Car seat fixing device

Abstract

To provide a wheelchair securing device that can be made more compact. [Solution] A wheelchair securing device 1 for securing a wheelchair to a vehicle comprises a motor unit 20 having a motor 22 and an output shaft 24, a hook 30 that operates between a reclined position where the hook is bent over relative to the vehicle floor and an upright position where the hook is upright relative to the floor, and a transmission mechanism 40 that converts the rotational force from the motor unit 20 into linear motion along the vehicle floor. The motor unit 20 is provided such that the output shaft 24 is aligned with the vehicle floor, and the transmission mechanism 40 has an axial member 42 that is coaxial with the output shaft 24 of the motor unit 20 and converts the rotational force from the motor unit 20 into linear motion.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when transporting a person sitting in a wheelchair by vehicle, a wheelchair fixing device for fixing the wheelchair to the vehicle has been used. Technologies related to such wheelchair fixing devices are disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The wheelchair fixing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a motor unit, a hook that fixes the wheelchair in a lying posture with respect to the floor surface of the vehicle and releases the fixation of the wheelchair in a standing posture with respect to the floor surface, a transmission mechanism that converts the rotational force from the motor unit into linear motion and transmits it, a link mechanism that can change the posture of the hook between a lying posture and a standing posture based on the linear motion, and a holding bracket having a motor holding portion that holds the motor unit. The transmission mechanism has a gear that rotates in response to the rotation of an output shaft that outputs the rotational force in the motor unit. The gear is provided within a range from the floor surface to the holding height of the holding position where the motor holding portion holds the motor unit when viewed along a direction orthogonal to the axis of the output shaft.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in recent years, there has been a demand for downsizing of wheelchair fixing devices. In particular, it has been required to reduce the thickness in the height direction, that is, the height from the floor surface of the vehicle, and there is room for improvement in the downsizing of the wheelchair fixing device.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a wheelchair securing device that can be made more compact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A wheelchair securing device according to one aspect of the present invention is: A wheelchair securing device for securing a wheelchair to a vehicle, A motor unit having a motor and an output shaft, A hook that operates between a reclined position, where the vehicle is lying down relative to the floor, and an upright position, where the vehicle is standing upright relative to the floor, The system includes a transmission mechanism that converts the rotational force from the motor unit into linear motion along the floor surface of the vehicle, The motor unit is provided such that the output shaft is aligned with the floor surface of the vehicle. The transmission mechanism has an axial member that is provided coaxially with the output shaft of the motor unit and converts the rotational force from the motor unit into linear motion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a wheelchair securing device that can be made more compact. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an example of a side view of a wheelchair secured to a vehicle by the wheelchair securing device of this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a wheelchair securing device being installed on a vehicle. [Figure 3] This is an example of a perspective view of the wheelchair securing device according to this embodiment in its stored state, as seen from the left rear. [Figure 4] This is an example of a perspective view of a wheelchair securing device in standby mode, as seen from the left rear. [Figure 5]This shows an example of the operation of the wheelchair securing device: (A) left side view of the wheelchair securing device in the stowed state, (B) left side view of the wheelchair securing device in the standby state, and (C) left side view of the wheelchair securing device when the wheelchair anchor bar is entering in the standby state. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows an example of the operation of the wheelchair securing device, and (A) is a left side view of the wheelchair securing device just before the wheelchair securing process begins, (B) is a left side view of the wheelchair securing device when the wheelchair is in a position where it can be secured, and (C) is a left side view of the wheelchair securing device when the wheelchair securing process is complete. [Figure 7] This is an example of a perspective view showing the pressure applied to a wheelchair restraint device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The wheelchair securing device according to the present invention makes it possible to secure a wheelchair to a vehicle. The wheelchair securing device 1 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] For the sake of explanation, the X direction shown in each figure will be considered the front-to-back direction, specifically the front side of vehicle 100 (see Figure 2 below) as the front direction and the rear side of vehicle 100 as the rear direction. The Y direction shown in each figure will be considered the left-to-right direction, specifically the left side when facing forward as the left direction and the right side when facing forward as the right direction. The Z direction shown in each figure will be considered the up-and-down direction. The X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other.

[0012] (Wheelchair 2) Figure 1 is an example of a side view of a wheelchair 2 that is secured to a vehicle 100 (see Figure 2 below) by the wheelchair securing device 1 of this embodiment (see Figure 2 below).

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, the wheelchair 2 has a seat portion 2A and an anchor bar 2B. A user 3 who uses the wheelchair 2 can sit on the seat portion 2A. On both left and right sides of the seat portion 2A, there are provided armrest portions 2F on which the elbows of the user 3 sitting on the seat portion 2A can be placed. In front of the front wheels 2C, there is provided a footrest 2D on which the user 3 sitting on the seat portion 2A can place their feet. The anchor bar 2B is provided below the seat portion 2A and extends along the width direction of the wheelchair 2 between the front wheels 2C and the rear wheels 2E. The anchor bar 2B is used when fixing the wheelchair 2 to a vehicle 100 (see Fig. 2 described later), and during the movement of the wheelchair 2, it is provided on the seat portion 2A side (that is, above the line connecting the lowermost ends of the front wheels 2C and the rear wheels 2E respectively) so as not to interfere with the movement, relative to the ground contact surfaces of the front wheels 2C and the rear wheels 2E respectively. According to the wheelchair fixing device 1, it is possible to fix the wheelchair 2 to the vehicle 100 with the user 3 sitting on the seat portion 2A of the wheelchair 2.

