EP2671556A1 - Powered wheelchair - Google Patents

Powered wheelchair Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2671556A1
EP2671556A1 EP20130170535 EP13170535A EP2671556A1 EP 2671556 A1 EP2671556 A1 EP 2671556A1 EP 20130170535 EP20130170535 EP 20130170535 EP 13170535 A EP13170535 A EP 13170535A EP 2671556 A1 EP2671556 A1 EP 2671556A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pivot
wheelchair
arms
suspension arm
pivot connection
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP20130170535
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2671556B1 (en
Inventor
François Porcheron
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4 Power 4
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4 Power 4
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Publication date
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Publication of EP2671556A1 publication Critical patent/EP2671556A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2671556B1 publication Critical patent/EP2671556B1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
    • A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
    • A61G5/04—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs motor-driven
    • A61G5/041—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs motor-driven having a specific drive-type
    • A61G5/045—Rear wheel drive
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
    • A61G5/06—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs with obstacle mounting facilities, e.g. for climbing stairs, kerbs or steps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
    • A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
    • A61G5/1078—Parts, details or accessories with shock absorbers or other suspension arrangements between wheels and frame
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
    • A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
    • A61G5/12—Rests specially adapted therefor, e.g. for the head or the feet
    • A61G5/121—Rests specially adapted therefor, e.g. for the head or the feet for head or neck
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
    • A61G2203/10—General characteristics of devices characterised by specific control means, e.g. for adjustment or steering
    • A61G2203/14—Joysticks

