Restricted devices and wheelchairs

Abstract

The present invention provides a wheelchair securing device that is fixed to the floor by a wheelchair securing device and also enables the easy folding operation of a folding wheelchair. [Solution] The fixing device comprises a pair of connecting members connected to a pair of side frames of the wheelchair, and a fixing bar that extends axially so as to span substantially horizontally between the pair of connecting members and is positioned at a first height, and is configured to be fixed to the floor surface by being pressed down from above by a lock arm of the wheelchair fixing device. The fixing bar comprises a pair of bar members rotatably connected to each of the pair of connecting members, a connecting member configured to rotatably connect the ends of the pair of bar members and to allow the fixing bar to be folded in a predetermined bending direction, and a conversion mechanism that converts a portion of the axially inward pressing force applied to the pair of connecting members when the wheelchair is folded into a force that rotates the pair of bar members in the bending direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing device for a wheelchair fixed to a wheelchair fixing device for fixing a wheelchair to the floor surface of a structure, and a wheelchair provided with the fixing device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a wheelchair fixing device has been used to automatically restrain a wheelchair with respect to the floor surface of a structure such as a vehicle.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a wheelchair securing device that is attached to the floor of a vehicle. Hereinafter, in the paragraph, reference numerals of Patent Document 1 are shown in parentheses. The wheelchair securing device (20) is attached to the upper surface of the floor (12) of the passenger compartment in a vehicle (10). The wheelchair securing device (20) is covered by a cover member (14), and a pair of long slits (18) are formed on the upper wall (16) of the cover member (14) so ​​as to protrude the tip portions (46) of a pair of left and right lock arms (42). Each lock arm (42) is configured such that, as the slide shaft (40) moves to the rear (in the direction of the wheelchair (60) moving backward), each tip portion (46) rotates from the upper side to the lower side against the biasing force of the torsion spring and presses down on the securing bar (68) provided on the wheelchair (60). In other words, the notches (46A) of each lock arm (42) are fitted into the fixing bar (68) of the wheelchair (60), and each lock arm (42) is configured to lock the wheelchair (60) so that it does not move. On the other hand, each lock arm (42) is configured such that when the slide shaft (40) moves forward (in the direction of forward movement of the wheelchair (60)), each tip (46) rotates from the lower side to the upper side by the biasing force (restoring force) of the torsion spring, releasing the pressure on the wheelchair (60) from the fixing bar (68). In other words, the notches (46A) of each lock arm (42) come off the fixing bar (68), and each lock arm (42) is configured to unlock the wheelchair (60) so that it can move. The wheelchair (60) locked by the wheelchair fixing device (20) has a fixing bar (68) located approximately midway between the front wheels (62) and the rear wheels (64). The fixing bar (68) is, for example, cylindrical with a diameter of 12 mm, and is installed with the width of the wheelchair (60) as its axial direction, at a position where its lower end surface is 40 mm to 50 mm above the floor (12). This fixing bar (68) contacts each first switch arm (52) protruding from the cover member (14), and is pressed down from above by the tip (46) of each lock arm (42) to lock it in place. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-61519 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] As described in Patent Document 1, by providing a fixing bar that spans approximately horizontally at a predetermined height between a pair of side frames of the wheelchair, it became possible to easily fix the wheelchair to the vehicle floor using a wheelchair fixing device. However, in conventional wheelchairs such as those described in Patent Document 1, the fixing bar is simply a bar material that extends in a straight line. When such a fixing bar is introduced into a folding wheelchair (which can be folded in the vehicle width direction where the pair of main wheels are close together), the fixing bar obstructs the folding operation, requiring steps such as removing the fixing bar from the wheelchair each time the wheelchair is folded, making the folding operation very cumbersome. Therefore, the inventors aimed to make it possible to fold a folding wheelchair with simpler operation while still having the function of being fixed using a wheelchair fixing device.

