DE102012014027B3 - Device for conversion of rollator into motorized wheelchair, has adapter that is inserted between wheel and rollator frame and is designed such that wheel is transferred using a select function with respect to pivot axis - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has rollator frame (1), two handles (2), wheels (3), a walking area (4) between wheels, a seat (5) and wheel with pivot axis (6). A control unit (8) for operating a drive unit (7) is provided in the region of handle in a motor-driven transportation mode. An adapter (9) is inserted between wheel and rollator frame and is designed such that the wheel is transferred using a select function with respect to pivot axis. A steering unit (11) is arranged in handle and is pivoted about the pivot axis.

Description

The invention relates to a device for retrofitting a rollator - which has a Rollatorrahmen, two handles, at least three wheels, a walking area between two wheels, a seat and at least one wheel with pivot axis - in a motorized means of locomotion, wherein the device can be attached to the rollator drive means and an attachable in the region of the handles control for the actuation of the drive means.

Are known walker, so-called rollators in manifold design, but almost always with the above basic elements. They allow the user to find a secure grip while walking and be able to rest at any time. Usually, the user pushes this device and runs between the rear wheels, so that he can rest safely while walking. As a rule, brakes are attached to the handles, which the user can use for a speed reduction or a stop, especially on downhill. The seat is used to rest, with the brakes are tightened. Although it is also possible in principle, three-wheeled walkers, two on both sides of the walking area and one before, equip, so we prefer four-wheeled embodiments for better stability. In this case, then the two front wheels on the pivot axes, through which the rollator can be easily steered by hand around a bend.

For a long time, the problem has been recognized that people who rely on a rollator wear out quickly. If they undertake to travel a little further, they must always fear that they will no longer be able to rest on their seats in order to return on their own.

Therefore, many devices have been developed that are both electrically operated wheelchairs and walkers. However, most of the devices are complex devices that are more designed as rehabilitation facilities and, due to their cost and weight-related weight, are unable to adequately perform the function of a simple walker. In particular, these are devices that can not be produced in a large and therefore inexpensive series at an affordable price for most users.

From the US 6,378,883 B1 is a rollator with an electric drive known, which - although this is not explicitly mentioned - could be attached to conventional rollators. It is proposed that electric motors are arranged on the wheels of the walking area, which are connected via gears or belt drives with the wheels. They can be engaged and disengaged via couplings. A curve can be gone with such a walker, however, only by the fact that the user steers the rollator by hand accordingly, which allow the two - seen in the direction of walking - front wheels with swivel axes, just as with the usual motorless rollators. Because of the need for manual steering, it is not possible to sit on the seat and use the rollator as an electric wheelchair, except when driving straight ahead. The provided footpegs could also be used to ride while standing, but one would have to operate one of the two brakes with a lot of feeling for driving a curve - left or right to effect this cornering. A young person could practice this, and jump off at the relatively low speed if necessary. For an old man this is certainly not a solution.

A device of the type mentioned - so a device that can be attached to Rollatoren conventional design - is from the US 2010/0193264 A1 known. The drive means is arranged with an attachable to the Rollatorrahmen subframe. An additional pair of wheels, which can be placed on the ground or retracted for decommissioning, serves to drive the rollator. For driving a curve is provided that the two wheels can be driven at different speeds. To ensure this with sufficient reliability, however, a very complex control is required. It would have to be excluded any deficiency of the steering function with certainty, since any misdemeanor is accident-prone and momentous for a frail people.

Due to the steering - assuming a perfect function - it is possible for the aforementioned rollator that the user can sit on the seat and so uses the rollator as electrically operated wheelchair. He then moves the rollator in the reverse direction, but he has the problem that the operating handles for the brakes - which are aligned for a person pushing the rollator, are aligned - rotated by 180 ° for the seating position. You can therefore grab them bad. For most elderly users of rollators, they are hardly manageable, at least not with the required security. Apart from these disadvantages, the subframe and the additional pair of wheels are complex, expensive and increase the weight of the rollator.