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a motorized wheelchair specifically for persons with disabilities or reduced mobility.
  • a motorized wheelchair for a disabled person comprises a frame supported by wheels and a motor for moving the chair.
  • Motorized wheelchairs are generally without a suspension system, which is detrimental to the comfort of their user since the shocks resulting from the state of the roadway are directly passed on to the user.
  • the suspension systems used in conventional wheelchairs generally cause a pitching phenomenon, that is to say, alternating tilting of the wheelchair forwards and backwards, for example at the wheelchair. following an obstacle clearance or due to acceleration or deceleration.
  • This pitch of the chair is obviously detrimental to the comfort of the passenger, since the latter is tossed back and forth.
  • the present invention aims to overcome all or part of these disadvantages by providing a motorized wheelchair equipped with a suspension system ensuring a better passenger comfort, including preventing the pitch of the chair when it accelerates, decelerates, or circulates on an irregular surface.
  • the subject of the present invention is a motorized wheelchair comprising a chassis, a seat attached to the chassis, and at least one motor intended for moving the wheelchair, characterized in that the wheelchair comprises two front suspension arms, one of which upper front suspension arm and a lower front suspension arm, each front suspension arm being connected by a pivot connection P1, P1 'to the chassis and by a pivot link P2, P2' to a support assembly of a front wheel, so that the pivot links P1, P1 'and P2, P2' form a deformable parallelogram P1, P1 ', P2, P2', two rear suspension arms, including an upper rear suspension arm and a lower rear suspension arm, each rear suspension arm being connected by a pivot connection P3, P3 'to the chassis and by a pivot connection P4, P4' to a support assembly of a rear wheel, so that the pivot links P3, P3 'and P4, P4 'form a parallel deformable plate P3, P3 ', P4, P4', and connecting means arranged to connect
  • the wheelchair according to the invention offers the advantage of significantly improving the comfort of the user, on the one hand by absorbing the shocks generated by the movement of the chair on an irregular surface, and on the other hand by limiting substantially the pitch of the chair on uneven surface or during the acceleration or deceleration phases, in particular by means of the coupling between one of the front suspension arms and one of the rear suspension arms, this coupling causing a rotation inverted and simultaneous front suspension arms and rear suspension arms to better stabilize the frame for supporting the user.
  • any pitching movement (dive of the wheelchair forward or rearward rotation of the wheelchair) is transformed, via the deformable parallelograms forming the front and rear suspension arms and the connection between these deformable parallelograms, in a horizontal damping simply varying the seat height.
  • any pitching movement results in a substantially vertical displacement (raising or lowering) of the seat, parallel to the plane formed by the bearing points of the wheels on the ground; the seat remains horizontal and moves away or approaches the wheels.
  • the pivot links P2, P2 ', or the pivot links P4, P4' are arranged vertically relative to each other and connected to a pivot included in the support assembly which they connect to the front suspension arms, or respectively to the rear suspension arms, this support assembly comprising a free wheel flange mounted free to rotate relative to the pivot.
  • the segment P2, P2 'of the parallelogram P1, P1', P2, P2 'or the segment P4, P4' of the parallelogram P3, P3 ', P4, P4' is substantially vertical.
  • This arrangement advantageously makes it possible to ensure the verticality of the pivot of the crazy front or rear wheel during the deflection of the suspension. The risk of wobbling of this idle wheel is thus limited and the comfort of the user improved.
  • each motor is supported by one of the front or rear wheel support assemblies.
  • This configuration advantageously cancels the reaction movements of the suspension during acceleration and braking, so the pitching up and wheelchair dive during phases of speed variation. There is therefore no need to increase the hardness of the suspension to combat these effects. The comfort of the user is improved.
  • the center of gravity of the wheelchair according to this embodiment of the invention is lowered and closer to the ground for better stability.
  • the chair comprises return means and / or damping adapted to absorb the deflections of the front and rear suspension arms, the return means and / or damping being mounted in a cantilever between the one of the front suspension arms and one of the rear suspension arms.
  • This arrangement makes it possible, in addition to fulfilling a damping function, to advantageously use a single damping system for two wheels (a front wheel and a rear wheel) of the wheelchair. It also increases the travel of the suspension arms, so the quality of depreciation.
  • the return and / or damping means comprise a spring-shock absorber connected by a pivot connection P7 to one of the front suspension arms and by a pivot connection P8 to one of the rear suspension arms. .
  • the connecting means are connected to one of the front suspension arms by a pivot link P5 and to one of the rear suspension arms by a pivot link P6.
  • the pivot link P5 and the pivot link P6 are arranged on either side of an axis I connecting that, among the pivot link P1 and the pivot link P1 ', and that, among the pivot link P2 or the link pivot P2 ', which connect to the chassis the front and rear suspension arms interconnected by the connecting means.
  • the connecting means connect the upper front suspension arm and the upper rear suspension arm.
  • This arrangement has the advantage of a small footprint.
  • the connecting means comprise a connecting rod.
  • the connecting means comprise an elastic member.
  • the figure 1 shows a wheelchair 1 according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • the wheelchair 1 comprises a frame 2 intended to support a user 100, a seat secured to the frame 2, and at least one motor 4 intended for the traction or propulsion of the wheelchair 1, as is visible on the Figures 1 to 3 .
  • the chair 1 can include four drive wheels.
  • the wheelchair 1 also comprises two front suspension arms 6a, 6b, including an upper front suspension arm 6a and a lower front suspension arm 6b.
  • the upper front suspension arm 6a is connected by a pivot link P1 with a transverse axis to the chassis 2 and by a pivot link P2 with a transverse axis to a support assembly 8 of a front wheel 10.
  • the front suspension arm 6b lower is connected by a pivot link P1 'of transverse axis to the frame 2 and by a transverse axis pivot link P2' to the support assembly 8 of the front wheel 10.
  • the pivot links P1, P1 ', P2, P2 ' form a first deformable parallelogram (P1, P1', P2, P2 ').
  • the pivot links P1, P1 'and the pivot links P2, P2' can be arranged substantially vertically, so that the sides (P1, P1 ') and (P2, P2') are substantially vertical.
  • the wheelchair 1 also comprises two arms 12a, 12b of rear suspension, including an upper rear suspension arm 12a connected to the chassis 2 by a pivot link P3 with a transverse axis and to a support assembly 14 for a rear wheel 16 by a pivot link P4 of transverse axis, and a lower rear suspension arm 12b connected to the chassis 2 by a transverse axis pivot connection P3 'and to the support assembly 14 of the rear wheel 16 via a pivot connection P4' transverse axis.
  • the pivot links P3, P3 ', P4, P4' form a second deformable parallelogram (P3, P3 ', P4, P4').
  • the pivot links P3, P3 'and the pivot links P4, P4' can be arranged substantially vertically, so that the sides (P3, P3 ') and (P4, P4') are substantially vertical.
  • the chair 1 comprises return means and / or damping, as a combined 18 spring-damper comprising a spring 20 cooperating with a damper 22 to absorb the movements of the arms 6a, 6b, 12a, 12b of front and rear suspension .
  • the chair 1 also comprises, in a very advantageous manner, connecting means, for example a connecting rod 24, arranged for connecting one of the front suspension arms 6a, 6b to one of the rear suspension arms 12a, 12b and transforming each rotational movement of this front suspension arm relative to the chassis 2 in a reverse rotation movement with respect to the chassis 2 of the arm 12a, 12b rear suspension to which it is connected by the connecting means.
  • connecting means for example a connecting rod 24, arranged for connecting one of the front suspension arms 6a, 6b to one of the rear suspension arms 12a, 12b and transforming each rotational movement of this front suspension arm relative to the chassis 2 in a reverse rotation movement with respect to the chassis 2 of the arm 12a, 12b rear suspension to which it is connected by the connecting means.
  • the connecting means such as the connecting rod 24 transform each rotational movement of the rear suspension arm 12a, 12b into a reverse rotation movement of the front suspension arm 6a, 6b connected to the rear suspension arm 12a, 12b by this means. connecting rod 24.
  • the connecting rod 24 connects the upper front suspension arm 6a to the upper rear suspension arm 12a, to limit the bulk in the lower part of the chair 1, close to the ground.
  • the connecting rod 24 can be connected to the upper front suspension arm 6a by a pivot link P5 and to the upper rear suspension arm 12a by a pivot link P6.
  • the pivot connection P5 and the pivot connection P6 can be arranged on either side of an axis I connecting the pivot connection P1 and the pivot link P2 to optimize the transmission of force of the upper front suspension arm 6a to the arm 12a. upper rear suspension.
  • the combined 18 spring - damper can be cantilevered between one of the arms 6a, 6b front suspension and one of the arms 12a, 12b rear suspension.
  • the combined spring-shock absorber is cantilevered between the upper front suspension arm 6a and the upper rear suspension arm 12a.
  • the combined shock absorber spring 18 can be connected by a pivot connection P7 to the upper front suspension arm 6a and a pivot connection P8 to the upper rear suspension arm 12a.
  • the front wheels 10 are crazy. They can be mounted free to rotate about a substantially horizontal axis on a flange 26 of idle wheel. Each flange 26 of idler wheel can then be mounted free to rotate about a substantially vertical axis relative to a pivot 28.
  • the pivot 28 and the flange 26 are part of the support assembly 8.
  • the pivot 28 is connected to the upper suspension arm 6a by the pivot link P2 and the lower front suspension arm 6b by the pivot connection P2 '.
  • the pivot links P2 and P2 ' are substantially vertically aligned and substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the flange 26 relative to the pivot 28.
  • the engine 4 is supported by the rear wheel support assembly 14, itself connected by the pivot links P4, P4 'to the rear suspension arms 12a, 12b.
  • the motor 4 is thus supported by the deformable parallelogram (P3, P3 ', P4, P4').
  • the rotation of the upper front suspension arm 6a generates a force 32 transmitted by the connecting rod 28 to the upper rear suspension arm 12a.
  • the force 32 transmitted by the rod 28 consequently causes the rotation of the upper rear suspension arm 12a relative to the chassis 2, around the pivot connection P3, in accordance with the arrow 34 of the figure 3 .
  • the rotational movement of the upper rear suspension arm 12a is reversed relative to the rotational movement of the upper front suspension arm 6a.
  • the rotational movement of the upper rear suspension arm 12a may be substantially symmetrical to that of the upper front suspension arm 6a with respect to a substantially transverse plane.
  • the figures 5 and 6 show the suspension system of the chair 1 according to an exemplary embodiment, in extreme operating positions, superimposed on the figure 7 .
  • the connecting means may for example comprise an elastic member, such as a spring, because a very slight pitch can be accepted by the user.
  • the engine 4 could be supported by the front wheel support assembly 10, while the rear wheels 16 could be mounted idle.

Abstract

The wheelchair has upper and lower front suspension arms (6a, 6b) and upper and lower rear suspension arms (12a, 12b) connected by pivots (P1, P1', P2, P2') to a chassis and to support assemblies (8, 14) of front and rear wheels (10, 16), respectively. A connecting rod (24) connects one of the front arms to one of the rear arms, and converts rotational movement of the front arm into a reverse rotational movement of the rear arm, so that any pitching movement of the chair is converted into a vertical movement of a seat parallel to a plane formed by bearing points of the wheels on the ground.

Description

La présente invention concerne un fauteuil roulant motorisé destiné plus particulièrement aux personnes handicapées ou à mobilité réduite.The present invention relates to a motorized wheelchair specifically for persons with disabilities or reduced mobility.

