DE202006010451U1 - Wheel chair has main wheel hub with flange fitting for forward-directed castor wheel arm - Google Patents

Abstract

A wheelchair has a seat over an axle linking the two drive wheels. The axle is linked to a forward-directed arm (18) by a sleeve flange around the axle with a forward-directed sleeve. The sleeve acts as a socket for the forward-directed arm. The arm terminates in a castor wheel assembly (24, 20).

Description

The The invention relates to a wheelchair.

A size Number of different wheelchair constructions is known. Usually These include two drive wheels with one in between Transverse direction of the wheelchair arranged axis and two in the front Area arranged castors. A seating device with a seat and a backrest is planned.

At such wheelchairs various requirements are made. On the one hand should the weight as possible being low, on the other hand, is special for sports wheelchairs - a high stability necessary.

Many are known constructions in which the chassis - ie the part of the wheelchair, which is connected to the wheels and rollers - and the seat device are designed together as a pipe construction. For example, shows the DE 33 41 793 a wheelchair with a frame assembly and two front wheels and two rear wheels. The rear wheels are mounted in an adjustable rear wheel bearing for connecting the rear wheels to the frame assembly having a mounting plate with elongated slots. An axle receptacle is disposed in the slots in a selectable position. Between the front rollers and the rear wheels horizontally arranged lower tubes are provided. A seat device with a seat surface and a backrest is provided, which is connected on the one hand via a first pipe construction with the mounting plate and on the other hand via a further pipe construction with the beams.

In DE-G-9204151 describes a wheelchair with a frame, the one seat, a sloping back wall and sidewalls having. On the side walls are hand drivable rear wheels and steerable front wheels attached. The frame consists of flat, flat, carbon fiber reinforced multi-layer panels made of plastic. To attach the rear wheels is a in a rectangular recess the side walls used profiled bearing block provided. This one is with the side walls by means of bolted connection straps made of aluminum or a other metal particularly stable. A seat construction is about metal angle with the side walls connected.

It The object of the invention to propose a wheelchair in which In a particularly simple manner, a stable structure is achieved.

These Task is solved by a wheelchair according to claim 1. Dependent claims refer to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

Of the Wheelchair of the invention comprises a chassis and a seat device. The seat itself can be like be formed in any way, for example. As a stringed Frame construction or as a plate construction. It includes at least one seat and preferably a backrest. Of the Seat can also be formed, for example, as a shell.

The Chassis covered the two (usually rear) drive wheels and at least one, usually two additional ones Roles, usually are designed as castors. The chassis can have other elements, eg tilting supports, with or without rollers, for example, arranged behind the wheels are. The rollers are arranged on lower tubes, at least in essentially in the longitudinal direction of the wheelchair. By "substantially" is meant here, that the Sub-tubes do not have to run exactly below 90 ° to the transverse axis, but a certain positive or negative angle of attack of up to +/- 45 ° is preferred from up to +/- 30 °, especially preferably have +/- 15 °.

Prefers comprises the chassis also a between the wheels arranged axle tube. This runs in the transverse direction of the wheelchair between the wheels and ends preferably - but not necessary - between their hubs.

The wheelchair has two flat side parts as supporting elements of the seat device. These are attached to the chassis. They carry the remaining elements of the seat device, which are fastened between them. The side parts preferably extend up to the height of the seat, more preferably beyond to ensure the lateral connection with a backrest. The side parts are flat and could possibly be formed bent, but it is preferred that they are formed substantially flat at least in the region between the attachment of the seat and the connection to the chassis. Such flat, plate-shaped side parts may preferably consist of industrially manufactured plate material, which is brought by suitable separation processes in the desired shape. The material to be used is arbitrary, as long as it has the necessary stability for supporting the seat device. Wood, sheet metal, cardboard, sandwich panels, polycarbonate etc. can be used. The side panels are not necessarily flat, but may have contours of all kinds. For example. can also be formed from sheet metal side panels have vertical beads to increase the rigidity. Also, a complete construction of the entire seat construction, including side panels and seat in one Piece is possible.

