Wheelchair assistive device and wheelchair device

Abstract

Provided is an assistive device for a wheelchair that has both a function of lifting the front wheels of the wheelchair and a function of suppressing the wheelchair from tilting backward. 【Solution means】A wheelchair assistive device 40 that can be attached to and detached from a wheelchair 10 having a frame 90 provided with a first front wheel 30 and a support shaft, and a first rear wheel 28 rotatably supported by the support shaft, the wheelchair assistive device 40 having an attachment portion that is attached to and detached from the frame at a location behind the support shaft, a footrest portion that is connected to the attachment portion and can be stepped on by an assistant with the foot, and a protruding portion 47 that is connected to the attachment portion and protrudes in the vertical direction, the attachment portion being configured to be able to change between a first attachment state in which the protruding portion 47 faces upward in the vertical direction and a second attachment state in which the protruding portion 47 faces downward in the vertical direction, is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an assistive device for a wheelchair and a wheelchair device provided on the wheelchair.

Background Art

[0002] An example of an assistive device for a wheelchair provided on a wheelchair is described in Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Non-Patent Document 1, and Non-Patent Document 2. The wheelchair assist step (assistive device) described in Patent Document 1 has an assist step attached to the step in order to perform an operation of lifting the front wheels of the wheelchair with a light force. The assist step has a step convex that extends rearward from the steps on both the left and right sides, and a step concave that connects the step convexes. When a caregiver steps on the assist step during wheelchair operation, the front wheels can be lifted to easily perform operations such as crossing a step.

[0003] The rear tipping prevention device (assistive device) for a wheelchair described in Patent Document 2 drives the rear wheels provided on the left and right sides of the rear of the electric wheelchair with a motor in a power unit attached to the inner surface of the rear wheels. Further, a bracket having an inverted concave cross-section is projected on the rear side of the left and right power units, and the front end of a swing arm with a tipping prevention wheel axially attached to the rear end is rotatably attached to the bracket. Furthermore, the swing arm is biased by a spring so that the upper surface of the swing arm abuts against a stopper attached to the upper rear part of the bracket.

[0004] Non-Patent Document 1 describes a diagram in which a tipping prevention device for preventing the wheelchair from tipping backward is provided on the tipping lever of the wheelchair.

[0005] Non-Patent Document 2 describes a diagram in which a tipping prevention bar for preventing the wheelchair from tipping backward is provided on the tipping lever of the wheelchair.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Non-Patent Document

[0007]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] The inventor of the present application has recognized that there is room for improvement in that the assistive devices for wheelchairs described in Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Non-Patent Document 1, and Non-Patent Document 2 do not recognize an assistive device for a wheelchair that combines both the function of lifting the front wheels of the wheelchair to overcome a step and the function of suppressing the backward tilt of the wheelchair.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an assistive device for a wheelchair and a wheelchair device that have both the function of lifting the front wheels of the wheelchair and the function of suppressing the backward tilt of the wheelchair.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The wheelchair assist device of the present disclosure is a wheelchair assist device that can be attached to and detached from a location behind the support shaft in a wheelchair having a frame to which a front wheel is attached, a support shaft provided on the frame and disposed behind the front wheel, and a rear wheel rotatably supported by the support shaft. The wheelchair assist device includes an attachment portion that can be attached to and detached from the frame at a location behind the support shaft, a footrest portion connected to the attachment portion and that can be stepped on by an assistant with their foot in a state where the attachment portion is attached to the frame, and a protruding portion connected to the attachment portion and protruding vertically in a state where the attachment portion is attached to the frame. The attachment portion is configured such that an assistant can change between a first attachment state in which the protruding portion faces upward in the vertical direction and a second attachment state in which the protruding portion faces downward in the vertical direction.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a wheelchair assist device having both a function of lifting the front wheel of a wheelchair and a function of suppressing the wheelchair from tilting backward.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] (Summary of Embodiment) The wheelchair device of this embodiment includes a wheelchair and an assistive device for the wheelchair. The assistive device for the wheelchair is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the wheelchair. When the assistive device for the wheelchair is attached to the wheelchair, it can be changed between a first attachment state and a second attachment state. When the assistive device for the wheelchair is attached to the wheelchair in the first attachment state, the caregiver can lift the front wheels of the wheelchair by stepping on the assistive device for the wheelchair with their foot. Also, when the assistive device for the wheelchair is attached to the wheelchair in the second attachment state, the contact of the assistive device for the wheelchair with the place of use can suppress the wheelchair from tilting backward. The wheelchair device is composed of a wheelchair and an assistive device for the wheelchair. Specific examples of the wheelchair device, the wheelchair, and the assistive device for the wheelchair will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] (Specific Examples of Wheelchair Device and Wheelchair) The wheelchair device 80 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 is composed of a wheelchair 10 and an assistive device 40 for the wheelchair. The wheelchair 10 is placed at the place of use 11 and used in the posture of the subject 12 sitting. The subject 12 includes a person with physical disabilities, a person requiring care, etc. The caregiver 13 assists in the use of the wheelchair 10, such as stopping the wheelchair 10, moving the wheelchair 10, and changing the direction of the wheelchair 10, from behind the wheelchair 10. The caregiver 13 includes a caregiver, a medical professional, etc. The wheelchair 10 has a first arm support frame 14, a second arm support frame 15, a first foot support frame 16, a second foot support frame 17, a first tipping lever 18, a second tipping lever 19, a first push handle 20, a second push handle 21, etc.

