阅读说明：本技术 用于轮椅的扶手组件的锁定机构和包括该扶手组件的轮椅 (Locking mechanism for armrest assembly of wheelchair and wheelchair including the same ) 是由 P·托格森 于 2018-05-28 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开涉及一种用于轮椅的扶手组件的锁定机构(7),该锁定机构包括：细长的内臂(9),所述内壁具有枢转端部(9a)和从枢转端部(9a)延伸的第一细长主体(9b)；细长的外型材(11),所述外型材具有近侧外型材端面(11a)和远侧外型材端部(11c),近侧外型材端面(11a)设置有被配置成容纳第一延细长主体的轴向延伸通道(11b),外型材(11)被配置成相对于内臂(9)在相对于枢转端部(9a)的近侧位置与远侧位置之间线性移动；锁定手柄(13),该锁定手柄具有被配置成容纳外型材(11)的第二细长主体(13a),锁定手柄(13)具有相对于内臂(9)的枢转端部(9a)的近侧锁定手柄端部(13b)和远侧锁定手柄端部(13c),远侧锁定手柄端部(13c)被配置成枢转地附接到远侧外型材端部(11c),由此形成第一枢转连接(7b),其中,锁定手柄(13)被配置成相对于外型材(11)和内臂(9)在近侧枢转位置与远侧枢转位置之间绕第一枢转连接(7b)枢转,与在近侧枢转位置相比,在远侧枢转位置,锁定手柄(13)从外型材(11)枢转得更远；以及锁定结构。锁定手柄(13)被配置成致使锁定结构(15)与外型材(11)和内臂(9)接合,以使外型材(11)和内臂(9)轴向互锁,并且其中,锁定手柄(13)被配置成当外型材(11)处于近侧位置且锁定手柄(13)从远侧枢转位置朝向近侧枢转位置移动时,从与外型材(11)和内臂(9)的接合移动锁定结构(15),以从与内臂(9)的轴向互锁释放外型材(11)。(The present disclosure relates to a locking mechanism (7) for an armrest assembly of a wheelchair, the locking mechanism comprising: an elongated inner arm (9) having a pivot end (9a) and a first elongated body (9b) extending from the pivot end (9 a); an elongated outer profile (11) having a proximal outer profile end face (11a) and a distal outer profile end (11c), the proximal outer profile end face (11a) being provided with an axially extending channel (11b) configured to accommodate a first elongated body, the outer profile (11) being configured to move linearly relative to the inner arm (9) between a proximal position and a distal position relative to the pivoting end (9 a); a locking handle (13) having a second elongated body (13a) configured to receive the outer profile (11), the locking handle (13) having a proximal locking handle end (13b) and a distal locking handle end (13c) relative to the pivot end (9a) of the inner arm (9), the distal locking handle end (13c) being configured to be pivotally attached to the distal outer profile end (11c) thereby forming a first pivotal connection (7b), wherein the locking handle (13) is configured to pivot relative to the outer profile (11) and the inner arm (9) about the first pivotal connection (7b) between a proximal pivotal position and a distal pivotal position, the locking handle (13) pivoting further from the outer profile (11) than in the proximal pivotal position; and a locking structure. The locking handle (13) is configured to cause the locking structure (15) to engage with the outer profile (11) and the inner arm (9) to axially interlock the outer profile (11) and the inner arm (9), and wherein the locking handle (13) is configured to move the locking structure (15) from engagement with the outer profile (11) and the inner arm (9) to release the outer profile (11) from axial interlocking with the inner arm (9) when the outer profile (11) is in the proximal position and the locking handle (13) is moved from the distal pivot position towards the proximal pivot position.)

