JP2004073509A - Wheelchair - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wheelchair which can easily be switched into an outdoor mode or an indoor mode. <P>SOLUTION: This wheelchair is constituted by mounting outdoor front and rear wheels 5 and 8 and indoor front and rear wheels 6 and 9 on side frames 3, and the outdoor rear wheel 5 is attached to and detached from the side frame 3. The outdoor front wheel 8 and the indoor front wheel 9 are mounted on a support member 7, and the mode of using the outdoor front wheel 8 or the indoor front wheel 9 can be switched by changing the posture of the support member 7 through rotating it. Since the wheels used outdoors or indoors are changed completely, a floor is hardly muddied after returning indoors from the outside. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a wheelchair.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A wheelchair includes, as basic components, a seat (seat body), a backrest (backrest), and a main body frame that supports them, and a large-diameter rear wheel (main Wheel) and a steering front wheel (caster) smaller in diameter and capable of horizontal turning. In addition to these, it generally has an armrest, a footrest, a grip and the like.
[0003]
By the way, when a wheelchair is used outdoors, mud often adheres to the wheels, so when returning indoors, the floor becomes dirty with mud. Therefore, the rear wheel is detachable with respect to the main body frame and has a large-diameter outdoor rear wheel, and a small-diameter indoor rear wheel fixed to the main body frame. Is being done.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional configuration in which only the rear wheel is a dual-wheel system for outdoor and indoor use, the front wheel is shared indoors and outdoors, so that mud attached to the front wheel cannot be prevented from adhering to the floor. Was.
[0005]
In addition, the road has many irregularities, so the front wheels need to have a certain diameter when used outdoors.On the other hand, the floors and corridors of buildings are basically flat. Has the property that it can be of a small diameter, such as a caster for office chairs.However, in the past, priority was given to outdoor use, and even front wheels were used with a certain diameter, so they could be used outdoors. There was also a problem that the front wheels were conspicuous in use and the appearance was not always good.
[0006]
An object of the present invention is to improve such a situation.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to the invention of claim 1, in a wheelchair including a seat (seat body), a backrest (backrest), and a main body frame that supports these, on the left and right sides of the main body frame, A pair of an outdoor rear wheel (main wheel) and a pair of indoor rear wheels having a diameter smaller than this, and a pair of an outdoor front wheel and an indoor front wheel having a diameter smaller than the outdoor rear wheel are defined as a group of the front and rear wheels. A configuration was adopted in which a group of indoor front and rear wheels was selectively used.
[0008]
The invention of claim 2 is a more preferable aspect, and in the invention according to claim 1, while the outdoor rear wheel is detachable from a main body frame, the outdoor front wheel and the indoor front wheel are: It is attached to a support member that can be rotated about a horizontally-long left-right axis, and the outdoor front wheel and the indoor front wheel can be selectively grounded by changing the posture of the support member.
[0009]
[Action and Effect of the Invention]
According to the present invention, since both the front and rear wheels can be used both outdoors and indoors, it is possible to prevent mud from adhering to the floor of the building even when returning indoors from outdoors. For this reason, the floor of the building can be kept clean, which can contribute to the improvement of the environment.
[0010]
In addition, since the front wheels are of a dual-wheel system for outdoor use and indoor use, the indoor front wheels can be made as small as possible so that they can move on a flat floor. It is also possible to improve the appearance by suppressing the possibility of a wheelchair.
[0011]
With this configuration, the front wheel can be switched between the outdoor wheel and the indoor wheel by a simple operation of simply rotating the support member, so that the front wheel can be used outdoors and indoors. There is an advantage that the use mode can be easily changed.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0013]
(1). Overall overview
The wheelchair according to the present invention is suitable for use by a person who has little physical freedom, and is moved by an assistant. First, an overall outline will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a perspective view in an outdoor use mode, FIG. 2 is a left side view in an outdoor use mode, FIG. 3 is a left side view in an indoor use mode, and FIG. 4 is a state of IV- in FIG. It is IV sectional drawing.
[0014]
The wheelchair includes a seat 1, a backrest 2, and side frames 3 disposed on the left and right sides thereof. The side frame 3 includes a curved portion 3a forming the upper surface thereof, a lower inclined portion 3b forming the lower surface thereof, and an upright portion 3c forming the rear surface. Further, a protective plate 4 is attached to the side frame 3.
