Wheelchair training wheels and wheelchairs with training wheels

The detachable wheelchair training wheel system allows for flexible directional movement and folding, overcoming the storage and transportation constraints of fixed auxiliary devices by using a raisable and lowerable frame structure with swivel wheels.

JP7762049B2Active Publication Date: 2025-10-29NSK STEERING & CONTROL CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021189501
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-11-22
Publication Date
2025-10-29
Estimated Expiration
2041-11-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing wheelchairs with auxiliary devices for directional movement cannot be folded in the width direction due to the fixed installation of the assisting device between the rear wheels, limiting storage and transportation flexibility.

Method used

A detachable wheelchair training wheel system with a first frame portion and a second frame portion that can be raised and lowered relative to each other, equipped with a lifting device and swivel wheels, allowing the wheelchair to move in any direction and be folded when stored or transported.

Benefits of technology

Enables the wheelchair to move in any direction and be easily folded for storage or transportation, addressing the limitations of fixed auxiliary devices by providing a detachable and adjustable solution.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To realize a structure capable of moving a wheelchair in an arbitrary direction and also folding the wheelchair when stored or transported.SOLUTION: A wheelchair safety wheel 1 includes: a first frame part 21 having an attachment part to be removably attached to a frame of a wheelchair; a second frame part 22 supported to be liftable with respect to the first frame part 21; a lifting / lowering device 24 for lifting / lowering the second frame part 22 with respect to the first frame part 21; and free wheels 25 to be freely rotated with a vertically arranged pivot as a center and supported by fixing to the second frame part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheelchair training wheel that is detachably attached to a wheelchair, and to a wheelchair equipped with the wheelchair training wheel. [Background technology]

[0002] A self-propelled wheelchair typically has a pair of rear wheels (main wheels), each consisting of a large diameter wheel, and a pair of front wheels, each consisting of a small diameter swivel wheel. A self-propelled wheelchair is moved by the rider operating the hand rims attached to the pair of rear wheels, or by a caregiver operating a pair of hand grips from behind. Therefore, a self-propelled wheelchair changes direction by adjusting the magnitude and direction of the force with which the rider operates the pair of hand rims, or the force with which a caregiver operates the pair of hand grips.

[0003] When moving such a wheelchair closer to a bedside, for example, it is necessary to move the wheelchair diagonally forward and backward repeatedly to gradually move the wheelchair in the width direction. Therefore, if there is not enough space to move forward and backward, moving the wheelchair closer to the bedside becomes difficult.

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-284744 (Patent Document 1) describes a wheelchair equipped with an auxiliary device that allows movement in any direction, including sideways (widthwise), by operating a pedal to lower the second auxiliary wheel and place it in contact with the ground, and to keep the large wheel (rear wheel) off the ground. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-284744 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The wheelchair described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-284744 has the following problems.

[0007] That is, self-propelled wheelchairs are usually configured to be foldable in the width direction so that the left and right rear wheels are closer to each other for storage and transportation. However, in the structure described in JP 2003-284744 A, the assisting device is fixed to the frame between the left and right rear wheels, so the wheelchair cannot be folded in the width direction.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a wheelchair training wheel structure that allows the wheelchair to move in any direction and that allows the wheelchair to be folded when stored or transported. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The wheelchair training wheels of the present invention are: a first frame portion having an attachment portion that is detachably attached to a frame of a wheelchair; a second frame portion supported so as to be movable up and down relative to the first frame portion; a lifting device that lifts and lowers the second frame relative to the first frame portion; a swivel supported by the second frame portion so as to be rotatable about a vertically disposed pivot axis; Equipped with.

[0010] In other words, the lifting device displaces the first frame portion and the second frame portion relative to each other in the up-down direction.

[0011] The wheelchair training wheel according to one aspect of the present invention may include a linear guide that supports the second frame portion so that the second frame portion can be raised and lowered relative to the first frame portion. In this case, one of a guide rail and a slider that constitute the linear guide is supported and fixed to the first frame portion, and the other of the guide rail and the slider is supported and fixed to the second frame portion.

[0012] In one embodiment of the wheelchair training wheels of the present invention, the lifting device can include a locking mechanism that prevents the second frame portion from rising relative to the first frame portion when the second frame portion is lowered relative to the first frame portion, i.e., when the swivel wheel is in contact with the ground.

[0013] A wheelchair training wheel according to one aspect of the present invention can include a plurality of the swivel wheels, for example, two (a pair).

[0014] In one embodiment of the wheelchair training wheels of the present invention, the lifting device can be provided with a link mechanism having a first link member whose one longitudinal end is supported so as to be able to swing about a first pivot axis arranged in the width direction relative to the first frame portion or a member supported and fixed to the first frame portion, and a second link member whose one longitudinal end is supported so as to be able to swing about a second pivot axis arranged in the width direction relative to the other longitudinal end of the first link member, and whose longitudinal intermediate portion is supported so as to be able to swing about a third pivot axis arranged in the width direction relative to the second frame portion or the second frame portion.

[0015] In other words, the lifting device is provided with a link mechanism having a first link member and a second link member supported so that their proximal ends can swing about a second pivot axis arranged in the width direction, and the first link member supports its distal end relative to the second link member relative to the first frame portion or a member supported and fixed to the first frame portion so that it can swing about the first pivot axis arranged in the width direction, and the second link member is The middle part in the longitudinal direction can be supported relative to the second frame portion or a member supported and fixed to the second frame portion so as to be swingable about a third pivot axis arranged in the width direction.

[0016] In this case, the second link member may have a pedal portion that is operated by the foot of a caregiver at the other end in the lengthwise direction, that is, at the end on the distal side relative to the first link member.

[0017] Alternatively, in the wheelchair training wheel according to one aspect of the present invention, the lifting device can include a feed screw mechanism and an electric motor. In this case, the feed screw mechanism comprises a screw shaft having a male thread groove on its outer peripheral surface and connected to one of the first frame portion and the second frame portion, and a nut having a female thread groove on its inner peripheral surface and connected to the other of the first frame portion and the second frame portion, and is configured so that the screw shaft and the nut can be displaced relative to each other in the axial direction by rotating the screw shaft and the nut relative to each other. The electric motor is configured to be able to rotate the screw shaft or the nut.

[0018] In this case, the feed screw mechanism may include a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the male thread groove and the female thread groove so as to be able to roll freely. That is, the feed screw mechanism may be configured as a ball-type feed screw mechanism. Alternatively, the feed screw mechanism may be configured as a sliding type feed screw mechanism in which the male screw groove and the female screw groove are in direct sliding contact with each other.