1. A locking mechanism (7) for an armrest assembly (1) of a wheelchair (17), the locking mechanism (7) comprising:

an elongated inner arm (9), the inner arm (9) having a pivot end (9a) and a first elongated body (9b) extending from the pivot end (9a), the pivot end (9a) being configured to be pivotally attached to a seat system frame (23) of the wheelchair (17);

an elongated outer profile (11), said outer profile (11) having a proximal outer profile end face (11a) and a distal outer profile end (11c), said proximal outer profile end face (11a) being provided with an axially extending channel (11b) configured to accommodate said first elongated body (9b), said outer profile (11) being configured to move linearly relative to said inner arm (9) between a proximal position and a distal position relative to said pivoting end (9 a);

a locking handle (13), the locking handle (13) having a second elongated body (13a) configured to accommodate the outer profile (11), the locking handle (13) having a proximal locking handle end (13b) and a distal locking handle end (13c) relative to the pivoting end (9a) of the inner arm (9), the distal locking handle end (13c) being configured to be pivotally attached to the distal outer profile end (11c) thereby forming a first pivotal connection (7b), wherein the locking handle (13) is configured to pivot relative to the outer profile (11) and the inner arm (9) about the first pivotal connection (7b) between a proximal pivotal position and a distal pivotal position, in which the locking handle (13) is pivoted further from the outer profile (11) than in the proximal pivotal position, and

a locking structure (15) for locking the locking mechanism,

wherein, when the outer profile (11) is in the proximal position and the locking handle (13) is moved to the distal pivoted position, the locking handle (13) is configured to cause the locking structure (15) to engage with the outer profile (11) and the inner arm (9) to axially interlock the outer profile (11) with the inner arm (9), and wherein the locking handle (13) is configured to move the locking structure (15) from engagement with the outer profile (11) and the inner arm (9) to release the outer profile (11) from axial interlock with the inner arm (9) when the outer profile (11) is in the proximal position and the locking handle (13) is moved from the distal pivoted position towards the proximal pivoted position.

2. The locking mechanism (7) according to claim 1, wherein the first elongated body (9b) has a proximal portion with respect to the pivoting end (9a) of the inner arm (9), the proximal portion having an outer surface provided with a first recess (9f), and the outer profile (11) having an outer surface provided with a second recess (11d) extending transversely with respect to the central axis (a) of the outer profile (11), the second recess (11d) extending into the axially extending channel (11b), wherein the locking structure (15) is configured to extend into the first recess (9f) and into the second recess (11d) when the outer profile (11) is in the proximal position and the locking handle (13) is in the distal pivoted position.

3. The locking mechanism (7) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking structure (15) is configured to move simultaneously with the locking handle (13) when the locking handle (13) is moved between the proximal and distal pivoted positions.

4. The locking mechanism (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer profile (11) has an outer surface provided with an axially extending groove (11f) and the locking handle (13) has a flexible locking tab (13d), wherein the locking tab (13d) is configured to engage with the groove (11f) when the locking handle (13) is in the proximal pivoted position to hold the locking handle (13) in the proximal pivoted position.

5. The locking mechanism (7) according to claim 4, wherein the outer profile (11) has an outer ramp surface (11g) arranged parallel to the groove (11f), wherein the locking tab (13d) is configured to abut against the outer ramp surface (11g) when the locking handle (13) is in the distal pivoted position to hold the locking handle (13) in the distal pivoted position.

6. The locking mechanism (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, the locking mechanism (7) comprising an elongated member (10), wherein the first elongated body (9b) has an axially extending slot (9c) and the outer profile (11) has a through hole (11e), wherein the elongated member (10) is configured to extend through the through hole (11e) and into the slot (9c), the slot (9c) cooperating with the elongated member (10) being configured to delimit an axial movement of the outer profile (11) relative to the first elongated body (9 b).

7. The locking mechanism (7) according to claim 6, wherein the slot (9c) has a proximal axial delimiting wall (9d) and a distal axial delimiting wall (9e) with respect to the pivoting end (9a) defining an axial length of the slot (9c), wherein the outer profile (11) is in the distal position when the elongated member reaches the distal axial delimiting wall (9 e).

8. The locking mechanism (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking structure (15) is configured to interlock with the locking handle (13).

9. The locking mechanism (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the locking structure (15) is integrated with the locking handle (13).

