Walking frame

Abstract

To provide a wheeled walker which has a frame structure with comparatively high rigidity.SOLUTION: A wheeled walker 100 includes: a pair of support frames 114 for which a handle 182 is installed on the upper end part and for which length can be adjusted; a front side structural frame 118 which is erected between the pair of support frames 114 and which has a central part 136 and a pair of lateral parts 138 that extend in a retreating direction from both ends of the central part 136; and a second front side structural frame 120 which is erected between the pair of support frames 114 in the upper part of the front side structural frame 118 and which has a second central part 140 and a pair of second lateral parts 142 that extend rearward from both ends of the second central part 140; a rear side frame 116; a connection member 122 which is respectively connected to the rearward tip of the second lateral part 142, and the upper end of a rear side frame 116 and which relatively rotates the rear side frame 116 with respect to the second front side structural frame 120.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a walking aid that enables elderly people who have difficulty walking on their own to walk by supporting part of their weight. [Background technology]

[0002] A wide variety of walking frames have been developed to date, with the main purpose of enabling elderly people who have difficulty walking on their own to walk by supporting part of their weight (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The walking frame disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used by a user holding a handle, and part of the user's weight is received by the walking frame via the handle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-180613 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In addition to the type of walker that the user grips the handles as shown in Patent Document 1, there are also types of walkers that have armrests on which the user can place their elbows, allowing them to bear a greater load.

[0006] For this reason, there has been a need for the development of a walker with a more rigid frame structure.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its object is to provide a walking frame having a relatively high rigidity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a pair of support frames, the length of which can be adjusted, each of which has a handle attached to its upper end and a front wheel attached to its lower end; The vehicle is installed between the pair of support frames and has a central portion disposed on the forward direction side and a pair of side portions extending in the backward direction from both ends of the central portion. The pair of side portions are connected and fixed to the pair of support frames, respectively. front erection frame, The vehicle is installed between the pair of support frames above the front installation frame and has a second central portion disposed on the side in the forward direction and a pair of second side portions extending in the backward direction from both ends of the second central portion. The pair of second side portions are connected and fixed to the pair of support frames, respectively. 2nd front erection frame, a rear frame having rear wheels attached to its lower end; and A connecting member is provided to connect the rear end of the second side portion in the rearward direction and the upper end of the rear frame, and to rotate the rear frame relatively to the second front erection frame. And, The rear frame is not fixed to the support frame, the front installation frame, and the second front installation frame. A walking frame will be provided.

[0009] Preferably, The pair of side portions each have an inclined portion extending in a rearward direction and upward, The tip ends of the pair of inclined portions are respectively connected to the pair of second side portions of the second front installation frame.

[0010] Preferably, a link member having a first member and a second member that is rotatable relative to the first member; The first member is rotatably connected to the side portion of the front installation frame, The second member is rotatably connected to the rear frame. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, a roughly U-shaped front erection frame having a central portion and a pair of side portions extending backward from both ends of the central portion is erected between a pair of support frames to which handles are attached and which support part of the user's weight, thereby making it possible to apply the supported load directly to the front wheels and providing a walker with relatively high rigidity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a walking frame 100 to which the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a walking frame 100 to which the present invention is applied. [Figure 3] 1 is a front view showing an example of a walking frame 100 to which the present invention is applied. [Figure 4] 1 is a rear view showing an example of a walking frame 100 to which the present invention is applied. [Figure 5] 1 is a right side view showing an example of a walking frame 100 to which the present invention is applied. [Figure 6] 1 is a plan view showing an example of a walking frame 100 to which the present invention is applied. [Figure 7] 1 is a bottom view showing an example of a walking frame 100 to which the present invention is applied. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view of an example of a walking frame 100 to which the present invention is applied, showing a state in which a handlebar 182, an armrest 184, and a seat frame 160 are flipped up. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the seat frame 160 and the seat stopper 162 when the seat frame 160 is flipped up. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the seat frame 160 and the seat stopper 162 when the seat frame 160 is lowered. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a right side view showing a state in which the handlebar 182 and the armrest 184 are slightly rotated in the traveling direction. [Figure 12]10 is a right side view showing the state in which the handlebar 182 and the armrest 184 have been rotated to the "inverted position." [Figure 13] 10 is a diagram showing the armrest lock mechanism 186 when the locking portion 220 of the lock member 210 and the locking groove 224 of the brake mechanism 190 are in a locked state. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a diagram showing the armrest lock mechanism 186 when the locking portion 220 of the lock member 210 and the locking groove 224 of the brake mechanism 190 are in a disengaged state. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a view showing a lock state indicating mechanism 214 disposed on the handlebar 182. FIG. [Figure 16] 10 is a side view showing the lock state display mechanism 214 when the locking portion 220 of the lock member 210 and the locking groove 224 of the brake mechanism 190 are in a locked state. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is a plan view showing the lock state display mechanism 214 when the locking portion 220 of the lock member 210 and the locking groove 224 of the brake mechanism 190 are in a locked state. FIG. [Figure 18] 10 is a side view showing the lock state display mechanism 214 when the locking portion 220 of the lock member 210 and the locking groove 224 of the brake mechanism 190 are in an unlocked state. FIG. [Figure 19] 10 is a plan view showing the lock state display mechanism 214 when the locking portion 220 of the lock member 210 and the locking groove 224 of the brake mechanism 190 are in a disengaged state. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the walker 100 in a folded state. [Figure 21] 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the armrest 184 abuts against the brake bar 188 when the handlebar 182 and the armrest 184 are rotated in the traveling direction. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which, when the handlebar 182 and the armrest 184 are rotated in the traveling direction, the armrest 184 presses the brake bar 188, causing the brake mechanism 190 to perform the "second braking operation." [Figure 23]13 is a front view of an example of a speed-reducing wheel 300 according to a fifth modified example. FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example of a speed-reducing wheel 300 according to a fifth modified example. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a speed-reducing wheel 300 according to a fifth modified example. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a speed-reducing wheel 300 according to a fifth modified example. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a front view of an example of a speed-reducer wheel 300 according to a fifth modified example, with a wheel cap 308 removed. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a speed suppressor unit 310 according to a fifth modified example. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a speed suppressor unit 310 according to a fifth modified example. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a front view of an example of a speed suppression mechanism 380 in a "high" speed suppression state. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a front view of an example of a speed suppression mechanism 380 in a "medium" speed suppression state. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a front view of an example of a speed suppression mechanism 380 in a "low" speed suppression state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] (Configuration of the walking frame 100) An embodiment of a walking frame 100 to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0014] The walker 100 is generally composed of a folding frame portion 102, a seat portion 104, and a handle / armrest portion 106.

[0015] The folding frame section 102 includes a pair of front wheels 110, a pair of rear wheels 112, a support frame 114, a rear frame 116, a front installation frame 118, a second front installation frame 120, a connecting member 122, a pair of link members 124, a horizontal frame 126, a rear installation frame 128, a second installation frame 129, and a folding operation member 131.