Classiquement, un fauteuil roulant motorisé pour personne handicapée comprend un châssis supporté par des roues et un moteur destiné au déplacement du fauteuil. Les fauteuils roulants motorisés sont généralement dépourvus de système de suspension, ce qui est préjudiciable au confort de leur utilisateur puisque les chocs résultant de l'état de la chaussée sont directement répercutés à l'utilisateur.Conventionally, a motorized wheelchair for a disabled person comprises a frame supported by wheels and a motor for moving the chair. Motorized wheelchairs are generally without a suspension system, which is detrimental to the comfort of their user since the shocks resulting from the state of the roadway are directly passed on to the user.

De plus, lorsqu'ils existent, les systèmes de suspension équipant les fauteuils roulants traditionnels engendrent généralement un phénomène de tangage, c'est-à-dire de basculement alterné du fauteuil vers l'avant et vers l'arrière, par exemple à la suite d'un franchissement d'obstacle ou en raison d'une accélération ou décélération. Ce tangage du fauteuil est évidemment préjudiciable au confort du passager, puisque ce dernier est balloté d'avant en arrière.In addition, when they exist, the suspension systems used in conventional wheelchairs generally cause a pitching phenomenon, that is to say, alternating tilting of the wheelchair forwards and backwards, for example at the wheelchair. following an obstacle clearance or due to acceleration or deceleration. This pitch of the chair is obviously detrimental to the comfort of the passenger, since the latter is tossed back and forth.

Aussi la présente invention vise à pallier tout ou partie de ces inconvénients en proposant un fauteuil roulant motorisé équipé d'un système de suspension assurant un meilleur confort du passager, notamment en prévenant le tangage du fauteuil lorsque celui-ci accélère, décélère, ou circule sur une surface irrégulière.Also the present invention aims to overcome all or part of these disadvantages by providing a motorized wheelchair equipped with a suspension system ensuring a better passenger comfort, including preventing the pitch of the chair when it accelerates, decelerates, or circulates on an irregular surface.

A cet effet, la présente invention a pour objet un fauteuil roulant motorisé comprenant un châssis, une assise rattachée au châssis, et au moins un moteur destiné au déplacement du fauteuil, caractérisé en ce que le fauteuil comprend deux bras de suspension avant, dont un bras de suspension avant supérieur et un bras de suspension avant inférieur, chaque bras de suspension avant étant relié par une liaison pivot P1, P1' au châssis et par une liaison pivot P2, P2' à un ensemble de support d'une roue avant, de sorte que les liaisons pivot P1, P1' et P2, P2' forment un parallélogramme déformable P1, P1', P2, P2', deux bras de suspension arrière, dont un bras de suspension arrière supérieur et un bras de suspension arrière inférieur, chaque bras de suspension arrière étant relié par une liaison pivot P3, P3' au châssis et par une liaison pivot P4, P4' à un ensemble de support d'une roue arrière, de sorte que les liaisons pivot P3, P3' et P4, P4' forment un parallélogramme déformable P3, P3', P4, P4', et des moyens de liaison agencés pour relier l'un des bras de suspension avant à l'un des bras de suspension arrière et transformer chaque mouvement de rotation de ce bras de suspension avant par rapport au châssis en un mouvement de rotation inverse par rapport au châssis du bras de suspension arrière auquel il est relié par les moyens de liaison, et réciproquement, tout mouvement de tangage du fauteuil étant ainsi transformé en un déplacement sensiblement vertical de l'assise parallèlement au plan formé par les points d'appui des roues du fauteuil sur le sol.For this purpose, the subject of the present invention is a motorized wheelchair comprising a chassis, a seat attached to the chassis, and at least one motor intended for moving the wheelchair, characterized in that the wheelchair comprises two front suspension arms, one of which upper front suspension arm and a lower front suspension arm, each front suspension arm being connected by a pivot connection P1, P1 'to the chassis and by a pivot link P2, P2' to a support assembly of a front wheel, so that the pivot links P1, P1 'and P2, P2' form a deformable parallelogram P1, P1 ', P2, P2', two rear suspension arms, including an upper rear suspension arm and a lower rear suspension arm, each rear suspension arm being connected by a pivot connection P3, P3 'to the chassis and by a pivot connection P4, P4' to a support assembly of a rear wheel, so that the pivot links P3, P3 'and P4, P4 'form a parallel deformable plate P3, P3 ', P4, P4', and connecting means arranged to connect one of the front suspension arms to one of the rear suspension arms and transform each rotational movement of the front suspension arm relative to the chassis in a reverse rotational movement relative to the frame of the rear suspension arm to which it is connected by the connecting means, and conversely, any pitching movement of the chair being thus transformed into a substantially vertical displacement of the seat parallel to the plane formed by the points of support of the wheels of the chair on the floor.

Ainsi, le fauteuil roulant selon l'invention offre l'avantage d'améliorer sensiblement le confort de l'utilisateur, d'une part en absorbant les chocs générés par le déplacement du fauteuil sur une surface irrégulière, et d'autre part en limitant sensiblement le tangage du fauteuil sur surface irrégulière ou pendant les phases d'accélération ou de décélération, notamment par l'intermédiaire du couplage entre l'un des bras de suspension avant et l'un des bras de suspension arrière, ce couplage entraînant une rotation inversée et simultanée des bras de suspension avant et des bras de suspension arrière pour mieux stabiliser le châssis destiné à supporter l'utilisateur.Thus, the wheelchair according to the invention offers the advantage of significantly improving the comfort of the user, on the one hand by absorbing the shocks generated by the movement of the chair on an irregular surface, and on the other hand by limiting substantially the pitch of the chair on uneven surface or during the acceleration or deceleration phases, in particular by means of the coupling between one of the front suspension arms and one of the rear suspension arms, this coupling causing a rotation inverted and simultaneous front suspension arms and rear suspension arms to better stabilize the frame for supporting the user.

Il est important de noter que tout mouvement de tangage (plongée du fauteuil vers l'avant ou cabrage du fauteuil vers l'arrière) est transformé, via les parallèlogrammes déformables formant les bras de suspension avant et arrière et la liaison entre ces parallélogrammes déformables, en un amortissement à l'horizontale faisant simplement varier la hauteur d'assise.It is important to note that any pitching movement (dive of the wheelchair forward or rearward rotation of the wheelchair) is transformed, via the deformable parallelograms forming the front and rear suspension arms and the connection between these deformable parallelograms, in a horizontal damping simply varying the seat height.