10. The locking mechanism (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the axial length of the locking handle (13) is greater than the axial length of the inner arm (9), wherein the proximal locking handle end (13b) is configured to extend axially beyond the pivoting end (9a) of the inner arm (9).

11. The locking mechanism (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking handle (13) comprises a polymer material.

12. The locking mechanism (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking structure (15) is made of metal.

13. An armrest assembly (1) for a wheelchair (17), the armrest assembly (1) comprising an armrest (3) and a locking mechanism (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the armrest (3) is configured to be pivotally connected to the outer profile (11) and to the locking handle (13) via the first pivotal connection (7 b).

14. The armrest assembly (1) of claim 13, the armrest assembly (1) comprising a pivot arm (5), the pivot arm (5) being configured to be pivotally connected to a seating system frame (23), thereby forming a first seating system frame pivot connection (5a), being configured to be pivotally connected to the first pivot connection (7b), and being configured to be connected to the armrest (3) such that movement of the outer profile (11) between the proximal and distal positions causes the pivot arm (5) and the armrest (3) to pivot about a pivot axis defined by the first seating system frame pivot connection (5 a).

15. A wheelchair (17), the wheelchair (17) comprising:

a seating system frame (23); and

the armrest assembly (1) of claim 13 or 14, the armrest assembly (1) being configured to be assembled with the seating system frame (23).

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to wheelchairs. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a locking mechanism for an armrest assembly of a wheelchair, and to a wheelchair including an armrest assembly.

Background

Wheelchairs are often provided with armrests. This allows the user to not only rest their arms, but also use the armrests for support in order to change position in the wheelchair. When changing positions with the armrest, the user may need to grasp the underside of the armrest. Thus, the armrest assembly may be designed such that if the armrest assembly is grasped from below, the armrest assembly does not pivot upward. In addition, the user may want to transfer from the wheelchair to, for example, a chair or a bed. This movement away from the wheelchair is simplified if the user can move sideways from the wheelchair seat. The armrest may generally pivot upward to allow the user to move out sideways. Thus, the armrest may be locked in its horizontal position to enable a user to grasp the armrest for support, and released from the lock to enable the armrest to pivot upward.

An example of an armrest for a wheelchair is disclosed in DE 202006002357. In particular, a locking device for locking a pivotable armrest of a wheelchair is disclosed. The bearing body is provided with a locking surface configured to engage with an upper locking protrusion of the clamp-like locking body. The downwardly facing locking surface of the locking projection abuts the free upwardly directed locking surface. This prevents the armrest from pivoting upward. The locking body can be pulled by hand against the spring force so that the locking protrusion and the locking surface no longer cooperate. So that the armrest can pivot upward.

The locking mechanism proposed in DE202006002357 can be difficult to operate for users with reduced grip capacity/strength.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above, a general object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking mechanism that solves or at least mitigates the problems of the prior art.

Thus, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a locking mechanism for an armrest assembly of a wheelchair, the locking mechanism comprising: an elongated inner arm having a pivot end configured to be pivotally attached to a seating system frame of a wheelchair and a first elongated body extending from the pivot end; an elongate outer profile having a proximal outer profile end face provided with an axially extending channel configured to receive the first elongate body and a distal outer profile end, the outer profile configured to move linearly relative to the inner arm between a proximal position and a distal position relative to the pivot end; a locking handle having a second elongated body configured to receive the outer profile, the locking handle having a proximal locking handle end and a distal locking handle end relative to the pivot end of the inner arm, the distal locking handle end configured to be pivotally attached to the distal outer profile end thereby forming a first pivotal connection, wherein the locking handle is configured to pivot relative to the outer profile and the inner arm about the first pivotal connection between a proximal pivotal position and a distal pivotal position in which the locking handle pivots farther from the outer profile than in the proximal pivotal position; and a locking structure, wherein, when the outer profile is in the proximal position and the locking handle is moved to the distal pivot position, the locking handle is configured to cause the locking structure to engage the outer profile and the inner arm to axially interlock the outer profile and the inner arm, and wherein, when the outer profile is in the proximal position and the locking handle is moved from the distal pivot position toward the proximal pivot position, the locking structure is moved from engagement with the outer profile and the inner arm to release the outer profile from axial interlock with the inner arm.