[0015] The wheelchair 10 also includes a first arm support 22, a second arm support 23, a first side guard 24, a second side guard 25, a seat 27, a first rear wheel 28, a second rear wheel 29, a first front wheel 30, a second front wheel 31, a first foot support 32, a second foot support 33, folding frames 34, 58, etc. In the state of use of the wheelchair 10, the first front wheel 30, the second front wheel 31, the first rear wheel 28, and the second rear wheel 29 are in contact (grounded) with the use location 11.

[0016] The first frame 90 is constituted by a first arm support frame 14, a first foot support frame 16, a first tipping lever 18, and a first push handle 20. Also, the second frame 91 is constituted by a second arm support frame 15, a second foot support frame 17, a second tipping lever 19, and a second push handle 21. The first frame 90, the second frame 91, the first rear wheel 28, the second rear wheel 29, the first front wheel 30, and the second front wheel 31 are elements that play a role in supporting the weight of the subject 12 sitting on the wheelchair 10. Also, the first frame 90 and the second frame 91 are elements that play a role in maintaining the form of the wheelchair 10.

[0017] The materials of the components such as the first arm support frame 14, the second arm support frame 15, the first foot support frame 16, the second foot support frame 17, the first tipping lever 18, the second tipping lever 19, the first push handle 20, the second push handle 21, the first arm support 22, the second arm support 23, and the folding frames 34, 58 are metals, for example, aluminum, steel, titanium, stainless steel, etc.

[0018] The wheelchair 10 is movable along the front-rear direction A1. Specifically, the wheelchair 10 can move forward, backward, and change direction. The wheelchair 10 can be switched between a folded state by the operation of the folding frames 34, 58 and an unfolded state of use. The folded state of the wheelchair 10 is a state where the first frame 90 and the second frame 91 are close to each other. The state of use of the wheelchair 10 is a state where the first frame 90 and the second frame 91 are separated from each other.

[0019] In the state of use of the wheelchair 10, as shown in FIG. 2, when the wheelchair 10 is viewed from the front, the first frame 90 and the second frame 91 are arranged on both sides with a virtual line C1 along the vertical direction therebetween. The vertical direction is the acting direction of gravity. The virtual line C1 is located at the center of the wheelchair 10 in the left-right direction B1 of the wheelchair 10, that is, it is a straight line passing through the center. Thus, the wheelchair 10 has a left-right symmetric shape and structure with the virtual line C1 as the boundary. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, when the wheelchair 10 is viewed in plan, the wheelchair 10 has a left-right symmetric shape and structure with a virtual line C2 along the front-rear direction A1 as the boundary. The virtual line C2 is a straight line passing through the center of the wheelchair 10 in the left-right direction B1 of the wheelchair 10.

