DE202017103680U1 - Wheelchair with steering wheel bearing - Google Patents

Abstract

Steering wheel bearing of a wheelchair, comprising a first bearing element (2) which can be fastened to a frame (1) of the wheelchair and which comprises a first pivot axis (13) arranged substantially horizontally in the assembled state, with a second bearing element (4) which is attached to the first Bearing element (2) is mounted and about the first pivot axis (3) is pivotable, wherein the second bearing element (4) comprises a second pivot axis (5) about which a steering wheel (6) overlapping wheel fork (7) is pivotable, wherein the first pivot axis (3) on the first bearing element (2) to a first pivot axis (3) concentric first clamping element (8) and a second clamping element (9) which is formed on the second bearing element (4) and in the direction of the first pivot axis is clamped against the first clamping element (8), wherein the first clamping element (8) is designed in the form of a ring provided with a conical cross-section, and wherein the second clamping element (9) with a k having onischen cross-section provided annular groove (11).

Description

The invention relates to a steering wheel and a steering wheel bearing of a wheelchair according to the preamble of claim 1.

In detail, the invention relates to a bearing of a steering wheel of a wheelchair. The steering wheel is rotatably mounted in a wheel fork. This is about a vertical axis, based on the assembled, ready-to-use state of the wheelchair, pivoted. In mechanical wheelchairs, the rear wheels are mechanically operated, the steering wheels are mounted on the front portion of the frame of the wheelchair and can, due to the pivoting of the wheel fork, perform about the vertical axis, steering movements, which are caused by different driving the two rear wheels of the wheelchair ,

Wheelchairs are usually constructed in a modular manner to allow easy adaptation to different body sizes or other properties of the user. As part of this adjustment, the rear wheels are also selected differently, for example 24 '' or 26 ''. It is understood that with unchanged steering wheels of the wheelchair frame has a different inclination, depending on how big the rear wheel is and where it is geometrically mounted on the frame. This results in that the pivot axis about which the wheel fork pivots is also tilted or tilted from its vertical position. However, this affects the caster function or steering function of the steering wheel so that it is not fully functional.

The invention has for its object to provide a steering wheel bearing a wheelchair, which has a simple and cost-effective, simple to manufacture a safe and easy-to-use adjustment for adjusting the pivot axis of the wheel fork.

According to the invention the object is achieved by the combination of features of claim 1, the dependent claims show further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

According to the invention, a steering wheel bearing a wheelchair has thus been created. This comprises a first bearing element, which can be attached to a frame of the wheelchair. The first bearing element has a first, in the mounted state substantially horizontally arranged pivot axis. About this pivot axis, a second bearing element is pivotable, which is mounted on the first bearing element. The steering wheel bearing according to the invention thus consists of two components which can be pivoted about a horizontal axis relative to each other to adjust the position of the second bearing element.

On the second bearing element, a second pivot axis is provided, about which a wheel fork is pivotable, which in turn supports a steering wheel or front wheel of the wheelchair. The second pivot axis is preferably vertically aligned in the assembled state in order to allow undisturbed pivoting of the wheel fork and thus an undisturbed running of the steering wheel.

Furthermore, the invention provides that the first pivot axis on the first bearing element has a first, concentric with the first pivot axis clamping element, which cooperates with a second clamping element, which is formed on the second bearing element and in the direction of the first pivot axis against the first clamping element is braced.

According to the invention thus the two bearing elements are relatively mutually adjustable to correct an inclination of the tilting of the second pivot axis of the wheel fork can. By the two clamping elements, it is easily possible to fix the two bearing elements in the desired position to each other. This fixation is done so that there is a high degree of operational safety.

It is particularly favorable when the first and the second clamping element each have an at least partially conical cross-section. By clamping the two clamping elements against each other, the conical cross-sectional areas are pressed against each other. Thus, these secure the position of the two bearing elements against each other and transmit the forces occurring during use of the wheelchair safely from the steering wheel in the frame of the wheelchair.

In a favorable development of the invention, the procedure is that the first and the second clamping element are each formed annularly. This configuration ensures the relative rotation between the first bearing element and the second bearing element and leads in each pivot position to a reliable clamping. The clamping of the two clamping elements in the direction of the first pivot axis is preferably carried out via at least one clamping screw. This braces only the two clamping elements against each other. The clamping screw contributes to the transmission of power between the steering wheel and the frame of the wheelchair nothing. Thus, there is no risk that the screw loosens or breaks, since the load path from the second pivot axis extends directly over the two clamping elements and the two bearing elements in the wheelchair frame.

It is particularly favorable if one of the clamping elements, for example the first clamping element, is designed in the form of a ring provided with a conical cross section. The other, for example, the second clamping element may then have an annular groove provided with a conical cross section, in which the ring of the other clamping element is inserted. Thus, with less structural design favorable force gradients, so that the steering wheel bearing according to the invention has a high degree of strength and thus operational safety.

