Wheelchair jig and wheelchair

Abstract

To provide a wheelchair jig capable of improving safety and convenience related to a use of a wheelchair.SOLUTION: A wheelchair jig (40, 50, 60) comprises: heel abutment parts (41, 51, 61) to be arranged behind a footrest member (5) of a wheelchair (100); and a fixing part (42) for attaching the heel abutment parts to a structure member included in the wheelchair independently from the rotation of the footrest member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixture for a wheelchair and a wheelchair.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a footrest member (footrest) for placing the feet of a wheelchair occupant has been installed on a wheelchair. The footrest member is typically a flat plate member. During the movement of the wheelchair, the occupant can place their feet on the footrest member to reduce the burden on the feet. Here, it is known that such a footrest member has the following problems. That is, when the feet are moved backward (toward the heel side), there is a risk that the feet will fall off the footrest member and come into contact with the floor surface and be dragged.

[0003] In Citation 1, a footrest member having a heel portion disposed at a certain angle with respect to the footrest is disclosed at the heel-side end of the footrest. In Citation 1, such a heel portion prevents the feet from falling off the footrest member due to the backward movement of the feet.

[0004] Also, in Citation 2, a configuration in which a foot fixing tool for fixing the feet to the footrest member is provided is disclosed. This prevents the feet from protruding and falling off the footrest member due to the movement of the feet in the left-right direction and backward.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] As an example of a foldable wheelchair, a wheelchair foldable so as to reduce the width in the left-right direction is known. Such a wheelchair typically folds compactly by rotating a footrest member relative to a structural member provided in the wheelchair when the wheelchair is folded. That is, to fold the wheelchair, it is necessary to appropriately fold the footrest member and then fold the entire wheelchair. Also known is a wheelchair in which the entire wheelchair is not foldable, but the footrest member is rotatable relative to a structural member provided in the wheelchair and foldable. When applying the technology disclosed in Citation 1 to a wheelchair provided with the above footrest member, there is a possibility that the heel portion formed on the footrest member may inhibit the rotation of the footrest member. That is, in the above technology, there is a possibility that the footrest member of the wheelchair cannot be appropriately folded, and there is also a possibility that the entire wheelchair cannot be appropriately folded. Further, in the technology disclosed in Citation 2, when a passenger moves from the wheelchair, there is a problem that there is a risk of being tripped and falling because the feet move while being fixed.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a jig for a wheelchair that can improve the safety and convenience in using a wheelchair.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, a jig for a wheelchair according to Aspect 1 of the present invention is a jig for a wheelchair attached to a wheelchair, and is a footrest member for placing the feet of a passenger of the wheelchair, and is disposed behind the footrest member that rotates and folds relative to a structural member provided in the wheelchair, and a fixing portion that attaches the heel contact portion to the structural member provided in the wheelchair independently of the rotation of the footrest member, and the heel contact portion has a structure that contacts the heel of the foot when the foot placed on the footrest member moves backward.

[0009] According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility of protrusion and detachment from the footrest member due to the movement of the passenger's feet backward. Therefore, the safety related to the use of the wheelchair can be improved.

[0010] Further, since the heel contact portion does not interlock with the rotation of the footrest member, it is possible to prevent the heel contact portion from inhibiting the rotation of the footrest member. Thus, the footrest member can be appropriately folded. This also leads to appropriately folding the entire wheelchair. Therefore, the convenience related to the use of the wheelchair can be improved.

[0011] Also, the wheelchair fixture does not fix the feet placed on the footrest member. Therefore, in a wheelchair with the wheelchair fixture attached, there is no risk that the passenger will be caught by the feet and fall while trying to move from the wheelchair with the feet fixed. Therefore, the safety related to the use of the wheelchair can be improved.

[0012] In the wheelchair fixture according to Aspect 2 of the present invention, in the above Aspect 1, the wheelchair is foldable so as to reduce the width in the left - right direction, and the width in the left - right direction of the heel contact portion in the folded state of the wheelchair may be smaller than the width in the left - right direction of the heel contact portion in the unfolded state of the wheelchair.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the wheelchair can be folded compactly.

[0014] In the wheelchair fixture according to Aspect 3 of the present invention, in the above Aspect 1 or 2, the fixing portion may attach the heel contact portion to the frame of the wheelchair.

[0015] According to the above configuration, a heel contact portion that does not inhibit folding can be realized with a simple configuration such as fixing the heel contact portion to the frame.

[0016] In the fixture for a wheelchair according to Aspect 4 of the present invention, in any one of the above Aspects 1 to 3, the heel contact portions are arranged in a pair on the left and right, and the pair of heel contact portions are respectively attached so as to extend inward from the pair of structural members, and the front-rear positions of the inner end of one of the heel contact portions and the outer end of the other heel contact portion may be different.

[0017] According to the above configuration, when the inner end of one heel contact portion moves to the position of the outer end of the other heel contact portion in the left-right direction, it can move further inward without hitting the outer end of the other heel contact portion. Therefore, the wheelchair can be folded into an even more compact shape.

[0018] In the fixture for a wheelchair according to Aspect 5 of the present invention, in the above Aspect 1 or 2, it further includes a side contact portion arranged on the outer side of the footrest member, and the side contact portion is configured to contact the side surface of the foot when the foot placed on the footrest member moves outward, and the fixing portion may attach the heel contact portion to the side contact portion.

[0019] In the fixture for a wheelchair according to Aspect 6 of the present invention, in any one of the above Aspects 1 to 5, the heel contact portions are arranged in a pair on the left and right, and when the wheelchair is folded, the pair of heel contact portions may move inward without contacting each other.

[0020] According to the above configuration, since the heel contact portions have a structure arranged side by side in the left-right direction, the possibility of the footrest member protruding and falling off due to the backward movement of the passenger's foot can be reduced. Also, when the wheelchair is folded, the pair of heel contact portions move inward so as not to contact each other, so the heel contact portions have a structure that does not hinder the folding of the wheelchair.

[0021] In the fixture for a wheelchair according to Aspect 7 of the present invention, in the above Aspect 6, the heel contact portion arranged on the left and the heel contact portion arranged on the right may be arranged at different positions in the vertical direction.

[0022] In the jig for a wheelchair according to Aspect 8 of the present invention, in any one of the above Aspects 1 to 5, the heel contact portions are arranged in a pair left and right, and the pair of heel contact portions are respectively attached so as to extend inward from the pair of structural members, and are attached in a rotatable state. When the wheelchair is folded, the pair of heel contact portions may rotate and fold by contacting each other.

[0023] According to the above configuration, since the heel contact portion has a structure extending in the left-right direction, it is possible to reduce the possibility of protruding from and falling off the footrest member due to the rearward movement of the passenger's foot. Further, when the wheelchair is folded, the left and right heel contact portions are housed between the pair of structural members by contacting each other. That is, the heel contact portion has a structure that does not hinder the folding of the wheelchair.

[0024] In the jig for a wheelchair according to Aspect 9 of the present invention, in the above Aspect 8, each of the heel contact portions is attached to the structural member so as to be rotatable around an axis extending in the vertical direction at the outer end portion, and the inner end portions of the respective heel contact portions may have curved surfaces that regulate each other's rotation directions.

[0025] In the jig for a wheelchair according to Aspect 10 of the present invention, in the above Aspect 9, each of the heel contact portions may have a flat surface formed from the outer end portion to the vicinity of the inner end portion.

[0026] According to the above configuration, the heel contact portion 51 can be compactly housed between the pair of structural members. That is, the wheelchair can be folded compactly.

[0027] In the jig for a wheelchair according to Aspect 11 of the present invention, in any one of the above Aspects 1 to 5, the heel contact portion extends in the left-right direction in an integral shape behind the footrest member, and when the wheelchair is folded, the heel contact portion may be deformed so that the width in the left-right direction becomes smaller.

[0028] According to the above configuration, since the heel contact portion extends in the left - right direction in an integral shape, it is possible to reduce the possibility of protruding from and falling off the footrest member due to the backward movement of the rider's foot. Further, when the wheelchair is folded, the heel contact portion is deformed so that the width in the left - right direction becomes smaller, and thus it is stored between the pair of structural members. That is, the heel contact portion has a structure that does not hinder the folding of the wheelchair. Furthermore, since the heel contact portion extends in the left - right direction in an integral shape, compared with a structure that is divided into left and right, the wheelchair jig can be stably attached to the wheelchair.