[0015]
An outdoor rear wheel 5 and an indoor rear wheel 6 are rotatably attached to a rear portion of the side frame 3, and a substantially T-shaped support member 7 in a side view is provided on a front portion of the side frame 3. The front wheel 8 for outdoor use and the front wheel 9 for indoor use are mounted on the support member 7 so as to be rotatable around an axis.
[0016]
The front and rear wheels 5 and 8 for outdoor use and the front and rear wheels 6 and 9 for indoor use have a structure in which tires are attached to rims. On the other hand, front wheels 9 for indoor use are similar to casters used in office chairs, for example. It is not a tire system. Therefore, when used indoors, the appearance is closer to a normal chair than to a wheelchair. For this reason, it is not like a wheelchair even indoors (indoors), and it is possible to wipe out the image for the sick and the elderly.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 2, when the outdoor rear wheel 5 is attached and the outdoor front wheel 8 is turned downward, the two outdoor wheels 5 and 8 are grounded, and the outdoor rear wheel 5 is removed as shown in FIG. At the same time, when the indoor front wheel 9 is in a downward position, the indoor wheels 6 and 9 are grounded.
[0018]
(2). handle
A handle (grip) 11 is attached to the upright portion 3 c of the side frame 3 via a bracket 10 so as to be adjustable in height, while a footrest 12 is attached to a front portion of the side frame 3. The handle 11 is formed in a U-shape in a plan view, and the caregiver can have a horizontally long portion, or can grip the front and rear longitudinal portions 11a located on the left and right.
[0019]
In general, the handle (grip) of the wheelchair is arranged independently on the left and right, and the grip of the handle must be constant, so that the caregiver may easily become tired.
[0020]
On the other hand, when the handle 11 is formed in a U-shape in plan view as in the embodiment of the present application, for example, when it is necessary to strongly apply a force such as when over a step, the left and right front and rear longitudinal portions 11a are grasped. Otherwise, the gripping position of the handle 11 can be changed according to the road condition, such as holding the arm in a natural posture and gripping the horizontally long part, so that the burden on the caregiver can be reduced. Is there an advantage? It can also be pushed and pulled with one hand.
[0021]
A rear wheel brake lever 14 is rotatably attached to the handle 11 via a receiving member 13. A wire 16 passed through a tube (cord conduit) 14 is connected to the brake lever 14. The brake lever 14 may be a brake that is applied while the brake is being pulled, or may be a brake that is released when the brake is pulled (the former is preferable if the wheel locking means is separately provided, and the latter is not otherwise). Are preferred). A specific method of applying a brake to the rear wheels 5, 6 will be described later.
[0022]
(3). Armrest
An armrest 17 overlapping the upper surface of the side frame 3 is attached to a rear portion of the side frame 3 so that the armrest 17 can be freely flipped up and rotated about the rear portion. The armrest 17 is integrally provided with a side plate (skirt guard) 17 a overlapping the inner surface of the side frame 3.
[0023]
Although the details are omitted, a plurality of pin holes (not shown) are provided at appropriate intervals vertically at the front end edge of the side plate 17a of the armrest 17, while the side frame 3 has a pin fitted into the pin hole. A notch (not shown) is provided with an empty projection 18, and the rotation angle of the armrest 17 can be adjusted by fitting a pin into the pin hole.
[0024]
The pins can be freely inserted and removed from the pin holes. A pin hole may be provided on the projection 18 and a pin may be provided on the side plate 17 a of the armrest 17. Further, other rotation angle adjusting means may be employed.
[0025]
The front end portion 17b of the armrest 17 projects forward from the side plate 17a. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 3, the armrest 17 can be placed on the edge of the table 19, for example. For this reason, even if the user's hand is weak, there is an advantage that the user can eat in a comfortable state with the elbow applied to the armrest 17.
[0026]
In addition, since the armrest 17 also serves as a protective member for a seated person, by rotating the armrest 17 upward, the seated person is prevented from touching sideways when moving and the like, and stability is improved. (A person who has weak legs may feel uneasy even if he or she has nothing to do with a healthy person), while lowering the armrest 17 until it overlaps the side frame 3 and rotating it, the bed 21 can be smoothly performed.
