Posture changing apparatus having armrests, for wheelchair

Abstract

A posture changing apparatus having armrests, for a wheelchair, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a seat support for supporting the buttocks of a user; a leg support part connected downwardly from the seat support and installed so as to be rotatable with respect to the seat support; a backrest part connected upwardly from the seat support and installed so as to be rotatable with respect to the seat support; a base disposed below the seat support so as to support the seat support; folding drive parts for rotating the leg support part and the backrest part with respect to the seat support; and armrests rotatably coupled to the folding drive parts, wherein the folding drive parts each comprise a first folding link and a second folding link which are rotatably coupled to the backrest part and the leg support part and are spaced apart in the height direction of the leg support part, and the armrests may be rotatably coupled to the first folding links and supported by the second folding links.

Description

Posture change device for wheelchair with armrests

[0001] The present invention relates to a posture change device for a wheelchair that helps a user change posture while riding in a wheelchair, and more particularly, to a posture change device for a wheelchair having armrests.

[0002] For those unable to bathe independently, such as the elderly, those in severe care, or those with disabilities, assistance from a caregiver is often required. Recently, due to the growing aging population, the number of caregivers who are unable to lie down or move around independently is increasing, increasing the workload of caregivers. Consequently, various devices are being introduced to improve the convenience of both caregivers and caregivers.

[0003] Among these devices, wheelchairs are mobility assistance devices designed to help people with disabilities, patients, or elderly people with limited mobility move around comfortably.

[0004] These wheelchairs consist of a seat, a backrest, and wheels mounted on both sides of the seat. Manual wheelchairs are often used, with the rider turning the wheels by hand or an assistant holding a handle from behind and pushing the wheelchair.

[0005] Recently, many electric wheelchairs that do not require manual movement of the wheels have been developed, and various products have been released and sold.

[0006] Electric wheelchairs are generally wheelchairs that use a motor to drive the wheels and have the advantage of making it easier for people with disabilities, patients, or elderly people with limited mobility to move around.

[0007] However, in the case of devices that are simply intended for movement, it is easy for users with limited mobility to move around, but additional changes in posture for standing activities and smooth blood circulation are not possible.

[0008] In particular, for severely disabled or elderly people, it is difficult to change positions periodically to prevent bedsores in addition to getting on and off a wheelchair, and this requires a caregiver to be on standby at all times, which is inconvenient.

[0009] Accordingly, electric wheelchairs that allow the user to change their posture are being developed, but conventional electric wheelchairs are bulky and have a large support area, making it difficult to make them smaller and lighter.

[0010] Additionally, when changing the posture of the electric wheelchair, the armrest may not rotate or may move to the wrong position, preventing the control panel installed on the armrest from being properly touched.

[0011] The present invention provides a posture change device for a wheelchair that facilitates armrest control during posture changes. Furthermore, the present invention provides a compact, easily adjustable posture change device that can be attached to and detached from a two-wheeled wheelchair.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a posture change device for a wheelchair having an armrest includes a seat support for supporting a user's hips, a leg support extending downward from the seat support and rotatably installed with respect to the seat support, a backrest extending upward from the seat support and rotatably installed with respect to the seat support, a base disposed below the seat support and supporting the seat support, a folding drive unit for rotating the leg support unit and the backrest unit with respect to the seat support, and an armrest rotatably connected to the folding drive unit, wherein the folding drive unit is rotatably connected to the backrest unit and the leg support unit and includes a first folding link and a second folding link spaced apart from each other in a height direction of the leg support unit, and the armrest is rotatably connected to the first folding link and can be supported by the second folding link.

[0013] As described above, in the wheelchair posture change device according to one aspect of the present invention, the armrest is rotatably connected to the first folding link and supported by the second folding link, so that when the user's posture is changed, the armrest can also be easily controlled.

[0014] In addition, a wheelchair posture change device according to one aspect of the present invention is provided with a lifting drive unit, a rotation drive unit, and a folding drive unit so as to be able to change the user's posture in various ways, and is also provided with a folding drive unit so as to be able to simultaneously change the leg support unit and the backrest unit.

[0015] In addition, since the lifting drive unit includes two lifting links and an lifting cylinder, a parallelogram link structure is formed to structurally absorb gravitational torque and independently compensate for the gravity of the joint, thereby enabling stable and easy posture change.