[0019] In one aspect of the wheelchair training wheel of the present invention, the mounting portion can be detachably attached to a portion of the frame that coincides with the rotation axis of the rear wheel that constitutes the wheelchair in the front-to-rear direction.

[0020] A wheelchair with training wheels according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: The frame and a pair of rear wheels supported on the frame so as to be rotatable only about rear wheel axes disposed horizontally; a front wheel supported on the frame so as to be able to rotate about a front wheel side pivot shaft disposed in a vertical direction and a front wheel shaft disposed in a horizontal direction; a wheelchair training wheel detachably attached to the frame; Equipped with.

[0021] In particular, in a wheelchair with training wheels according to one aspect of the present invention, the wheelchair training wheels are the wheelchair training wheels according to one aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] The wheelchair training wheels of the present invention enable the wheelchair to move in any direction, and also allow the wheelchair to be folded when stored or transported. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a wheelchair equipped with wheelchair training wheels according to a first embodiment, with the swivel wheels raised. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a wheelchair equipped with wheelchair training wheels according to a first embodiment, with the swivel wheels lowered. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a rear view of a wheelchair fitted with wheelchair training wheels according to a first embodiment, seen from the rear side with the swivel wheels raised. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view of a wheelchair fitted with wheelchair training wheels according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the rear side with the swivel wheels lowered. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the wheelchair training wheels according to the first embodiment, seen from the rear side with the swivel wheels raised. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the wheelchair training wheels according to the first embodiment, as seen from the rear side with the swivel wheels lowered. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view seen from above in FIG. [Figure 8] 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 5, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 9] 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 5, and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view showing an example of a wheelchair to which wheelchair training wheels according to the first embodiment can be attached. [Figure 11] 11(A) to 11(C) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the lifting device in the first example of the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the wheelchair in a folded state, as seen from the rear. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a wheelchair equipped with wheelchair training wheels according to a second embodiment, with the swivel wheels raised. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view showing a wheelchair equipped with wheelchair training wheels according to a second embodiment, with the swivel wheels lowered. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a rear view of a wheelchair fitted with wheelchair training wheels according to a second embodiment, viewed from the rear side with the swivel wheels raised. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a rear view of a wheelchair fitted with wheelchair training wheels according to a second embodiment, as viewed from the rear side with the swivel wheels lowered. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a rear view of the wheelchair training wheels according to the second embodiment, seen from the rear side with the swivel wheels raised. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a rear view of the wheelchair training wheels according to the second embodiment, as seen from the rear side with the swivel wheels lowered. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a plan view seen from above in FIG. [Figure 20] 20A is an E-E cross-sectional view of FIG. 17, and FIG. 20B is an F-F cross-sectional view of FIG. [Figure 21] 21A is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG. 17, and FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH in FIG. [Figure 22] 22(A) and 22(B) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the lifting device in the second example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] [First example of embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 12. Wheelchair training wheel 1 of this example is used by being detachably attached to frame 3 of foldable wheelchair 2. First, an example of the structure of foldable wheelchair 2 will be briefly described below, followed by an explanation of the structure of wheelchair training wheel 1 of this example, its attachment structure to frame 3, and its operation.

[0025] <Structure of wheelchair 2> The wheelchair 2 comprises a frame 3, a pair of rear wheels 4, and a pair of front wheels 5.

[0026] In this example, the frame 3 includes a pair of side parts 6 and a cross pipe 7 .

[0027] The side part 6 has a rear vertical member 8 , a front vertical member 9 , an upper horizontal member 10 , and a lower horizontal member 11 .

[0028] The rear vertical member 8 has a pillar portion 12 that extends in the vertical direction and a bent portion 13 that is bent at a substantially right angle from the upper end of the pillar portion 12 toward the rear side. A handgrip 14 is attached to the tip end (rear end) of the bent portion 13 for the caregiver to grasp when operating the wheelchair 2.

[0029] The front vertical member 9 is disposed in front of the rear vertical member 8 so as to extend in the up-down direction.

[0030] The upper horizontal member 10 is suspended between the middle portion (up-down middle portion) of the rear vertical member 8 and the upper end portion of the front vertical member 9 so as to extend in the front-rear direction. In this example, the rear end portion of the upper horizontal member 10 is joined and fixed to the middle portion of the rear vertical member 8, and the upper end portion of the front vertical member 9 is joined and fixed to the middle portion (front-rear middle portion) of the upper horizontal member 10.

[0031] Additionally, the upper horizontal member 10 has a bent portion 15 that is bent downward in a portion forward of the portion where the upper end of the front vertical member 9 is joined. A foot support 16 for a passenger to place their feet on is attached to the tip (lower end) of the bent portion 15.

[0032] The lower horizontal member 11 is suspended between the lower end of the rear vertical member 8 and the lower end of the front vertical member 9 so as to extend in the front-to-rear direction. In this example, the lower end of the rear vertical member 8 is joined and fixed to the rear portion of the lower horizontal member 11, and the lower end of the front vertical member 9 is joined and fixed to the front portion of the lower horizontal member 11. Furthermore, in this example, the front end of the lower horizontal member 11 is joined and fixed to the middle portion of the bent portion 15 (the middle portion in the up-down direction).

[0033] The lower horizontal member 11 also has a tipping lever 17 at a portion of the lower horizontal member 11 that protrudes further rearward than the rear vertical member 8. The tipping lever 17 is a portion that the caregiver steps on with their foot to lift the pair of front wheels 5 into the air when climbing over a step or the like.

[0034] Although not shown in the figures, the frame 3 may be provided with arm supports for the rider to rest their elbows on, and side guards to prevent the rider's clothing, etc. from getting caught in the rear wheel 4.

[0035] The arm support has a horizontal member extending in the front-to-rear direction and a vertical member bent downward from the front end of the horizontal member, and is spanned between the rear vertical member 8 and the upper horizontal member 10. That is, the rear end of the horizontal member is joined and fixed to a part of the rear vertical member 8 that is above the part to which the rear end of the upper horizontal member 10 is joined, and the lower end of the vertical member is joined and fixed to the middle part of the upper horizontal member 10 (the part to which the upper end of the front vertical member 9 is joined and fixed).

[0036] The side guards are attached to the area surrounded by the arm support, the rear vertical member 8, and the upper horizontal member 10.

