TRAVELING ASSISTANCE TOOL FOR WHEELCHAIR

Abstract

This traveling assistance tool for a wheelchair includes a travel path member including a travel path part on which a wheelchair travels and a reinforcing part for reinforcing the travel path part from below; and end members which are fitted to the ends of the travel path member to introduce a wheelchair onto the travel path part, the reinforcing part being constituted of a plurality of hollow segments arranged in a single line in the crossing direction of the travel path part, where the traveling assistance tool for a wheelchair is characterized in that the end members have: insertion parts which are inserted into ends of the reinforcing parts; and a support part which supports the ends of the reinforcing part from below.

Claims

1-6. (Canceled)

7. A traveling assistance tool for a wheelchair comprising: a travel path member including a travel path part on which the wheelchair travels and a reinforcing part which reinforces the travel path part from below; and an end member which is fitted to an end of the travel path member to introduce the wheelchair onto the travel path part, the reinforcing part being formed by a plurality of hollow segments disposed along a bridging direction of the travel path part, and the end member having an insertion part to be inserted into an end of the reinforcing part and a support part to support the end of the reinforcing part from below.

8. The traveling assistance tool according to claim 7, wherein the insertion part and the support part are disposed alternately on the end member.

9. The traveling assistance tool according to claim 7, wherein the insertion part and the support part have an extruded shape.

10. The traveling assistance tool according to claim 7, wherein the reinforcing member is positioned by an external component part provided at an end of the hollow segment.

11. The traveling assistance tool according to claim 7, wherein the insertion part has a length of 1 or more and 2 or less of that of the support member.

12. The traveling assistance tool according to claim 7, wherein the travel path member is made of a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic and the end member is made of a resin.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a ramp viewed obliquely from above.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a ramp viewed obliquely from below.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a joint between an example of a ramp and terminal member.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a cross section view of a joint between an example of a ramp and end member.

[0040] FIG. 5 is an assembly view of an example of a ramp and a rod member of end member.

EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS

[0041] 1: ramp
2: travel path member
3: upper end of ramp
4: lower end of ramp
5: hollow segment
6,6a,6b,6c: hollow part of hollow segment
7,7a,7b,7c: insertion part
8,8a,8b: support part
9: reinforcing member

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Hereinafter, our tools will be explained sequentially. Our tools are not limited to the following examples which are only representative.

[0043] Our traveling assistance tool for a wheelchair comprises: a travel path member including a travel path part on which the wheelchair travels and a reinforcing part which reinforces the travel path part from below; and an end member which is fitted to an end of the travel path member to introduce the wheelchair onto the travel path part, the reinforcing part being formed by a plurality of hollow segments disposed along a bridging direction of the travel path part, the end member having an insertion part to be inserted into an end of the reinforcing part and a support part to support the end of the reinforcing part from below.

[0044] We improve the strength of a hollow ramp used by a wheelchair user to get over steps in a building or steps between the ground and the doorway of vehicles such as automobile, train and bus by relaxing stress concentration caused in the support end of rigid hollow ramp against bending in the bridging direction. Such a reinforced support end can achieve both weight saving up to 12 kg of ramp weight and long ramp length up to 3 m so that safety is ensured and burden is reduced for caregivers. For example, our lightweight ramp can be placed for wheelchairs to travel on by inclination angle of 14° or less over the height difference of 70 cm over which conventional short lightweight ramp cannot make wheelchairs get over because of steepness.

[0045] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of our ramp viewed obliquely from above. Symbol 1 indicates ramp for wheelchairs to travel on while symbol 2 indicates travel path part. Ramp 1 can be used as being placed over the gap between road and automobile doorway. Upper end member 3 of ramp 1 is placed on the automobile doorway while lower end member 4 of ramp 1 is placed on the road, for example. It is possible that upper end member 3 and lower end member 4 of ramp 1 bonded to travel path member 2 are tapered so that wheelchairs smoothly travel through the inclined ends. It is preferable that an antiskid rubber member is attached to a position to contact the doorway or the road of ramp 1.