[0014] (Mounting example of the wheelchair fixing device 1) Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a mounting example of the wheelchair fixing device 1 on the vehicle 100.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2, when mounting the wheelchair 2 on the vehicle 100, for example, the wheelchair 2 is lifted up to a predetermined height by a lift device 101 provided at the rear of the vehicle 100, and then the wheelchair 2 is moved from there into the vehicle compartment 102. The wheelchair fixing device 1 is used for fixing the wheelchair 2 when the lift device 101 lifts up the wheelchair 2, and for fixing the wheelchair 2 after the wheelchair 2 is moved into the vehicle compartment 102. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the wheelchair fixing device 1 is provided on each of the lift device 101 and the vehicle compartment 102. In addition, when mounting the wheelchair 2 on the vehicle compartment 102 from the side sliding door on the side of the vehicle 100, the wheelchair fixing device 1 may be provided on a lift device provided on the side of the vehicle 100.

[0016] The wheelchair fixing device 1 has a base member 10 (see FIG. 3 described later) on which various members are placed. In the present embodiment, the base member 10 is formed using a thin plate having a rectangular shape in plan view. As described above, in the present embodiment, the wheelchair fixing device 1 is provided in the lift device 101 and the passenger compartment 102 of the vehicle 100. Therefore, the base member 10 is fixed along the floor surface 104 of the lift device 101 and the floor surface 105 of the passenger compartment 102. The base member 10 may be fastened and fixed to each of the floor surface 104 of the lift device 101 and the floor surface 105 of the passenger compartment 102 using bolts (not shown), or may be fixed via fixing members (not shown) provided separately on the floor surface 104 of the lift device 101 and the floor surface 105 of the passenger compartment 102. The base member 10 is preferably configured using, for example, a metal material in order to ensure strength. Hereinafter, when not distinguishing between the floor surface 104 of the lift device 101 and the floor surface 105 of the passenger compartment 102, it will be described as the floor surface 103 of the vehicle 100.

[0017] (Structure of the wheelchair fixing device 1) FIG. 3 is an example of a perspective view of the wheelchair fixing device 1 according to the present embodiment in the stored state as viewed from the left rear. FIG. 4 is an example of a perspective view of the wheelchair fixing device 1 in the standby state as viewed from the left rear. Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the structure of the wheelchair fixing device 1 will be described. Note that the above-mentioned "stored state" and "standby state" will be described later.

[0018] In addition to the above-described base member 10, the wheelchair fixing device 1 mainly includes a motor unit 20, a pair of left and right fixing members 11, a pair of left and right hooks 30 that lock the anchor bar 2B (see FIG. 1) of the wheelchair 2 (see FIG. 1), a transmission mechanism 40 that transmits the driving force from the motor unit 20 to the hooks 30, a pair of left and right tension members 90 that bias the pair of left and right hooks 30, a pair of left and right limit switches 80 (the right limit switch 80 is not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) that detect that the wheelchair 2 is located at a position where it can be fixed, and a pair of left and right detection brackets 82 for switching the ON / OFF states of the pair of left and right limit switches 80. The above-mentioned "tension member 90" corresponds to the "biasing member" of the present invention.

[0019] Furthermore, the "limit switch 80" mentioned above corresponds to the "detection switch" of the present invention, and the "detection bracket 82" mentioned above corresponds to the "operating member" of the present invention.

[0020] (Motor unit 20) The motor unit 20 includes a motor 22, which is the drive source, a plurality of gears (not shown) that have a reduction function, including a gear that engages with the output shaft of the motor 22, and an output shaft 24 that outputs the rotational force of the motor 22 via the plurality of gears. The motor unit 20 is located on the front side of the base member 10, in the central part of the base member 10 in the left-right direction. The motor unit 20 is fixed to the base member 10 by a holding part (not shown) such that the output shaft 24 is aligned with the floor surface 103 (see Figure 2) of the vehicle 100 (see Figure 2), and the axial direction of the output shaft 24 is in the front-rear direction.

[0021] (Fixing member 11) The pair of fixing members 11 are fixedly attached to the base member 10 so as to sandwich the motor 22 from both the left and right sides. The pair of fixing members 11 have a first shaft portion 11a and a second shaft portion 11b, which are oriented axially in the left-right direction, and are oriented in the front-rear direction relative to each other. The front first shaft portion 11a is formed facing outwards, and the rear second shaft portion 11b is formed facing inwards.

[0022] In this embodiment, the side opposite to the side where the motor 22 is located will be referred to as the "outside," and the side where the motor 22 is located will be referred to as the "inside."

[0023] (Hook 30) Each of the pair of hooks 30 is a longitudinal member whose longitudinal direction is in the front-to-back direction when in the collapsed position (see Figure 3). Each of the pair of hooks 30 is pivotally supported on each of the pair of fixing members 11 so as to be able to rotate with the left-to-right direction as the axial direction. In this embodiment, the base end portion 30a of each hook 30 is pivotally supported on the second shaft portion 11b inside each fixing member 11. Each hook 30 is pivotally supported so as to be able to rotate relative to each fixing member 11, allowing it to operate between the collapsed position (see Figure 3) and the upright position (see Figure 4).

[0024] The reclined position is a position in which the hook 30 is reclined relative to the floor surface 103 of the vehicle 100 (see Figure 3). The upright position is a position in which the hook 30 is upright relative to the floor surface 103 of the vehicle 100 (see Figure 4). In this embodiment, the reclined position and the upright position are used not only as the position of the hook 30, but also as the position of the link bracket 70 and the detection bracket 82, which will be described later.