[0006] The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a wheelchair fixing device that can be fixed to the floor by a wheelchair fixing device and allows for easy folding of a foldable wheelchair, and a foldable wheelchair equipped with the fixing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (Composition 1) One embodiment of the present invention is a device to be fixed to a wheelchair fixing device for fixing a foldable wheelchair that can be folded in the width direction to the floor surface of a structure, A pair of connecting members connected to each of the two sides of the wheelchair, The wheelchair fixing device comprises a fixing bar that extends axially so as to span substantially horizontally between the pair of connecting members, is positioned at a first height, and is fixed to the floor surface by being pressed down from above by the lock arm of the wheelchair fixing device, The aforementioned fixed bar is A pair of bar members are rotatably connected to each of the pair of connecting members, A connecting member configured to rotatably connect the ends of the pair of bar members and to allow the fixed bar to be folded in a predetermined bending direction, The wheelchair is characterized by comprising a conversion mechanism that converts a portion of the axially inward pressing force applied to the pair of connecting members when the wheelchair is folded into a force that rotates the pair of bar members in the bending direction.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the fixing device of the present invention, the fixing bar is composed of a pair of bar members rotatably connected to each of a pair of connecting members at its base end, and a connecting member rotatably connecting the tips of the pair of bar members. As a result, the fixing bar can be folded and deformed in a predetermined bending direction in conjunction with the operation of folding the folding wheelchair in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the fixing bar is provided with a conversion mechanism that converts a portion of the axially inward pressing force applied to the pair of connecting members when folding the wheelchair into a force that rotates the pair of bar members in the bending direction. That is, when the pair of side frames of the wheelchair are folded inward in the vehicle width direction, an axial pressing force in the same direction as the vehicle width direction is applied to the pair of connecting members connected to the pair of side frames. Since this applied pressing force rotates the pair of bar members in the bending direction via the conversion mechanism, the fixing bar can be easily and automatically folded and deformed in conjunction with the folding operation of the wheelchair without the user having to manually apply a separate bending force to the fixing bar. In other words, the fixing device provides the function of fixing the wheelchair to the floor using a wheelchair fixing device without interfering with the original folding operation of the folding wheelchair. Therefore, the fixing device of the present invention is fixed to the floor using a wheelchair fixing device, and also enables the simple folding operation of a folding wheelchair.

[0009] (Configuration 2) A further embodiment of the present invention is a fixed device of configuration 1, characterized in that the conversion mechanism is provided at the connection portion between each connecting member and each bar member.

[0010] (Composition 3) A further embodiment of the present invention provides a fixed device of configuration 2, wherein the fixed device has a pair of action pins that protrude from the connecting member so as to abut the base end portions of the pair of bar members, and the action pins act at a position eccentric to the opposite side of the bending direction from the central axis of the fixed bar.

[0011] (Composition 4) A further embodiment of the present invention is a fixed device of configuration 3, wherein a curved portion or an inclined portion is formed on the side surface on the bending direction side of the base end portion of each of the pair of bar members, and the curved portion or the inclined portion forms a rotation space for the base end portions of the pair of bar members to rotate in the bending direction without being obstructed by the action pin.

[0012] (Composition 5) A further embodiment of the present invention is a fixed device in the fixed device of configuration 4, characterized in that the operating pin is a screw and is screwed into a threaded portion formed on the connecting member.

[0013] (Composition 6) A further embodiment of the present invention is a fixed device in which, in the fixed device of configurations 1 to 5, the pair of bar members are connected to the connecting member and the linking member such that rotation is permitted only in the bending direction.

[0014] (Composition 7) A further embodiment of the present invention is a fixed device of configuration 1 to 6, wherein the connecting member comprises a restricting wall extending to restrict the rotation of the pair of bar members in the direction opposite to the bending direction, The conversion mechanism is provided in the restricting wall and comprises a pair of action pins that protrude toward the pair of bar members, wherein each action pin acts upon the bar members at a position closer to the base end than the pivot axis connecting each bar member and the connecting member.

[0015] (Composition 8) A further embodiment of the present invention is a fixed device in the fixed device of configuration 1 to 7, wherein each of the pair of connecting members comprises a fixed frame having a connecting portion connected to the side frame of the wheelchair, and a movable frame rotatably connected to the fixed frame, The tip end of the movable frame is provided with a pivot shaft and a bracket for pivotally supporting the bar member. The fixed bar is displaceable between a fixed position where the fixed bar is disposed at the first height position and a storage position where the fixed bar is disposed at a second height position higher than the first height position when the movable frame rotates with respect to the fixed frame.

[0016] (Configuration 9) In a further form of the fixed device of the present invention, in the fixed device of Configuration 8, when in the fixed position, the central portion in the axial direction is refracted and folded so as to face in a substantially vertically upward direction or a substantially horizontal direction. Each of the pair of connecting members is provided with an operation handle for locking the fixed frame and the movable frame at a predetermined angle.