[0020] In the state of use of the wheelchair 10, specifically explaining the arrangement positions of the elements constituting the wheelchair 10, the first arm support frame 14 and the second arm support frame 15 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction B1 intersecting the front-rear direction A1. The first foot support frame 16 and the second foot support frame 17 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction B1. The first tipping lever 18 and the second tipping lever 19 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction B1. The first push handle 20 and the second push handle 21 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction B1.

[0021] The first arm support 22 and the second arm support 23 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction B1. The first side guard 24 and the second side guard 25 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction B1. The first rear wheel 28 and the second rear wheel 29 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction B1. The first front wheel 30 and the second front wheel 31 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction B1. The first foot support 32 and the second foot support 33 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction B1.

[0022] The first arm support frame 14 has a portion extending in the vertical direction and a portion extending in the front-rear direction A1. The first front wheel 30 is rotatably attached to the lower end of the first arm support frame 14 via a caster 35. The second arm support frame 15 has a portion extending in the vertical direction and a portion extending in the front-rear direction A1. The second front wheel 31 is rotatably attached to the lower end of the second arm support frame 15 via a caster 36. The outer diameter of the first front wheel 30 and the outer diameter of the second front wheel 31 are the same. The first tipping lever 18 is a rod-shaped pipe member and is arranged, that is, extended, along the front-rear direction A1. The first foot support frame 16 has a portion extending along the front-rear direction A1 and a portion extending downward from the front end of the portion extending along the front-rear direction A1.

[0023] In the front-rear direction A1, the front end of the first tipping lever 18 is fixed to the portion of the first foot support frame 16 that extends downward. The second tipping lever 19 is a rod-shaped pipe member and is arranged, that is, extended, along the front-rear direction A1. The second foot support frame 17 has a portion extending along the front-rear direction A1 and a portion extending downward from the front end of the portion extending along the front-rear direction A1. In the front-rear direction A1, the front end of the second tipping lever 19 is fixed to the portion of the second foot support frame 17 that extends downward.

[0024] The first push handle 20 has a vertically extended portion, and the lower end of the first push handle 20 is fixed to the first tipping lever 18. The upper end of the first push handle 20 is bent rearward in the front-rear direction A1, and a grip 53 is attached to the rear end of the first push handle 20. The second push handle 21 has a vertically extended portion, and the lower end of the second push handle 21 is fixed to the second tipping lever 19. The upper end of the second push handle 21 is bent rearward in the front-rear direction A1, and a grip 54 is attached to the rear end of the second push handle 21. The grips 53 and 54 are the portions that the assistant 13 holds with the hand 55.

[0025] The rear end of the first arm support frame 14 is fixed to the first push handle 20, and the first arm support frame 14 and the first foot support frame 16 are connected. A first arm support 22 is attached to a portion of the first arm support frame 14 that extends along the front-rear direction A1. The rear end of the second arm support frame 15 is fixed to the second push handle 21, and the second arm support frame 15 and the second foot support frame 17 are connected.

[0026] A second arm support 23 is attached to a portion of the second arm support frame 15 that extends along the front-rear direction A1. Both the first arm support frame 14 and the second arm support frame 15 are configured by covering a cushioning material with a covering material, such as leather, synthetic leather, leatherette, etc. The rear end of the first foot support frame 16 is fixed to the first push handle 20. The rear end of the second foot support frame 17 is fixed to the second push handle 21.

[0027] The first rear wheel 28 is rotatably supported by a first support shaft 82. The first support shaft 82 is attached to the connection point between the first hand push handle 20 and the first tipping lever 18. The second rear wheel 29 is rotatably supported by a second support shaft 83. The second support shaft 83 is attached to the connection point between the second hand push handle 21 and the second tipping lever 19. The first support shaft 82 and the second support shaft 83 are coaxially arranged. In the front-rear direction A1 of the wheelchair 10, the first support shaft 82 and the second support shaft 83 are arranged behind the first front wheel 30 and the second front wheel 31. The outer diameter of the first rear wheel 28 is the same as the outer diameter of the second rear wheel 29. The outer diameters of the first rear wheel 28 and the second rear wheel 29 are larger than the outer diameters of the first front wheel 30 and the second front wheel 31.

