EP0301209B1 - Control device for electrical wheelchairs or the like - Google Patents

Control device for electrical wheelchairs or the like Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0301209B1
EP0301209B1 EP88109238A EP88109238A EP0301209B1 EP 0301209 B1 EP0301209 B1 EP 0301209B1 EP 88109238 A EP88109238 A EP 88109238A EP 88109238 A EP88109238 A EP 88109238A EP 0301209 B1 EP0301209 B1 EP 0301209B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
control device
control
plates
lever
control lever
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP88109238A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0301209A2 (en
EP0301209A3 (en
Inventor
Wilhelm Meyer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Meyra Wilhelm Meyer GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Meyra Wilhelm Meyer GmbH and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from DE19873724915 external-priority patent/DE3724915A1/en
Application filed by Meyra Wilhelm Meyer GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Meyra Wilhelm Meyer GmbH and Co KG
Publication of EP0301209A2 publication Critical patent/EP0301209A2/en
Publication of EP0301209A3 publication Critical patent/EP0301209A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0301209B1 publication Critical patent/EP0301209B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • G05G9/04785—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks the controlling member being the operating part of a switch arrangement
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • G05G2009/04703—Mounting of controlling member
    • G05G2009/04707—Mounting of controlling member with ball joint
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • G05G2009/0474—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks characterised by means converting mechanical movement into electric signals
    • G05G2009/04744—Switches
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • G05G2009/0474—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks characterised by means converting mechanical movement into electric signals
    • G05G2009/04748—Position sensor for rotary movement, e.g. potentiometer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • G05G2009/0474—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks characterised by means converting mechanical movement into electric signals
    • G05G2009/04751—Position sensor for linear movement
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G9/00—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously
    • G05G9/02—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only
    • G05G9/04—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously
    • G05G9/047—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks
    • G05G2009/04766—Manually-actuated control mechanisms provided with one single controlling member co-operating with two or more controlled members, e.g. selectively, simultaneously the controlling member being movable in different independent ways, movement in each individual way actuating one controlled member only in which movement in two or more ways can occur simultaneously the controlling member being movable by hand about orthogonal axes, e.g. joysticks providing feel, e.g. indexing means, means to create counterforce
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
    • H01H3/0213—Combined operation of electric switch and variable impedance, e.g. resistor, capacitor