[0016] In addition, the lifting link is equipped with a lifting spring so that it can be easily deformed with a small force, and the backrest and footrest move in conjunction with the folding link, thereby eliminating the mismatch between the joints of the user and the device, thereby further increasing user convenience.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a posture change device for a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a posture change device for a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a lifting drive unit and a rotation drive unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a folding driving unit and a rotation driving unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a backrest according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a portion of a bridge support according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a state in which the armrest of a posture change device for a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present invention is rotated.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating a posture change device for a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present invention in a lying state.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a side view showing a posture change device for a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present invention in a standing state.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a posture change device for a wheelchair having an armrest includes a seat support for supporting a user's hips, a leg support extending downward from the seat support and rotatably installed with respect to the seat support, a backrest extending upward from the seat support and rotatably installed with respect to the seat support, a base disposed below the seat support and supporting the seat support, a folding drive unit for rotating the leg support unit and the backrest unit with respect to the seat support, and an armrest rotatably connected to the folding drive unit, wherein the folding drive unit is rotatably connected to the backrest unit and the leg support unit and includes a first folding link and a second folding link spaced apart from each other in a height direction of the leg support unit, and the armrest is rotatably connected to the first folding link and can be supported by the second folding link.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the armrest may be formed with a position projection protruding backward, and the second folding link may be formed with a support column that is coupled with the position projection and supports the position projection.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a fixed magnet that is coupled to the support pillar by magnetic force may be installed in the position protrusion.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the armrest includes an armrest on which a user's arm rests and an armrest frame protruding from the armrest and coupled to the first folding link, a position-adjusting magnet may be installed on the first folding link, and a magnetic plate coupled to the position-adjusting magnet may be installed on the armrest frame.

[0030] A posture change device for a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a lifting drive unit that raises and lowers the seat support relative to the base and a rotating drive unit that rotates the seat support relative to the lifting drive unit.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, one longitudinal end of the folding driving unit may be fixed to the backrest, and the other longitudinal end of the folding driving unit may be fixed to the leg support.

[0032] The folding driving unit according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a folding cylinder having one longitudinal end connected to the first folding link and the other longitudinal end connected to the second folding link.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first folding link and the second folding link may be provided with a folding spring that pushes the second folding link against the first folding link.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the leg support part further includes a footrest upper frame connected to the first folding link and the second folding link, and the backrest part further includes a backrest frame connected to the first folding link and the second folding link, and the connecting points of the footrest upper frame and the backrest frame connected to the first folding link and the second folding link can be respectively located at the four corners of a parallelogram.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotational driving unit may be coupled to a side of the first folding link, and the elevation driving unit may be coupled to a rear surface of the rotational driving unit.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotation driving unit connects the lifting driving unit and the folding driving unit, and can rotate the seat support via the folding driving unit.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, two folding driving units may be installed at the lower portion of the seat support, and the lifting driving unit may be installed between the spaced-apart folding driving units.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lifting drive unit may include a first lifting link connecting the base and the rotational drive unit, a second lifting link connecting the base and the rotational drive unit but spaced apart from the first lifting link, and a lifting cylinder having one longitudinal end connected to the first lifting link and the other longitudinal end connected to the second lifting link.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second lifting links may be provided with lifting springs that push the second lifting link against the first lifting link.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connection points of the rotational driving unit connected to the first lifting link and the second lifting link and the base may be located at the four vertices of a parallelogram.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the leg support may include a foot plate upper frame connected to the first folding link and the second folding link, a pair of foot plate lower frames connected to the lower portion of the foot plate upper frame, a transfer bar each inserted into the interior of the pair of foot plate lower frames and installed to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the foot plate lower frames, a foot plate connected to the lower portion of the transfer bar and supporting the user's foot, and a connecting rod connected to the upper portion of the transfer bar and connecting the transfer bar and the second folding link.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the backrest part may include a backrest frame connected to the first folding link and the second folding link, a pair of slider bars inserted into the backrest frame and installed to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the backrest frame, a backrest plate connected to the pair of slider bars and supporting the back of a user, and a transfer rod connected to the lower portion of each of the slider bars and connecting the slider bars and the second folding link.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first gap between the pair of footrest subframes may be smaller than the second gap between the pair of slider bars.