[0027]
The upper surface of the armrest 17 may be inclined toward the seat 1 in accordance with the inclination of the upper surface of the side frame 3, or the upper surface of the armrest 17 may be horizontal when viewed from the front. good.
[0028]
(5). Side frame side shape
The upper surface of the side frame 3 is curved (may be inclined) in an arc shape in a side view so as to become lower from the rear part toward the front end. Further, as will be described later in detail, the seat 1 is set up and down so that the front end of the seat 1 is slightly exposed from the side frame 3 when the seat 1 is fully lowered (the seat 1 is completely hidden). May be). On the other hand, when the seat 1 is raised, for example, about half (or more) thereof is set to be exposed from the side frame 3.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 4, the upper surface of the side frame 3 is inclined so that the side near the seat 1 becomes lower, and both the inner and outer sides are rounded. In the present embodiment, the upper portion of the side frame 3 uses a substantially flat metal pipe as a material, but may be made of another material such as a sheet metal or a synthetic resin.
[0030]
By the way, users of wheelchairs often sleep on beds. In various facilities such as nursing homes and hospitals, it can be said that beds are used without exception. For this reason, a wheelchair is required to be easily transferred to and from a bed. In particular, in the case of a wheelchair used by a person who cannot stand up, ease of transfer to and from a bed is a serious problem.
[0031]
In this regard, for example, the main body frame is disposed below the seat, and the armrest is of a horizontal rotation type or a flip-up rotation type. However, these configurations have a disadvantage that they are not always excellent in design.
[0032]
On the other hand, when the side frame 3 is curved or inclined and the seat 1 is configured to be able to move up and down as in the embodiment of the present application, even if the side frame 3 extends above the seat 1, the seat 1 can be raised. Accordingly, the side frame 3 is less likely to be in the way and the user can easily move laterally, so that the person can be easily transferred to the bed 21 and the wheelchair.
[0033]
Therefore, a person can be easily transferred between the wheelchair and the bed 21 while having a simple design.
[0034]
Furthermore, as in the present embodiment, when the side frame 3 is formed to have a cross-sectional shape that is inclined so that the upper surface thereof becomes lower toward the seat 1, the upper surface of the side frame 3 performs a guide function, so that the user is seated. It is more preferable that the sides 1 and the bed 21 can be slid more easily.
[0035]
(6). Use of rear wheel covers for indoor
The indoor rear wheel 6 is attached to a rear end of the lower inclined portion 3 b of the side frame 3, and is covered with a cover 22. The upper surface of the cover 22 is substantially horizontal, so that the caregiver can place the foot 23 thereon.
[0036]
By the way, when a wheelchair passes over a step, conventionally, the assistant lifts the front wheel by pressing down on the grip with both hands, so that a great deal of labor is required to pass through the step.
[0037]
On the other hand, when the cover 22 is provided on the indoor rear wheel 6 as in the present embodiment, when the vehicle passes through a step, the foot is placed on the cover 22 and the handle 11 is pulled toward the user, so that the outdoor front wheel 8, 9 can easily be raised.
[0038]
In many cases, the step is located outdoors. In this case, the indoor rear wheel 6 floats off the ground as shown in FIG. 2. The outdoor front wheel 8 can be floated very easily by leverage with the ground point as a fulcrum.
[0039]
(7). Seat and backrest support structure
Next, a support structure for the seat 1 and the backrest 2 will be described with reference to a perspective view of FIG.
[0040]
As shown in FIG. 9, the seat 1 is composed of a seat plate 1a made of synthetic resin and a cushion 2b stretched on the upper surface thereof. The backrest 2 also includes a back plate 2a made of a synthetic resin and a cushion 2b stretched on the upper surface thereof. All of these can be easily washed with water. Note that both the seat 1 and the backrest 2 may have a structure without a cushion.