[0028] The first foot support 32 is attached to the lower end of the first foot support frame 16 so as to be deployable and foldable. The second foot support 33 is attached to the lower end of the second foot support frame 17 so as to be deployable and foldable. The first foot support 32 and the second foot support 33 serve to support the feet of the subject 12. The materials of the first foot support 32 and the second foot support 33 are, for example, synthetic resin and metal.

[0029] The leg support 37 is attached across the first foot support frame 16 to the second foot support frame 17. The leg support 37 serves to support the calves of the feet of the subject 12. The leg support 37 is made of a material that can be folded and deployed, for example, synthetic resin, synthetic leather, leather, etc.

[0030] The first side guard 24 is attached below the first arm support 22, spanning from the first arm support frame 14 to the first push handle 20. The second side guard 25 is attached below the second arm support 23, spanning from the second arm support frame 15 to the second push handle 21. The first side guard 24 and the second side guard 25 serve to limit the range within which the body of the subject 12 can move in the left - right direction. The materials of the first side guard 24 and the second side guard 25 are, for example, synthetic resin, synthetic leather, leather, etc.

[0031] The seat sheet 27 is attached across from the first foot support frame 16 to the second foot support frame 17. The seat sheet 27 is the location where the subject 12 sits and serves to support the weight of the subject 12. The seat sheet 27 is composed of a base material and a cushion that can be folded and unfolded. The cushion is laid on top of the base material. The material of the base material is, for example, synthetic resin, synthetic leather, leather, etc., and the cushion is, for example, sponge. The seat sheet 27 is configured to be foldable and deployable.

[0032] The back sheet 38 is attached across from the first push handle 20 to the second push handle 21. The back sheet 38 serves as a backrest to support the back of the subject 12. The back sheet 38 is made of a material that can be folded and unfolded, such as synthetic resin, synthetic leather, leather, etc.

[0033] In the deployed state of the wheelchair 10, when the wheelchair 10 is viewed in plan as shown in Figure 3, the first tipping lever 18 and the second tipping lever 19 are arranged in parallel, and the first rear wheel 28 and the second rear wheel 29 are arranged in parallel. Also, when the wheelchair 10 is viewed in plan as shown in Figure 3, in the left - right direction B1, the first frame 90 and the second frame 91 are located between the first rear wheel 28 and the second rear wheel 29.

[0034] The folding frames 34, 58 are arranged in a crossed state, and the crossed portions are operably connected. The lower end of the folding frame 34 is connected to the first tipping lever 18, and the upper end of the folding frame 34 is connected to the second arm support frame 15. The lower end of the folding frame 58 is connected to the second tipping lever 19, and the upper end of the folding frame 58 is connected to the first arm support frame 14. When the folding frames 34, 58 are operated about the crossed portion, the wheelchair 10 can be switched between a folded state and a deployed and used state.

[0035] (Specific Examples of Assistive Devices for Wheelchairs) Specific examples of assistive devices for wheelchairs are shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5(A), and 5(B). The assistive device 40 for a wheelchair has a configuration that can be attached to and detached from the first tipping lever 18 and the second tipping lever 19. The assistant 13 can step on the assistive device 40 for a wheelchair attached to the first tipping lever 18 and the second tipping lever 19 with the foot 56. When the assistive device 40 for a wheelchair is stepped on with the foot 56, a force is generated to lift the first front wheel 30 and the second front wheel 31 of the wheelchair 10. Further, in a state where the assistive device 40 for a wheelchair is attached to the first tipping lever 18 and the second tipping lever 19, it is possible to suppress the wheelchair 10 from tilting backward.

[0036] In the front-rear direction A1 of the wheelchair 10 shown in FIG. 4, the rear end 41 of the first tipping lever 18 and the rear end 42 of the second tipping lever 19 are located behind the virtual line C2. Also, in the front-rear direction A1 of the wheelchair 10 shown in FIG. 4, the rear end 41 of the first tipping lever 18 and the rear end 42 of the second tipping lever 19 are located in front of the rear end 43 of the first rear wheel 28 and the rear end 44 of the second rear wheel 29. Further, in the front-rear direction A1 of the wheelchair 10 shown in FIG. 4, the rear end 41 of the first tipping lever 18 and the rear end 42 of the second tipping lever 19 are in the same position.