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a control device of the type mentioned in the preamble of claim 1 for electric wheelchairs or the like.
  • a control device is often called a joystick.
  • a control device of the type in question, in which the mechanical-electrical actuators consist of potentiometers, is known from the company publication "Wheelchairs and Rehabilitation Aids" from MEYRA in D-4925 Ralletal 1, August 1984, page 79, and the wheelchairs supplied by this company. whose axes are offset by 90 ° in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of the control lever.
  • the ends of each leg of a U-shaped bracket are fastened to the axles, in the middle part of which there are slots in which one end of the two-armed control lever engages.
  • the central parts of the U-shaped bracket, in which the slots are located, are designed in an arc shape in accordance with the movement path of the control lever with respect to its pivot bearing.
  • the manufacture is thus complicated, in particular the manufacture of the part arranged in this arc Slit.
  • an additional pivot bearing is provided at the end of the leg of the U-shaped bracket, which faces away from the potentiometer. This also represents an additional design effort. Because of the U-shaped bracket, the overall depth is relatively large, which is particularly disadvantageous because a control device of the type in question must be accommodated in or in the armrest of the wheelchair when used in a wheelchair .
  • a "JOY STICK” switching and control mechanism which has mechanical actuators which are designed as slides and are displaceable in two directions lying in one plane and perpendicular to one another. They each have slits transverse to their direction of movement, into which the end of a double-armed "JOY STICK” lever engages.
  • the actuators are preloaded by springs and functionally connected with electrical switches. When the "JOY STICK” lever is operated, the two switches can be operated independently and therefore selectively.
  • This known control device only enables simple switching on and off.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a control device of the type in question, which does not have the disadvantages of the known control device, which is simple and cheap in construction and has a low overall depth.
  • link gears are used as mechanical transmission devices.
  • Such a link mechanism results in a low overall depth with simple effort.
  • the control lever simply engages a link which rests on the control lever and is moved during movements which do not take place along the contour of the link, this movement being transmitted to the mechanical-electrical actuator.
  • the backdrop and its guidance can be produced in a very simple manner, so that the manufacturing costs are low.
  • the overall depth is also very small.
  • the link gears have two slides, which are held displaceably in the same direction and each have slants in the opposite direction to their direction of slides, in particular slotted slots, on which the control lever engages, the slider being connected to the mechanical-electrical actuators are.
  • the backdrop slots can be produced in a very simple manner and very precisely, for example by punching out if the slides are formed by plates.
  • the transfer function can be varied within very wide limits, so that there are corresponding possible variations in the control characteristics of the control lever.
  • the slot slots can be inclined by 45 ° to the direction of displacement, but other angles are also possible, which results in different control characteristics when the control lever is deflected in different directions.
  • a particular advantage in the use of the scenes is that they enable very different control characteristics not only due to the inclination, but also due to the shape of the curve.
  • the backdrops or the backdrop slots can therefore be curved.
  • a particularly expedient form of construction of the slide designed as plates with the slot slots is specified in claim 6.
  • the plates are guided very simply by way of superimposed guide slots in the plates, into which a guide pin common to both plates engages, which thus guides both plates simultaneously.
  • Axial to the guide pin of course, contact shoulders are required, which keep the plates on the pins movably in their position and guide them.
  • These contact shoulders and the plates themselves can be made of a suitable material, preferably plastic, which does not require lubrication, so that a completely maintenance-free and largely wear-free construction is provided.
  • a socket extends through the intersecting slots, which with at least abuts a flange on one of the plates, the control lever engaging with an at least partially spherical part in the bushing.
  • the plates forming the slide can lie tightly, preferably directly on top of one another. This is expedient in terms of design and is possible because the managers perpendicular to the plates and therefore the support forces of the plates on one another are very low.
  • slides for the link gears enables a very expedient further development in that the arrangement of lateral projections or depressions on the slides is possible, which can cooperate with an actuator of a switch.
  • a switch is used in the case of a wheelchair to perform certain switching operations when the operator releases the control lever.
  • recesses are provided on each of the two slides, which are aligned with one another in the rest position of the control lever, such that the switch is actuated only in the rest position of the control lever.
  • the mechanical-electrical actuators can be flat track resistors or flat track potentiometers in a very simple manner, which are connected directly or indirectly to the slides by small transmission rods. This results in completely linear control characteristics, while at the same time the overall depth is particularly small.
  • Rotary resistors or rotary potentiometers can also be used as mechanical-electrical actuators, on the axis of which a lever is attached, each with a lever on the slide arranged pin is engaged. The position of the rotary resistors or rotary potentiometers is completely free except for the condition that their axis must run perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the slide.
  • This embodiment therefore enables an arbitrary arrangement of the rotary resistors or rotary potentiometers, in particular one in which the overall depth is very small.
  • the lever required for the rotary movement of the rotary resistors or rotary potentiometer is advantageously a fork into which a pin on the slide engages.
  • the actuators can also work inductively.
  • a control lever 1 has a ball joint 2, the ball part 3 sits on the control lever 1 and the fixed part 4 is held by a housing part 5 on a plate 6, with which the entire control device can be fastened, for example, by screws in the armrest of a wheelchair.
  • the housing part 5 is held by means of screws 7, which simultaneously hold a stop ring 8, the stop edge 9 of which limits the deflection movements of the control lever 1.
  • a bushing 11 On an upper arm 10 of the control lever 1 designed as a two-armed lever, a bushing 11 is slidably arranged, which is pressed by a compression spring 12 with its lower edge 13 against a disk 14 which is held by the stop ring 8 on the upper surface of the plate 6 .
  • the compression spring 12 is supported on a screw ring 15, which is adjustable on a thread 16 of the upper arm 10 to the pressure force of the spring 12 and thus the contact of the lower edge 13 on the disc 14 and thus also the restoring force of the resulting To be able to adjust control lever 1.
  • the upper arm 10 with the compression spring 12 is covered by a cap 17 which is held by a ball 18 which is screwed onto a threaded end 19 of the upper arm 10.
  • a seal 20 extends between the bushing 11 and the stop ring 8.
  • the housing part 5 has a round flange 21 in which there are diametrically opposite holes 22 and 23 through which screws 24 and 25 extend, which hold the washers 26 and 27, bushings 28 and 29 and washers 30 and 31, all of which pass through Nuts 32 and 33 are pulled against the flange 21.
  • Two plates 34 and 35 are slidably guided between the disks 26, 27 and 30, 31, the bushes 28 and 29 sliding in the plates 34 and 35 in slots 36 and 37 without play.
  • the formation of the plates 34 and 35 and the arrangement of the slots 36 and 37 can be clearly seen from FIG. 3.
  • the plates 34 and 35 are thus easily displaceable and free of play in the direction of the slots 36 and 37.
  • a link slot 40 inclined in the direction of displacement by 45 ° in the plate 35 and a link slot 41 in the plate 36.
  • a socket 42 which is dimensioned so that it can slide in the link slots without play.
  • a flange 43 is located on the bushing 42 and slidably abuts the plate 34.
  • a disc 44 is slid onto it, which lies against the plate 35 and is held on the socket by a locking ring 45.
  • a partially spherical part 47 is located on a lower arm 46 of the control lever 1, which part engages flush in the interior of the socket 42 and is therefore able to move the movements of the control lever 1 towards the socket 42 without play transfer.
  • a pin 48 which engages without play in the mouth of a fork 49, which is attached as a lever to an axis 50 of a potentiometer 51, so that the lever 49 is pivoted when the plate 35 and thus the pin 48 are displaced and the axis 50 of the potentiometer 51 is rotated.
  • a pin 52 is located on the plate 34, which engages in the free mouth of a lever 53 designed as a fork, which is fastened to an axis 54 of a potentiometer 55.
  • the plate 35 In the range of motion of the pin 52, the plate 35 has a recess 56 so that the pin 52 can move undisturbed by the plate 35.
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 there is a depression 58 on an edge 57 of the plate 35, while a depression 60 is located on an edge 59 of the plate 34.
  • These recesses 58, 60 interact with a control roller 61 on an actuating arm 62 of a microswitch 63.
  • the control roller 61 is resting in the superimposed recesses 58, 60, so that the microswitch 63 is closed or opened, depending on its design, while it opens or closes when the plates 34 or 35 migrate.
  • Opposing edges 64 and 65 have elongated edges Indentations that cooperate with a control roller 66 on an actuating arm 67 of a microswitch 68, the actuation of this microswitch 68 being actuated in the end displacement positions of the plates 34 and 35, respectively.
  • the entire part lying below the plate 6 is partly protected from moisture and dust by the housing 5, but completely by a cover cap 69 placed on the flange 21.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Steuereinrichtung der im Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 genannten Art für elektrische Rollstühle oder dergl. Eine solche Steuereinrichtung wird häufig Joystick genannt.The invention relates to a control device of the type mentioned in the preamble of claim 1 for electric wheelchairs or the like. Such a control device is often called a joystick.