[0044] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0045] The terminology used herein is merely used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0046] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Please note that, where possible, identical components are represented by identical reference numerals throughout the drawings. Furthermore, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and configurations that may obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted. For the same reason, some components in the attached drawings are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted.

[0047] Hereinafter, a posture conversion device for a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a posture change device (100) for a wheelchair according to the present embodiment may include a seat support (110), a backrest (120), a leg support (130), a base (170), an elevation drive (140), a rotation drive (150), a folding drive (160), and an armrest (180). The posture change device (100) for a wheelchair according to the present embodiment is a device that is detachably coupled to an electric wheelchair or a wheel frame having two wheels to help a user of an electric wheelchair change their posture. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the posture change device (100) may be applied to a wheelchair having four wheels or to a manual wheelchair.

[0049] The seat support (110) supports the user's buttocks and can be fixed to the folding drive unit (160). A cushion or the like can be installed on the seat support (110). The backrest (120) extends upward from the seat support (110) and is installed so as to be rotatable with respect to the seat support (110). The backrest (120) can be connected to the seat support (110) via the folding drive unit (160).

[0050] The leg support (130) extends downward from the seat support (110) and is installed so as to be rotatable with respect to the seat support (110). The leg support (130) can be coupled to the seat support (110) via a folding drive unit (160).

[0051] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a lifting drive unit and a rotation drive unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the lifting drive unit (140) raises and lowers the seat support (110) and can be fixed to the base (170). The base (170) supports the lifting drive unit (140) at the bottom of the lifting drive unit and can be formed in the shape of a pillar.

[0053] The base (170) can be detachably connected to a wheelchair or wheel frame. The wheel frame (not shown) may include two wheels and a driving motor that drives the wheels. Furthermore, the wheel frame (not shown) may further include a support module that supports the driving motor and the wheels, and one or more auxiliary wheels. Furthermore, the wheel frame (not shown) may include four or more wheels.

[0054] The base (170) can be detachably connected to a wheel frame (not shown) using a bolt, pin, clamp, or the like. Accordingly, the posture change device (100) according to the present embodiment can be applied to various types of wheelchairs.

[0055] The lifting drive unit (140) may include a first lifting link (141), a second lifting link (142), an lifting cylinder (143), and an lifting spring (145). The first lifting link (141) and the second lifting link (142) connect the base (170) and the rotation driving unit (150) and may be arranged in parallel. In addition, the first lifting link (141) and the second lifting link (142) are rotatably connected to the base (170) and the rotation driving unit (150) and may be spaced apart in the height direction with a gap. The lifting drive unit (140) is located at the lower center in the width direction of the seat support (110) and may be arranged between the spaced-apart folding drive units (160).

[0056] The first lifting link (141) and the second lifting link (142) include two spaced rods and a support rod supporting the rods, and the lifting cylinder (143) and the lifting spring (145) can be rotatably coupled to the support rods. The first lifting link (141) and the second lifting link (142) can be arranged in parallel to form a parallelogram link structure. More specifically, the connection points of the rotary drive unit (150) and the base (170) connected to the first lifting link (141) and the second lifting link (142) are located at the four vertices of the parallelogram.

[0057] The lifting cylinder (143) may be formed of an electric motor-based linear actuator, a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, and may push or pull the first lifting link (141) with respect to the second lifting link (142). The lifting cylinder (143) may be connected adjacent to one longitudinal end of the first lifting link (141) and adjacent to the other longitudinal end of the second lifting link (142). That is, the lifting cylinder (143) may be connected to the rear side of the first lifting link (141) arranged at the bottom and to the front side of the second lifting link (142) arranged at the top.

[0058] When the lifting cylinder (143) pushes the second lifting link (142), the rotation drive unit (150) can rise, and when the lifting cylinder (143) pulls the second lifting link (142), the rotation drive unit (150) can descend.

[0059] Two lifting springs (145) are installed on the first lifting link (141) and the second lifting link (142), and the lifting springs (145) can exert a force to push the second lifting link (142) against the first lifting link (141). The lifting springs (145) may be connected adjacent to one longitudinal end of the first lifting link (141) and adjacent to the other longitudinal end of the second lifting link (142). Here, the lifting springs (145) may be formed of a gas spring, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The lifting springs (145) may be arranged parallel to the lifting cylinder (143). When the lifting springs (145) are installed in this manner, the lifting springs (145) compensate for the load, so that the seat support (110) can be raised or lowered with a small force.

