JP5793533B2 - Walking car - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a walking vehicle for assisting a user who is difficult to walk by himself / herself.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a walking vehicle is known for assisting walking of a user who has a weak leg and is difficult to walk on his / her own, such as a sick person, a disabled person, or an elderly person. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a walking vehicle having a pair of left and right frames, a wheel attached to the lower end of the frame, and an elbow rest attached to the upper end of the frame. The user can walk while maintaining a standing posture by placing the elbow on the elbow rest and rolling the wheel while hanging a part of his / her weight on the frame.

  In addition, the walking vehicle of Patent Document 1 can be folded in the width direction so as to be easily stored. That is, the pair of left and right frames are connected to each other by a pair of crossbars that are pivotally supported by the crossbar shaft stoppers. The upper end of each cross bar is pivotally attached to a width adjusting case that is fixed to the frame and slides with respect to a width adjusting pipe that extends in the vertical direction. The lower end of each cross bar is pivotally attached to the lower part of the frame. A width adjusting lever is attached to the width adjusting case, and the position of the width adjusting case with respect to the width adjusting pipe can be fixed or free by operating the width adjusting lever.

  In the walking vehicle of Patent Document 1 having the above-described mechanism, the width adjusting lever is operated to release the position of the width adjusting case with respect to the width adjusting pipe, and then the pair of left and right frames are biased toward each other. Thus, while the width adjusting case slides upward with respect to the width adjusting pipe, each cross bar rotates in the direction of rising about the respective lower end, and the pair of left and right frames can be folded close to each other.

  On the other hand, when the folded walking vehicle is unfolded, the pair of left and right frames are urged away from each other with the width adjusting lever free. As a result, while the width adjustment case slides downward with respect to the width adjustment pipe, each cross bar rotates in a direction that lies around its lower end, and the pair of left and right frames are separated from each other. When the pair of left and right frames are expanded to a desired width, the width adjustment lever is operated to fix the position of the width adjustment case with respect to the width adjustment pipe, thereby completing the development of the walking vehicle.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-126023

  However, in the walking vehicle described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to adjust the distance between the pair of left and right frames to a desired width by operating the width adjustment lever every time the vehicle is folded and then unfolded. This is the same even if you want the same width every time, so it is easier for users who frequently fold and unfold pedestrians to save space in the room or facility.・ Development of a walking vehicle with a deployment mechanism was required.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a walking vehicle that can be easily handled during folding and unfolding.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an upper coupling member having a pair of left and right vertical frames, a width adjusting mechanism and a bending mechanism, each having an elbow rest at the upper end and a wheel at the lower end, and A sliding member that slides up and down in one vertical frame, one end pivotally attached to the other vertical frame, and the other end pivotally attached to the sliding member A lower connecting member having a rotating frame and a sliding end position defining means for defining a sliding end position of the sliding member , the sliding end position defining means being attached to one vertical frame; A walking vehicle is provided in which a sliding end position is defined by the upper end of the sliding member being in contact with the sliding member, and a plurality of sliding termination defining means in one vertical frame can be selected .

  Preferably, the sliding end position defining means includes a stopper having a main body part engaging / disengaging with one vertical frame, a fixing member for fixing the main body part to the vertical frame, and one attached with the sliding member It is comprised by the fixing tool engaging part formed in the vertical frame of this, and a fixing tool is engaged.

  Preferably, one vertical frame is provided with the lower member by which the wheel was provided in the lower end part, and the upper member by which the elbow rest was provided in the upper end part. In addition, one of the lower member and the upper member is inserted and fixed to the other of the lower member and the upper member. Furthermore, the length from the fixture engaging portion to one of the lower member and the upper member is longer than the length from the fixture engaging portion to the end of the engaged fixture.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a walking vehicle that can be easily handled during folding / unfolding.

It is a perspective view from the front side which shows the whole structure at the time of use of the walking vehicle concerning this Embodiment. It is a perspective view from the back side which shows the whole structure at the time of use of the walking vehicle concerning this Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the state in the middle of folding / deployment of the walking vehicle concerning this Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the state by which the walking vehicle concerning this Embodiment was folded. It is sectional drawing (AA arrow in FIG. 1) which shows the Example of the structure of a sliding terminal position prescription | regulation means. It is sectional drawing (BB arrow in FIG. 1) which shows the Example of the structure of the height adjustment means of a walking vehicle. It is sectional drawing which shows the other Example of the structure of a sliding termination position definition means. It is a perspective view from the front side which shows the whole structure at the time of use of the walking vehicle concerning other embodiment. It is a perspective view from the front side which shows the whole structure at the time of use of the walking vehicle concerning other embodiment. It is a perspective view from the front side which shows the whole structure at the time of use of the walking vehicle concerning other embodiment. It is a perspective view from the front side which shows the whole structure at the time of use of the walking vehicle concerning other embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. Further, in the following description (and drawings), regarding each symbol, when each part is indicated by a higher concept, it is indicated by only an Arabic numeral without an alphabetic branch number, and each part needs to be distinguished (that is, lower part) (In the case of a concept), an alphabetic capital letter branch number is attached to an Arabic numeral for distinction.