At least according to the invention provided two fasteners, each one on each side Join the joist and a side panel. If, as preferred, a Axle tube is provided, this can also from the connecting element get connected. Each of these connecting elements comprises a terminal region for attachment to the side part and possibly a substantially perpendicular to the surface arranged opening for the passage of the axle tube. To accommodate the Unterzugrohres is In addition, a sleeve arranged on the connecting element.

One such connecting element is a three-dimensionally shaped component, which creates the connection to the chassis and at the same time a carrying connection to the flat Side part manufactures. Preferably, it also creates the connection between two transversely extending tubes (axle tube, beam tube).

Of the terminal region can be configured differently. Preferred is a fastening provided in which the areal Side part with its surface on a counter surface of the connecting element is present. Particularly preferred is a base plate intended to rest on the side part. It can also be a contouring be provided on the connecting element for receiving the side part, for example. as T-slot, Schwalbenschwanzfüh tion etc. If the side part is provided with a U-shaped recess, then can also in constructions with axle tube, the side part in the connector inserted and also in this way for Disassembly be removed again. This is, for example, for transport or a space-saving accommodation easy separation of Chassis and seat structure possible.

to Inclusion of the axle tube can be provided by a comprehensive this sleeve be. The connecting element is preferably made of metal, especially preferably at least predominantly made of aluminum or titanium or of a metal alloy with predominant (> 50%) Aluminum resp. Titanium content. Many magnesium alloys can also be used. As another embodiment are also solid composite materials made of fibers (for example carbon or glass fibers) and plastic, for example. Thermoplastic available. For the purpose of stable attachment, it may be designed in several parts, so that two or more of elements - sleeve, base plate and sleeve - detachable with each other are connected, for example by screw. Preferred are but at least the base plate and the sleeve inseparable with each other connected, for example. Welded. To create a very strong, resilient connection it is preferably, at least sleeve and base plate, optionally also the sleeve one piece form, so in a structure of a continuous material without material transitions, seams and other weaknesses. For example. can the connecting element through milling made of a solid material, produced by investment casting or - for the mentioned Composite materials - in a mold is extruded or pulltruded.

The inventive construction represents a particularly simple construction, in terms of number and kind of needed Pipe elements a minimum of requirements. With the help of specially shaped fasteners can be used for the rest of the construction very simply shaped and therefore correspondingly inexpensive as well Variable components are used: plane plates, straight tubes etc. This not only enables cost-effective production, but the basic structure can on the one hand particularly simple with exact Driving geometry are created and on the other hand to change the geometry can be easily adjusted (eg. By moving Pipes or replacement by pipes of different lengths). Also a "growing together" of the wheelchair for children and teens is possible in this way.

According to one Further development of the invention it is provided that the sleeve for receiving the Unterzugrohres and / or the sleeve is designed for receiving the axle tube for clamping the same. For this purpose, the respective elements comprise clamping devices, i. at least one variable range, which can be adjusted by appropriate Force (eg. Screw) is deformed so that a clamping action entry. By jamming, on the one hand, a pipe can be very firmly fixed become. On the other hand, such a purely non-positive connection can be made possible which is releasable for the purpose of adjustment or replacement of elements. Therefor it is particularly preferred that sleeve and / or Muff are designed so that recorded therein Pipes can be pushed through and at any point are clamped, i. do not encounter an end stop. With a Such a construction can be particularly favorable "growth" of the wheelchair guaranteed become.

With Help one with sufficient precision to produce Connecting element can also have a precise geometry of the construction guaranteed become. This applies in particular to the exact, symmetrical as possible alignment the connected parts to each other. Especially with regard to the angle of attack of the beams can be guaranteed that their Angle to the road level in the desired Way horizontally, rising or falling but on both sides runs the same way.

