EP3597162B1 - Fastening device for securing a wheelchair - Google Patents

Description

field of invention

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

State of the art

In passenger transport facilities such as buses, the use of fasteners to attach 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 U.S. 2013 280 002 A1 a securing system for securing a wheelchair in a vehicle, the securing system comprising: a group of restraints for securing the wheelchair, the group of restraints for securing the wheelchair consisting of first, second and third restraints; and wherein the first and second restraints are positioned at a rear of the security system and the third restraint is positioned at a front of the security system. The restraints are formed by restraint belts.

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

From the U.S. 4,093,303A discloses a wheelchair restraint for use in a passenger vehicle comprising an elongate arm extending generally horizontally along the wheelchair from rear to front, the arm having a rear end with attachment means to be secured to a rigid part of the vehicle wherein the arm has a transversely extending forward end to traverse the plane of the chair wheel and face the hoop of the wheel; a releasable jaw at the front end of the arm, directed rearwardly to grip the frame of the wheelchair; and articulation means in the arm allowing the front end of the arm and jaw to move in a transverse direction to pivot away from the wheelchair frame and out of the way of the chair wheel.

the U.S. 4,455,046 A discloses a safety device for transporting a person restrained in a wheelchair by a seat belt in a vehicle, the vehicle having a floor and being movable in a given direction of travel, the wheelchair having front and rear wheels and a frame, the upper and lower stringers.

the AU 569 253 B2 finally discloses an anchoring means for securing wheelchairs in a vehicle, the anchoring means having a pair of parallel guide members for mounting on the floor of the vehicle, the guide members having a plurality of apertures for receiving locking pins from a vertically mounted frame member, the frame member having a Transom having engagement means at each end thereof, a pair of releasable locking means cooperating with said engagement means, said releasable locking means being coupled to connecting means fixed to a lower portion of said wheelchair and wherein the frame member further includes a bracket for abutting the wheelchair handle to prevent undue rocking of the wheelchair when locked to the frame member.

Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to specify 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 if the vehicle has an accident. The wheelchair user should also be able to attach the wheelchair himself.

The object is achieved by a fastening device for the detachable fastening of a wheelchair in a vehicle, comprising a mechanically stable support 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 connected to the support structure in an axially displaceable manner at a first end and contact points for fastening in the vehicle are formed at a second end opposite the first end, wherein the fastening elements are designed to be axially displaced by a user of the wheelchair, so that by the user of the wheelchair, the fasteners can be moved to the extended position and the contact points can be attached to the vehicle, wherein the fastening device at least three of the essentially sta n-shaped fastening elements, two fastening elements being displaceable substantially horizontally, for fastening the wheelchair to a vertical element of the vehicle and one fastening element being displaceable substantially vertically is for attaching the wheelchair to a floor of the vehicle.

According to the invention, a wheelchair for attachment 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 at least indirectly to this support structure in such a way that the essentially rod-shaped fastening elements can be pushed back and forth axially. A free end of a fastener, the second end, is used for attachment to the vehicle. The other, first end of the fastening element remains connected to the support structure even in the extended state and thus when the wheelchair is fastened 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 user of the wheelchair, even in the event of an accident. The fastening elements can be moved axially by a user of the wheelchair himself and can therefore be moved into the extended and fastened state by the user. For this purpose, the fastening elements are mounted so that they can be displaced axially in a suitable manner, so that any force that occurs is conducted through the supporting 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 necessary support structure, or a support structure that is already present on the wheelchair can be used for the attachment device.

The fasteners are rod-shaped, and therefore have a long cylindrical shape, the cross-section of the fasteners 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.

According to the invention, it is fastened by a three-point fastening/anchoring in the vehicle. Two contact points are formed by horizontally sliding fasteners, the third contact point is formed by a vertical support on the floor of the vehicle.

The fastening elements preferably have positioning aids, the fastening elements being axially displaceable by a wheelchair user using the positioning aids, so that the wheelchair user can move the fastening elements into the extended position and attach the contact points to the vehicle. The positioning aids are designed, for example, as handles for mechanically moving the fastening elements, as a knob, elevation, depression as a rough or corrugated surface, or as a plastic coating or include one or more of the elements mentioned. A rough or corrugated surface can be used, for example, to hold the fasteners better. A plastic coating can be used, 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 designed for a hold on the vehicle, for example by means of a form fit. The contact points particularly preferably have a locking mechanism for locking the fastening of the fastening elements to the vehicle. through the assembly With this lock, the wheelchair user has the option of locking the wheelchair in a vehicle independently and thus creating 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 himself, preferably by pressing or moving an actuating element, preferably arranged on the positioning aids.

In an alternative embodiment, the horizontally displaceable fastening elements can be telescopic and have a locking mechanism, for example a catch, 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 aligned telescopic rod. A single vertical column as a third fastening element can be used in particular when the supporting structure of the wheelchair is formed by a flat component, in particular by a housing, and when the wheelchair cannot be folded up.

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

1

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

2

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

Fig. 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)).

Fig. 4 a) b) c)

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

Fig. 5 a) b) c) d)

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

Fig. 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)).

Fig. 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 1 a fastening device according to the invention for releasably fastening a wheelchair 10 (shown in phantom) is shown in a vehicle. 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 to an extended position, where the fasteners 4 at a first End are axially displaceably connected to the support structure, the housing 7, and at a second end opposite the first end contact points 18, for attachment in the vehicle, are formed.