[0017] (Configuration 10) A wheelchair according to one form of the present invention has a pair of connecting members of the fixed device of Configurations 1 to 9 connected to a pair of side frames, and the pair of side frames and the fixed bar of the fixed device can be folded inward in the vehicle width direction.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] The fixed device of the present invention is fixed to the floor surface by a wheelchair fixing device in a state of being attached to a wheelchair, and enables a simple folding operation of a folding wheelchair.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] Schematic perspective view of a folding wheelchair including the fixed device (fixed mode) according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Schematic perspective view of the fixed device (fixed mode) according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Front view (a), side view (b), and rear view (c) of the fixed device in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] Plan view (a) and bottom view (b) of the fixed device in FIG. 2. [Figure 5]Cross-sectional view AA of the fixed device in Figure 3(a). [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the fixed device. [Figure 7] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the fixed device BB. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram showing a configuration in which the fixed device (fixed mode) of one embodiment of the present invention is fixed to the vehicle floor by a wheelchair fixing device. [Figure 9] A schematic perspective view showing the fixed device in Figure 2 folded in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 10] A plan view of the fixed device in its folded form, as shown in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view of the fixed device in its folded form, as shown in Figure 10. [Figure 12] A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the fixed device in its folded form, as shown in Figure 11. [Figure 13] A schematic perspective view of the fixed device (storage mode) of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is a front view of the device to be fixed. [Figure 15] Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view showing the fixed device folded in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 16] Front view of the fixed device in its folded form (storage mode) as shown in Figure 15. [Figure 17] A schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the fixed device of the present invention. [Figure 18] A schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the fixed device of the present invention. [Figure 19] A schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the fixed device of the present invention. [Figure 20] A schematic diagram showing a conventional wheelchair securing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] The following describes one embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the shapes in the drawings referenced in the following description are conceptual or schematic diagrams for illustrating preferred shapes and dimensions, and the dimensional ratios, etc., do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensional ratios. In other words, the present invention is not limited to the dimensional ratios shown in the drawings.

[0021] The fixing device 100 of the present invention is introduced into a foldable wheelchair 10 that can be folded in the general vehicle width direction (the direction between the pair of main wheels 12), thereby enabling the wheelchair 10 to be fixed to a wheelchair fixing device 30 installed on the floor surface of a structure. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a wheelchair 10 incorporating the fixing device 100 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the foldable wheelchair 10 comprises a pair of side frames 11 that constitute the main frame, a pair of main wheels 12 attached to the pair of side frames 11, a hinge frame 13 that connects the pair of side frames 11 in the vehicle width direction, and a fixing device 100 attached to the pair of side frames 11. By rotating the hinge frame 13, the pair of side frames 11 and the pair of main wheels 12 move closer together in the vehicle width direction, and the wheelchair 10 is folded. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the fixing device 100 is attached to the lower frame (or pipe) that extends from the front to the back of a pair of side frames 11 of the wheelchair 10.

[0022] Furthermore, the wheelchair restraint device 30 is mainly installed on the floor 21 of a vehicle 20 such as a passenger car, bus, or train, and is configured to restrain the wheelchair 10 in place. The wheelchair restraint device 30 is exemplified in Patent Document 1, but is not limited to that form. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing the wheelchair restraint device 30 of this embodiment. The wheelchair restraint device 30 comprises a housing 31 that has a drive mechanism built inside, and a lock arm 32 that protrudes from a slit formed in the housing 31. The lock arm 32 is configured to be electrically driven up and down. When the lock arm 32 stops in the upper position (dummy line) in the vertical direction upward, the restraint bar 111 can be introduced below it. The lock arm 32 is then driven to rotate vertically downward from the upper position, and by pressing down on the restraint bar, which is positioned at a predetermined height position (first height position), from above, the wheelchair 10 can be restrained. In this embodiment, the first height position is set to approximately 5 to 10 cm, but this height can be set arbitrarily. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, it is preferable that the housing 31 is embedded in the floor surface 21 of the vehicle 20. Note that the wheelchair securing device 30 is not limited to the vehicle 20, but may also be installed on the floor surface of a building.

[0023] Next, the configuration of the fixing device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 7. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the fixing device 100. Figures 3(a) to 3(c) are the front, side, and rear views of the fixing device 100. Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are the top and bottom views of the fixing device 100. Figures 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views AA and partially enlarged views of the fixing device 100. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view BB of the fixing device 100. Figures 2 to 7 show a configuration in which the fixing bar 111 of the fixing device 100 is positioned at a first height where it is fixed by the lock arm 32 of the wheelchair fixing device 30. This configuration of the fixing device 100 is called the fixing mode.

[0024] The fixing device 100 comprises a pair of connecting members 101, each connected to a pair of side frames 11 of the wheelchair 10, and a fixing bar 111 that extends axially so as to span substantially horizontally between the pair of connecting members 101. The fixing device 100 as a whole has a U-shape, with the base ends of the pair of connecting members 101 being open and the fixing bar 111 being installed at the tip ends.