[0037] The cross pipe 7 rotatably supports a pair of link members 18 at their longitudinal intermediate portions. One of the pair of link members 18 supports its longitudinal end (lower end) on one side relative to the lower horizontal member 11 of one of the pair of side parts 6 so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis disposed in the front-rear direction, and the other link member 18 supports its longitudinal end (lower end) on one side relative to the lower horizontal member 11 of the other side part 6 so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis disposed in the front-rear direction. This allows the frame 3 to fold the pair of side parts 6 so as to move closer to each other in the width direction. A seat support member 19 disposed in the front-rear direction is supported and fixed to the other longitudinal end (upper end) of each link member 18. The cross pipe 7 is provided at one or more locations in the front-rear direction between the pair of side parts 6.

[0038] Each of the pair of rear wheels 4 is supported so as to be able to rotate freely around a rear wheel axle 54 disposed in the width direction (horizontal direction) on the lower part of the rear vertical member 8 of the side part 6 (the part between the part where the rear end of the upper horizontal member 10 is joined and fixed and the part where the rear end of the lower horizontal member 11 is joined). Each rear wheel 4 is equipped with a hand rim 20 that enables the occupant to operate the wheelchair 2 themselves.

[0039] Each of the pair of front wheels 5 is supported to rotate freely about a vertically disposed swivel shaft (front wheel side swivel shaft) C5 and a horizontally disposed rotation shaft (front wheel shaft) O5 relative to the lower end of the front vertical member 9 of the side part 6. In other words, each of the front wheels 5 is configured as a swivel wheel (swivel caster).

[0040] The wheelchair 2 further includes a seat cushion 78 stretched between the seat support members 19, and a back seat (not shown) stretched between the upper halves of the rear vertical members 8 (portions that protrude above the portions where the rear ends of the upper horizontal members 10 are joined) that make up the pair of side parts 6. The seat cushion 78 and the back seat are made of flexible material.

[0041] <Structure of wheelchair training wheels 1> The wheelchair training wheel 1 comprises a first frame portion 21, a second frame portion 22, a pair of linear guides 23, a lifting device 24, and a pair of swivel wheels 25. In the following description, the up-down direction, the front-back direction, and the width direction (left-right direction) refer to the up-down direction, the front-back direction, and the width direction (left-right direction) of the wheelchair 2 when the wheelchair training wheel 1 is supported on the frame 3 of the wheelchair 2, unless otherwise specified.

[0042] The first frame portion 21 has a pair of first beam members 26a, 26b, a pair of first connecting members 27, and a pair of first columnar members .

[0043] The pair of first beam members 26a, 26b are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the front-rear direction so as to extend in the width direction.

[0044] The pair of first connecting members 27 connect the longitudinal ends (widthwise ends) of the pair of first beam members 26a, 26b to each other. That is, each first connecting member 27 has its front end joined and fixed to the longitudinal end of the front first beam member 26a of the pair of first beam members 26a, 26b, and its rear end joined and fixed to the longitudinal end of the rear first beam member 26b. Therefore, the first frame portion 21 is configured in a substantially rectangular frame shape when viewed from the top and bottom.

[0045] Each first connecting member 27 has a notch 29 that penetrates vertically and opens to the front end face. Therefore, the first connecting member 27 has a generally U-shaped or J-shaped planar shape (a generally J-shaped planar shape in the illustrated example) when viewed from the vertical direction. In this example, as will be described later, the shaft of a mounting screw 57 supported on the frame 3 of the wheelchair 2 is engaged with the notch 29, thereby supporting the wheelchair training wheel 1 with respect to the frame 3. That is, in this example, the first connecting member 27 forms the mounting portion.

[0046] The pair of first pillars 28 are disposed so as to extend in the vertical direction, and have their upper ends joined and fixed to the longitudinal ends (widthwise ends) of the front first beam member 26a. In other words, each first pillar 28 is provided so as to hang down (extend) downward from the longitudinal end of the front first beam member 26a.

[0047] The second frame portion 22 has a pair of second pillar members 30 , a second beam member 31 , a pair of hanging members 32 , and a second connecting member 33 .

[0048] The pair of second pillars 30 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the width direction so as to extend in the vertical direction.

[0049] The second beam member 31 is disposed behind the pair of second columnar members 30 and connects the longitudinal middle portions (vertical middle portions) of the pair of second columnar members 30 together (bridges between the longitudinal middle portions of the pair of second columnar members 30). That is, the second beam member 31 has an end portion on one longitudinal side (an end portion on one widthwise side) joined and fixed to the longitudinal middle portion of the second columnar member 30 on one widthwise side of the pair of second columnar members 30, and an end portion on the other longitudinal side (an end portion on the other widthwise side) joined and fixed to the longitudinal middle portion of the second columnar member 30 on the other widthwise side.

[0050] The pair of hanging members 32 are disposed so as to extend in the up-down direction, and have their upper ends joined and fixed at two positions in the middle of the length direction (middle of the width direction) of second beam member 31. In other words, each hanging member 32 is provided so as to hang (extend) downward from the two positions in the middle of the length direction of second beam member 31.

[0051] Second connecting member 33 connects the lower ends of a pair of hanging members 32 together (is suspended between the lower ends of a pair of hanging members 32). In other words, second connecting member 33 has an end on one lengthwise side (an end on one widthwise side) joined and fixed to the lower end of hanging member 32 on one widthwise side of the pair of hanging members 32, and an end on the other lengthwise side (an end on the other widthwise side) joined and fixed to the lower end of hanging member 32 on the other widthwise side.

[0052] In this example, the second frame portion 22 is supported by a pair of linear guides 23 so as to be movable up and down relative to the first frame portion 21. In other words, the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22 are combined by the pair of linear guides 23 to allow relative displacement in the up and down direction. Each linear guide 23 has a rectangular plate-like guide rail 34 extending in the up and down direction, and a slider 35 having a substantially U-shaped end face when viewed in the up and down direction and combined with the guide rail 34 so as to allow displacement only in the up and down direction along the guide rail 34. In this example, the guide rail 34 is joined and fixed to the front side of the second pillar member 30 of the second frame portion 22, and the slider 35 is joined and fixed to the rear side of the first pillar member 28 of the first frame portion 21. However, the guide rail may be joined and fixed to the first frame portion, and the slider may be joined and fixed to the second frame portion.

[0053] The linear guide 23 may be any of a sliding linear guide, a ball circulating linear guide, and a non-circulating roller linear guide. A sliding linear guide is formed by engaging an engaging protrusion formed on a slider with a rail groove formed in a guide rail. A ball circulating linear guide has multiple balls rollably arranged in a load path provided between the guide rail and the slider, and a circulation path is provided inside the slider that returns balls that move to the end point of the load path due to relative displacement between the guide rail and the slider to the start point of the load path. A non-circulating roller linear guide is formed by rotatably supporting multiple rollers on a slider and making rolling contact with a rolling surface formed on the guide rail.

