Folding locking mechanism and wheelchair comprising same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a folding locking mechanism, comprising a cylindrical housing. A chamber is provided at a middle portion of the housing. A fixed cavity is provided on an adjacent side of one end of the chamber, and an ejector rod capable of moving axially is provided in the chamber. An end portion of the ejector rod can penetrate through an end surface of the chamber to extend into the fixed cavity. A locking block capable of moving radially is provided in the fixed cavity. The ejector rod can push the locking block to move radially toward the interior of the fixed cavity. A fixed shaft coaxially arranged with the housing is provided at one end of the housing near the fixed cavity. The present invention is characterized by a simple structure, easy operation, no need for a user to bend over or stand up to exert force, more convenient and unrestricted use, etc.

Description

Folding locking mechanism and wheelchair including the mechanism Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a folding locking mechanism and a wheelchair including the mechanism, belonging to the field of wheelchair technology. Background Technology

[0002] To facilitate wheelchair carrying and transportation, and to reduce the space occupied when folded, most existing wheelchairs have a folding structure and a folding locking mechanism. This mechanism typically includes a locking pin and a locking hole. The locking pin is usually located on a linkage used to secure the front or rear wheels, while the locking hole is located on the seat frame. The locking pin is disengaged from the locking hole by moving it outwards from the wheelchair. This design not only makes the wheelchair wider, but the protruding locking pin on the linkage often attracts attention. Pedestrians passing by or children playing may touch the locking pin, easily causing it to disengage and loosen the locking mechanism. If the user uses the wheelchair without checking, it can easily lead to an accident.

[0003] A wheelchair with a concealed folding and locking structure is disclosed in Chinese patent application CN215689217U, including a seat frame and a folding linkage assembly connected to the seat frame. The folding linkage assembly includes a folding member, one end of which is adjacent to the seat frame and is a rotating end, and the other end of which is a fixed end for fixing the front wheel, rear wheel, armrest, or backrest. The fixed end can rotate about the rotation axis at the rotating end. A locking structure is provided between the folding member and the seat frame to restrict the rotation of the folding member. The locking structure includes a locking member disposed on the seat frame and a mating member disposed on the folding member. The locking member is linked with an operating member, which is movably disposed under the seat frame.

[0004] In the aforementioned prior art, the folding and locking structure of a wheelchair is designed to disengage the locking pin from the locking hole by moving the locking pin outwards from the wheelchair. When unlocking or locking, the user needs to bend over and grip the operating mechanism to fold or unfold the wheelchair. This is inconvenient for people with mobility impairments, places a significant burden on their bodies, and limits its use. Technical issues

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a folding locking mechanism and a wheelchair including the mechanism, which solves the problems of inconvenient operation and limited use of the prior art. Technical solutions

[0006] The above-mentioned technical objective of the present invention is mainly achieved through the following technical solution: a folding locking mechanism, comprising a cylindrical housing, a cavity in the middle of the housing, a fixed cavity adjacent to one end of the cavity, a push rod that can move axially within the cavity, the end of the push rod extending through the end face of the cavity into the fixed cavity, a locking block that can move radially within the fixed cavity, the push rod pushing the locking block radially into the fixed cavity, and a fixed shaft coaxially arranged with the housing at one end near the fixed cavity; the above-mentioned push rod arrangement allows the user to press the push rod to move it axially, pushing the locking block to retract into the fixed cavity, thereby unlocking it, and the locking state of the locking block can be restored by manipulating the push rod back to its original position. The operation is simple and convenient, without requiring the user to bend over and exert force, making it more convenient and unrestricted to use.

[0007] Preferably, the side wall of the lock block is provided with an inclined groove that opens toward the end of the push rod, and the end of the push rod is provided with a first inclined surface that cooperates with the inclined groove; the cooperation of the inclined groove and the first inclined surface allows the first inclined surface at the end of the push rod to push the lock block back into the fixed cavity through the inclined groove when the push rod moves toward the lock block, so as to achieve a stable unlocking function.

[0008] Preferably, the end of the push rod away from the inclined groove is provided with a protrusion, and the periphery of the push rod is provided with a return spring that is connected to one end face of the chamber and the end face of the protrusion respectively; the above-mentioned protrusion and return spring are provided so that the push rod can be acted upon by the return spring, and when the pressing of the push rod is canceled, it can automatically return to its original position by the action of the return spring, so as to facilitate the next operation.