Also the arrangement of the beams in terms of straight alignment can be adjusted as appropriate become. In addition to the straight alignment (at right angles to the axle tube) are negative angles (adjustment of both beams inwards) up to the a three-wheel construction and positive deployment angles (i.e., forward or reverse in the direction of travel) behind) for stable and to increase the space between the steering wheels, For example, for the arrangement of a footboard, possible.

following becomes an embodiment the invention described in more detail with reference to drawings. In the drawings demonstrate:

1 a perspective view of a half of a wheelchair according to an embodiment of the invention;

2 a view of the wheelchair 1 from underneath;

3 a view of the wheelchair 1 from the back;

4 a sectional view of the wheelchair 1 ;

5 a perspective view of one on the wheelchair 1 fastened connecting element;

6 - 8th perspective views of a first embodiment of a dissolved connection element 5 ;

9 a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a connecting element.

1 - 4 show in different views a wheelchair 10 , Since the wheelchair is constructed symmetrically to its longitudinal central plane, only one half is shown for clarity.

The wheelchair 10 has a chassis 12 with two drive wheels 14 one in the transverse direction between the drive wheels 14 extending axle tube 16 , substantially in the longitudinal direction of the wheelchair 10 extending lower tubes 18 and front castors 20 , The drive wheels 14 are as pneumatic tires each with rim, hub 22 and spokes (for clarity, the spokes are not shown in the figures) is formed. Alternatively, a puncture-proof tires, for example made of solid rubber, possible. How out 3 recognizable, are the wheels 14 tilted.

The lower tubes 18 are as straight tubes with an end swivel head 24 educated. At the steering wheel head 24 are the castors 20 rotatable and pivotally mounted about its vertical axis.

Next, the wheelchair has 10 over a seat device 28 with a seat board 30 , a backrest 32 and side panels 34 ,

The seat device 28 is laterally on plate-shaped side parts 34 suspended. Alone on these substantially vertically aligned side panels 34 is the seat device 28 with the chassis 12 connected.

The supporting side parts 34 consist in the example shown of an industrially produced plate material, which is cut by a suitable method in the form shown. The material in this example is a 7 mm thick carbolaminate plate. At the plate 34 is the seat construction 28 screwed on the side: At the upper end are to the plate-shaped side parts for partial coverage of the wheels 14 attached curved covers. These are made in a deep-drawing process of ABS plastic. Throughout the remaining area, the side panels correspond 34 however, the original flat shape. Alternatively, the side panel 34 also be one-piece with the curved cover. For this purpose, the side panels 34 For example, consist of sheet metal and be bent accordingly, or be made of plastic, wood or other materials already shaped before.

In 5 is shown in an enlarged view, as the parts of the chassis with the supporting side parts 34 are connected. Between axle tube 16 , Undercarriage 18 and side panel 34 is a connecting element 40 intended. This connecting element, which is separately in a first embodiment in the 6 - 8th and in a second embodiment in the 9 Once again shown, creates a stable and accurate connection between the passing through the connecting element axle tube 16 , on the connecting element 40 adjacent plate-shaped side part 34 and in the connecting element 40 absorbed beam 18 ,

The connecting element 40 includes a base plate for this purpose 42 that with the plate-shaped side part 34 connected by three screws fitting. Due to the flat arrangement of the side part 34 on the base plate 42 and the screwing at three points is given a particularly firm connection.

In the two embodiments according to 1 - 8th . 9 each is a sleeve 44 for receiving the beam 18 integral with the base plate 42 educated. The sleeve 44 surrounds the beam 18 and thus ensures a firm connection so like exact alignment.

In the examples shown, the sleeve is 44 each formed as a clamping sleeve. At the outer edges is like in 8th . 9 recognizable, in each case a clamping slot 46 intended. With clamping screws 48 in arranged above recordings of the recorded beam 18 be firmly trapped.

This entrapment is advantageous for a desired adjustability. As in 4 . 5 shown protrudes the rear end of the beam 18 from the connecting element 40 out. When solving the deadlock, it is thus changeable by shifting in its length. Thus, without replacing parts, a "growing" wheelchair for children and adolescents can be created.