[0029] In the wheelchair jig according to Aspect 12 of the present invention, in any of the above Aspects 1 to 11, the heel contact portion may have a curved surface that protrudes from the front to the rear.

[0030] According to the above configuration, the heel contact portion can be curved backward in accordance with the shape of the heel.

[0031] In the wheelchair jig according to Aspect 13 of the present invention, in any of the above Aspects 1 to 12, the height of the highest - height portion of the heel contact portion may be 5 cm or more higher than the height of the highest - height portion of the footrest member.

[0032] According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the rider's foot rides over the heel contact portion and falls off the footrest member.

[0033] In the wheelchair jig according to Aspect 14 of the present invention, in any of the above Aspects 1 to 13, a cushioning material may be disposed at the portion of the heel contact portion where the heel abuts.

[0034] According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the burden on the foot when the heel of the rider's foot abuts on the heel contact portion.

[0035] In order to solve the above problems, a footrest fixture for a wheelchair according to Aspect 15 of the present invention is a footrest fixture for a wheelchair that is attached to a wheelchair, and is a footrest member for placing the feet of a passenger on the wheelchair. The footrest member rotates with respect to a structural member provided in the wheelchair and is foldable, a heel contact portion disposed behind the footrest member, and a fixing portion that attaches the heel contact portion to the structural member provided in the wheelchair independently of the rotation of the footrest member during folding of the wheelchair. The heel contact portion has a structure that contacts the heel of the foot when the foot placed on the footrest member moves backward.

[0036] In order to solve the above problems, a wheelchair according to Aspect 16 of the present invention is a footrest member for placing the feet of a passenger on the wheelchair, and includes a footrest member that rotates with respect to a structural member provided in the wheelchair and is foldable, and a heel contact portion disposed behind the footrest member. The heel contact portion is attached independently of the rotation of the footrest member, and has a structure that contacts the heel of the foot when the foot placed on the footrest member moves backward.

Advantages of the Invention

[0037] According to one aspect of the present invention, the safety and convenience related to the use of a wheelchair can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038]

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0039] 〔Embodiment 1〕 Hereinafter, an embodiment according to one aspect of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "this embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present embodiment described below is merely an exemplification of the present invention in every respect. Needless to say, various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. That is, in carrying out the present invention, a specific configuration according to the embodiment may be appropriately adopted.

[0040] §1 Application Example First, an example of a scene where the wheelchair jig 40 is applied will be described. The wheelchair jig 40 is attached to the wheelchair 100. The wheelchair 100 is foldable so as to reduce the width in the left - right direction. Further, when the wheelchair 100 is folded, the footrest member 5 rotates with respect to the structural members provided in the wheelchair 100, and the wheelchair 100 is folded compactly (see FIGS. 3, 7, 20, and 26).

[0041] The wheelchair fixture 40 is attached to the wheelchair 100 such that the heel contact portion 41 is disposed behind the footrest member 5. The heel contact portion 41 is attached to the structural member provided in the above-described wheelchair 100 in a state not interlocked with the rotation of the footrest member 5 when the wheelchair 100 is folded (see FIGS. 19, 25, 27, and 28). The heel contact portion 41 has a structure that contacts the heel of the foot when the foot placed on the footrest member 5 moves backward.

[0042] By attaching the wheelchair fixture 40 having such a heel contact portion 41 to the wheelchair 100, it is possible to reduce the possibility of the footrest member 5 protruding and falling off due to the backward movement of the passenger's foot. Therefore, the safety related to the use of the wheelchair can be improved.

[0043] Further, since the heel contact portion 41 is not interlocked with the rotation of the footrest member 5 when the wheelchair 100 is folded, it is possible to prevent the heel contact portion 41 from inhibiting the rotation of the footrest member 5 during the folding of the wheelchair 100. Therefore, the wheelchair 100 can be properly folded. Therefore, the convenience related to the use of the wheelchair can be improved.

[0044] Further, the wheelchair fixture 40 does not fix the foot placed on the footrest member 5. Therefore, in the wheelchair 100 to which the wheelchair fixture 40 is attached, there is no risk that the passenger will be caught by the foot and fall while trying to move from the wheelchair 100 with the foot fixed. Therefore, the safety related to the use of the wheelchair can be improved.

[0045] §2 Configuration Example (Schematic Configuration of Wheelchair 100) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a wheelchair 100 to which a jig 10 for a wheelchair according to Embodiment 1 is attached. As shown in FIG. 1, the wheelchair 100 includes a frame 1, a pair of drive wheels 2 (rear wheels), a pair of casters 3 (front wheels), a seat 4, and a footrest member 5 (footrest). The frame 1 is, for example, a plurality of metal pipes. As shown in FIG. 1, the drive wheels 2, the casters 3, the seat 4, and the footrest member 5 are provided on the frame 1. The drive wheels 2 movably support the seat portion on which the occupant of the wheelchair 100 sits. The casters 3 assist in changing the direction of the wheelchair 100. The seat 4 includes a backrest 4a and a seat 4b that constitute the seat portion on which the occupant sits. The seat 4 may include a leg support seat 4c that supports the legs of the occupant. The footrest member 5 is a footrest for placing (supporting) the feet of the occupant. Hereinafter, the forward straight-ahead direction of the wheelchair 100 is defined as the front direction, and the rearward straight-ahead direction is defined as the rear direction.

[0046] The wheelchair 100 can be folded in the left-right direction. The frame 1 has a structure that can be expanded and contracted in the left-right direction. By expanding the frame 1 in the left-right direction, the wheelchair 100 is in a deployed state, and by folding the frame 1 in the left-right direction, the wheelchair 100 is in a folded state.

[0047] The jig 10 for a wheelchair is attached to the wheelchair 100. The jig 10 for a wheelchair is detachably attached to the wheelchair 100. Note that the jig 10 for a wheelchair is not limited to the wheelchair 100 as shown in FIG. 1, and may be detachably attached to various types of wheelchairs.

[0048] (Configuration of the jig 10 for a wheelchair) FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the jig 10 for a wheelchair when the wheelchair 100 is in a deployed state. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the jig 10 for a wheelchair when the wheelchair 100 is in a folded state.

[0049] First, the detailed configuration of the footrest member 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The footrest member 5 is supported by the first frame 1a. In the present embodiment, the first frame 1a is a frame that extends in the front-rear direction so as to support the seat sheet 4b at both left and right ends in the left-right direction of the seat sheet 4b, and curves downward from a position corresponding to the front end of the seat sheet 4b and extends downward.

[0050] The footrest member 5 is provided on a connecting member 6 that connects the lower end of the left first frame 1a and the lower end of the right first frame 1a. When an inward force is applied to the first frame 1a, the connecting member 6 has a structure that is folded in a valley fold (see FIG. 3).

[0051] Specifically, the connecting member 6 includes a first connecting member 6a, a second connecting member 6b, a third connecting member 6c, and a fourth connecting member 6d. The first connecting member 6a and the second connecting member 6b are members that extend inward from the lower ends of the left and right first frames 1a, respectively. The third connecting member 6c and the fourth connecting member 6d are rotatably connected to the first connecting member 6a and the second connecting member 6b, respectively, in an upward direction. Further, the third connecting member 6c is rotatably connected to the fourth connecting member 6d in a downward direction. Thereby, when an inward force is applied to the first frame 1a, the connecting member 6 is folded in a valley fold.

[0052] Also, the footrest member 5 is a flat plate member that is separate for the left and right. The left footrest member 5A is provided above the third connecting member 6c, and the right footrest member 5B is provided above the fourth connecting member 6d. Thereby, when the connecting member 6 is folded in a valley fold, the left and right footrest members 5A and 5B are folded toward the left and right first frames 1a sides, respectively. Note that the footrest member 5 is not limited to a flat plate member, and may be, for example, a (single or multiple) pipe member that extends in the left-right direction.

[0053] Note that the configurations of the footrest member 5 and the connecting member 6 of the wheelchair 100 to which the wheelchair jig 10 can be attached are not limited to the above-described configurations. For example, the connecting member provided at the lower end of the left first frame 1a and the connecting member provided at the lower end of the right first frame 1a may be separate bodies. And, footrest members 5 that are separate left and right may be provided for the respective connecting members. Further, only one of the left and right separate footrest members 5 may be attached to the connecting member 6, and the other may not be attached to the connecting member 6.