The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device of the type mentioned, the low technical Effort and weight is very reliable, can be attached to a rollator of conventional design in a simple manner and makes it possible to safely steer a used as a motorized wheelchair rollator.

Additional tasks are to make available an easy-to-use brake for the use of the rollator as a motorized wheelchair and to design the drive means so that they have a low weight and can be easily grown.

The object is achieved in a device of the type mentioned above in that on the at least one wheel with pivot axis between the wheel and the Rollatorrahmen an adapter can be inserted, which is designed such that the at least one wheel via function selection transmissions by means of a handle arranged steering element is pivotable about the pivot axis.

The additional tasks are solved by further developments and refinements.

The invention makes it possible to retrofit a rollator of conventional design in a simple manner with simple means such that a person sitting on the seat can use the rollator as a motorized wheelchair. In particular, with the adapter is a simple design, inexpensive and reliable element for steering the rollator available. The actuating means in the region of the handles can be designed differently. Essential is an ergonomic as possible adaptation to an operation by people of older age. It is also possible to offer different solutions in order to be able to accommodate different limitations of hand or arm mobility of users.

The function selection transmissions can be designed differently. It can be simple force transmission means, such as Bowden cables are used or means with power transmission such as hydraulics. However, it is also possible to make the steering by a wheel or by the Radschwenkungen two wheels to be pivoted with power or with engine assistance. The latter is preferable to people who have little power left.

In addition to the said, usually existing actuators for brakes, which are operable for a walking person from the handles, should be provided in the sitting driving position easy-to-use actuator. This can be arranged so that with one hand the actuator for the cam steering and with the other hand an actuator for driving and for an additional brake or for the existing brakes is arranged.

As appropriate, however, it is proposed that control and drive means are designed such that they include a brake function in addition to the drive function. The brake which can be actuated via the control can be designed as an engine brake, as an actuation of the existing brakes or as a separate brake, which act alternatively or cooperatively with the engine brake. For easy operation, it is advantageous if the control element for actuating the drive means, for example a control lever, corresponds in one end position to the maximum speed in the direction of travel and in the other end position to the full braking function. A reversing is not readily possible because of the wheels with pivot axis. However, such could not be handled safely by very elderly people.

Preferably, foot rests are arranged on the edge of the walking area on the rollator frame for setting up the feet when sitting or as a standing surface for stationary driving. In addition to walking with the support of the rollator, which can of course also be done with motor support, and the use of the rollator as a motorized wheelchair allows this configuration as another form of transport driving while standing, the person stands on the footrests, holding on to a handle and operated with the other hand drive, brake and steering in a manner to be explained. This method of locomotion has the advantage that can be changed very quickly from walking with the rollator to driving, since you only need to step on the footpegs. Thus, in between stretches can be overcome in driving, without having to sit on the seat and previously rotate the rollator for locomotion as a motorized wheelchair in the other direction.

Preferably, the control and the steering element is functionally combined in an element with a control lever having the functions forward, braking, left turn and right turn. This ensures a very simple operation by a seated person with one hand, so that it is possible that this person can hold on to the other hand. For safe operation of the control lever should be provided a support for the elbow.

Conveniently, the element with a control lever in a position for a be ergonomic operation for a person sitting on the seat person be moved and on the other hand be pivotable for walking with the rollator in a non-disabling position. Conveniently, the member may be engageable with the control lever in a position for operation when walking and while standing by being able to be brought into a position rotated by 180 ° relative to the position for operating in a sitting position. This is advantageous because a person thus finds the same switching directions for the same functions of the control lever when driving and standing when driving and is not overwhelmed by a constant rethinking.

The drive means may be configured such that it is at least one electric motor which drives at least one wheel via a friction wheel. In this case, a mechanism for engaging and disengaging the friction wheel can be provided.