[0054] The wheelchair training wheel 1 of this example includes a torsion coil spring (tension spring) 36 stretched between the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22. Specifically, in this example, the torsion coil spring 36 has an upper end portion supported and fixed to the first beam member 26b on the rear side of the first frame portion 21, and a lower end portion supported and fixed to the first beam member 26b on the rear side of the second frame portion 22. Hanging member 32 The screw is fixed to the upper end of the the law of nature As will be described later, the coil spring 36 is provided to prevent the second frame portion 22 from descending (falling) relative to the first frame portion 21 due to its own weight when the locking mechanism of the lifting device 24 is released.

[0055] The lifting device 24 raises and lowers the second frame portion 22 relative to the first frame portion 21. In other words, the lifting device 24 relatively displaces the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22 in the up and down direction. The lifting device 24 in this example has a non-electric structure, more specifically, a foot-operated structure in which the pair of swivel wheels 25 are lowered when the caregiver presses on a pedal portion 51, which will be described later. In this example, the lifting device 24 includes an expandable member 37 and a link mechanism 38.

[0056] The telescopic member 37 is formed by combining an upper first member 39 and a lower second member 40 so that the entire length of the member can be telescopically extended (telescopically).

[0057] The first member 39 has a first support plate portion 41 having a substantially rectangular plate shape, and a first cylindrical portion 42 extending downward from the lower surface of the first support plate portion 41. The first member 39 is supported and fixed to the first frame portion 21. Specifically, the first member 39 supports and fixes the first support plate portion 41 to the lower surfaces of the pair of first beam members 26a, 26b of the first frame portion 21 by screwing.

[0058] The second member 40 has a second support plate portion 43 having a substantially rectangular plate shape, and a second cylindrical portion 44 that extends upward from the upper surface of the second support plate portion 43 and is fitted within the first cylindrical portion 42 so as to be able to move relative to the first cylindrical portion 42 in the up-down direction. The second member 40 is supported and fixed to the second frame portion 22. Specifically, the second member 40 supports and fixes the second support plate portion 43 to the second connecting member 33 of the second frame portion 22 by screwing.

[0059] The expandable member 37 has a tension spring (not shown) stretched between the first member 39 and the second member 40. The tension spring applies elastic force to the first member 39 and the second member 40 in a direction that brings them closer to each other, i.e., in a direction that contracts the entire length of the expandable member 37. As will be described later, the tension spring is provided to prevent the second frame portion 22 from descending (falling) relative to the first frame portion 21 due to its own weight when the locking mechanism of the lifting device 24 is released.

[0060] The link mechanism 38 includes a first link member 45, a second link member 46, and a locking link member 47.

[0061] The first link member 45 extends in an approximately straight line when viewed in the width direction, and its end on one side in the longitudinal direction (the distal end relative to the second link member 46, the upper end) is supported so as to be able to swing around a first pivot 48 arranged in the width direction relative to the first member 39 supported and fixed to the first frame portion 21.

[0062] The second link member 46 has a substantially V-shaped (substantially L-shaped) side surface when viewed in the width direction. One longitudinal end of the second link member 46 (the proximal end relative to the first link member 45, the front end) is supported so as to be swingable about a second pivot 49 disposed in the width direction relative to the other longitudinal end of the first link member 45 (the proximal end relative to the second link member 46, the lower end). The second link member 46 also has a longitudinal intermediate portion (bent portion) supported so as to be swingable about a third pivot 50 disposed in the width direction relative to the second member 40, which is supported and fixed to the second frame portion 22. Furthermore, the second link member 46 has a pedal portion 51, which is stepped on by the caregiver, at its other longitudinal end (the distal end relative to the first link member 45, the rear end).

[0063] The locking link member 47 has a substantially V-shaped (substantially L-shaped) side surface when viewed in the width direction. The locking link member 47 is supported at its longitudinal middle portion so as to be swingable about a third pivot 50. The locking link member 47 also has an engagement notch 52 at one end (front end) of its longitudinal side, and an unlocking pedal 53 at the other end (rear end) of its longitudinal side.

[0064] The pair of free wheels 25 are arranged on a vertically disposed pivot axis C 25 The swivel wheels 25 are supported by the lower surfaces of a pair of second pillar-shaped members 30 constituting the second frame portion 22 so as to be able to rotate freely around the center of the swivel wheels 25. Each swivel wheel 25 has a substantially flat mounting plate 79, a wheel support portion 80, and a wheel 81.

[0065] The wheel support portion 80 is formed by bending a metal plate into a substantially U-shape, and has a pair of parallel support plate portions 82 and a connecting portion 83 that connects the upper ends of the pair of support plate portions 82. The connecting portion 83 is connected to the mounting plate 79 by a pivot axis C disposed in the vertical direction. 25 The rotational movement around the center is supported freely.

[0066] The wheels 81 are attached to a pair of support plates 82 along a horizontally disposed rotation axis O. 25It is supported so that it can rotate freely around the center.

[0067] Each of the free wheels 25 is supported and fixed to the lower surface of the second columnar member 30 by the mounting plate 79, and the rotation axis C 25 The rotational movement around the center is supported freely.

[0068] <Attachment structure of wheelchair training wheels 1 to frame 3> The wheelchair training wheels 1 of this example are detachably attached to the frame 3 of the wheelchair 2. Specifically, a pair of first connecting members 27 that constitute the mounting portion are detachably attached to a portion of the frame 3 that coincides in its front-to-rear position with the rear wheel axles 54 of the rear wheels 4. For this purpose, mounting brackets 55 are supported and fixed to the rear vertical members 8 of the pair of side parts 6 that constitute the frame 3.

[0069] Each mounting bracket 55 includes a bracket body 56 and a mounting screw 57 .

[0070] The metal fitting body 56 comprises a side plate portion 58 having a through hole penetrating in the width direction, and a bent plate portion 59 that bends from the lower end of the side plate portion 58 inward in the width direction and has a screw hole penetrating in the plate thickness direction (up and down direction). The metal fitting body 56 is supported and fixed to the rear vertical member 8 with the rear wheel axle 54 of the rear wheel 4 of the wheelchair 2 inserted through the through hole provided in the side plate portion 58.

[0071] The tip of the shaft of the mounting screw 57 is loosely screwed from above into a threaded hole provided in the bent plate portion 59 of the metal fitting body 56. In this example, the mounting screw 57 has a clamp handle 60 on its head.

[0072] When attaching the wheelchair training wheel 1 to the frame 3, first, the wheelchair training wheel 1 is moved from the rear side to the front side of the frame 3 and inserted between the pair of side parts 6. Then, the base end of the shaft of each mounting screw 57 that is exposed above the upper surface of the bent plate portion 59 is engaged with the notches 29 provided in the pair of first connecting members 27. In other words, the base end of the shaft of each mounting screw 57 is positioned inside the notches 29 of the first connecting members 27.