[0037] The wheelchair assistive device 40 has attachment parts 45, 46, protruding parts 47, 48, footrest parts 49, 50, and connecting parts 51, 52. The attachment parts 45, 46, protruding parts 47, 48, footrest parts 49, 50, and connecting parts 51, 52 are made of, for example, pipe materials. Also, the material of each of the attachment parts 45, 46, protruding parts 47, 48, footrest parts 49, 50, and connecting parts 51, 52 is, for example, metal or hard synthetic resin. The metal can be selected from among aluminum, steel, titanium, stainless steel, etc. The hard synthetic resin can be selected from among tetrafluoroethylene resin, phenol resin, epoxy resin, etc.

[0038] The attachment parts 45, 46 have the same shape, structure, and dimensions. The inner diameter of the pipe-shaped attachment parts 45, 46 is larger than the outer diameter of the rear end 41 of the first tipping lever 18 and the outer diameter of the rear end 42 of the second tipping lever 19. The protruding parts 47, 48 have the same shape, structure, and dimensions. The footrest parts 49, 50 have the same shape, structure, and dimensions. The connecting parts 51, 52 have a symmetric shape and structure. The attachment part 45, protruding part 47, and footrest parts 49, 50 are connected to each other by the connecting part 51. The attachment part 46, protruding part 48, and footrest parts 49, 50 are connected to each other by the connecting part 52.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, the assistant 13 can attach the wheelchair assistive device 40 to the wheelchair 10 and remove the wheelchair assistive device 40 from the wheelchair 10 by approaching and separating the wheelchair assistive device 40 from the wheelchair 10. The state of attaching the wheelchair assistive device 40 to the wheelchair 10 includes a first attachment state and a second attachment state.

[0040] The first attachment state of the wheelchair assistive device 40 is, as shown in FIG. 4, a state in which the rear end 41 of the first tipping lever 18 is inserted into the attachment portion 45 and the rear end 42 of the second tipping lever 19 is inserted into the attachment portion 46, and the wheelchair assistive device 40 is attached to the wheelchair 10. When the wheelchair assistive device 40 is in the first attachment state, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the protruding portions 47, 48 protrude upward in the vertical direction from the connecting portions 51, 52.

[0041] When the assistant 13 moves the wheelchair assistive device 40 attached in the first attachment state backward with respect to the wheelchair 10, as shown in FIG. 4, the wheelchair assistive device 40 is detached from the first tipping lever 18 and the second tipping lever 19.

[0042] The second attachment state of the wheelchair assistive device 40 is a state in which the rear end 41 of the first tipping lever 18 is inserted into the attachment portion 46 and the rear end 42 of the second tipping lever 19 is inserted into the attachment portion 45, and the wheelchair assistive device 40 is attached to the wheelchair 10. When the wheelchair assistive device 40 is in the second attachment state, as shown in FIG. 5(B), the protruding portions 47, 48 protrude downward in the vertical direction from the connecting portions 51, 52. When the wheelchair assistive device 40 is in the second attachment state, the protruding portions 47, 48 are located behind the first support shaft 82 and the second support shaft 83 in the front-rear direction A1 of the wheelchair 10.

[0043] When the assistant 13 moves the wheelchair assistive device 40 attached in the second attachment state backward with respect to the wheelchair 10, the wheelchair assistive device 40 is detached from the first tipping lever 18 and the second tipping lever 19.

[0044] On the inner surfaces of the attachment parts 45 and 46 composed of pipe materials, retaining members 57 may be respectively provided as shown in FIG. 4. The retaining members 57 are provided to prevent the attachment parts 45 and 46 from accidentally coming off the first tipping lever 18 or the second tipping lever 19. The retaining members 57 are constituted by, for example, synthetic rubber joined to the inner surfaces of the attachment parts 45 and 46 respectively, or convex portions provided on the inner surfaces of the attachment parts 45 and 46 respectively.