Thus, locking and releasing of the outer profile relative to the inner arm is provided by manipulating the locking handle between a proximal pivot position and a distal pivot position. The locking handle does not have to be biased towards the distal position to ensure the locked state of the locking mechanism, and thus manipulation only requires moving the locking handle between the proximal and distal pivotal positions. This manipulation may also be performed by a user with reduced grip capacity/effort. Furthermore, the manipulation of the locking handle involves only a pivoting of the locking handle, which may be a more natural and simpler movement for persons with reduced grip capabilities. In addition, the locking handle may be manipulated by either side of the hand.

Furthermore, since the locking handle is not normally biased towards the distal pivoted position, the user can set the locking handle in the proximal pivoted position to release the outer profile from the inner arm and then, without having to hold the locking handle in this position, can pull the outer profile from the proximal position towards the distal position. In DE202006002357, the user is required to both pull the spring-biased locking body and simultaneously pivot the armrest. Such manipulation may be difficult for users with reduced grip capabilities/efforts.

According to one embodiment, the first elongated body has a proximal portion relative to the pivot end of the inner arm, the proximal portion having an outer surface provided with a first recess, and the outer profile has an outer surface provided with a second recess extending transversely relative to the central axis of the outer profile, the second recess extending into the axially extending channel, wherein the locking structure is configured to extend into the first recess and into the second recess when the outer profile is in the proximal position and the locking handle is in the distal pivot position.

Thus, the locking structure may move in and out of the first and second recesses as the locking handle moves toward the distal and proximal pivot positions, respectively. Relative movement between the outer profile and the inner arm can thus be prevented in the case that the locking structure is provided to extend into the first and second recesses by means of the locking handle.

According to one embodiment, the locking structure is configured to move simultaneously with the locking handle when the locking handle is moved between the proximal and distal pivoted positions.

According to one embodiment, the outer profile has an outer surface provided with an axially extending groove and the locking handle has a flexible locking tab, wherein the locking tab is configured to engage with the groove when the locking handle is in the proximal pivoted position to hold the locking handle in the proximal pivoted position.

According to one embodiment, the outer profile has an outer ramp surface arranged parallel to the groove, wherein the locking tab is configured to abut against the outer ramp surface when the locking handle is in the distal pivoted position to hold the locking handle in the distal pivoted position.

One embodiment comprises an elongated member, wherein the first elongated body has an axially extending slot and the outer profile has a through hole, wherein the elongated member is configured to extend through the through hole and into the slot, the slot cooperating with the elongated member being configured to delimit an axial movement of the outer profile relative to the first elongated body.

The elongated member or rod-like structure may be, for example, a pin.

According to one embodiment, the slot has a proximal axial delimiting wall and a distal axial delimiting wall with respect to the pivoting end, defining an axial length of the slot, wherein the outer profile is in a distal position when the elongated member reaches the distal axial delimiting wall.

According to one embodiment, the locking structure is configured to interlock with the locking handle.

According to one embodiment, the locking structure is integrated with the locking handle.

According to one embodiment, the axial length of the locking handle is greater than the axial length of the inner arm, wherein the proximal locking handle end is configured to extend axially beyond the pivot end of the inner arm. This extension of the locking handle beyond the pivoting end of the inner arm forms a long moment arm relative to the first pivotal connection, which further assists the user in manipulating the locking handle between the proximal and distal pivotal positions.

According to one embodiment, the locking handle comprises a polymeric material.

According to one embodiment, the locking structure is made of metal.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an armrest assembly for a wheelchair, the armrest assembly comprising an armrest and a locking mechanism according to the first aspect presented herein, wherein the armrest is configured to be pivotally connected to the outer profile and to the locking handle via a first pivotal connection.