[0016] The front wheels 110 are wheels attached to the end of the walker 100 in the direction of travel (the direction in which the user walks using the walker 100; the same applies below), and are capable of rotating 360° around a vertically extending wheel center axis. There are no particular restrictions on the type of wheel used for the front wheels 110. In this embodiment, a pair of left and right front wheels 110 are used.

[0017] The rear wheels 112 are wheels attached to the end of the walker 100 facing backward (the direction opposite to the direction in which the user walks using the walker 100; the same applies below), and are designed not to rotate around a vertically extending wheel center axis. There are no particular restrictions on the type of wheels used for the rear wheels 112. In this embodiment, a pair of left and right rear wheels 112 are used.

[0018] The support frames 114 are generally straight rod-shaped members, and the walker 100 according to this embodiment uses a pair of left and right support frames 114. A front wheel 110 is rotatably attached to the lower end of each support frame 114. Of course, the front wheels 110 may be attached in any manner, as long as they are attached directly or indirectly to the lower end of each support frame 114.

[0019] The support frame 114 is made up of an outer cylinder 130 and an inner cylinder 132. As described above, the front wheel 110 is attached to the lower end of the outer cylinder 130. The inner cylinder 132 has the handlebar / armrest portion 106 attached to its upper end and is slidably housed within the outer cylinder 130, and the length by which the inner cylinder 132 projects from the outer cylinder 130 can be changed using a height adjustment bolt 134 attached to approximately the upper end of the outer cylinder 130. This makes it possible to adjust the height of the handlebar / armrest portion 106.

[0020] The rear frames 116 are generally straight rod-shaped members, and the walker 100 according to this embodiment uses a pair of left and right rear frames 116. Rear wheels 112 are rotatably attached to the lower end of each rear frame 116. The upper end of each rear frame 116 is connected to a connecting member 122.

[0021] The front erection frame 118 is a member that is roughly U-shaped when viewed from the top and roughly L-shaped when viewed from the side, and is integrally formed with a central portion 136 that extends roughly horizontally and is arranged on the side in the direction of travel, and a pair of side portions 138 that extend in the backward direction from both ends of the central portion 136.

[0022] Describing each side section 138 in detail, the portion of each side section 138 connected to the central section 136 is a horizontal section extending substantially horizontally in the backward direction, followed by an inclined section extending upward in the backward direction. The tip of this inclined section is connected to the lower surface of each second side section 142 of the second front installation frame 120. The lower end of each support frame 114 is connected and fixed to the outer surface of the horizontal section of each side section 138.

[0023] The second front erection frame 120 is a member that is positioned above the front erection frame 118 and is formed in an approximately U-shape when viewed from above. It is integrally formed with a second central portion 140 that extends approximately horizontally and is arranged on the side in the direction of travel, and a pair of second lateral portions 142 that extend in the backward direction from both ends of the second central portion 140.

[0024] The distal end of each second side portion 142 of the second front installation frame 120 in the backward direction is connected to the connecting member 122. In addition, the approximate center of each support frame 114 is connected and fixed to the outer surface of the distal end of each second side portion 142 in the forward direction.

[0025] In addition, the rear frame 116 is rotatable relative to the second front erection frame 120 .

[0026] The connecting member 122 has a first mounting portion 144 and a second mounting portion 146, and is a member that allows the second mounting portion 146 to rotate relatively with respect to the first mounting portion 144. In this embodiment, the upper end of the rear frame 116 is connected to the first mounting portion 144, and the rearward-facing tip of the second lateral portion 142 of the second front installation frame 120 is connected to the second mounting portion 146. This allows the rear frame 116 to rotate relatively with respect to the second front installation frame 120.

[0027] As explained so far, a front installation frame 118 and a second front installation frame 120 are installed between a pair of support frames 114 and a pair of rear frames 116, and the rearward end of the lateral portion 138 of the front installation frame 118 is connected to the second front installation frame 120, and the rear frame 116 and the second front installation frame 120 are connected by a connecting member 122, thereby forming the main skeleton of the folding frame portion 102 of the walker 100 that supports the user's weight.

[0028] The link member 124 is composed of a belt-shaped first member 148 and a similarly belt-shaped second member 150, and the second member 150 is a member that is rotatable relative to the first member 148. In this embodiment, each first member 148 of the pair of link members 124 is rotatably connected to a side portion 138 of the front installation frame 118, and each second member 150 is rotatably connected to a center portion of the rear frame 116.

[0029] The horizontal frame 126 is a rod-shaped member, one end of which is connected to the inside of the first member 148 of one link member 124, and the other end of which is connected to the inside of the first member 148 of the other link member 124.

[0030] The rear erection frame 128 is a member having an appearance of a round pipe bent into a substantially U-shape, and in this embodiment, two rear erection frames 128, one large and one small, are used.

[0031] Both ends of one (larger) rear installation frame 128 are connected to the rear frame 116 at a position slightly below the approximate center. Both ends of the other (smaller) rear installation frame 128 are connected to the rear frame 116 at a position slightly above the approximate center.

[0032] By bridging the rear installation frame 128 between the pair of rear frames 116 in this way, it is possible to prevent the gap between the pair of rear frames 116 from undesirably widening or narrowing.

[0033] The second installation frame 129 is a rod-shaped member, one end of which is connected to the inner surface of the tip of one of the second side portions 142 of the second front installation frame 120, and the other end of which is connected to the inner surface of the tip of the other second side portion 142.

[0034] The folding operation member 131 is a substantially belt-shaped member, and has a frame sliding elongated hole 133 into which the horizontal frame 126 and the second erection frame 129 are fitted.

[0035] The seat 104 is a portion on which a user sits when taking a rest, and is generally provided with a seat frame 160, a pair of seat stoppers 162, and a seat member (not shown).

[0036] The seat frame 160 is a component that has the appearance of a round pipe material bent into an approximately U-shape, and both ends are rotatably attached at positions near the second central portion 140 (near the direction of travel) of the second lateral portion 142 of the second front erection frame 120.

[0037] When the seat frame 160 is rotated downward relative to the second front erection frame 120, the rearward end of the seat frame 160 comes into contact with the second erection frame 129 and stops.

[0038] The seat stopper 162 is a member for rotating the seat frame 160 upward relative to the second front installation frame 120 and holding it in a state spaced apart from the second installation frame 129. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the seat stopper 162 has a square bar-shaped main body 166 and a sliding elongated hole 170 formed in the main body 166, through which a guide pin 168 protruding inward from approximately the center of the second lateral portion 142 of the second front installation frame 120 slides.

[0039] One end of the seat stopper 162 is attached to the seat frame 160 so as to be freely rotatable, and a guide pin 168 is fitted into a sliding elongated hole 170 of the seat stopper 162 .