[0025] Each hook 30 has a locking portion 31 (see Figure 4) formed at its tip 30b for locking onto the anchor bar 2B (see Figure 1) of the wheelchair 2. This locking portion 31 is notched so that when the hook 30 is in an upright position (see Figure 4), it can lock onto the anchor bar 2B of the wheelchair 2, which enters from rear to front. The opening of the locking portion 31 faces rearward when the hook 30 is in an upright position and downward when the hook 30 is in a reclined position (see Figure 3).

[0026] Furthermore, each hook 30 has a first shaft portion 32 with its axial direction running in the left-right direction, near the locking portion 31. This first shaft portion 32 is formed in the left-right direction, extending outward from each hook 30. In addition, each hook 30 has a second shaft portion 33 with its axial direction running in the left-right direction, located forward of the longitudinal center portion. This second shaft portion 33 is formed extending outward from each hook 30 to both the left and right sides (inward and outward). The functions of the first shaft portion 32 and the second shaft portion 33 will be described later. In this embodiment, the "near the locking portion 31" refers to the front vicinity when the hook 30 is in a reclined position (see Figure 3), or in other words, the lower vicinity when the hook 30 is in an upright position (see Figure 4).

[0027] (Transmission mechanism 40) The transmission mechanism 40 mainly comprises an axial member 42 that functions as a cylinder that extends and retracts in the front-rear direction as an axial direction, a first slide shaft 48, a first guide member 50, a second slide shaft 68, a pair of left and right second guide members 60, and a pair of left and right link brackets 70. The transmission mechanism 40 is provided between the motor unit 20 and a pair of hooks 30 and has the function of transmitting rotational force from the motor unit 20 (more specifically the motor 22) to the pair of hooks 30. The above-mentioned "link brackets 70" correspond to the "link mechanism" of the present invention.

[0028] The shaft-shaped member 42 has a longitudinal screw 44 (see Figure 3) with male threads formed on its outer circumference, and a longitudinal nut 46 with female threads that screw into the male threads formed on the screw 44. The screw 44 is coaxially connected to the output shaft 24 of the motor unit 20, and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the motor 22.

[0029] The first slide shaft 48 is a rod-shaped member with its axial direction in the left-right direction, and is provided at the rear end of the nut 46 so as to penetrate the nut 46 in the left-right direction.

[0030] The first guide member 50 has a shape that is, for example, concave when viewed from the front or back direction, and is fixedly attached to the base member 10. More specifically, the first guide member 50 has a bottom surface portion 52 that is, for example, rectangular in plan view, and is fixedly attached to the base member 10. The first guide member 50 also has a pair of left and right upright portions 54 that rise from the left and right sides of the bottom surface portion 52. The pair of left and right upright portions 54 have a shape that is, for example, rectangular when viewed from the left or right side, and each has a first elongated hole 56 that is long in the front-to-back direction. The left and right ends of the first slide shaft 48 are fitted into the first elongated hole 56 so that it can move in the front-to-back direction along the first elongated hole 56.

[0031] Since both the left and right ends of the first slide shaft 48, which passes through the nut 46 in the left-right direction, are fitted into the first elongated hole 56, the rotation of the nut 46 with respect to the axial direction (front-back direction) is restricted. Therefore, when the screw 44 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the motor 22, the nut 46 moves forward or backward relative to the screw 44.

[0032] In this way, the axial member 42 can convert the rotational force from the motor unit 20 into linear motion along the floor surface 103 (see Figure 2) of the vehicle 100 (see Figure 2). Therefore, the vertical size of the motor unit 20 and the axial member 42 can be suppressed, and the wheelchair fixing device 1 can be made compact.

[0033] The second slide shaft 68 is a rod-shaped member with its axial direction in the left-right direction, and is longer than the first slide shaft 48.

[0034] The pair of left and right second guide members 60 have, for example, a rectangular shape when viewed from the left and right directions, and are fixedly attached to the base member 10 on both the left and right sides of the first guide member 50. Each of the pair of left and right second guide members 60 has a second elongated hole 62 that is long in the front-to-back direction.

[0035] The first guide member 50 and the pair of left and right second guide members 60 are positioned so that the vertical position of the first elongated hole 56 coincides with the vertical position of the second elongated hole 62. The second slide shaft 68 is positioned behind the nut 46 and is provided so as to be able to move in the front-rear direction along the first elongated hole 56 and the second elongated hole 62, passing through the first elongated hole 56 and the second elongated hole 62 in the left-right direction. Therefore, when the nut 46 moves in the rearward direction, the nut 46 and the second slide shaft 68 come into contact, and the movement of the nut 46 in the rearward direction presses against the second slide shaft 68, causing the second slide shaft 68 to also move in the rearward direction. The limit position of the rearward movement of the second slide shaft 68 is defined by the first elongated hole 56 and / or the second elongated hole 62. Also, the nut 46 and the second slide shaft 68 are not a single integrated unit but are separate. Therefore, although the nut 46 can move forward due to the rotational force from the motor unit 20, the second slide shaft 68 does not move forward in conjunction with it. The limit position of the forward movement of the first slide shaft 48 is defined by the first elongated hole 56. The second slide shaft 68 is made movable forward by other components other than the rotational force from the motor unit 20, which will be described later.