Alternatively, at least one hub motor may be provided. Such a hub motor can be attached to a wheel, or it is possible that the hub motor is contained in at least one wheel, which is used instead of at least one existing wheel.

It is expedient to provide both the friction wheel drive, as well as the hub motor drive usually drives on both sides, as this ensures the tracking when driving straight ahead.

The design as a hub motor has the advantage that the motor does not inhibit the rolling motion in the non-switched state and therefore a disengagement and engagement of the motor is not required. Nevertheless, he can be used with reverse electrical Polbeaufschlagung as a brake. A hub motor can be optionally provided on each of the wheels, since it requires virtually no space - including the steerable wheels or a steerable wheel in a three-wheeled construction.

This technique can also be purchased very inexpensively, since there are already such hub motors including the associated energy storage for electric bikes. The now very compact and powerful batteries can be easily attached anywhere on the rollator. Only the control would have to be changed a bit to make the Trethilfe a single-acting drive. For use on a rollator, the hubs with the motors need only be provided with the much smaller wheels for rollators, which results in the much lower speed of the rollator in relation to a bicycle almost by itself.

The invention will be explained with reference to embodiments shown in the figures and details. Show it

1 a rollator with drive and steering in side view,

2 a walker from the perspective of a walking person,

3 an element with control lever to explain the function,

4 an embodiment of a drive with friction wheel in side view and

5 this embodiment in front view.

1 shows a rollator with drive and steering in side view. The rollator has a rollator frame 1 and handles 2 on, which serve in the use as a walker for holding and supporting. The person walks in a walking area 4 who, how to look 2 sees, between two wheels 3 located. In the direction of movement while walking (see arrow 18 ) are two more wheels 3 arranged, the pivot axes 6 having an angled suspension 33 for an alignment of this suspension 33 in the direction of travel. The drawn position of the suspension 33 corresponds to the reverse direction of movement acc. arrow 19 for sedentary driving.

If the person using the rollator is tired, he or she can sit on a seat 5 sit down and lean on a backrest 16 lean. The brakes, not shown, are tightened, their brake handles in the area of the handles 2 are attached (not shown).

In order to use the rollator as a motorized wheelchair, be driving means 7 for example, on the wheels 3 in the walking area 4 are arranged, attached, wherein the drive means 7 via a control 8th can be operated. The control 8th is located on an element with control lever 13 , which is pivotable so that it can be operated in the extended position drawn by a person on the seat 5 sitting and her feet on the footpegs 12 turns off.

For the design of the drive means 7 There are different possibilities, the drawn one sees a friction wheel 15 in front of that, in the direction of the arrow 15 ' Can be engaged and disengaged, depending on whether the drive means 7 be used or whether the person uses the rollator in a conventional way as a walker. One not closer illustrated mechanics 14 ensures the engagement and disengagement of the friction wheel 15 like the arrow 15 ' suggests. In this mechanics 14 the forces should be such that the friction wheel 15 on the bike 3 then twisted when the rollator drives against an obstacle.

For the use of the rollator as a motor-driven wheelchair reliable steering is required, which is inventively designed such that at the wheels 3 with the swivel axes 6 adapter 9 are inserted, which are designed such that the wheels 3 via function selection transmissions by means of one in the area of a handle 2 arranged steering means 11 around the pivot axis 6 are pivotable. Since the direction of movement when sitting in the direction of the arrow 19 done, must for this purpose the angled suspension 33 opposite to the direction of travel show how this is drawn.