<Overall configuration of walking vehicle 10>
First, the overall configuration of the walking vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the front side showing the overall configuration when the walking vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment is used. FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the back side showing the overall configuration when the walking vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment is used.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a walking vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment includes a pair of left and right vertical frames 12, an upper connecting member 16, and a lower connecting member 18.

  Each vertical frame 12 is a substantially cylindrical rod-shaped member formed of iron, aluminum, an alloy thereof, resin, or the like. As will be described later, each vertical frame 12 of the present embodiment is composed of two members, a lower member 20 and an upper member 22, so that the height of the walking vehicle 10 can be adjusted. If height adjustment is not necessary, the vertical frame 12 may be formed of a single member.

  Each lower member 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an opening 23 on the top surface, and a corresponding upper member 22 is inserted into the lower member 20 through the opening 23. Referring to FIG. 6, one upper member fixing hole 32 is formed on the inner surface of the upper end portion of the lower member 20, and a plurality of fixing holes are formed at predetermined intervals on the inner side surface of the upper member 22. 33 is formed.

  The upper member 22 is inserted into the lower member 20 by inserting the fixing pin 100 into each of the holes 32 and 33 with the positions of the upper member fixing hole 32 and any of the fixing holes 33 aligned. As a result, the vertical frame 12 can be adjusted to a desired height. In this embodiment, the fixing pin 100 constitutes the height adjustment stopper 104 in combination with the substantially “C” -shaped main body member 102 attached so as to cover the outer surface of the lower member 20. The aspect of the pin 100 is not limited to this, and the fixing pin 100 can be used alone. Although not shown, contrary to the present embodiment, the lower member 20 may be inserted into the upper member 22.

  Returning to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a wheel member 24 is attached to the lower end of each lower member 20. The wheel member 24 includes a wheel mounting frame 26, a front wheel 28 that is rotatably attached to the ground at the front end of the wheel mounting frame 26, and a rear wheel that is mounted on the rear end of the wheel mounting frame 26. 30. In the present embodiment, the wheel mounting frame 26 is formed in a substantially “Z” shape in which the front end side is higher in the side view shape and the rear end side lower than the front end side is elongated. ing. Further, the diameter of the rear wheel 30 is set smaller than the diameter of the front wheel 28. In other words, the height of the rear side of the walking vehicle 10 where the user approaches during use is kept low. Thereby, for example, when a user sitting on the end of the bed tries to transfer to the walking vehicle 10, the walking vehicle is inserted such that the rear end portion of the wheel member 24 is inserted into the gap between the bed and the floor surface. 10 can be brought closer to the user, which is advantageous in that the user can easily transfer to the walking vehicle 10.

  An elbow rest 34 is provided at the upper end of each upper member 22. Each elbow rest 34 is a member having a substantially “L” -shaped upper plane 36 that is substantially parallel to the ground when the walking vehicle 10 is in use, and the user's elbow and the like are placed on the upper plane 36 and the user The weight of can be put. The “long side” of each of the substantially “L” -shaped elbow rests 34 is generally arranged along the traveling direction of the walking vehicle 10, and the “short side” is mutually inside on the front side in the traveling direction of the walking vehicle 10. It is arranged to be oriented. Thereby, in the walking vehicle 10 of the embodiment, the tips of the “short sides” of the elbow rests 34 face each other. The bottom surface of the “long side” of each elbow rest 34 is attached to the tip of the corresponding upper member 22, and each elbow rest 34 is relative to the upper member 22 so that each upper flat surface 36 rotates upward. And is pivotally attached.

  Further, each end portion of the upper connecting member 16 is attached to the bottom surface of the “short side” of each elbow rest 34 arranged so as to face each other. That is, the “short sides” of the elbow rests 34 are connected to each other via the upper connecting member 16.

  As described above, the upper connecting member 16 is a member that is provided between the elbow holders 34 provided at the upper ends of the vertical frames 12 and connects the left and right vertical frames 12 to each other via the elbow holders 34. The upper connecting member 16 is composed of a pair of left and right connecting frames 38. A width adjusting mechanism 40 is formed at one end of each connecting frame 38, and a bending mechanism 42 is connected to the other end so that the connecting frames 38 are connected to each other so as to be rotatable and fixed in combination with the corresponding connecting frame 38. Is formed.