[0025] Each of the pair of connecting members 101 comprises a fixed frame 102 having a connecting portion 103 that connects to the side frame 11 of the wheelchair 10, and a movable frame 104 that is rotatably connected to the fixed frame 102 via a pivot shaft 104a. The fixed frame 102 is fixed to the side frame 11, while the movable frame 104 is rotatable relative to the side frame 11.

[0026] In the restraining device 100 of this embodiment, when the tip of the movable frame 104 is facing approximately vertically downward and the fixing bar 111 is maintained at the first height position, the fixing bar 111 is in a fixed position that allows it to be fixed by the wheelchair restraining device 30. At this time, the restraining device 100 (or wheelchair 10) is in a fixed mode (or fixed posture). On the other hand, as shown in Figure 13, the movable frame 104 is rotatable backward relative to the fixing frame 102. When the tip of this movable frame is facing backward and the fixing bar 111 is maintained at a second height position (higher than the first height position), the fixing bar 111 is in a stored position that prevents it from interfering with the ground when the wheelchair 10 is moving. At this time, the restraining device 100 (or wheelchair 10) is in a stored mode (or stored posture). In this embodiment, the second height position is set to approximately 10 to 20 cm, but it can be set arbitrarily.

[0027] The connecting portion 103 of the fixed frame 102 is composed of a divided body that sandwiches a pipe that constitutes part of the side frame 11. The divided body has an insertion hole into which the pipe is inserted. The connecting portion 103 is configured to be connectable to pipes and frames of various thicknesses by tightening the divided body with screws. In other words, the fixed device 100 can be retrofitted to various types of wheelchairs. In addition, a bracket 106 is provided on the tip side of the movable frame 104, and the base end portions of each bar member 112 of the fixed bar 111 are pivotally supported by a pivot shaft 106a that passes through the bracket 106.

[0028] The fixing bar 111 is positioned at a first height between a pair of connecting members 101 (brackets 106 of the movable frame 104) in a fixed position, and is configured to be fixed to the floor surface 21 by being pressed down from above by the lock arm 32 of the wheelchair fixing device 30. The fixing bar 111 comprises a pair of bar members 112 extending from a base end to a tip, a connecting member 116 configured to rotatably connect the tips of the pair of bar members 112 and to allow the fixing bar 111 to be folded in a predetermined bending direction, and a conversion mechanism that converts a portion of the axially inward pressing force applied to the pair of connecting members 101 when the wheelchair 10 is folded into a force that rotates the pair of bar members 112 in the bending direction.

[0029] The pair of bar members 112 are rotatably connected at their respective base ends to the brackets 106 of the pair of connecting members 101 via pivot shafts 106a. As shown in Figure 5, each bar member 112 can rotate relative to the bracket 106 in a predetermined bending direction (vertically upward in Figure 5), while the side surface 106c of the bracket 106 facing axially inward contacts the end face of the base end of each bar member 112, thereby restricting each bar member 112 from rotating in a direction other than the bending direction (vertically downward in Figure 5) relative to the bracket 106.

[0030] On the other hand, the pair of bar members 112 are rotatably connected to the connecting member 116 at their tip portions. As shown in Figure 5, the connecting member 116 is in the shape of a plate or housing with an open vertical downward surface and both axial sides, and the tip portions of the pair of bar members 112 are pivotally supported on its lower side via two pivot shafts 116a. The connecting member 116 also includes a plate portion 116b (restricting wall) that extends to restrict the rotation of the pair of bar members 112 in the direction opposite to the bending direction. More specifically, the plate portion 116b extends from the vertical upward (bending direction side) in Figure 5 to cover the tip portions of the pair of bar members 112, and acts as a restricting wall that allows the pair of bar members 112 to rotate in the direction of an upward mountain fold, but restricts the rotation of the pair of bar members 112 in the direction of a downward valley fold (downward mountain fold). In other words, the pair of bar members 112 can rotate relative to the connecting member 116 in a predetermined bending direction (the direction of the mountain fold upwards in Figure 5), while rotation in any direction other than the bending direction is restricted. To put it another way, the pair of bar members 112 are connected to the connecting member 101 and the connecting member 116 in such a way that rotation is permitted only in the predetermined bending direction.

[0031] In other words, the fixing bar 111 can be folded and deformed by bending at its four joints. In particular, in the fixing mode of the fixed device 100, the fixing bar 111 is allowed to bend so that its axial middle is folded upwards in a mountain fold, but it is restricted from bending in a valley fold. As a result, when the fixing bar 111 is pressed down from above by the lock arm 32 and fixed to the floor surface 21, as shown in Figure 8, it is prevented from being folded and deformed.