[0041]
An elevating frame 24 having a substantially T-shape in side view is disposed on the inner side surface of the left and right side frames 3. The left and right lifting frames 24 are integrally connected by a front connection bar 25 and a rear connection bar 26. A pair of left and right first receiving pipes 27 extending obliquely rearward extend from the front connection bar 25, and a first movable frame 29 having a substantially quadrangular shape in a plan view is turned around a first bearing 28 provided on the first receiving pipe 27. It is movably mounted.
[0042]
A second movable frame 30 having a substantially rectangular shape in a front view is disposed at a rear portion of the first movable frame 29. The second movable frame 30 has a second receiving pipe 31 extending forward from a lower portion thereof and a second receiving pipe 31 provided at an end thereof. It is tiltably attached to the first movable frame 29 via the two bearings 32.
[0043]
The seat plate 1a of the seat 1 is formed in a downwardly concave shape so as to be detachably fitted to the first movable frame 29 from above, and when the seat plate 1a is fitted to the first movable frame 29, it is held so as not to be laterally displaced. Although not shown, a hook-and-loop fastener is attached to an appropriate portion of the contact surface between the seat plate 1a and the first movable frame 29.
[0044]
When attaching the backrest 2 to the second movable frame 30, for example, as shown in FIG. 9B, an upward locking piece 33 is provided at the lower portion of the second movable frame 30, while Is provided with a downward hook 34 which is fitted to the locking piece 33 to hold it forward and cannot move forward, and further has a downwardly facing piece 35 provided on the upper part of the second movable frame 30 and an upper back surface of the backrest 2. Fastener 36 is attached.
[0045]
Therefore, the backrest 2 can be easily attached by a one-touch operation of fitting the hook 34 into the locking piece 33 and then stacking the hook-and-loop fastener 36. It can be easily removed in the reverse order.
[0046]
As described above, since the seat 1 and the backrest 2 are both detachable and can be washed with water, it is very easy to take measures when they become dirty. The engaging means for detachably attaching the seat 1 and the backrest 2 may employ another method.
[0047]
The rear connecting bars 26 of the left and right elevating frames 24 are bent so that frontward protruding portions 26a are formed on the left and right sides in plan view, and are inclined so as to project obliquely forward in side view. . A first gas cylinder 36 is mounted as an example of a tilting means for simultaneously tilting the seat 1 and the backrest 2 on one of the forward protruding portions 26a of the rear connecting bar 26 and the rear portion of the first movable frame 29. ing.
[0048]
A stay 37 protruding downward in an open U-shape as viewed from the front is connected to a forward portion of the first movable frame 29. A backrest is connected to the stay 37 and the lower end of the second movable frame 30. A second gas cylinder 38 is mounted as an example of the second tilting means.
[0049]
The operation levers (not shown) of the gas cylinders 36 and 38 may be attached to the handle 11, for example. By releasing the lock of the first gas cylinder 36, the seat 1 and the backrest 2 can be raised and lowered integrally with the first bearing 28 as a center. When the lock of the second gas cylinder 38 is released, only the backrest 2 can be tilted back and forth around the second bearing 32.
[0050]
In a conventional wheelchair, the seat and the backrest hardly tilt backward, so that the user always has to keep sitting in a certain posture, so that the sitting comfort is not necessarily good.
[0051]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the side posture of the seat 1 and the backrest 2 can be freely changed, for example, when the user is tired, one or both of the seat 1 and the backrest 2 are tilted backward. In the case of an elderly person who is bent or bent, the angle between the seat 1 and the backrest 2 is reduced to enhance the fit, so that the user can be tired, the shape of the body, the taste, etc. You can change your sitting posture. For this reason, comfortable sitting comfort can be provided.
[0052]
As a mode for tilting the seat 1 (and the backrest), it is possible to tilt the seat 1 around the rear portion. However, when the seat 1 is tilted rearward, the front end thereof rises, so that the user's foot may be tilted. There is a possibility that the user may become unstable by floating from the footrest 12.
[0053]
In this regard, if the seat 1 is tilted about its front as the tilt mechanism as in the present embodiment, even if the seat 1 (and the backrest 2) is tilted rearward, the foot will not float. Since there is hardly any, it is preferable that a relaxed state can be secured while securing fit. The seat 1 and the backrest 2 may be completely independently tilted.