[0045] Also, stoppers 84 may be respectively attached to the tips of the protruding portions 47 and 48 shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B). The stopper 84 is configured to be movable and stoppable in the longitudinal direction of the protruding portions 47 and 48. For example, the stopper 84 is connected to the protruding portions 47 and 48 by a screw mechanism, and when the stopper 84 is rotated in the first direction or the second direction, the stopper 84 is moved in either the longitudinal direction of the protruding portions 47 and 48.

[0046] (Usage example of the wheelchair device) The usage example of the wheelchair device 80 is as follows. With the wheelchair 10 in a use state, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first front wheel 30, the second front wheel 31, the first rear wheel 28, and the second rear wheel 29 are grounded to the use location 11. Also, the subject 12 sits on the seat 27 and contacts the back with the backrest 38. Further, the subject 12 places the feet on the first foot support 32 and the second foot support 33. The assistant 13 stands at the rear of the wheelchair 10 at the use location 11. The wheelchair assistive device 40 is attached to the wheelchair 10 in the first attachment state.

[0047] When the assistant 13 grips the grip 53 with the hand 55 and walks in the direction of moving the wheelchair 10 forward at the use location 11, the first front wheel 30, the second front wheel 31, the first rear wheel 28, and the second rear wheel 29 rotate, and the wheelchair 10 moves forward. Also, when the assistant 13 grips the grip 53 with the hand 55 and walks in the direction of moving the wheelchair 10 backward at the use location 11, the first front wheel 30, the second front wheel 31, the first rear wheel 28, and the second rear wheel 29 rotate, and the wheelchair 10 moves backward. Further, the assistant 13 can also change the direction of the wheelchair 10.

[0048] When there is a step 81 in front of the wheelchair 10, the assistant 13 places one foot 56 on the footrests 49 and 50 as shown in FIG. 4 and applies a stepping force to the foot 56. Then, a clockwise moment F1 is applied to the first frame 90 and the second frame 91 about the first support shaft 82 and the second support shaft 83. As a result, the first front wheel 30 and the second front wheel 31 are lifted from the usage location 11.

[0049] Then, the assistant 13 moves the wheelchair 10 forward and places the first front wheel 30 and the second front wheel 31 on the upper stage 11A of the usage location 11. Further, the assistant 13 removes the foot 56 from the footrests 49 and 50. Further, the assistant 13 moves the wheelchair 10 forward until the first rear wheel 28 and the second rear wheel 29 reach just before the step 81. When the assistant 13 lifts the grips 53 and 54, the wheelchair 10 lifts forward with the first front wheel 30 and the second front wheel 31 as fulcrums, and the first rear wheel 28 and the second rear wheel 29 are separated from the usage location 11.

[0050] Furthermore, the assistant 13 moves the wheelchair 10 forward with the first front wheel 30 and the second front wheel 31 in contact with the upper stage 11A. When the first rear wheel 28 and the second rear wheel 29 reach onto the upper stage 11A, the assistant 13 reduces the force supporting the grips 53 and 54 and brings the first rear wheel 28 and the second rear wheel 29 into contact with the upper stage 11A. In this way, the wheelchair 10 can overcome the step 81.

[0051] On the other hand, the assistant 13 can stop the wheelchair 10 at the usage location 11 and change the attachment state of the wheelchair assistive device 40 from the first attachment state to the second attachment state. When the wheelchair assistive device 40 is in the second attachment state, the tips of the protrusions 47 and 48, that is, the lower ends, are located below the rear ends 41 and 42. Specifically, the lower ends of the protrusions 47 and 48 are in a state just before contacting the usage location 11.

[0052] Here, when the subject 12 strongly leans against the back seat 38, a moment about the first support shaft 82 and the second support shaft 83 shown in FIG. 3 is applied to the wheelchair 10. Specifically, in the wheelchair 10 shown in FIG. 7, a clockwise moment 71 about the first support shaft 82 and the second support shaft 83 occurs. Then, the lower ends of the protrusions 47, 48 shown in FIG. 5(B) immediately contact the ground at position P1 in the usage location 11 of FIG. 7. And the position P1 is behind the ground contact point P2 where the first rear wheel 28 and the second rear wheel 29 contact the ground in the usage location 11. The ground contact point P2 is located directly below the first support shaft 82 and the second support shaft 83 in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wheelchair 10 from tilting backward or the wheelchair 10 from tipping backward.