[0054] Next, the configuration of the wheelchair jig 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the wheelchair jig 10 includes a side contact portion 11 disposed on the outer side of the footrest member 5, and a fixing portion 12 that attaches the side contact portion 11 to a structural member provided in the wheelchair 100. The side contact portion 11 has a structure that contacts the side surface of the foot when the foot of the passenger placed on the footrest member 5 moves to the outer side. The side contact portion 11 may have a structure that continuously or intermittently contacts the side surface of the foot in the front-rear direction when the foot of the passenger placed on the footrest member 5 moves to the outer side. Specifically, the side contact portion 11 may have at least one of a planar structure, a structure in which a plurality of rod-shaped members are arranged in the front-rear direction, a lattice structure, and a mesh structure.

[0055] Thereby, the side contact portion 11 can reduce at least the possibility of protrusion and detachment from the footrest member 5 due to the movement of the passenger's foot to the outer side. In addition, since the side contact portion 11 can contact not only one location on the side surface of the foot but also a plurality of locations on the side surface of the foot in the front-rear direction, the possibility of protrusion and detachment can be further reduced. Further, by disposing the side contact portion 11 on the outer side of the footrest member 5, it is possible to avoid a situation where the side contact portion 11 inhibits the rotation of the footrest member 5 in the outer direction during the folding of the wheelchair 100. Therefore, the wheelchair 100 can be folded appropriately. Further, since the side contact portion 11 is outside the outer end of the footrest member 5, a sufficient movement range (degree of freedom) of the passenger's foot in the left-right direction can be ensured.

[0056] The side contact portion 11 needs to have a sufficient height so that the passenger's foot does not climb up. For example, among the side contact portions 11, the height of the portion with the highest height only needs to be 5 cm or more higher than the height of the portion with the highest height among the footrest members 5. Thereby, the possibility that the passenger's foot climbs over the side contact portion 11 and falls off the footrest member 5 can be reduced.

[0057] Further, the side contact portion 11 is disposed at a position higher than the movable range of the caster 3 or inside the movable range of the front wheel of the wheelchair. Thereby, the side contact portion 11 does not contact the caster 3 during folding of the wheelchair 100.

[0058] Further, a cushioning material may be disposed at a portion of the side contact portion 11 where the side surface of the passenger's foot contacts. Thereby, the burden on the foot when the passenger's foot contacts the side contact portion 11 can be reduced.

[0059] The side contact portion 11 is, for example, a plate-like member having a first surface 11a extending in the front-rear direction. The first surface 11a is substantially orthogonal to the floor surface, for example. The side contact portion 11 is preferably made of a material with high rigidity.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the side contact portion 11 is fixed to the first frame 1a (that is, the frame 1 of the wheelchair 100 that supports the footrest member 5) by the fixing portion 12. That is, the side contact portion 11 does not move relative to the first frame 1a during folding of the wheelchair 100. Thereby, the side contact portion 11 will always be located outside the side of the footrest member 5 during folding of the wheelchair 100. That is, (even if the side contact portion 11 has a height such that the passenger's foot does not climb up,) the side contact portion 11 does not contact the structural members provided in the wheelchair, and a situation where the side contact portion 11 inhibits the rotation of the footrest member 5 in the outer direction can be more reliably avoided. Therefore, the wheelchair 100 can be folded appropriately.

[0061] In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the side contact portion 11 does not extend forward beyond the first frame 1a. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the side contact portion 11 from overly restricting the lateral movement of the front part of the passenger's foot.

[0062] However, when the first frame 1a to which the side contact portion 11 is fixed is near the rear end of the footrest member 5 in the front-rear direction, in order to sufficiently prevent the passenger's foot from protruding and falling off, the side contact portion 11 may extend forward beyond the first frame 1a. In this case, the side contact portion 11 includes a front side contact portion and a rear side contact portion disposed behind the front side contact portion, and the surface of the front side contact portion may be disposed in a state of being open outward more than the surface of the rear side contact portion. Thereby, without narrowing the movement range of the passenger's foot, the possibility of protruding and falling off from the footrest member 5 can be further reduced. The front side contact portion is connected, for example, via a hinge to the rear side contact portion so that the front side contact portion rotates in the outer direction from a state where the front side contact portion is aligned with the rear side contact portion in a straight line. The hinge is rotatable around an axis extending in the vertical direction. The front side contact portion may be fixed to the rear side contact portion.

[0063] The fixing portion 12 detachably attaches the side contact portion 11 to a structural member provided in the wheelchair 100. In the present embodiment, the fixing portion 12 is a member that surrounds a part of the circumferential direction of the pipe-shaped first frame 1a and joins with the front end of the side contact portion 11 (see FIGS. 2 to 5). The fixing portion 12 is integrally formed with the side contact portion 11. Further, a friction member is disposed on the surface of the fixing portion 12 that surrounds the first frame 1a. By the friction member coming into contact with the first frame 1a, the fixing portion 12 can fix the side contact portion 11 to the first frame 1a. According to such a configuration, the wheelchair jig 10 can be detachably attached to the wheelchair 100. Note that the configuration of the fixing portion 12 is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, the fixing portion 12 may be a screwing member that screws the side contact portion 11 to the first frame 1a.

[0064] Further, the fixing portion 12 may fix the side contact portion 11 to the second frame 1b. In the present embodiment, the second frame 1b extends in the front-rear direction below a portion of the first frame 1a that supports the seat 4b, and is a frame that connects to a portion of the first frame 1a that extends downward at the front end (see FIG. 1).

[0065] Note that the above-described first frame 1a and / or second frame 1b is an example of an object (a structural member of the wheelchair 100) to which the fixing portion 12 attaches the side contact portion 11. The object to which the fixing portion 12 attaches the side contact portion 11 can be appropriately changed according to the structure (type) of the wheelchair 100.

[0066] The wheelchair jig 10 may further include a heel contact portion 13 disposed behind the footrest member 5. The heel contact portion 13 is configured to contact the heel of the foot when the foot placed on the footrest member 5 moves backward. The heel contact portion 13 may be configured to contact the heel of the foot continuously or intermittently in the left-right direction when the foot placed on the footrest member 5 moves backward. Specifically, the heel contact portion 13 may have at least one of a planar structure, a structure in which a plurality of rod-shaped members are arranged in the left-right direction, a lattice structure, and a mesh structure. Thereby, the heel contact portion 13 can at least reduce the possibility of protrusion and dropping from the footrest member 5 due to the backward movement of the passenger's foot. Further, since the heel contact portion 13 can contact not only one location of the heel of the foot but also a plurality of locations of the heel of the foot in the left-right direction, the possibility of protrusion and dropping can be further reduced. The heel contact portion 13 may be a structure or material that does not hinder the folding of the wheelchair 100.

[0067] In this embodiment, the heel contact portion 13 is a band member connected to the rear ends of the left and right side contact portions 11. That is, the heel contact portion 13 has a structure that continuously contacts the heel of the foot in the left - right direction when the foot placed on the foot - placing member 5 moves backward. The band member is, for example, cloth. The band member may also be an elastic member such as rubber. Thereby, the wheelchair 100 can be folded more compactly. Note that the configuration of the heel contact portion 13 is not limited to the above - described configuration. Other configuration examples of the heel contact portion 13 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17.

[0068] The wheelchair jig 10 may further include an auxiliary side contact portion 14 connected to the lower part of the side contact portion 11 and disposed between the movable range of the caster 3 and the foot - placing member 5. The auxiliary side contact portion 14 contacts the foot when the foot placed on the foot - placing member 5 moves toward the caster 3. Thereby, the possibility of contact between the passenger's foot and the caster 3 can be reduced. Also, since the auxiliary side contact portion 14 is disposed between the movable range of the caster 3 and the foot - placing member 5, it does not contact the caster 3.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the wheelchair jig 10 having the auxiliary side contact portion 14. FIG. 5 is a view showing the positional relationship between the auxiliary side contact portion 14 and the movable range of the caster 3. For simplicity, FIGS. 4 and 5 show only the wheelchair jig 10, the foot - placing member 5, and the connecting member 6 located on the left side. Also, the reference numerals 5001, 5002, 5003, and 5004 in FIG. 5 respectively show the upper perspective view, side view (viewed from the right side), front view (viewed from the front), and top view of the wheelchair jig 10.