Next comprises the connecting element 40 in each case a sleeve in the two versions 50 for receiving the axle tube 16 , This can be in the sleeve 50 be glued or in an alternative embodiment (not shown) are also jammed there. The sleeve 50 is perpendicular to the base plate 42 arranged. Thus, a firm, accurate angular arrangement between the two tubes 16 . 18 and the plate 34 created.

In the in 6 - 8th the embodiment shown is the sleeve 50 with the base plate 52 integrally formed. So a particularly accurate and solid construction is achieved. The entire connecting element 40 consists of metal, in the example shown from a high-strength aluminum alloy. The one-piece parts have been created from a CNC milling process from a block of solid material. Alternatively, such a form can also be created in a precision casting process. The one-piece production ensures exceptional strength.

At the in 9 shown second embodiment, the sleeve 50 not with the rest of the connecting element 40 integrally formed. The sleeve 50 has a flange 52 with screw holes on. The flange 52 is in the mounted position on the back of the base plate 42 plan on and is bolted here.

The two-part embodiment according to 9 is cheaper and easier to manufacture. Due to the flat contact of the flange 52 at the base plate 42 Furthermore, a high strength and good angular alignment is given.

By mounting the connecting element 40 on the chassis 12 is made in a very simple way a very precise and firm connection. Through this connection, the relative orientation of the elements is set to each other. How out 2 . 3 can be seen, runs the beam 18 not exactly right-angled to the axle tube 16 and not exactly horizontal. Instead, it is provided to increase the stability with a positive angle of attack to the outside. At the same time it runs to the castors 20 downwards diagonally. This alignment is due to the shape and mounting of the connecting element 40 specified. The positive lateral angle of attack is through here integral with the base plate 42 trained sleeve 44 given that already at this angle of attack relative to the base plate 42 is arranged. So it gets through the connecting element 40 facilitates, with simple installation already a very good alignment of the chassis 12 to reach.

• – Während die einstückige Ausbildung mindestens von Grundplatte 42 und Muffe 44 bevorzugt ist, wäre es zur weiteren Verringerung der Herstellungskosten auch möglich, diese Teile separat herzustellen und – bevorzugt unlösbar – zu verbinden, bspw. durch Schweißen.
• – Wird eine Verstellbarkeit nicht benötigt, kann das Unterzugrohr 18 in der Muffe 40 auch verklebt werden. Auch das Achsrohr 16 kann in der Hülse 50 verklebt werden.
• – Die verwendeten Rohre sind, wie gezeigt, bevorzugt gerade. Hier können verschiedene Materialien verwendet werden, bspw. hochwertige, besonders leichte Varianten mit Karbonrohren oder hochwertigen Aluminiumrohren. Ebenso sind günstige Varianten aus Stahlrohren oder anderen Materialien wie bspw. Bambus denkbar. Weitere mögliche Rohrmaterialien umfassen Titan, Polykarbonat, Scandiumlegierungen etc.
• – An der Verbindung der Naben 22 mit dem Fahrgestell 12 können Achsadapter vorgesehen sein, die durch axiales Verdrehen eine Einstellung der Spur der Antriebsräder ermöglichen. Es können verschiedene Bohrungswinkel zur Aufnahme der Achsen der Antriebsräder 14 eingebracht werden, so daß ebenfalls der Sturz der Antriebsräder durch Austausch der Achsaufnahmen einstellbar ist.
• – Die Verbindungselemente 40 können im SLS-Verfahren (selektives Lasersin tern) durch schichtweisen Aufbau hergestellt werden.
• – Das Fahrgestell 12 kann auf verschiedene Weise konstruiert sein. Die Sitzfläche 30 kann als Sitzbrett oder als Bespannung eines Sitzrahmens gebildet sein. Die Sitzfläche 30 kann auch Teil einer Sitzschale sein.
• – Es ist möglich, das Verbindungselement im CFM-Verfahren (composit flow molding) herzustellen. Bei diesem Verfahren werden sowohl Carbon- oder Glasfasern als auch ein stabiler thermoplastischer Kunststoff in eine Art Spritzgußform extrudiert oder pulltrudiert. Die hergestellten Teile bestehen aus einer faserverstärkten Kunststoffmatrix mit sehr hohem Faseranteil und besonders hoher Festigkeit. Sie sind aber leichter als entsprechende Teile aus Metall.
• – Der Rollstuhl kann Anti-Kipp-Elemente aufweisen, die das Umkippen nach hinten verhindern sollen. Hierbei kann es sich um einfache Kippstützen handeln, diese können auch mit Rollen versehen sein.
• – Der oben beschriebene und in 1–4 dargestellte Rollstuhl weist ein Achsrohr 16 auf, das zwischen den Naben 22 der Räder 14 verläuft. In einer alternativen Ausgestaltung ist es auch möglich, dieses Achsrohr wegzulassen, so daß innen zwischen den Verbindungselementen keine gerade Rohrverbindung mehr besteht. Die stabilisierende, verbindende Funktion des Achsrohrs kann durch einen zwischen den Seitenteilen 34 entsprechend stabilen Sitzaufbau gewährleistet werden. Auch ein bspw. mehrfach abgewinkelter Rohrrahmen ist möglich. Die Sitzposition kann in diesem Fall bei Bedarf auch sehr tief gewählt werden. Bei einer solchen Konstruktion ohne Achsrohr sind die Naben 22 der Räder 14 mit den Seitenteilen 34, bevorzugt direkt mit dem Verbindungselement 40 verbunden. Gegenüber der in 1–4 gezeigten Montagestellung kann dieses hierbei in umgekehrter Richtung eingebaut werden, so daß die Hülse 50 nicht mehr zur Aufnahme des inneren Achsrohrs 16, sondern zur Verbindung mit einer äußeren Achsaufnahme dient (nicht dargestellt).