[0053] (Effect of the embodiment) By changing the attachment state of the wheelchair assist device 40 to the wheelchair 10 between the first attachment state and the second attachment state, the wheelchair assist device 40 can realize both the function of lifting the first front wheel 30 and the second front wheel 31 and the function of suppressing the backward tilt of the wheelchair 10. Therefore, an increase in the number of parts of the wheelchair 10 can be suppressed. Further, the wheelchair assist device 40 can be attached to and detached from the originally provided first tipping lever 18 and second tipping lever 19. Therefore, the shape and structure of the wheelchair 10 to which the wheelchair assist device 40 is to be attached are not limited, and the convenience is improved.

[0054] Also, the wheelchair assist device 40 can be attached to and detached from the wheelchair 10. And when the wheelchair assist device 40 is detached from the wheelchair 10, the assistant 13 can mutually change the state of the wheelchair 10 between the folded state and the usage state.

[0055] Furthermore, the wheelchair assist device 40 is attached to the first tipping lever 18 and the second tipping lever 19. For this reason, when the footrests 49, 50 are stepped on by the feet 56, moments of the same degree are simultaneously applied to the first frame 90 and the second frame 91. Therefore, the first frame 90 and the second frame 91 operate smoothly about the first support shaft 82 and the second support shaft 83.

[0056] Furthermore, when the retaining member 57 is provided, in a state where the wheelchair assistive device 40 is attached to the first tipping lever 18 and the second tipping lever 19, the retaining member 57 is pressed against the rear ends 41, 42. And when a force is generated such that the wheelchair assistive device 40 inadvertently detaches from the first tipping lever 18 and the second tipping lever 19, the frictional resistance at the contact portion between the retaining member 57 and the rear ends 41, 42 can prevent the attachment portions 45, 46 from detaching from the first tipping lever 18 or the second tipping lever 19. When the assistant 13 intentionally removes the wheelchair assistive device 40 from the first tipping lever 18 and the second tipping lever 19, a force exceeding the frictional resistance at the contact portion between the retaining member 57 and the rear ends 41, 42 may be applied to the wheelchair assistive device 40.

[0057] Furthermore, when the stopper 84 is provided, when a clockwise moment is applied to the wheelchair 10 in FIG. 7, the stopper 84 contacts the usage location 11 to prevent the wheelchair 10 from tilting. By adjusting the amount by which the stopper 84 protrudes from the protruding portions 47, 48, FIG. 7 at the amount by which the wheelchair 10 tilts due to a clockwise moment can be adjusted.

[0058] (Supplementary Explanation) An example of the technical meaning of the matters described in this embodiment is as follows. The wheelchair device 80 is an example of a wheelchair device. The wheelchair 10 is an example of a wheelchair. The wheelchair assistive device 40 is an example of a wheelchair assistive device. The first frame 90 and the second frame 91 are examples of frames. The attachment parts 45 and 46 are examples of attachment parts. The attachment part 45 is an example of a first attachment part. The attachment part 46 is an example of a second attachment part. The footrest parts 49 and 50 are examples of footrest parts. The protruding parts 47 and 48 are examples of protruding parts. The protruding part 47 is an example of a first protruding part. The protruding part 48 is an example of a second protruding part. The first rear wheel 28 and the second rear wheel 29 are examples of rear wheels. The first front wheel 30 and the second front wheel 31 are examples of front wheels. The first support shaft 82 and the second support shaft 83 are examples of support shafts. The virtual line C1 is an example of a virtual line.

[0059] This embodiment is not limited to what is disclosed using the drawings, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the inner diameters of the rear ends 41 of the pipe-shaped first tipping lever 18 and the rear ends 42 of the second tipping lever 19 may be set larger than the outer diameters of the attachment parts 45 and 46. In this case, the rear end 41 of the first tipping lever 18 or the rear end 42 of the second tipping lever 19 is inserted into the attachment parts 45 and 46, and the wheelchair assistive device 40 is attached to the wheelchair 10. Also, the retaining means is provided on the outer surfaces of the attachment parts 45 and 46. Further, either one of the footrest parts 49 and 50 of the wheelchair assistive device 40 may be provided.

