Multi-functional wheelchair

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multifunctional wheelchair, and in particular, comprises: a seat plate that supports the buttocks of a occupant; a backrest provided on the rear side of the seat plate to support the back of the occupant; a pair of front and rear wheels provided on the lower side of the seat plate in a front-rear direction to support the seat plate and the backrest while rotating; and a shape-changing and driving unit that adjusts the distance between the pair of rear wheels, raises and lowers the rear side of the seat plate to allow the occupant to sit on the seat plate or lean on the seat plate while standing, and provides power to the rear wheels to rotate them. This configuration allows the wheelchair to flexibly respond by changing its shape according to the condition of the passageway, and has the effect of utilizing the wheelchair as a walking aid.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheelchair, and more specifically to a multifunctional wheelchair that can minimize the role of an assistant by providing assistance in various aspects, such as spatial mobility, emotional interaction, and daily living support for the wheelchair user. Background Technology

[0002] A wheelchair is a means of mobility used by patients with limited mobility or individuals with physical disabilities to travel relatively short distances. It is designed to allow the user to drive the wheelchair using an annular drive handle attached to the wheel, either by their own power or with the assistance of an assistant. In particular, electric wheelchairs have been developed and are widely used these days, as they feature an electric drive system, such as an electric motor, connected to the wheelchair, allowing the user to operate the wheelchair with just a simple switch operation.

[0003] These wheelchairs are generally produced in standardized specifications considering road conditions, so their size is fixed.

[0004] Therefore, when a user in a wheelchair attempts to pass through an unexpectedly narrow alley between buildings or when goods are stacked encroaching on the road line, there is a problem where the wheelchair wheels become blocked by the building next to the alley or collide with the goods stacked on the side of the road, making passage impossible.

[0005] In particular, for elderly people with limited mobility, normal conversation is often difficult, so there was also a problem where communicating with others while seated in a wheelchair was challenging. Prior art literature

[0006] Registered Patent 10-0881899 The problem to be solved

[0007] The present invention has been devised to solve the problems of the aforementioned prior art, and aims to provide a multi-functional wheelchair that can move smoothly even in passageways that narrow and can express various emotions during conversations with others. means of solving the problem

[0008] A multifunctional wheelchair according to the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem comprises: a seat plate that supports the buttocks of a occupant; a backrest provided on the rear side of the seat plate that supports the back of the occupant; a pair of front wheels and rear wheels provided on the lower side of the seat plate in the front-rear direction that rotate while supporting the seat plate and the backrest; and a shape-changing and driving unit that adjusts the distance between the pair of rear wheels, raises and lowers the rear side of the seat plate so that the occupant can sit on the seat plate or lean on the seat plate while standing, and provides power to the rear wheels to rotate them.

[0009] Here, the front wheel is rotatably installed at the lower end of a support leg, the upper end of which is rotatably connected to the front side of the seat plate, and a footrest is provided on the inner side to support the occupant's foot.

[0010] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned shape transformation and drive unit comprises a pair of first links installed to be movable laterally with their upper ends rotatably connected to a central axis provided on the seat plate, a pair of second links with their front ends rotatably connected to the lower ends of the first links and having a support ledge formed to support the first links, and a pair of drive motors installed at the rear ends of the pair of second links and connected to the rear wheels to provide power to the rear wheels and rotate the rear wheels; when the pair of first links move away from the seat plate, the distance between the pair of rear wheels increases; and when the lower ends of the first links are blocked by the support ledge of the second links due to the rotation of the first and second links and can no longer rotate, the rear side of the seat plate rises upward, resulting in a stand-up state where the occupant can lean against the seat plate while standing.

[0011] Here, when the lower end of the first link is blocked by the support jaw of the second link and can no longer rotate, the first link and the second link are located in a straight line, and the seat plate and the support leg are also located in a straight line.

[0012] Meanwhile, the present invention further includes an armrest that extends forward from the side end of the backrest to support the occupant's arm.

[0013] In addition, an auxiliary pad is provided on the inner side of the armrest that can rotate between the armrest and the backrest while moving in the forward and backward directions along the armrest.