[0073] With the base end of the shaft of each of the mounting screws 57 engaged with the notch 29 of each of the first connecting members 27, the mounting screws 57 are further screwed in to increase the amount of engagement of the mounting screws 57 with the screw holes provided in the bent plate portions 59. Ki 2 The portions of the auxiliary wheel 1 on both sides in the width direction of the auxiliary wheel 1 are tightly clamped between the head of the mounting screw 57 and the bent plate portion 59 of the metal fitting body 56. In this way, the auxiliary wheel 1 for wheelchairs is supported on the frame 3.

[0074] On the other hand, when removing the wheelchair training wheels 1 from the frame 3, first, loosen the respective mounting screws 57 to reduce the amount of engagement of the mounting screws 57 with the screw holes provided in the bent plate portions 59. As a result, the notches in the respective first connecting members 27 are loosened between the heads of the mounting screws 57 and the bent plate portions 59 of the metal fitting body 56. Ki 2 The clamping force of the portions on both sides of 9 in the width direction is reduced or lost.

[0075] Next, the wheelchair training wheel 1 is moved rearward relative to the frame 3 to disengage the base end of the shaft of each mounting screw 57 from the notch 29 of each first connecting member 27. In other words, the base end of the shaft of each mounting screw 57 is moved forward and disengaged from the notch 29 of each first connecting member 27. This allows the wheelchair training wheel 1 to be removed from the frame 3.

[0076] <Operation of wheelchair training wheels 1> In the wheelchair 2 fitted with the wheelchair training wheels 1 of this example, an attendant can step on the pedal portion 51 of the wheelchair training wheels 1 to lower the pair of swivel wheels 25 so that they touch the ground, and also raise the pair of rear wheels 4 of the wheelchair 2 so that they do not touch the ground.

[0077] When the caregiver steps on the pedal portion 51 provided at the other longitudinal end of the second link member 46 (the distal end relative to the first link member 45, the rear end), as shown in Figures 11(A) to 11(B), the second link member 46 swings around the third pivot 50 in a direction such that its other longitudinal end faces forward and downward, and its one longitudinal end (the proximal end relative to the first link member 45, the front end) faces backward and upward, i.e., in the clockwise direction in Figures 11(A) and 11(B).

[0078] As the second link member 46 swings, the second pivot 49 supported on one longitudinal end of the second link member 46 moves rearward and upward, causing the other longitudinal end of the first link member 45 (the end proximal to the second link member 46, the rear end) to swing rearward and upward, i.e., counterclockwise in FIGS. 11(A) and 11(B), around the first pivot 48. This increases the distance between the first pivot 48 and the third pivot 50, and the first member 39 supporting the first pivot 48 and the second member 40 supporting the third pivot 50 are displaced away from each other against the elastic forces of the torsion coil spring 36 and the tension springs provided in the telescopic member 37. As a result, the overall length of the telescopic member 37 is extended.

[0079] In this example, when the overall length of the telescopic member 37 reaches its maximum, the engagement notch 52 of the locking link member 47 engages with the second pivot 49, restricting movement of the second pivot 49. This locks the telescopic member 37 from extending or retracting over its entire length.

[0080] In the wheelchair 2 fitted with the wheelchair training wheels 1 of this example, when an attendant presses down on the pedal 51 of the wheelchair training wheels 1 to extend the entire length of the telescopic member 37, the first frame 21 supported by the frame 3 of the wheelchair 2 remains in place while the second frame 22 descends. Then, the pair of swivel wheels 25 (wheels 81) supported by the second frame 22 come into contact with a contact surface 85 such as the ground or floor.

[0081] When the pedal 51 is further depressed from the state in which the pair of swivel wheels 25 are in contact with the ground, and the entire length of the telescopic member 37 is extended, the first frame 21 rises relative to the second frame 22 while the second frame 22 remains in its current position, and the rear portion of the frame 3 of the wheelchair 2 is lifted higher than the front portion. As a result, the pair of rear wheels 4 move away from the ground surface 85 (become non-grounded) while the pair of front wheels 5 remain in contact with the ground surface 85. Then, when the first frame 21 has fully risen relative to the second frame 22, the engagement notch 52 of the locking link member 47 engages with the second pivot 49, locking the extension and contraction of the entire length of the telescopic member 37. This maintains the state in which the pair of swivel wheels 25 are in contact with the ground and the pair of rear wheels 4 are not in contact with the ground.

[0082] When the pair of rear wheels 4 is not in contact with the ground, the four wheels, namely the pair of front wheels 5, each of which is a swivel wheel, and the pair of swivel wheels 25 of the wheelchair training wheels 1, are in contact with the ground surface 85. In this state, the caregiver can move the wheelchair 2 in any direction, including the sideways direction (width direction). Therefore, even when there is not enough space to move forward and backward, such as at the bedside, the caregiver can easily move the wheelchair 2 to the side.

[0083] On the other hand, when the rear wheels 4 of the wheelchair 2 are lowered to make contact with the ground and the swivel wheels 25 are raised to make a non-contact state, the attendant steps on the unlocking pedal portion 53 of the wheelchair training wheels 1.

[0084] When the caregiver depresses the unlocking pedal 53 provided at the other longitudinal end (rear end) of the locking link member 47, as shown in Figures 11(B) and 11(C), the locking link member 47 swings around the third pivot 50 in a direction such that the other longitudinal end faces downward and forward, and the end on one longitudinal side (front end) faces upward and rearward, i.e., in the clockwise direction in Figures 11(B) and 11(C). When the locking link member 47 swings, the engagement notch 52 provided at the one longitudinal end of the locking link member 47 disengages from the second pivot 49. This allows the extension / retraction member 37 to extend over its entire length (the lock is released).

[0085] When the lock on the extension and contraction of the entire length of the extension member 37 is released, as shown in Figure 11(C) → Figure 11(A), the extension member 37 contracts its entire length while swinging the first link member 45 and the second link member 46 due to the elastic restoring force of the torsion coil spring 36 and the tension spring provided in the extension member 37.

[0086] In wheelchair 2 equipped with wheelchair training wheels 1 of this example, when an attendant presses down on unlocking pedal 53 of wheelchair training wheels 1 to contract the entire length of telescopic member 37, first, first frame portion 21 supported by frame 3 of wheelchair 2 descends while second frame portion 22 supporting pair of swivel wheels 25 remains in place. Then, pair of rear wheels 4 supported by frame 3 touch down on ground surface 85.