[0054]
The tilt adjustment means for the seat 1 and the backrest 2 is not limited to using a gas cylinder, and it goes without saying that another mechanism such as a link mechanism adjusted by a screw shaft may be employed.
[0055]
(8). Elevating mechanism for seat and backrest
Next, an elevating mechanism of the seat 1 and the backrest 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 is a partial perspective view of the body frame, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is a longitudinal side view with a part omitted, and FIG. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a mounting mode of the backrest 2.
[0056]
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the downward vertical portion of the elevating frame 24 is slidably fitted in a receiving cylinder 40 fixed to the lower inclined portion 3 b of the side frame 3.
[0057]
On the other hand, as shown in, for example, FIG. The main frame is constituted by the frame 3 (the number of connecting bars is not limited to three, and the left and right side frames 3 may be connected by a metal plate).
[0058]
A screw-type jack 44 is arranged as an example of the elevating means between the left and right central parts of the center bar 42 and the left and right central parts of the rear connecting bar 26 of the elevating frame 24.
[0059]
The jack 44 has a pair of upper and lower central knot members 46 and 47 for rotatably connecting four links 45 arranged in a substantially rhombic shape in a side view and two pairs of links 45 adjacent to each other on the left and right. A front knot member 48 connecting the two links 45 located on the near side at its front end, a rear knot member 49 connecting the two links 45 located on the back at the front end, and a rear part. And a screw shaft 50 which penetrates the joint member 49 so as not to be able to slip forward and is screwed into the front joint member 48. At the rear end of the screw shaft 50, an engaging portion 50a into which the operation handle 51 is fitted is provided.
[0060]
The lower central knot 47 is fixed to the center bar 42 by welding or the like, and the upper central knot 41 is fixed to the rear connection bar 26 of the elevating frame 24 by welding or the like. Therefore, when the screw shaft 50 is rotated by the operation handle 51, the upper central knot member 46 in the jack 44 moves up and down together with the elevating frame 24, whereby the seat 1 and the backrest 2 can be freely moved within a predetermined range. Can be raised and lowered.
[0061]
As shown in FIG. 7, the left and right intermediate portions of the center bar 42 are bent downward so as not to interfere with the jack 44, and the lower central knot 46 is fixed to the downward projection.
[0062]
The lifting means is not limited to using a screw-type jack, and various other lifting mechanisms such as a cylinder mechanism using a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder and a mechanism using inflation of an airbag can be adopted. . Also, a reciprocating or rotary operation handle may be provided integrally with the side frame 3 or the like so that the operator can operate the handle while the caregiver is standing, or a battery may be attached to make the system electric. It is possible.
[0063]
(9). stand
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the left and right ends of a stand 53 made of a pipe or a bar are rotatably attached to the lower inclined portion of the left and right side frames 3.
[0064]
The stand 53 includes a grounding portion 53a that overlaps the floor or the ground in a use state, and a support portion 53b that is connected to the grounding portion 53a and that is inclined in a side view when used in a use state. The state is bent laterally left and right, and this is rotatably attached to the lower inclined portion 3b of the side frame 3.
[0065]
Although not shown, the side frame 3 is provided with a stopper for maintaining the state when the stand 53 is in contact with the ground. Further, the stand 53 is pulled rearward by a spring 54, and when not in use, the stand 53 is kept in a non-use position by hitting the rear bar 43.
[0066]
When switching between the outdoor use and the indoor use, the wheelchair is raised by pulling the handle 11 toward the front while keeping the state in which the ground contact portion 53a is pressed against the floor (or the ground) with the foot. Then, the wheelchair is held in a stable state while the wheels 5, 6, 8, and 9 float. Therefore, the work of attaching and detaching the rear wheel 5 for outdoor use and the work of switching the front wheels 8 and 9 to be used can be easily performed.
[0067]
The stand means is not limited to a method in which the whole wheelchair is moved up and down by moving the entire wheelchair back and forth as in the embodiment, and various mechanisms such as a method in which a foot is moved up and down by a screw mechanism can be adopted.