[0036] The left and right pair of link brackets 70 are longitudinal members whose longitudinal direction is in the front-rear direction when in the collapsed position (see Figure 3). Each of the left and right pair of link brackets 70 is rotatably attached to each of the left and right pair of hooks 30. More specifically, each link bracket 70 has one end 70a that is pivotally supported inside each hook 30 so that it can rotate around the second shaft portion 33 described above as the pivot axis. In addition, each link bracket 70 has its other end 70b that rotatably supports both ends of the second slide shaft 68. As a result, the second slide shaft 68 is movable in the front-rear direction along the first elongated hole 56 and the second elongated hole 62.

[0037] As the second slide shaft 68 moves forward along the first elongated hole 56 and the second elongated hole 62, each hook 30 is lifted by the tension members 90 described later, and each link bracket 70 is pushed up by each hook 30 to assume an upright position (see Figure 4).

[0038] On the other hand, as the second slide shaft 68 moves rearward along the first elongated hole 56 and the second elongated hole 62, each link bracket 70, which is in the upright position, moves to the downed position. When each link bracket 70 moves from the upright position to the downed position, it rotates relative to each hook 30 and pushes each hook 30 downward. In this way, each hook 30 also moves from the upright position to the downed position (see Figure 3).

[0039] Furthermore, it is preferable that the mounting position of each link bracket 70 to each hook 30 be on the base end 30a side of each hook 30 rather than on the tip end 30b side. This is because it is possible to increase the rotation angle of the hook 30 without increasing the stroke (linear movement in the front-rear direction) of the axial member 42. In this embodiment, as described above, a second shaft portion 33 is provided on the front side of the center portion in the longitudinal direction of each hook 30, and each link bracket 70 is pivotally supported on this second shaft portion 33.

[0040] Incidentally, conventional wheelchair securing devices differ from those in this embodiment, where each hook 30 is lifted by each tension member 90, thereby pushing up each link bracket 70. Instead, they have a structure in which the hooks are raised by moving a rod in the front-rear direction. Specifically, conventional wheelchair securing devices have guide grooves formed in the securing member parallel to the front-rear direction. In addition, the hook has a curved opening that, when in a reclined position, gradually moves away from the base member 10 along the upward direction as it approaches the rearward side of the vehicle 100 from the center in the direction of travel. Both ends of a rod, with its longitudinal direction in the left-right direction, are inserted through the guide grooves formed in the securing member and the opening formed in the hook. Therefore, when the hook is in a reclined position, moving the rod towards the front of the vehicle in the direction of travel raises the hook to an upright position. With such conventional wheelchair securing devices, the size of the hook in the vertical direction must be large enough to form the curved opening, and there are limitations to how much the dimensions of the hook can be controlled in the vertical direction. In this regard, according to the wheelchair securing device 1 of this embodiment, as described above, each hook 30 in a reclined position pushes up each link bracket 70 when it rises to an upright position. Therefore, unlike the hooks of conventional wheelchair securing devices, there is no need to form a curved opening, and the dimensions of the hooks 30 in the vertical direction can be made smaller than in conventional devices, making the wheelchair securing device 1 more compact.

[0041] (Tension member 90) A pair of left and right tension members 90 are provided inside a pair of fixed members 11. More specifically, one end of each tension member 90 is fixedly attached near the front end of each base member 10. The other end of each tension member 90 is attached to the base end 30a of each hook 30. By arranging the tension members 90 in this way, each tension member 90 can apply a biasing force to each hook 30 in the direction that causes each hook 30 to assume an upright position (see Figure 4). In this manner, each tension member 90 can lift each hook 30. The biasing force that each tension member 90 applies to each hook 30 is large enough to cause each hook 30 to assume an upright position when rotational force from the motor unit 20 is not transmitted to each hook 30. That is, when the nut 46 is at its furthest forward position (the limit of movement position defined by the first elongated hole 56), each hook 30 assumes an upright position due to the action of each tension member 90. Consequently, the second slide shaft 68 moves forward along the first elongated hole 56 and the second elongated hole 62 via a pair of left and right link brackets 70. In this way, the second slide shaft 68 is able to move forward by a component other than the rotational force from the motor unit 20.

[0042] Furthermore, the biasing force that each tension member 90 applies to each hook 30 is not large enough to resist the rotational force from the motor unit 20. Therefore, when a force is acting on the second slide shaft 68 in the rearward direction due to the rotational force from the motor unit 20, each hook 30 will be tilted down via each link bracket 70.

[0043] Thus, in this embodiment, when the nut 46 is at the forward limit of movement, the pair of left and right hooks 30 are raised to an upright position (see Figure 4) by the action of the tension member 90. As a result, the pair of left and right hooks 30 can be raised to an upright position without using a power source such as a motor, thus reducing power consumption. On the other hand, when the second slide shaft 68 is at the rear limit of movement, the pair of left and right hooks 30 are lowered to a reclined position (see Figure 3).

[0044] (Limit switch 80) As described above, the left and right limit switches 80 detect when the anchor bar is in a position where it can be fixed by the hook, in other words, when the wheelchair 2 is in a position where it can be fixed. Each limit switch 80 is positioned adjacent to each fixing member 11 on the outside of each fixing member 11. The left and right limit switches 80 are held by a left and right pair of switch fixing parts 81 which are fixedly attached to the base member 10. By providing a left and right pair of limit switches 80 corresponding to a left and right pair of hooks 30 in this way, if a malfunction occurs in only one of the left or right hooks 30, it is possible to immediately find out which hook 30 is malfunctioning.

[0045] Each limit switch 80 is an electrical switch that, for example, encloses a microswitch and detects the movement of an object via an actuator in a mechanical detection unit. The mechanical detection unit of each limit switch may employ any of the following types: plunger type (direct-acting), hinge lever type, roller lever type, rod lever type, fork lever type, or weight type, but in this embodiment, for example, a roller lever type is employed.