For the illustrated and described embodiments, a number of modifications are possible, including in particular:

• - While the one-piece design of at least base plate 42 and sleeve 44 is preferred, it would also be possible to further reduce the manufacturing cost to produce these parts separately and - preferably unsolvable - to connect, for example. By welding.
• - If adjustability is not required, the drawbar can 18 in the sleeve 40 also be glued. Also the axle tube 16 can in the sleeve 50 be glued.
• The tubes used are preferably straight, as shown. Here, different materials can be used, for example. High-quality, particularly lightweight variants with carbon tubes or high-quality aluminum tubes. Likewise, cheap variants of steel tubes or other materials such as bamboo are conceivable. Other possible tube materials include titanium, polycarbonate, scandium alloys, etc.
• - At the connection of the hubs 22 with the chassis 12 axle adapter can be provided which allow adjustment of the track of the drive wheels by axial rotation. There may be different bore angles for receiving the axles of the drive wheels 14 are introduced, so that also the fall of the drive wheels by replacing the axle mounts is adjustable.
• - The fasteners 40 can be produced in the SLS process (selective laser sintering) by layered construction.
• - The chassis 12 can be constructed in different ways. The seat 30 can be formed as a seat board or as a covering of a seat frame. The seat 30 can also be part of a seat shell.
• - It is possible to produce the connecting element in the CFM process (composite flow molding). In this process, both carbon or glass fibers as well as a stable thermo plastic plastic extruded or pulltrudiert in a kind of injection mold. The manufactured parts consist of a fiber-reinforced plastic matrix with a very high fiber content and particularly high strength. But they are lighter than corresponding parts made of metal.
• - The wheelchair may have anti-tilt elements to prevent it from tipping over backwards. These may be simple tilting supports, these may also be provided with rollers.
• - The one described above and in 1 - 4 illustrated wheelchair has an axle tube 16 on that between the hubs 22 the wheels 14 runs. In an alternative embodiment, it is also possible to omit this axle tube, so that there is no more straight pipe connection between the connecting elements. The stabilizing, connecting function of the axle tube can by one between the side panels 34 correspondingly stable seat construction can be ensured. Also, for example, multiple angled tubular frame is possible. The seating position can be chosen very deep in this case, if necessary. In such a construction without axle tube are the hubs 22 the wheels 14 with the side parts 34 , preferably directly with the connecting element 40 connected. Opposite the in 1 - 4 mounting position shown here this can be installed in the opposite direction, so that the sleeve 50 no longer for receiving the inner axle tube 16 but for connection to an outer axle receiving serves (not shown).