[0087] When the entire length of the telescopic member 37 is further contracted from the state in which the pair of rear wheels 4 are in contact with the ground, the first frame portion 21 remains in the same position while the second frame portion 22 rises relative to the first frame portion 21, and the pair of swivel wheels 25 supported by the second frame portion 22 move away from the ground surface 85 (become in a non-grounded state).

[0088] When the pair of swivel wheels 25 are not in contact with the ground, the pair of rear wheels 4 and the pair of front wheels 5 of the wheelchair 2 are in contact with the ground surface 85, and the wheelchair can be operated in the same manner as a normal self-propelled wheelchair. That is, for example, the occupant can move or change direction of the wheelchair 2 by operating the hand rims 20. Note that when the pair of swivel wheels 25 are not in contact with the ground, the elasticity of the torsion coil spring 36 and the tension spring provided in the expansion member 37 prevents the second frame portion 22 from descending (falling) relative to the first frame portion 21.

[0089] As described above, the wheelchair training wheels 1 of this example, which enable the wheelchair 2 to move in any direction, are detachably attached to the frame 3 of the wheelchair 2. Therefore, when storing or transporting the wheelchair 2, by removing the wheelchair training wheels 1 from the frame 3 of the wheelchair 2, the wheelchair 2 can be folded so that the pair of rear wheels 4 approach each other in the width direction, as shown in FIG.

[0090] The wheelchair training wheel 1 in this example is detachably attached to a portion of the frame 3 of the wheelchair 2 that coincides with the rear wheel axle 54 of the rear wheel 4 in the front-to-rear direction, specifically to the rear vertical member 8. In other words, in this example, the wheelchair training wheel 1 for raising and lowering the rear wheel 4 is attached to the rear vertical member 8, which is the portion of the frame 3 that bears the greatest weight of the occupant. This allows the line of action of the force applied from the wheelchair training wheel 1 to the frame 3 when raising and lowering the rear wheel 4 to be positioned substantially on the same line as the line of action of the load based on the occupant's weight. This reduces the burden on the frame 3 compared to when the wheelchair training wheel 1 is attached to a portion of the frame 3 other than the rear vertical member 8. Furthermore, even when an assistant holds the handgrip 14 and operates the wheelchair 2 from behind with the wheelchair training wheel 1 attached to the frame 3, the wheelchair training wheel 1 is unlikely to interfere with the assistant's walking.

[0091] In this example, the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22 are combined to allow relative displacement in the vertical direction by a pair of linear guides 23. This allows moments in all directions to be supported, and the pair of rear wheels 4 can be raised and lowered stably.

[0092] The structure of the wheelchair 2 to which the wheelchair training wheel 1 of this example is detachably attached is not limited to the above example, and any structure can be adopted. For example, the wheelchair training wheel 1 of this example is not limited to a self-propelled wheelchair 2, and can also be attached to an assistive wheelchair whose rear wheels do not have hand rims.

[0093] In the lifting device 24 for the wheelchair training wheels 1 of this example, when the attendant depresses the pedal 51, the first frame 21 is fully elevated relative to the second frame 22, and the engagement notch 52 of the locking link member 47 engages with the second pivot 49, maintaining a state in which the pair of swivel wheels 25 contact the ground and the pair of rear wheels 4 do not contact the ground. When the attendant depresses the unlocking pedal 53, the engagement notch 52 disengages from the second pivot 49, causing the pair of swivel wheels 25 to lift and the pair of rear wheels 4 to contact the ground. However, when implementing the wheelchair training wheels of the present invention, the structure of the lifting device that relatively displaces the first frame 1 and the second frame 2 relative to each other in the vertical direction, including the locking mechanism that maintains a state in which the swivel wheels contact the ground and the pair of rear wheels do not contact the ground, and the method for releasing the locking mechanism, are not particularly limited and may be any structure.

[0094] Although not shown, a braking device can be installed on the wheelchair training wheels 1 and / or the wheelchair 2 to prevent the wheelchair 2 from moving inadvertently even when the pair of swivel wheels 25 of the wheelchair training wheels 1 are in contact with the ground and the pair of rear wheels 4 of the wheelchair 2 are not in contact with the ground and the attendant is not holding the hand grips 14.

[0095] [Second example of embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 22(B). The wheelchair training wheels 1a of this embodiment are provided on a first frame portion.21 The structure of the lifting device 24a that relatively displaces the first frame portion 21a and the second frame portion 22 in the up-down direction differs from that of the lifting device 24 of the wheelchair training wheel 1 in the first embodiment. Specifically, the lifting device 24a has an electric structure that uses an electric motor 61 as a power source to relatively displace the first frame portion 21a and the second frame portion 22 in the up-down direction. In this example, the lifting device 24a includes the electric motor 61 and a feed screw mechanism 62.

[0096] The electric motor 61 has a motor housing 63, an output shaft 64 rotatably supported inside the motor housing 63, a stator supported and fixed inside the motor housing 63, and a rotor supported and fixed around the output shaft 64. The motor housing 63 is made of a first frame portion 21 The electric motor 61 is supported and fixed to the first beam member 26b on the rear side by a fixing block 65. In this example, the electric motor 61 has a brake function inside the motor housing 63 that prevents the rotation of the output shaft 64 regardless of external force when the power supply is stopped.

[0097] The feed screw mechanism 62 includes a ball nut 66, a ball screw shaft 67, and a plurality of balls (not shown). That is, in this example, the feed screw mechanism 62 is configured by a ball-type feed screw mechanism.

[0098] The ball nut 66 has a cylindrical shape and has a spiral outer diameter side ball screw groove (female ball screw groove) on its inner peripheral surface. The groove shape (groove bottom shape) of the cross section of the outer diameter side ball screw groove is a gothic arch groove or a circular arc groove.

[0099] The ball nut 66 is rotatably supported on the first frame portion 21 via a support bracket 68. The support bracket 68 includes a pair of beam-like portions 84 and a pair of column-like portions 69. and , and a nut support portion 70.

[0100] The pair of beam-like portions 84 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the width direction so as to extend in the front-rear direction. The pair of beam-like portions 84 are supported and fixed to the pair of first beam members 26a, 26b that constitute the first frame portion 21 so as to span between the first beam members 26a, 26b.

[0101] The pair of pillar portions 69 are arranged to extend in the up-down direction, and have their upper ends joined and fixed to the longitudinal intermediate portion (front-rear intermediate portion) of the beam portion 84. In other words, each pillar portion 69 is provided so as to hang down (extend) downward from the longitudinal intermediate portion of the beam portion 84.