One embodiment includes a pivot arm configured to be pivotally connected to the seating system frame, thereby forming a first seating system frame pivotal connection, configured to be pivotally connected to the first pivotal connection, and configured to be connected to the armrest such that movement of the outer profile between the proximal and distal positions causes the pivot arm and armrest to pivot about a pivot axis defined by the first seating system frame pivotal connection.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a wheelchair comprising: a seating system frame; and an armrest assembly according to the second aspect, configured to be assembled with the seating system frame.

In general, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the element, device, component, means, etc" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, device, component, means, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Drawings

Specific embodiments of the inventive concept will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of an illustrative example of an armrest assembly for a wheelchair in a default state;

FIG. 1b is a perspective view of the armrest assembly shown in FIG. 1a in an upwardly pivoted state;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the locking mechanism of the armrest assembly of FIG. 1 a;

fig. 3a is a detail view of the inner arm and the outer profile of the first elongated body housing the inner arm, the locking handle being removed for clarity reasons;

FIG. 3b shows a cross-section of the locking mechanism;

FIG. 4 shows a portion of the armrest assembly of FIG. 1 a; and

figure 5 schematically illustrates a wheelchair including the armrest assembly of figure 1 a.

Detailed Description

The present inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. The inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example only so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Figure 1a shows an example of an armrest assembly 1 for a wheelchair. The armrest assembly 1 includes an armrest 3, a pivot arm 5, and a locking mechanism 7.

The pivot arm 5 is configured to be pivotally connected to the seat system frame of the wheelchair via a first seat system frame pivot connection 5 a. The armrest 3 is configured to be rotationally locked relative to the pivot arm 5. The locking mechanism 7 is configured to be pivotally connected to the seat system frame of the wheelchair via a second seat system frame pivotal connection 7 a. The locking mechanism 7 is also configured to be pivotally connected to the pivot arm 5 via a first pivotal connection 7 b.

The first pivotal connection 7b is configured to move linearly relative to the second seat system frame pivotal connection 7a causing the pivot arm 5 to rotate about a first axis defined by the first seat system frame pivotal connection 5 a. This linear movement of the first pivotal connection 7b also causes the armrest 3 to pivot about a first axis and about a second axis defined by the second seating system frame pivotal connection 7 a.

In fig. 1a, the armrest assembly 1 is in a default state in which the armrest 3 is in a horizontal position. The locking mechanism 7 is configured to hold the armrest 3 in a horizontal position. Manipulation of the locking mechanism causes the locking mechanism to allow the armrest 3 to pivot. In fig. 1b, the armrest 3 is shown in a maximum upward pivoted position. In this case, the armrest 3 is in a substantially vertical position. By first setting the locking mechanism to the unlocked state allowing the armrest 3 to pivot, the armrest 3 can be pivoted from the horizontal position.

The locking mechanism 7 will now be described in more detail with reference to fig. 2 to 4.

Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of an example of the locking mechanism 7. The locking mechanism 7 comprises an inner arm 9, an elongated outer profile 11, a locking handle 13 and a locking structure 15.

The inner arm 9 has a pivot end 9a, the pivot end 9a being configured to be pivotally attached to a seat system frame of the wheelchair. The inner arm 9 has a first elongated body 9b extending from a pivot end 9 a. The first elongated body 9b has an axially extending slot 9c extending along the central axis a. The axially extending slot has a proximal axially bounding wall 9d and a distal axially bounding wall 9e defining the axial length of the slot 9 c. The slot 9c extends through the first elongated body 9b in a direction transverse to the central axis a.

The first elongated body 9a also has a proximal portion with respect to the pivoting end 9a, which has an outer surface provided with a first recess 9 f.

The outer profile 11 has a proximal outer profile end face 11a and a distal outer profile end 11c relative to the pivot end 9a, the proximal outer profile end face 11a being provided with an axially extending channel 11 b. The channel 11b is configured to accommodate the first elongated body 9 b. The outer profile 11 is configured to move linearly relative to the inner arm 9. When the first elongated body 9b is maximally accommodated by the outer profile 11, the outer profile 11 is in a proximal position with respect to the pivoting end 9 a. When the outer profile 11 has been maximally moved from a proximal position relative to the pivoting end 9a in an axial direction away from the pivoting end 9a, the outer profile 11 is in a distal position relative to the pivoting end 9 a.