En d'autres termes, avec le fauteuil selon l'invention, tout mouvement de tangage a pour résultat un déplacement (élévation ou abaissement) sensiblement vertical de l'assise, parallèlement au plan formé par les points d'appui des roues au sol ; l'assise reste à l'horizontale et s'éloigne ou s'approche des roues.In other words, with the chair according to the invention, any pitching movement results in a substantially vertical displacement (raising or lowering) of the seat, parallel to the plane formed by the bearing points of the wheels on the ground; the seat remains horizontal and moves away or approaches the wheels.

Selon un mode de réalisation, les liaisons pivot P2, P2', ou les liaisons pivot P4, P4', sont disposées verticalement l'une par rapport à l'autre et reliées à un pivot compris dans l'ensemble de support qu'elles relient aux bras de suspension avant, ou respectivement aux bras de suspension arrière, cet ensemble de support comprenant une bride de roue folle montée libre en rotation par rapport au pivot.According to one embodiment, the pivot links P2, P2 ', or the pivot links P4, P4' are arranged vertically relative to each other and connected to a pivot included in the support assembly which they connect to the front suspension arms, or respectively to the rear suspension arms, this support assembly comprising a free wheel flange mounted free to rotate relative to the pivot.

En d'autres termes, le segment P2, P2' du parallélogramme P1, P1', P2, P2' ou le segment P4, P4' du parallèlogramme P3, P3', P4, P4' est sensiblement vertical. Cette disposition permet avantageusement d'assurer la verticalité du pivot de la roue avant ou arrière folle lors du débattement de la suspension. Le risque de vacillement de cette roue folle est ainsi limitée et le confort de l'utilisateur amélioré.In other words, the segment P2, P2 'of the parallelogram P1, P1', P2, P2 'or the segment P4, P4' of the parallelogram P3, P3 ', P4, P4' is substantially vertical. This arrangement advantageously makes it possible to ensure the verticality of the pivot of the crazy front or rear wheel during the deflection of the suspension. The risk of wobbling of this idle wheel is thus limited and the comfort of the user improved.

Selon une possibilité, chaque moteur est supporté par l'un des ensembles de support de roue avant ou arrière.According to one possibility, each motor is supported by one of the front or rear wheel support assemblies.

Cette configuration annule avantageusement les mouvements de réaction de la suspension lors des accélérations et freinages, donc le cabrage le cabrage et la plongée du fauteuil lors des phases de variation de vitesse. Il n'y a donc pas besoin d'augmenter la dureté de la suspension pour lutter contre ces effets. Le confort de l'utilisateur s'en trouve amélioré.This configuration advantageously cancels the reaction movements of the suspension during acceleration and braking, so the pitching up and wheelchair dive during phases of speed variation. There is therefore no need to increase the hardness of the suspension to combat these effects. The comfort of the user is improved.

De plus, le centre de gravité du fauteuil roulant selon ce mode de réalisation de l'invention est abaissé et plus proche du sol pour une meilleure stabilité.In addition, the center of gravity of the wheelchair according to this embodiment of the invention is lowered and closer to the ground for better stability.

Selon une forme d'exécution, le fauteuil comprend des moyens de rappel et/ou d'amortissement adaptés pour absorber les débattements des bras de suspension avant et arrière, les moyens de rappel et/ou d'amortissement étant montés en cantilever entre l'un des bras de suspension avant et l'un des bras de suspension arrière.According to one embodiment, the chair comprises return means and / or damping adapted to absorb the deflections of the front and rear suspension arms, the return means and / or damping being mounted in a cantilever between the one of the front suspension arms and one of the rear suspension arms.

Cette disposition permet, outre remplir une fonction d'amortissement, d'utiliser avantageusement un unique système d'amortissement pour deux roues (une roue avant et une roue arrière) du fauteuil. Elle permet également d'accroître le débattement des bras de suspension, donc la qualité de l'amortissement.This arrangement makes it possible, in addition to fulfilling a damping function, to advantageously use a single damping system for two wheels (a front wheel and a rear wheel) of the wheelchair. It also increases the travel of the suspension arms, so the quality of depreciation.

De manière avantageuse, les moyens de rappel et/ou d'amortissement comprennent un combiné ressort - amortisseur relié par une liaison pivot P7 à l'un des bras de suspension avant et par une liaison pivot P8 à l'un des bras de suspension arrière.Advantageously, the return and / or damping means comprise a spring-shock absorber connected by a pivot connection P7 to one of the front suspension arms and by a pivot connection P8 to one of the rear suspension arms. .

Selon une forme de réalisation, les moyens de liaison sont reliés à l'un des bras de suspension avant par une liaison pivot P5 et à l'un des bras de suspension arrière par une liaison pivot P6.According to one embodiment, the connecting means are connected to one of the front suspension arms by a pivot link P5 and to one of the rear suspension arms by a pivot link P6.

Avantageusement, la liaison pivot P5 et la liaison pivot P6 sont agencées de part et d'autre d'un axe I reliant celle, parmi la liaison pivot P1 et la liaison pivot P1', et celle, parmi la liaison pivot P2 ou la liaison pivot P2', qui relient au châssis les bras de suspension avant et arrière liés entre eux par les moyens de liaison.Advantageously, the pivot link P5 and the pivot link P6 are arranged on either side of an axis I connecting that, among the pivot link P1 and the pivot link P1 ', and that, among the pivot link P2 or the link pivot P2 ', which connect to the chassis the front and rear suspension arms interconnected by the connecting means.

Cela permet d'optimiser la transmission d'efforts entre le bras de suspension avant et le bras de suspension arrière couplés l'un à l'autre par les moyens de liaison.This optimizes the transmission of forces between the front suspension arm and the rear suspension arm coupled to each other by the connecting means.

Selon une caractéristique du fauteuil roulant selon l'invention, les moyens de liaison relient le bras de suspension avant supérieur et le bras de suspension arrière supérieur.According to a characteristic of the wheelchair according to the invention, the connecting means connect the upper front suspension arm and the upper rear suspension arm.

Cette disposition présente l'avantage d'un encombrement restreint.This arrangement has the advantage of a small footprint.

Selon un mode de réalisation, les moyens de liaison comprennent une bielle.According to one embodiment, the connecting means comprise a connecting rod.