Durch die Firmenschrift "Rollstühle und Rehabilitationsmittel" der Firma MEYRA in D-4925 Ralletal 1, August 1984, Seite 79, und die durch diese Firma gelieferten Rollstühle ist eine Steuereinrichtung der betreffenden Art bekannt, bei der die mechanisch-elektrischen Stellglieder aus Potentiometern bestehen, deren Achsen um 90° versetzt in einer Ebene im wesentlichen senkrecht zur Richtung des Steuerhebels liegen. An den Achsen ist jeweils das Ende eines Schenkels eines U-förmigen Bügels befestigt, in dessen Mittelteil sich jeweils Schlitze befinden, in die das eine Ende des zweiarmig ausgebildeten Steuerhebels eingreift. Bei Bewegung des Steuerhebels in Richtung des einen Schlitzes wird der andere U-förmige Bügel und damit das damit verbundene Potentiometer bewegt und umgekehrt, wobei natürlich alle möglichen Zwischenformen der Bewegungen möglich sind, so daß praktisch eine 4-Quadrantensteuerung gebildet ist.A control device of the type in question, in which the mechanical-electrical actuators consist of potentiometers, is known from the company publication "Wheelchairs and Rehabilitation Aids" from MEYRA in D-4925 Ralletal 1, August 1984, page 79, and the wheelchairs supplied by this company. whose axes are offset by 90 ° in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of the control lever. The ends of each leg of a U-shaped bracket are fastened to the axles, in the middle part of which there are slots in which one end of the two-armed control lever engages. When the control lever is moved in the direction of one slot, the other U-shaped bracket and thus the associated potentiometer is moved and vice versa, of course all possible intermediate forms of the movements are possible, so that practically a 4-quadrant control is formed.

Die Mittelteile der U-förmigen Bügel, in denen sich die Schlitze befinden, sind entsprechend der Bewegungsbahn des Steuerhebels in bezug zu dessen Schwenklager bogenförmig ausgebildet. Die Herstellung ist damit kompliziert, insbesondere die Herstellung des in diesem bogenförmigen Teil angeordneten Schlitzes. Außerdem ist ein zusätzliches Drehlager am Ende des Schenkels des U-förmigen Bügels vorgesehen, der dem Potentiometer abgewandt ist. Auch dies stellt einen zusätzlichen konstruktiven Aufwand dar. Wegen der U-förmigen Bügel ist die Bautiefe verhältnismäßig groß, was insbesondere deshalb von Nachteil ist, weil eine Steuereinrichtung der betreffenden Art bei Verwendung in einem Rollstuhl in oder im Bereich der Armlehne des Rollstuhls untergebracht werden muß.The central parts of the U-shaped bracket, in which the slots are located, are designed in an arc shape in accordance with the movement path of the control lever with respect to its pivot bearing. The manufacture is thus complicated, in particular the manufacture of the part arranged in this arc Slit. In addition, an additional pivot bearing is provided at the end of the leg of the U-shaped bracket, which faces away from the potentiometer. This also represents an additional design effort. Because of the U-shaped bracket, the overall depth is relatively large, which is particularly disadvantageous because a control device of the type in question must be accommodated in or in the armrest of the wheelchair when used in a wheelchair .

Durch US-A- 4 531 027 ist ein "JOY STICK"- Schalt- und Steuermechanismus bekannt, der als Schieber ausgebildete mechanische Stellglieder aufweist, die in zwei in einer Ebene liegende und senkrecht aufeinanderstehende Richtungen verschieblich sind. Sie weisen jeweils quer zu ihrer Verschieberichtung Schlitze auf, in die das Ende eines doppelarmigen "JOY STICK"-Hebels eingreift. Die Stellglieder sind jeweils durch Federn vorgespannt und mit elektrischen Schaltern wirkungsverbunden. Bei Betätigung des "JOY STICK"-Hebels können somit die beiden Schalter unabhängig und damit selektiv betätigt werden. Diese bekannten Steuereinrichtung ermöglicht nur einfache Ein- und Ausschaltvorgänge.From US-A-4 531 027 a "JOY STICK" switching and control mechanism is known which has mechanical actuators which are designed as slides and are displaceable in two directions lying in one plane and perpendicular to one another. They each have slits transverse to their direction of movement, into which the end of a double-armed "JOY STICK" lever engages. The actuators are preloaded by springs and functionally connected with electrical switches. When the "JOY STICK" lever is operated, the two switches can be operated independently and therefore selectively. This known control device only enables simple switching on and off.

Durch US-A-3 942 148 ist eine Steuereinrichtung bekannt, die im wesentlichen gleich aufgebaut ist wie die zuvor geschilderte Steuereinrichtung, bei der jedoch statt der Schalter Drehpotentiometer vorgesehen sind, deren Drehachse über exzentrische Stifte bewegbar ist, die jeweils in Schlitze eingreifen, die quer zur Bewegungsrichtung der Stellglieder verlaufen. Die Bewegung des "JOY STICK"-Hebels wird somit unmittelbar auf die Potentiometer übertragen. Eine Anpassung der Bewegung des "JOY STICK"-Hebels an die Änderung der elektrischen Werte der Potentiometer ist nicht möglich.From US-A-3 942 148 a control device is known, which is constructed essentially the same as the control device described above, but in which instead of the switches rotary potentiometers are provided, the axis of rotation of which can be moved via eccentric pins which each engage in slots which run transverse to the direction of movement of the actuators. The movement of the "JOY STICK" lever is thus transferred directly to the potentiometer. It is not possible to adapt the movement of the "JOY STICK" lever to the change in the electrical values of the potentiometers.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Steuereinrichtung der betreffenden Art zu schaffen, die die Nachteile der bekannten Steuereinrichtung nicht aufweist, die also einfach und billig im Aufbau ist und eine geringe Bautiefe hat.The invention has for its object to provide a control device of the type in question, which does not have the disadvantages of the known control device, which is simple and cheap in construction and has a low overall depth.

Die der Erfindung zugrundeliegende Aufgabe wird dadurch gelöst, daß als mechanische übertragungseinrichtungen Kulissengetriebe verwendet sind. Bei einem solchen Kulissengetriebe ergibt sich eine geringe Bautiefe bei gleichzeitig einfachem Aufwand. Der Steuerhebel greift bei einem derartigen Kulissengetriebe ganz einfach an eine Kulisse an, die an dem Steuerhebel anliegt und bei Bewegungen, die nicht entlang der Kontur der Kulisse erfolgen, bewegt wird, wobei diese Bewegung auf das mechanisch-elektrische Stellglied übertragen wird. Die Kulisse und ihre Führung kann in sehr einfacher Weise hergestellt werden, so daß sich geringe Herstellungskosten ergeben. Außerdem ist die Bautiefe sehr gering.The object on which the invention is based is achieved in that link gears are used as mechanical transmission devices. Such a link mechanism results in a low overall depth with simple effort. In such a link mechanism, the control lever simply engages a link which rests on the control lever and is moved during movements which do not take place along the contour of the link, this movement being transmitted to the mechanical-electrical actuator. The backdrop and its guidance can be produced in a very simple manner, so that the manufacturing costs are low. The overall depth is also very small.