[0046] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of our ramp viewed obliquely from below. Symbol 5 indicates hollow segment. Hollow segments 5 are provided as totally extending substantially along the longitudinal direction of travel path member 2 in which moving bodies such as wheelchair travel. Such a long product structure extending between end member 3 and end member 4 can bear local load applied from tires of wheelchair or the like traveling on ramp 1.

[0047] From a viewpoint of weight saving, it is preferable that travel path member 2 and hollow segment 5 is made of a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic excellent in specific strength and specific rigidity. The reinforcing fiber may be a carbon fiber of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based, rayon-based, lignin-based or pitch-based, with or without surface treatment. The surface treatment may be performed with coupling agent, sizing agent, binding agent or additives. The above-described reinforcing fibers can be used solely or mixed by two or more kinds.

[0048] The fiber-reinforced plastic comprises reinforcing fiber and matrix resin, wherein the matrix resin may be a thermosetting resin such as epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin, vinylester resin, phenol (resol type) resin and polyimide resin, a polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin, poly trimethylene terephthalate (PTT) resin, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN resin) and liquid crystalline polyester resin, a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene (PE resin), polypropylene (PP resin) and polybutylene resin, a polyoxymethylene (POM) resin, a polyamide (PA) resin, a polyarylene sulfide resin such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin, a polyketone (PK) resin, a polyether ketone (PEK) resin, a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin, a polyether ketone (PEKK) resin, a polyether nitrile (PEN) resin, a fluorinated resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene resin, a crystalline resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP), a styrenic resin, an amorphous resin such as polycarbonate (PC) resin, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) resin, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, polyphenylene ether (PPE) resin, polyimide (PI) resin, polyamide-imide (PAI) resin, polyetherimide (PEI) resin, polysulfone (PSU) resin, polyethersulfone resin and polyarylate (PAR) resin, a thermoplastic elastomer of phenol-based, phenoxy-based, polystyrene-based, polyolefin-based, polyurethane-based, polyester-based, polyamide-based, polybutadiene-based, polyisoprene-based or acrylonitrile-based, or a copolymer or modification thereof. Above all, it is preferably the epoxy resin or the vinylester resin from viewpoints of adhesion to carbon fibers, mechanical properties of shaped product and formability.

[0049] It is preferable that the fiber-reinforced resin of carbon fiber has a weight fiber content of 15 to 80 wt %. The content of less than 15 wt % might have insufficient load bearing capacity and rigidity so that a predetermined target function is not achieved. The weight content of more than 80 wt % might have voids to make a forming process have problems. For long products requiring high elastic modulus and high strength, it is preferable that the weight content is controlled to a smaller range of 30 to 75 wt % or the like, preferably 40 to 75 wt %.

[0050] It is preferable that the fiber-reinforced plastic constituting travel path member 2 or hollow segment 5 comprises continuous carbon fibers. The reinforcing fibers may be disposed in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bridging direction of the ramp or disposed substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. These disposition patterns can be combined to improve bending strength and surface pressure resistance as a whole ramp.