[0060] The rotation drive unit (150) is fixed to the front of the first lifting link (141) and the second lifting link (142), and may include a motor. The rotation drive unit (150) can rotate the seat support (110) with respect to the lifting drive unit (140). The rotation drive unit (150) is connected to the seat support (110) via the first folding link (162), and the folding drive unit (160) can be rotated by the rotation drive unit (150).

[0061] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a folding driving unit and a rotation driving unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, two folding driving units (160) are installed at the bottom of the seat support (110), and the folding driving units (160) are spaced apart in the width direction of the seat support (110). The folding driving units (160) rotate the leg support (130) and the backrest (120) with respect to the seat support (110).

[0063] One end of the folding drive unit (160) is coupled to the backrest unit (120), and the other end of the folding drive unit (160) is coupled to the leg support unit (130). In addition, the upper end of the folding drive unit (160) can be fixed to the seat support unit (110).

[0064] The folding drive unit (160) may include a first folding link (161), a second folding link (162), a folding cylinder (163), an auxiliary spring (164), and a folding spring (165). The first folding link (161) and the second folding link (162) connect the backrest unit (120) and the leg support unit (130) and may be arranged in parallel.

[0065] The first folding link (161) and the second folding link (162) are rotatably connected to the backrest (120) and the leg support (130), and can be spaced apart in the height direction with a gap. The first folding link (161) and the second folding link (162) can be arranged in parallel to form a parallelogram link structure. That is, the connecting points of the footrest upper frame (136) and the backrest frame (121), which are connected to the first folding link (161) and the second folding link (162), are respectively located at the four corners of the parallelogram.

[0066] The first folding link (161) and the second folding link (162) include two spaced bars and a support bar supporting the bars, and the folding cylinder (163), the auxiliary spring (164), and the folding spring (165) can be rotatably coupled to the support bar.

[0067] The first folding link (161) is fixed to the lower portion of the seat support (110) and rotates together with the seat support (110). A protrusion protruding downward is formed on the first folding link (161), and a rotation driving unit (150) can be fixed to the protrusion.

[0068] The folding cylinder (163) may be formed of an electric motor-based linear actuator, a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, and may push or pull the first folding link (161) relative to the second folding link (162).

[0069] The folding cylinder (163) may be connected adjacent to one longitudinal end of the first folding link (161) and adjacent to the other longitudinal end of the second folding link (162). That is, the folding cylinder (163) may be connected to the front side of the second folding link (162) arranged at the bottom and to the rear side of the first folding link (161) arranged at the top.

[0070] When the folding cylinder (163) pushes the second folding link (162), the backrest (120) and the leg support (130) can be unfolded, and when the folding cylinder pulls the second folding link (162), the backrest (120) and the leg support (130) can be raised.

[0071] According to this embodiment, when the first folding link (161) and the second folding link (162) form a parallelogram link structure and are connected to the backrest (120) and the leg support (130), the backrest (120) and the leg support (130) can be simultaneously unfolded or erected by one folding cylinder (163).

[0072] A folding spring (165) is installed on the first folding link (161) and the second folding link (162) to push the second folding link (162) against the first folding link (161), and the auxiliary spring (164) and the folding spring (165) are connected in an intersecting direction. The folding spring (165) may be arranged to intersect with the folding cylinder (163).

[0073] The auxiliary spring (164) assists the force of the rotary drive unit (150) when the rotary drive unit (150) lifts the seat support (110).

[0074] The backrest part (120) may include a backrest frame (121) connected to a folding drive part (160), a slider bar (122) inserted into the backrest frame (121) and installed to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the backrest frame (121), a backrest plate (125) connected to the slider bar (122) and supporting the user's back, and a transfer rod (123) connected to the lower part of the slider bar (122) and connecting the slider bar (122) and the first folding link (161).

[0075] The transport rod (123) and the slider rod (122) are connected via a pin (129), and a guide hole (121b) through which the pin (129) is inserted and moved may be formed in the backrest frame (121). In addition, the backrest portion (120) may further include a support rod (126) connecting a pair of spaced slider rods (122).

