Electric wheelchair and electric assist device for wheelchair used therein

Abstract

To provide an electric wheelchair in which the wheelchair and power unit can be separated and which conforms to Japanese laws and regulations, and an electric wheelchair assist device used therein. [Solution] A wheelchair power assist device 2 according to one aspect of the present invention is a wheelchair power assist device that is detachably fixed to a wheelchair 3 and tows the wheelchair, and includes drive wheels 21, a drive shaft 22, a power unit 23 that rotates the drive shaft, a main shaft 24 connected to the drive shaft, a handle 25 fixed to the main shaft, a pair of support posts 26 and a wheelchair grip 27 fixed to the main shaft, and a clutch 28 that controls the fastening and unfastening of the power unit and the drive shaft. An electric wheelchair 1 according to another aspect of the present invention includes a wheelchair and a wheelchair power assist device that is detachably fixed to the wheelchair and tows the wheelchair.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric wheelchair and an electric wheelchair assist device used therein. [Background technology]

[0002] People who have difficulty walking due to physical disabilities or other reasons often use wheelchairs to get around as needed in their daily lives.

[0003] A wheelchair generally has a pair of wheels, an axle and frame to which the wheels are fixed, and a seat that is fixed to the frame and on which the user sits.The user can move by turning the wheels by hand.

[0004] However, as mentioned above, typical wheelchairs have the problem that the wheels must be rotated manually, which places a heavy burden on the user.

[0005] In response to this, for example, Non-Patent Document 1 below discloses an electric wheelchair equipped with power. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] https: / / toyota.jp / cwalks / ?padid=from_cwalks_top_navi_top

[0007] Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, the technology described in Non-Patent Document 1 has the problem that the power unit is always integrated with the wheelchair, and cannot be separated even when the power unit is not needed, requiring the user to transfer to another wheelchair. In other words, by making it possible to attach, detach, and separate the power unit from the wheelchair, convenience for the user would be greatly improved.

[0009] On the other hand, according to Japan's Road Traffic Act, electric wheelchairs must be of specified dimensions and must be limited to a certain speed, and there is a demand for wheelchairs that meet these requirements, but there are currently no wheelchairs available.

[0010] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an electric wheelchair in which the wheelchair and the power unit can be separated and which complies with Japanese laws and regulations, and an electric wheelchair assist device for use therewith. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] One aspect of the present invention that solves the above problem is an electric wheelchair assist device that is detachably fixed to a wheelchair and tows the wheelchair, and is equipped with drive wheels, a drive shaft fixed to the drive wheels, a power unit that rotates the drive shaft, a main shaft connected to the drive shaft, a handle fixed to the main shaft, a pair of support posts and wheelchair grips fixed to the main shaft, and a clutch that controls the fastening and unfastening of the power unit and the drive shaft.

[0012] In addition, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the power unit is a motor, and further includes a storage battery fixed to the main shaft for driving the motor.

[0013] In addition, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable to provide wheel covers that cover the sides of the drive wheels, and further to provide weights that are detachably attached to the wheel covers.

[0014] In addition, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable to provide a state control device that fixes the rotational positions of the support column and wheelchair gripping portion relative to the main shaft in one of two states.

[0015] Also, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the handle is provided with an accelerator grip that encourages the driving of the power unit, and that when the accelerator grip is released, a brake is applied to suppress the driving of the power unit and the rotation of the drive shaft.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention is an electric wheelchair comprising a wheelchair and an electric wheelchair assist device that is detachably fixed to the wheelchair and tows the wheelchair, and the electric wheelchair assist device comprises drive wheels, a drive shaft fixed to the drive wheels, a power unit that rotates the drive shaft, a main shaft connected to the drive shaft, a handle fixed to the main shaft, a pair of support posts and a wheelchair gripping portion fixed to the main shaft, and a clutch that controls the fastening and unfastening of the power unit and the drive shaft.

[0017] In addition, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the overall length is 120 cm or less, the overall height is 120 cm or less, and the overall width is 70 cm or less.

[0018] In addition, in this respect, although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the maximum speed is 6 km / h or less.