[0070] First, the movable range of the caster 3 in this embodiment will be described. The caster 3 is provided at the lower end of the third frame 1c so as to rotate about the axis of the third frame 1c. In this embodiment, the third frame 1c is located outside the first frame 1a and the second frame 1b, and is a frame that extends in the vertical direction on the rear side of the footrest member 5. The caster 3 is movable so as to draw a circle about the axis of such a third frame 1c (see the dotted line of reference numeral 5004 in FIG. 5).

[0071] Next, the configuration of the auxiliary side contact portion 14 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The auxiliary side contact portion 14 is connected to a predetermined portion of the side contact portion 11 in accordance with the movable range of the caster 3. In this embodiment, the movable range of the caster 3 is located on the rear side of the footrest member 5 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the auxiliary side contact portion 14 is connected to the lower part of the rear end of the side contact portion 11. If the movable range of the caster 3 is located at the central portion of the footrest member 5 in the front-rear direction, the auxiliary side contact portion 14 may be connected to the lower part at the center of the side contact portion 11 in the front-rear direction.

[0072] Further, the auxiliary side contact portion 14 is a member having a second surface 14a. The second surface 14a is a plane or a convex upward curved surface (see FIGS. 2 to 5) that extends obliquely downward in the inner direction from the lower part of the side contact portion 11. More specifically, the second surface 14a of the auxiliary side contact portion 14 is a spherical surface formed in accordance with the surface shape of the caster 3 so as not to contact the caster 3 that rotates within the movable range. Therefore, while avoiding interference between the auxiliary side contact portion 14 and the caster 3, the possibility of the rider's foot contacting the caster 3 can be reduced. The second surface 14a of the auxiliary side contact portion 14 may be, for example, a part of the surface of a cylinder (the surface of a cylinder divided into four parts).

[0073] Also, the second surface 14a of the auxiliary side contact portion 14 may be disposed at a position closer to the footrest member 5 than the caster 3 (see reference numeral 5003 in FIG. 5). Thereby, interference between the auxiliary side contact portion 14 and the caster 3 can be more reliably avoided.

[0074] In addition, since the auxiliary side contact portion 14 is provided below the side contact portion 11, similar to the side contact portion 11, during the folding of the wheelchair 100, it does not come into contact with the structural members provided in the wheelchair. Therefore, the wheelchair 100 can be folded appropriately.

[0075] (Advantages of the wheelchair jig 10) As described above, the wheelchair jig 10 according to the present embodiment has the side contact portion 11 disposed on the outer side of the footrest member 5, thereby reducing the possibility of protrusion and dropping from the footrest member 5 due to the movement of the occupant's foot to the outer side. In addition, since the side contact portion 11 can contact not only one location on the side of the foot but also a plurality of locations on the side of the foot in the front-rear direction, the possibility of protrusion and dropping can be further reduced. Therefore, the safety related to the use of the wheelchair can be improved.

[0076] In addition, by disposing the side contact portion 11 on the outer side of the footrest member 5, it is possible to prevent the side contact portion 11 from inhibiting the rotation of the footrest member 5 in the outer direction during the folding of the wheelchair 100. Therefore, the wheelchair 100 can be folded appropriately. Thus, the convenience related to the use of the wheelchair can be improved.

[0077] In addition, the wheelchair jig 10 does not fix the foot placed on the footrest member 5. Therefore, in the wheelchair 100 to which the wheelchair jig 10 is attached, there is no risk that the occupant will be tripped and fall when trying to move from the wheelchair 100 with the foot fixed. Therefore, the safety related to the use of the wheelchair can be improved.

[0078] 〔Embodiment 2〕 Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0079] (Configuration of the wheelchair jig 20) FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a wheelchair jig 20 when the wheelchair 100 according to Embodiment 2 is in a deployed state. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the wheelchair jig 20 when the wheelchair 100 according to Embodiment 2 is in a folded state. Instead of the wheelchair jig 10 according to Embodiment 1, the wheelchair jig 20 may be attached to the wheelchair 100.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the wheelchair jig 20 includes a side contact portion 21 disposed on the outer side of the footrest member 5, and a fixing portion 22 that attaches the side contact portion 21 to a structural member provided in the wheelchair 100. Similar to the side contact portion 11 according to Embodiment 1, the side contact portion 21 is configured to contact the side surface of the foot when the foot of the passenger placed on the footrest member 5 moves outward laterally.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the side contact portion 21 is connected to the footrest member 5 by the fixing portion 22, and the fixing portion 22 includes an angle variable portion 221 that makes the connection angle between the side contact portion 21 and the footrest member 5 variable. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the side contact portion 21 from inhibiting the rotation of the footrest member 5 in the outward direction. Therefore, the wheelchair 100 can be folded appropriately.

[0082] The angle variable portion 221 connects the side contact portion 21 and the footrest member 5 such that the footrest member 5 rotates with respect to the side contact portion 21 within a range where the connection angle becomes smaller than the connection angle in the deployed state. The angle variable portion 221 may connect the side contact portion 21 and the footrest member 5 so that the connection angle does not become larger than the connection angle in the deployed state. Thereby, when the foot of the passenger contacts the angle variable portion 221, the angle variable portion 221 can be prevented from rotating outward. For example, the connection angle in the deployed state is about 90°. Here, the connection angle refers to the upper angle among the angles formed by the first surface 21a of the side contact portion 21 and the surface of the footrest member 5.

[0083] FIG. 8 is a view showing the side contact portion 21 and the fixing portion 22. FIG. 9 is a view showing a state where the wheelchair jig 20 is fixed to the footrest member 5 of the wheelchair 100. Reference numerals 8001, 8002, 8003, and 8004 in FIG. 8 respectively show a side view, a front view, an upper perspective view, and a top view of the wheelchair jig 10. Reference numerals 9001, 9002, and 9003 in FIG. 9 respectively show a side view, an upper perspective view, and a lower perspective view of the wheelchair jig 10. The configuration of the fixing portion 22 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0084] The fixing portion 22 detachably attaches the side contact portion 21 to a structural member provided in the wheelchair 100. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fixing portion 22 has a clip portion 222 that sandwiches the footrest member 5. Specifically, the clip portion 222 includes a flat plate portion 223 and a clamping portion 224. The clip portion 222 has a substantially U-shaped configuration, with one side of the clip portion 222 being the flat plate portion 223 and the other side being the clamping portion 224. The clamping portion 224 has a shape that approaches the lower surface of the flat plate portion from the proximal end to the distal end of the flat plate portion, and elastically deforms in a direction away from the lower surface of the flat plate portion. The clip portion 222 is attached to the footrest member 5 such that the flat plate portion 223 is placed on the footrest member 5 and the footrest member 5 is sandwiched between the flat plate portion 223 and the clamping portion 224. At this time, the flat plate portion 223 functions as a footrest on which the occupant places their feet.

[0085] The flat plate portion 223 of the clip portion 222 attached to the footrest member 5 may cover the footrest member 5 in a top view (see reference numeral 9001 in FIG. 9). Thereby, the clip portion 222 can be attached to the footrest member 5 without narrowing the movement range of the occupant's feet on the footrest member 5.

[0086] A part of the clamping portion 224 attached to the footrest member 5 (the tip in an example shown in FIG. 9) may have a contact portion 224a that contacts the lower surface of the footrest member 5 in parallel. Further, a friction member may be provided on the contact portion 224a. Thereby, the clip portion 222 is less likely to shift with respect to the footrest member 5.

[0087] The angle variable part 221 is, for example, a spring hinge that rotatably connects the side contact part 21 to the flat part 223 of the clip part 222 that sandwiches the footrest member 5. The spring hinge is rotatable around an axis extending in the front-rear direction. The spring hinge is fixed to the surface of the flat part 223 and the first surface 21a of the side contact part 21 by screwing or the like. Thus, when an external force of a predetermined magnitude or more is applied to the footrest member 5 with respect to the side contact part 21, the spring hinge rotates, and the connection angle between the side contact part 21 and the footrest member 5 changes.

