EP2382954A2 - Collapsible wheelchair with lock - Google Patents

Abstract

The folding wheelchair has a connecting element with three sections, where the former section is connected with a side frame tube (200). The latter section is connected with a seat tube, through which the three sections of the two connecting elements are connected with each other. The three sections are components of the device for locking the folding wheelchair in its folded position.

Description

description

The present invention relates to a folding wheelchair with two side frames, which are movable away from each other for folding the folding wheelchair over a cross strut and for unfolding the folding wheelchair over the cross strut, a seat surface between two connectable to the two side frames each via a connecting element seat tube, at least two each with a side frame connectable drive wheels and at least one device for locking the folding wheelchair in its folded position.

Faltroll chairs are widely known, see, for. B. the DE 67 52 671 U and DE 71 14 296 U ,

Genuell Faltrollstühle are also known in the art, for example in the form of the marketed under the trade name Quickie® wheelchair of the applicant. This wheelchair is in the FIGS. 8 and 9 pictured and includes after FIG. 8 Furthermore, two drive wheels with tires 3, handles 4, wheel rims 5, spokes 6, hubs 7 and 8 axles 8 are provided in a conventional manner. For intended as castors front wheels are a releasable lock 9, Vorderradgehäusekappen 10, front wheel housing 11, front forks 15 and front wheels 16 are provided. The releasable lock 9 is connected on both sides of the wheelchair in each case with a footrest 14 together with footrest surfaces 17. Between the two frame parts of the wheelchair a cross brace 13 is provided. In addition, Rückradrohre 18 are provided with back wheels and armrests 19.

Subsequently, it becomes closer to the folding mechanism of the known folding wheelchair with reference to FIG. 9 apart. Thereafter, the known folding wheelchair has two side frames 20, 20 'each with a lower side frame tube 21,21' and an upper side frame tube 22, 22 ', wherein in each case the two side frame tubes 21, 22 and 21', 22 'are interconnected to form a closed side frame structure. Wherein the two side frames 20, 20 'are connected to one another via the cross brace 13, and indeed crosswise. For this purpose, the cross brace 13 has two intersecting cross brace tubes 24, 24 'whose upper ends merge into seat support tubes 23, 23' connected to the upper side frame tubes 22, 22 'while the lower ends of the cross brace tubes 24, 24' are attached to the lower side frame tubes 21, 21 'via attachment portions 25, 25'. Between the Sitzflächenhalterohren 23, 23 ', the seat 12 is clamped, namely in the unfolded state of the folding wheelchair, in which the side frames 20, 20' have a maximum distance from each other.

In the not shown, folded state of the folding wheelchair the FIGS. 8 and 9 The crossbar tubes 24, 24 'extend substantially parallel and the side frames 20, 20' are arranged close to one another. This position can be locked for transport purposes by means of a belt, not shown, including snaps. This strap is an additional component, which is not only separate from the rest of Faltrollstuhlbestandteilen produce, but also can be easily lost and especially for locking the folded folding wheelchair requires a certain dexterity, which is not always available from wheelchair users. Also, two hands are needed for folding and locking the folded position.

In the known wheelchair but also the folding and unfolding is associated with a force that can not be used by all users of folding wheelchairs. In order to improve the folding mechanism, cross brace flaps have therefore been developed, which are connected on the one hand with a cross brace and on the other hand with a side frame tube, so that a joint geometry is formed, which corresponds to a flat four-bar linkage, in which both the folded side and in the unfolded state, the two side frames -Strukturen parallel to each other. More specifically, the crossbar tabs counteract the tendency of the side frame structures to move apart approximately V-shaped upwardly during the folding operation, such as in the FIG DE 201 12 335 U1 described.