[0076] When the backrest (120) is unfolded, the second folding link (162) moves downward with respect to the seat base (110) and the first folding link (161). Accordingly, the transport rod (123) is coupled with the second folding link (162) to pull the slider rod (122) when the backrest (120) is unfolded, and accordingly, the backrest plate (125) moves downward along the backrest frame (121). In addition, when the backrest (120) is raised by the folding drive unit (160), the backrest plate (125) can be pushed upward by the transport rod (123).

[0077] According to this embodiment, when the backrest part (120) is unfolded, the backrest plate (125) can move downward to support the back, and when the backrest part (120) is raised, the backrest plate (125) can move upward to stably support the back.

[0078] The leg support (130) may include a footrest upper frame (136) connected to the first folding link (161) and the second folding link (162), a front support (138) fixed to the front of the footrest upper frame (136), a footrest lower frame (131) fixed to the front support (138) and connected downward, a transfer rod (132) inserted into the footrest lower frame (131) and installed to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the footrest lower frame (131), a footrest (133) connected to the lower portion of the transfer rod (132) and supporting the user's foot, and a connecting rod (134) connected to the upper portion of the transfer rod (132) and connecting the transfer rod (132) and the second folding link (162).

[0079] The footrest upper frame (136) is coupled with the first folding link (161) and the second folding link (162) to support the first folding link (161) and the second folding link (162). The footrest upper frame (136) may include a protrusion (136a) that protrudes rearward and is coupled to the second folding link (161).

[0080] A front support (138) connecting the footrest upper frames (136) may be installed in front of the footrest upper frame (136). A footrest lower frame (131) is fixed to the front support (138), and a pair of footrest lower frames (131) extend downward from the front support (138). A connecting rod (134) is connected to each of the pair of footrest lower frames (131), and a second folding link (162) is fixed to the connecting rod (134).

[0081] The connecting rod (134) and the footrest lower frame (131) are connected via a pin (139), and a guide hole (131a) through which the pin (139) is inserted and moved can be formed in the footrest lower frame (131).

[0082] When the leg support (130) is unfolded, the second folding link (162) moves upward with respect to the seat support (110) and the first folding link (161). Accordingly, the connecting rod (134) pushes the transfer bar (132) when the leg support (130) is unfolded, and accordingly, the footrest (133) moves downward. In addition, when the leg support (130) is raised by the folding drive unit (160), the footrest (133) can be pulled upward by the connecting rod (134).

[0083] According to this embodiment, when the leg support (130) is extended, the footrest (133) moves downward to minimize discomfort in the foot, and when the leg support (130) is raised, the footrest moves upward to stably support the foot.

[0084] Meanwhile, the backrest frame (121) includes an upper projection (121a) that protrudes in the width direction and is coupled to a first folding link (161), a second folding link (162) is coupled to the lower end of the backrest frame (121), and a first folding link (161) is coupled to the upper projection (121a).

[0085] The backrest frame (121) and the footrest upper frame (136) are arranged parallel, and the first folding link (161) and the second folding link (162) are arranged parallel to form a parallelogram link structure. That is, the connecting points of the footrest upper frame (136) and the backrest frame (121), which are connected to the first folding link (161) and the second folding link (162), are respectively located at the four corners of the parallelogram.

[0086] Meanwhile, the first gap (d1) between the pair of footrest subframes (131) may be smaller than the second gap (d2) between the pair of slider bars (122). In addition, the width of the footrest (133) along the first gap (d1) between the pair of footrest subframes (131) may also be smaller than the width of the backrest (125) along the same direction. Accordingly, when the base (170) is coupled to the wheelchair or wheel frame, the footrest subframe (131) and the footrest (133) are positioned between the two wheels of the wheelchair, thereby facilitating attachment to and detachment from the wheelchair or wheel frame, while stably supporting the user's back.

[0087] An armrest (180) is rotatably installed in the folding drive unit (160). The armrest (180) is rotatably connected to the first folding link (161) and supported by the second folding link (162). The armrest (180) is a part that supports the user's arm, and a control panel (183) for controlling the wheelchair can be installed in the armrest (180).

[0088] The armrest (180) may include an armrest stand (181) on which the user's arm rests, and an armrest frame (182) that protrudes downward from the armrest stand (181) and is coupled to a first folding link (161). A position protrusion (185) that protrudes rearward may be formed on the armrest frame (182), and a support column (166) that is coupled with the position protrusion (185) and supports the position protrusion (185) may be formed on the second folding link (162).

