EP3597162A1 - Fastening device for securing a wheelchair - Google Patents

Abstract

A fastening device for the detachable fastening of a wheelchair (10) in a vehicle, comprising a mechanically stable support structure (7, 11) under a seat (2) of the wheelchair (10), and at least two essentially rod-shaped fastening elements (4), the fastening elements (4) are axially displaceable from a retracted position into an extended position, the fastening elements (4) being axially displaceably connected to the support structure (7, 11) at a first end and contact points (18) at a second end opposite the first end are designed for fastening in the vehicle, the fastening elements (4) being designed to be axially displaced by a user of the wheelchair (10), so that the fastening elements (4) are displaced into the extended position by the user of the wheelchair (10) can be and the contact points (18) can be attached to the vehicle.

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a fastening device for releasably fastening a wheelchair in a vehicle.

State of the art

In passenger transportation devices such as buses, the use of fastening elements for fastening wheelchairs while driving is known. In particular, belts are used to attach a wheelchair, for example, to a wall or in the floor area of the vehicle.

For example, the US 2013 280 002 A1 a safety system for securing a wheelchair in a vehicle, the safety system comprising: a group of retainers for securing the wheelchair, the group of retainers for securing the wheelchair consisting of first, second and third retainers; and wherein the first and second retainers are positioned in a rear area of the security system and the third retainer is positioned in a front area of the security system. The restraints are formed by restraint belts.

The problem with known wheelchair fastenings is that the wheelchairs themselves and also the fastening elements are often not stable enough to adequately secure the users of a wheelchair in the event of an accident in the transport vehicle. In addition, wheelchair users often have no way of anchoring their wheelchair independently in the vehicle.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a fastening device for the detachable fastening of a wheelchair in a vehicle, which ensures a high level of safety for a user of the wheelchair even in the event of an accident in the vehicle. It should also be possible for a wheelchair user to attach the wheelchair themselves.

The object is achieved by a fastening device for releasably fastening a wheelchair in a vehicle, comprising a mechanically stable supporting structure under a seat of the wheelchair, and at least two essentially rod-shaped fastening elements, the fastening elements being axially displaceable from a retracted position into an extended position , wherein the fastening elements are axially displaceably connected to the support structure and at a second end opposite the first end contact points are formed for fastening in the vehicle, the fastening elements being designed to be axially displaced by a user of the wheelchair, so that the fastening elements can be moved into the extended position by the user of the wheelchair and the contact points can be attached to the vehicle.

According to the invention, a wheelchair for fastening in a vehicle has a support structure under the seat of the wheelchair, which ensures mechanical stability of the wheelchair even in the event of an accident. Mechanically stable, rigid fastening elements are attached to this support structure at least indirectly, in such a way that the essentially rod-shaped fastening elements can be pushed axially back and forth. A free end of a fastening element, the second end, is used for fastening to the vehicle. The other, first end of the fastener remains connected to the support structure even in the extended state and thus when the wheelchair is attached to the vehicle, so that a mechanically stable frame extends through the wheelchair and through the rod-shaped fastening elements to the vehicle. This consistently stable arrangement enables a high level of safety for the wheelchair user even in the event of an accident. The fastening elements are axially displaceable by a user of the wheelchair itself and can therefore be displaced into the extended and fastened state by the user. For this purpose, the fastening elements are mounted in an axially displaceable manner in a suitable manner, so that an occurring force is conducted through the support structure under the seat surface of the wheelchair. A commercially available wheelchair can preferably also be retrofitted with such a fastening device. This can include retrofitting the wheelchair with the required support structure or an existing support structure on the wheelchair can be used for the fastening device.

The fastening elements are rod-shaped and therefore have a long cylindrical shape, the cross section of the fastening elements can be round, but other shapes are also included, such as square or rectangular cross sections. The wheelchair is therefore connected to the vehicle with solid, rigid elements, namely the fastening elements.

The fastening elements preferably have positioning aids, the fastening elements being axially displaceable by a user of the wheelchair by means of the positioning aids, so that the fastening elements can be moved into the extended position by the user of the wheelchair and the contact points can be fastened to the vehicle. The positioning aids are, for example, handles for mechanical displacement of the fasteners formed as a button, elevation, depression as a rough or corrugated surface, or as a plastic coating or comprise one or more of the elements mentioned. A rough or corrugated surface can be used, for example, to better hold the fasteners. A plastic cover can serve, for example, for metal fasteners to form a thermal decoupling from fasteners that are cold in winter or hot in summer.