[0068]
(10). Installing outdoor rear wheels
As shown in FIG. 10, the rim 5a of the outdoor rear wheel 5 includes a small-diameter central shaft 55 and a large-diameter cylindrical hub 56. On the other hand, a bearing 57 is fixed to the upright portion 3c of the side frame 3. The bearing 57 is provided with a rotary cylinder 58 into which the hub 56 of the outdoor rear wheel 5 fits, and the hub 56 rotates integrally with the rotary cylinder 58 by friction.
[0069]
The center shaft 55 of the outdoor rear wheel 5 is provided with, as an example of an easy attachment / detachment means, a ball catch 59 for retaining and a push button 60 for allowing the ball catch 59 to escape into the center 55 and retreat. By pressing the push button 60, the outdoor rear wheel 5 can be easily attached to and detached from the bearing 57.
[0070]
The outdoor rear wheel 5 is partially covered by the curved portion 3a of the side frame 3, and therefore has a good appearance. It is also possible to cover the front end of the outdoor rear wheel 5 with the curved portion 3a of the side frame 3. The curved portion 3a of the side frame 3 has a horizontally long flat shape and the lower inclined portion 3b and the upright portion 3c of the side frame 3 have a flat shape elongated in the front-rear direction. It is possible to cover a part or the whole of the rear wheel 5 for outdoor use, and the design is refreshing.
[0071]
(11). Brake mechanism
FIG. 11 shows the brake mechanism in principle. In this embodiment, the outdoor rear wheel 5 is configured to apply a brake by applying a pair of brake shoes 62 built in a bearing 57 to the inner surface of the hub 56.
[0072]
The brake shoe 62 is fixed to the operating rod 62a, and the operating rod 62a is attached to the inside of the bearing 57 by a wedge mechanism or a link mechanism so as to be separated from each other by the rotation operation of the lever 62b. 16 are connected.
[0073]
The brake is applied to the indoor rear wheel 6 by applying a brake shoe 63 to an outer peripheral surface (or a side surface of a rim or a tire). The brake shoe 63 is fixed to, for example, a rotatable arm 65, and the arm 65 is rotatably attached to the side frame 3 and the cover 22. Further, the tip of the wire 16 is fixed to the arm 65. The end of the tube 15 is fixed to the upright portion 3 c of the side frame 3 and the bracket 67 fixed to the cover 22.
[0074]
When the brake lever 14 is pulled while the outdoor rear wheel 5 is attached, the lever 62b is rotated by the wire 16 and the brake is applied to the outdoor rear wheel 5. In this state, since the wire 16 cannot be pulled, the brake is not applied to the indoor rear wheel 6.
[0075]
When the brake lever 14 is pulled with the outdoor rear wheel 5 removed, the pulling force is transmitted to the arm 65 by the lever 62b swinging and rotating, whereby the indoor rear wheel 6 is braked. That is, only the used rear wheel is braked.
[0076]
As described above, by adopting the interlocking brake mechanism for braking the two kinds of rear wheels 5 and 6 with one brake means, the brake mechanism (or the lock mechanism) can be provided even though the wheelchair has two kinds of rear wheels. Can be simplified.
[0077]
In this embodiment, the brake is applied when the brake lever 14 is pulled. However, in the case where the lock is released by operating the brake lever 14, one point is shown in FIG. As shown by the difference line, the brake shoe 63 may be always applied to the rear wheel 6 by the spring 68, and the brake shoe 63 may be separated from the rear wheel 6 by pulling the wire 16.
[0078]
The brake mechanism is not limited to the one using the cable conduit as in the embodiment, and various modes such as one using a wire and one using hydraulic pressure can be adopted.
[0079]
(12). Front wheel mounting structure
Next, a mounting structure of the front wheels 8, 9 which is a feature of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view, FIG. 13 is a side view in a separated state, and FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along the line XIV-XIV in FIG.
[0080]
The support member 7 is formed in a substantially T-shape in a side view with a main body 7a and a branch 7b extending laterally from the main body 7a. An outdoor front wheel 8 is attached to a tip of the main body 7a, and an indoor The front wheel 9 is attached. Both front wheels 8 and 9 are attached to brackets 71 and 72 so as to make a horizontal turn while being in contact with the ground.