[0046] (Detection bracket 82) As described above, the pair of left and right detection brackets 82 are brackets for switching the ON / OFF state of the pair of left and right limit switches 80. In the wheelchair fixing device 1 of this embodiment, the pair of left and right detection brackets 82 have a pair of left and right first detection brackets 83, a pair of left and right second detection brackets 84, and a pair of left and right third detection brackets 85. The above-mentioned "first detection bracket 83," "second detection bracket 84," and "third detection bracket 85" correspond to the "first operating member," "second operating member," and "third operating member" of the present invention, respectively.

[0047] Each detection first bracket 83 is a plate-shaped member whose longitudinal direction is in the front-rear direction when it is in a reclined position (see Figure 3). Each detection first bracket 83 is pivotally supported on the first shaft portion 32 on the outside of each hook 30 so that it can rotate relative to each hook 30. In this embodiment, "one end portion 83a" is the end portion that faces forward when each detection first bracket 83 is in a reclined position. Each detection first bracket 83 also has a contact surface 83b that contacts the anchor bar 2B (see Figure 1) of a wheelchair 2 (see Figure 1) approaching from rear to front when it is in an upright position (see Figure 4). Furthermore, the detection first bracket 83 has a projection 83c (see Figure 3) on one end portion 83a that protrudes downward when it is in a reclined position. The function of this projection 83c will be described later.

[0048] Each detection second bracket 84 is a plate-shaped member whose longitudinal direction is in the front-rear direction when it is in a reclined position (see Figure 3), and has the longest length in the front-rear direction among the detection first bracket 83, detection second bracket 84, and detection third bracket 85. Each detection second bracket 84 is pivotally supported on the first shaft portion 32 outside each hook 30 and each detection first bracket 83 so that it can rotate relative to each hook 30. In this embodiment, "one end 84a" is the end that is at the rear when each detection second bracket 84 is in a reclined position.

[0049] Furthermore, each detection second bracket 84 has a projection 84d (see Figure 5(C) described later) located slightly forward and downward of one end 84a, which can contact the projection 83c of the detection first bracket 83. In addition, each detection second bracket 84 has a notch 84c in the longitudinal center of each detection second bracket 84 that engages with the second shaft portion 33 of each hook 30, and a projection 84e formed to reduce the opening of the notch 84c. The notch 84c is formed so that the detection second bracket 84 can move within a certain range relative to the second shaft portion 33. The function of the projection 84e will be described later. The other end 84b opposite to one end 84a is formed as a flat plate that extends linearly in the front-rear direction as the longitudinal direction when each detection second bracket 84 is in a reclined position.

[0050] Each detection third bracket 85 is a plate-shaped member whose longitudinal direction is in the front-rear direction when each detection third bracket 85 is in a reclined position (see Figure 3). Each detection third bracket 85 is positioned directly above each limit switch 80 so as to be able to press each limit switch 80. One end 85a of each detection third bracket 85 is pivotally supported so as to be able to rotate relative to each fixing member 11. In this embodiment, one end 85a is pivotally supported on the first shaft portion 11a formed on the fixing member 11. The other end 85b of each detection third bracket 85 is inclined downward so as to be able to contact the other end 84b of each detection second bracket 84.

[0051] In the wheelchair securing device 1 of this embodiment, when the second slide shaft 68 is at the rearward limit of movement, the pair of hooks 30, the pair of link brackets 70, and the pair of detection brackets 82 all fall down (see Figure 3). The state of the wheelchair securing device 1 at this time is the stored state. Also, when the nut 46 is at the frontward limit of movement, the pair of hooks 30, the pair of link brackets 70, and the pair of detection brackets 82 all rise up (see Figure 4). The state of the wheelchair securing device 1 at this time is the standby state.

[0052] (Operation of wheelchair securing device 1) Figure 5 shows an example of the operation of the wheelchair securing device 1. More specifically, Figure 5 is (A) a left side view of the wheelchair securing device 1 when it is in the stored state, (B) a left side view of the wheelchair securing device 1 when it is in the standby state, and (C) a left side view of the wheelchair securing device 1 when the anchor bar 2B of wheelchair 2 (see Figure 1) is entering in the standby state. Figure 6 shows an example of the operation of the wheelchair securing device 1, continuing from Figure 5. More specifically, Figure 6 is (A) a left side view of the wheelchair securing device 1 just before the securing of wheelchair 2 begins, (B) a left side view of the wheelchair securing device 1 when wheelchair 2 is in a position where it can be secured, and (C) a side view of the wheelchair securing device 1 when the securing of wheelchair 2 is complete.

[0053] In Figures 5 and 6, only the left-hand component of a pair of left and right components is visible, while the right-hand component is not. However, both components perform the same operation. Furthermore, when describing an example of the operation of the wheelchair securing device 1, the rotation directions described as "clockwise" and "counterclockwise" refer to the directions visible in Figures 5 and 6.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5(A), when the wheelchair securing device 1 is in its retracted state, each hook 30, each link bracket 70, each first detection bracket 83, each second detection bracket 84, and each third detection bracket 85 have their long sides parallel in the front-to-back direction. At this time, although each tension member 90 acts a biasing force on each hook 30 in the direction that causes each hook 30 to stand upright, the nuts 46 press the second slide shaft 68 in the rearward direction, thus maintaining the retracted state of the wheelchair securing device 1. Furthermore, each hook 30, each link bracket 70, each first detection bracket 83, each second detection bracket 84, and each third detection bracket 85 are all smaller in the vertical direction compared to each fixing member 11, the first guide member 50, and the second guide member 60. In other words, the vertical size of the wheelchair securing device 1 is determined by all or any of the fixing member 11, the first guide member 50, and the second guide member 60. In this way, by making each hook 30, each link bracket 70, each first detection bracket 83, each second detection bracket 84, and each third detection bracket 85 smaller in the vertical direction compared to each fixing member 11, the first guide member 50, and the second guide member 60, the vertical size of the wheelchair fixing device 1 can be made compact.