The contact points are used to attach the fasteners to the vehicle. In the simplest case, such a fastening can be formed by any system on a component fixed to the vehicle. However, the contact points are preferably formed on the vehicle for a hold, for example by a positive fit. The contact points particularly preferably have a locking mechanism for locking the fastening of the fastening elements on the vehicle. By installing this lock, the wheelchair user can lock the wheelchair in a vehicle independently and thus create a safe seat.

The locking mechanism can preferably be released by the user of the wheelchair by means of the positioning aids. The user of the wheelchair can thus unlock the wheelchair again, preferably by pressing or moving an actuating element, preferably arranged on the positioning aids.

The fastening device preferably comprises at least three of the essentially rod-shaped fastening elements, of which two fastening elements can be displaced essentially horizontally, for fastening the wheelchair to a vertical element of the vehicle, for example on a wall, on a column or on a vertical surface of a seat, and one Fastening element can be moved essentially vertically for fastening the wheelchair to a floor of the vehicle.

The attachment is thus preferably carried out by a three-point attachment / anchoring in the vehicle. Two contact points are formed by horizontally displaceable fastening elements, the third contact point is formed by a vertical support on the floor of the vehicle. In an alternative embodiment, the horizontally displaceable fastening elements can be designed telescopically and have a locking mechanism, for example a latching mechanism, for fixing the lengths of the fastening elements that have been set or adapted to the conditions in the respective vehicle.

The essentially vertically displaceable fastening element is preferably formed by a vertically oriented telescopic rod. A single vertical column as a third fastening element can be used in particular when the support structure of the wheelchair is formed by a flat component, in particular by a housing, and when the wheelchair is not collapsible.

Alternatively, the essentially vertically displaceable fastening element can be formed by two V-shaped telescopic rods tapering towards one another in the direction of a common contact point. These two telescopic rods can be connected to one another by a cross strut, in particular a transverse telescopic rod. A common positioning aid for the two telescopic rods can be arranged on this cross strut. Such an arrangement of V-shaped telescopic rods can be used in particular if the support structure of the wheelchair is formed by a frame - in particular if the wheelchair is collapsible.

At least one contact point can have an electrical charging connection, so that an electrical energy store of the wheelchair can be charged via the contact point from an electrical energy store of the vehicle.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

ist eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Befestigungsvorrichtung von der Seite (links) und von vorne (rechts).

Fig. 2

ist eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Befestigungsvorrichtung von der Seite (links) und von vorne (rechts).

Fig. 3 a) b)

ist eine schematische Darstellung von vertikalen Befestigungselementen einer erfindungsgemäßen Befestigungsvorrichtung in verschiedenen Zuständen, von der Seite (a)) und von vorne (b)).

Fig. 4 a) b) c)

ist eine schematische Darstellung von vertikalen Befestigungselementen einer erfindungsgemäßen Befestigungsvorrichtung mit verschiedenen Kontaktpunkten.

Fig. 5 a) b) c) d)

ist eine schematische Darstellung von verschiedenen Befestigungspunkten für Befestigungselemente einer erfindungsgemäßen Befestigungsvorrichtung.

Fig. 6 a) b)

ist eine schematische Darstellung von Befestigungspunkten für Befestigungselemente einer erfindungsgemäßen Befestigungsvorrichtung, von der Seite (a)) und von vorne (b)).

Fig. 7 a) b)

ist eine schematische Darstellung von Befestigungspunkten für Befestigungselemente einer erfindungsgemäßen Befestigungsvorrichtung, von der Seite (a)) und von vorne (b)).

The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1

is a schematic representation of a fastening device according to the invention from the side (left) and from the front (right).

Fig. 2

is a schematic representation of a further fastening device according to the invention from the side (left) and from the front (right).

3 a) b)

is a schematic representation of vertical fastening elements of a fastening device according to the invention in different states, from the side (a)) and from the front (b)).

4 a) b) c)

is a schematic representation of vertical fastening elements of a fastening device according to the invention with different contact points.

Fig. 5 a) b) c) d)

is a schematic representation of various fastening points for fastening elements of a fastening device according to the invention.

6 a) b)

is a schematic representation of fastening points for fastening elements of a fastening device according to the invention, from the side (a)) and from the front (b)).

7 a) b)

is a schematic representation of fastening points for fastening elements of a fastening device according to the invention, from the side (a)) and from the front (b)).

Detailed description of the invention

In Fig. 1 A fastening device according to the invention for releasably fastening a wheelchair 10 (shown in dashed lines) in a vehicle is shown. This variant can be used in particular as a wheelchair lock for non-collapsible wheelchairs. The fastening device can be mounted under the seat 2 of a wheelchair 10.