[0088] When the angle variable part 221 is a spring hinge, the side contact part 21 and the footrest member 5 are folded as follows. That is, during the folding of the wheelchair 100, the side contact part 21 rotates toward the first frame 1a side together with the footrest member 5 and contacts the first frame 1a. At this time, the rotation of the side contact part 21 is restricted by the first frame 1a. However, since an external force of a predetermined magnitude or more is applied to the footrest member 5 with respect to the side contact part 21 and the spring hinge rotates, the rotation of the footrest member 5 is maintained. That is, the footrest member 5 rotates with respect to the side contact part 21 so that the connection angle between the side contact part 21 and the footrest member 5 becomes smaller. As described above, the side contact part 21 and the footrest member 5 can be folded without the side contact part 21 inhibiting the outward rotation of the footrest member 5.

[0089] The first surface 21a of the side contact part 21 may extend from behind the first frame 1a to in front of the first frame 1a. Thereby, during the folding of the wheelchair 100, the central portion in the front-rear direction of the side contact part 21 contacts the first frame 1a. Therefore, the rotation of the side contact part 21 is appropriately restricted by the first frame 1a. The side contact part 21 may be a single plate-like member or may be composed of a plurality of plate-like members. Further, when the side contact part 21 is composed of a plurality of plate-like members, any one of the plurality of plate-like members may be movable in the front-rear direction with respect to the other plate-like members. Thereby, the length of the side contact part 21 in the front-rear direction can be adjusted.

[0090] Note that the method of connecting the side contact portion 21 and the footrest member 5 is not limited to this. For example, a structure in which one hinge is connected to the side contact portion 21 and the other is fixed to the footrest member 5 by screwing or the like may be used.

[0091] Similar to the wheelchair jig 10 according to the first embodiment, the wheelchair jig 20 may further include a heel contact portion 13 disposed behind the footrest member 5. Further, similar to the wheelchair jig 10 according to the first embodiment, the wheelchair jig 20 may further include an auxiliary side contact portion 14 connected to the lower portion of the side contact portion 11 and disposed between the movable range of the caster 3 and the footrest member 5.

[0092] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the auxiliary side contact portion 14 of the wheelchair jig 20 and the movable range of the caster 3. Reference numerals 10001, 10002, 10003, and 10004 in FIG. 10 respectively show a side view, an upper perspective view, a top view, and a front view of the wheelchair jig 20. As shown in FIG. 10, the auxiliary side contact portion 14 is connected to the lower portion of the rear end of the side contact portion 11 extending rearward of the footrest member 5 in accordance with the movable range of the caster.

[0093] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the side contact portion 21. Reference numerals 11001, 11002, 11003, and 11004 in FIG. 11 respectively show a side view, an upper perspective view, a top view, and a front view of the wheelchair jig 20. As shown in FIG. 11, the side contact portion 21 includes a front side contact portion 211 and a rear side contact portion 212 disposed behind the front side contact portion. The surface of the front side contact portion 211 may be disposed in a state of being open outward from the surface of the rear side contact portion 212. Thereby, without narrowing the movement range of the passenger's foot, the possibility of protruding and falling off from the footrest member 5 can be further reduced. The front side contact portion 211 is connected to the rear side contact portion 212 via a hinge 213 so that the front side contact portion 211 rotates in an outward direction from a state where it is aligned with the rear side contact portion 212 in a straight line. The hinge 213 is rotatable around an axis extending in the vertical direction.

[0094] FIG. 12 is a top view showing a state in which the wheelchair 100 with the wheelchair jig 20 shown in FIG. 11 is being folded. FIG. 13 is a front view showing a state in which the wheelchair 100 with the wheelchair jig 20 shown in FIG. 11 is being folded. Reference numerals 12001 to 12003 in FIG. 12 and reference numerals 13001 to 13003 in FIG. 13 sequentially show the transition from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0095] In the unfolded state, the front side surface contact portion 211 is open outward and is in contact with the first frame 1a. Here, when an external force in the inner direction is applied to the frame 1, the side surface contact portion 21 and the footrest member 5 rotate toward the first frame 1a side. At this time, the front side surface contact portion 211 that was in contact with the first frame 1a in the unfolded state closes inward as the side surface contact portion 21 rotates. Further, when the side surface contact portion 21 and the footrest member 5 rotate toward the first frame 1a side, the front side surface contact portion 211 is fixed at a position where it is aligned with the rear side surface contact portion 212 by closing completely. As a result, the inward force applied from the first frame 1a to the front side surface contact portion 211 is also applied to the rear side surface contact portion 212, and the rotation of the rear side surface contact portion 212 is restricted by the first frame 1a. That is, the rotation of the side surface contact portion 21 is restricted by the first frame 1a. On the other hand, since an external force of a predetermined magnitude or more is applied to the footrest member 5 with respect to the side surface contact portion 21 and the spring hinge rotates, the rotation of the footrest member 5 is maintained. As described above, even when the side surface contact portion 21 includes the front side surface contact portion 211 and the rear side surface contact portion 212 and the front side surface contact portion 211 is open outward in the unfolded state, the front side surface contact portion 211 closes inward as the footrest member 5 rotates outward. Therefore, the side surface contact portion 21 and the footrest member 5 can be folded without the side surface contact portion 21 inhibiting the outward rotation of the footrest member 5.

[0096] (Advantages of the wheelchair jig 20) As described above, the wheelchair jig 20 according to the present embodiment has a side surface contact portion 21 disposed on the outer side of the footrest member 5, and thus exhibits the same effects as the wheelchair jig 10 according to Embodiment 1.

[0097] (Modification example) The wheelchair fixtures 10 and 20 (footrest fixtures for wheelchairs) may further include a footrest member 5, and the footrest member 5 may be detachable from the wheelchair 100. In this case, the wheelchair 100 has a structure for detachably attaching the footrest member 5. Further, each member of the wheelchair fixtures 10 and 20 may be provided on the wheelchair 100.

[0098] [Embodiment 3] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0099] In the present embodiment, another example of the heel contact portion different from the above-described heel contact portion 13 will be described. As the heel contact portion of the wheelchair fixture 10, heel contact portions 13A and 13B described later may be employed instead of the heel contact portion 13.

[0100] (Configuration example of the heel contact portion 13A) FIGS. 14 and 15 are views showing another example (i.e., the heel contact portion 13A) of the heel contact portion of the wheelchair fixture 10, which is different from the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Reference numerals 14001, 14002, and 14003 in FIG. 14 respectively show a top view, a front view, and a side view of the heel contact portion 13A in the unfolded state. Reference numerals 15001, 15002, and 15003 in FIG. 15 respectively show a top view, a front view, and a side view of the heel contact portion 13A in the folded state. In FIGS. 14 and 15, for simplicity, only the footrest member 5, the side contact portion 11, and the heel contact portion 13A are shown.

[0101] The heel contact portion 13A is a comb-shaped member extending inward from the rear ends of the left and right side contact portions 11. That is, the heel contact portion 13A extends inward from the rear ends of the left and right side contact portions 11 and includes a plurality of (four in the example shown in FIGS. 14 and 15) rod-shaped members 131A arranged alternately along the vertical direction (see reference numeral 14002 in FIG. 14 and reference numeral 15002 in FIG. 15). The rod-shaped members 131A extend to the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the left-right direction of the left and right side contact portions 11.

[0102] The heel contact portion 13A may be fixed to the side contact portion 11, or may be fixed to any part of the wheelchair 100, specifically, any one of the first frame 1a, the second frame 1b, the third frame 1c, and the footrest member 5. The heel contact portion 13A may be formed integrally with the side contact portion 11. The heel contact portion 13A may extend in a direction orthogonal to the side contact portion 11 (see reference numeral 14001 in FIG. 14 and reference numeral 15001 in FIG. 15), or may be curved rearward according to the shape of the heel.

[0103] According to such a configuration, since the heel contact portion 13A has a structure in which a plurality of rod-shaped members 131A are arranged in the left-right direction, the possibility of protrusion and dropping from the footrest member 5 due to the rearward movement of the passenger's feet can be reduced. Further, during the folding of the wheelchair 100, the plurality of rod-shaped members 131A move inward so as not to interfere with each other, so that the heel contact portion 13A has a structure that does not hinder the folding of the wheelchair 100. Further, a heel contact portion can be formed by a simple structure such as attaching rod-shaped members to the rear ends of the left and right side contact portions 11 in a comb-like shape.