[0019] Also, in this respect, although not limited thereto, the electric wheelchair assist device is equipped with a state control device that fixes the rotational positions of the support and wheelchair gripping part relative to the main shaft in one of two states: an installed state and a drivable state, and in the drivable state, it is preferable that the state control device of the electric wheelchair assist device is in a floating state relative to the road surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] As described above, the present invention can provide an electric wheelchair in which the wheelchair and the power unit can be separated and which is compliant with Japanese laws and regulations, and an electric wheelchair assist device for use therewith. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an electric wheelchair according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a wheelchair power assist device according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a wheelchair according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an image diagram of a wheel cover according to an embodiment when a weight is installed on the wheel cover. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a storage box and a storage battery according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view of the state control device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention can be embodied in many different forms, and is not limited to the examples given in the following embodiments and examples.

[0023] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an electric wheelchair (hereinafter also referred to as "this electric wheelchair") 1 according to this embodiment, Figure 2 is a diagram showing an outline of an electric wheelchair assist device (hereinafter also referred to as "this assist device") 2 according to this embodiment, and Figure 3 is a diagram showing an outline of a wheelchair (hereinafter also referred to as "this wheelchair") 3 according to this embodiment.

[0024] As shown in this figure, the electric wheelchair 1 is an electric wheelchair that includes the wheelchair 3 and the assist device 2 that is detachably fixed to the wheelchair 3 and that tows the wheelchair.

[0025] As described above, this electric wheelchair 1 is a combination of the wheelchair 3 and the detachable assist device 2. By removing the assist device 2, the wheelchair 3 can be used in daily life, and even when the wheelchair 3 and assist device 2 are combined, the size and speed limit are within the range that can comply with Japanese laws and regulations. These details are described in detail below.

[0026] In addition, this auxiliary device 2 is equipped with a drive wheel 21, a drive shaft 22 fixed to the drive wheel 21, a power unit 23 that rotates the drive shaft 22, a main shaft 24 connected to the drive shaft 22, a handle 25 fixed to the main shaft 24, a pair of support posts 26 and a wheelchair grip 27 fixed to the main shaft 24, and a clutch 28 that controls the fastening and unfastening of the power unit 23 and the drive shaft 22.

[0027] The assist device 2 also includes drive wheels 21. The drive wheels 21 include frames 211, and rubber tires 212 are arranged around the frames 211. By using the rubber tires 212, it is possible to reduce the impact when traveling over obstacles or steps on the road.

[0028] The auxiliary device 2 also includes a drive shaft 22 fixed to the drive wheel 21. By fixing the drive shaft 22 to the drive wheel 21, the drive shaft 22 is rotated to rotate the drive wheel 21, thereby generating forward and backward propulsion force.

[0029] Additionally, although not limited to this, the present assist device 2 preferably includes wheel covers 213 that cover the sides of the drive wheels 21 and weights 214 that are detachably attached to the wheel covers 213. The wheel covers 213 protect the drive wheels 21 from stones and other objects that may damage the wheels, and the weights 214 ensure sufficient weight near the wheels. In the present assist device 2, there is a demand for relatively small drive wheels to reduce weight and space. While reducing the space required for the drive wheels reduces their weight, this reduces the risk of wheel spinning. Therefore, by placing weights 214 on the wheel covers 213, the weight of the wheels can be adjusted, preventing spinning and providing stable propulsion. An image of the drive wheels 21 in this case is shown in Figure 4.

[0030] The auxiliary device 2 also includes a power unit 23 that rotates the drive shaft 22. By including the power unit 23, the drive shaft 22 can be rotated, and this rotation can be transmitted to the drive wheels 21.

[0031] Furthermore, it is preferable that the assist device 2 is designed so that the maximum speed of the electric wheelchair 1 is 6 km / h or less. This ensures performance that complies with Japanese laws and regulations. In particular, as will be described later, the brake is engaged when the accelerator grip 252 is released, so that the electric wheelchair 1 will not travel at a speed exceeding the above speed.