The fastening device comprises a mechanically stable support structure, namely a stable housing 7 under the seat 2 of the wheelchair 10. Furthermore, the fastening device comprises a total of three essentially rod-shaped fastening elements 4, the fastening elements 4 being axially displaceable from a retracted position into an extended position, wherein the fastening elements 4 are axially displaceably connected to the support structure, the housing 7, and contact points 18 are formed on a second end opposite the first end for fastening in the vehicle.

The fastening elements 4 have positioning aids 8, the fastening elements 4 being axially displaceable by the user 12 of the wheelchair 10 by means of the positioning aids 8, so that the fastening elements 4 and the contact points 18 can be moved by the user 12 of the wheelchair 10 can be attached to the vehicle.

A special feature is therefore that the wheelchair user 12 can independently anchor himself in the vehicle with his wheelchair 10. In addition, the wheelchair user 12 with the housing 7 under the seat 2 has a structure which is stable enough in the event of a crash to carry the seat 2 with the wheelchair user 12. By simply pushing the positioning aids 8 back and forth, the user 12 can guide and fix the fastening elements 4 to the fastening points 9 fixed to the vehicle.

By releasing a lock on the positioning aid 8, the wheelchair user 12 can release the fastening elements 4 from the fastening points 9 again. The wheelchair user 12 can use the system in any passenger transportation facility because the wheelchair lock is mounted at a standardized height. The attachment points 9 are also mounted at this standardized height. The platform is also supported downwards by a front support 3, which can be formed by a fastening element 4. Different variants are possible for the contact point 18 to the support point 13 on the front support 3 (see Fig. 4 ).

Figure 2 shows a possible variant of a fastening device according to the invention with a wheelchair lock, in particular for collapsible wheelchairs.

The fastening device can be mounted on a frame 11 under the seat 2 of a wheelchair 10.

A special feature is again that the wheelchair user 12 can anchor himself in the vehicle with his wheelchair 10. If the wheelchair 10 has a frame 11 which is stable enough in an accident to carry the seat 2 with the wheelchair user 12, the wheelchair user 12 has a secure seat by using this wheelchair lock.

By simply pushing the positioning aids 8 back and forth, the user can guide and fix the fastening elements 4 to the fastening points 9. By releasing the locking device on the positioning aid 8, the wheelchair user 12 can release the fastening elements 4 from the fastening points 9 again.

The wheelchair user 12 can use the system in any passenger transportation facility because the wheelchair lock is mounted at a standardized height. The attachment points 9 are also mounted at this standardized height. The frame 11 is also supported downwards by a front support 3, which can be formed by one or two fastening elements 4. Different variants are possible for the contact point 18 to the support point 13 on the front support 3 (see Fig. 4 ).

Fig. 3 shows possible embodiments for the front support 3 of the fastening device.

In the variant of Figure a), the front support 3 is designed as a telescopic support. The length of the support 3 can be adjusted by the positioning aid 8, in particular a handle, and thus when not in use push up (right picture of figure a)). Since the support 3 is supported on the support point 13 in the extended state (left image in Figure a)), the housing 7 of the wheelchair 10 is also supported on the floor of the vehicle. In the locked state, the support 3 is extended to the support point 13 on the floor.

Another possible variant, shown in Figure b) Fig. 3 , is to perform the front support 3 with a total of three telescopic rods. In this variant, there is still the possibility of folding the wheelchair 10. The positioning aid 8, including the locking device for releasing the locks, is attached to the horizontal telescopic rod. When the wheelchair 10 is folded, one end of the horizontal telescopic rod has to be released. Since the support 3 is supported on the support point 13 in the extended state (left image in Figure b)), the frame 11 is also supported on the floor. In the locked state, the support 3 is extended to the support point 13 on the floor. The middle and right picture of the Fig. 3 b ) show the support 3 when the wheelchair 10 is folded.

Fig. 4 shows various embodiments for the contact point 18 of the support 3 or the fastening elements 4.

The variant a) uses a rubberized foot as the contact point 18. The rubberized foot reduces noises caused by the lowering of the support 3 and prevents noises which can arise from rubbing on the floor.

In the embodiment of the Fig. 4 b) the fastening element 4 has a mandrel at the second end.

The fastener 4 of the embodiment according to image c) Fig. 4 uses a locking mechanism at contact point 18. Through the locking mechanism prevents lifting of the contact point 18 from the support point 13. It follows that the wheelchair 10 cannot rotate about the attachment point 9, for example in the event of an accident. The locking mechanism of the fastening element 4 is released by pressing an actuating element on the positioning aid 8 of the support 3.

The fastening element 4, in particular the contact point 18, and the support point 13 of the vehicle can be designed to enable electrical charging of an electric wheelchair.