In the illustrated embodiment go as a function selection transmissions Bowden cables 10 from the adapter 9 to the element 13 with control lever, wherein the control lever is pivotable to the right and left to steer corresponding curves. This movement is done via the Bowden cables 10 on a control disc 10 '' transfer. The Bowden cable covers are on attachments 10 ' moored with the rollator frame 1 are firmly connected. The control disc 10 '' is on the other hand with the pivot axis 6 firmly connected and there are Bowden cable fasteners 10 ''' at the control wheel 10 ' , In this way, the control disc 10 '' through a Bowden cable 10 to the left and through the other Bowden cable 10 turned to the right, creating a steering of the wheels 3 by pivoting about the pivot axes 6 is effected. Although this device can also be on a single wheel 3 with swivel axis 6 However, this is preferably done on both wheels 3 with swivel axis 6 provided because the steering works safer, especially if by bumps the way 17 in a four-wheeled embodiment of the rollator of one of the wheels 3 has no way contact.

The same applies, of course, also for the drive means 7 Here is a drive of both wheels 3 also useful because it is a flawless straight ahead can be achieved.

If the person wants to use the walker as a walker, she moves it in the direction of the arrow 18 , This should be the wheels 3 free around their axes 6 be swiveling. For standing driving, the wheels should 3 with the swivel axes 6 and angled suspensions 33 be spent in a rotated by 180 ° position relative to the seated driving. This could be done in various ways, not shown, for example, could be provided that a locking of the control disk 10 '' with the pivot axis 6 is provided, which can be solved to free pivoting of the wheels 3 with the swivel axes 6 while walking to ensure that curves can be walked. The latch should then be selectively engageable in the drawn position and a rotated position by 180 °, so that a steering both in the seated position, as well as in a position in which the person to ride on the footrests 12 is possible. For driving while standing, it is useful if the item 13 with the control lever in the dash-dotted line representation, that is pivoted by 180 °. This ensures that from the point of view of the person all functions of the control lever can be controlled in the usual directions again. The two latches of the control disk 10 '' should be comfortable to operate or they could be with the pivoting of the element 13 linked, but also be deactivated for walking.

2 shows a walker from the perspective of a walking person. For this purpose, the footpegs 12 in the direction of the arrows 12 ' folded away, so they are not a hindrance. The person can get hold of the handles 2 hold and the brake levers 20 use to brake or stop. The element 13 with control lever is then in the dash-dotted position of the 1 folded away, so that it does not interfere with the use of the walker as a walker.

The person still has the choice, the footpegs 12 to turn down again, to stand on it and to ride standing with the rollator. Then she can do the element 13 with control lever both as a steering element 11 as well as a control 8th use (see description to 3 ).

In the 2 are the driving means 7 in the wheels 3 integrated, for example, as hub motors, as known from electric bicycles. The hub motors can alternatively also in the steerable wheels 3 be installed.

3 shows an element 13 with control lever, within the dot-dash circle 22 can take all possible tax positions. Exemplary here with 24 the maximum speed is drawn straight ahead and with 23 the stop position where a brake or brakes are fully applied. In between are all possible speeds. Next drawn is the position 25 a maximum left turn and the position 26 a maximum right turn, with all possible curve positions of the wheels 3 can be set in the intermediate area. In this way, the user can select all driving functions with one hand and with the other hand on the opposite handle 2 hold tight. An elbow pad 21 , preferably recessed in the center, serves to operate the control lever safely and find additional support.

4 shows an embodiment of a drive 7 with friction wheel 15 , It is a leaf spring 28 by means of fastening elements 29 on the rollator frame 1 attached. At the lower end of the leaf spring 28 there is a motor mounting 30 , by means of a fastener 29 an electric motor 27 swiveling on the leaf spring 28 is attached. The electric motor 27 drives the friction wheel 15 and this in turn the wheel 3 so that the rollator motorized on the way 17 rolls.

Should the drive 7 be engaged, so the leaf spring 28 by means of a Bowden cable 31 in the direction of the inward arrow 15 ' drawn. Here are the adjustment in the direction of the arrow 15 ' a fixture 31 ' the Bowden cable casing on Rollatorrahmen 1 and a Bowden cable attachment 31 '' on the leaf spring 28 , By releasing the Bowden cable 31 and a corresponding shape of the leaf spring 28 Made of highly elastic material, such as spring steel, this pivots outward (arrow 15 ' , directed outwards) and the friction wheel 15 comes out of engagement.