[0051] The resin material constituting end members 3 and 4 are not limited in particular, and may be a thermosetting resin such as epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin, vinylester resin, phenol (resol type) resin and polyimide resin, a polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin, poly trimethylene terephthalate (PTT) resin, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN resin) and liquid crystalline polyester resin, a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene (PE resin), polypropylene (PP resin) and polybutylene resin, a polyoxymethylene (POM) resin, a polyamide (PA) resin, a polyarylene sulfide resin such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin, a polyketone (PK) resin, a polyether ketone (PEK) resin, a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin, a polyether ketone ketone (PEKK) resin, a polyether nitrile (PEN) resin, a fluorinated resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene resin, a crystalline resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP), a styrenic resin, an amorphous resin such as polycarbonate (PC) resin, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) resin, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, polyphenylene ether (PPE) resin, polyimide (PI) resin, polyamide-imide (PAI) resin, polyetherimide (PEI) resin, polysulfone (PSU) resin, polyethersulfone resin and polyarylate (PAR) resin, a thermoplastic elastomer of phenol-based, phenoxy-based, polystyrene-based, polyolefin-based, polyurethane-based, polyester-based, polyamide-based, polybutadiene-based, polyisoprene-based or acrylonitrile-based, or a copolymer or modification thereof. Above all, it is preferable that the end member is made of a material structurally having a shear resistance so that buckling deformation and shear deformation of the ramp body are suppressed. From a viewpoint of weight saving, it is preferable that the end member is made of fiber-reinforced plastic. The reinforcing fiber is not limited in particular, and may be a metal fiber such as made of aluminum, brass and stainless steel, a carbon fiber of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based, rayon-based, lignin-based or pitch-based, a graphite fiber, an insulating fiber such as made of glass, an organic fiber such as made of aramid resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyester resin, acrylic resin, nylon resin and polyethylene resin, or an inorganic fiber such as made of silicon carbide and silicon nitride, with or without surface treatment. The surface treatment may be performed with metallic conductor, coupling agent, sizing agent, binding agent or additives. The above-described reinforcing fibers can be used solely or mixed by two or more kinds. From a viewpoint of weight saving, it is preferable that the reinforcing fiber is made of carbon fiber of PAN-based, pitch-based or rayon-based, excellent in specific strength and specific rigidity. It is more preferable to employ the PAN-based carbon fiber excellent in mechanical characteristics such as strength and elastic modulus. It is possible that the reinforcing fiber is a discontinuous fiber or a continuous fiber. It is preferable that the reinforcing fiber is reinforced and oriented in two or more directions. It is preferable that the reinforcing member has an in-plane shear elastic modulus of 3,000 MPa or more.

[0052] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of joint between ramp travel path part 2 and end members 3 and 4. In FIG. 3, symbols 6a, 6b and 6c indicate hollow part of the hollow segments into which insertion parts 7a, 7b and 7c are inserted to join travel path part 2 and end members 3 and 4. Symbols 8a and 8b of end members 3 and 4 indicate support parts which support travel path part 2 from below among insertion parts 7a, 7b and 7c.

[0053] If support insertion parts 7a, 7b and 7c of end members 3 and 4 are extended to the same position that support parts 8a and 8b are extended to, strength of ramp 1 might deteriorate by stress concentration caused at the interface integrating hollow segments 5 with travel path member 2 in the cross section of bent tip of insertion part 7 of end members 3 and 4 when ramp 1 is bent in the longitudinal direction. It is preferable that insertion part 7 and support part 8 have different extension lengths so that ramp strength is improved by preventing stress from concentrating in a certain bending cross section. Further, it is preferable that support part 8 has an extension length longer than that of insertion part 7 while it is preferable that insertion parts 7a, 7b and 7c have the same insertion length. When insertion parts 7a, 7b and 7c have different insertion length, ramp length might deteriorate by shear stress concentration caused at the contact part between travel path member 2 and the longest tip of the insertion part. It is preferable that insertion part 7 has an insertion length of 1 to three times of that of support part 8. It is more preferably 1.5 to 2 times thereof.

[0054] FIG. 4 shows A-A cross section view of joint between ramp travel path part 2 and end members 3 and 4. It is preferable that insertion part 7 of end members 3 and 4 to be inserted into hollow segment 5 has a chamfered shape or a rounded shape on a side of travel path member 2 so that stress concentration is relaxed. It is preferable that the chamfered shape of 5 mm or more. It is preferable that the rounded shape of 5 mm or more.

[0055] FIG. 5 shows an assembly view of reinforcing structure in which reinforcing member 9 detachably inserted into hollow part 6 of hollow segment 5 of ramp 1 comprises at least one surface contacting a surface of the hollow segment.