[0055] In this embodiment, when the wheelchair securing device 1 is in the retracted state, the detection third bracket 85 presses against the limit switch 80. That is, when the wheelchair securing device 1 is in the retracted state, the limit switch 80 is in the ON state.

[0056] When the wheelchair 2 is secured, the wheelchair securing device 1 changes from the stored state to the standby state. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5(B), the rotational force from the motor unit 20 causes the nut 46 to move forward, and the rotational force from the motor unit 20 ceases to act on the second slide shaft 68. As a result, the hook 30 rotates around the second shaft portion 11b of the securing member 11 as the pivot axis due to the biasing force applied by the tension member 90, and the tip portion 30b separates from the base member 10, becoming upright. As the hook 30 becomes upright, the link bracket 70 also becomes upright, and the second slide shaft 68 moves forward.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5(C), when the wheelchair securing device 1 is in standby mode, the wheelchair 2 enters from the rear towards the front. In this embodiment, the direction in which the anchor bar 2B enters is indicated by the arrow in Figure 5(C). When the wheelchair 2 enters from the rear towards the front, the footrest 2D of the wheelchair 2 (see Figure 1) comes into contact with the upper surface (especially the tip 30b) of the hook 30. However, due to the stepping function described later, the hook 30 tilts slightly, and the footrest 2D passes directly above the hook 30. After the footrest 2D has passed directly above the hook 30, the hook 30 rises due to the biasing force from the tension member 90 and returns to an upright position.

[0058] When the hook 30 returns to an upright position, the anchor bar 2B of the wheelchair 2 (see Figure 1) comes into contact with the contact surface 83b of the detection first bracket 83, prior to the anchor bar 2B being locked into the locking portion 31 of the hook 30, as shown in Figure 6(A). After the anchor bar 2B of the wheelchair 2 (see Figure 1) comes into contact with the contact surface 83b of the detection first bracket 83, the wheelchair 2 moves further forward. As a result, a forward force acts from the anchor bar 2B of the wheelchair 2 on the contact surface 83b.

[0059] When a forward force is applied from the anchor bar 2B of wheelchair 2 to the contact surface 83b, the detection first bracket 83 rotates clockwise around the first shaft portion 32 as the pivot axis, as shown in Figure 6(B). When the detection first bracket 83 rotates clockwise, the projection 83c of the detection first bracket 83 comes into contact with the projection 84d of the detection second bracket 84, causing the detection second bracket 84 to rotate clockwise around the first shaft portion 32 as the pivot axis. When the detection second bracket 84 rotates clockwise, the other end 84b of the detection second bracket 84 comes into contact with the other end 85b of the detection third bracket 85. When the other end 84b of the detection second bracket 84 comes into contact with the other end 85b of the detection third bracket 85, the detection third bracket 85 rotates counterclockwise around the first shaft portion 11a as the pivot axis. When the detection third bracket 85 rotates counterclockwise, the pressure on the limit switch 80 is released. In other words, the wheelchair fixing device 1 switches the state of the limit switch 80 from ON to OFF as the anchor bar 2B of the wheelchair 2 moves to a position where it can be fixed.

[0060] Furthermore, when the detection second bracket 84 rotates clockwise around the first shaft portion 32 as its pivot axis, the projection 84e comes into contact with the second shaft portion 33. In this way, the amount of rotation of the detection second bracket 84 is restricted to a certain range so that it cannot rotate more than necessary. Therefore, even if the other end 84b of the detection second bracket 84 comes into contact with the other end 85b of the detection third bracket 85, it is possible to prevent the detection third bracket 85 from rotating more than necessary. For example, if the detection third bracket 85 rotates too far counterclockwise around the first shaft portion 11a as its pivot axis, the other end 85b may move forward of the first shaft portion 11a. In that case, it becomes impossible to turn on the limit switch 80, and the wheelchair securing device 1 cannot be operated normally. In this regard, in the wheelchair securing device 1 of this embodiment, the amount of rotation of the detection second bracket 84 is restricted to a certain range, which prevents situations in which the wheelchair securing device 1 cannot be operated properly.

[0061] Furthermore, as described above, the second detection bracket 84 has the longest length in the front-to-back direction among the detection brackets 82, and the distance from the first shaft portion 32, which serves as the pivot axis, to the other end portion 84b is large. Therefore, the amount of movement of the other end portion 84b can be made large relative to the amount of rotation of the second detection bracket 84, making it possible to switch the limit switch 80 from ON to OFF with only a slight rotation of the second detection bracket 84.