Selon une possibilité, les moyens de liaison comprennent un organe élastique.According to one possibility, the connecting means comprise an elastic member.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention ressortiront clairement de la description détaillée ci-après d'un mode de réalisation, donné à titre d'exemple non limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • les figures 1 à 3 sont des vues d'ensemble et de profil d'un fauteuil roulant selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, dans différentes positions de fonctionnement,
  • les figures 4 à 6 sont des vues de profil de la partie basse d'un fauteuil selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, dans différentes positions de fonctionnement,
  • la figure 7 est une vue de profil et par transparence représentant comparativement deux positions extrêmes de débattement des bras de suspension avant et arrière d'un fauteuil selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge clearly from the following detailed description of an embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • the Figures 1 to 3 are overall and profile views of a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the invention, in different operating positions,
  • the Figures 4 to 6 are side views of the lower part of a chair according to one embodiment of the invention, in different operating positions,
  • the figure 7 is a profile view and transparency representing comparatively two extreme positions of movement of the front and rear suspension arms of a chair according to one embodiment of the invention.

La figure 1 montre un fauteuil roulant 1 selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention.The figure 1 shows a wheelchair 1 according to one embodiment of the invention.

On précise que la description est réalisée par rapport à un référentiel cartésien lié au fauteuil 1, l'axe X étant orienté dans la direction longitudinale du fauteuil 1, l'axe Y étant orienté dans la direction transversale du fauteuil 1 et l'axe Z étant orienté dans la direction verticale du fauteuil 1. Les orientations, directions et déplacements longitudinaux, transversaux, verticaux, avant, arrière sont ainsi définis par rapport à ce référentiel.It is specified that the description is made with respect to a Cartesian frame linked to the chair 1, the X axis being oriented in the longitudinal direction of the chair 1, the Y axis being oriented in the transverse direction of the chair 1 and the Z axis being oriented in the vertical direction of the chair 1. The orientations, directions and longitudinal, transverse, vertical, front, rear displacements are thus defined with respect to this reference system.

Le fauteuil roulant 1 comprend un châssis 2 destiné à supporter un utilisateur 100, une assise solidaire du châssis 2, et au moins un moteur 4 destiné à la traction ou à la propulsion du fauteuil roulant 1, comme cela est visibles sur les figures 1 à 3. Le fauteuil 1 peut comprendre quatre roues motrices.The wheelchair 1 comprises a frame 2 intended to support a user 100, a seat secured to the frame 2, and at least one motor 4 intended for the traction or propulsion of the wheelchair 1, as is visible on the Figures 1 to 3 . The chair 1 can include four drive wheels.

Comme cela est visible sur les figures 4 à 6, le fauteuil roulant 1 comprend également deux bras 6a, 6b de suspension avant, dont un bras 6a de suspension avant supérieur et un bras 6b de suspension avant inférieur. Le bras 6a de suspension avant supérieur est relié par une liaison pivot P1 d'axe transversal au châssis 2 et par une liaison pivot P2 d'axe transversal à un ensemble 8 de support d'une roue avant 10. Le bras 6b de suspension avant inférieur est relié par une liaison pivot P1' d'axe transversal au châssis 2 et par une liaison pivot P2' d'axe transversal à l'ensemble 8 de support de la roue avant 10. Les liaisons pivot P1, P1', P2, P2' forment un premier parallélogramme déformable (P1, P1', P2, P2'). Les liaisons pivot P1, P1' et les liaisons pivot P2, P2' peuvent être agencées de manière sensiblement verticale, de sorte que les côtés (P1, P1') et (P2, P2') soient sensiblement verticaux.As is visible on the Figures 4 to 6 the wheelchair 1 also comprises two front suspension arms 6a, 6b, including an upper front suspension arm 6a and a lower front suspension arm 6b. The upper front suspension arm 6a is connected by a pivot link P1 with a transverse axis to the chassis 2 and by a pivot link P2 with a transverse axis to a support assembly 8 of a front wheel 10. The front suspension arm 6b lower is connected by a pivot link P1 'of transverse axis to the frame 2 and by a transverse axis pivot link P2' to the support assembly 8 of the front wheel 10. The pivot links P1, P1 ', P2, P2 'form a first deformable parallelogram (P1, P1', P2, P2 '). The pivot links P1, P1 'and the pivot links P2, P2' can be arranged substantially vertically, so that the sides (P1, P1 ') and (P2, P2') are substantially vertical.

Le fauteuil roulant 1 comprend également deux bras 12a, 12b de suspension arrière, dont un bras 12a de suspension arrière supérieur relié au châssis 2 par une liaison pivot P3 d'axe transversal et à un ensemble 14 de support d'une roue arrière 16 par une liaison pivot P4 d'axe transversal, et un bras 12b de suspension arrière inférieur relié au châssis 2 par une liaison pivot P3' d'axe transversal et à l'ensemble 14 de support de la roue arrière 16 par une liaison pivot P4' d'axe transversal. Les liaisons pivot P3, P3', P4, P4' forment un deuxième parallélogramme déformable (P3, P3', P4, P4'). Les liaisons pivot P3, P3' et les liaisons pivot P4, P4' peuvent être agencées de manière sensiblement verticale, de sorte que les côtés (P3, P3') et (P4, P4') soient sensiblement verticaux.The wheelchair 1 also comprises two arms 12a, 12b of rear suspension, including an upper rear suspension arm 12a connected to the chassis 2 by a pivot link P3 with a transverse axis and to a support assembly 14 for a rear wheel 16 by a pivot link P4 of transverse axis, and a lower rear suspension arm 12b connected to the chassis 2 by a transverse axis pivot connection P3 'and to the support assembly 14 of the rear wheel 16 via a pivot connection P4' transverse axis. The pivot links P3, P3 ', P4, P4' form a second deformable parallelogram (P3, P3 ', P4, P4'). The pivot links P3, P3 'and the pivot links P4, P4' can be arranged substantially vertically, so that the sides (P3, P3 ') and (P4, P4') are substantially vertical.

Comme cela est visible sur les figures 4 à 6, le fauteuil 1 comprend des moyens de rappel et/ou d'amortissement, comme un combiné 18 ressort - amortisseur comprenant un ressort 20 coopérant avec un amortisseur 22 pour absorber les débattements des bras 6a, 6b, 12a, 12b de suspension avant et arrière.As is visible on the Figures 4 to 6 , the chair 1 comprises return means and / or damping, as a combined 18 spring-damper comprising a spring 20 cooperating with a damper 22 to absorb the movements of the arms 6a, 6b, 12a, 12b of front and rear suspension .