[0104] (Configuration example of the heel contact portion 13B) FIGS. 16 and 17 are views showing still another example (that is, the heel contact portion 13B) of the heel contact portion of the wheelchair jig 10. Reference numerals 16001, 16002, and 16003 in FIG. 16 respectively show a top view, a front view, and a side view of the heel contact portion 13B in the unfolded state. Reference numerals 17001, 17002, and 17003 in FIG. 17 respectively show a top view, a front view, and a side view of the heel contact portion 13B in the folded state. In FIGS. 16 and 17, for simplicity, only the footrest member 5, the side contact portion 11, and the heel contact portion 13B are shown.

[0105] The heel contact portion 13B includes left and right flat plate members 131B that extend inward from the rear ends of the left and right side contact portions 11, respectively. The flat plate members 131B are curved forward at their inner ends (see reference numeral 16001 in FIG. 16 and reference numeral 17001 in FIG. 17). The flat plate members 131B extend to near the middle portion in the left-right direction of the left and right side contact portions 11.

[0106] The heel contact portion 13B is connected to the side contact portion 11 via a hinge 132B such that the flat plate member 131B rotates in the front side direction from a state perpendicular to the side contact portion 11. The hinge 132B is rotatable around an axis extending in the vertical direction.

[0107] According to such a configuration, since the heel contact portion 13B has a planar structure extending in the left-right direction, the possibility of protrusion and detachment from the footrest member 5 due to the rearward movement of the passenger's foot can be reduced. Also, during the folding of the wheelchair 100, the curved portions of the left and right flat plate members 131B in the forward direction contact each other, so that the left and right flat plate members 131B rotate forward and are stored below the footrest member 5 (see reference numeral 17001 in FIG. 17). That is, the heel contact portion 13B has a structure that does not hinder the folding of the wheelchair 100. Also, compared with the heel contact portion 13A, when the heel contact portion 13B is adopted, the wheelchair 100 can be folded more compactly.

[0108] (Modification example) Note that, as the heel contact portion of the wheelchair jig 20, the heel contact portions 13A and 13B described later may be employed instead of the heel contact portion 13. When the orientation of the first surface 21a of the side contact portion 21 with respect to the floor surface is maintained (for example, maintained vertically) during the folding of the wheelchair 100, the above-described heel contact portions 13A and 13B can be employed as the heel contact portion of the wheelchair jig 20. Further, as described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, even when the side contact portion 21 falls onto the first frame 1a during the folding of the wheelchair 100, the heel contact portions 13A and 13B having a configuration that can be accommodated in consideration of the inward inclination caused by the falling of the side contact portion 21 may be employed. For example, for an example of the heel contact portion 13A shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a heel contact portion 13A in which the vertical interval between the rod-shaped members 131A is widened may be employed. Alternatively, a heel contact portion 13B having a structure in which the left and right flat plate members 131B inclined inward rotate forward may be employed.

[0109] 〔Embodiment 4〕 Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as the members described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0110] In Embodiments 1 to 3, the wheelchair jigs 10 and 20 that may include the heel contact portions 13, 13A, and 13B in addition to the side contact portions 11 and 21 have been described. On the other hand, in Embodiment 4, a wheelchair jig 40 including a heel contact portion 41 will be described. The wheelchair jig 40 is attached to the following wheelchair 100. That is, the wheelchair 100 is foldable so as to reduce the width in the left-right direction. Further, when the wheelchair 100 is folded, the wheelchair 100 is compactly folded by the rotation of the footrest member 5 with respect to the structural members included in the wheelchair 100.

[0111] Figs. 18 to 20 are views showing the heel contact portion 41 of the wheelchair jig 40 according to Embodiment 4. Reference numerals 19001, 19002, 19003, and 19004 in Fig. 19 are respectively an upper perspective view, a side view, a front view, and a top view showing the heel contact portion 41 in the deployed state. Reference numerals 20001, 20002, 20003, and 20004 in Fig. 20 are respectively an upper perspective view, a side view, a front view, and a top view showing the heel contact portion 41 in the folded state. In an example shown in Figs. 18 to 20, the caster 3 is provided at the lower end of the first frame 1a so as to rotate about the axis of the first frame 1a.

[0112] As shown in Figs. 18 to 20, the wheelchair jig 40 includes a heel contact portion 41 disposed behind the footrest member 5, and a fixing portion 42 that attaches the heel contact portion 41 to a structural member provided on the wheelchair. The heel contact portion 41 is configured to contact the heel of the foot when the foot of the passenger placed on the footrest member 5 moves backward. The fixing portion 42 attaches the heel contact portion 41 to a structural member provided on the wheelchair 100 independently of (i.e., in a non-interlocking state with) the rotation of the footrest member 5 when the footrest member 5 is folded (hereinafter, simply referred to as the rotation of the footrest member 5 unless otherwise specified). Note that the heel contact portion 41 disposed "behind the footrest member 5" is located outside the area where the footrest member 5 is located when viewed from above, and may be located closer to the rear within the area where the footrest member 5 is located as long as it does not hinder the folding of the footrest member 5.

[0113] Thereby, the heel contact portion 41 can reduce the possibility of protrusion and detachment from the footrest member 5 caused by at least the backward movement of the passenger's foot. Further, since the heel contact portion 41 is attached to a structural member provided on the wheelchair 100 in a state non-interlocked with the rotation of the footrest member 5, it is possible to prevent the heel contact portion 41 from hindering the rotation of the footrest member 5 during the folding of the wheelchair 100. Therefore, the wheelchair 100 can be folded appropriately. Further, since the heel contact portion 41 is behind the rear end of the footrest member 5, a sufficient range (degree of freedom) of movement of the passenger's foot in the front-rear direction can be ensured.

[0114] The heel contact portion 41 needs to have a sufficient height so that the rider's foot does not climb up. For example, in the heel contact portion 41, the height of the highest part only needs to be 5 cm or more higher than the height of the highest part of the footrest member 5. This can reduce the possibility that the rider's foot climbs over the heel contact portion 41 and falls off the footrest member 5.

[0115] Also, a cushioning material may be arranged at the portion of the heel contact portion 41 where the side surface of the rider's foot abuts. This can reduce the burden on the foot when the heel of the rider's foot abuts against the heel contact portion 41.

[0116] In this embodiment, the heel contact portion 41 is attached to the frame 1 of the wheelchair 100 by a fixing portion 42. The frame 1 is, for example, a frame (e.g., the first frame 1a, the second frame 1b, the third frame 1c) that does not expand and contract left and right when the wheelchair is folded. Thus, a simple configuration of fixing the heel contact portion 41 to the frame 1 can realize a heel contact portion 41 that does not hinder folding.

[0117] Note that the wheelchair jig 40 may further include the side contact portions 11 and 21 described above. And the heel contact portion 41 may be attached to the side contact portions 11 and 21 by a fixing portion 42. As described above, the side contact portion 11 does not move in conjunction with the rotation of the footrest member 5 when the wheelchair 100 is folded. Therefore, by fixing the heel contact portion 41 to the side contact portion 11, a heel contact portion 41 that does not hinder folding can be realized. Also, for the side contact portion 21, if it is connected to the footrest member 5 so as not to move in conjunction with the rotation of the footrest member 5 when the wheelchair 100 is folded, by fixing the heel contact portion 41 to the side contact portion 21, a heel contact portion 41 that does not hinder folding can be realized.

[0118] In this embodiment, a pair of heel contact portions 41 are arranged on the left and right. In an example shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, the fixing portion 42 is a member that surrounds a part of the circumferential direction of the pipe-shaped second frame 1b arranged on the left and right (see FIGS. 19 and 20). And the wheelchair jig 40 further includes an extending portion 43 extending from the fixing portion 42. The extending portion 43 is a plate-shaped member extending in the front-rear direction, having a curved portion 431 that extends obliquely downward inward from the fixing portion 42 and curves downward, and a downward extending portion 432 that extends downward from the curved portion 431. The heel contact portion 41 is a member extending inward from the rear end of the downward extending portion 432. Note that the extending portion 43 may be a pipe-shaped member instead of a plate-shaped member.

[0119] A friction member is arranged on the surface of the fixing portion 42 that surrounds the second frame 1b. By the friction member coming into contact with the second frame 1b, the fixing portion 42 can fix the heel contact portion 41 to the second frame 1b. According to such a configuration, the wheelchair jig 40 can be detachably attached to the wheelchair 100. Note that the configuration of the fixing portion 42 is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, the fixing portion 42 may be a screwing member that screws the heel contact portion 41 to the second frame 1b.