[0040] A pair of protrusions 172 that protrude inward toward each other are formed on the other end side (the end side farther from the seat frame 160) of the sliding elongated hole 170 of the seat stopper 162 so as to narrow the width of the sliding elongated hole 170. Due to the presence of these protrusions 172, the width of the other end side of the sliding elongated hole 170 is narrower than the width of one end side. As a result, when the seat frame 160 is lifted, the guide pin 168 that has slid through the sliding elongated hole 170 is caught by the protrusions 172, and the seat frame 160 can be maintained in a lifted state.

[0041] The seat member (not shown) is a relatively soft member attached to the upper surface side of the seat frame 160, and the user rotates the seat frame 160 downward together with the seat member, and then sits on the seat member.

[0042] Returning to FIGS. 1 to 8, the handlebar / armrest section 106 generally includes a brake unit 180, a handlebar (handle) 182, an armrest 184, and an armrest lock mechanism 186.

[0043] The brake unit 180, when operated by a user, serves to apply a braking force to the wheels (rear wheels 112 in this embodiment) of the walker 100. The brake unit 180 in this embodiment generally includes a brake bar 188, a brake mechanism 190, and a braking member 192.

[0044] The brake bar 188 is a component that looks like a round bar that has been bent into an approximately U-shape when viewed from above and into a mountain shape when viewed from the front, and both ends of the bar are connected to brake mechanisms 190 attached to the upper end of the support frame 114.

[0045] The brake bar 188 is disposed along the lower side of the handlebar 182 in the vicinity thereof.

[0046] The brake mechanism 190 is a mechanism that applies a braking force to the rear wheel 112 via the braking member 192 when the user operates the brake bar 188. The brake mechanism 190 of this embodiment is configured to perform two braking operations: a first braking operation in which a braking force is applied when a user, with their elbows on the armrest 184 and gripping the handlebar 182, grips the brake bar 188 together with the handlebar 182 and moves the brake bar 188 in a direction toward the handlebar 182, and returns the brake bar 188 to a neutral state (a state in which no braking force is applied) when the user releases their force from the brake bar 188; and a second braking operation in which a braking force is applied even when the user rotates the brake bar 188 downward, and the brake bar 188 remains rotated downward even when the user releases their hand from the brake bar 188. To release the second braking operation, the user rotates the brake bar 188 upward, returning the brake bar 188 to the neutral state.

[0047] The braking member 192 is a member rotatably attached to the lower end of the rear frame 116 near the rear wheel 112, and is connected to the brake mechanism 190 by a brake wire or the like (not shown). When the brake mechanism 190 applies a braking force, the brake mechanism 190 pulls the brake wire or the like, causing the braking member 192 to rotate, and a part of the braking member 192 comes into contact with the rear wheel 112, thereby applying a braking force to the rear wheel 112.

[0048] The handlebar 182 is a member that is gripped by a user with their elbows resting on the armrests 184 to control the overall direction of travel of the walker 100. The handlebar 182 according to this embodiment is a member that has an appearance that resembles a pipe material or the like that is larger in diameter than the brake bar 188 and that has been bent so as to have a roughly U-shape in plan view and a mountain-like shape in front view, and is composed of a mountain-shaped central portion 194 and a pair of side portions 196 that protrude roughly horizontally from both ends of the central portion 194.

[0049] A rotating bracket 198 projects downward from the approximate center of each side portion 196 of the handlebar 182 .

[0050] The brake mechanism 190 described above is provided with a bracket fitting groove 200 into which a rotating bracket 198 protruding from the handlebar 182 is fitted, and the rotating bracket 198 is rotatably attached to the brake mechanism 190 while fitted into the bracket fitting groove 200. As a result, the handlebar 182 can be rotated from a "normal position" in which the center portion 194 is aligned above and near the brake bar 188 and the side portions 196 are substantially horizontal, as shown in FIG. 5, to an "inverted position" in which the handlebar 182 is tilted in the direction of travel so that the side portions 196 are substantially vertical, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Note that a handlebar support surface 202 is formed on the top surface of the brake mechanism 190 according to this embodiment, which supports the side portions 196 of the handlebar 182 from below when in the "normal position."

[0051] A cover 204 made of a soft material is attached to the center portion 194 of the handlebar 182 to make it easier for the user to grip.

[0052] Armrest 184 is a member that is generally rectangular in plan view and spans between one side portion 196 and the other side portion 196 of handlebar 182. Armrest 184 is designed to allow the elbows of a user using walker 100 to be placed on it, and walker 100 supports part of the user's weight via armrest 184.

[0053] As described above, armrest 184 supports part of the user's weight and is a member that the user touches directly, so it is required to have high rigidity overall while having a soft surface. If these requirements can be met, armrest 184 may be made of one type of material, or may be made of multiple materials (for example, a metal core covered with a urethane covering material).

[0054] The armrest lock mechanism 186 is a mechanism for locking the armrest 184 and the handlebar 182 so that they do not rotate undesirably from the "normal position" to the "inverted position." Of course, the lock can be released by the user's operation if necessary.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 8, the armrest lock mechanism 186 according to this embodiment includes a pair of locking members 210, an unlocking bar 212, an unlocking bar cover (not shown), and a lock state display mechanism 214.

[0056] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the locking member 210 is a member for locking the handlebar 182 (and armrest 184) to prevent it from undesirably rotating from the "normal position" to the "inverted position", and in this embodiment has a rotation center 218, a handlebar fixing portion 219, a locking portion 220, and an unlocking bar mounting portion 222.

[0057] The pivot center 218 is a portion formed on one end of the lock member 210 and is pivotally supported on the side portion 196 of the handlebar 182 by a pivot shaft such as a bolt or pin.

[0058] The handlebar fixing portion 219 is a portion that has the role of fixing the handlebar 182 so that it does not rotate even when a force is applied in a direction that would rotate the handlebar 182 to the "inverted position" when the handlebar 182 is in the "normal position" and the lock member 210 is locked. The handlebar fixing portion 219 according to this embodiment is pivotally supported together with the rotation center 218 by a rotation shaft such as a bolt or pin, and covers part of the upper surface of the handlebar 182.

[0059] The locking portion 220 is a portion formed in approximately the center of the locking member 210, and locks the locking member 210 to the brake mechanism 190. In this embodiment, a locking groove 224 is formed in advance on the surface of the brake mechanism 190, and the locking portion 220 is adapted to engage with the locking groove 224 when the handlebar 182 is in the "normal position."

[0060] The unlocking bar attachment portion 222 is a portion formed on the other end of the locking member 210, to which the end of the unlocking bar 212 is attached.

[0061] Returning to Figure 8, the unlock bar 212 is a straight rod-shaped member that spans between the unlock bar attachment portions 222 of the pair of locking members 210. Because the unlock bar attachment portions 222 of the pair of locking members 210 are located slightly lower than the armrests 184 that span between the side portions 196 of the handlebars 182, the unlock bar 212 is positioned to extend in the left-right direction along the underside of the armrests 184. As a result, the unlock bar 212 is hidden by the armrests 184 and cannot be seen in the field of view of the user who is located higher than the armrests 184, giving the walker 100 a neat and sleek aesthetic.