Object of the present invention is therefore to further develop the generic folding wheelchair such that it overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular allows easy locking at the end of a folding.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that each connecting element has at least three sections, wherein in each case a first section can be connected to a side frame tube, in each case a second section can be connected to a seat surface tube, and the two connecting elements can be connected to one another via the third sections, so that the third sections are components of the device for locking the folding wheelchair in its folded position, and the connection between the connecting elements over the third sections is a releasable latching or snap connection.

It is preferred that the connection of the first portion of each connecting element with the associated side frame tube is a detachable connection, in particular in the form of a screw, and / or the connection of the second portion of each connecting element with the associated Sitzflächenrohr a detachable connection, in particular providing a Sitzauflagers in the form of a Sitzflächenrohraufnahme, wherein preferably the first portion and the second portion of each connecting element are provided adjacent to each other.

With the invention it is also proposed that the third portion of each connecting element is formed as an extension of the second portion of the corresponding connecting element, and / or the third portion of the one connecting element can engage the second and / or third portion of the other connecting element, so that Preferably, the means for locking the folding wheelchair in its folded position comprises at least a second section in addition to the third sections.

It can preferably be provided that the third portion of at least one of the connecting elements at least one projection for engaging at least one projection or for engaging in at least one recess of each of the other connecting element associated second portion, and / or the second portion of the one connecting element has at least one projection for engaging at least one projection or for engaging in at least one recess of the third portion of the other connecting element , Wherein each projection and / or each recess of the second sections is preferably arranged on the side opposite to the respective seat bottom tube receiving side.

Preferred folding wheelchairs according to the invention are characterized by at least one actuating element, preferably in the form of a handle or lever for releasing the connection between the two connecting elements in the folded state of the folding wheelchair, wherein preferably each actuating element is connected to the second and / or third section of one of the two connecting elements.

In addition, it can be provided that the connecting elements extend substantially perpendicular to the side frame tubes with their three sections, wherein preferably only each actuating element extends parallel to the side frame tubes, in particular pointing away from the seat surface.

It is also proposed with the invention that the second portions of the two connecting elements are arranged in the folded position of the folding wheelchair at least partially alongside and behind one another, wherein preferably in the folded position of the folding wheelchair, the actuating lever extends centrally between the side frame tubes.

Preferred folding wheelchairs according to the invention are characterized by at least one fourth section of at least one of the guide elements in folding the folding wheelchair, preferably in the form of a guide pin which extends substantially perpendicular to the side frame tubes beyond the associated third section and in a recess of the other Connecting element is insertable. Further, the invention proposes that each connecting element is made in one piece from a plastic, wherein preferably each of the third section is formed flexible.

It is preferred that the cross strut comprises two cross strut members, and each cross strut member via an axle receiving element for a drive wheel on the one side frame tube and a cross strut tab on the other side frame tube is attachable.

It can also be provided that each cross-strut tab has a flexible part for receiving forces and a fixed holding part for stabilization.

Finally, the invention proposes that each side frame is formed by an L-shaped, in particular one-piece, tube.

The invention is based on the surprising finding that a locking of a folded folding wheelchair by means of already existing connecting elements in the form of a latching or snap closure is easy to implement. More specifically, in a folding wheelchair according to the invention when folding it a first flexibly shaped extension of a seat support at least partially under or over a second flexibly shaped extension of an opposite seat support and lock there when reaching the folded state. It is particularly advantageous if different locking positions, for example. By providing a locking projection, which can engage in one of three Arretierausnehmungen provided. In order to facilitate the folding and locking, one of the two extensions can also be provided with an insertion aid, for example in the form of a guide pin, which engages in a recess in the other extension.