In the following the invention will be described by means of an embodiment in conjunction with the drawing. Showing:

1 a schematic side view of a wheelchair for use of the invention,

2 an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the steering wheel bearing according to the invention,

3 a side view of the embodiment of 2 .

4 an enlarged perspective sectional view of the steering wheel bearing according to the invention,

5 a sectional view of the steering wheel bearing according to the invention in the mounted state, and

6 a sectional view of the first bearing element.

In 1 a manual wheelchair is shown which may be suitable for use in the invention. This includes a frame 1 with a seat, not shown in detail, on which a user can sit down.

At the rear of the frame 1 are rear wheels 12 mounted, which with gripping rings 13 are provided to move the wheelchair.

At the front of the frame 1 is pivotable about a vertical axis in each case a wheel fork 7 mounted, which rotatably a steering wheel 6 outsourced. By different rotation of the gripping rings 13 by an operator, the wheelchair can thus drive curves. The wheel forks swing 7 with the steering wheels 6 around the vertical axis and thus steer the wheelchair.

If for a given frame construction different sized rear wheels 12 are used, it follows that the frame 1 can tilt from his preferred position. For example, takes place by smaller rear wheels tilting backwards. The same applies to larger rear wheels. This in turn results in that the vertical axis about which the wheel fork 7 is pivoted, tilted or changes position. As a result, the caster or steering operation of the steering wheels 6 unfavorably influenced. In extreme cases, this can lead to the steering wheels 6 can not perform the required pivoting and thus a ride, especially a cornering of the wheelchair is hampered.

The 2 shows an embodiment of the invention. This comprises a first bearing element 2 which is attached to the frame 1 the wheelchair is attached. For this purpose, the first bearing element has a part-cylindrical bearing shell 14 on, in which a corresponding tube profile of the frame can be inserted. A screw connection takes place by means of bolts 15 ,

At the bottom of the first bearing element (see also 6 ) in the mounted state, preferably horizontally disposed first pivot axis 3 intended. This pivot axis 3 is by an annular first clamping element 8th surrounded concentrically. The first clamping element 8th points as in 6 shown in cross-section on a cone. This may for example be 10 °, as in 6 is shown.

According to the invention, a second bearing element 4 provided, which against the first bearing element 2 is braced and in different, around the first pivot axis 3 fixed positions can be fixed.

The second bearing element 4 has a second pivot axis 5 on, as in particular in the 2 . 3 and 5 is shown. In particular from the representation of 3 it follows that the second pivot axis 5 must be arranged vertically to allow unrestricted rotation of the wheel fork 7 and thus the steering wheel 6 to enable.

The 2 and 3 show that the steering wheel 6 an axis 16 which is in the wheel fork 7 can be mounted at different heights. For this purpose, the wheel fork 7 several recesses 17 on, as in the 2 and 3 is shown.

The 4 and 5 show further details of the second bearing element 4 , This has at its contact surface to the first bearing element 2 a second clamping element 9 in which a concentric annular groove 11 is formed with a conical cross section. The 4 and 5 show the assembled state, in which the conical cross sections of the first clamping element 8th and the second clamping element 9 are braced against each other and the two bearing element 2 and 4 secure each other. To adjust the position of the second pivot axis 5 by relative rotation of the two bearing elements 2 and 4 to allow is in the second bearing element 4 one slot each 18 formed, through which a clamping screw 10 is feasible, which with the first bearing element 2 can be screwed to the two clamping elements 8th . 9 in the direction of the first pivot axis 13 to bias against each other. This is especially true in the 2 and 3 clarifies, there are two clamping screws 10 intended.

The 5 shows a sectional view of a mounted state of the steering wheel bearing according to the invention. It follows that the second pivot axis 5 is formed in the form of a physical axis, which by means of bearings 19 on the second bearing element 4 is stored.

According to the invention, a simple and reliable solution is thus created in order to be able to set and fix the steering wheels of a wheelchair in their position.