[0062] The unlock bar cover (not shown) is a substantially rectangular cloth member attached to the underside of the armrest 184, and serves to cover the unlock bar 212 extending along the underside of the armrest 184 so as to make the unlock bar 212 less visible. The existence of the unlock bar cover 213 makes it possible to make the unlock bar 212 less visible even when the handle bar 182 is rotated to the "inverted position," for example, and thus prevents the aesthetic appeal of the walker 100 from being impaired.

[0063] As shown in Figures 15 to 17, the lock status display mechanism 214 indicates whether the handlebar 182 is locked in the "normal position," thereby preventing the user from undesirably rotating the handlebar 182 even though the state of the unlock bar 212 is difficult to see because it is hidden by the armrest 184.

[0064] The lock state display mechanism 214 generally includes a holding member 226, a lock cover 228, and a lock state display member 230. The lock state display mechanism 214 is attached to the handlebar fixing portion 219 of at least one of the lock members 210.

[0065] The retaining member 226 is a member for holding the lock cover 228 at a predetermined distance above the top surface of the handlebar 182, and in this embodiment, a pair of approximately triangular plate-shaped retaining members 226 are attached at a predetermined distance from each other on the top surface of the handlebar fixing part 219 of the lock member 210 on the right side when facing the direction of travel. Of course, the shape and number of the retaining members 226 are not limited to those in this embodiment, and only one approximately rectangular plate-shaped retaining member 226 may be used.

[0066] The lock cover 228 is a generally rectangular member, and one end thereof is pivotally supported between the pair of holding members 226 so as to be rotatable relative to these holding members 226. The lock cover 228 also has a folded portion 232 formed therein so as to be bent in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a notched window 234 is formed on the other end side of the folded portion 232.

[0067] By rotatably supporting one end of the lock cover 228 between a pair of retaining members 226, the folded portion 232 of the lock cover 228 is positioned on the upper surface of the handlebar 182, and the cutout window 234 covers the upper surface of the handlebar 182.

[0068] As a result, when the engaging portion 220 of the locking member 210 is engaged with the engaging groove 224 of the brake mechanism 190 and the unlocking bar 212 is in its fully downward position (hereinafter referred to as "normal state"), the notched window 234 of the lock cover 228 is located close to the handlebar fixing portion 219 and the retaining member 226.

[0069] Then, when the unlock bar 212 is pulled up and the engagement between the engaging portion 220 of the lock member 210 and the engaging groove 224 of the brake mechanism 190 is released, and the unlock bar 212 is slightly above its fully lowered position (hereinafter referred to as "abnormal"), as shown in Figures 18 and 19, the handlebar fixing portion 219 and the holding member 226 tilt in the direction of travel, and the lock cover 228 also tilts in the direction of travel, causing the other end side of the lock cover 228 from the folded portion 232 to slide along the top surface of the handlebar 182 in the direction of travel. As a result, the position of the top surface of the handlebar 182 corresponding to the notched window 234 of the lock cover 228 also changes (moves further toward the direction of travel).

[0070] The lock state indicating member 230 is a member that is located on the upper surface of the handlebar 182 at a position slightly further in the direction of travel than the holding member 226. This lock state indicating member 230 is designed to be used in combination with the notched window 234 of the lock cover 228 described above.

[0071] Specifically, for example, a part of the lock status display member 230 (normal state display portion 236) may be located at a position corresponding to the position of the notched window 234 of the lock status display member 230 when the engaging portion 220 of the lock member 210 is in the "normal state", and a display such as blue indicating "no problem" may be seen from the notched window 234.

[0072] Conversely, for example, another part of the lock status display member 230 (non-normal state display part 238) may be located at a position corresponding to the position of the notched window 234 of the lock status display member 230 when the engaging part 220 of the lock member 210 is in an "abnormal state", and a display such as yellow or red indicating that "caution is required" may be visible from the notched window 234, or "no display" may be displayed.

[0073] (Features of Walker 100) In the walker 100 according to this embodiment, the front wheels 110 are attached to the lower ends of a pair of height-adjustable support frames 114, and frames that are roughly U-shaped in plan view, such as a front erection frame 118 and a second front erection frame 120, are bridged between the pair of support frames 114, with the support frames 114 attached to the side portions 138, 142 of the frames 118, 120. This makes it possible to provide a walker 100 that has sufficient strength with a minimal, simple member configuration.

[0074] Additionally, in the walker 100 according to this embodiment, two types of frames (i.e., the front erection frame 118 and the second front erection frame 120) that are roughly U-shaped in plan view and span the pair of support frames 114 are attached at a distance in the vertical direction, thereby providing a walker 100 with even greater strength.

[0075] Furthermore, in the walker 100 according to this embodiment, two types of frames (i.e., the front erected frame 118 and the second front erected frame 120) that are roughly U-shaped in plan view and span the pair of support frames 114 are connected on the rearward side of the support frames 114. This makes it possible to provide a walker 100 with even greater strength.

[0076] Furthermore, in the walker 100 according to this embodiment, armrests 184 are installed between a pair of side sections 196 of the handlebars 182, and the armrests 184 rotate in the direction of travel together with the handlebars 182 relative to the brake mechanism 190 and the support frame 114. This allows the handlebars 182 and armrests 184 to be moved in a single movement when the user sits on the seat 104.

[0077] Furthermore, in the walker 100 according to this embodiment, an unlocking bar 212 that operates the locking member 210 is disposed along the underside of the armrest 184. As a result, when the user wishes to unlock the handlebar 182 and rotate the armrest 184 together with the handlebar 182 in the direction of travel, the user can push the armrest 184 upward together with the unlocking bar 212 from below the armrest 184, thereby smoothly releasing the lock and rotating the armrest 184 and the handlebar 182 in one continuous sequence.

[0078] Furthermore, according to the walker 100 of this embodiment, by pulling upward the folding operation member 131 in the folding frame section 102, as shown in FIG. 20, the horizontal frame 126 installed between a pair of link members 124 is pulled up, shortening the distance between both ends of the link members 124, and the rear frame 116 rotates around the connecting member 122 relative to the second front installation frame 120, thereby bringing the rear frame 116 and rear wheels 112 closer to the support frame 114 and front wheels 110, and allowing the walker 100 to be folded compactly.

[0079] Furthermore, the walker 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a lock status display mechanism 214, so that even if the locking member 210 and the unlocking bar 212 are positioned in a location that is difficult for the user to see, it is possible to see at a glance whether the handlebar 182 is locked or not, thereby reducing the risk of the handlebar 182 or armrest 184 rotating undesirably when the user uses the walker 100 even though the lock is released.

[0080] Furthermore, in the walker 100 according to this embodiment, a seat stopper 162 is provided, one end of which is rotatably attached to the seat frame 160, and a guide pin 168 protruding inward from the second front erection frame 120 is fitted into a sliding slot 170, and a pair of protrusions 172 are formed protruding inward from each other to narrow the width of the sliding slot 170. As a result, when the seat frame 160 is lifted, the guide pin 168 sliding in the sliding slot 170 is caught by the protrusions 172, so that the seat frame 160 (and the seat member) can be maintained in a lifted state.