[0089] The support pillar (166) limits excessive rotation of the armrest (180) and supports the armrest (180). A fixed magnet (187) is installed on the position projection (185), and the support pillar (166) may be made of a magnetic material that is coupled with the fixed magnet (187). Accordingly, the support pillar (166) and the position projection (185) are attracted to each other by magnetic force, so that the armrest frame (182) and the second folding link (162) can be easily coupled.

[0090] In addition, a position-adjusting magnet (167) is installed in the first folding link (161), and a magnetic plate (186) coupled with the position-adjusting magnet is installed in the armrest frame (182). Accordingly, after the armrest (180) is separated from the support pillar (166) and rotated, the magnetic plate (1896) and the position-adjusting magnet (167) are coupled to support the armrest (180).

[0091] In general, it is very difficult to separate magnets in a direction perpendicular to the bonding surface, but the magnet and the magnetic body can be separated relatively easily by rotating them at the bonding surface. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 7, not only can the armrest (180) be easily rotated without applying a large force even when the position-adjusting magnet (167) and the magnetic body plate (186) are coupled, but after the armrest (180) is rotated, the magnetic body plate (186) and the position-adjusting magnet (167) are coupled and can be stably positioned at the set position.

[0092] Meanwhile, a limit projection (168) that controls the rotation of the armrest is installed in the first folding link (161), and the limit projection (168) prevents the armrest (180) from rotating excessively.

[0093] FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating a posture change device for a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present invention in a lying state.

[0094] As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the folding cylinder (163) pushes the second folding link (162) forward so that the posture change device is laid down, the armrest (180) can be rotated relative to the first folding link (161) by the support column (166). In this case, since the backrest (120) and the leg support (130) are lowered relative to the wheelchair, the armrest (180) is also lowered to some extent, but the degree of lowering of the armrest (180) is minimal. However, the armrest (180) is rotated to maintain an angle that is almost perpendicular to the backrest (120), so that the user can comfortably rest his or her arm and easily operate the control panel (183).

[0095] FIG. 9 is a side view showing a posture change device for a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present invention in an upright state.

[0096] As shown in Fig. 9, when the folding cylinder (163) pushes the second folding link (162) forward and the rotation driving unit (150) rotates the seat support (110) via the first folding link (161), the posture change device stands up. In this case, the armrest (180) can rotate with respect to the first folding link (161) by the support column (166) and maintain an angle that is almost perpendicular to the backrest (120).

[0097] In this way, the wheelchair posture change device according to the present embodiment can provide convenience to the user by easily changing the posture, such as sitting, standing, forward tilting, backward tilting, and reclining.

[0098] In addition, since the first lifting link (141) and the second lifting link (142) form a parallelogram link structure, and the first folding link (161) and the second folding link (162) form a parallelogram link structure, a lightweight and compact device is configured by the two parallelogram link structures, and modularization is easy due to the small support area. In addition, since the lifting spring (145) and the folding spring (164, 165) are provided, the gravitational torque due to the relative motion between the joints can be structurally absorbed, and the load can be compensated for independently for each joint.

[0099] In addition, since the armrest (180) rotates during the movement of the first folding link (161) and the second folding link (162), a suitable armrest (180) rotation position can be provided to the user even when changing postures such as standing or reclining. In addition, if the user desires, the armrest (180) can be manually rotated and fixed in a desired position.

[0100] Above, one embodiment of the present invention has been described, but a person having ordinary skill in the art will be able to modify and change the present invention in various ways by adding, changing, deleting or adding components, etc., within the scope that does not depart from the spirit of the present invention described in the claims, and this will also be considered to be included within the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. In a posture change device for a wheelchair having armrests, A seat support that supports the user's buttocks; A leg support extending downward from the seat support and rotatably installed with respect to the seat support; A backrest portion extending upward from the seat base and rotatably installed with respect to the seat base; A base positioned at the bottom of the seat support to support the seat support; A folding drive unit that rotates the leg support and the backrest relative to the seat base; and An armrest rotatably connected to the above folding drive unit; Including, The above folding driving unit is rotatably coupled to the backrest and the leg support, and includes a first folding link and a second folding link spaced apart in the height direction of the leg support, A posture change device for a wheelchair having an armrest, wherein the armrest is rotatably connected to the first folding link and supported by the second folding link.