[0032] Figure 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the connection portion between the connecting member 101 and the bar member 112. Each connection portion is provided with a conversion mechanism that converts a portion of the axially inward pressing force applied to the pair of connecting members 101 when the wheelchair 10 is folded into a force that rotates the pair of bar members 112 in a predetermined bending direction. In this embodiment, the conversion mechanism has a pair of operating pins 105 that protrude from the connecting member 101 so as to abut against the base end portions of the pair of bar members 112. Each operating pin 105 acts at a position eccentric to the opposite side of the bending direction from the central axis of each fixed bar 111.

[0033] More specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the bar member 112 has a flat portion 113 formed on the end face of the base end opposite to the bending direction (lower part in Figure 6) and perpendicular to the axial direction, and a curved portion 114 formed on the end face of the base end on the bending direction side (upper part in Figure 6) and on the side surface on the bending direction side, which is chamfered in an arc shape. Here, the bending direction side is the side on which the fixed bar 111 protrudes in a mountain fold when folded. On the other hand, the operating pin 105 protrudes slightly from the side surface 106c of the bracket 106 at a position shifted from the pivot axis 116a to the opposite side of the bending direction (lower part in Figure 6). If the operating pin 105 is not present, the flat portion 113 abuts against the side surface 106c of the bracket 106 approximately parallel to it, and this engagement restricts rotation in the opposite direction of the bending direction (counterclockwise in Figure 6). On the other hand, since the curved portion 114 is set back from the tip surface so as not to come into contact with the side surface 106c of the bracket 106, rotation in the bending direction (clockwise in Figure 6) of each bar member 112 is permitted. That is, a curved portion 114 is formed on the side surface on the bending direction side of the base end portion of each of the pair of bar members 112, and this curved portion 114 creates a rotation space that allows the base end portions of the pair of bar members 112 to rotate in the bending direction without being obstructed by the operating pin 105 or the side surface 106c of the bracket 106 (see Figure 12). In other words, the conversion mechanism can function through the interaction between the operating pin 105 and the end face shape of the bar member 112 (flat portion 113 and curved portion 114).

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, the tip surface of the action pin 105 contacts the flat portion 113 of the end surface of the bar member 112 (offset from the central axis of the bar member 112), thereby maintaining a posture in which the bar member 112 is slightly tilted or rotated in the bending direction. Due to this tilt angle, when an inward force is applied to the fixed bar 111 from both ends, the force escapes from the axial direction to the bending direction, guiding the pair of bar members 112 to rotate in a predetermined direction around their respective pivot axes. In other words, the conversion mechanism of this embodiment can effectively convert a portion of the inward axial pressure applied to the fixed bar 111 into a force that rotates the pair of bar members 112 in a predetermined bending direction (clockwise in Figure 6). If this tilt angle were absent, even if an inward axial pressure were applied, the axial force would not escape, and the pair of bar members 112 would not be able to rotate in the bending direction, requiring the operator to manually apply a separate bending force. In contrast, the fixing device 100 of this embodiment enables the fixing bar 111 to be automatically folded in the bending direction in accordance with the folding operation of the wheelchair 10 in the width direction.

[0035] In this embodiment, the operating pin 105 is a screw. As shown in Figure 6, the operating pin 105 is screwed into a screw hole (threaded portion) 104b formed in the movable frame 104 of the connecting member 101 and passes through the through hole 106b of the bracket 106. The user can finely adjust the amount of protrusion from the side surface 106c of the bracket 106 by screwing the operating pin 105.

[0036] Furthermore, each of the pair of connecting members 101 is provided with a pair of operating handles 108 for locking the fixed frame 102 and the movable frame 104 at a predetermined angle. Each operating handle 108 extends axially inward from the opposing surfaces of the pair of movable frames 104. As shown in Figure 7, the tip portion of the operating handle 108 passes through the through portion 104c of the movable frame 104. In addition, the shaft tip of the operating handle 108 facing outward in the vehicle width direction is provided with a locking portion 108a that can be selectively fitted into the first locking hole 102a on the lower side or the second locking hole 102b on the upper side of the fixed frame 102 (see Figure 2) to lock the movable frame 104 at a predetermined angle. The position of the locking holes is determined such that when the locking part 108a is fitted into the first locking hole 102a, the tip of the movable frame 104 points vertically downward, and when the locking part 108a is fitted into the first locking hole 102a, the tip of the movable frame 104 points horizontally backward. Furthermore, the user can maintain or release the state in which the locking part 108a is fitted into the locking hole by twisting the operating handle 108. In addition, although not shown, the operating handle 108 and the locking part 108a may be constantly biased by an elastic member (e.g., a spring) in the direction of fitting into the locking hole. Thus, the user can pull the pair of operating handles 108 inward in the vehicle width direction to disengage the locking part 108a from one locking hole and release the lock, and then rotate the movable frame 104 to fit the locking part 108a into the other locking hole, thereby transitioning to the other mode.