Le fauteuil 1 comprend également de manière tout à fait avantageuse des moyens de liaison, par exemple une bielle 24, agencés pour relier l'un des bras 6a, 6b de suspension avant à l'un des bras 12a, 12b de suspension arrière et transformer chaque mouvement de rotation de ce bras de suspension avant par rapport au châssis 2 en un mouvement de rotation inverse par rapport au châssis 2 du bras 12a, 12b de suspension arrière auquel il est relié par les moyens de liaison. De manière réciproque, les moyens de liaison comme la bielle 24 transforment chaque mouvement de rotation du bras 12a, 12b de suspension arrière en un mouvement de rotation inverse du bras 6a, 6b de suspension avant relié au bras 12a, 12b de suspension arrière par cette bielle 24.The chair 1 also comprises, in a very advantageous manner, connecting means, for example a connecting rod 24, arranged for connecting one of the front suspension arms 6a, 6b to one of the rear suspension arms 12a, 12b and transforming each rotational movement of this front suspension arm relative to the chassis 2 in a reverse rotation movement with respect to the chassis 2 of the arm 12a, 12b rear suspension to which it is connected by the connecting means. In a reciprocal manner, the connecting means such as the connecting rod 24 transform each rotational movement of the rear suspension arm 12a, 12b into a reverse rotation movement of the front suspension arm 6a, 6b connected to the rear suspension arm 12a, 12b by this means. connecting rod 24.

Dans l'exemple des figues 1 à 7, la bielle 24 relie le bras 6a de suspension avant supérieur au bras 12a de suspension arrière supérieur, pour limiter l'encombrement dans la partie inférieure du fauteuil 1, à proximité du sol.In the example of Figs 1 to 7, the connecting rod 24 connects the upper front suspension arm 6a to the upper rear suspension arm 12a, to limit the bulk in the lower part of the chair 1, close to the ground.

Comme on peut le voir sur la figure 3, la bielle 24 peut être reliée au bras 6a de suspension avant supérieur par une liaison pivot P5 et au bras 12a de suspension arrière supérieur par une liaison pivot P6.As can be seen on the figure 3 , the connecting rod 24 can be connected to the upper front suspension arm 6a by a pivot link P5 and to the upper rear suspension arm 12a by a pivot link P6.

La liaison pivot P5 et la liaison pivot P6 peuvent être agencées de part et d'autre d'un axe I reliant la liaison pivot P1 et la liaison pivot P2 pour optimiser la transmission d'effort du bras 6a de suspension avant supérieur au bras 12a de suspension arrière supérieur.The pivot connection P5 and the pivot connection P6 can be arranged on either side of an axis I connecting the pivot connection P1 and the pivot link P2 to optimize the transmission of force of the upper front suspension arm 6a to the arm 12a. upper rear suspension.

Selon le mode de réalisation illustré aux figures 1 à 7, le combiné 18 ressort - amortisseur peut être monté en cantilever entre l'un des bras 6a, 6b de suspension avant et l'un des bras 12a, 12b de suspension arrière. En l'occurrence, le combiné 18 ressort - amortisseur est monté en cantilever entre le bras 6a de suspension avant supérieur et le bras 12a de suspension arrière supérieur.According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 7 , the combined 18 spring - damper can be cantilevered between one of the arms 6a, 6b front suspension and one of the arms 12a, 12b rear suspension. In this case, the combined spring-shock absorber is cantilevered between the upper front suspension arm 6a and the upper rear suspension arm 12a.

Comme on peut le voir sur les différentes figures, le combiné 18 ressort amortisseur peut être relié par une liaison pivot P7 au bras 6a de suspension avant supérieur et par une liaison pivot P8 au bras 12a de suspension arrière supérieur.As can be seen in the various figures, the combined shock absorber spring 18 can be connected by a pivot connection P7 to the upper front suspension arm 6a and a pivot connection P8 to the upper rear suspension arm 12a.

Selon le mode de réalisation décrit, les roues avant 10 sont folles. Elles peuvent être montées libres en rotation autour d'un axe sensiblement horizontal sur une bride 26 de roue folle. Chaque bride 26 de roue folle peut alors être montée libre en rotation autour d'un axe sensiblement vertical par rapport à un pivot 28. Le pivot 28 et la bride 26 font partie de l'ensemble de support 8. Le pivot 28 est relié au bras 6a de suspension avant supérieur par la liaison pivot P2 et au bras 6b de suspension avant inférieur par la liaison pivot P2'. Les liaisons pivot P2 et P2' sont alignées de manière sensiblement verticale et sensiblement parallèle à l'axe de rotation de la bride 26 par rapport au pivot 28.According to the embodiment described, the front wheels 10 are crazy. They can be mounted free to rotate about a substantially horizontal axis on a flange 26 of idle wheel. Each flange 26 of idler wheel can then be mounted free to rotate about a substantially vertical axis relative to a pivot 28. The pivot 28 and the flange 26 are part of the support assembly 8. The pivot 28 is connected to the upper suspension arm 6a by the pivot link P2 and the lower front suspension arm 6b by the pivot connection P2 '. The pivot links P2 and P2 'are substantially vertically aligned and substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the flange 26 relative to the pivot 28.

Selon le mode de réalisation illustré aux figures 1 à 7, le moteur 4 est supporté par l'ensemble 14 de support de roue arrière 16, lui-même relié par les liaisons pivot P4, P4' aux bras 12a, 12b de suspension arrière. Le moteur 4 est ainsi supporté par le parallélogramme déformable (P3, P3', P4, P4').According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 7 the engine 4 is supported by the rear wheel support assembly 14, itself connected by the pivot links P4, P4 'to the rear suspension arms 12a, 12b. The motor 4 is thus supported by the deformable parallelogram (P3, P3 ', P4, P4').

En fonctionnement, lorsque les roues avant 10 (ou les roues arrière 16) rencontrent un obstacle, comme cela est représenté sur la figure 2, un effort est exercé sur les bras 6a, 6b de suspension avant (ou arrière). En réaction, les bras 6a, 6b de suspension avant pivotent par rapport au châssis 2 autour des liaisons pivot P1, P1', par exemple conformément à la flèche 30 de la figure 3.In operation, when the front wheels 10 (or the rear wheels 16) encounter an obstacle, as shown in FIG. figure 2 , a force is exerted on the arms 6a, 6b of front suspension (or rear). In response, the front suspension arms 6a, 6b pivot relative to the frame 2 about the pivot links P1, P1 ', for example in accordance with the arrow 30 of the figure 3 .

La rotation du bras 6a de suspension avant supérieur génère un effort 32 transmis par la bielle 28 au bras 12a de suspension arrière supérieur. L'effort 32 transmis par la bielle 28 provoque en conséquence la rotation du bras 12a de suspension arrière supérieur par rapport au châssis 2, autour de la liaison pivot P3, conformément à la flèche 34 de la figure 3.The rotation of the upper front suspension arm 6a generates a force 32 transmitted by the connecting rod 28 to the upper rear suspension arm 12a. The force 32 transmitted by the rod 28 consequently causes the rotation of the upper rear suspension arm 12a relative to the chassis 2, around the pivot connection P3, in accordance with the arrow 34 of the figure 3 .