2. In paragraph 1, A wheelchair posture change device having an armrest, characterized in that the armrest has a position projection formed thereon that protrudes rearward, and the second folding link has a support column formed thereon that is coupled with the position projection and supports the position projection.

3. In paragraph 2, A wheelchair posture change device having an armrest, characterized in that the above position projection has a fixed magnet installed thereon that is coupled to the support column by magnetic force.

4. In paragraph 1, The above armrest includes an armrest on which the user's arm rests and an armrest frame protruding from the armrest and coupled to the first folding link, A posture change device for a wheelchair having an armrest, characterized in that a position-adjusting magnet is installed in the first folding link, and a magnetic plate coupled to the position-adjusting magnet is installed in the armrest frame.

5. In paragraph 1, A wheelchair posture change device having an armrest, characterized in that it further includes a lifting drive unit for lifting and lowering the seat support with respect to the base, and a rotating drive unit for rotating the seat support with respect to the lifting drive unit.

6. In paragraph 5, A wheelchair posture change device having an armrest, characterized in that one longitudinal end of the folding driving unit is fixed to the backrest, and the other longitudinal end of the folding driving unit is fixed to the leg support.

7. In paragraph 6, A posture change device for a wheelchair having an armrest, characterized in that the folding driving unit includes a folding cylinder having one longitudinal end connected to the first folding link and the other longitudinal end connected to the second folding link.

8. In paragraph 7, A wheelchair posture change device having an armrest, characterized in that the first folding link and the second folding link have a folding spring installed thereon that pushes the second folding link against the first folding link.

9. In paragraph 5, The above leg support further includes a footrest upper frame connected to the first folding link and the second folding link, and the backrest further includes a backrest frame connected to the first folding link and the second folding link. A wheelchair posture change device having an armrest in which the connecting points of the footrest upper frame and the backrest frame, which are connected to the first folding link and the second folding link, are respectively located at the four corners of a parallelogram.

10. In paragraph 5, A wheelchair posture change device having an armrest, characterized in that the rotation drive unit is coupled to the side of the first folding link, and the elevation drive unit is coupled to the back of the rotation drive unit.

11. In paragraph 10, A wheelchair posture change device having an armrest, characterized in that the rotation driving unit connects the lifting driving unit and the folding driving unit, and rotates the seat support via the folding driving unit.

12. In paragraph 5, A wheelchair posture change device having an armrest, characterized in that two folding driving units are installed at the lower part of the seat support, and the lifting driving unit is installed between the spaced folding driving units.

13. In paragraph 2, A posture change device for a wheelchair having an armrest, characterized in that the lifting drive unit includes a first lifting link connecting the base and the rotational drive unit, a second lifting link connecting the base and the rotational drive unit but spaced apart from the first lifting link, and a lifting cylinder having one longitudinal end connected to the first lifting link and the other longitudinal end connected to the second lifting link.

14. In paragraph 13, A wheelchair posture change device having an armrest, characterized in that the first and second lifting links have lifting springs installed thereon that push the second lifting link against the first lifting link.

15. In paragraph 13, A wheelchair posture change device in which the connecting points of the rotary drive unit and the base connected to the first and second lifting links are located at the four corners of a parallelogram.

16. In paragraph 1, A wheelchair posture change device having an armrest, characterized in that the leg support part includes a foot plate upper frame connected to the first folding link and the second folding link, a pair of foot plate lower frames connected to the lower portion of the foot plate upper frame, a transfer bar each inserted into the interior of the pair of foot plate lower frames and installed to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the foot plate lower frames, a foot plate connected to the lower portion of the transfer bar and supporting the user's feet, and a connecting rod connected to the upper portion of the transfer bar and connecting the transfer bar and the second folding link.

17. In paragraph 16, A wheelchair posture change device having armrests, characterized in that the backrest part includes a backrest frame connected to the first folding link and the second folding link, a pair of slider bars inserted into the backrest frame and installed to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the backrest frame, a backrest plate connected to the slider bars and supporting the user's back, and a transfer rod connected to the lower portions of the pair of slider bars and connecting the slider bars and the second folding link.

18. In paragraph 17, A wheelchair posture change device having armrests, characterized in that the first gap between the pair of footrest subframes is smaller than the second gap between the pair of slider bars.

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