  The width adjusting mechanism 40 includes a width adjusting plate 44 attached to the bottom surface of the elbow rest 34 as a part thereof. A substantially straight slider member 46 and a fixing hole 48 (not shown) are formed inside one end of the connection frame 38. On the other hand, on the inner surface of the width adjusting plate 44, as a part of the width adjusting mechanism 40, a groove 50 into which the slider member 46 is slidably fitted and a plurality of adjusting holes 52 arranged in the lateral direction are formed. Has been.

  As described above, the bending mechanism 42 connects the pair of left and right connection frames 38 so as to be rotatable and fixed to each other, and the pair of connection frames 38 are rotated in a substantially straight line. To fix. The folding mechanism 42 includes a folding button 54, and the connecting frames 38 are rotated with each other by pressing the folding button 54. The folding button 54 is not an essential component for the present invention.

  By employing the upper connecting member 16 as described above, the fixing hole 48 (not shown) and any of the adjusting holes 52 are aligned with each other while the slider member 46 is slid with respect to the groove 50. For example, by inserting a screw 56 (which may be a pin or another mechanism) into each of the holes 48 and 52, the separation distance of each elbow rest 34 (= the width of the walking vehicle 10) can be adjusted. .

  Next, the lower connection member 18 will be described. The lower connecting member 18 includes a sliding member 58, a rotating frame 60, and a sliding end position defining means 62.

  The sliding member 58 has an insertion hole 64 through which the lower member 20 is inserted, and slides in the vertical direction on the vertical frame 12 (the lower member 20 in this embodiment). In the present embodiment, the sliding member 58 has a shape such that the upper end of the sliding member 58 protrudes slightly outward so that the user can easily pinch and unfold the walking vehicle 10 (this is the case for the user). Of course, the shape of the sliding member 58 is not limited to this. Note that the sliding member 58 may be made of any material such as metal or resin.

  One end of the rotating frame 60 is pivotally attached to a rotating shaft 61 formed at the lower end portion of the vertical frame 12 (the lower member 20 in this embodiment), and this one end is attached. The other end is pivotally attached to a sliding member 58 provided on the vertical frame 12 opposite to the vertical frame 12. In this embodiment, a set of two rotating frames 60 is used, and both the rotating frames 60 are pivotally attached to each other by a pivot attachment 66 at a position where they intersect each other.

  The sliding end position defining means 62 is a means for defining the sliding end position of the sliding member 58. In this embodiment, the sliding end position defining means 62 is attached to the vertical frame 12 (the lower member 20 in this embodiment) on which the sliding member 58 slides, and the sliding member that slides in the vertical direction. The sliding lower end position of the sliding member 58 is defined by contacting the lower end of 58.

  In this embodiment, the sliding end position defining means 62 is a fixing member that is a plurality of positioning holes provided at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction on the inner surface of the lower member 20 of the vertical frame 12 with the stopper 70. The stopper 70 is formed in a substantially “C” shape as shown in FIG. 5 and covers the outer surface of the vertical frame 12 (the lower member 20 in this embodiment). The main body 72 is configured to be engaged and disengaged, and the fixing tool 74 that fixes the main body 72 to the vertical frame 12 (the lower member 20 in this embodiment) by engaging with the fixing tool engaging section 68. .

  The positional relationship between the fixture 74 and the fixture engaging portion 68 in this embodiment will be described in detail. The cross section of the lower member 20 in the vertical frame 12 is configured to have two spaces. In FIG. 5, the larger space is a space through which the upper member 22 is inserted and slid (hereinafter referred to as “upper member space 80”), and the smaller space is a space in which the fixture 74 is inserted and engaged. (Hereinafter referred to as “fixing tool space 82”). In addition, the length of the fixing tool 74 in the present embodiment is set to a length that fits in the fixing tool space 82 when the fixing tool engaging portion 68 is inserted and engaged. It is set so as not to enter the upper member space 80 (Of course, the fixture space 82 and the upper member space 80 are not in communication with each other, and even if a long fixture 74 is used) It is difficult to cause the fixture 74 to protrude into the upper member space 80).