The connection of the two extensions can be solved by simply pressing a lever again to unfold the folding wheelchair. Cross strut tabs preferably provide for easier unfolding.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Teilansicht eines ersten erfindungsgemäßen Faltrollstuhls im entfalteten Zustand;

Figur 2

eine Darstellung ähnlich der von Figur 1, jedoch nach einem Zusammenfalten des ersten erfindungsgemäßen Faltrollstuhls;

Figuren 3a und 3b

perspektivische Ansichten zweier Verbindungselemente des ersten erfindungsgemäßen Faltrollstuhls;

Figuren 4a und 4b

perspektivische Teilansichten eines zweiten erfindungsgemäßen Faltrollstuhls, einmal im zusammengefalteten und arretierten Zustand und einmal kurz vor der Arretierung;

Figur 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht des ersten erfindungsgemäßen Faltrollstuhls, jedoch ohne Verbindungselemente;

Figur 6

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Kreuzstrebenlasche des ersten erfindungsgemäßen Faltrollstuhls;

Figuren 7a bis 7c

den in Figur 5 gezeigten Faltrollstuhlteil in unterschiedlichen Faltpositionen, nämlich auseinandergefaltet, beim Falten und zusammengefaltet;

Figur 8

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines bekannten Rollstuhls; und

Figur 9

eine Teilexplosionsansicht des bekannten Rollstuhls aus Figur 8.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which an embodiment of a Faltrollstuhls invention is explained in detail. Showing:

FIG. 1

a partial perspective view of a first Faltrollstuhls invention in the unfolded state;

FIG. 2

a representation similar to that of FIG. 1 but after collapsing the first folding wheelchair according to the invention;

FIGS. 3a and 3b

perspective views of two connecting elements of the first folding wheelchair according to the invention;

FIGS. 4a and 4b

partial perspective views of a second Faltrollstuhls invention, once in the folded and locked state and once just before the lock;

FIG. 5

a perspective view of the first Faltrollstuhls invention, but without fasteners;

FIG. 6

a perspective view of a cross brace tab of the first folding wheelchair according to the invention;

FIGS. 7a to 7c

the in FIG. 5 Faltrollstuhlteil shown in different folding positions, namely unfolded, when folding and folded;

FIG. 8

a perspective view of a known wheelchair; and

FIG. 9

a partial explosion view of the known wheelchair FIG. 8 ,

For the following explanations is essentially of a with respect to the FIGS. 8 and 9 described Faltrollstuhl assumed.

FIG. 1 shows a portion of a first Faltrollstuhls invention with a folding wheelchair frame 100 ', which has two side frame tubes 102'a and 102'b, which are interconnected via a crossbar 103'. More specifically, each crossbar 103 'is on the one hand via an axle receiving element 104'a and 104'b for a drive wheel, not shown, as well as on the other hand via a cross strut tab 105'a and 105'b connected to the side frame tubes 102'a and 102'b. In the direction of travel in front of the cross brace 103 ', two connecting elements 133'a and 133'b are attached to the side frame tubes 102'a and 102'b. These connecting members 133'a and 133'b will be described below with reference to FIGS Figures 2, 3a and 3b discussed in detail.

FIG. 2 shows a partial enlargement of the Faltrollstuhlrahmens 100 'in the folded state thereof, in which the two connecting elements 133'a and 133'b are locked together. The connecting elements 133'a, 133'b are each fastened to a side frame tube 102'a or 102'b via a side frame tube attachment 134'a, 134'b. In addition, they each have seat surface receptacles 135 'a, 135' b, without the corresponding seat in FIG. 2 is shown. Finally settles in FIG. 2 still a lever 137'a recognize, with respect to the FIGS. 3a and 3b will be discussed in detail.

FIG. 3a shows a connecting element 133'a with its side frame tube attachment 134'a, its seat surface receiving 135'a and its lever 137'a. For cooperation with the other connecting element 133'b, which in FIG. 3b and, in turn, also has a side frame tube attachment 134'b and a seat bottom receptacle 135'b, the connection element 133'a comprises a locking projection 136'a, which can engage in one of three locking recesses 136'b of the other connection element 133'b. To facilitate folding, the other connecting element 133'b comprises a guide pin 138'b, which is insertable into a receptacle 138'a of the one connecting element 133'a. When folding the Faltrollstuhlrahmens 100 'from his in FIG. 1 shown position in the FIG. 2 shown position facilitates the insertion of the guide pins 138'b in the receptacle 138'a the subsequent engagement of the locking projection 136'a in one of Arretierausnehmungen 136'b when sliding the one connecting element 133'b partially over the other connecting element 133'a. The three Arretierausnehmungen 136'b allow locking in different folding positions. This locking can be done by pressing the lever 137'a in FIG. 2 down, be solved, since thereby the locking projection 136'a is released from the Arretierausnehmung 136'b.