The outer profile 11 has a through hole 11e configured to align with the groove 9c of the first elongated body 9b when the first elongated body 9b is received by the outer profile 11. The locking mechanism 7 has an elongate member 10, the elongate member 10 being configured to extend through the through hole 11e and into the slot 9 c. The elongate member 10 may be configured to extend through the slot 9c and out through a continuation of the through-hole 11e, the continuation of the through-hole 11e extending through the outer profile 11 on the opposite side of the channel 11 b. The elongated member 10 cooperates with a groove 9c, the groove 9c being configured to delimit an axial movement of the outer profile 11 with respect to the inner arm 9. In particular, the elongated element 10 is configured to run in the groove 9c when the inner arm 9 is received by the outer profile 11. When the outer profile 11 is moved towards the distal position, the elongated member 10 runs in the groove 9c until it reaches the distal axial delimiting wall 9e, preventing the outer profile 11 from moving further away from the pivoting end 9a in the distal direction.

Furthermore, the outer profile 11 has an outer surface which is provided with a second recess 11d extending transversely with respect to the centre axis a of the outer profile 11. The second recess 11d extends from the outer surface into the channel 11 b. The first recess 9f and the second recess 11d of the first elongated body 9b are configured to be oriented in the same direction when the first elongated body 9b is received by the outer profile 11. In particular, the first recess 9f and the second recess 11d are configured to be axially aligned with each other when the outer profile 11 is in a proximal position with respect to the pivoting end 9 a.

The outer profile 11 has an outer surface provided with an axially extending groove 11f extending from a proximal outer profile end face 11a to a distal outer profile end 11 c.

The locking handle 13 has a second elongated body 13a configured to house the outer profile 11. The locking handle 13 has a proximal locking handle end 13b relative to the pivoting end 9a of the inner arm 9. The locking handle 13 has a distal locking handle end 13c, which distal locking handle end 13c is configured to be pivotally attached to the distal outer profile end 11c, thereby forming the first pivotal connection 7b shown in fig. 1 a. The locking handle 13 is configured to pivot relative to the outer profile and the inner arm 9 about the first pivotal connection 7 b. Locking handle 13 is configured to pivot between a proximal pivot position and a distal pivot position. In the distal pivot position the locking handle is pivoted further from the outer profile 11 than in the proximal pivot position.

The axial length of the locking handle 13 is greater than the axial length of the inner arm 9. Proximal locking handle end 13b extends axially beyond pivot end 9a of inner arm 9.

Locking handle 13 has a flexible locking tab 13 d. Locking tab 13d is configured to engage with groove 11f of outer profile 11 when locking handle 13 is in the distal pivoted position. The locking handle 13 is thereby held in a distal pivoted position.

The locking structure 15 may be a locking member separate from the locking handle 13 as in the example shown in fig. 2. Alternatively, the locking structure may be integral with the locking handle.

The locking structure 15 may be made of a metallic material such as steel, for example. Locking handle 13 may be made of a polymeric material to make it flexible.

According to the present example, the locking structure 15 is configured to be interlockingly arranged with the locking handle 13 such that movement of the locking handle 13 between the proximal and distal pivotal positions causes the locking structure 15 to move simultaneously with the locking handle 13.

The locking structure 15 is configured to extend between and in the first and second recesses 9f, 11d when the first and second recesses 9f, 11d are axially aligned. When the outer profile 11 is in the proximal position, the first recess 9f and the second recess 11d are axially aligned. Thus, the locking structure 15 prevents the outer profile 11 from moving axially relative to the inner arm 9 from the proximal position towards the distal position.

The operation of the locking mechanism 7 will now be described in more detail with reference to fig. 3a, 3b and 4.