Du fait de l'agencement de la bielle 28, le mouvement de rotation du bras 12a de suspension arrière supérieur est inversé par rapport au mouvement de rotation du bras 6a de suspension avant supérieur. Autrement dit, le mouvement de rotation du bras 12a de suspension arrière supérieur peut être sensiblement symétrique à celui du bras 6a de suspension avant supérieur par rapport à un plan sensiblement transversal.Due to the arrangement of the connecting rod 28, the rotational movement of the upper rear suspension arm 12a is reversed relative to the rotational movement of the upper front suspension arm 6a. In other words, the rotational movement of the upper rear suspension arm 12a may be substantially symmetrical to that of the upper front suspension arm 6a with respect to a substantially transverse plane.

Les figures 5 et 6 montrent le système de suspension du fauteuil 1 selon un exemple de réalisation, dans des positions extrêmes de fonctionnement, superposées sur la figure 7.The figures 5 and 6 show the suspension system of the chair 1 according to an exemplary embodiment, in extreme operating positions, superimposed on the figure 7 .

On observe ainsi, du fait des rotations synchronisées et inversées des bras 6a, 6b de suspension avant et des bras 12a, 12b de suspension arrière, un phénomène d'élévation ou de descente du châssis 2 selon l'axe Z par rapport aux roues du fauteuil 1, lorsque ce dernier rencontre un obstacle, parcourt une surface irrégulière ou accélère ou décélère, au lieu d'un phénomène de tangage du châssis 2 marqué par un cabrage vers l'arrière ou une plongée vers l'avant du châssis 2. Ainsi, le fauteuil 1 peut se « tasser » verticalement pour éviter un effet de tangage. On peut observer également un rapprochement ou éloignement longitudinal des roues avant 10 et arrière 16.Thus, due to the synchronized and inverted rotations of the front suspension arms 6a, 6b and the rear suspension arms 12a, 12b, a phenomenon of raising or lowering the chassis 2 along the axis Z with respect to the wheels of the armchair 1, when it encounters an obstacle, traverses an irregular surface or accelerates or decelerates, instead of a pitch phenomenon of the chassis 2 marked by a rearward pitching or a dive forward of the chassis 2. Thus , the chair 1 can "pack up" vertically to avoid a pitch effect. It can also be observed a longitudinal approximation or removal of the front wheels 10 and rear 16.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est nullement limitée au mode de réalisation décrit ci-dessus, ce mode de réalisation n'ayant été donné qu'à titre d'exemple. Des modifications restent possibles, notamment du point de vue de la constitution des divers éléments ou par la substitution d'équivalents techniques, sans sortir pour autant du champ de protection de l'invention.Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, this embodiment having been given as an example. Modifications are possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by the substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Ainsi, au lieu d'une bielle 24, les moyens de liaison peuvent par exemple comprendre un organe élastique, comme un ressort, car un très léger tangage peut être admis par l'utilisateur.Thus, instead of a connecting rod 24, the connecting means may for example comprise an elastic member, such as a spring, because a very slight pitch can be accepted by the user.

Ainsi, le moteur 4 pourrait être supporté par l'ensemble 8 de support de roue avant 10, tandis que les roues arrière 16 pourraient être montées folles.Thus, the engine 4 could be supported by the front wheel support assembly 10, while the rear wheels 16 could be mounted idle.

Claims (10)