A second Faltrollstuhl invention according to the FIGS. 4a and 4b two side frame tubes 200, 200 ', with which not shown Sitzflächenrohre are connectable, namely via connecting elements 300, 300'. The connecting elements 300, 300 'are, as described below, particularly designed. They each have a first section in the form of a side frame tube attachment 301, 301 ', a second section in the form of a Sitzflächenrohraufnahme 302, 302', ie in the form of a Sitzauflagers, and a third section in the form of an extension as a locking member 303, 303 '.

When folding the second folding wheelchair according to the invention, the two side frame tubes 200, 200 'are moved toward one another, so that each locking member 303, 303' slides as a flexible extension of a seat support or a seat bottom tube receptacle 302, 302 'relative to the respectively opposite seat base tube receptacle 302, 302', until finally the two locking members 303, 303 'lock together. For said latching locking projections or locking lugs 304 'in the region of the Sitzflärohrohufnahme 302' on the seat support opposite side of a connecting element 300 'and a locking projection 306 of the other connecting element 300', respectively in the range of Arretierverlängerungen 305, 305 'is provided. More specifically, when folding the second folding wheelchair according to the invention, the locking projection 306 slides behind one of the locking lugs 304 'and thus ensures the locking of the folded state, which in FIG FIG. 4a is shown.

To release the locked folding position according to FIG. 4a For example, a lever 307, which is mounted in the region of the locking extension 305, down in FIG. 4b be pressed so that the attack of the locking projection 306 to the locking tab 304 'dissolves, so the side frame tubes 200, 200' are simply removed from each other, namely for unfolding the folding wheelchair, as in FIG. 4b indicated.

The connecting elements 300, 300 'according to the invention thus fulfill a multiplicity of functions. They serve not only a detachable attachment of a seat over Sitzflächenrohre to side frame tubes 200, 200 ', but at the same time a lock of a folded state of a folding wheelchair using a simple latching connection, said lock is also easily solvable via a lever 307. The fact that the connecting elements 300, 300 'are formed as one-piece plastic elements, they are inexpensive, easy to manufacture and captive. The so-called automatic sliding of the connecting elements 300, 300 'when folding the folding wheelchair according to the invention allows easy handling, namely to lock a folding position, and the pressing on the lever 307, which is easy to implement even with limited dexterity, ensures easy release said locking , For folding and unfolding, only one hand is needed.

To simplify the folding or folding mechanism as a whole, the Faltrollstuhl invention is preferably still provided with two cross brace tabs, as with reference to the in FIGS. 5 to 7 illustrated example explained below. The FIGS. 5 to 7 show for the sake of clarity, no fasteners, but relate to the first Faltrollstuhl invention. In any case, the folding wheelchair frame 100 again comprises two side frame tubes 102a, 102b, a cross brace 103, two axle receiving elements 104a, 104b and two cross brace tabs 105a, 105b.

FIG. 6 shows a cross brace tab 105 having a receiving area 151 for a side frame tube and attachment holes 152 for attachment to a crossbar. The connecting portion from the mounting holes 152 to the receiving portion 151 has a recess 153, while the receiving portion 151 in turn by a shoulder 154 and an end 155 for allowing a snap connection on the side frame tube. Through the recess 153, the cross-strut tab 105 fulfills a spring function. It is advantageous if the cross-strut tab 105 is constructed of two parts, namely a flexible spring element 156 with a mounting opening 157 for attachment to a rigid support member 158th

The FIGS. 7a to 7c show the folding wheelchair frame 100 of FIG. 5 in three different folding positions, between each of which can be changed easily, ie by little effort, by the use of the cross-brace tabs 105a and 105b, as due to the spring property of the same purpose specific forces can be absorbed. In the FIGS. 7a to 7c are also cross brace attachment ends 131 a, 131 b and cross strut seat receptacles 132a and 132b are shown.