Fig. 3a shows a part of the locking mechanism 7, with the locking handle 13 removed and the outer profile 11 in a proximal position with respect to the pivoting end 9. Here, although not shown, the lock handle 13 is in a proximal pivoting direction corresponding to movement in a direction indicated by a right arrow in fig. 4. Locking structure 15 is provided on the inner surface of locking handle 13. Since lock handle 13 is in the proximal pivoting direction, the inner surface of lock handle 13 provided with lock structure 15 has been moved rightward in fig. 4. The locking structure 15 is disengaged from the first recess 9f in this position. The outer profile 11 is thereby movable from a proximal position towards a distal position. Furthermore, as shown in fig. 3b, the locking tab 13d engages with the groove 11 f. Thus, locking handle 13 will remain in the proximal pivoted position until sufficient force is applied to locking handle 13 to cause locking tab 13d to disengage from groove 13 d.

When the outer profile 11 is in the proximal position and the locking handle 13 is moved from the proximal pivot position towards the distal pivot position, the locking structure 15 is received by the axially aligned first and second recesses 9f, 11 d. This engagement of the locking structure 15 with the first and second recesses 9f, 11d prevents the outer profile 11 from moving from the proximal position towards the distal position.

In particular, when a certain amount of force is applied to proximal locking handle end 13b in the direction toward the distal pivoting position when locking handle 13 is in the proximal pivoting position, locking handle 13 will move toward the distal pivoting position. Then, the locking tab 13d, which is flexible in a direction transverse to the central axis a, is removed from the groove 11 f. Thus, if sufficient force is applied such that the locking handle 13 will pivot about the first pivotal connection 7b, the locking tab 13d will bend and disengage from the groove 11 f. The locking tab 13 first reaches the top position of the outer ramp surface 11g of the outer profile 11 and then moves down the ramp surface 11g as the locking handle 13 moves towards the distal pivoted position. Since the lock structure 15 moves simultaneously with the lock handle 13, the lock structure 15 moves into the first recess 9f and the second recess 11 d. When locking handle 13 is in the distal pivoted position, locking tab 13 abuts ramp surface 11 g. Thus, locking handle 13 will remain in the distal pivoted position until a certain amount of force is applied to proximal locking handle end 13b (which allows flexible locking tab 13d to move up ramp surface 11g and into groove 11 f). Thus, locking handle 13 will obtain its proximal pivoted position.

When the outer section bar 11 is positionedIn the proximal position, the armrest 3 is in a horizontal position, i.e., the armrest assembly 1 is in the default state shown in fig. 1 a. When the outer profile 11 is in the distal position, the armrest 3 is in the maximum upward pivoted position shown in fig. 1 b. In this state of the armrest assembly 1, the user can move out of the seat sideways. The first seat system frame pivot connection 5a may be provided, for example, with a spring washer and/or

A washer of the washer to maintain the armrest in the upwardly pivoted position.

Figure 5 shows an example of a wheelchair 17. The illustrated wheelchair is an electric wheelchair. The illustrated wheelchair 17 is a medium wheel drive wheelchair, but alternatively may be a front wheel drive wheelchair or a rear wheel drive wheelchair. The wheelchair may also be a manual wheelchair.

The wheelchair 17 includes a plurality of wheels 19a to 19c, in this example two front castors 19a, two drive wheels 19b and two rear castors 19 c. The wheelchair 17 further comprises a chassis frame 21, an armrest assembly 1 (including the locking mechanism 7) and a seating system frame 23, on which chassis frame 21 at least one battery (not shown) is mounted to drive the drive wheels 19 b. The seating system frame 23 includes: a seat frame on which a seat cushion or an alternative seat system is mounted; and a back frame supporting a back cushion or alternative seating system. An alternative seating system may for example be a pressure-formed seat adapted to the body of a specific user.

The armrest assembly 1 is mounted to the seating system frame 23. In particular, a first seating system frame pivot connection 5a is connected to the seating system frame 23, and a second seating system frame pivot connection 7a (i.e., pivot end 9a) is connected to the seating system frame 23. The seating system frame 23 is mounted to the chassis frame 21. The armrest assembly on both sides of the wheelchair 17 is the armrest assembly 1 described herein.

The inventive concept has mainly been described above with reference to a few examples. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the inventive concept, as defined by the appended claims.