[0032] Furthermore, in the present assist device 2, the structure of the power unit 23 is not limited, but is preferably a motor driven by electricity. The motor has a rotor with a shaft inside a stator, and by connecting this shaft to the drive shaft 22, it is possible to obtain power to efficiently move the present electric wheelchair 1. Furthermore, in the case of a motor, the installation location is not limited as long as it can rotate the drive shaft 22, and it is preferable to install it on the side of the drive wheel 21, or more specifically, directly on the drive shaft 22, but it may also be connected via a separate shaft, gear, etc.

[0033] Furthermore, in the present auxiliary device 2, when the power unit 23 is a motor, it is preferable to provide a separate storage battery 231. By providing the storage battery 231, it is possible to ensure a power source for driving the motor. In this case, it is preferable to provide the storage battery 231 for driving the motor on the main shaft 24.

[0034] The present assisting device 2 also includes a main shaft 24 connected to the drive shaft 22. As described above, the main shaft 24 is the main component for connecting the drive shaft 22 and the handle 25. The main shaft 24 and the drive shaft 22 are rotatably connected via bearings or the like. As will be clear from the description below, the present assisting device 2 also utilizes the main shaft 24 as a part for fixing various elements.

[0035] Furthermore, as described above, when the drive device 23 is a motor, it is preferable from the viewpoint of saving space that the storage battery 231 for supplying power thereto be fixed to the main shaft 24. More specifically, it is preferable to attach a housing box 232 for housing the storage battery 231 to the main shaft 24 and house the storage battery 231 in this housing box 232. This allows the storage battery 231 to be protected while being located close to the drive device 23 and being supplied with power via the conductor 254. An outline of the arrangement of the housing box 232 and the storage battery 231 in this case is shown in FIG. 5.

[0036] The assist device 2 also has a handle 25 fixed to the main shaft 24. The user can move the electric wheelchair 1 in the desired direction by grasping the handle 25 and rotating it in a predetermined direction relative to the main shaft 24. The handle 25 has two grips 251 for the user to hold with both hands.

[0037] Furthermore, it is preferable that the handle 25, specifically at least one of the two grips 251, is an accelerator grip 252. The accelerator grip 252 is gripped and rotated to drive the power unit 23, and is connected to the power unit 23 via a conductor 254, so that the user can grip the accelerator grip 252 and rotate it to drive the power unit 23.

[0038] On the other hand, it is preferable that the electric wheelchair 1 has a brake lever 253 near the grip 251. The brake lever 253 is provided near the grip 251, and the brake can be applied by gripping it together with the grip. It is also preferable that the lever is released and the brake is applied when the hand is released from the accelerator grip 252 (loosening the grip). This has the advantage of preventing inconveniences such as the wheelchair not stopping even when the hand is released and unnecessarily maintaining speed.

[0039] The assist device 2 also has a pair of support columns 26 fixed to the main shaft 24. The provision of the pair of support columns 26 allows the assist device 2 to stand on its own even when separated from the wheelchair 3. Specifically, the assist device 2 is able to stand on its own at three points: the pair of support columns 26 and the main shaft 24 (more specifically, the drive wheel 21 attached to the end of the support column 26). In the assist device 2, the support columns 26 are preferably fixed so as not to rotate relative to the main shaft 24. A small angle between the support columns 26 and the main shaft 24 is preferable from the viewpoint of reducing the lateral length (width) of the assist device 2. However, if the angle is too small, the stability of the assist device 2 when standing on its own is reduced, so it is preferable to keep the angle within an appropriate range. While the specific range is not limited, a range of 20 degrees to 60 degrees is preferable. The support columns 26 may be fixed to the main shaft 24 between the handle 25 and the drive wheel 21 on the main shaft 24.