The Faltrollstuhl invention is overall easily foldable, both in terms of the required handles and in terms of the force to be applied.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, in the claims and in the drawings may be essential both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Backrests pipe

2

back support

3

tires

4

handle

5

wheel rim

6

spoke

7

hub

8th

axis

9

releasable lock

10

Front housing cap

11

front housing

12

seat

13

crossbrace

14

footrest

15

front fork

16

front

17

Fußstützenfläche

18

Rückradrohr

19

armrest

20, 20 '

side frame

21, 21 '

lower side frame tube

22, 22 '

Upper side frame tube

23, 23 '

Seat support tube

24, 24 '

Crossbars pipe

25, 25 '

attachment section

100, 100 '

Case Troll chair frame

102a, 102'a, 102b, 102'b

Side frame tube

103, 103 '

crossbrace

104a, 104'a, 104b, 104'b

Axis receiving member

105, 105a, 105b,

Cross bracing tab

130a, 130b

Cross strut part

131a, 131b

Cross strut attachment end

132a, 132b

Crossbars seat adapter

133'a, 133'b

connecting element

134'a, 134'b

Side frame tube mounting

135'a, 135'b

Seat recording

136'a

locking projection

136'b

locking recess

137'a

lever

13 8 'a

admission

138'b

guide pin

200,200 '

Side frame tube

300,300 '

connecting element

301.301 '

Side frame tube mounting

302.302 '

Seat tube support

303, 303 '

locking member

304 '

stop dog

305.305 '

locking extension

306

locking projection

307

lever

Claims (12)