[0081]
The main body portion 7a is attached to a plate-like portion 3d integrally (or separately) provided below the curved portion 3a of the side frame 3 with a bolt 73 so that the main body portion 7a can rotate around a central portion in the longitudinal direction. Have been. A bearing 74 for holding the bolt 73 in a stable state is fixed to the plate portion 3 d of the side frame 3. Needless to say, various methods can be adopted for the pivot support mechanism of the support member 7.
[0082]
A mounting shaft 78 for mounting the outdoor front wheel 8 is fitted to the main body 7a over substantially the entire length. A recess 75 for fitting the bolt 73 (or nut) is formed, and an engagement hole 76 is formed in the recess 75 so that the head (or nut) of the bolt 74 fits in a non-rotatable manner.
[0083]
A lock pin 77 extending toward the curved portion 3a of the side frame 3 is slidably fitted into an end of the main body 7a opposite to the outdoor front wheel 8, while a plate of the side frame 3 is slidably fitted. A first engaging hole 79 and a second engaging hole 80 into which the lock pin 77 can be inserted and removed are formed in the shape 3d at positions separated by 45 degrees around the rotation center of the support member 7. I have.
[0084]
The lock pin 77 has a small-diameter portion 77a that penetrates through the main body 7a and extends outward, and a spring 81 is fitted at the base of the small-diameter portion 77a. For this reason, the lock pin 77 fits into the engagement holes 79 and 80 and is urged without permission. Further, an operation pin 82 is fitted to the distal end of the small diameter portion 77a so that it cannot be removed.
[0085]
A portion of the main body 7a through which the lock pin 77 penetrates is a notch 83, and a pair of front and rear brackets 84 is provided in the notch 83, and a pivot pin 85 penetrates the notch 83. An operation lever 86 as an example of an operation means is rotatably mounted. The operation lever 86 is provided with a contact portion 86a located between the operation pin 82 and the main body 7a.
[0086]
Therefore, when the operation lever 76 is tilted outward and rotated, the pick pin 79 is disengaged from the engagement holes 79 and 80 against the spring 81, and the support member 7 can be freely rotated. As a result, either the outdoor front wheel 8 or the indoor front wheel 9 can be selected and used.
[0087]
The mounting shaft 78 of the outdoor front wheel 8 extends to the notch 83, and the tip of the mounting shaft 78 penetrates the pivot support pin 85. For this reason, the mounting shaft 78 is held so as not to come off. As described above, since the pivot support pin 85 has both functions of attaching the operation lever 86 and preventing the attachment shaft 78 from coming off, the structure can be simplified accordingly.
[0088]
The form of the support member 7 and the manner of attaching the front wheels 8, 9 to the support member 7 can be embodied in various ways. The lock means for selectively holding the attitude of the support member 7 is not limited to the combination of the lock pin 77 and the engagement holes 79 and 80 as in the embodiment, but may employ various other structures.
[0089]
As is clear from FIG. 3, when the indoor front wheel 9 is used, the outdoor front wheel 8 extends rearward. In other words, the outdoor front wheel 8 is stored when not in use. For this reason, the outdoor front wheel 8 does not become an obstacle, and is excellent in beauty.
[0090]
(13). Mounting structure of footrest 12
Next, the mounting structure of the footrest 12 will be described with reference to FIG. (A) is a separation side view, (B) is a BB view of (A).
[0091]
The footrest 12 is fixed to a support bar 88. The left and right ends of the support bar 88 extend rearwardly along the inner surface of the plate-like portion 3 d of the side frame 3, and are slidably fitted in the tubular body 89.
[0092]
The cylindrical body 89 is attached to the plate-like portion 3d of the side frame 3 by a pin 90 and a screw (not shown) so that the cylindrical body 89 can be tilted back and forth about its upper end (a hole in which the pin 90 fits). Reference numeral 91). A spring 92 that pushes the support bar 88 in the forward direction is built in the cylindrical body 89.
[0093]
Further, a long hole 93 opened toward the plate-like portion 3d of the side frame 3 extends vertically in the cylindrical body 89, and a stopper pin 94 projecting from the long hole 93 is provided at the upper end of the support bar 88. Provided.