[0120] Also, when the wheelchair is folded, the pair of heel contact portions 41 move inward without contacting each other. Specifically, the heel contact portion 41 arranged on the left and the heel contact portion 41 arranged on the right are arranged at different positions in the vertical direction. In an example shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, the pair of heel contact portions 41 are comb-shaped members extending inward from the rear ends of the left and right downward extending portions 432. That is, the heel contact portion 41 extends inward from the rear ends of the left and right downward extending portions 432 and includes a plurality of (four in an example shown in FIGS. 19 and 20) rod-shaped members 411 arranged alternately along the vertical direction. The rod-shaped members 411 extend to the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the left-right direction of the left and right downward extending portions 432. The width of the rod-shaped members 411 in the left-right direction is each approximately the same as the width of one of the left and right footrest members 5 in the left-right direction. That is, the width in the left-right direction of the heel contact portion 41 arranged on the right and the heel contact portion 41 arranged on the left is each approximately the same as the width of one of the left and right footrest members 5 in the left-right direction.

[0121] According to such a configuration, since the heel contact portion 41 has a structure in which a plurality of rod-shaped members 411 are arranged in the left-right direction, it is possible to reduce the possibility of protruding from and falling off the footrest member 5 due to the rearward movement of the passenger's foot. Further, when the wheelchair 100 is folded, the pair of heel contact portions 41 move inward so as not to contact each other. Therefore, the heel contact portion 41 has a structure that does not hinder the folding of the wheelchair 100.

[0122] Further, the outer end portion of the heel contact portion 41 (that is, the downward extension portion 432) is located inside the second frame 1b. Therefore, when the wheelchair 100 is folded, the width of the heel contact portion 41 in the left-right direction can be reduced.

[0123] Further, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the width of the heel contact portion 41 in the left-right direction in the folded state of the wheelchair 100 is smaller than the width of the heel contact portion 41 in the left-right direction in the unfolded state of the wheelchair 100. Here, the width of the heel contact portion 41 in the left-right direction refers to the distance between the left end of the heel contact portion 41 arranged on the left and the right end of the heel contact portion 41 arranged on the right in a front view. In an example shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, when the wheelchair 100 is folded, the rod-shaped members 411 of the pair of heel contact portions 41 move inward, so that the width of the heel contact portion 41 in the left-right direction becomes smaller. According to such a configuration, the wheelchair 100 can be folded compactly.

[0124] Also, the front-rear positions of the inner end of one heel contact portion 41 and the outer end of the other heel contact portion 41 are different. In an example shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the heel contact portion 41 curves rearward from the downward extension portion 432 and extends inward. That is, the inner end of one heel contact portion 41 is located rearward of the outer end of the other heel contact portion 41. According to such a configuration, when the inner end of one heel contact portion 41 moves to the position of the outer end of the other heel contact portion 41 in the left-right direction, it can move further inward without hitting the outer end (downward extension portion 432) of the other heel contact portion 41. Therefore, the wheelchair 100 can be folded more compactly. Further, since the heel contact portion 41 has the above-described shape that curves rearward, the moving range (degree of freedom) of the rider's foot rearward can be expanded.

[0125] Also, the structure of the pair of heel contact portions 41 for the pair of heel contact portions 41 to move inward without contacting each other is not limited to the above-described comb-shaped member. For example, in the front-rear direction, the positions of the inner extension of one heel contact portion 41 and the inner extension of the other heel contact portion 41 may be different. Further, the inner extension of one heel contact portion 41 may have a housing portion capable of housing the inner extension of the other heel contact portion 41 that moves inward.

[0126] (Modification example) FIG. 21 is a top view showing another example of the shape of the heel contact portion 41. FIG. 22 is a top view showing still another example of the shape of the heel contact portion 41. As shown in FIG. 21, the heel contact portion 41 may have a curved surface that protrudes from the front to the rear. According to such a configuration, the heel contact portion 41 can be curved rearward in accordance with the shape of the heel. Also, as shown in FIG. 22, the heel contact portion 41 may extend in a direction orthogonal to the downward extension portion 432 (that is, inward).

[0127] FIG. 23 shows a state in which a wheelchair jig 40 is attached to a different type of wheelchair 100A from the wheelchair 100 shown in FIGS. 19 to 22. Reference numerals 23001 and 23002 in FIG. 23 are a top view and a side view of the wheelchair jig 40, respectively. In the wheelchair 100A, the caster 3 is provided at the lower end of the third frame 1c located behind the footrest member 5 so as to rotate about the axis of the third frame 1c. In this case, the wheelchair jig 40 is attached to the second frame 1b between the caster 3 and the footrest member 5 in the front-rear direction so as not to contact the caster 3.

[0128] Also, in the wheelchair 100A, the first frame 1a is inclined forward downward. The footrest member 5 may be connected to the first frame 1a so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the left-right direction. That is, the footrest member 5 may be inclined downward rearward, for example, according to the shape of the shoes of the occupant. The heel contact portion 41 of the wheelchair jig 40 attached to such a wheelchair 100A may be adjustable in height from the floor surface according to the rotation of the footrest member 5 about an axis extending in the left-right direction.

[0129] Furthermore, the fixing portion 42 may attach the heel contact portion 41 to a structural member provided in the wheelchair 100A so as to move outside the movable range of the footrest member 5 in conjunction with the rotation of the footrest member 5 when the footrest member 5 is folded. For example, when the heel contact portion 41 is located closer to the rear in the region where the footrest member 5 is present when viewed from above, it may be attached so as to move rearward from the rear end of the footrest member 5 in conjunction with the rotation of the footrest member 5 when the footrest member 5 is folded.

[0130] [Embodiment 5] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as the members described in the above embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0131] Figs. 24 to 26 are views showing the heel contact portion 51 of the wheelchair jig 50 according to Embodiment 5. Reference numerals 25001, 25002, 25003, and 25004 in Fig. 25 are, respectively, an upper perspective view, a side view, a front view, and a top view showing the heel contact portion 51 in the deployed state. Reference numerals 26001, 26002, and 26003 in Fig. 26 are, respectively, a side view, a front view, and a top view showing the heel contact portion 51 in the folded state.

[0132] As shown in Figs. 24 to 26, the wheelchair jig 50 is different from the wheelchair jig 40 according to Embodiment 4 in that it includes a heel contact portion 51 instead of the heel contact portion 41 and further includes a hinge 54.

[0133] In the present embodiment, a pair of heel contact portions 51 are arranged on the left and right, and the pair of heel contact portions 51 are respectively attached so as to extend inward from the second frame 1b (a pair of structural members) arranged on the left and right, and are attached in a rotatable state. Specifically, each of the heel contact portions 51 is attached to the second frame 1b so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the vertical direction at the outer end portion. In an example shown in Figs. 24 to 26, the heel contact portion 51 is attached to the rear end of the above-described downward extension portion 432 via a hinge 54. The hinge 54 is rotatable about an axis extending in the vertical direction. The heel contact portion 51 is connected to the downward extension portion 432 via the hinge 54 so as to rotate from the state of extending inward to the front direction.

[0134] Further, when the wheelchair 100 is folded, the pair of heel contact portions 51 rotate and fold by contacting each other. Specifically, the inner end portions of the respective heel contact portions 51 have curved surfaces that regulate each other's rotation directions. In an example shown in Figs. 24 to 26, the pair of heel contact portions 51 include left and right flat plate members 511 that extend inward from the rear ends of the left and right downward extension portions 432, respectively. The flat plate member 511 is curved forward at the inner end portion. The flat plate member 511 extends to near the middle portion in the left-right direction of the left and right downward extension portions 432.

[0135] According to such a configuration, since the heel contact portion 51 has a planar structure extending in the left-right direction, it is possible to reduce the possibility of protrusion and detachment from the footrest member 5 due to the backward movement of the passenger's foot. Further, when the wheelchair 100 is folded, the curved portions of the left and right flat plate members 511 in the forward direction come into contact with each other, so that the left and right flat plate members 511 rotate forward and are stored below the footrest member 5 (see reference numeral 26001 in FIG. 26). That is, the heel contact portion 51 has a structure that does not hinder the folding of the wheelchair 100.