Claims (21)

Wheelchair with - a chassis ( 12 ), at least comprising - two wheels ( 14 ), - and two substantially longitudinally arranged Unterzugrohre ( 18 ) with at least one roller ( 20 ), - and a seat device ( 28 ), comprising at least - a seat ( 30 ), And - at least two supporting flat side parts ( 34 ) attached to the chassis ( 12 ), for supporting the seat device ( 28 ), - at least two connecting elements ( 40 ) for connecting each of a tie tube ( 18 ) and a side part ( 34 ) are provided, wherein each of the connecting elements ( 40 ) at least - a connection area ( 42 ) for attachment to the side part ( 34 ), - and a sleeve ( 44 ) for receiving the Unterzugrohres ( 18 ). Wheelchair according to claim 1, in which - the connection area is a base plate ( 42 ) for engagement with the side part ( 34 ). Wheelchair according to Claim 1 or 2, in which - an axle tube ( 16 ) in the transverse direction between the wheels ( 14 ) is arranged, - and the connecting element ( 40 ) for connecting the axle tube ( 16 ), each with a Unterzugrohr ( 18 ) and a side part ( 34 ), - wherein the connecting element ( 40 ) an opening ( 50 ) for the passage of the axle tube ( 16 ) having. Wheelchair according to Claim 3, in which - on the connecting element ( 40 ) a sleeve ( 50 ) for receiving the axle tube ( 18 ) is provided. Wheelchair according to claim 4, in which - the sleeve ( 50 ) a flange ( 52 ) connected to the terminal area ( 42 ) connected is. Wheelchair according to claim 4, in which - the sleeve ( 50 ) in one piece with the connection area ( 42 ) is trained. Wheelchair according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the side parts ( 34 ) are plate-shaped. Wheelchair according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the connecting element ( 40 ) consists of metal. Wheelchair according to Claim 8, in which - the connecting element ( 40 ) consists at least predominantly of aluminum or titanium. Wheelchair according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the connecting element ( 40 ) is made by a milling method of a solid material. Wheelchair according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the connecting element ( 40 ) is produced by a casting process. Wheelchair according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the connecting element ( 40 ) consists of a fiber-reinforced plastic. Wheelchair according to claim 12, in which - the connecting element ( 40 ) is manufactured in a CFM or injection molding process. Wheelchair according to one of the preceding claims, in which - at least the connection area ( 42 ) and the sleeve ( 44 ) are inextricably linked. Wheelchair according to Claim 14, in which - at least the connection area ( 42 ) and the sleeve ( 44 ) are made in one piece. Wheelchair according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the sleeve ( 44 ) for receiving the Unterzugrohres ( 18 ) - and / or the sleeve ( 50 ) for receiving the axle tube ( 16 ) - for clamping the respective tube ( 16 . 18 ) is trained. Wheelchair according to Claim 16, in which - the sleeve ( 44 ) and / or the sleeve ( 50 ) is formed so that the respective tube received therein ( 16 . 18 ) can be pushed through and can be clamped at any point. Wheelchair according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the connecting element ( 40 ) is formed so that in the sleeve ( 44 ) housed ( 18 ) with the axle tube ( 16 ) forms an angle that deviates from 90 °. Wheelchair according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the lower tubes ( 18 ) at least in its course from the connecting element ( 40 ) to the role ( 20 ) are straight. Wheelchair according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the side parts ( 34 ) at least in the region between the connecting element ( 40 ) and the attachment of the seat construction ( 28 ) are formed. Wheelchair according to claim 20, in which - the side parts ( 34 ) consist of an industrially manufactured plate material.