Die Kulissengetriebe weisen zwei Schieber auf, die in gleicher Richtung verschieblich gehalten sind und jeweils gegensinnig geneigt zu ihrer Verschieberichtung Kulissen, insbesondere Kulissenschlitze aufweisen, an (in) die der Steuerhebel an(ein)greift, wobei die Schieber mit den mechanisch-elektrischen Stellgliedern verbunden sind. Dadurch, daß die Schieber in gleicher Richtung verschieblich sind, kann für sie praktisch die gleiche Führung verwendet werden, was konstruktiv besonders einfach ist. Die Kulissenschlitze lassen sich in sehr einfacher Weise und sehr genau herstellen, beispielsweise durch Ausstanzen, wenn die Schieber durch Platten gebildet sind.The link gears have two slides, which are held displaceably in the same direction and each have slants in the opposite direction to their direction of slides, in particular slotted slots, on which the control lever engages, the slider being connected to the mechanical-electrical actuators are. The fact that the slides are displaceable in the same direction, practically the same guide can be used for them, which is structurally particularly simple. The backdrop slots can be produced in a very simple manner and very precisely, for example by punching out if the slides are formed by plates.

Durch die Neigung der Kulissenschlitze läßt sich die Übertragungsfunktion in sehr weiten Grenzen variieren, so daß sich entsprechende Variationsmöglichkeiten in der Steuercharakteristik des Steuerhebels ergeben. Die Kulissenschlitze können zu der Verschieberichtung um 45° geneigt sein, jedoch sind auch andere Winkel möglich, wodurch sich eine unterschiedliche Steuercharakteristik bei Auslenkungen des Steuerhebels in unterschiedliche Richtungen ergibt. Ein besonderer Vorteil in der Verwendung der Kulissen besteht darin, daß sie nicht nur durch Neigung, sondern auch durch Kurvenform sehr unterschiedliche Steuercharakteristiken ermöglichen. Die Kulissen bzw. die Kulissenschlitze können also gekrümmt sein. Zweckmäßig ist dabei insbesondere eine zum Zentrum, das durch die Ruhestellung des Steuerhebels definiert ist, zentralsymmetrische Krümmung, so daß für die mechanisch-elektrischen Stellglieder zwar eine nicht-lineare, zu beiden Auslenkungsrichtungen jedoch symmetrische Charakteristik gegeben ist.Due to the inclination of the slot slots, the transfer function can be varied within very wide limits, so that there are corresponding possible variations in the control characteristics of the control lever. The slot slots can be inclined by 45 ° to the direction of displacement, but other angles are also possible, which results in different control characteristics when the control lever is deflected in different directions. A particular advantage in the use of the scenes is that they enable very different control characteristics not only due to the inclination, but also due to the shape of the curve. The backdrops or the backdrop slots can therefore be curved. It is particularly expedient to have a curvature that is central symmetrical to the center, which is defined by the rest position of the control lever, so that the mechanical-electrical actuators have a non-linear, but symmetrical characteristic to both directions of deflection.

Eine besonders zweckmäßige Ausbildungsform der als Platten ausgebildeten Schieber mit den Kulissenschlitzen ist in Anspruch 6 angegeben. Die Führung der Platten erfolgt dabei ganz einfach durch übereinanderliegende Führungsschlitze in den Platten, in die jeweils ein für beide Platten gemeinsamer Führungsstift eingreift, der also beide Platten gleichzeitig führt. Axial zum Führungsstift sind natürlich Anlageschultern erforderlich, die die Platten auf den Stiften beweglich in ihrer Lage halten und führen. Diese Anlageschultern und die Platten selbst können aus einem passenden Material, vorzugsweise aus Kunststoff, hergestellt sein, der keine Schmierung erfordert, so daß eine völlig wartungs- und weitgehend verschleißfreie Konstruktion gegeben ist.A particularly expedient form of construction of the slide designed as plates with the slot slots is specified in claim 6. The plates are guided very simply by way of superimposed guide slots in the plates, into which a guide pin common to both plates engages, which thus guides both plates simultaneously. Axial to the guide pin, of course, contact shoulders are required, which keep the plates on the pins movably in their position and guide them. These contact shoulders and the plates themselves can be made of a suitable material, preferably plastic, which does not require lubrication, so that a completely maintenance-free and largely wear-free construction is provided.

Nach der Weiterbildung gemäß Anspruch 7 erstreckt sich durch die sich kreuzenden Schlitze eine Buchse, die mit wenigstens einem Flansch an einer der Platten anliegt, wobei der Steuerhebel mit einem wenigstens teilweise kugligen Teil in die Buchse eingreift. Dadurch ist eine spielfreie Kopplung des Steuerhebels mit den Kulissenschlitzen erzielt, obwohl der Steuerhebel bei Auslenkbewegungen senkrecht zu den Schiebern eine Bewegung ausführt, da sich der Kontaktpunkt des Steuerhebels auf einer Kreisbahn bewegt, während die Schieber bzw. Platten sich auf einer Sekante zu dieser Kreisbahn bewegen.According to the development according to claim 7, a socket extends through the intersecting slots, which with at least abuts a flange on one of the plates, the control lever engaging with an at least partially spherical part in the bushing. This results in a play-free coupling of the control lever to the slot slots, although the control lever performs a movement perpendicular to the slides during deflection movements, since the contact point of the control lever moves on a circular path, while the slides or plates move on this circular path on a secant .

Die die Schieber bildenden Platten können dicht, vorzugsweise unmittelbar aufeinander liegen. Dies ist konstruktiv zweckmäßig und deshalb möglich, weil die Führungskräfte senkrecht zu den Platten und damit die Auflage - Kräfte der Platten aufeinander sehr gering sind.The plates forming the slide can lie tightly, preferably directly on top of one another. This is expedient in terms of design and is possible because the managers perpendicular to the plates and therefore the support forces of the plates on one another are very low.