Fauteuil (1) roulant motorisé comprenant un châssis (2), une assise rattachée au châssis (2), et au moins un moteur (4) destiné au déplacement du fauteuil (1), caractérisé en ce que le fauteuil (1) comprend deux bras (6a, 6b) de suspension avant, dont un bras (6a) de suspension avant supérieur et un bras (6b) de suspension avant inférieur, chaque bras (6a, 6b) de suspension avant étant relié par une liaison pivot (P1, P1') au châssis (2) et par une liaison pivot (P2, P2') à un ensemble (8) de support d'une roue avant (10), de sorte que les liaisons pivot (P1, P1') et (P2, P2') forment un parallélogramme déformable (P1, P1', P2, P2'), deux bras (12a, 12b) de suspension arrière, dont un bras (12a) de suspension arrière supérieur et un bras (12b) de suspension arrière inférieur, chaque bras (12a, 12b) de suspension arrière étant relié par une liaison pivot (P3, P3') au châssis (2) et par une liaison pivot (P4, P4') à un ensemble (14) de support d'une roue arrière (16), de sorte que les liaisons pivot (P3, P3') et (P4, P4') forment un parallélogramme déformable (P3, P3', P4, P4'), et des moyens de liaison agencés pour relier l'un des bras (6a, 6b) de suspension avant à l'un des bras (12a, 12b) de suspension arrière et transformer chaque mouvement de rotation de ce bras (6a, 6b) de suspension avant par rapport au châssis (2) en un mouvement de rotation inverse par rapport au châssis (2) du bras (12a, 12b) de suspension arrière auquel il est relié par les moyens de liaison, et réciproquement, tout mouvement de tangage du fauteuil (1) étant ainsi transformé en un déplacement sensiblement vertical de l'assise parallèlement au plan formé par les points d'appui des roues du fauteuil (1) sur le sol.Motorized wheelchair (1) comprising a frame (2), a seat attached to the frame (2), and at least one motor (4) for moving the chair (1), characterized in that the chair (1) comprises two front suspension arm (6a, 6b), including an upper front suspension arm (6a) and a lower front suspension arm (6b), each front suspension arm (6a, 6b) being connected by a pivot link (P1, P1 ') to the frame (2) and by a pivot connection (P2, P2') to a support assembly (8) of a front wheel (10), so that the pivot links (P1, P1 ') and ( P2, P2 ') form a deformable parallelogram (P1, P1', P2, P2 '), two rear suspension arms (12a, 12b), including an upper rear suspension arm (12a) and a suspension arm (12b). lower rear, each rear suspension arm (12a, 12b) being connected by a pivot connection (P3, P3 ') to the chassis (2) and by a pivot connection (P4, P4') to a support assembly (14) a rear wheel e (16), so that the pivot links (P3, P3 ') and (P4, P4') form a deformable parallelogram (P3, P3 ', P4, P4'), and connecting means arranged to connect the one of the front suspension arms (6a, 6b) to one of the rear suspension arms (12a, 12b) and transforming each rotation movement of the front suspension arm (6a, 6b) relative to the chassis (2) a reverse rotation movement relative to the frame (2) of the rear suspension arm (12a, 12b) to which it is connected by the connecting means, and conversely, any pitching movement of the chair (1) being thus transformed into a displacement substantially vertical of the seat parallel to the plane formed by the support points of the wheels of the chair (1) on the floor. Fauteuil (1) roulant selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les liaisons pivot (P2, P2'), ou les liaisons pivot (P4, P4'), sont disposées verticalement l'une par rapport à l'autre et reliées à un pivot (28) compris dans l'ensemble (8, 14) de support qu'elles relient aux bras (6a, 6b) de suspension avant, ou respectivement aux bras (12a, 12b) de suspension arrière, cet ensemble (8, 14) de support comprenant une bride (26) de roue folle montée libre en rotation par rapport au pivot (28).Wheelchair (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the pivot links (P2, P2 ') or the pivot links (P4, P4') are arranged vertically relative to one another and connected to each other. a pivot (28) included in the support assembly (8, 14) which they connect to the front suspension arms (6a, 6b), or respectively to the rear suspension arms (12a, 12b), this assembly (8, 14) comprising a flange (26) of idler wheel rotatably mounted relative to the pivot (28). Fauteuil (1) roulant selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que chaque moteur (4) est supporté par l'un des ensembles (8, 14) de support de roue avant ou arrière.Wheelchair (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each motor (4) is supported by one of the front or rear wheel support assemblies (8, 14). Fauteuil (1) roulant selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que le fauteuil (1) comprend des moyens de rappel et/ou d'amortissement adaptés pour absorber les débattements des bras (6a, 6b, 12a, 12b) de suspension avant et arrière, les moyens de rappel et/ou d'amortissement étant montés en cantilever entre l'un des bras (6a, 6b) de suspension avant et l'un des bras (12a, 12b) de suspension arrière.Wheelchair (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the chair (1) comprises return means and / or damping adapted to absorb the movements of the arms (6a, 6b, 12a, 12b ) of the front and rear suspension, the return and / or damping means being cantilevered between one of the front suspension arms (6a, 6b) and one of the rear suspension arms (12a, 12b). Fauteuil (1) roulant selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de rappel et/ou d'amortissement comprennent un combiné (18) ressort - amortisseur relié par une liaison pivot (P7) à l'un des bras (6a, 6b) de suspension avant et par une liaison pivot (P8) à l'un des bras (12a, 12b) de suspension arrière.Wheelchair (1) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the return and / or damping means comprise a shock absorber assembly (18) connected by a pivot connection (P7) to one of the arms (6a, 6b) and a pivot connection (P8) to one of the rear suspension arms (12a, 12b). Fauteuil (1) roulant selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de liaison sont reliés à l'un des bras (6a, 6b) de suspension avant par une liaison pivot (P5) et à l'un des bras (12a, 12b) de suspension arrière par une liaison pivot (P6).Wheelchair (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connecting means are connected to one of the front suspension arms (6a, 6b) by a pivot connection (P5) and to the one of the rear suspension arms (12a, 12b) by a pivot connection (P6). Fauteuil (1) roulant selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que la liaison pivot (P5) et la liaison pivot (P6) sont agencées de part et d'autre d'un axe (I) reliant celle, parmi la liaison pivot (P1) et la liaison pivot (P1'), et celle, parmi la liaison pivot (P2) ou la liaison pivot (P2'), qui relient au châssis (2) les bras (6a, 6b, 12a, 12b) de suspension avant et arrière liés entre eux par les moyens de liaison.Wheelchair (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the pivot connection (P5) and the pivot connection (P6) are arranged on either side of an axis (I) connecting that of the pivot connection ( P1) and the pivot connection (P1 '), and that, among the pivot connection (P2) or the pivot connection (P2'), which connect the suspension arms (6a, 6b, 12a, 12b) to the chassis (2). front and rear interconnected by the connecting means. Fauteuil (1) roulant selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de liaison relient le bras (6a) de suspension avant supérieur et le bras (12a) de suspension arrière supérieur.Wheelchair (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the connecting means connect the upper front suspension arm (6a) and the upper rear suspension arm (12a). Fauteuil (1) roulant selon l'une des revendications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de liaison comprennent une bielle (24).Wheelchair (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the connecting means comprise a connecting rod (24). Fauteuil (1) roulant selon l'une des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de liaison comprennent un organe élastique.Wheelchair (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the connecting means comprise an elastic member.
EP20130170535 2012-06-06 2013-06-04 Powered wheelchair Active EP2671556B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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FR1255265A FR2991575B1 (en) 2012-06-06 2012-06-06 MOTORIZED WHEELCHAIR

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EP2671556A1 true EP2671556A1 (en) 2013-12-11
EP2671556B1 EP2671556B1 (en) 2014-11-26

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FR (1) FR2991575B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8272461B2 (en) * 2007-02-08 2012-09-25 Invacare Corporation Wheelchair suspension
US8910975B2 (en) 2007-02-14 2014-12-16 Invacare Corporation Wheelchair with suspension
CA2775916C (en) 2009-10-09 2015-02-03 Invacare Corporation Wheelchair suspension
US9351888B2 (en) * 2014-09-12 2016-05-31 Energy Control Limited Front suspension system for an electric wheelchair
EP3354247B1 (en) * 2017-01-31 2020-03-18 Permobil AB Swing arm assembly for a mid-wheel drive wheelchair
JP6744485B2 (en) * 2017-04-12 2020-08-19 Ｗｈｉｌｌ株式会社 Electric mobility
EP3817701A4 (en) 2018-07-06 2022-03-02 Pride Mobility Products Corporation Mobility vehicle
WO2021173427A1 (en) 2020-02-25 2021-09-02 Invacare Corporation Wheelchair and suspension systems

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WO1997044206A1 (en) * 1996-05-21 1997-11-27 Teftec Corporation Suspension system for powered wheelchair
US20050206149A1 (en) * 2004-03-16 2005-09-22 Mulhern James P Bi-directional anti-tip system for powered wheelchairs

Patent Citations (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997044206A1 (en) * 1996-05-21 1997-11-27 Teftec Corporation Suspension system for powered wheelchair
US20050206149A1 (en) * 2004-03-16 2005-09-22 Mulhern James P Bi-directional anti-tip system for powered wheelchairs

Also Published As

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FR2991575A1 (en) 2013-12-13
US20130328282A1 (en) 2013-12-12
FR2991575B1 (en) 2014-06-13
US9022400B2 (en) 2015-05-05
EP2671556B1 (en) 2014-11-26

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