[0014] Here, when the occupant is seated on the seat, the auxiliary pad supports the occupant's back, and when the occupant wishes to lean against the seat while standing, the auxiliary pad moves forward to support the occupant's chest area.

[0015] To elaborate further, a rail groove is formed in the front-rear direction on the inner surface of the armrest, and a slider is installed in which one side is inserted and slides, and the auxiliary pad is provided with a connector that is coupled to the other side of the slider and rotates on a horizontal plane.

[0016] In addition, the armrest is equipped with a display showing the passenger's emotional state.

[0017] Here, the display is installed at the tip of the armrest and is rounded outward.

[0018] In addition, the display and the footrest are equipped with camera sensors to capture images of the road the wheelchair passes over and transmit the captured images to the control unit, and the control unit compares the width of the road in the captured images with the width of the wheelchair and notifies the occupant.

[0019] In addition, a bidirectional cylinder is installed between the pair of first links, and the rod of the bidirectional cylinder moves forward or backward according to the road width indicated by the control unit to adjust the distance between the pair of rear wheels. Effects of the invention

[0020] The multifunctional wheelchair of the present invention, configured as described above, not only facilitates smooth passage by appropriately adjusting the distance between the rear wheels according to the width of the passageway, but also has the effect of enabling the wheelchair to be used for various purposes, not only as a means of walking and a walking aid, by raising the seat so that a standing occupant can lean on it. Therefore, it can help perform overall mobility and rehabilitation exercises by interacting appropriately with the situation and space.

[0021] In addition, the display can show the wheelchair user's emotional state externally, which can assist in various emotional exchanges with others. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 show a multifunctional wheelchair according to the present invention. FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4 are drawings showing the gap between the rear wheels of a multifunctional wheelchair according to the present invention being adjusted. FIG. 5 is a figure showing the multifunctional wheelchair according to the present invention in a stand-up state. Fig. 6 shows the distance between the rear wheels being adjusted in a multifunctional wheelchair in a stand-up state. FIG. 7 is a figure showing an auxiliary pad of a multifunctional wheelchair according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a figure showing the gap between the rear wheels being adjusted by a bidirectional cylinder when the multifunctional wheelchair according to the present invention is in a stand-up state. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a multifunctional wheelchair according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0024] FIGS. 1 and 2 are drawings showing a multifunctional wheelchair according to the present invention, FIGS. 3 and 4 are drawings showing the gap between the rear wheels of the multifunctional wheelchair according to the present invention being adjusted, and FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the multifunctional wheelchair according to the present invention in a stand-up state.

[0025] And, FIG. 6 is a figure showing the distance between the rear wheels being adjusted in a stand-up state of a multifunctional wheelchair, FIG. 7 is a figure showing an auxiliary pad of a multifunctional wheelchair according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a figure showing the distance between the rear wheels being adjusted by a bidirectional cylinder when the multifunctional wheelchair according to the present invention is in a stand-up state.

[0026] A multifunctional wheelchair according to the present invention comprises a seat plate (10) that supports the buttocks of a passenger, a backrest (20) provided on the rear side of the seat plate (10) to support the back of the passenger, a pair of front wheels (30) and rear wheels (40) provided on the lower side of the seat plate (10) in a front-rear direction to support the seat plate (10) and the backrest (20) while rotating, a shape-changing and driving unit (50) installed between the seat plate (10) and the rear wheels (40) to change the shape and structure of the wheelchair, and a pair of armrests (60) that extend forward from the side end of the backrest (20) to support the passenger's arms.

[0027] The seat plate (10) maintains a state close to horizontal with respect to the ground when the passenger is sitting on it, thereby preventing the passenger from sliding down.

[0028] The above backrest (20) is installed in a nearly vertical position on the rear side of the seat (10) through the frame (21) to support the back of the occupant and prevent the occupant from falling towards the rear of the seat (10).

[0029] The above front wheel (30) is provided on the lower front side of the seat plate (10) and rotates on the ground and is connected to the seat plate (10) through a support leg (31).