[0037] Figure 8 shows the configuration in which the fixed device 100 (fixed mode) is fixed to the floor surface 21 of the vehicle 20 by the wheelchair fixing device 30. Here, the housing 31 of the wheelchair fixing device 30 is embedded in the floor surface 21, and the lock arm 32 extends from the floor surface 21. As shown in Figure 8, the fixing bar 111 is positioned at a first height position from the floor surface 21. The lock arm 32 then presses down on the fixing bar 111 from the vertical upper side, thereby firmly restraining the wheelchair 10 to the floor surface 21. In this embodiment, the lock arm 32 presses down on the fixing bar 111 from the rear of the wheelchair 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. Furthermore, since the fixing bar 111 is restricted from rotating in directions other than the bending direction that results in an upward mountain fold, it is prevented from folding and deforming when fixed to the floor surface 21 by the lock arm 32.

[0038] Next, with reference to Figures 9 to 11, the folded form of the fixing device 100 (fixed mode), which is folded in conjunction with the folding operation of the wheelchair 10 in the width direction, will be described. Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the folded form of the fixing device 100 (fixed mode). Figure 10 is a front view of the folded form of the fixing device 100 (fixed mode). Figures 11 and 12 are cross-sectional views and partially enlarged views of the folded form of the fixing device 100 (fixed mode).

[0039] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the fixed device 100 can be transformed into a folded form in conjunction with the folding of the wheelchair 10 in the width direction while remaining in the fixed mode. In this folded form, the pair of connecting members 101 are close together in the axial direction (width direction), and the fixed bar 111 is folded vertically upward in a mountain fold. More specifically, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the pair of bar members 112 rotate upward around the pivot axis 106a relative to the pair of connecting members 101, and the tip portions of the pair of bar members 112 rotate around the pivot axis 116a relative to the connecting member 116 so that they bend upward in a mountain fold. In other words, the pair of bar members 112 rotate in predetermined rotational directions so as not to interfere with the floor surface during folding, thereby bending and folding the fixed bar 111.

[0040] Furthermore, the fixed device 100 of this embodiment is configured to be displaceable between a fixed position in which the fixed bar 111 is positioned at a first height position and a storage position in which the fixed bar 111 is positioned at a second height position higher than the first height position, by the rotation of the movable frame 104 relative to the fixed frame 102.

[0041] Figures 13 and 14 are schematic perspective and front views, respectively, of the restrained device 100 in storage mode, where the fixing bar 111 is positioned in a storage position to enable the wheelchair 10 to move. As shown in Figure 13, the movable frame 104 is locked in a position rotated horizontally to the rearward side relative to the fixed frame 102. In this storage position, the fixing bar 111 is positioned at a second height position, which is higher than the first height position (in the fixed mode). The first height position is low, close to the ground, so the fixing bar 111 is likely to get in the way when the wheelchair 10 is moving. In contrast, this second height position is at approximately the same height as the fixed frame 102 of the connecting member 101, effectively preventing the fixing bar 111 from interfering with obstacles such as ground bumps. In other words, when the restrained device 100 is in storage mode, the restrained device 100 itself can be prevented from getting in the way when the wheelchair 10 is moving. Conventionally, after releasing the wheelchair from the wheelchair securing device, users were advised to remove the securing bar from the wheelchair because it would be positioned low to the ground and obstruct movement. In contrast, the securing device 100 of this embodiment transforms from a secured mode to a storage mode, preventing the securing bar 111 from obstructing the wheelchair 10's movement and eliminating the need for the user to remove the securing device 100 from the wheelchair 10. As a result, the operability of the wheelchair 10 can be improved.

[0042] Furthermore, the fixed device 100 of this embodiment is configured to be foldable even in storage mode, providing high convenience. Figures 15 and 16 are schematic perspective and front views showing the folded form of the fixed device 100 in storage mode, with the fixed bar 111 positioned in storage. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, in this folded form, the pair of connecting members 101 are close together in the axial direction, and the fixed bar 111 is folded forward in a mountain fold. More specifically, similar to Figure 11, the pair of bar members 112 rotate forward around the pivot axis 106a relative to the pair of connecting members 101, and the tip portions of the pair of bar members 112 rotate so as to bend around the pivot axis 116a relative to the connecting member 116. That is, the fixed bar 111 is folded by the pair of bar members 112 rotating in a predetermined rotational direction so as not to interfere with the floor surface during folding deformation.