[0081] (Variation 1) In the walker 100 according to the embodiment described above, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, when the armrests 184 are rotated in the direction of travel together with the handlebars 182 relative to the brake mechanism 190 and the support frame 114, the positions and shapes of the armrests 184 and the brake bars 188 may be set so that the armrests 184 interfere with the brake bars 188, causing the brake bars 188 to rotate downward, and the brake mechanism 190 performs a "second braking operation."

[0082] This allows the user to rotate the handlebars 182 or armrests 184 in the direction of travel and push them in the same rotational direction, thereby putting the brake mechanism 190 into the "second braking operation" state, thereby avoiding the risk of the user forgetting to set the brake mechanism 190 into the "second braking operation" state when trying to sit on the seat 104, causing the walker 100 to move by mistake and resulting in injury to the user.

[0083] (Variation 2) In the walker 100 according to the embodiment described above, the horizontal frame 126 and the second erection frame 129 are fitted into the frame sliding slots 133 of the folding operation member 131, but it is sufficient to fit at least the horizontal frame 126.

[0084] (Variation 3) In the walker 100 according to the embodiment described above, one unlocking bar 212 is installed between the pair of locking members 210, but instead, two shorter unlocking bars 212 may be attached to the unlocking bar attachment portions 222 of each locking member 210. Also, the locking member 210 may be on either the left or right side.

[0085] (Variation 4) The front installation frame 118 is "L" shaped in a side view, but its rear end is not limited to the rear end of the second front installation frame 120, and may be connected to any position, and may have a rearward convex shape (L-shape) or a frontward convex shape (inverted L-shape). Furthermore, it does not have to be directly or indirectly connected to the rear end of the second front installation frame 120, and may be connected to the support frame 114, and may have a shape having either the front installation frame 118 or the second front installation frame 120.

[0086] (Variation 5) The front wheels 110 and rear wheels 112 may be provided with speed-reducing wheels 300 that can automatically apply the brakes when a predetermined rotational speed is reached, thereby reducing the moving speed of the vehicle, as will be described below.

[0087] (Configuration of the speed-reducing wheel 300) The retarder wheel 300 of this embodiment is attached to a vehicle that is moved by pushing it by hand, and as shown in Figures 23 to 27, it roughly comprises a tire 302, an inner wheel 304, an outer wheel 306, a wheel cap 308, and a retarder unit 310.

[0088] The tire 302 is selected to have a material, diameter, and contact surface shape suited to the characteristics of the vehicle on which the retarder wheel 300 is mounted.

[0089] The inner wheel 304 is a circular member made of, for example, metal or resin, and has a first accommodation recess 314 formed in its center to form a speed reduction unit accommodation space 312 in which the speed reduction unit 310 is accommodated. Also, a shaft through-hole 316 is formed in the center position of this first accommodation recess 314 to allow a part of the speed reduction unit 310 (shaft 354) to pass through.

[0090] Furthermore, a plurality of bosses 326 are protruded from the inner surface of the inner wheel 304 to rotatably support a first planetary gear 356 (described later).

[0091] Like the inner wheel 304, the outer wheel 306 is a circular member made of, for example, metal or resin, and is fitted into the tire 302 after being combined with the inner wheel 304. The outer wheel 306 is also formed with a second accommodating recess 318 for defining a speed-reduction unit accommodating space 312 in which the speed-reduction unit 310 is accommodated. A fitting hole 320 is formed at the center of the second accommodating recess 318, into which a portion of the speed-reduction unit 310 (such as the shaft 354 or the center hub 370) is rotatably fitted. Furthermore, an access window 322 is formed near the fitting hole 320, for accessing the adjustment gear 398 of the speed-reduction unit 310 from outside the speed-reduction wheel 300.

[0092] The inner wheel 304 and the outer wheel 306 may be integrally formed.

[0093] The wheel cap 308 is a generally disk-shaped member that is fitted into the outer center of the outer wheel 306. By fitting the wheel cap 308 onto the outer wheel 306, it is possible to cover the insertion hole 320 and the access window 322. Note that the wheel cap 308 is not an essential component.

[0094] The speed suppression unit 310 is accommodated in a speed suppression unit accommodating space 312 formed by combining the inner wheel 304 and the outer wheel 306. The speed suppression unit 310 will be described in detail later.

[0095] After fitting the tire 302 onto the outer wheel 306, the inner wheel 304 and the outer wheel 306 are combined so that the speed-reducing unit 310 is housed in the speed-reducing unit housing space 312, and the inner wheel 304 and the outer wheel 306 are fixed together with fixing bolts 324. Thereafter, a wheel cap 308 is fitted onto the outer central portion of the outer wheel 306, thereby completing the speed-reducing wheel 300.

[0096] Next, the speed suppression unit 310 will be described with reference to Figures 28 and 29. The speed suppression unit 310 according to this embodiment generally includes a brake drum 350, an internal gear 352, a shaft 354, a first planetary gear 356, a gear plate 358, a second planetary gear 360, a base 362, and a base cover 364.

[0097] The brake drum 350 is a cylindrical member that is disposed closest to the outer wheel 306 among the members that make up the speed-reducing unit 310, and has an accommodation space 366 that accommodates most of the other members that make up the speed-reducing unit 310. The brake drum 350 also has a communication hole 368 that communicates between the accommodation space 366 and the outside, and into which one end of the shaft 354 is inserted and fixed. Furthermore, a center hub 370 that corresponds to the communication hole 368 protrudes outward from the brake drum 350 (toward the outer wheel 306).

[0098] As described above, the center hub 370 is rotatably inserted into the insertion hole 320 formed in the center of the outer wheel 306 .

[0099] The internal gear 352 is a component having an internal gear 372 formed on the inner surface of a ring-shaped main body, and is housed within the housing space 366 of the brake drum 350 and fixed to the shaft 354 together with the brake drum 350.

[0100] The shaft 354 is a cylindrical or cylindrical rod-like member that is arranged to pass through the center of the entire retarder unit 310, with one end inserted and fixed into the center hub 370 of the brake drum 350, and the other end passing through the shaft through-hole 316 of the inner wheel 304 and protruding to the outside, so that it can be fixed to a vehicle or the like.

[0101] As described above, this shaft 354 is fixed to the vehicle or the like on which the retarder wheel 300 is mounted. In addition, the brake drum 350 and the internal gear 352 are fixed to the shaft 354. Conversely, the inner wheel 304, the outer wheel 306, the gear plate 358, the base 362, the cam 396, and the base cover 364 are rotatable relative to the shaft 354.