[0094]
On the other hand, a guide hole 95 in which the stopper pin 94 fits is opened in the plate-shaped portion 3d of the side frame 3. The guide hole 95 includes an arc-shaped portion 95a extending around the center of rotation of the cylindrical body 89, a lower linear portion 95b extending obliquely downward and long and continuous with the lower end of the arc-shaped portion 95a, and an upper end of the arc-shaped portion 95a. And an upper straight portion 95c extending rearward in a continuous state.
[0095]
When the support bar 88 is completely pushed into the cylinder 89, the stopper pin 94 separates from the lower linear portion 95b and reaches the arcuate portion 9a. Therefore, the stopper pin 94 is attached to the cylinder 89 and the support bar 88. It can be rotated until it passes through the arcuate portion 95a and fits into the upper straight portion 95c, so that the footrest 12 can be stored in a position sandwiched between the left and right side frames 3 with the footrest 12 raised.
[0096]
Therefore, not only can the footrest 12 be prevented from disturbing when not in use, but also prevent the footrest 12 from disturbing the user and the releaser when the user steps on and off the wheelchair with the foot on the floor or the ground. Therefore, ease of getting on and off the wheelchair can be improved.
[0097]
The storage means of the footrest 12 is not limited to providing a rotating and telescopic supporting means as in the embodiment, and it is needless to say that other structures such as a forward and backward sliding type can be adopted. In addition, the footrest can be configured to be detachable. It is also possible to adopt a mode in which the height and the front-back position of the footrest 12 can be adjusted.
[0098]
(14). Other
The present invention can be embodied in various ways other than the above-described embodiment. For example, a hand rim may be provided on the rear wheel for outdoor use. Further, in the first aspect, it is not necessary to be detachable with the outdoor rear wheel, and it is possible that the outdoor rear wheel is always attached to the main body frame, for example, the height of the outdoor rear wheel can be adjusted. Alternatively, it is also possible to make the front and rear wheels for outdoor use detachable.
[0099]
It is also possible to arrange each wheel inside the side frame. Further, the shapes of the side frames and the main body frame including the side frames can be formed in various forms as needed. For example, the side frame may be made of a single plate made of a metal plate or a synthetic resin.
[0100]
In addition, the seat and the backrest do not necessarily have to be cushioned, and may be a plate made of a synthetic resin or the like, or may have a net structure. Further, the seat and the backrest can be continuously formed integrally.
[0101]
The use of the wheelchair is left to the user, and depending on the case, the user may move indoors with the outdoor wheels or go outdoors with the indoor wheels.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view in an outdoor use mode.
FIG. 2 is a schematic left side view in an outdoor use mode.
FIG. 3 is a schematic left side view in an indoor use mode.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 1 in a state attached to a bed.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a support structure for a seat and a backrest.
FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a main body frame.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG.
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional side view partially omitted.
9A is a longitudinal sectional side view with a part omitted, and FIG. 9B is a separated sectional view showing an example of a mounting mode of a backrest.
FIG. 10 is an isolated rear view showing an example of a means for attaching an outdoor wheel.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a brake mechanism.
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a mounting means for a front wheel.
FIG. 13 is a side view showing a state where a support member is separated.
FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along the line XIV-XIV of FIG. 2;
FIG. 15 is a view showing an attaching means of the footrest.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 sheet
2 Backrest
3 Side frames that make up the main body frame
5 Outdoor rear wheels
6 Indoor rear wheels
7 Supporting members
8 Outdoor front wheels
9 Indoor front wheels
11 Handle
12 Footrest
14 Brake lever
17 Armrest

Claims (2)

It has a seat (seat body), a backrest (backrest), and a body frame that supports them, and an outdoor rear wheel (main wheel) and a smaller indoor indoor wheel are provided on the left and right sides of the body frame. A pair of a rear wheel and a pair of an outdoor front wheel and an indoor front wheel smaller in diameter than the outdoor rear wheel are attached so that the outdoor front and rear indoor wheel groups can be selectively used. ing,
wheelchair. The outdoor rear wheel is detachable from the body frame,
The outdoor front wheel and the indoor front wheel are attached to a support member that can be rotated around a horizontally-long left-right axis, and the outdoor front wheel and the indoor front wheel are selectively changed by changing the posture of the support member. It is designed to be grounded,
The wheelchair according to claim 1.

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