Die Verwendung von Schiebern für die Kulissengetriebe ermöglicht eine sehr zweckmäßige Weiterbildung, indem die Anordnung seitlicher Vorsprünge oder Vertiefungen an den Schiebern möglich ist, die mit einem Betätigungsorgan eines Schalters zusammenwirken können. Ein solcher Schalter dient im Falle eines Rollstuhls zur Durchführung bestimmter Schaltvorgänge, wenn die Bedienungsperson den Steuerhebel losläßt. Gemäß einer Weiterbildung dieser Ausführungsform sind dabei an beiden Schiebern jeweils Vertiefungen vorgesehen, die in Ruhestellung des Steuerhebels miteinander fluchten, derart, daß der Schalter nur in Ruhestellung des Steuerhebels betätigt ist.The use of slides for the link gears enables a very expedient further development in that the arrangement of lateral projections or depressions on the slides is possible, which can cooperate with an actuator of a switch. Such a switch is used in the case of a wheelchair to perform certain switching operations when the operator releases the control lever. According to a further development of this embodiment, recesses are provided on each of the two slides, which are aligned with one another in the rest position of the control lever, such that the switch is actuated only in the rest position of the control lever.

Die mechanisch-elektrischen Stellglieder können in sehr einfacher Weise Flachbahnwiderstände oder Flachbahnpotantiometer sein, die unmittelbar oder mittelbar durch kleine Übertragungsstangen mit den Schiebern verbunden sind. Dadurch ergeben sich völlig lineare Steuercharakteristiken, während gleichzeitig die Bautiefe besonders gering ist. Als mechanisch-elektrische Stellglieder können aber auch Drehwiderstände oder Drehpotentiometer verwendet werden, an deren Achse jeweils ein Hebel befestigt ist, der mit einem jeweils an dem Schieber angeordneten Zapfen in Eingriff steht. Die Lage der Drehwiderstände oder Drehpotentiometer ist dabei völlig frei bis auf die Bedingung, daß ihre Achse senkrecht zur Verschieberichtung der Schieber verlaufen muß. Diese Ausführungsform ermöglicht daher eine beliebige Anordnung der Drehwiderstände oder Drehpotentiometer, insbesondere eine solche, bei der die Bautiefe sehr gering ist. Der für die Drehbewegung der Drehwiderstände bzw. Drehpotentiometer erforderliche Hebel it vorteilhafterweise eine Gabel, in die ein Zapfen an dem Schieber eingreift. Natürlich ist auch eine Umwandlung der Linearbewegung der Schieber in die Drehbewegung der Drehwiderstände oder Drehpotentiometer auch durch andere Übertragungsgetriebe möglich, beispielsweise durch ein Kurbelgetriebe. Die Stellglieder können auch induktiv arbeiten.The mechanical-electrical actuators can be flat track resistors or flat track potentiometers in a very simple manner, which are connected directly or indirectly to the slides by small transmission rods. This results in completely linear control characteristics, while at the same time the overall depth is particularly small. Rotary resistors or rotary potentiometers can also be used as mechanical-electrical actuators, on the axis of which a lever is attached, each with a lever on the slide arranged pin is engaged. The position of the rotary resistors or rotary potentiometers is completely free except for the condition that their axis must run perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the slide. This embodiment therefore enables an arbitrary arrangement of the rotary resistors or rotary potentiometers, in particular one in which the overall depth is very small. The lever required for the rotary movement of the rotary resistors or rotary potentiometer is advantageously a fork into which a pin on the slide engages. Of course, it is also possible to convert the linear movement of the slide into the rotary movement of the rotary resistors or rotary potentiometers by other transmission gears, for example by a crank gear. The actuators can also work inductively.

Anhand der Zeichnung soll die Erfindung näher erläutert werden.

Fig. 1
zeigt einen Vertikalschnitt durch ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Steuereinrichtung gemäß der Erfindung,
Fig. 2
zeigt eine Seitenansicht II von Fig. 1,
Fig. 3
zeigt eine Ansicht III von unten in Fig. 1, wobei die untere Abdeckkappe weggelassen ist,
Fig. 4
zeigt einzeln einen unteren Schieber in Fig. 1 und
Fig. 5
zeigt einzeln einen oberen Schieber aus Fig. 1.
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing.
Fig. 1
shows a vertical section through an embodiment of a control device according to the invention,
Fig. 2
shows a side view II of Fig. 1,
Fig. 3
shows a view III from below in Fig. 1, wherein the lower cap is omitted,
Fig. 4
shows individually a lower slide in Fig. 1 and
Fig. 5
shows individually an upper slide from Fig. 1st

Ein Steuerhebel 1 weist ein Kugelgelenk 2 auf, dessen Kugelteil 3 auf dem Steuerhebel 1 sitzt und dessen ortsfester Teil 4 durch ein Gehäuseteil 5 an einer Platte 6 gehalten ist, mit der die gesamte Steuereinrichtung beispielsweise durch Schrauben in der Armlehne eines Rollstuhls befestigbar ist. Das Gehäuseteil 5 ist mittels Schrauben 7 gehalten, die gleichzeitig einen Anschlagring 8 halten, dessen Anschlagkante 9 die Auslenkbewegungen des Steuerhebels 1 begrenzt.A control lever 1 has a ball joint 2, the ball part 3 sits on the control lever 1 and the fixed part 4 is held by a housing part 5 on a plate 6, with which the entire control device can be fastened, for example, by screws in the armrest of a wheelchair. The housing part 5 is held by means of screws 7, which simultaneously hold a stop ring 8, the stop edge 9 of which limits the deflection movements of the control lever 1.