[0009] Preferably, the outer side of the protrusion is covered with a pressing block that mates with the inner wall of the cavity. The side wall of the pressing block is connected to the protrusion by a screw. The side wall of the cavity has an axially arranged strip hole, and the end of the screw protrudes and is located in the strip hole. The pressing block is connected and fixed to the protrusion at the end of the push rod by the screw, so that the user can drive the push rod by pressing the pressing block, making the operation simpler. The strip hole allows the push rod to maintain its circumferential position by limiting the screw end in the strip hole when it moves, preventing the push rod from rotating during movement and causing the first inclined surface to fail to enter the inclined groove, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the circumferential position of the push rod when it moves.

[0010] Preferably, one end of the locking block located within the fixed cavity is provided with a telescopic spring that is connected to the side wall of the fixed cavity and arranged radially. The end of the locking block is provided with a receiving groove for accommodating the telescopic spring, and the other end of the locking block is provided with a second inclined surface. The above-mentioned telescopic spring and receiving groove are provided so that when the first inclined surface of the push rod leaves the inclined groove of the locking block, the locking block can automatically pop out of the fixed cavity by the action of the telescopic spring to achieve a locked state. The second inclined surface reduces the contact area at the end of the locking block to ensure a more stable and faster locking action.

[0011] Preferably, the wheelchair includes a folding locking mechanism, comprising two wheelchair side frames and a wheelchair seat disposed between the two side frames. Both sides of the bottom of the wheelchair seat are provided with connecting rods extending forward and connecting to footrests. One side frame is rotatably connected to the connecting rod via a housing and a fixed shaft, while the other side frame is rotatably connected to the connecting rod. The wheelchair achieves its folding function through the rotatable connection between the side frames and the connecting rods at the bottom of the wheelchair seat. The folding locking mechanism of the housing and fixed shaft folds and locks the side frames and seat, making operation more convenient and reducing the user's operational burden.

[0012] Preferably, the connecting rod is provided with a mounting hole for mounting the housing, and the side wall of the mounting hole is provided with a first locking groove that cooperates with the locking block, and the side wall of the mounting hole is provided with a second locking groove that cooperates with the locking block on the adjacent side of the first locking groove; the mounting hole can be connected to the housing to facilitate the rotatable connection between the connecting rod and the wheelchair side frame, and the arrangement of the first locking groove and the second locking groove cooperating with the locking block respectively is to keep the wheelchair in a folded state or an unfolded state, so as to realize the conversion between folding locking and unlocking, making the control simpler and more reliable.

[0013] Preferably, the fixed shaft passes through the side wall of the wheelchair seat, and a flange bearing is provided between the side wall of the fixed shaft and the side wall of the wheelchair seat. A locking nut is tightened on one end of the fixed shaft extending to the inside of the wheelchair seat. The flange bearing is provided to increase the smoothness of rotation between the fixed shaft and the connecting rod on the bottom side of the wheelchair seat, making the folding of the wheelchair smoother and more stable. The locking nut is used to fix the folding locking structure at the rotational connection between the connecting rod and the wheelchair side frame.

[0014] Preferably, another wheelchair side frame, symmetrically arranged with the wheelchair side frame connected to the housing, is connected to the connecting rod by a screw. The screw passes through the connecting rod side wall at the bottom of the wheelchair seat and is tightened to the wheelchair side frame. A flange bearing is provided between the screw and the connecting rod. The screw and flange bearing are provided to support the connection between the wheelchair side frame and the connecting rod and to maintain the rotation function so as to achieve stable folding action. Beneficial effects

[0015] Therefore, the present invention has the characteristics of simple structure, convenient operation, no need for users to bend over and exert force, and more convenient and unrestricted use. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the folding locking mechanism of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the structure in Figure 1.

[0018] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the wheelchair of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the structure in Figure 3.

[0020] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the structure at point A in Figure 4.

[0021] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the linkage and the folding locking mechanism in Figure 3. The best embodiment of the present invention

[0022] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1-2, a folding locking mechanism includes a cylindrical housing 1. A chamber 11 is located in the middle of the housing 1. A fixed cavity 12 is located adjacent to one end of the chamber 11. An axially movable push rod 2 is located inside the chamber 11. The end of the push rod 2 extends through the end face of the chamber 11 into the fixed cavity 12. A radially movable locking block 3 is located inside the fixed cavity 12. The push rod 2 can push the locking block 3 radially into the fixed cavity 12. A connecting rod is provided on one end of the housing 1 near the fixed cavity 12. The fixed shaft 13 is coaxially arranged on the body 1. The end of the push rod 2 away from the inclined groove 31 is provided with a protrusion 22. The push rod 2 is provided with a return spring 23 on its periphery, which is connected to one end face of the chamber 11 and the end face of the protrusion 22 respectively. The outside of the protrusion 22 is covered with a pressing block 24 that cooperates with the inner wall of the chamber 11. The side wall of the pressing block 23 is connected to the protrusion 22 by a screw 231. The side wall of the chamber 11 is provided with an axially arranged strip hole 14. The end of the screw 231 protrudes and is located in the strip hole 14.