[0136] Further, as shown in FIGS. 24 to 26, each of the heel contact portions 51 has a flat surface formed from the outer end portion to the vicinity of the inner end portion. The pair of heel contact portions 51 has a flat surface in most of the region excluding the portion curved forward at the inner end portion (the curved surface that regulates the rotation direction). For example, it is preferable that 80% or more of the length of the heel contact portion 51 in the left-right direction is flat. According to such a configuration, compared with the case where it is curved, the left and right flat plate members 511 in the folded state do not have a width in the left-right direction when viewed from the front. That is, the heel contact portion 51 can be compactly stored below the footrest member 5. Therefore, the wheelchair 100 can be folded compactly.

[0137] 〔Embodiment 6〕 Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as the members described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0138] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of the heel contact portion 61 of the wheelchair jig 60 according to Embodiment 6. Reference numeral 27001 in FIG. 27 shows an example of the heel contact portion 61 in the unfolded state. Reference numeral 27002 in FIG. 27 shows an example of the heel contact portion 61 in the folded state. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing another example of the heel contact portion 61. Reference numeral 28001 in FIG. 28 shows another example of the heel contact portion 61 in the unfolded state. Reference numeral 28002 in FIG. 28 shows another example of the heel contact portion 61 in the folded state.

[0139] As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the wheelchair jig 60 is different from the wheelchair jig 40 according to the fourth embodiment in that it includes a heel contact portion 61 instead of the heel contact portion 41.

[0140] In the present embodiment, the heel contact portion 61 extends in the left - right direction in an integral shape behind the footrest member 5, and deforms so that the width in the left - right direction becomes smaller when the wheelchair 100 is folded. In an example shown in FIG. 27, the heel contact portion 61 is a member (for example, rubber) that can expand and contract in the left - right direction. In an example shown in FIG. 28, the heel contact portion 61 has a bellows - fold structure and can be folded in the left - right direction. In this case, the outer end portion of the heel contact portion 61 is connected to the downward extension portion 432 via a hinge 64.

[0141] According to such a configuration, the same effects as those of the wheelchair jig 40 according to the fourth embodiment and the wheelchair jig 50 according to the fifth embodiment are achieved. Further, since the heel contact portion 61 extends in an integral shape in the left - right direction, compared with the wheelchair jig 40 according to the fourth embodiment and the wheelchair jig 50 according to the fifth embodiment, the wheelchair jig 60 can be stably attached to the wheelchair 100.

[0142] (Modification example) The wheelchair jigs 40, 50, 60 (wheelchair footrest jigs) may further include a footrest member 5, and the footrest member 5 may be detachable from the wheelchair 100. In this case, the wheelchair 100 has a structure for detachably attaching the footrest member 5. Further, the heel contact portions 41, 51, 61 can be attached to the wheelchair 100 in a state not interlocked with the rotation of the footrest member 5, for example, by being connected to the rotation axis of the footrest member 5.

[0143] Further, each member of the wheelchair jigs 40, 50, 60 may be provided on the wheelchair 100.

[0144] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the wheelchair fixtures 40, 50, and 60 are attached to the wheelchair 100 that can be folded so as to reduce the width in the left-right direction as an example of a wheelchair has been described. However, the wheelchair to which the wheelchair fixtures 40, 50, and 60 are attached is not limited to the above-described wheelchair 100, and any wheelchair may be used as long as at least the footrest member rotates and folds with respect to the structural member provided in the wheelchair. The wheelchair to which the wheelchair fixtures 40, 50, and 60 are attached may be, for example, a wheelchair in which the entire wheelchair is folded in a shape where the back seat or the like bends forward, or the entire wheelchair may not be foldable. The heel contact portions 41, 51, and 61 of the wheelchair fixtures 40, 50, and 60 may be attached to the structural member provided in the wheelchair in a state where they are at least not interlocked with the rotation of the footrest member. When the wheelchair cannot be folded so as to reduce the width in the left-right direction, the heel contact portions 41, 51, and 61 do not necessarily need to be able to reduce the width in the left-right direction.

[0145] (Supplementary Notes) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0146] 1 Frame 1b Second Frame 3 Caster (Front Wheel) 5 Footrest Member 100, 100A Wheelchair 40, 50, 60 Wheelchair Fixture 11, 21 Side Contact Portion 42 Fixing Portion 41, 51, 61 Heel Contact Portion

Claims

1. A fixture for a wheelchair, which is attached to a wheelchair, a footrest member for placing the feet of a passenger on the wheelchair, and a heel contact portion disposed behind the footrest member that pivots and folds with respect to a structural member provided in the wheelchair, the heel contact portion, and a fixing portion that attaches the heel contact portion to a structural member provided in the wheelchair independently of the rotation of the footrest member, the heel contact portion, when the foot placed on the footrest member moves backward, is configured to contact the heel of the foot, a fixture for a wheelchair.

2. the wheelchair is foldable so as to reduce the width in the left-right direction, the width in the left-right direction of the heel contact portion in the folded state of the wheelchair is smaller than the width in the left-right direction of the heel contact portion in the unfolded state of the wheelchair, the fixture for a wheelchair according to claim 1.

3. the fixing portion attaches the heel contact portion to the frame of the wheelchair, the fixture for a wheelchair according to claim 1.

4. a pair of the heel contact portions are arranged on the left and right, the pair of heel contact portions are respectively attached so as to extend inward from the pair of structural members, the front-rear positions of the inner end of one of the heel contact portions and the outer end of the other heel contact portion are different, the fixture for a wheelchair according to claim 1.

5. further comprising a side contact portion disposed on the outer side of the footrest member, the side contact portion, when the foot placed on the footrest member moves outward, is configured to contact the side surface of the foot, the fixing portion attaches the heel contact portion to the side contact portion, the fixture for a wheelchair according to claim 1.

6. a pair of the heel contact portions are arranged on the left and right, when the wheelchair is folded, the pair of heel contact portions move inward without contacting each other, the fixture for a wheelchair according to claim 1.

7. the heel contact portion disposed on the left and the heel contact portion disposed on the right are arranged at different positions in the vertical direction, the fixture for a wheelchair according to claim 6.

8. a pair of the heel contact portions are arranged on the left and right, the pair of heel contact portions are respectively attached so as to extend inward from the pair of structural members and are attached in a rotatable state, when the wheelchair is folded, the pair of heel contact portions rotate and fold by contacting each other, the fixture for a wheelchair according to claim 1.

9. Each of the heel contact portions is attached to the structural member so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the vertical direction at the outer end portion. The inner end portion of each of the heel contact portions has a curved surface that restricts the rotation direction of each other. The wheelchair jig according to claim 8.

10. Each of the heel contact portions has a flat surface formed from the outer end portion to the vicinity of the inner end portion. The wheelchair jig according to claim 9.

11. The heel contact portion extends in the left - right direction in an integral shape behind the foot placement member. When the wheelchair is folded, the heel contact portion is deformed so that the width in the left - right direction becomes smaller. The wheelchair jig according to claim 1.

12. The heel contact portion has a curved surface that protrudes from the front to the rear. The wheelchair jig according to claim 1.

13. Among the heel contact portions, the height of the portion with the highest height is 5 cm or more higher than the height of the portion with the highest height among the foot placement members. The wheelchair jig according to claim 1.

14. A buffer material is disposed at the portion of the heel contact portion where the heel abuts. The wheelchair jig according to claim 1.

15. A footrest jig for a wheelchair attached to a wheelchair, A footrest member for placing the feet of a passenger on the wheelchair, the footrest member being rotatable and foldable with respect to a structural member provided in the wheelchair, A heel contact portion disposed behind the footrest member, A fixing portion for attaching the heel contact portion to a structural member provided in the wheelchair independently of the rotation of the footrest member, and The heel contact portion has a structure that abuts against the heel of the foot when the foot placed on the footrest member moves backward. A footrest jig for a wheelchair.

16. A footrest member for placing the feet of a passenger on a wheelchair, the footrest member being rotatable and foldable with respect to a structural member provided in the wheelchair, A heel contact portion disposed behind the footrest member, and The heel contact portion is attached independently of the rotation of the footrest member and has a structure that abuts against the heel of the foot when the foot placed on the footrest member moves backward. A wheelchair.

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