Auf einem oberen Arm 10 des als zweiarmiger Hebel ausgebildeten Steuerhebels 1 ist verschieblich eine Buchse 11 angeordnet, die von einer Druckfeder 12 mit ihrer unteren Kante 13 gegen eine Scheibe 14 gedrückt wird, die von dem Anschlagring 8 auf der oberen Fläche der Platte 6 gehalten ist. Die Druckfeder 12 stützt sich dabei an einem Schraubring 15 ab, der auf einem Gewinde 16 des oberen Armes 10 verstellbar ist, um die Druckkraft der Feder 12 und damit die Anlage der unteren Kante 13 auf der Scheibe 14 und somit auch die dadurch bedingte Rückstellkraft des Steuerhebels 1 einstellen zu können. Der obere Arm 10 mit der Druckfeder 12 ist durch eine Kappe 17 abgedeckt, die durch eine Kugel 18 gehalten ist, die auf ein Gewindeende 19 des oberen Armes 10 fest aufgeschraubt ist. Zwischen der Buchse 11 und dem Anschlagring 8 erstreckt sich eine Dichtung 20.On an upper arm 10 of the control lever 1 designed as a two-armed lever, a bushing 11 is slidably arranged, which is pressed by a compression spring 12 with its lower edge 13 against a disk 14 which is held by the stop ring 8 on the upper surface of the plate 6 . The compression spring 12 is supported on a screw ring 15, which is adjustable on a thread 16 of the upper arm 10 to the pressure force of the spring 12 and thus the contact of the lower edge 13 on the disc 14 and thus also the restoring force of the resulting To be able to adjust control lever 1. The upper arm 10 with the compression spring 12 is covered by a cap 17 which is held by a ball 18 which is screwed onto a threaded end 19 of the upper arm 10. A seal 20 extends between the bushing 11 and the stop ring 8.

Das Gehäuseteil 5 weist einen runden Flansch 21 auf, in dem sich diametral gegenüberliegend Löcher 22 und 23 befinden, durch die sich Schrauben 24 und 25 erstrecken, die Scheiben 26 und 27, Buchsen 28 und 29 sowie Scheiben 30 und 31 halten, die alle durch Muttern 32 und 33 gegen den Flansch 21 gezogen sind.The housing part 5 has a round flange 21 in which there are diametrically opposite holes 22 and 23 through which screws 24 and 25 extend, which hold the washers 26 and 27, bushings 28 and 29 and washers 30 and 31, all of which pass through Nuts 32 and 33 are pulled against the flange 21.

Zwischen den Scheiben 26, 27 und 30, 31 sind zwei Platten 34 und 35 verschieblich geführt, wobei die Buchsen 28 und 29 in Schlitzen 36 und 37 in den Platten 34 und 35 spielfrei gleiten. Die Ausbildung der Platten 34 und 35 und die Anordnung der Schlitze 36 und 37 ist deutlich aus Fig. 3 zu ersehen. Die Platten 34 und 35 sind also in Richtung der Schlitze 36 und 37 leicht verschieblich und spielfrei geführt. Im Bereich der Buchse 29 befinden sich in den Platten 34 und 35 Schlitze 38 und 39, in denen die Buchse 29 spielfrei gleitet.Two plates 34 and 35 are slidably guided between the disks 26, 27 and 30, 31, the bushes 28 and 29 sliding in the plates 34 and 35 in slots 36 and 37 without play. The formation of the plates 34 and 35 and the arrangement of the slots 36 and 37 can be clearly seen from FIG. 3. The plates 34 and 35 are thus easily displaceable and free of play in the direction of the slots 36 and 37. In the area of the bushing 29 there are slots 38 and 39 in the plates 34 and 35, in which the bushing 29 slides without play.

Zwischen den Schlitzen 36, 37 einerseits und 38, 39 andererseits befindet sich in der Platte 35 ein in Verschieberichtung um 45° geneigter Kulissenschlitz 40 und in der Platte 36 ein Kulissenschlitz 41. Wie aus Fig. 3 in Verbindung mit Fig. 1 ersichtlich ist, erstreckt sich durch die sich kreuzenden Kulissenschlitze 40 und 41 eine Buchse 42, die so bemessen ist, daß sie spielfrei in den Kulissenschlitzen gleiten kann. An der Buchse 42 befindet sich ein Flansch 43, der gleitend an der Platte 34 anliegt. Auf der anderen Seite der Buchse 42 ist auf diese eine Scheibe 44 aufgeschoben, die an der Platte 35 anliegt und durch einen Sicherungsring 45 auf der Buchse gehalten ist.Between the slots 36, 37 on the one hand and 38, 39 on the other hand there is a link slot 40 inclined in the direction of displacement by 45 ° in the plate 35 and a link slot 41 in the plate 36. As can be seen from FIG. 3 in connection with FIG. 1, extends through the intersecting Link slots 40 and 41 a socket 42 which is dimensioned so that it can slide in the link slots without play. A flange 43 is located on the bushing 42 and slidably abuts the plate 34. On the other side of the socket 42, a disc 44 is slid onto it, which lies against the plate 35 and is held on the socket by a locking ring 45.

Wie aus Fig. 1 ersichtlich, befindet sich an einem unteren Arm 46 des Steuerhebels 1 ein teilweise kugeliges Teil 47, das bündig in das Innere der Buchse 42 eingreift und damit in der Lage ist, die Bewegungen des Steuerhebels 1 spielfrei auf die Buchse 42 zu übertragen.As can be seen from FIG. 1, a partially spherical part 47 is located on a lower arm 46 of the control lever 1, which part engages flush in the interior of the socket 42 and is therefore able to move the movements of the control lever 1 towards the socket 42 without play transfer.

An der Platte 35 befindet sich ein Zapfen 48, der spielfrei in das Maul einer Gabel 49 eingreift, die als Hebel an einer Achse 50 eines Potentiometers 51 befestigt ist, so daß bei einer Verschiebung der Platte 35 und damit des Zapfens 48 der Hebel 49 geschwenkt und die Achse 50 des Potentiometers 51 gedreht wird.On the plate 35 there is a pin 48 which engages without play in the mouth of a fork 49, which is attached as a lever to an axis 50 of a potentiometer 51, so that the lever 49 is pivoted when the plate 35 and thus the pin 48 are displaced and the axis 50 of the potentiometer 51 is rotated.