[0030] To explain in more detail, the upper part of the support leg (31) is rotatably connected to the front side of the seat plate (10), and the front wheel (30) is rotatably installed at the lower part of the support leg (31).

[0031] In addition, a footrest (32) that supports the occupant's foot is rotatably provided on the inner side of the front wheel (30), so that when the occupant tries to get out of the wheelchair or when a situation arises where the occupant does not need to place their foot on it, the footrest (32) can be rotated to be in close contact with the inner side of the front wheel (30).

[0032] The rear wheel (40) is formed with a much larger diameter than the front wheel (30) and rotates at the rear side of the front wheel (30) to move the wheelchair.

[0033] The above shape transformation and drive unit (50) generates a force to move the wheelchair and allows the shape of the wheelchair to be changed to implement specific functions or path conditions. To elaborate, the shape transformation and drive unit (50) adjusts the distance between a pair of rear wheels (40), raises and lowers the rear side of the seat (10) so that the occupant can sit on the seat (10) or lean against the seat (10) while standing, and provides power to the rear wheels (40) to rotate the rear wheels (40).

[0034] This type of shape transformation and drive unit (50) is configured to include a pair of first links (51) connected to the seat plate (10), a pair of second links (52) connected to the first links (51), and a pair of drive motors (53) installed on the second links (52) and providing power to the rear wheel (40).

[0035] The first link (51) is installed so that its upper end is rotatably connected to a central axis (11) provided on the seat plate (10) and can move laterally.

[0036] To elaborate, a battery (70) that provides electricity to a drive motor (53) and a display (80) to be described later is detachably installed on the bottom surface of the seat plate (10), and a central axis (11) is provided on each side of the bottom surface of the seat plate (10) corresponding to the sides of the battery (70). By the central axis (11) penetrating the upper part of the first link (51), the first link (51) can rotate up and down around the central axis (11).

[0037] In addition, the length of the central axis (11) is formed to be larger than the width of the first link (51), so that the first link (51) can slide and move back and forth a certain distance in the horizontal direction along the central axis (11).

[0038] When a pair of first links (51) move along the central axis (11) in a direction away from the seat plate (10), the distance between a pair of second links (52) connected to the first links (51) also increases, and thus the distance between a pair of rear wheels (40) installed on the second links (52) via the drive motor (53) also increases.

[0039] The second link (52) has a support projection (52a) formed on its inner surface that supports the first link (51), and its front end is connected to the lower end of the first link (51) so as to be rotatable up and down.

[0040] To elaborate, when the passenger can sit on the seat (10), the first link (51) rests on the support ledge (52a) and maintains contact. However, when the rear side of the seat (10) rises upward and pulls the first link (51) upward, the first link (51) and the second link (52) rotate around the axis connecting the second link (52) and the first link (51). When the first link (51) and the second link (52) are positioned in a straight line, the lower end of the first link (51) is blocked by the support ledge (52a) at the front end of the second link (52), preventing further rotation. When this state is reached, the wheelchair of the present invention becomes a stand-up state in which the passenger can lean against the seat (10) while standing.

[0041] Meanwhile, when the wheelchair of the present invention is in a stand-up state and the first link (51) and the second link (52) are positioned in a straight line, the seat plate (10) and the support leg (31) are also positioned in a straight line.

[0042] In this way, when the wheelchair is in a stand-up position, the user can walk while leaning their body against the seat (10) and backrest (20), so the wheelchair can be used as a walking aid.

[0043] The above drive motor (53) is installed at the rear end of a pair of second links (52) and is connected to the rear wheel (40) to provide power to the rear wheel (40).

[0044] To elaborate, the drive motor (53) is installed by penetrating the rear end of the second link (52) and is connected to the rear wheel (40) to rotate the rear wheel (40). That is, the rear wheel (40) is installed on the second link (52) via the drive motor (53).

[0045] The above armrest (60) is a part that supports both arms of the occupant, and an auxiliary pad (63) is provided on the inner side.