[0102] In this embodiment, three first planetary gears 356 are used, and each is rotatably supported by a boss 326 protruding from the inner surface of the inner wheel 304. The first planetary gears 356 are disposed at equal angles to one another around the shaft through-hole 316 of the inner wheel 304. Each first planetary gear 356 meshes with an inner peripheral gear 372 of the internal gear 352 at its outer periphery, and meshes with a gear plate gear 375 formed in the center of the gear plate 358 at its inner periphery. The number of first planetary gears 356 is not limited to three.

[0103] The gear plate 358 is a roughly circular plate-shaped member, and has a first shaft insertion hole 374 formed at its central position, through which the shaft 354 is rotatably inserted. A gear plate gear 375 protrudes from the first shaft insertion hole 374 on the first planetary gear 356 side.

[0104] Furthermore, on the surface of the gear plate 358 opposite to the side on which the gear plate gear 375 protrudes, second planetary gear mounting protrusions 376, to which the second planetary gears 360 are attached so as to be rotatable relative to the gear plate 358, are formed at equal angles to one another around the first shaft insertion hole 374. The number of second planetary gear mounting protrusions 376 formed is the same as the number of second planetary gears 360.

[0105] In this embodiment, three second planetary gears 360 are used, and each is rotatably attached to a second planetary gear attachment protrusion 376 formed on the gear plate 358. In addition, each second planetary gear 360 meshes with a base gear 384 (described later) that protrudes from the base 362.

[0106] The base 362 is generally composed of a base body 378 and a speed reducing mechanism 380 .

[0107] The base body 378 is a roughly disc-shaped member, and has a second shaft insertion hole 382 formed at its central position, through which the shaft 354 is rotatably inserted, and a base gear 384 protrudes from the second shaft insertion hole 382 toward the gear plate 358, with the second shaft insertion hole 382 as its center.

[0108] The speed reducing mechanism 380 is configured on the surface opposite to the surface on which the base gear 384 protrudes, and as shown in Figure 30, roughly comprises a brake shoe 390, an elastic member 392, a contact member 394, a cam 396, an adjustment gear 398, a second adjustment gear 400, and a guide portion 401.

[0109] The brake shoe 390 is attached to the base 362, rotates together with the base body 378 around the shaft 354 of the retarder wheel 300, and is a component that serves to reduce the rotational speed of the retarder wheel 300 by contacting the inner surface of the brake drum 350.In this embodiment, two brake shoes 390 are used that are arranged point-symmetrically around the second shaft insertion hole 382.

[0110] Each brake shoe 390 has a brake shoe shaft insertion hole 404 into which a brake shoe shaft 402 is inserted to rotatably attach the brake shoe 390 to the base body 378, an elastic member abutment portion 406 formed at the end closest to the brake shoe shaft insertion hole 404 and which receives an outward pressing force from the elastic member 392, and a drum contact portion 408 formed on the outside of the end opposite the elastic member abutment portion 406 and which comes into contact with the inner surface of the brake drum 350 when the brake shoe 390 rotates.

[0111] Furthermore, when the brake shoe 390 is stored on the cam 396 side, the inner end of the brake shoe 390 on the drum contact portion 408 side abuts against the adjustment gear 398, so that even if a pressing force is applied from the elastic member 392, the inner end of the brake shoe 390 on the drum contact portion 408 side will not move any further toward the cam 396 side.

[0112] The elastic member 392 is a member that has one end connected to and abutting against the elastic member abutment portion 406 of the brake shoe 390, and that adjusts the contact of the brake shoe 390 with the inner peripheral surface of the brake drum 350, and in this embodiment is a coil spring. Of course, as long as it fulfills the role of the elastic member 392, it is not limited to a coil spring, and other types of elastic member 392 may also be used.

[0113] The contact member 394 is a member disposed on the other end side (opposite the elastic member contact portion 406 of the brake shoe 390) of the elastic member 392. In this embodiment, a spherical member is used as the contact member 394, and the other end side of the elastic member (coil spring) 392 is configured to slightly overlap the contact member 394.

[0114] The cam 396 is a member that rotates together with the base body 378 around the shaft 354 of the speed-reducing wheel 300, and is positioned directly facing the contact member 394, and serves to change the force that presses against the elastic member 392 via the contact member 394.

[0115] The cam 396 in this embodiment is a substantially disk-shaped member having a cam hole 410 in the center, and is attached to the base body 378 so as to be rotatable around the second adjustment gear 400 by fitting the second adjustment gear 400, which protrudes on the opposite side of the base gear 384 around the second shaft insertion hole 382 of the base body 378, into the cam hole 410.

[0116] Additionally, on the outer circumferential edge of cam 396, two adjustable gears 412 that mesh with adjusting gear 398 are formed at positions symmetrical about cam hole 410, and recesses 414 are formed at positions directly facing contact member 394. In this embodiment, two sets of three recesses 414, each with a different recess size, are formed at positions symmetrical about cam hole 410.

[0117] Furthermore, a protrusion 416 is formed on the cam 396, protruding toward the center of the cam hole 410. In this embodiment, a pair of protrusions 416 are formed at positions symmetrical with respect to the cam hole 410.

[0118] The adjustment gear 398 is a component that receives an external input and rotates the cam 396, thereby adjusting the force with which the cam 396 presses the elastic member 392 via the contact member 394. In this embodiment, a pair of adjustment gears 398 are rotatably attached to the base body 378 at positions symmetrical about the cam hole 410.

[0119] Each adjusting gear 398 is adapted to mesh with an adjusted gear 412 of the cam 396, and by rotating at least one adjusting gear 398, the cam 396 can be rotated relative to the base body 378 via the adjusted gear 412.

[0120] The second adjustment gear 400 is a member for fixing the cam 396, which is rotated by the above-mentioned adjustment gear 398, at predetermined rotational positions in a stepwise manner, and protrudes from the base main body 378. A plurality of grooves 418 that engage with the protrusions 416 of the cam 396 are formed on the circumferential surface of the second adjustment gear 400. Specifically, the cam 396 of this embodiment has three recesses 414, and the positions of the grooves 418 relative to the protrusions 416 are determined so as to correspond to the position and angle of the cam 396 relative to the base main body 378 when the abutting member 394 is fitted into each recess 414.

[0121] Guide portion 401 is a portion that guides contact member 394, whose position is changed by cam 396, and elastic member 392, whose position changes and whose length increases or decreases, so that they are directed correctly toward elastic member contact portion 406 of brake shoe 390. In this embodiment, a pair of guide portions 401 are arranged at a predetermined interval so as to sandwich each of contact members 394 and elastic members 392. Note that in this embodiment, the interval between the pair of guide portions 401 is constant, but instead, the interval between the pair of guide portions 401 at the end near cam 396 may be narrowed to prevent contact member 394 from falling off guide portion 401 on the cam 396 side.

[0122] 28 and 29, base cover 364 is a substantially disc-shaped member attached to base 362 so as to cover speed-reducing mechanism 380 attached to base main body 378. A third shaft insertion hole 420, through which shaft 354 is rotatably inserted, is formed at the center of base cover 364, and a pair of adjustment gear holes 422 are formed at positions corresponding to the pair of adjustment gears 398.