Folding wheelchair with
two side frames (102a, 102'a, 102b, 102'b, 200, 200 ') facing each other for folding the folding wheelchair over a cross brace (103, 103') and unfolding the folding wheelchair over the cross brace (103, 103 ') ) are movable away from each other,
a seat surface between two seat bottom tubes which can be connected to the two side frames (102a, 102'a, 102b, 102'b, 200, 200 ') in each case via a connecting element (133'a, 133'b, 300, 300'),
at least two drive wheels, each connectable to a side frame (102a, 102'a, 102b, 102'b, 200, 200 '), and at least one means (133'a, 133'b, 300, 300') for locking the folding wheelchair in it folded position,
characterized in that
each connecting element (133'a, 133'b, 300, 300 ') has at least three sections, wherein
in each case a first section (134'a, 134'b, 301, 301 ') can be connected to a side frame tube (102a, 102'a, 102b, 102'b, 200, 200'),
in each case a second section (135'a, 135'b, 302, 302 ') can be connected to a seat surface tube, and
via the third sections (136'a, 136'b, 137'a, 138'a, 138'b, 303, 303 ', 304', 305, 305 ', 306, 307) the two connecting elements (133'a, 133'b, 300, 300 ') are connectable to each other, so that
the third sections are components of the device for locking the folding wheelchair in its folded position, and
the connection between the connecting elements (133'a, 133'b, 300, 300 ') over the third sections is a releasable detent or snap connection. Folding wheelchair according to claim 1, characterized in that
the connection of the first portion (134'a, 134'b, 301, 301 ') of each connecting element (133'a, 133'b, 300, 300') with the associated one Side frame tube (102a, 102'a, 102b, 102'b, 200, 200 ') is a detachable connection, in particular in the form of a screw connection, and / or the connection of the second section (135'a, 135'b, 302, 302 ') of each connecting element (133'a, 133'b, 300, 300') with the associated seat surface tube is a detachable connection, in particular with provision of a seat support in the form of a seat surface tube receptacle,
preferably
the first portion (134'a, 134'b, 301, 301 ') and the second portion (135'a, 135'b, 302, 302') of each connecting element (133'a, 133'b, 300, 300 ') are provided adjacent to each other. Folding wheelchair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the third section (136'a, 136'b, 137'a, 138'a, 138'b, 303, 303 ', 304', 305 ', 306, 307) of each connecting element (133'a, 133'b, 300, 300 ') as an extension of the second section (135'a, 135'b, 302, 302') of the corresponding connecting element (133'a, 133'b, 300, 300 ') is formed, and / or
the third portion of the one connecting element can engage the second and / or third portion of the other connecting element,
so that preferably
the device for locking the folding wheelchair in its folded-together position comprises at least one second section in addition to the third sections. Folding wheelchair according to claim 3, characterized in that the third section of at least one of the connecting elements (133'a, 133'b, 300, 300 ') at least one projection (136'a, 306) for engaging at least one projection (304') or for engaging in at least one recess (136'b) of each of the other connecting element (133'b, 300 ') associated second portion (135'b, 302'), and / or
the second portion of the one connecting element has at least one projection for engaging at least one projection or for engaging in at least one recess of the third portion of the respective other connecting element, preferably
each projection (304 ') and / or each recess (136'b) of the second portions (135'b, 302') is disposed on the opposite side of the respective seat bottom tube receiving. Folding wheelchair according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one actuating element (137'a, 307), preferably in the form of a handle or lever, for releasing the connection between the two connecting elements (133'a, 133'b, 300, 300 ') in the folded state of the folding wheelchair,
preferably
each actuating element (137'a, 307) is connected to the second and / or third section of one of the two connecting elements (133'a, 300) Folding wheelchair according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting elements (133'a, 133'b, 300, 300 ') are substantially perpendicular to the side frame tubes (102a, 102'a, 102b, 102'b, 200, 200 ') extend with their three sections,
preferably
only each actuating element (137'a, 307) extends parallel to the side frame tubes (102a, 102'a, 102b, 102'b, 200, 200 '), in particular pointing away from the seat surface. Folding wheelchair according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second sections (136'a, 136'b, 302, 302 ') of the two connecting elements (133'a, 133'b, 300, 300') in the folded position of Faltrollstuhls are at least partially arranged side by side and behind one another,
preferably
in the folded position of the folding wheelchair, the operating lever (137'a, 307) extends centrally between the side frame tubes (102a, 102'a, 102b, 102'b, 200, 200 '). Folding wheelchair according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one fourth section of at least one of the connecting elements (133'b) in Form of a guide aid during folding of the folding wheelchair, preferably in the form of a guide pin (138'b) extending substantially perpendicular to the side frame tubes (102'a, 102'b) beyond the associated third section (136'b) and in FIG a recess (138'a) of the other connecting element (133'a) is insertable. Faltrollstuhl according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each connecting element (133'a, 133'b, 300, 300 ') is made in one piece from a plastic,
preferably,
the respective third section (136'a, 136'b, 137'a, 138'a, 138'b, 303, 303 ', 304', 305 ', 306, 307) is flexibly shaped. Folding wheelchair according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross brace (103) comprises two cross brace parts (130a, 130b), and
each cross brace member (130a, 130b) being attachable to the one side frame tube (102a, 102b) via an axle receiving member (104a, 104b) for a drive wheel and to the other side frame tube (102a, 102b) via a cross brace tab (105, 105a, 105b), Folding wheelchair according to claim 10, characterized in that each cross-strut tab (105, 105a, 105b) has a flexible part (153) for receiving forces and a fixed holding part (158) for stabilization. Folding wheelchair according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each side frame is formed by an L-shaped, in particular one-piece, tube (102a, 102'a, 102b, 102'b).

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