[0024] The aforementioned housing has a cylindrical structure, with a chamber and a fixed cavity dividing the internal space of the housing into two parts. A partition forms between the chamber and the fixed cavity. A push rod located in the chamber is arranged along the axial direction. The partition has a through hole for the push rod to pass through. When unlocking, the user presses the pressing block, causing the pressing block to move the push rod axially. Under the limitation of the screws on both sides, the push rod moves along the slotted hole, allowing the end of the push rod to pass through the through hole and move into the fixed cavity. The end of the push rod pushes the locking block, and the return spring is compressed, causing the locking block to be pushed back into the fixed cavity, thus achieving the unlocked state. When the pressing block is released, the return spring rebounds, pushing the pressing block back to its original position, thereby driving the push rod back to its original position. The end of the push rod leaves the fixed cavity, canceling the push on the locking block. The locking block automatically pops out of the fixed cavity through the telescopic spring, achieving the locked state.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the side wall of the locking block 3 is provided with an inclined groove 31 that opens toward the end of the push rod 2. The end of the push rod 2 is provided with a first inclined surface 21 that cooperates with the inclined groove 31. One end of the locking block 3 located in the fixed cavity 12 is provided with a telescopic spring 32 that is connected to the side wall of the fixed cavity 12 and arranged radially. The end of the locking block 3 is provided with a receiving groove 33 for accommodating the telescopic spring 32. The other end of the locking block 3 is provided with a second inclined surface 34. When unlocking, the end of the push rod moves toward the locking block and enters the inclined surface. The first inclined surface pushes the inclined groove on the side wall of the locking block, causing the locking block to retract into the fixed cavity. At this time, the telescopic spring contracts. When locking, the push rod moves back into the cavity, and the end of the push rod leaves the inclined groove. The locking block automatically returns to its original position by the action of the telescopic spring, and the second inclined surface at the end of the locking block pops out of the fixed cavity.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3-6, the wheelchair including a folding locking mechanism includes two wheelchair side frames 4 and a wheelchair seat 5 located between the two side frames 4. Both sides of the bottom of the wheelchair seat 5 are provided with connecting rods 53 extending forward and connecting to pedals 52. One side frame 4 is rotatably connected to the connecting rod 53 via a housing 1 and a fixed shaft 13, while the other side frame 4 is rotatably connected to the connecting rod 53. The connecting rod 53 has mounting holes 531 for mounting the housing 1. The side wall of the mounting hole 531 has a first locking groove 532 that mates with the locking block 3. The side wall of the mounting hole 531 has a corresponding first locking groove 532. A second locking groove 533 is provided on the adjacent side of the groove 532 to cooperate with the locking block 3. The fixing shaft 13 passes through the side wall of the wheelchair seat 5 and a flange bearing 131 is provided between the side wall of the fixing shaft 13 and the side wall of the wheelchair seat 5. A locking nut 132 is tightened on one end of the fixing shaft 13 that extends to the inside of the wheelchair seat 5. Another wheelchair side frame 4, which is symmetrically arranged with the wheelchair side frame 4 connected to the housing 1, is connected to the connecting rod 53 by a plug screw 41. The plug screw 41 passes through the side wall of the connecting rod 53 at the bottom of the wheelchair seat 5 and is tightened to the wheelchair side frame 4. A flange bearing 131 is provided between the plug screw 41 and the connecting rod 53.

[0027] The aforementioned wheelchair achieves folding through a rotatable connection between two side frames and a connecting rod at the bottom of the wheelchair seat. The connecting rod extends synchronously from both sides of the bottom of the wheelchair seat towards the front of the wheelchair and connects to the footrest. One side frame is connected to the connecting rod on the same side via a folding locking mechanism, forming a rotatable connection. The other side frame is connected to the connecting rod on the same side via a screw, forming a rotatable connection. The screw is coaxially arranged with the housing. The aforementioned screw and flange bearing are products currently available on the market and are existing technologies, which will not be described in detail here.