In gleicher Weise befindet sich an der Platte 34 ein Zapfen 52, der in das freie Maul eines als Gabel ausgebildeten Hebels 53 eingreift, der an einer Achse 54 eines Potentiometers 55 befestigt ist. Im Bewegungsbereich des Zapfens 52 weist die Platte 35 eine Ausnehmung 56 auf, damit sich der Zapfen 52 ungestört von der Platte 35 bewegen kann.In the same way, a pin 52 is located on the plate 34, which engages in the free mouth of a lever 53 designed as a fork, which is fastened to an axis 54 of a potentiometer 55. In the range of motion of the pin 52, the plate 35 has a recess 56 so that the pin 52 can move undisturbed by the plate 35.

Wie aus den Fig. 4 und 5 ersichtlich, befindet sich an einem Rand 57 der Platte 35 eine Vertiefung 58, während sich an einem Rand 59 der Platte 34 eine Vertiefung 60 befindet. Diese Vertiefungen 58, 60 wirken mit einer Steuerrolle 61 an einem Betätigungsarm 62 eines Mikroschalters 63 zusammen. In der in Fig. 3 dargestellten Lage ruht die Steuerrolle 61 gerade in den übereinanderliegenden Vertiefungen 58, 60, so daß der Mikroschalter 63 je nach seiner Ausführung geschlossen oder geöffnet ist, während er bei einem Auswandern der Platten 34 oder 35 öffnet oder schließt.As can be seen from FIGS. 4 and 5, there is a depression 58 on an edge 57 of the plate 35, while a depression 60 is located on an edge 59 of the plate 34. These recesses 58, 60 interact with a control roller 61 on an actuating arm 62 of a microswitch 63. In the position shown in Fig. 3, the control roller 61 is resting in the superimposed recesses 58, 60, so that the microswitch 63 is closed or opened, depending on its design, while it opens or closes when the plates 34 or 35 migrate.

Gegenüberliegende Kanten 64 und 65 weisen langgestreckte Vertiefungen auf, die mit einer Steuerrolle 66 an einem Betätigungsarm 67 eines Mikroschalters 68 zusammenwirken, wobei die Betätigung dieses Mikroschalters 68 jeweils in den Endverschiebelagen der Platten 34 und 35 betätigt wird.Opposing edges 64 and 65 have elongated edges Indentations that cooperate with a control roller 66 on an actuating arm 67 of a microswitch 68, the actuation of this microswitch 68 being actuated in the end displacement positions of the plates 34 and 35, respectively.

Wie insbesondere aus Fig. 1 ersichtlich, ist der gesamte, unterhalb der Platte 6 liegende Teil zum Teil durch das Gehäuse 5, vollständig jedoch durch eine auf den Flansch 21 aufgesetzte Abdeckkappe 69 vor Feuchtigkeit und Staub geschützt.As can be seen in particular from FIG. 1, the entire part lying below the plate 6 is partly protected from moisture and dust by the housing 5, but completely by a cover cap 69 placed on the flange 21.

Wie aus den Fig. 1 und 3 zu ersehen ist, wird bei einer Betätigung des Steuerhebels 1 in Richtung des Kulissenschlitzes 40 die Buchse 42 gegen den einen Rand des Kulissenschlitzes 41 gedrückt, so daß die zugehörige Platte 34 verschoben und die Achse 54 des zugehörigen Potentiometers 55 durch den Zapfen 52 über den Hebel 53 gedreht wird. Wird der Steuerhebel 1 in Richtung des Kulissenschlitzes 41 bewegt, so drückt die Buchse 42 gegen den seitlichen Rand des Kulissenschlitzes 40, so daß die zugehörige Platte 35 verschoben und die Achse 50 des Potentiometers 51 über den Zapfen 48 und den Hebel 49 gedreht wird. Bei Bewegungen in anderen Richtungen werden die beiden Platten 34 und 35 mehr oder weniger gleichzeitig bewegt, so daß auch die Potentiometer 51 und 55 entsprechend mehr oder weniger verstellt werden. Statt von Hand kann der Steuerhebel 1 auch mit dem Fuß betätigt werden.As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 3, when the control lever 1 is actuated in the direction of the link slot 40, the socket 42 is pressed against one edge of the link slot 41, so that the associated plate 34 is displaced and the axis 54 of the associated potentiometer 55 is rotated by the pin 52 via the lever 53. If the control lever 1 is moved in the direction of the link slot 41, the bushing 42 presses against the lateral edge of the link slot 40, so that the associated plate 35 is displaced and the axis 50 of the potentiometer 51 is rotated via the pin 48 and the lever 49. When moving in other directions, the two plates 34 and 35 are moved more or less simultaneously, so that the potentiometers 51 and 55 are adjusted more or less accordingly. The control lever 1 can also be operated with the foot instead of by hand.

Claims (13)