[0102] The nut support portion 70 is formed in a flat plate shape, and its front end portion is fixedly coupled to the lower ends of the pair of columnar portions 69. The ball nut 66 is rotatably supported by a radial rolling bearing 71 relative to the nut support portion 70, with its central axis facing in the vertical direction.

[0103] The ball nut 66 is rotatably connected to the output shaft 64 of the electric motor 61 via a connecting member 72. The connecting member 72 has a cylindrical portion 73 and a bottom plate portion 74 that closes the upper end of the cylindrical portion 73. The connecting member 72 is connected to the output shaft 64 of the electric motor 61 so as to be able to transmit torque by non-circularly fitting the output shaft 64 of the electric motor 61 into an engaging hole 75 provided in the bottom plate portion 74. The connecting member 72 is also connected to the ball nut 66 so as to be able to transmit torque by fitting and fixing a fitting surface portion 76 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the lower end of the cylindrical portion 73 to the upper end of the ball nut 66. In this way, the connecting member 72 connects the output shaft 64 and the ball nut 66 so as to be able to transmit torque.

[0104] The ball screw shaft 67 has a spiral inner diameter side ball screw groove (male ball screw groove) 77 on the outer peripheral surface of its upper portion. The groove shape (groove bottom shape) of the cross section of the inner diameter side ball screw groove is a Gothic arch groove or a circular arc groove. The ball screw shaft 67 has an upper portion inserted into the inside of the ball nut 66 and arranged coaxially with the ball nut 66, and a lower portion supported and fixed to the second connecting member 33 of the second frame portion 22 so as not to rotate.

[0105] The outer diameter side ball screw groove of the ball nut 66 and the inner diameter side ball screw groove 77 of the ball screw shaft 67 are arranged radially opposite to each other to form a spiral load path. Each ball is arranged to roll freely in the load path. The start and end points of the load path are connected by a circulation means. That is, a ball that reaches the end point of the load path is returned to the start point of the load path via the circulation means. The start and end points of the load path are switched depending on the direction of relative displacement (relative rotation direction) between the ball nut 66 and the ball screw shaft 67 in the axial direction (up and down direction). The circulation means can be formed by a circulation path formed on the inner peripheral surface of the ball nut or a circulation part such as a top.

[0106] In the wheelchair training wheels 1a of this example, a pair of first connecting members 27 constituting the mounting portion are also detachably attached to the frame 3 constituting the wheelchair 2 by means of mounting brackets 55.

[0107] Furthermore, in the wheelchair 2 equipped with the wheelchair training wheels 1a of this example, the swivel wheels 25 can be raised and lowered by energizing the electric motor 61. The power supply to the electric motor 61 can be switched on and off by an assistant operating a switch. The mounting position of the switch is not particularly limited, but it can be mounted on the hand grip 14 or in the vicinity thereof, for example.

[0108] That is, by driving the ball nut 66 to rotate in a predetermined direction by the electric motor 61, the ball screw shaft 67 is moved downward relative to the ball nut 66, as shown in Figures 22(A) to 22(B). When the ball screw shaft 67 is moved downward relative to the ball nut 66, first, the second frame part 22 supporting the ball screw shaft 67 descends, while the first frame part 21, which is supported by the frame 3 of the wheelchair 2 and supports the ball nut 66, remains in its current position. Then, the pair of swivel wheels 25 supported by the second frame part 22 comes into contact with the ground surface 85.

[0109] When the ball screw shaft 67 is further moved downward relative to the ball nut 66 from the state in which the pair of swivel wheels 25 are in contact with the ground, the first frame portion 21 rises relative to the second frame portion 22 while the second frame portion 22 remains in the same position, and the rear portion of the frame 3 of the wheelchair 2 is lifted higher than the front portion. As a result, the pair of front wheels 5 remain in contact with the ground surface 85, while the pair of rear wheels 4 move away from the ground surface 85 (becoming in a non-grounded state). When the power supply to the electric motor 61 is stopped in this state, the brake mechanism provided in the electric motor 61 prevents rotation of the output shaft 64, and therefore rotation of the ball nut 66. This prevents relative axial (vertical) movement of the ball screw shaft 67 with respect to the ball nut 66, maintaining a state in which the pair of swivel wheels 25 are in contact with the ground and the pair of rear wheels 4 are not in contact with the ground.

[0110] When the pair of rear wheels 4 are not in contact with the ground, the pair of front wheels 5, each of which is a swivel wheel, and the wheelchair auxiliary wheels 1a Since the pair of swivel wheels 25 and the four wheels are in contact with the ground surface 85, the caregiver can move the wheelchair 2 in any direction including the lateral direction (width direction).

[0111] On the other hand, when the rear wheels 4 of the wheelchair 2 are lowered to make contact with the ground and the swivel wheels 25 are raised to make a non-contact state, the electric motor 61 drives the ball nut 66 to rotate in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction, and as shown in Figure 22(B) → Figure 22(A), the ball screw shaft 67 moves upward relative to the ball nut 66. Note that when the ball screw shaft 67 moves upward relative to the ball nut 66, the upper end of the ball screw shaft 67 is inserted inside the cylindrical portion 73 of the connecting member 72, so that the ball screw shaft 67 is allowed to move upward relative to the ball nut 66.

[0112] When the ball screw shaft 67 is moved upward relative to the ball nut 66, first, the first frame portion 21 supported by the frame 3 of the wheelchair 2 descends, while the second frame portion 22 supporting the pair of swivel wheels 25 remains in place. Then, the pair of rear wheels 4 supported by the frame 3 come into contact with the ground surface 85.

[0113] When the ball screw shaft 67 is further moved upward relative to the ball nut 66 from the state in which the pair of rear wheels 4 are in contact with the ground, the first frame portion 21 remains in the same position while the second frame portion 22 rises relative to the first frame portion 21, and the pair of swivel wheels 25 supported by the second frame portion 22 move away from the contact surface 85 (become in a non-contact state).

[0114] When the pair of swivel wheels 25 are not in contact with the ground, the pair of rear wheels 4 and the pair of front wheels 5 of the wheelchair 2 are in contact with the ground surface 85, and the wheelchair can be operated in the same way as a normal self-propelled wheelchair.

[0115] The wheelchair training wheels 1a of this example are also detachably attached to the frame 3 of the wheelchair 2, so that when storing or transporting the wheelchair 2, the wheelchair training wheels 1a By removing the rear wheels 4 from the frame 3 of the wheelchair 2, the wheelchair 2 can be folded so that the pair of rear wheels 4 approach each other in the width direction, as shown in FIG.