[0056] When ramp 1 is made longer deformation such as buckling and torsion might be caused other than a bending deformation. Even comfort might deteriorate because of increased influence of vibration. The ramp can be improved in rigidity with extended length by integrating end members 3 and 4 with reinforcing member 9 inserted into hollow segment 5 of ramp 1. Further, even local deformation can be suppressed to improve usability and comfort. To improve rigidity and strength, it is preferable that reinforcing member 9 is made of carbon fiber composite material. To suppress vibration, it is preferable that reinforcing member 9 is made of rubber material having vibration damping function. Thus, functionality can be given to ramp 1 without changing appearance of ramp 1 by employing appropriate material of reinforcing member 9.

[0057] The resin material constituting reinforcing member 9 is not limited in particular, and may be a thermosetting resin such as epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin, vinylester resin, phenol (resol type) resin and polyimide resin, a polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin, poly trimethylene terephthalate (PTT) resin, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN resin) and liquid crystalline polyester resin, a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene (PE resin), polypropylene (PP resin) and polybutylene resin, a polyoxymethylene (POM) resin, a polyamide (PA) resin, a polyarylene sulfide resin such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin, a polyketone (PK) resin, a polyether ketone (PEK) resin, a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin, a polyether ketone ketone (PEKK) resin, a polyether nitrile (PEN) resin, a fluorinated resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene resin, a crystalline resin such as liquid crystal polymer (LCP), a styrenic resin, an amorphous resin such as polycarbonate (PC) resin, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) resin, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, polyphenylene ether (PPE) resin, polyimide (PI) resin, polyamide-imide (PAI) resin, polyetherimide (PEI) resin, polysulfone (PSU) resin, polyethersulfone resin and polyarylate (PAR) resin, a thermoplastic elastomer of phenol-based, phenoxy-based, polystyrene-based, polyolefin-based, polyurethane-based, polyester-based, polyamide-based, polybutadiene-based, polyisoprene-based or acrylonitrile-based, or a copolymer or modification thereof. Above all, it is preferable that the end member is made of a material structurally having a shear resistance so that buckling deformation and shear deformation of the ramp body are suppressed. From a viewpoint of weight saving, it is preferable that the end member is made of fiber-reinforced plastic. The reinforcing fiber is not limited in particular, and may be a metal fiber such as made of aluminum, brass and stainless steel, a carbon fiber of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based, rayon-based, lignin-based or pitch-based, a graphite fiber, an insulating fiber such as made of glass, an organic fiber such as made of aramid resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, polyester resin, acrylic resin, nylon resin and polyethylene resin, or an inorganic fiber such as made of silicon carbide and silicon nitride, with or without surface treatment. The surface treatment may be performed with metallic conductor, coupling agent, sizing agent, binding agent or additives. The above-described reinforcing fibers can be used solely or mixed by two or more kinds. From a viewpoint of weight saving, it is preferable that the reinforcing fiber is made of carbon fiber of PAN-based, pitch-based or rayon-based, excellent in specific strength and specific rigidity. It is more preferable to employ the PAN-based carbon fiber excellent in mechanical characteristics such as strength and elastic modulus. It is possible that the reinforcing fiber is a discontinuous fiber or a continuous fiber. It is preferable that the reinforcing fiber is reinforced and oriented in two or more directions. It is preferable that the reinforcing member has an in-plane shear elastic modulus of 3,000 MPa or more.

[0058] It is preferable that the insertion part inserted into hollow segment 5 is integrated by bonding so that reinforcement is improved.

[0059] It is preferable that the insertion part inserted into hollow segment 5 is integrated by mechanically fastening so that reinforcement is improved.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

[0060] Our tools are industrially available as a traveling assistance tool used with ramp to be placed over a step between objects for wheelchairs to travel thereon.