  That is, the fixture engaging portion 68 is provided at a position where the fixture 74 does not interfere with the upper member 22. Thereby, the width | variety at the time of use of the walking vehicle 10 can be set irrespective of adjustment of the height of the walking vehicle 10. FIG. This is also applicable when the lower member 20 is inserted and fixed with respect to the upper member 22. Further, the relationship between the fixture engaging portion 68 and the fixture 74 is not limited to that described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the fixture engaging portion 68 to the upper member 22 (upper member 22). When the insertion relationship between the lower member 20 and the lower member 20 is reversed, the length from the lower member 20 to the lower member 20 is the same as that of the lower member 20. It is only necessary that the fixing member engaging portion 68 is set at a position that is set longer than the length to the end and that the fixing member 74 does not interfere with the upper member 22.

  In this embodiment, the stopper 70 is fixed by inserting and engaging the pin-shaped fixing tool 74 into the fixing member engaging portion 68 (= positioning hole). However, the fixing method of the stopper 70 is not limited to this. In place of the pin, a screw may be used as the fixing tool 74, or other means may be used.

<Folding operation>
Next, the folding operation of the walking vehicle 10 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a stage in the middle of folding the walking vehicle 10 in the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the walking vehicle 10 in the present embodiment is folded.

  In a state where the walking vehicle 10 is deployed as shown in FIG. 1 (= a state in which the user can use it), first, the folding button 54 of the upper connecting member 16 is pushed so that the pair of connecting frames 38 can rotate with respect to each other. Thereafter, if necessary, the sliding member 58 of the lower connecting member 18 is urged upward, and similarly, the lower end of the bending mechanism 42 of the upper connecting member 16 is urged upward. However, each vertical frame 12 is biased in a direction in which the pair of left and right vertical frames 12 approach each other. Then, the upper connecting member 16 bends and the elbow rest 34 rotates with respect to the vertical frame 12 (upper member 22 in this embodiment). At the same time, the sliding members 58 of the lower connecting member 18 slide upward on the vertical frame 12 (the lower member 20 in the present embodiment), and accordingly, the rotating frames 60 move along the vertical frame 12 (the present embodiment). Then, it rotates around the rotation shaft 61 of the lower member 20). As a result, the vertical frames 12 begin to approach each other (see FIG. 3), and the folding of the walking vehicle 10 is completed by proceeding with the folding operation (FIG. 4).

<Deploy operation>
When the walking vehicle 10 in the present embodiment is expanded from the folded state, the procedure is the reverse of the folding operation procedure. That is, after the folding button 54 is pressed, the vertical frames 12 of the walking vehicle 10 in a folded state (FIG. 4) are urged in a direction away from each other. Then, the upper connecting member 16 rotates in the opposite direction to the previous one, and the sliding member 58 of the lower connecting member 18 slides down the vertical frame 12 (the lower member 20 in this embodiment) (see FIG. 3). As this is advanced, the sliding member 58 finally comes into contact with the stopper 70 of the sliding end position defining means 62 and cannot move further downward (see FIG. 1). 10 deployments are completed.

  Thus, according to the walking vehicle 10 of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to adjust the width of the walking vehicle 10 every time folding / unfolding of the walking vehicle 10 is repeated. Thereby, the walking vehicle 10 with easy handling at the time of folding / unfolding can be provided.

<Modification>
In the above-described embodiment, the sliding member 58 is attached to each of the vertical frames 12. However, as shown in FIG. 8, the sliding member 58 is attached to only one of the vertical frames 12. Also good. As described above, when the sliding member 58 is attached to only one of the vertical frames 12, only one rotating frame 60 is required, and one set of the sliding end position defining means 62 is sufficient. . In this case, it goes without saying that one end of the rotating frame 60 is rotatably attached at the lower end portion of the vertical frame 12 opposite to the side where the sliding member 58 is provided. In FIG. 8, the rotating frame 60 is attached to the lower right as viewed from the front, but conversely, the rotating frame 60 may be attached to the upper right. Not shown).

  As another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the sliding member 58 slides on the rotating shaft 61 of the rotating frame 60 in the vertical frame 12, which is located at the lower end of the vertical frame 12 in the above-described embodiment. An embodiment in which the position is higher than the moving position is shown. In the case of this embodiment, the stopper 70 of the sliding end position defining means 62 defines the upper end position of the sliding member 58.

  As another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, two sliding members 58 (in the drawing, the left side is “sliding member 58a” and the opposite is “second sliding member 58b”. Of course, this may be reversed, and the two rotating frames 60 (the rotating frame attached to the sliding member 58a is the “rotating frame 60a” and attached to the second sliding member 58b. When the rotating frame used is “the second rotating frame 60b”), the sliding end position defining means 62 is attached to either the rotating frame 58a or the second rotating frame 58b (illustrated). In the embodiment, both), the other rotation of the rotation frame 60a and the second rotation frame 60b may be restricted. For example, the sliding end position defining means 62 in this embodiment includes a rotating frame sliding member 75 slidably attached to the rotating frame 60, and extends upward from the rotating frame sliding member 75. The rotation stopper 76 is provided, and a fixing means 78 (for example, a screw) for fixing the rotation frame sliding member 75 to the rotation frames 60a and 60b.