5 shows this embodiment in front view. In this case - as in the rest of the illustration - identical reference numerals identical parts. In addition, there is a cable 32 drawn over which the electric motor 27 is charged with the appropriate energy.

The illustrated embodiments are of course only exemplary. As already mentioned, the drive means 7 be designed in various ways, as well as the means of steering. Steering, braking and driving operations can also be split, so that with one hand speed and braking can be operated and with the other hand, the steering. A foot control is conceivable for sedentary driving.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Rollatorrahmen

2

handles

3

bikes

4

walkway

5

seat

6

swivel axis

7

drive means

8th

control

9

adapter

10

cables

10 '

Attachment of the Bowden cable casing to the Rollatorrahmen

10 ''

control disc

10 '' '

Bowden cable attachment to control disc

11

steering element

12

footrests

12 '

Arrow: fold away the footrests

13

Element with control lever in the position for sitting driving

13 '

Element with control lever in the position for stationary driving

13 ''

Arrow: Pan between 13 and 13 '

14

mechanics

15

friction wheel

15 '

Arrow: engaging and disengaging the friction wheel

16

backrest

17

path

18

Arrow: Movement direction running and standing driving

19

Arrow. Movement direction of sitting driving

20

brake lever

21

elbow pad

22

dot-dash circle, within it are all possible control positions

23

Stop

24

maximum speed straight ahead

25

maximum left turn

26

maximum right turn

27

electric motor

28

leaf spring

29

fasteners

30

Motor attachment to leaf spring

31

Bowden

31 '

Attachment of the Bowden cable casing to the Rollatorrahmen

31 ''

Bowden cable attachment to leaf spring

32

electric wire

33

angled suspension

Claims (12)

Device for retrofitting a rollator - which has a rollator frame ( 1 ), two handles ( 2 ), at least three wheels ( 3 ), a walking area ( 4 ) between two wheels ( 3 ), a seat ( 5 ) and at least one wheel ( 3 ) with pivot axis ( 6 ) - in a motorized means of locomotion, wherein the device can be attached to the rollator drive means ( 7 ) and one in the area of the handles ( 2 ) attachable control ( 8th ) for the actuation of the drive means ( 7 ), characterized in that on the at least one wheel ( 3 ) with pivot axis ( 6 ) between the wheel ( 3 ) and the rollator frame ( 1 ) an adapter ( 9 ) is inserted, which is designed such that the at least one wheel ( 3 ) via function selection transmissions by means of one in the range of the handles ( 2 ) arranged steering element ( 11 ) about the pivot axis ( 6 ) is pivotable. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the function selection transmissions are Bowden cables ( 10 ) are. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control element ( 8th ) and drive means ( 7 ) are formed such that they include a braking function. Device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that at the edge of the walking area ( 4 ) on the rollator frame ( 1 ) fold-away footpegs ( 12 ) are arranged to set up the feet when sitting or riding as a stand while driving. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control element ( 8th ) and steering element ( 11 ) functionally in an element with control lever ( 13 ), with the functions: forward, braking, left turn and right turn. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the element with a control lever ( 13 ) in a position for ergonomic operation for one on the seat ( 5 ) seated person and can be pivoted for walking with the rollator in a non-disabling position. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the element with a control lever ( 13 ) to a position for operating while standing on the footpegs (FIG. 12 ) is available. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the element with the control lever ( 13 ) has a 180 ° rotated position relative to the seated position for standing driving. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the drive means ( 7 ) at least one electric motor, the at least one wheel ( 3 ) via a friction wheel ( 15 ) drives. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that a mechanism ( 14 ) for engaging and disengaging the friction wheel ( 15 ) is provided. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the drive means ( 7 ) is at least one hub motor. Device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the hub motor is contained in at least one wheel which, instead of at least one wheel ( 3 ) is used.

Images