• 1. Lenkradlagerung eines Rollstuhls, mit einem an einem Rahmen (1) des Rollstuhls befestigbaren ersten Lagerelement (2), welches eine erste, im montierten Zustand im Wesentlichen horizontal angeordnete Schwenkachse (13) umfasst, mit einem zweiten Lagerelement (4), welches an dem ersten Lagerelement (2) gelagert ist und um die erste Schwenkachse (3) verschwenkbar ist, wobei das zweite Lagerelement (4) eine zweite Schwenkachse (5) umfasst, um welche eine ein Lenkrad (6) lagernde Radgabel (7) verschwenkbar ist, wobei die erste Schwenkachse (3) am ersten Lagerelement (2) ein zu der ersten Schwenkachse (3) konzentrisches erstes Klemmelement (8) und ein zweites Klemmelement (9) umfasst, welches an dem zweiten Lagerelement (4) ausgebildet ist und in Richtung der ersten Schwenkachse gegen das erste Klemmelement (8) verspannbar ist.
• 2. Lenkradlagerung nach Satz 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste Klemmelement (8) und das zweite Klemmelement (9) jeweils einen zumindest zum Teil konischen Querschnitt aufweisen.
• 3. Lenkradlagerung nach Satz 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste Klemmelement (8) und das zweite Klemmelement (9) jeweils kreisringförmig ausgebildet sind.
• 4. Lenkradlagerung nach einem der Sätze 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zur Verspannung der Klemmelemente (8, 9) zumindest eine parallel zur ersten Schwenkachse (3) angeordnete Klemmschraube (10) vorgesehen ist.
• 5. Lenkradlagerung nach einem der Sätze 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste Klemmelement (8) in Form eines mit einem konischen Querschnitt versehenen Rings ausgebildet ist.
• 6. Lenkradlagerung nach einem der Sätze 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das zweite Klemmelement (9) eine mit einem konischen Querschnitt versehene Ringnut (11) aufweist.

The present invention may also be described by the following sentences:

• 1. Steering wheel mounting of a wheelchair, with one on a frame ( 1 ) of the wheelchair fastened first bearing element ( 2 ), which a first, in the assembled state substantially horizontally arranged pivot axis ( 13 ), with a second bearing element ( 4 ), which on the first bearing element ( 2 ) is mounted and about the first pivot axis ( 3 ) is pivotable, wherein the second bearing element ( 4 ) a second pivot axis ( 5 ) about which a steering wheel ( 6 ) stored wheel fork ( 7 ) is pivotable, wherein the first pivot axis ( 3 ) on the first bearing element ( 2 ) to the first pivot axis ( 3 ) concentric first clamping element ( 8th ) and a second clamping element ( 9 ), which on the second bearing element ( 4 ) is formed and in the direction of the first pivot axis against the first clamping element ( 8th ) is clamped.
• 2. Steering wheel bearing according to sentence 1, characterized in that the first clamping element ( 8th ) and the second clamping element ( 9 ) each have an at least partially conical cross-section.
• 3. Steering wheel bearing according to sentence 1 or 2, characterized in that the first clamping element ( 8th ) and the second clamping element ( 9 ) are each formed annular.
• 4. Steering wheel bearing according to one of the sentences 1 to 3, characterized in that for the clamping of the clamping elements ( 8th . 9 ) at least one parallel to the first pivot axis ( 3 ) arranged clamping screw ( 10 ) is provided.
• 5. Steering wheel bearing according to one of the sentences 1 to 4, characterized in that the first clamping element ( 8th ) is formed in the form of a ring provided with a conical cross-section.
• 6. Steering wheel bearing according to one of the sentences 1 to 5, characterized in that the second clamping element ( 9 ) has a conical cross-section annular groove ( 11 ) having.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

frame

2

first bearing element

3

first pivot axis

4

second bearing element

5

second pivot axis

6

steering wheel

7

wheel fork

8th

first clamping element

9

second clamping element

10

clamping screw

11

ring groove

12

rear wheel

13

Greifring

14

bearing shell

15

bolt

16

axis

17

recess

18

Long hole

19

camp

Claims (4)

Wheel bearing of a wheelchair, with one on a frame ( 1 ) of the wheelchair fastened first bearing element ( 2 ), which a first, in the assembled state substantially horizontally arranged pivot axis ( 13 ), with a second bearing element ( 4 ), which on the first bearing element ( 2 ) is mounted and about the first pivot axis ( 3 ) is pivotable, wherein the second bearing element ( 4 ) a second pivot axis ( 5 ) about which a steering wheel ( 6 ) stored wheel fork ( 7 ) is pivotable, wherein the first pivot axis ( 3 ) on the first bearing element ( 2 ) to the first pivot axis ( 3 ) concentric first clamping element ( 8th ) and a second clamping element ( 9 ), which on the second bearing element ( 4 ) is formed and in the direction of the first pivot axis against the first clamping element ( 8th ), wherein the first clamping element ( 8th ) is formed in the form of a ring provided with a conical cross-section, and wherein the second clamping element ( 9 ) has a conical cross-section annular groove ( 11 ) having. Steering wheel bearing according to claim 1, characterized in that the first clamping element ( 8th ) and the second clamping element ( 9 ) each have an at least partially conical cross-section. Steering wheel bearing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first clamping element ( 8th ) and the second clamping element ( 9 ) are each formed annular. Steering wheel bearing according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that for the clamping of the clamping elements ( 8th . 9 ) at least one parallel to the first pivot axis ( 3 ) arranged clamping screw ( 10 ) is provided.

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