[0123] By attaching this base cover 364 to the base 362, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the speed-reducing mechanism 380 from the outside and to prevent the components that make up the speed-reducing mechanism 380 from coming off.

[0124] (Operation of the speed-reducing wheel 300) The operation of the retarder wheel 300 according to this embodiment will now be described. With the other end of the shaft 354 of the retarder wheel 300 fixed to a vehicle or the like, the tire 302 is rotated. Then, the three first planetary gears 356 in the retarder unit 310 rotate about the shaft 354 via the inner wheel 304 fitted to the tire 302.

[0125] When the first planetary gear 356 rotates, it meshes with an inner peripheral surface gear 372 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the internal gear 352, and the rotational force is transmitted to a gear plate gear 375 of the gear plate 358 that meshes with the first planetary gear 356. Here, the rotational speed of the gear plate 358 to which the rotational force is transmitted via the first planetary gear 356 is faster than the rotational speed of the tire 302 and the inner wheel 304.

[0126] Next, the rotational force is transmitted to the base gear 384 of the base body 378 via the second planetary gear 360, which rotates around the first shaft insertion hole 374 together with the gear plate 358, and the base 362 rotates. The rotational speed of the base 362 is even faster than the rotational speed of the gear plate 358.

[0127] When the rotational speed of the base 362 increases, centrifugal force causes the brake shoe 390 to rotate around the brake shoe shaft insertion hole 404 against the pressing force from the elastic member 392 against the elastic member abutment portion 406, and the drum contact portion 408 of the brake shoe 390 moves outward.

[0128] Then, when drum contact portion 408, which has moved outward, comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of brake drum 350, which is not rotating together with shaft 354, a brake is applied to the rotational speed of base 362. As a result, the rotational speed of each member is reduced along the above-described rotational force transmission route, and ultimately the rotational speed of tire 302 is suppressed.

[0129] As the rotational speed of the tire 302 is reduced, the centrifugal force acting on the brake shoe 390 decreases, and the force with which the drum contact portion 408 of the brake shoe 390 presses against the inner surface of the brake drum 350 also decreases, and the degree of reduction in speed also decreases.

[0130] When the rotational speed of the tire 302 drops to a predetermined level, the pressing force from the elastic member 392 causes the drum contact portion 408 of the brake shoe 390 to separate from the inner peripheral surface of the brake drum 350, and the speed-reducing action is released.

[0131] Thereafter, when the rotational speed of the tire 302 increases again, the above-described mechanism exerts a decelerating effect on the tire 302.

[0132] In addition, as described above, the speed-reducer wheel 300 according to this embodiment has two sets of three recesses 414, each with a different recess size, formed at positions symmetrical about the cam hole 410. For example, in the state shown in Figure 30, the spherical contact member 394 is fitted into the recess 414a with the largest recess. In other words, in this state, the contact member 394 is located at the farthest position from the elastic member contact portion 406, and therefore the elastic member 392 is in the least compressed state.

[0133] When the contact member 394 is fitted into the recess 414a, which has the largest recession, the force with which the elastic member 392 presses against the elastic member contact portion 406 of the brake shoe 390 is smallest. This causes the brake shoe 390 to rotate against the pressing force from the elastic member 392 with a relatively small centrifugal force, and the drum contact portion 408 of the brake shoe 390 comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the brake drum 350, exerting a braking force, even when the rotational speed of the tire 302 is relatively low.

[0134] 31 shows a state in which, from the state shown in Fig. 30, adjusting gear 398 is rotated from the outside via access window 322, thereby rotating cam 396 via adjusted gear 412 and fitting contact member 394 into central recess 414b (the second largest recess), as shown in Fig. 31. In this state, groove 418 formed in second adjusting gear 400, with which protrusion 416 formed on cam 396 engages, also moves.

[0135] In the state shown in Figure 31, the contact member 394 is fitted into recess 414b, which is smaller than recess 414a, and since the contact member 394 is located closer to the elastic member abutment portion 406, the compression state of the elastic member 392 is slightly greater.

[0136] As a result, the force with which the elastic member 392 presses against the elastic member abutment portion 406 of the brake shoe 390 becomes slightly larger, and the centrifugal force with which the brake shoe 390 rotates against the pressing force from the elastic member 392 becomes slightly larger, so that even when the rotational speed of the tire 302 is somewhat high, the drum contact portion 408 of the brake shoe 390 comes into contact with the inner surface of the brake drum 350, thereby exerting a braking force.

[0137] 32 shows the state in which adjustment gear 398 is further rotated so that contact member 394 is fitted into recess 414c, which has the smallest recession. In this state, groove 418, which engages with protrusion 416 formed on cam 396, has also moved further.

[0138] In the state shown in Figure 32, the contact member 394 is fitted into the recess 414c, which has the smallest recession, and the contact member 394 is in a position closest to the elastic member abutment portion 406, so the compression state of the elastic member 392 is at its maximum.

[0139] This maximizes the force with which the elastic member 392 presses against the elastic member abutment portion 406 of the brake shoe 390, thereby increasing the centrifugal force with which the brake shoe 390 rotates against the pressing force from the elastic member 392, and causes the drum contact portion 408 of the brake shoe 390 to abut against the inner surface of the brake drum 350, exerting a braking force even when the rotational speed of the tire 302 is at its highest.

[0140] (Features of the speed control wheel 300) In the retarder wheel 300 of this embodiment, the elastic member 392, which adjusts the contact of the brake shoe 390 (drum contact portion 408) with the inner surface of the brake drum 350, is pressed by the cam 396 via the contact member 394, and since the contact member 394 is spherical, the contact member 394 is in point contact with the cam 396.

[0141] Therefore, unlike when there is an intermediate member between the cam 396 and the contact member 394 or when there is "surface" contact, the cam 396 can press the elastic member 392 via the contact member 394 smoothly and in a manner that ensures a wide range of speed adjustment.

[0142] This makes it possible to provide a retarder wheel that smooths the force that the elastic member 392 applies to the brake shoe 390, and allows for a wide range of adjustment of the "wheel rotational speed" at which the brake shoe 390 comes into contact with the brake drum 350.

[0143] In addition, the speed-reducing wheel 300 of this embodiment further includes a second adjustment gear 400 that gradually fixes the cam 396 that rotates by the adjustment gear 398, and a groove 418 is formed on the circumferential surface of the second adjustment gear 400, and the cam 396 has a protrusion 416 that engages with the groove 418 of the second adjustment gear 400.

[0144] As a result, when the adjustment gear 398 is turned to adjust the force with which the cam 396 presses the elastic member 392, the protrusion 416 engages with the corresponding groove 418 of the second adjustment gear 400 at a position corresponding to each recess 414 formed in the cam 396, so the user can feel a click as they securely fit the contact member 394 into each recess 414.