[0046] A rail groove (61) is formed on the inner side of the armrest (60), and a slider (62) is installed in which one side is inserted and slides in the rail groove (61), and a connector (63a) is provided on the auxiliary pad (63) that is coupled to the other side of the slider (62) and rotates on a horizontal plane.

[0047] The above rail groove (61) is formed long in the front-rear direction, which is the length direction of the armrest (60).

[0048] The outer end of the slider (62) is inserted into the rail groove (61) and slides along the rail groove (61), and the inner end is pin-connected to the connector (63a) in the vertical direction and rotates around this pin. Accordingly, the auxiliary pad (63) can rotate between the armrest (60) and the backrest (20) while moving in the forward and backward directions along the rail groove (61) of the armrest (60).

[0049] These auxiliary pads (63) are useful when the wheelchair of the present invention is in a standing position. That is, when the occupant is sitting on the seat (10), the auxiliary pad (63) is in contact with the front of the backrest (20) to support the occupant's back, and when the occupant wants to lean against the seat (10) while standing, the auxiliary pad (63) moves forward to support the occupant's chest area. In this way, the auxiliary pad (63) normally acts as a backrest, but when in a standing position, it acts as a chest support to support the occupant's chest area, preventing the occupant from falling forward.

[0050] Meanwhile, a display (80) that displays the passenger's emotional state to the outside is provided at the front end of the armrest (60). This display of the emotional state can be shown by changing the color or by changing the shape of the eyes and mouth.

[0051] That is, for example, the emotional state is indicated by various colors such as red for sadness, blue for joy, and yellow for depression, or by writing text next to the color to indicate the emotional state more clearly, or by displaying joy, sadness, anger, etc. on the display (80) through the shape of the eyes and mouth as we commonly know, thereby informing the other person of the passenger of the emotional state.

[0052] Also, the display (80) is rounded outwardly, and this rounded shape allows the occupant to feel comfortable by wrapping their hand around a part of the display (80), thereby increasing the bond with the wheelchair.

[0053] In addition, the display (80) can be rotated up and down to select a position where it can be seen better by the passenger. That is, a lever (64) connected to the display (80) is installed on the inner side of the armrest (60), so that when the lever (64) is turned upward, the display (80) also faces upward, and when the lever (64) is turned downward, the display (80) also faces downward.

[0054] In addition, the display (80) and the footrest (32) are equipped with a camera sensor (S).

[0055] The above camera sensor (S) captures images of the road through which the wheelchair passes from the upper part (camera sensor installed on the display) and the lower part (camera sensor installed on the footrest), transmits the captured images to a control unit (not shown), and the control unit can compare the width of the road in the captured images with the width of the wheelchair and notify the seated person.

[0056] When the control unit detects that the width of the wheelchair, that is, the distance between a pair of rear wheels (40), is too far apart, a pair of first links (51) moving along the central axis (11) are moved toward the battery (70). This causes the distance between the second links (52) to become closer, and consequently, the distance between the rear wheels (40) becomes closer.

[0057] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 8, it is also possible to install a bidirectional cylinder (90) between a pair of first links (51) to automatically adjust the distance between a pair of rear wheels (40) according to the road width indicated by the control unit.

[0058] That is, since the bidirectional cylinder (90) refers to a cylinder in which two rods move back and forth on each side of the body, if a first link (51) is connected to each end of the rods on both sides, the rods move back and forth inside and outside the body according to the signal of the control unit, so that the distance between a pair of rear wheels (40) can be automatically adjusted. Explanation of the symbols

[0059] 10: Seat plate 11: Central axis 20: Backrest 21: Frame 30: Front wheel 31: Support leg 32: Footrest 40: Rear wheel 50: Shape transformation and driving unit 51: First link 52: Second link 52a: Support jaw 53: Drive motor 60: Armrest 61: Rail Home 62: Slider 63: Auxiliary pad 63a: Connector 64: Lever 70: Battery 80: Display 90: Bidirectional cylinder