  1. A control device for electric wheelchairs or similar means, comprising a hand-operated control lever (1), which is mounted by means of a universal joint (2, 3, 4) tiltably in any direction and is biased by a spring (12) to a central neutral position, two mechanoelectrical control elements whose electrical output value depends on their mechanical setting, two mechanical transfer means which transfer onto the mechanoelectrical control elements always only one of two movements of the control lever (1) in directions which are substantially perpendicular to each other, wherein the mechanical transfer means are slide means, the slide means comprising two slides and the slides are connected to the mechanoelectrical control elements, characterised in that the two slides (34, 35) are held so as to be displaceable in the same direction and have guides which are always inclined opposite to their direction of displacement and with which engages the control lever (1).
  2. A control device according to claim 1, characterised in that the guides are formed by guiding slots (40, 41) into which engages the control lever (1).
  3. A control device according to claim 2, characterised in that the guiding slots (40, 41) are inclined to the direction of displacement at an angle of 45°.
  4. A control device according to claim 2, characterised in that the guiding slots (40, 41) are preferably central-symmetrically curved with respect to their centre.
  5. A control device according to claim 2, characterised in that the slides are formed by plates (34, 35).
  6. A control device according to claim 5, characterised in that the plates (34, 35) comprise at least two guiding slots (36, 37; 38, 39) which extend in the direction of sliding, are situated such that they cover each other and are spaced from each other in the direction of displacement, that into the guiding slots (36, 37; 38, 39) engage fixed guiding pins (24, 28; 25, 29) which guide the plates (34, 35) in the direction of sliding, wherein, when the control lever (1) is in its neutral position, the guiding slots (40, 41) cross each other substantially in their middle.
  7. A control device according to claim 6, characterised in that a bush (42) extends through the guiding slots (40, 41) crossing each other, the bush bearing by at least one flange (43) onto one of the plates (34), and that the control lever engages into the bush (42) by a member (47) which is at least partly spherical.
  8. A control device according to claim 5, characterised in that the plates (34, 35) lie close above each other, preferably lie one on top of the other.
  9. A control device according to claim 5, characterised in that at least one of the plates (34, 35) has an edge (57, 59) with a projection or a recess (58, 60) or forms a guide, which cooperates with a control member (61, 62) of a switch.
  10. A control device according to claim 9, characterised in that two edges (57, 59), which are aligned with each other and are parallel to the direction of sliding have each a recess (58, 60) which, when the control lever (1) is in neutral position, are aligned with each other such that the switch (63) is actuated only when the control lever (1) is in the neutral position.
  11. A control device according to claim 2, characterised in that the mechanoelectrical control elements are faceplate resistors or faceplate potentiometers which are directly or indirectly connected to the slides.
  12. A control device according to claim 1, characterised in that the mechanoelectrical control elements are rotary rheostats or rotary potentiometers (51, 55) on whose shafts (50, 54) are, respectively, fixed levers (49, 53) which engage, respectively, with pins (48, 52) situated on the slide.
  13. A control device according to claim 12, characterised in that the lever is a fork (49, 53) into which engages the pin (48, 52) of the slide.
EP88109238A 1987-07-28 1988-06-10 Control device for electrical wheelchairs or the like Expired - Lifetime EP0301209B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3724915 1987-07-28
DE8710311U DE8710311U1 (en) 1987-07-28 1987-07-28 Control device for electric wheelchairs or similar.
DE19873724915 DE3724915A1 (en) 1987-07-28 1987-07-28 CONTROL DEVICE FOR ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIRS OR THE LIKE

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0301209A2 EP0301209A2 (en) 1989-02-01
EP0301209A3 EP0301209A3 (en) 1990-08-22
EP0301209B1 true EP0301209B1 (en) 1994-10-19

Family

ID=27664309

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88109238A Expired - Lifetime EP0301209B1 (en) 1987-07-28 1988-06-10 Control device for electrical wheelchairs or the like

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0301209B1 (en)
DE (1) DE8710311U1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3927871A1 (en) * 1989-08-23 1991-03-21 Ortopedia Gmbh ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED WHEELCHAIR
JP2007172231A (en) 2005-12-21 2007-07-05 Toyota Industries Corp Control lever device
GB2456542B (en) * 2008-01-17 2009-12-16 Karma Medical Prod Co Ltd Controller structure for an electric wheelchair

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3818154A (en) * 1973-04-09 1974-06-18 S Presentey Joystick type controller for switches
US3942148A (en) * 1974-05-29 1976-03-02 Matsushita Electric Industrial Company, Limited Device for simultaneously controlling a plurality of variable resistors
US4331849A (en) * 1980-04-16 1982-05-25 Tobin Wolf Lever control for realistic driving toy
US4415782A (en) * 1981-10-02 1983-11-15 Sundstrand Corporation Sliding disc transducer actuator
US4531027A (en) * 1984-06-29 1985-07-23 Deere & Company "Joy-stick" and rocker switch control mechanism

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE8710311U1 (en) 1988-11-24
EP0301209A2 (en) 1989-02-01
EP0301209A3 (en) 1990-08-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE3724915C2 (en)
DE69927894T2 (en) gear lever
WO2007009744A2 (en) Operator's element featuring tilting haptics
DE2060281A1 (en) Electric selector switch
DE4215097C2 (en) Switch arrangement
EP1436821A1 (en) Multiple way switch assembly and switch module
EP0134612B1 (en) Switch assembly
DE3236481A1 (en) ACTUATION DEVICE FOR CONVERSION OF A TWO-AXIS PIVOT MOVEMENT INTO A SURFACE MOVEMENT
EP0301209B1 (en) Control device for electrical wheelchairs or the like
DE102007018029B3 (en) tripod head
DE3238048A1 (en) Composite drive for switching elements or actuation elements
DE2717113C3 (en) Drive for a toggle or slide switch
EP0006962A1 (en) Driving device for a low-voltage power circuit breaker
DE3906786C2 (en)
EP0207059A1 (en) Operating mechanism for a loose-leaf binder
EP0743664B1 (en) Electrical switchgear
DE69510880T2 (en) One-lever control device
DE3312494C2 (en) Control switch for a vehicle seat adjustment device
DE3006405A1 (en) Hand held power tool with two operating pushbuttons - which cooperate and move shared rod that actuates shared switch, when both buttons are depressed
EP1499936A1 (en) Multiway switching means
DE3405652A1 (en) Operating device for switching devices
DE19526951C2 (en) Switching device for an automatic transmission
DE3505217C1 (en) Drive device for the mechanical stage of a microscope or similar instrument
DE3506214A1 (en) Control device for a toy computer
DE4111140C2 (en) Detector device for entering data, switching signals and the like. the like

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): BE FR GB NL SE

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): BE FR GB NL SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19901015

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19930929

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): BE FR GB NL SE

ET Fr: translation filed
EAL Se: european patent in force in sweden

Ref document number: 88109238.1

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19950110

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 19980227

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19980608

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 19980617

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 19980629

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 19980724

Year of fee payment: 11

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990610

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 19990629

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 19990630

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19990630

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: MEYRA WILHELM MEYER G.M.B.H. & CO. K.G.

Effective date: 19990630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20000101

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 19990610

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed

Ref document number: 88109238.1

NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

Effective date: 20000101

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST