monitor 26 to display a warning that can be recognized by the driver. Also, when the vehicle 10 is an unmanned vehicle, the control unit 22 transmits a signal to the communication system 28 linked to the traveling system that controls the vehicle 10 to issue a warning to the traveling system. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the vehicle 10 from continuing to travel in this state when the engagement between the fixing bar 20 and the two fixing levers 18 is defective.

[0017] Next, the engagement between the fixing lever 18 and the fixing bar 20 and its detection will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the floor surface of a vehicle on which the wheelchair fixing device is installed. Figure 3 is a side view of the fixing lever shown in Figure 2.

[0018] Fig. 2 shows the fixed levers 18 stored in the floor 16. In Fig. 2, the fixed levers 18 are shown as lightly shaded parts. An engagement detection switch 30 is provided on each of the two fixed levers 18 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Fig. 3, the engagement detection switch 30 is provided so as to be in the same position in the vehicle front-rear direction as a notched portion 32 (hereinafter referred to as the "engagement groove portion 32") in the lower part of the fixed lever 18.

[0019] The operation of the fixed levers 18 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The rear ends of the two fixed levers 18 are rotatably supported by the fixed parts 50. Therefore, the front ends of the fixed levers 18 are rotatable as free ends. Furthermore, at the rear of the fixed levers 18, in front of the parts rotatably supported by the fixed parts 50, through holes 34 (see Figs. 2 and 3) are provided, and drive shafts 36 are inserted into the left and right through holes 34.

[0020] A base 52 is fixed on the floor 16, and a guide groove 52a extending in the front-rear direction is provided in the center of the base 52. The drive shaft 36 is fixed to a bracket 38 provided on the base 52. A pin 38a is provided in the center of the rear end of the bracket 38, and the pin 38a is inserted into the guide groove 52a. In other words, the drive shaft 36 is guided by the guide groove 52a together with the bracket 38 and is movable in the front-rear direction. Both ends of the drive shaft 36 are supported by a pair of support brackets 54 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. That is, a guide groove 54b (see FIG. 3) extending in the front-rear direction is provided in a wall portion 54a of the support bracket 54, and both left and right ends of the drive shaft 36 are supported slidably in the guide groove 54b.

[0021] Here, FIG. 2 shows the drive motor 40, the drive gear 42, and the drive rod 44 from the front. When the control unit 22 drives the drive motor 40, the fixed lever 18 moves upward. More specifically, the front end of the drive rod 44 is journaled at a position offset from the center of the drive gear 42, and the rear end is journaled on the bracket 38. Therefore, when the drive motor 40 is driven, the drive gear 42 rotates, and the drive rod 44 moves in the front-rear direction in association with this rotation. As shown in FIG. 2, the drive rod 44 is journaled on the bracket 38 on which the pin 38a is disposed, and therefore, as the drive rod 44 moves, the pin 38a is guided by the guide groove 52a, and the bracket 38 moves in the front-rear direction. This movement of the bracket 38 in the front-rear direction also causes the drive shaft 36 to slide forward and backward within the through hole 34, so that the fixed lever 18 can move from the stored state to the locked state (i.e., upward). That is, the position of the through hole 34 in the up-down direction in the front-rear direction changes. As a whole, the front side is the upper side in the vertical direction, and when the drive shaft 36 is located at the rear, the front end of the fixed lever 18 is located at the upper side (locking position), and when the drive shaft 36 is located at the front, the front end of the fixed lever 18 is located at the lower side (storage position). Such movement of the fixed lever 18 can be determined by the shape of the through hole 34. The fixed lever 18 in the stored state and in the locked state are each shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3.

[0022] Next, the arrangement of the locking detection SW 30 and the locking groove portion 32 of the fixing bar 20 will be further described with reference to FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the fixing bar 20 is shown in a dark black portion, and the locking detection SW 30 is shown with oblique lines. As described above, the locking detection SW 30 and the locking groove portion 32 are positioned to be at the same position in the vehicle front-rear direction, so that when the fixing lever 18 is locked to the fixing bar 20 (i.e., when the fixing lever 18 and the fixing bar 20 are locked in the locking groove portion 32), the two locking detection SWs 30 come into direct contact with the fixing bar 20. With reference to FIG. 3, when the fixing lever 18 is stored, some of the bars of the locking detection SW 30 are open because they do not interfere with any member in the vehicle 10. In other words, the locking detection SW 30 is in the OFF state. On the other hand, when the fixing lever 18 is locked, a part of the locking detection SW 30 is in direct contact with the fixing bar 20 at the locking groove 32 (i.e., is pushed by the fixing bar 20) and is closed. In other words, at this time, the locking detection SW 30 is in the ON state. In this way, in this example, the switch is switched ON / OFF by the direct contact of the two locking detection SWs 30 with the fixing bar 20, so it is possible to individually determine whether or not the two fixing levers 18 are locked to the fixing bar 20. As a result, in the wheelchair fixing device 14, if even one of the two fixing levers 18 is not in the locked state, it is determined that the lock is not good, and the determination result is transmitted to the operator of the vehicle 10, such as the driver, thereby contributing to the safe running of the vehicle 10.

[0023] The above description is merely an example, and the wheelchair fixing device disclosed in this specification may be configured such that the fixing levers have a detection means, the detection means individually detects whether each of the fixing levers is in a locked state with the fixing bar, and if any one of the fixing levers is not in a locked state, the detection means determines that the lock is defective. Therefore, other configurations may be changed as appropriate. In the embodiment, whether the fixing lever and the fixing bar are in a locked state is detected by using the lock detection SW30, but this is not limited to this. For example, any device that can detect the contact between the fixing lever and the fixing bar may be used, and a pressure sensor or the like may be used instead of the lock detection SW30. [Explanation of symbols]

[0024] 10 vehicle, 12 wheelchair, 14 wheelchair fixing device, 16 floor, 18 fixing lever, 20 fixing bar, 22 control unit, 24 detection means, 26 vehicle monitor, 28 communication system.

Claims

[Claim 1] A wheelchair fixing device for fixing a wheelchair in a vehicle, comprising: A plurality of fixing levers are provided to be engaged with a fixing bar provided at a lower portion of the wheelchair, The plurality of fixing levers each have a detection means for detecting an engagement state with the fixing bar, The detection means determines that the lock is defective when any one of the plurality of fixing levers is not in a locked state. A wheelchair fixing device.

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