[0060] Furthermore, if the materials of the attachment part 45, the protruding part 47, and the footrest parts 49 and 50 are metal, they may be joined to each other by welding or soldering without providing the connecting part 51. If the materials of the attachment part 46, the protruding part 48, and the footrest parts 49 and 50 are metal, they may be joined to each other by welding or soldering without providing the connecting part 52. Further, if the materials of the attachment parts 45 and 46, the protruding parts 47 and 48, and the footrest parts 49 and 50 are hard synthetic resin, they may be joined to each other and integrated without providing the connecting parts 51 and 52.

Industrial Applicability

[0061] This embodiment is applicable as an auxiliary device for a wheelchair that can be attached to and detached from a wheelchair, and as a wheelchair device.

Explanation of Signs

[0062] 10... Wheelchair, 28... First rear wheel, 29... Second rear wheel, 30... First front wheel, 31... Second front wheel, 40... Auxiliary device for wheelchair, 45, 46... Attachment part, 47, 48... Protrusion part, 49, 50... Footrest part, 80... Wheelchair device, 82... First support shaft, 83... Second support shaft, 90... First frame, 91... Second frame, C1... Virtual line

Claims

1. A wheelchair auxiliary device that can be attached to and detached from a location behind the support shaft in a wheelchair having a frame to which a front wheel is attached, a support shaft provided on the frame and disposed behind the front wheel, and a rear wheel rotatably supported by the support shaft, an attachment portion that is attached to and detached from the frame at a location behind the support shaft, a footrest portion that is connected to the attachment portion and can be stepped on by an assistant with the foot in a state where the attachment portion is attached to the frame, a protruding portion that is connected to the attachment portion by a connecting portion and protrudes vertically from the connecting portion in a state where the attachment portion is attached to the frame, and having, the attachment portion, a first attachment state in which the protruding portion protrudes upward in the vertical direction from the connecting portion, a second attachment state in which the protruding portion protrudes downward in the vertical direction from the connecting portion, and is configured such that an assistant can change between them, the frame has a first frame and a second frame that are disposed with a virtual vertical line therebetween in a front view of the wheelchair, the attachment portion, a first attachment portion that is attached to and detached from the first frame or the second frame, a second attachment portion that is attached to and detached from the first frame or the second frame, and having, the protruding portion, a first protruding portion connected to the first attachment portion, a second protruding portion connected to the second attachment portion, and having, the footrest portion is connected to the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. A wheelchair auxiliary device.

2. A wheelchair having a frame to which a front wheel is attached, a support shaft provided on the frame and disposed behind the front wheel, and a rear wheel rotatably supported by the support shaft, a wheelchair auxiliary device that can be attached to and detached from the wheelchair at a location behind the support shaft, and a wheelchair device comprising, the wheelchair auxiliary device, an attachment portion that is attached to and detached from the frame at a location behind the support shaft, a footrest portion that is connected to the attachment portion and can be stepped on by an assistant with the foot in a state where the attachment portion is attached to the frame, a protruding portion that is connected to the attachment portion by a connecting portion and protrudes vertically from the connecting portion in a state where the attachment portion is attached to the frame, and having, the attachment portion, a first mounting state in which the protruding portion protrudes upward in the vertical direction from the connecting portion; a second mounting state in which the protruding portion protrudes downward in the vertical direction from the connecting portion; is a configuration that can be changed by an assistant; the frame has a first frame and a second frame that are arranged with a virtual line in the vertical direction separated in a front view of the wheelchair; the attachment portion a first attachment portion that is attached to and detached from the first frame or the second frame; a second attachment portion that is attached to and detached from the first frame or the second frame; has; the protruding portion a first protruding portion connected to the first attachment portion; a second protruding portion connected to the second attachment portion; has; the footrest is connected to the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion, a wheelchair device.

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