[0043] The following describes the effects and advantages of the fixed device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] According to the fixing device 100 of one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing bar 111 is composed of a pair of bar members 112 that are rotatably connected to each of a pair of connecting members 101 at their base ends, and a connecting member 116 that rotatably connects the tip portions of the pair of bar members 112. As a result, the fixing bar 111 can be folded and deformed in a predetermined bending direction in conjunction with the folding of the folding wheelchair 10 (to which the fixing device 100 is attached) in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the fixing bar 111 is provided with a conversion mechanism that converts a portion of the axially inward pressing force applied to the pair of connecting members 101 when the wheelchair 10 is folded into a force that rotates the pair of bar members 112 in the bending direction. That is, when the pair of side frames 11 of the wheelchair 10 are folded inward in the vehicle width direction, an axial pressing force in the same direction as the vehicle width direction is applied to the pair of connecting members 101 connected to the pair of side frames 11. This added pressing force rotates the pair of bar members 112 in the bending direction via the conversion mechanism, allowing the fixed bar 111 to be easily and automatically folded in conjunction with the folding operation of the wheelchair 10, without the user having to manually apply a separate bending force to the fixed bar 111. In particular, in this embodiment, the pair of operating pins 105 contact the end faces of the axial base ends of the pair of bar members 112, respectively, maintaining the pair of bar members 112 in a position inclined in a predetermined bending direction with respect to the axial direction. When an axial force is applied while in this inclined position, a portion of the axial force is converted into a bending force, and as a result, it is possible to assist in the folding deformation of the fixed bar 111. In other words, the fixing device 100 provides the function of fixing the wheelchair 10 to the floor surface 21 by the wheelchair fixing device 30 without interfering with the original folding operation of the folding wheelchair 10. Therefore, the fixed device 100 of this embodiment is fixed to the floor surface 21 by the wheelchair fixing device 30, and also enables the simple folding operation of the foldable wheelchair 10.

[0045] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. Modifications of the present invention will be described below.

[0046] (1) The fixed device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, a flat portion opposite to the bending direction and a curved portion on the bending direction side are formed at the base end of each bar member, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in the fixed device 100A in Figure 17, an inclined portion 114A may be formed instead of a curved portion.

[0047] (2) The fixed device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the action pin is a screw screwed into the threaded portion of the connecting member, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As shown in the fixed device 100B in Figure 18, the action pin may be a projection 105B integrally formed on the connecting member. Alternatively, although not shown, the action pin may be retractable from the side of the bracket and biased in the protruding direction by an elastic body such as a spring. In this case, the action pin may be configured to assist or guide the rotation of each bar member in the bending direction by elastically pressing on a position on the end face of the bar member of the fixed bar that is eccentric to the opposite side of the bending direction from the axis.

[0048] (3) The fixed device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the conversion mechanism is provided at the connection portion between each connecting member and each bar member, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As shown in the fixed device 100C in Figure 19, the conversion mechanism may be provided on the connecting member 116C instead of, or in addition to, the configuration of the above embodiment. That is, the connecting member 116C includes a plate portion 114b (restricting wall) that extends to restrict the rotation of the pair of bar members 112 in the opposite direction to the bending direction. The conversion mechanism is provided on the plate portion 114b and is a pair of operating pins 117 that protrude toward the pair of bar members 112. These operating pins 117 may be screws. Each operating pin 117 acts on the bar member 112 at a position closer to the base end than the pivot axis 116a that connects each bar member 112 and the connecting member 116C. As shown in Figure 19, each action pin 117 contacts the outer surface of the bar member 112, maintaining a position in which the pair of bar members 112 are slightly inclined in the folding direction. This allows the conversion mechanism to convert a portion of the axial inward pressing force applied to the pair of connecting members 101 when folding the wheelchair 10 into a force that rotates the pair of bar members 112 in the folding direction.

[0049] (4) The fixed device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the fixed device is configured to have a fixed mode and a storage mode, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the fixed device may be configured to have only a fixed mode without making the connecting member rotatable.

[0050] (5) The fixing device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the fixing device was configured to be retrofitted to the side frame of the wheelchair, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the pair of connecting members of the fixing device may be integrated with the side frame of the wheelchair.

[0051] (6) The fixed device of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the fixed bar is folded in a mountain fold upward in the vertical direction in the fixed mode, and the fixed bar is folded in a mountain fold backward in the horizontal direction in the storage mode, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the direction in which the fixed bar is folded in a mountain fold may be inclined with respect to a horizontal plane or a vertical plane. Alternatively, the fixed bar may be folded in a mountain fold forward or backward in the horizontal direction in the fixed mode, and the fixed bar may be folded in a mountain fold upward or downward in the vertical direction in the storage mode.