  By fixing the rotating frame sliding member 75 at a desired position in the rotating frames 60a and 60b, when the vertical frames 12 are separated from each other when the walking vehicle 10 is deployed, the sliding members 58 correspond to the corresponding vertical members. As the frame 12 slides downward, the rotating frames 60a and 60b that have been rotated come into contact with the rotating stopper 76 extending from the fixed rotating frame sliding member 75 and beyond. Cannot rotate. In this way, the end position of the sliding member 58 may be defined. Although the drawing shows an example in which two sets of sliding end position defining means 62 are used, the number of sliding end position defining means 62 may be one set.

  As another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, a rotation shaft 61 of the rotation frame 60 (a position where the rotation frame 60 is rotatably attached to the vertical frame 12. For example, a lower end of the vertical frame 12. Slidable end position defining means 62 that defines the rotation range of the rotating frame in the vicinity (portion that does not rotate with the rotating frame 60).

  In this embodiment, the sliding end position defining means 62 is a rod-like member extending from a portion that does not rotate with the rotating frame 60 substantially along the rotating shaft 61 of the rotating frame 60 in the vertical frame 12. . By setting the sliding end position defining means 62 in this way, each sliding member 58 slides the corresponding vertical frame 12 downward when the vertical frames 12 are separated from each other when the walking vehicle 10 is deployed. At the same time, the rod-shaped sliding end position restricting means 62 extending substantially along the rotating shaft 61 from the portion where the rotating frame 60 that has been rotated does not rotate together with the rotating frame 60 rotates. Abutting on the moving frame 60, the rotating frame 60 can no longer rotate. In this way, the end position of the sliding member 58 may be defined. In this case, the width adjustment of the walking vehicle 10 is performed by changing the mounting position of the sliding end position defining means 62 in the vertical and horizontal directions or changing the diameter of the sliding end position defining means 62.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Walking car, 12 ... Vertical frame, 16 ... Upper side connection member, 18 ... Lower side connection member, 20 ... Lower side member, 22 ... Upper side member, 23 ... Opening, 24 ... Wheel member, 26 ... Wheel attachment frame, 28 ... front wheel, 30 ... rear wheel, 32 ... upper member fixing hole, 33 ... fixing hole, 34 ... elbow rest, 36 ... upper flat surface, 38 ... connecting frame, 40 ... width adjusting mechanism, 42 ... Bending mechanism 44 ... width adjusting plate 46 ... slider member 48 ... fixing hole 50 ... groove 52 ... adjusting hole 54 ... folding button 56 ... screw 58 ... sliding member 60 ... rotating frame 61 Rotating shaft, 62 ... Sliding end position defining means, 64 ... Insertion hole, 66 ... Pivoting device, 68 ... Fixture engaging portion, 70 ... Stopper, 72 ... Main body portion, 74 ... Fixing device, 75 ... times Moving frame sliding member, 76 ... rotation stopper, 78 ... fixed Stage, 80 ... upper member space, space 100 ... fixing pin 82 ... fasteners 102 ... body member, 104 ... height adjustment stop

Claims (3)

A pair of left and right vertical frames each having an elbow rest at the upper end and wheels at the lower end,
An upper connecting member having a width adjusting mechanism and a bending mechanism, a sliding member that slides in the vertical direction in one of the vertical frames, and one end pivotally attached to the other vertical frame and the other end and but comprises a lower connecting member having a pivoting frame which is rotatably pivotally attached to said sliding member and a sliding end position defining means for defining the sliding end position of the sliding member ,
The sliding end position defining means is attached to one of the vertical frames, and the upper end thereof is in contact with the sliding member to define the sliding end position,
A walking vehicle in which a plurality of positions of the sliding end defining means in one of the vertical frames can be selected . The sliding end position defining means is:
A stopper having a main body part engaging and disengaging with the one vertical frame, a fixing member for fixing the main body part to the vertical frame, and one vertical frame to which the sliding member is attached. , Composed of a fixture engaging portion with which the fixture is engaged,
The walking vehicle according to claim 1. One of the vertical frames includes a lower member provided with the wheel at a lower end and an upper member provided with the elbow rest at an upper end.
Either one of the lower member and the upper member is inserted and fixed to the other of the lower member and the upper member,
The length from the fixture engaging portion to one of the lower member and the upper member is longer than the length from the fixture engaging portion to the end of the engaged fixture.
The walking vehicle according to claim 2.

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