EP2106777A2 - Wheelchair - Google Patents

Abstract

The wheelchair has guidable front wheels (2) mounted to a rigid chassis framework (1), where a connecting element (3) is rotatably mounted laterally to a back end region of the chassis framework. The element supports a rear wheel (4), carries a backrest rod (5) and supports a seat support rod (6). The element with the chassis framework, the seat support rod and a supporting element (7) rotatably mounted at a front region of the seat support rod and at the chassis framework that forms a four-hinge mechanism.

Description

The invention relates to a wheelchair, in particular a wheelchair with a rigid frame.

From the prior art it is known to build folding wheelchairs, in which for folding the wheelchair from a use position into a folded position, the side frames are approached to each other. Thus, the width of the wheelchair can be significantly reduced. This results in a smaller volume in the folded state.

In rigid frame wheelchairs, it is known to fold or dismantle the backrest. Furthermore, the large rear wheels can be removed to reduce the overall volume. However, such wheelchairs have a not inconsiderable volume even in the folded position.

The invention has for its object to provide a wheelchair of the type mentioned above, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art with a simple structure and simple, cost-effective manufacturability and in the folded state has a low packing volume.

According to the invention the object is achieved by the feature combination of the main claim, the subclaims show further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

According to the invention it is thus provided that the wheelchair has a rigid chassis frame, on which steerable front wheels are mounted. These are preferably fastened in different positions in order to adjust the inclination of the chassis frame or the seat height in this way.

According to the invention it is provided that on the rear end portion of the chassis frame each side a connecting element is pivotally mounted, which supports a rear wheel and carries a backrest strut and a seat stay supports. According to the invention, the connecting element with the chassis frame, with the seat stay as well as with a at the front area of the seat stay and the chassis frame rotatably mounted support element a four-bar mechanism.

The construction according to the invention is characterized by the considerable advantage that not only the backrest strut is mitverschwenkt at a pivoting of the connecting element, but also caused by the four-bar mechanism, and the seat stay is swung. This leads in a single pivoting operation to a laying of the backrest strut and thus the backrest on the seat stay and thus the seat, as well as on an approximation of these two to the chassis frame. As a result, the overall height in the folded position can be significantly reduced.

Another advantage of the embodiment of the invention is that only a single handle is required to bring the wheelchair from the use position to the folding position and vice versa. Operating errors can thus be completely excluded.

In a particularly favorable embodiment of the invention it is provided that the two lateral connecting elements each store an axle, to which a continuous rear axle is attached, which carries at its two ends in each case the two rear wheels releasably. The rear axle thus forms a structural element, which also has an influence on the overall rigidity of the wheelchair frame and additionally serves as a carrying handle in the folded position.

Due to the construction according to the invention, it is possible to pivot the seat back strut from a substantially vertical position of use to a substantially horizontal folded position (relative to the position of the chassis frame in the position of use). In this case, the backrest strut is preferably brought substantially parallel to the seatstay. The seat stay, in turn, is preferably pivoted from an angular position relative to the horizontal position which it occupies in the position of use such that it comes to lie essentially parallel to upper elements of the chassis frame. This leads to the already mentioned significant reduction of the volume in the folded position.

According to the invention, the wheelchair in a preferred development on a locking device which locks the wheelchair both in the position of use and in the folded position. In the use position is thus excluded that the wheelchair is unintentionally adjusted or collapses. In the folded position, the wheelchair is also reliably fixed and can therefore be easily and simply handled and worn. The locking device is preferably designed so that it is mounted on the chassis frame and blocks the pivotal movement of the connecting element, both in the position of use and in the folded position. It is particularly advantageous if the locking device can be operated with a pull rope or the like. This makes the operation easier, on the other hand results in a very low overall weight.

In order to enable the front seat height, the rear seat height, the seat tilt and the adjustment of the rear wheels / drive wheels in the horizontal and / or vertical direction, it is particularly advantageous if the rear axle can be fastened to the axle beams in different positions. Simple mechanical measures can thus be used to adapt the wheelchair to the respective user. These measures are simple and inexpensive to carry out and only lead to a low total weight of the wheelchair according to the invention.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Rollstuhls in Gebrauchsstellung von links vorne;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht, analog von Fig. 1, von rechts hinten;

Fig. 3

eine Vorderansicht,

Fig. 4

eine Teilansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Fahrwerksrahmens sowie des Viergelenkmechanismus in Gebrauchsstellung;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht, analog Fig. 4, in der Faltstellung;

Fig. 6

eine Seitenansicht, analog Fig. 4 in der Gebrauchsstellung; und

Fig. 7

eine Seitenansicht, analog Fig. 5, in der Faltstellung.

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

Fig. 1

a perspective view of the wheelchair according to the invention in the use position from the left front;

Fig. 2

a perspective view, analogous to Fig. 1 , from the right behind;

Fig. 3

a front view,

Fig. 4

a partial view of the chassis frame according to the invention and the four-bar mechanism in the position of use;

Fig. 5

a perspective view, analog Fig. 4 in the folded position;

Fig. 6

a side view, analog Fig. 4 in the position of use; and

Fig. 7

a side view, analog Fig. 5 , in the folding position.