[0040] In addition, in this assist device 2, a wheelchair gripping unit 27 is fixed to the main shaft 24, similar to the support pillar 26. This allows the wheelchair gripping unit 27 to grip the frame 34 on the front side of the wheelchair 3. The structure of the wheelchair gripping unit 27 is not limited as long as it can grip the frame 34 on the front side of the wheelchair. For example, it is preferable that the wheelchair gripping unit 27 includes a connecting shaft 271 fixed to the main shaft 24, an outer shell 272 connected to the tip of the connecting shaft 271 and forming an insertion section for inserting and gripping the frame 34, and a pressing member 273 that presses and fixes the frame 34 inserted into the outer shell 272. This allows the wheelchair to be securely gripped. Note that the wheelchair gripping unit 27 preferably includes a movable part, more specifically, a rotatable part. The provision of a movable part allows the connection relationship with the main shaft 24 to be movable while gripping the wheelchair 3, which has the advantage of allowing the wheelchair to travel with the support pillar 26 lifted off the ground by operating a state control device 29, which will be described later. The movable part can be movably and rotatably connected by connecting the connecting shaft 271 and the outer shell 272 with a shaft, for example.

[0041] It is also preferable to provide a plurality of sets of the connecting shaft 271, outer shell 272, and pressing member 273. By providing a plurality of sets and connecting them to the wheelchair, it is possible to effectively balance the connection between the wheelchair 3 and the assist device 2.

[0042] Furthermore, the assist device 2 preferably includes a clutch 28 that controls the fastening and disengagement of the power unit 23 and the drive shaft 22. As described above, the power unit 23 and the drive shaft 22 are fastened together, and while propulsion can be generated by gripping the accelerator grip 252 attached to the handle 25, a load is applied to the drive shaft 22 so that a brake is applied when the accelerator grip 252 is released, i.e., when the power unit 23 is not being driven. However, when the assist device 2 is attached to the wheelchair 3 or when the assist device 2 is stored separately from the wheelchair 3, if the brake is applied, it is very difficult to transport. Therefore, by providing the clutch 28, the brake is released in such a state, making the device easier to transport and more convenient to use.

[0043] Furthermore, although not limited thereto, the assist device 2 preferably includes a state control device 29 that fixes the rotational positions of the support posts 26 and wheelchair gripper 27 relative to the main shaft 24 in one of two states, specifically, an installed state and a drivable state. This allows the assist device 2 to stand on its own even when separated from the wheelchair 3. Note that FIG. 2 above shows the installed state, specifically, the state in which the assist device 2 is stored independently, while FIG. 1 above shows the state in which the assist device 2 is fixed to the wheelchair 3 in a drivable state. In the installed state, the assist device 2 is maintained upright by the pair of support posts 26 and drive wheels 21 as described above. In the drivable state, the pair of support posts 26 are suspended from the running surface so as not to obstruct movement. Note that the state control device 29 controls the angle of the main shaft 24 of the assist device 2 relative to the wheelchair 3, and although not limited thereto, it may be directly connected to the main shaft 24 or may be connected to a member fixed to the main shaft 24, specifically, the pair of support posts 26. In the example of FIG. 2, an example in which the device is connected to a support 26 is shown.

[0044] The state control device 29 of the present assist device 2 is not limited as long as it has the above functions, but preferably has a length adjustment member 291 connected to at least one of the main shaft 24 and the wheelchair gripping part 27, and a stopper 292 fixed to the other, i.e., either the wheelchair gripping part 27 or the main shaft 24. The state can be changed by adjusting the position of the length adjustment member 291 stopped by the stopper 292. Figure 6 shows a partial enlarged view of the state control device 29 of the present assist device 2.

[0045] Here, we will explain again in more detail the operation of the length adjustment member 291 and the stopper 292. The length adjustment member 291 is a member that adjusts the distance between the main shaft 24 (or support 26) and the wheelchair 3, and has an insertion hole formed therein, and by inserting the shaft member of the stopper 292 into this insertion hole, the distance to the wheelchair 3 (specifically, the wheelchair gripping part 27 (outer shell 272) fixed to the wheelchair) can be set to at least two states (a state in which the position is close is the traveling state, and a state in which the position is far is the installed state).

[0046] On the other hand, the present wheelchair 3 is as shown in Figure 3 above, and although its basic structure is that of a general wheelchair, specifically, it is composed of a seat 31 for the user to sit on, a backrest 32, foot supports 33 for placing the feet, a frame 34 that supports these, a pair of rear wheels 35 that are rotatably fixed to the frame 34 and can be rotated by the user by hand, and a pair of front wheels 36 that are provided corresponding to the pair of rear wheels 35.

[0047] As described above, the seat 31 of the wheelchair 3 is a member on which the user sits, the backrest 32 is a member against which the user leans, and the foot support 33 is a member on which the user places their feet, all of which are supported by the frame 34. In other words, the frame 34 is a member that forms the main framework of the wheelchair 3. The frame 34 is made up of multiple parts, which can be broadly divided into at least a seat support part 341, a backrest support part 342, a foot support support part 343, a rear wheel support part 344, and a front wheel support part 345.

[0048] The present assist device 2 is fixed to the frame 34 of the present wheelchair 3, and more specifically, it is preferably fixed to the foot support support part 343 on the front side of the frame 34. The foot support support part 343 is a member that extends downward and to the front side from the seat support part 341 on which the user sits, and since there are no other members that interfere with this part, it can be grasped by the wheelchair grip part 27 of the present assist device 2.

[0049] Although not limited to these dimensions, the electric wheelchair 1 preferably has a total length of 120 cm or less, a total height of 120 cm or less, and a total width of 70 cm or less, so that the structure complies with Japanese laws and regulations. [Industrial Applicability]

[0050] The present invention has industrial applicability as an electric wheelchair and a wheelchair power assist device used therein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1...Electric wheelchair 2…Electric auxiliary device for wheelchairs 21...Driving wheels 213...Wheel cover 214... Weight 22...Drive shaft 23...Power plant 231...storage battery 24…Spindle 25...Handle 252...Accelerator grip 26…post 27...Wheelchair grip part 28…Clutch 29...State control device 3. Wheelchair

Claims

1. An electric wheelchair assist device that is detachably fixed to a wheelchair and tows the wheelchair, Driving wheels; a drive shaft fixed to the drive wheel; a power unit that rotates the drive shaft; a main shaft connected to the drive shaft; a handle fixed to the main shaft; A pair of support posts and a wheelchair gripping portion fixed to the main shaft; An electric assist device for a wheelchair, comprising a clutch that controls the locking and unlocking of the power unit and the drive shaft.

2. The power unit is a motor, and further comprises:

2. The wheelchair power assist device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage battery fixed to the main shaft for driving the motor.

3. wheel covers for covering the sides of the drive wheels; 2. The electric wheelchair assist device according to claim 1, further comprising a weight detachably attached to the wheel cover.

4. 2. The electric wheelchair assist device according to claim 1, further comprising a state control device that fixes the rotational positions of the support column and the wheelchair gripping portion relative to the main shaft in one of two states.

5. The handle is provided with an accelerator grip for facilitating the driving of the power unit, 2. The electric wheelchair assist device according to claim 1, wherein when the accelerator grip is released, a brake is applied to suppress the driving of the power unit and the rotation of the drive shaft.

6. A wheelchair and An electric wheelchair equipped with an electric wheelchair assist device that is detachably fixed to the wheelchair and tows the wheelchair, The wheelchair power assist device is Driving wheels; a drive shaft fixed to the drive wheel; a power unit that rotates the drive shaft; a main shaft connected to the drive shaft; a handle fixed to the main shaft; A pair of support posts and a wheelchair gripping portion fixed to the main shaft; An electric wheelchair equipped with a clutch that controls the locking and unlocking of the power unit and the drive shaft.

7. 7. The electric wheelchair according to claim 6, wherein the total length is 120 cm or less, the total height is 120 cm or less, and the total width is 70 cm or less.

8. 7. The electric wheelchair according to claim 6, wherein the maximum speed is 6 km / h or less.

9. The wheelchair power assist device includes a state control device that fixes the rotational positions of the support column and the wheelchair gripping part relative to the main shaft in one of two states: an installed state and a travel-ready state; 7. The electric wheelchair according to claim 6, wherein in the travelable state, the state control device of the wheelchair power assist device is in a floating state above the travel road surface.

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