[0145] (Variation 5-1) In the speed-reducing wheel 300 according to the embodiment described above, the planetary gears 356, 360 are used in the speed-reducing unit 310, but the planetary gears 356, 360 and gear plate 358 may be omitted and the base 362 may be directly attached to the inner wheel 304. In this case, the rotational speed of the base 362 will be lower than when the planetary gears 356, 360 are used, so it is necessary to set the pressing force of the elastic member 392 low enough to allow the brake shoe 390 to rotate even with a smaller centrifugal force.

[0146] (Variation 5-2) In the retarder wheel 300 according to the embodiment described above, a sphere is used as the contact member 394, but the shape of the contact member 394 is not limited to this and may be, for example, a rod shape with a substantially arc-shaped cross section (i.e., a "Kamaboko" shape). In the case of such a shape, the contact member 394 comes into "line" contact with the cam 396.

[0147] (Variation 5-3) In the cam 396 according to the embodiment described above, a recess 414 is provided around its periphery, but this is not limited to this. For example, a groove may be provided along the circumferential direction, or a further groove may be provided along the circumferential direction of the recess 414 to further enhance positional regulation.

[0148] According to the fifth modification described so far, the decelerator wheel 300 has a speed suppression function using centrifugal force, and includes a cylindrical brake drum 350, a base 362 that receives an external input and rotates around the shaft 354 of the decelerator wheel 300, a brake shoe 390 that is attached to the base 362 and rotates around the shaft 354 of the decelerator wheel 300 and reduces the rotational speed of the decelerator wheel 300 by contacting the inner peripheral surface of the brake drum 350, and a brake shoe 390 that is connected at one end to the brake shoe 390 and that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the brake drum 350. The decelerating wheel 300 is provided with an elastic member 392 that adjusts the contact of the brake shoe 390, a contact member 394 located on the other end of the elastic member 392, a cam 396 that rotates around the shaft 354 of the decelerating wheel 300, is located directly facing the contact member 394, and changes the force pressing against the elastic member 392 via the contact member 394, and an adjustment gear 398 that receives external input and rotates the cam 396 to adjust the force pressing against the elastic member 392, and the contact member 394 is shaped to make line contact or point contact with the cam 396.

[0149] Preferably, a recess 414 is formed in the cam 396 at a position directly facing the contact member 394 .

[0150] Preferably, the retarder wheel 300 further includes a second adjusting gear 400 that gradually fixes the cam 396 that rotates by the adjusting gear 398, and the second adjusting gear 400 has a groove 418 formed on its circumferential surface, and the cam 396 has a protrusion 416 that engages with the groove 418 of the second adjusting gear 400.

[0151] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 100...walking frame, 102...folding frame section, 104...seat section, 106...handle and armrest section 110...front wheel, 112...rear wheel, 114...support frame, 116...rear frame, 118...front installation frame, 120...second front installation frame, 122...connecting member, 124...link member, 126...horizontal frame, 128...rear installation frame, 129...second installation frame, 130...outer tube (of support frame 114), 131...folding operation member, 132...inner tube (of support frame 114), 133...frame (of folding operation member 131) Frame sliding elongated hole, 134...height adjustment bolt, 136...center portion (of the front installation frame 118), 138...side portion (of the front installation frame 118), 140...second center portion (of the second front installation frame 120), 142...second side portion (of the second front installation frame 120), 144...first mounting portion (of the connecting member 122), 146...second mounting portion (of the connecting member 122), 148...first member (of the link member 124), 150...second member (of the link member 124) 160... Seat frame, 162... Seat stopper, 166... ​​(of seat stopper 162) main body, 168... Guide pin, 170... (of seat stopper 168) sliding elongated hole, 172... Projection 180...Brake unit, 182...Handlebar, 184...Armrest, 186...Armrest lock mechanism, 188...Brake bar, 190...Brake mechanism, 192...Braking member, 194...Central portion (of handlebar 182), 196...Side portion (of handlebar 182), 198...Pivoting bracket, 200...Bracket fitting groove, 202...Handlebar support surface, 204...Cover 210...locking member, 212...unlocking bar, 213...unlocking bar cover, 214...locking state display mechanism, 218...(of locking member 210) rotation center, 219...(of locking member 210) handlebar fixing portion, 220...(of locking member 210) engaging portion, 222...(of locking member 210) unlocking bar mounting portion, 224...engaging groove, 226...retaining member, 228...lock cover, 230...locking state display member, 232...folding portion, 234...notched window, 236...normal state display portion, 238...abnormal state display portion 300...Speed-reducing wheel, 302...Tire, 304...Inner wheel, 306...Outer wheel, 308...Hub cap, 310...Speed-reducing unit, 312...Speed-reducing unit accommodating space, 314...First accommodating recess, 316...Shaft through hole, 318...Second accommodating recess, 320...Insertion hole, 322...Access window, 324...Fixing bolt, 326...Boss 350...Brake drum, 352...Internal gear, 354...Shaft, 356...First planetary gear, 358...Gear plate, 360...Second planetary gear, 362...Base, 364...Base cover, 366...Accommodation space, 368...Communication hole, 370...Center hub, 372...Inner peripheral gear, 374...First shaft insertion hole, 375...Gear plate gear, 376...Second planetary gear mounting protrusion, 378...Base body, 380...Slow-down mechanism, 382...Second shaft insertion hole Hole, 384...base gear, 390...brake shoe, 392...elastic member, 394...contact member, 396...cam, 398...adjusting gear, 400...second adjusting gear, 401...guide portion, 402...brake shoe shaft, 404...brake shoe shaft insertion hole, 406...elastic member abutment portion, 408...drum contact portion, 410...cam hole, 412...adjusted gear, 414...recess, 416...projection portion, 418...groove, 420...third shaft insertion hole, 422...adjusting gear hole

Claims

1. a pair of support frames, the length of which can be adjusted, each of which has a handle attached to its upper end and a front wheel attached to its lower end; a front-side installation frame that is installed between the pair of support frames and has a central portion disposed on the side in the traveling direction and a pair of side portions that extend in the rearward direction from both ends of the central portion, the pair of side portions being connected and fixed to the pair of support frames, respectively; a second front-side erection frame that is erected between the pair of support frames above the front-side erection frame and has a second central portion disposed on the side in the traveling direction and a pair of second side portions that extend in the rearward direction from both ends of the second central portion, the pair of second side portions being connected and fixed to the pair of support frames, respectively; a rear frame having rear wheels attached to its lower end; and a connecting member is provided to connect a rearward-facing end of the second side portion and an upper end of the rear frame, and to rotate the rear frame relatively to the second front-side erection frame, The rear frame is not fixed to the support frame, the front installation frame, and the second front installation frame. Walking frame.

2. The pair of side portions each have an inclined portion extending in a rearward direction and upward, The tip ends of the pair of inclined portions are respectively connected to the pair of second side portions of the second front erection frame. The walker of claim 1.

3. a link member having a first member and a second member rotatable relative to the first member; The first member is rotatably connected to the side portion of the front installation frame, The second member is rotatably connected to the rear frame. The walker of claim 1.

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