The wheelchair according to the invention comprises a chassis frame 1, which comprises a top tube 12 and a down tube 13, which are firmly connected to each other and form a parallelogram-like side structure (see, for example Fig. 7 ). On the down tube 13 bearings 14 are provided, on which in different positions steerable, pivotable in swivel forks mounted front wheels 2 are mounted. The chassis frame 1 continues to bear at its front lower portion a example in Fig. 1 illustrated tread plate or footrest, which is additionally telescopic and thus height adjustable.

The two side parts of the chassis frame 1, which are formed from the top tube 12 and the down tube 13 are connected to each other by means of a transverse strut 15. This is pivotable about a first transverse axis 16 and connected to struts 17, which extend perpendicular to the transverse strut 15. The free ends of the struts 17 in turn are connected to a cross tube 19, which forms a second transverse axis 18, so that the cross tube 19 about the second transverse axis 18 is pivotable relative to a seat transverse strut 20. This in turn is connected to a seat stay 6. The cross strut 15, the struts 17 and the cross tube 19 form a support member 7, which is part of a four-bar mechanism.

The rear end region of the chassis frame 1, in particular of the top tube 12, is articulated to form a third transverse axis 21 with a connecting element 3.

The connecting element 3 carries (see Fig. 6 and 7 ) in an adjustable position in each case an axle carrier 8, which is designed for mounting a rear axle 9 in different positions. Thus, it is possible to mount rear wheels 4 at different positions to adjust seat height, seat tilt, or the like.

The connecting element 3 is fixedly coupled to a backrest 5, whereby it can also be mounted in different positions relative to the connecting element in order to be able to adjust the inclination of the backrest strut 5 (see in particular FIG Fig. 6 and 7 ).

To form a fourth transverse axis 22, the connecting element 3 is pivotally connected to the seat stay 6.

It is understood that the entire wheelchair is constructed symmetrically, so that in each case the same parts on both sides, for example, the rear wheel 4, the connecting element 3, the backrest strut 5 and the seat stay 6 are provided.

It is thus formed according to the invention, a four-bar mechanism. By pivoting the backrest strut 4, which is fixedly mounted on the connecting element 3, the connecting element 3 is pivoted about the third transverse axis 21 relative to the chassis frame 1. This automatically leads to a pivoting movement of the seat stay 6, about the second transverse axis 18 and to a pivoting of the support element 7 relative to the first transverse axis 16.

In order to ensure a fixation in the respective position of use or folding position, a locking device 10 is disposed on the inside of the side part of the chassis frame (on the top tube 12). This is cylindrical and comprises a spring-biased pin, not shown in detail, each extending into a recess 23 of the connecting element 3. This makes it possible to lock or fix the connecting element 3 relative to the upper tube 12 either in the position of use or in the folded position. The two bolts of the locking devices 10 are connected via a common pull cable 11 (see for example Fig. 3 ), connected. By pulling on the pull cable 11 thus the two locking bolts are released, so that a pivoting of the four-bar mechanism can be done.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

chassis frame

2

front

3

connecting element

4

rear wheel

5

Backrest strut

6

seat stay

7

support element

8th

axle

9

rear axle

10

locking device

11

rope

12

top tube

13

down tube

14

camp

15

crossmember

16

first transverse axis

17

strut

18

two transverse axis

19

cross tube

20

Seat crossmember

21

third transverse axis

22

fourth transverse axis

23

recess

Claims (10)

Rigid wheelchair with a rigid chassis frame (1) on which steerable front wheels (2) are mounted, wherein at the rear end portion of the chassis frame (1) laterally in each case a connecting element (3) is pivotally mounted, which supports a rear wheel (4) and a backrest strut (5) carries and a seat stay (6) superimposed, wherein the connecting element (3) with the chassis frame (1), the seat stay (6) and at the front portion of the seat stay (6) and on the chassis frame (1) rotatably mounted support member (7) forms a four-bar mechanism. Wheelchair according to Claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (3) adjustably supports an axle carrier (8) to which a rear axle (9) is fastened, which carries both rear wheels (4). Wheelchair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting element (3) of a use position in a folded position relative to the chassis frame (1) is pivotable by about 90 °. Wheelchair according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the backrest strut (5) is pivotable from a substantially vertical position of use in a substantially horizontal folding position. Wheelchair according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the backrest strut (5) can be brought from a substantially vertical position of use to a substantially parallel position to the seat stay (6). Wheelchair according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the seat stay (6) from an angular position in a substantially parallel position to the chassis frame (1) can be brought. Wheelchair according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the chassis frame (1) with a locking mechanism (10) is provided, which is releasably latched to the connecting element (3). A wheelchair according to claim 7, characterized in that the locking mechanism (10) is connected to the solution with a pull rope (11). Wheelchair according to claim 8, characterized in that the rear axle (9) can be fastened to axle carriers (8) in different positions. Wheelchair according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the front wheels (2) in different positions on the chassis frame (1) can be fastened.

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