Fig. 5 shows different variants of the arrangement of attachment points 9 in a vehicle: in image a), the attachment point 9 is located on a wall of the vehicle, in image b) under a seat of the vehicle, the seat not being foldable, in image c) Attachment point 9 also under a seat, but the seat is foldable, in the variant of Figure d) Fig. 5 is the attachment point 9 under a seat of a foldable seat. In this case, the seat on which the attachment point 9 is attached can be locked in the vertical position. The locking mechanism prevents the seat from folding down at the fastening points 9 when force is exerted.

The attachment points 9 of the vehicle can be designed to enable electrical charging of an electric wheelchair.

Fig. 6 shows a possible variant for the arrangement of the attachment points 9. In the three illustrations a) Fig. 6 three different states of a seat are shown from the side, in figure b) the same seat from the front.

In the passenger transport device, the vehicle, there are columns 17, between which backrests 19 and seat surfaces 15 are mounted. The seat 15 is folded down ( 6 a) from the left to the right illustration), a guide pin 16 being inserted into a groove 14 in the column 17. Backrests 19 and seating surfaces 15 are pushed upwards. The attachment points 9 are located on the columns 17 and are now - after the seat 15 has been folded away, as in the right-hand illustration of FIG 6 a) - Accessible to wheelchair users 12. The prescribed minimum length of a wheelchair space can be achieved in a particularly space-saving manner with this variant.

The attachment points 9 can be designed to charge an electric wheelchair.

Fig. 7 shows a further variant for the arrangement of the attachment points 9 in the vehicle. In the three figures a) the Fig. 7 are like in Fig. 6 , three different states of a seat shown from the side, in figure b) the same seat from the front.

In the passenger transport device there are columns 17 between which backrests 19 and seat surfaces 15 are mounted. The seat 15 is folded down (Figures a) from left to right), a guide pin 16 being inserted into a groove 14 in the column 17. Backrest 19 and seat 15 are pushed upwards. The attachment points 9 are located in the seat 15 and are now accessible to the wheelchair user 12. The prescribed minimum length of a wheelchair space can also be achieved in a particularly space-saving manner with this variant. The attachment points 9 can be designed to charge an electric wheelchair.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

Seat

3

support

4

fastener

7

casing

8th

Positionierungshilfe

9

attachment point

10

wheelchair

11

frame

12

Wheelchair users

13

support point

14

groove

15

seat

16

guide pins

17

columns

18

contact point

19

backrests

Claims (8)

Fastening device for the detachable fastening of a wheelchair (10) in a vehicle, comprising a mechanically stable support structure (7, 11) under a seat (2) of the wheelchair (10), and at least two essentially rod-shaped fastening elements (4), the fastening elements ( 4) are axially displaceable from a retracted position into an extended position, the fastening elements (4) being axially displaceably connected to the support structure (7, 11) at a first end and contact points (18) at a second end opposite the first end Fastening are formed in the vehicle, the fastening elements (4) being designed to be axially displaced by a user of the wheelchair (10), so that the fastening elements (4) are displaced into the extended position by the user of the wheelchair (10) can and the contact points (18) can be attached to the vehicle. Fastening device according to claim 1,
characterized in that the fastening elements (4) have positioning aids (8), the fastening elements (4) being axially displaceable by the user of the wheelchair (10) by means of the positioning aids (8), so that the user of the wheelchair (10) can Fastening elements (4) can be moved into the extended position and the contact points (18) can be fastened to the vehicle, the positioning aids (8) being formed, for example, by handles, as a button, elevation, depression as a rough or corrugated surface, or as a plastic coating , Fastening device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the contact points (18) have a locking mechanism for locking the fastening of the fastening elements (4) to the vehicle. Fastening device according to claim 3,
characterized in that the locking mechanism can be released by the user of the wheelchair (10) by means of the positioning aids (8). Fastening device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the fastening device comprises at least three of the essentially rod-shaped fastening elements (4), of which two fastening elements (4) are essentially horizontally displaceable, for fastening the wheelchair (10) to a vertical element of the vehicle and a fastening element (4) in Is essentially vertically displaceable, for fastening the wheelchair (10) to a floor of the vehicle. Fastening device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the essentially vertically displaceable fastening element (4) is formed by a vertically oriented telescopic rod or in that the essentially vertically displaceable fastening element (4) two V-shaped telescopic rods are formed in the direction of a common contact point (18). Fastening device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the support structure (7, 11) is formed by a flat component, in particular by a housing (7), or in that the support structure (7, 11) is formed by a frame (11). Fastening device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that at least one contact point (18) has an electrical connection, so that an electrical energy store of the wheelchair (10) can be charged via the contact point (18) from an electrical energy store of the vehicle.

Images