[0116] Furthermore, the wheelchair training wheels 1a of this embodiment can prevent the occupant from receiving any shock when the pair of rear wheels 4 of the wheelchair 2 are switched from a non-ground-contact state to a ground-contact state.

[0117] That is, in the wheelchair training wheel 1 according to the first embodiment, when the unlocking pedal 53 is depressed to disengage the engagement notch 52 from the second pivot 49, the weight of the wheelchair 2 and the weight of the occupant causes the first frame 21 to move forcefully downward (fall) relative to the second frame 22. As a result, the pair of rear wheels 4 may land forcefully on the ground surface 85, possibly causing an impact on the occupant.

[0118] In contrast, in the wheelchair training wheels 1a of this example, the swivel wheels 25 are raised and lowered by an elevating device 24a having an electric motor 61 and a feed screw mechanism 62. Therefore, the relative speed of vertical movement between the first frame portion 21 and the second frame portion 22 can be set to any speed. Therefore, when the first frame portion 21 is lowered relative to the second frame portion 22 to bring the pair of rear wheels 4 into contact with the ground, the pair of rear wheels 4 can be prevented from contacting the ground surface 85 with force, preventing an impact load from being applied to the occupant.

[0119] In this example, the ball nut 66 is rotatably supported relative to the first frame portion 21, and the ball screw shaft 67 is non-rotatably supported relative to the second frame portion 22, but when implementing the present invention, the ball nut can be non-rotatably supported relative to the first frame portion, and the ball screw shaft can be rotatably supported relative to the second frame portion. Alternatively, the ball nut can be rotatably or non-rotatably supported relative to the second frame portion, and the ball screw shaft can be rotatably or non-rotatably supported relative to the first frame portion.

[0120] In this example, in order to maintain the vertical position of the second frame portion 22 relative to the first frame portion 21 when power is cut off, the electric motor 61 used has a brake function that prevents rotation of the output shaft 64 when power is cut off, but the present invention is not limited to this and any configuration can be used when implementing it. For example, a reverse input cut-off clutch can be provided between the electric motor and the ball nut or ball screw shaft, which transmits torque from the electric motor to the ball nut or ball screw shaft but does not transmit torque from the ball nut or ball screw shaft to the electric motor.

[0121] In addition, in this example, a ball-type feed screw mechanism is used as the feed screw mechanism 62, in which multiple balls are arranged between an outer diameter ball screw groove provided on the inner peripheral surface of the ball nut 66 and an inner diameter ball screw groove 77 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the ball screw shaft 67. However, when implementing the present invention, a sliding-type feed screw mechanism in which a female screw groove provided on the inner peripheral surface of the nut and a male screw groove provided on the outer peripheral surface of the screw shaft are in direct sliding contact can also be used. In this case, the brake function of the electric motor and the reverse input cut-off clutch may be omitted. The configuration, operation, and effects of other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1, 1a Training wheels for wheelchairs 2. Wheelchair 3 frames 4 rear wheels 5 front wheels 6 Side Parts 7 Cross Pipe 8 Rear vertical member 9 Front vertical member 10 Upper side member 11 Lower side member 12 Pillar section 13 Bend 14 Hand Grips 15 Bending part 16 Foot Support 17 Tipping lever 18 Link member 19 Seat support member 20 Hand rim 21 First frame section 22 Second frame section 23 Linear guide 24, 24a Lifting device 25 Free wheel 26a, 26b First beam member 27 First connecting member 28 First columnar member 29 Notch 30 Second columnar member 31 Second beam member 32 Hanging member 33 Second connecting member 34 Guide rail 35 slider 36 Torsion coil spring 37 Elastic member 38 Link mechanism 39 First member 40 Second member 41 1st support plate part 42 First cylindrical portion 43 Second support plate part 44 Second cylindrical section 45 First link member 46 Second link member 47 Locking link member 48 Axis 1 49 Second Axis 50 Third Axis 51 Pedal section 52 Engagement notch 53 Unlock pedal 54 Rear wheel axle 55 Mounting bracket 56 Metal fittings body 57 Mounting screw 58 Side plate part 59 Bent plate section 60 Clamp Handle 61 Electric motor 62 Lead screw mechanism 63 Motor housing 64 Output shaft 65 Fixed Block 66 Ball nut 67 Ball screw shaft 68 Support bracket 69 Columnar part 70 Nut support 71 Radial Rolling Bearing 72 Connecting member 73 Cylindrical part 74 Bottom plate part 75 Engagement hole 76 Mating surface part 77 Inner diameter ball screw groove 78 Seat 79 Mounting plate 80 Wheel support part 81 Wheels 82 Support plate part 83 Consolidated Department 84 Beam-shaped part 85 Ground plane

Claims

1. a first frame portion having an attachment portion that is detachably attached to a frame of a wheelchair; a second frame portion supported so as to be movable up and down relative to the first frame portion; an elevator device that raises and lowers the second frame portion relative to the first frame portion; a swivel supported by the second frame portion so as to be rotatable about a vertically disposed pivot axis; Equipped with The lifting device comprises a link mechanism having a first link member, the end of which on one side in the length direction is supported relative to the first frame portion or a member supported and fixed to the first frame portion so as to be swingable about a first pivot axis arranged in the width direction, and a second link member, the end of which on one side in the length direction is supported relative to the end of the other side in the length direction of the first link member so as to be swingable about a second pivot axis arranged in the width direction, and the intermediate portion in the length direction is supported relative to the second frame portion or a member supported and fixed to the second frame portion so as to be swingable about a third pivot axis arranged in the width direction. Wheelchair training wheels.

2. a linear guide that supports the second frame portion so that the second frame portion can be raised and lowered relative to the first frame portion; 2. The wheelchair training wheel according to claim 1.

3. the lifting device includes a locking mechanism that prevents the second frame portion from rising relative to the first frame portion when the second frame portion is lowered relative to the first frame portion.

3. The wheelchair training wheel according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A plurality of the swivel wheels are provided. The wheelchair training wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the second link member has a pedal portion at the other end in the length direction; The wheelchair training wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The mounting portion is detachably attached to a portion of the frame that coincides with a rotation axis of a rear wheel that constitutes the wheelchair in the front-rear direction. The wheelchair training wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The frame and a pair of rear wheels supported on the frame so as to be rotatable only about rear wheel axes disposed horizontally; a front wheel supported on the frame so as to be able to rotate about a front wheel side pivot shaft disposed in a vertical direction and a front wheel shaft disposed in a horizontal direction; a wheelchair training wheel detachably attached to the frame; Equipped with The wheelchair training wheel is the wheelchair training wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Wheelchair with training wheels.

Citation Information

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