[0062] When the limit switch 80 is turned OFF, a signal is sent to a control unit (not shown) indicating that the wheelchair 2 (see Figure 1) is in a position where it can be fixed, and a buzzer sounds. This allows the operator to know that the anchor bar 2B of the wheelchair 2 has reached the position where it can be fixed by the wheelchair fixing device 1, and to perform the operation to fix the wheelchair 2 (wheelchair securing operation). Once the wheelchair securing operation is performed, the control unit drives the motor unit 20 to move the nut 46 toward the rear. Also, the second slide shaft 68 is pressed toward the rear by the nut 46, so it moves toward the rear along the first elongated hole 56 and the second elongated hole 62. When the anchor bar 2B of the wheelchair 2 is locked into the locking part 31, the wheelchair 2 is fixed by the wheelchair fixing device 1, and the fixing of the wheelchair 2 is completed. While the wheelchair 2 is fixed, the rotational force from the motor unit 20 maintains pressure on the second slide shaft 68 toward the rear, thereby maintaining the fixing of the wheelchair 2. However, maintaining the fixation of the wheelchair 2, that is, maintaining the pressure on the second slide shaft 68 facing backward, only requires preventing the second slide shaft 68 from moving forward, and is not limited to a specific configuration in which the rotational force from the motor unit 20 continuously presses the second slide shaft 68 backward.

[0063] (Stepping function of wheelchair securing device 1) Figure 7 is an example of a perspective view showing the stepping state of the wheelchair securing device 1. In the wheelchair securing device 1 of this embodiment, when a force resisting the biasing force from the tension member 90, i.e., a downward force, is applied to the hook 30 in the standby state (see Figure 4), the second slide shaft 68 moves rearward along the first elongated hole 56 and the second elongated hole 62 via the link bracket 70, resulting in the stepping state shown in Figure 7. When the downward force acting on the hook 30 in the stepping state is released, the hook 30 rises up due to the biasing force from the tension member 90 and returns to an upright position. In this embodiment, the function in which the second slide shaft 68 moves rearward along the first elongated hole 56 and the second elongated hole 62 and the hook 30 falls downward when a downward force is applied to the hook 30 is referred to as the stepping function.

[0064] Due to this stepping function, even if the footrest 2D of wheelchair 2 (see Figure 1) hits the top surface of the hook 30 as described above, the hook 30 will tilt slightly. Therefore, the footrest 2D can pass directly over the hook 30 without damaging the hook 30 or other components such as the detection bracket 82.

[0065] Furthermore, even if a user accidentally steps on the hook 30, the stepping-on function will cause the hook 30 to fall over. This not only prevents damage to components such as the hook 30 and the detection bracket 82, but also prevents injury to the user, thereby ensuring user safety.

[0066] According to the wheelchair securing device 1 of this embodiment described above, when the operation to secure the wheelchair 2 (see Figure 1) is initiated, the limit switch 80 switches from ON to OFF. Due to its characteristics, the limit switch 80 is ON when it is reliably pressed (pushed in) and OFF when the pressure is released. In other words, in order to switch the limit switch 80 from OFF to ON, it must be reliably pressed in. On the other hand, to switch the limit switch 80 from ON to OFF, the switch is made simply by releasing the pressure. Therefore, as an operation to initiate the securing of the wheelchair 2, a simple configuration is used in which the limit switch 80 switches from ON to OFF when the anchor bar 2B starts pressing against the contact surface 83b of the detection first bracket 83, thereby enabling more reliable detection of the wheelchair 2 being in a position where it can be secured. Moreover, as described above, a slight rotation of the second detection bracket 84 increases the amount of movement of the other end 84b, making it possible to more reliably switch the state of the limit switch 80 from ON to OFF.

[0067] (summary) The wheelchair securing device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, and the wheelchair securing device 1 of the above embodiment mainly has the following configuration.

[0068] (1) A wheelchair securing device 1 for securing a wheelchair 2 to a vehicle 100, A motor unit 20 having a motor 22 and an output shaft 24, A hook 30 that operates between a reclined position in which the vehicle 100 is tilted relative to the floor surface 103 and an upright position in which it is upright relative to the floor surface 103, The vehicle includes a transmission mechanism 40 that converts the rotational force from the motor unit 20 into linear motion along the floor surface 103 of the vehicle 100, The motor unit 20 is provided such that the output shaft 24 is aligned with the floor surface 103 of the vehicle 100. The transmission mechanism 40 has a shaft-shaped member 42 that is provided coaxially with the output shaft 24 of the motor unit 20 and converts the rotational force from the motor unit 20 into linear motion. Wheelchair immobilization device1.

[0069] According to the wheelchair securing device 1 described in (1) above, the axial member 42 of the transmission mechanism 40 is provided to be coaxial with the output shaft 24 of the motor unit 20. Therefore, both the output shaft 24 of the motor unit 20 and the axial member 42 of the transmission mechanism 40 are provided to be aligned with the floor surface 103 of the vehicle 100, and the rotational force from the motor unit 20 is converted into linear motion along the floor surface 103 of the vehicle 100. Thus, the wheelchair securing device 1 can be made more compact, and in particular, its vertical size can be reduced.

[0070] The shaft-shaped member 42 is provided so as to be coaxial with the output shaft 24 of the motor unit 20, but it may be directly connected to the output shaft 24, or it may be connected to the output shaft 24 via another member.

[0071] (2) The system further comprises a link mechanism (for example, a link bracket 70) that can operate between the tilted position and the upright position by the linear motion converted by the transmission mechanism 40, The link mechanism is pivotally supported on the hook so as to be able to rotate relative to the hook 30 with its axial direction substantially perpendicular to the output shaft 24 of the motor unit 20 (for example, left-right direction), and is able to operate together with the hook 30 between the lowered position and the upright position while rotating relative to the hook 30 by the linear motion. The wheelchair securing device described in (1) above.