[0028] When locked, the protruding locking block on the side wall of the housing is engaged in the first locking groove, while the outer wall of the housing is installed in the mounting hole. The outer wall of the fixed shaft is fitted with a flange bearing and passes through the connecting rod, and the outer wall of the plug screw is fitted with a flange bearing and passes through the connecting rod. When unlocking is required, the pressing block can be pressed. The pressing block drives the locking block away from the first locking groove through the push rod. At this time, the wheelchair side frame and wheelchair seat can be folded. When the relative angle between the connecting rods at the bottom of the wheelchair side frame and wheelchair seat is rotated to a certain value, the pressing block is released, the push rod cancels the pushing of the locking block, and the locking block springs back. When the connecting rods at the bottom of the wheelchair side frame and wheelchair seat are folded into place, the locking block just engages in the second locking groove, thus completing the folding and locking of the wheelchair.

Claims

1. A folding locking mechanism, characterized by: The device includes a cylindrical shell (1), a chamber (11) in the middle of the shell (1), a fixed cavity (12) on one side of the chamber (11), a push rod (2) that can move axially inside the chamber (11), the end of the push rod (2) can extend through the end face of the chamber (11) into the fixed cavity (12), a locking block (3) that can move radially inside the fixed cavity (12), the push rod (2) can push the locking block (3) to move radially into the fixed cavity (12), and a fixed shaft (13) that is coaxially arranged with the shell (1) is provided on one end of the shell (1) near the fixed cavity (12).

2. The folding lock mechanism of claim 1, wherein: The locking block (3) has a groove (31) on its side wall that opens toward the end of the push rod (2), and the end of the push rod (2) has a first inclined surface (21) that cooperates with the groove (31).

3. The folding lock mechanism of claim 1, wherein: The top rod (2) is provided with a protrusion (22) at the end away from the inclined groove (31), and a return spring (23) is provided on the periphery of the top rod (2) and connected to one end face of the chamber (11) and the end face of the protrusion (22) respectively.

4. The folding lock mechanism of claim 3, wherein: The outer side of the protrusion (22) is covered with a pressing block (24) that cooperates with the inner wall of the chamber (11). The side wall of the pressing block (23) is connected to the protrusion (22) by a screw (231). The side wall of the chamber (11) is provided with an axially arranged strip hole (14). The end of the screw (231) protrudes and is located in the strip hole (14).

5. The folding lock mechanism of claim 1, wherein: One end of the locking block (3) located inside the fixed cavity (12) is provided with a telescopic spring (32) that is connected to the side wall of the fixed cavity (12) and arranged radially. The end of the locking block (3) is provided with a receiving groove (33) for accommodating the telescopic spring (32). The other end of the locking block (3) is provided with a second inclined surface (34).

6. A wheelchair comprising the folding locking mechanism according to claims 1-5, characterized in that: It includes two wheelchair side frames (4) and a wheelchair seat (5) located between the two wheelchair side frames (4). The wheelchair seat (5) has connecting rods (53) extending forward and connecting to the pedals (52) on both sides of its bottom. One of the wheelchair side frames (4) is rotatably connected to the connecting rod (53) through a housing (1) and a fixed shaft (13), and the other wheelchair side frame (4) is rotatably connected to the connecting rod (53).

7. The wheelchair according to claim 6, characterized in that: The connecting rod (53) is provided with a mounting hole (531) for mounting the housing (1). The side wall of the mounting hole (531) is provided with a first locking groove (532) that cooperates with the locking block (3). The side wall of the mounting hole (531) is provided with a second locking groove (533) that cooperates with the locking block (3) on the side adjacent to the first locking groove (532).

8. The wheelchair according to claim 6, characterized in that: The fixed shaft (13) passes through the side wall of the wheelchair seat (5) and a flange bearing (131) is provided between the side wall of the fixed shaft (13) and the side wall of the wheelchair seat (5). A locking nut (132) is tightened on one end of the fixed shaft (13) extending to the inside of the wheelchair seat (5).

9. The wheelchair according to claim 6, characterized in that: Another wheelchair side frame (4) symmetrically arranged with the wheelchair side frame (4) connecting the housing (1) is connected to the connecting rod (53) by a screw (41). The screw (41) passes through the side wall of the connecting rod (53) at the bottom of the wheelchair seat (5) and is tightened to the wheelchair side frame (4). A flange bearing (131) is provided between the screw (41) and the connecting rod (53).

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