Claims

Claim 1 A multifunctional wheelchair characterized by comprising: a seat plate (10) that supports the buttocks of a passenger; a backrest (20) provided on the rear side of the seat plate (10) that supports the back of a passenger; a pair of front wheels (30) and rear wheels (40) provided on the lower side of the seat plate (10) in a front-rear direction that rotate while supporting the seat plate (10) and the backrest (20); and a shape-changing and driving unit (50) that adjusts the distance between the pair of rear wheels (40), raises and lowers the rear side of the seat plate (10) so that a passenger can sit on the seat plate (10) or lean against the seat plate (10) while standing, and provides power to the rear wheels (40) to rotate them. Claim 2 A multifunctional wheelchair according to claim 1, wherein the front wheel (30) is rotatably installed at the lower end of a support leg (31) which is rotatably connected to the front side of the seat plate (10) at its upper end, and a footrest (32) for supporting the occupant's foot is provided on the inner side. Claim 3 In claim 2, the shape transformation and driving unit (50) comprises a pair of first links (51) installed so as to be movable laterally with their upper ends rotatably connected to a central axis (11) provided on the seat plate (10), a pair of second links (52) with their front ends rotatably connected to the lower ends of the first links (51) and having a support projection (52a) formed thereon to support the first links (51), and a pair of driving motors (53) installed at the rear ends of the pair of second links (52) and connected to the rear wheel (40) to provide power to the rear wheel (40) and rotate the rear wheel (40), thereby providing power to the rear wheel (40) to rotate the rear wheel (40). When the pair of first links (51) move away from the seat plate (10), the distance between the pair of rear wheels (40) increases, and due to the rotation of the first links (51) and the second links (52), the lower end of the first links (51) A multifunctional wheelchair characterized by the fact that when the seat plate (10) is blocked by the support ledge (52a) of the second link (52) and can no longer rotate, the rear side of the seat plate (10) rises upward so that the occupant can lean against the seat plate (10) while standing in a stand-up state. Claim 4 A multifunctional wheelchair according to claim 3, characterized in that when the lower end of the first link (51) is blocked by the support ledge (52a) of the second link (52) and can no longer rotate, the first link (51) and the second link (52) are positioned in a straight line, and the seat plate (10) and the support leg (31) are also positioned in a straight line. Claim 5 A multifunctional wheelchair according to claim 2, further comprising an armrest (60) that extends forward from the side end of the backrest (20) to support the occupant's arm. Claim 6 A multifunctional wheelchair according to claim 5, characterized in that an auxiliary pad (63) capable of rotating between the armrest (60) and the backrest (20) while moving in the forward and backward direction along the armrest (60) is provided on the inner surface of the armrest (60). Claim 7 A multifunctional wheelchair according to claim 6, characterized in that when the occupant sits on the seat plate (10), the auxiliary pad (63) supports the occupant's back, and when the occupant wants to lean against the seat plate (10) while standing, the auxiliary pad (63) moves forward to support the occupant's chest area. Claim 8 A multifunctional wheelchair according to claim 6, wherein a rail groove (61) is formed in the front-rear direction on the inner surface of the armrest (60), a slider (62) is installed with one side inserted into the rail groove (61) and sliding thereon, and a connector (63a) is provided on the auxiliary pad (63) to be coupled to the other side of the slider (62) and rotate on a horizontal plane. Claim 9 A multifunctional wheelchair according to claim 5, characterized in that the armrest (60) is equipped with a display (80) that displays the emotional state of the occupant. Claim 10 A multifunctional wheelchair according to claim 9, wherein the display (80) is installed at the front end of the armrest (60) and is rounded outwardly. Claim 11 A multifunctional wheelchair according to claim 9, wherein the display (80) and the footrest (32) are equipped with a camera sensor (S) to capture an image of the road through which the wheelchair passes, transmit the captured image to a control unit (not shown), and the control unit compares the width of the road in the captured image with the width of the wheelchair and notifies the user. Claim 12 A multifunctional wheelchair according to claim 11, wherein a bidirectional cylinder (90) is installed between the pair of first links (51), and the rod of the bidirectional cylinder (90) moves forward or backward according to the road width indicated by the control unit to adjust the distance between the pair of rear wheels (40).

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