[0072] Furthermore, the phrase "substantially orthogonal" above clarifies that the range of orthogonality is broadened and does not mean only 90 degrees with respect to the output shaft 24 of the motor unit 20. In other words, it is sufficient that the link bracket 70 is pivotally supported on the hook 30 so that it can rotate relative to the hook 30 and operate between a lowered position and an upright position due to the linear motion converted by the transmission mechanism 40.

[0073] Conventional wheelchair securing devices have guide grooves formed in the securing member parallel to the front-rear direction. The hook has a curved opening that, when in a reclined position, gradually moves away from the base member 10 along the upward direction as it approaches the rear of the vehicle 100 from the center in the direction of travel. Both ends of a rod, whose longitudinal direction is in the left-right direction, are inserted through the guide groove formed in the securing member and the opening formed in the hook. Therefore, when the hook 30 is in a reclined position, if the rod moves towards the front of the vehicle in the direction of travel, the hook 30 will become upright. With such conventional wheelchair securing devices, the size of the hook in the vertical direction must be large enough to form the curved opening, and there are limits to how much the dimensions of the hook can be reduced in the vertical direction. In this respect, the wheelchair securing device 1 described in (2) above has a link mechanism (for example, each link bracket 70) that can rotate with the hook 30 and operate between a reclined position and an upright position, so there is no need to form a curved opening in the hook as in conventional devices, and the size of the hook in the vertical direction can be reduced.

[0074] Furthermore, it is preferable that the mounting position of the link mechanism (for example, the link bracket 70) to the hook 30 be closer to the base end 30a than to the center in the longitudinal direction of the hook 30. This is because it is possible to increase the rotation angle of the hook 30 without increasing the stroke of the linear motion converted by the transmission mechanism 40.

[0075] (3) The hook 30 is further provided with a biasing member (for example, a tensioning member 90) that applies a biasing force in the direction that the hook 30 is in an upright position. The wheelchair securing device 1 described in (2) above.

[0076] According to the wheelchair securing device 1 described in (3) above, the hook 30 is held in an upright position by a biasing member (for example, a tensioning member 90), which reduces power consumption.

[0077] (4) The link mechanism (for example, the link bracket 70) When the linear motion converted by the transmission mechanism 40 is in one direction (for example, backward), the transmission mechanism 40 presses the hook 30 into a downed position. When the linear motion converted by the transmission mechanism 40 is in a direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., the backward direction) (e.g., the forward direction), the pressure applied by the transmission mechanism 40 is released, and the biasing force applied by the biasing member (e.g., the tension member 90) causes the hook 30 to be in an upright position. The wheelchair securing device 1 described in (3) above.

[0078] When the hook 30 is in an upright position, the footrest 2D of the wheelchair 2 may come into contact with the upper surface of the hook 30 during the process of securing the wheelchair 2. Also, when the hook 30 is in an upright position, the user may step on the hook 30. In such cases, if a force is acting from the transmission mechanism 40 in the direction of putting the hook 30 in an upright position, it may damage the link mechanism (e.g., the link bracket 70) or the transmission mechanism 40, or cause injury to the user. In this regard, with the wheelchair securing device 1 described in (4) above, when the hook 30 is in an upright position, the pressure applied by the transmission mechanism 40 to the link mechanism (e.g., the link bracket 70) is released. Therefore, even if the footrest 2D of the wheelchair 2 comes into contact with the upper surface of the hook 30, or if the user steps on the hook 30, it is possible to prevent damage to the link mechanism (e.g., the link bracket 70) or the transmission mechanism 40, and the safety of the user can be ensured.

[0079] As described above, within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations. Therefore, these modifications and alterations are understood to fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, any addition, deletion, or design change of components, or addition, omission, or modification of processes, made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments, is also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as it retains the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 1 Wheelchair fixation device 2 Wheelchairs 20 Motor Units 22 motors 24 Output shafts 30 hooks 40 Transmission mechanism 42 Axial member 70 Link Bracket 90 Tensile members 100 vehicles 103 Floor surface

Claims

1. A wheelchair securing device for securing a wheelchair to a vehicle, A motor unit having a motor and an output shaft, A hook that can operate between a reclined position, where the vehicle is lying down relative to the floor, and an upright position, where the vehicle is standing upright relative to the floor, The system includes a transmission mechanism that converts the rotational force from the motor unit into linear motion along the floor surface of the vehicle, The motor unit is provided such that the output shaft is aligned with the floor surface of the vehicle. The transmission mechanism has a shaft-shaped member that is provided coaxially with the output shaft of the motor unit and converts the rotational force from the motor unit into linear motion. Wheelchair fixation device.

2. The system further comprises a link mechanism that can operate between the tilted position and the upright position by the linear motion converted by the transmission mechanism, The link mechanism is pivotally supported on the hook so as to be able to rotate relative to the hook with its axial direction substantially perpendicular to the output shaft of the motor unit, and is able to rotate relative to the hook and operate together with the hook between the lowered position and the upright position by the linear motion. The wheelchair securing device according to claim 1.

3. The hook further comprises a biasing member that applies a biasing force in the direction that causes it to be in an upright position. The wheelchair securing device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned link mechanism is When the linear motion converted by the transmission mechanism is in one direction, the transmission mechanism presses the hook into a downed position. When the linear motion converted by the transmission mechanism is in a direction opposite to the first direction, the pressure applied by the transmission mechanism is released, and the biasing force applied by the biasing member causes the hook to be in an upright position. The wheelchair securing device according to claim 3.

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