[0052] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments or modifications described above, and can be implemented in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 10 Wheelchairs 11 Side frame 12 Main wheels 13 Hinge Frame 20 vehicles 21 Floor surface 30 Wheelchair fixation device 31 Housing 32 Lock Arm 100 Fixed device 101 Connecting member 102 Fixed Frame 102a First lock hole 102b Second lock hole 103 Connection part 104 Movable Frame 104a Rotary shaft 104b Screw hole (screwing part) 104c Penetration 105 Acting pin 106 Bracket 106a Rotary shaft 106b Through hole 106c side 108 Operating handle 108a Locking section 111 Fixed bar 112 Bar Member 113 Plane section 114 Curved section 116 Connecting Member 116a Rotary shaft 116b Plate section (regulating wall)

Claims

1. A device to be fixed to a wheelchair fixing device for fixing a foldable wheelchair that can be folded in the width direction to the floor surface of a structure, A pair of connecting members connected to each of the side frames of the wheelchair, The wheelchair fixing device comprises a fixing bar that extends axially so as to span substantially horizontally between the pair of connecting members, is positioned at a first height, and is fixed to the floor surface by being pressed down from above by the lock arm of the wheelchair fixing device, The aforementioned fixed bar is A pair of bar members are rotatably connected to each of the pair of connecting members, A connecting member configured to rotatably connect the ends of the pair of bar members and to allow the fixed bar to be folded in a predetermined bending direction, A device for fixing, characterized by comprising a conversion mechanism that converts a portion of the axially inward pressing force applied to the pair of connecting members when the wheelchair is folded into a force that rotates the pair of bar members in the bending direction.

2. The device to be fixed according to claim 1, characterized in that the conversion mechanism is provided at the connection portion between each connecting member and each bar member.

3. The device to be fixed according to claim 2, wherein the conversion mechanism has a pair of working pins that protrude from the connecting member so as to abut against the base end portions of each of the pair of bar members, and the working pins act at a position eccentric to the opposite side of the bending direction from the central axis of the fixed bar.

4. The fixing device according to claim 3, wherein a curved portion or an inclined portion is formed on the side surface of the base end portion of each of the pair of bar members on the bending direction side, and the curved portion or the inclined portion forms a rotation space for the base end portions of the pair of bar members to rotate in the bending direction without being obstructed by the action pin.

5. The fixing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the operating pin is a screw and is screwed into a threaded portion formed on the connecting member.

6. The device to be fixed according to claim 5, characterized in that the pair of bar members are connected to the connecting member and the linking member such that rotation is permitted only in the bending direction.

7. The connecting member includes a restricting wall that extends to restrict the rotation of the pair of bar members in the direction opposite to the bending direction, The device to be fixed according to claim 1, wherein the conversion mechanism is provided on the restricting wall and is a pair of action pins that protrude toward the pair of bar members, and each action pin acts upon the bar members at a position closer to the base end than the pivot axis connecting each bar member and the connecting member.

8. Each of the pair of connecting members comprises a fixed frame having a connecting portion connected to the side frame of the wheelchair, and a movable frame rotatably connected to the fixed frame. The tip end of the movable frame is provided with a pivot shaft and a bracket for pivotally supporting the bar member. The fixed device according to claim 4, characterized in that the fixed bar is displaceable between a fixed position in which the fixed bar is positioned at a first height position and a storage position in which the fixed bar is positioned at a second height position higher than the first height position, by the rotation of the movable frame relative to the fixed frame.

9. When the fixed bar is in the fixed position, its axial central portion is bent and folded so that it is directed approximately vertically upward or approximately horizontally. The device to be fixed according to claim 8, characterized in that each of the pair of connecting members is provided with an operating handle for locking the fixed frame and the movable frame at a predetermined angle.

10. Each of the pair of connecting members comprises a fixed frame having a connecting portion that connects to the side frame of the wheelchair, and a movable frame that is rotatably connected to the fixed frame in a vertical manner. The tip end of the movable frame is provided with a pivot shaft and a bracket for pivotally supporting the bar member. The fixed device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the fixed bar is displaceable between a fixed position in which the fixed bar is positioned at a first height position and a storage position in which the fixed bar is positioned at a second height position higher than the first height position, by the rotation of the movable frame relative to the fixed frame.

11. A wheelchair characterized in that a pair of connecting members of the fixed device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 are connected to a pair of side frames, and the pair of side frames and the fixing bar of the fixed device are foldable inward in the width direction of the vehicle.

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