The fastening elements 4 have positioning aids 8, with the fastening elements 4 being able to be displaced axially by a user 12 of the wheelchair 10 by means of the positioning aids 8, so that the user 12 of the wheelchair 10 can move the fastening elements 4 into the extended position and the contact points 18 can be attached to the vehicle.

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

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 people mover since the wheelchair latch 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 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 attachment 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 independently anchor himself with his wheelchair 10 in the vehicle. If the wheelchair 10 has a frame 11 that is strong enough to support the seat 2 with the wheelchair occupant 12 in the event of an accident, the wheelchair occupant 12 will have a secure seat by using this wheelchair latch.

By simply pushing the positioning aids 8 back and forth, the user can guide the fastening elements 4 to the fastening points 9 and fix them. By releasing the 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 people mover since the wheelchair latch is mounted at a standardized height. The attachment points 9 are also mounted at this standardized height. A front support 3, which can be formed by one or two fastening elements 4, also supports the frame 11 downwards. Different variants are possible for the contact point 18 to the support point 13 on the front support 3 (see 4 ).

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 using the positioning aid 8, in particular a handle, and it can be pushed up when not in use (right-hand image of figure a)). Since the support 3 is supported on the support point 13 in the extended state (left image of 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 ground.

Another possible variant, shown in figure b) of 3 , is to run the front support 3 with a total of three telescopic rods. In this variant, the possibility of folding the wheelchair 10 remains. The positioning aid 8, including the locking device for releasing the locks, is attached to the horizontal telescopic rod. When folding the wheelchair 10, 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 of figure b)), the frame 11 is also supported on the ground. In the locked state, the support 3 is extended to the support point 13 on the ground. The middle and right picture of the Fig. 3 b) show the support 3 when folding the wheelchair 10.

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

Variant a) uses a rubberized foot as contact point 18. The rubberized foot reduces noise caused by lowering support 3 and prevents noise caused by rubbing against the ground.

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

The fastener 4 of the embodiment of Figure c) of 4 uses a locking mechanism on contact point 18. The locking mechanism prevents contact point 18 from lifting off support point 13. It follows from this that the wheelchair 10, for example in the event of an accident, cannot rotate about the attachment point 9. 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 an electric charging of an electric wheelchair.

figure 5 shows different variants of the arrangement of attachment points 9 in a vehicle: In image a) the attachment point 9 is on a wall of the vehicle, in image b) under a seat of the vehicle, whereby the seat is not foldable, in image c) is the Attachment point 9 also under a seat, but the seat is foldable, in the variant of figure d) of figure 5 is the attachment point 9 under a seat of a folding seat. In this case, the seat to which the attachment point 9 is attached can be locked in the vertical position. The lock prevents the seat from folding down when force is applied to the attachment points 9.

The attachment points 9 of the vehicle can be designed to allow electrical charging of an electric wheelchair. 6 shows a possible variant for the arrangement of the attachment points 9. In the three images a) the 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 seats 15 are mounted. The seat 15 is folded down ( Fig. 6 a) from the left to the right figure), where a guide pin 16 is inserted into a groove 14 in the column 17. Backrests 19 and seats 15 are pushed up. The attachment points 9 are located on the columns 17 and are now - after folding away the seat 15, as shown in the right figure Fig. 6 a) - Accessible for wheelchair user 12. The prescribed minimum length of a wheelchair space can be achieved with this variant in a particularly space-saving manner.

The attachment points 9 can be designed for charging an electric wheelchair.

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

In the passenger transport system there are columns 17 between which backrests 19 and seats 15 are mounted. The seat 15 is folded down (figures a) from left to right), with a guide pin 16 being inserted into a groove 14 in the column 17. Backrest 19 and seat 15 are pushed up. 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 embodiment variant. The attachment points 9 can be designed for charging an electric wheelchair.

Reference List

2

Seat

3

support

4

fastener

7

Housing

8th

positioning aid

9

attachment point

10

wheelchair

11

frame

12

wheelchair users

13

support point

14

groove

15

seat

16

guide pin

17

columns

18

contact point

19

backrests

Claims (6)

1. Fastening device for releasably securing 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 substantially rod-like securing elements (4), wherein the securing elements (4) are axially displaceable from a retracted position into an extended position, wherein the securing elements (4) are axially displaceably connected at a first end to the support structure (7, 11) and at a second end, opposite to the first end, contact points (18) for securing in the vehicle are formed, wherein the securing elements (4) are designed to be axially displaced by a user of the wheelchair (10) such that the securing elements (4) can be displaced into the extended position by the user of the wheelchair (10) and the contact points (18) can be secured to the vehicle, characterized in that the fastening device comprises at least three of the substantially rod-like securing elements (4), of which two securing elements (4) are substantially horizontally displaceable, in order to secure the wheelchair (10) to a vertical element of the vehicle, and one securing element (4) is substantially vertically displaceable, in order to secure the wheelchair (10) to a floor of the vehicle.
2. Fastening device according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that the securing elements (4) having positioning aids (8), wherein the securing elements (4) are axially displaceable by a user of the wheelchair (10) by means of the positioning aids (8) such that the securing elements (4) can be displaced into the extended position by the user of the wheelchair (10) and the contact points (18) can be secured to the vehicle, wherein the positioning aids (8) are formed for example by grips, as a knob, elevation, recess, as a rough or fluted surface, or as a plastic coating.
3. Fastening device according at least one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that the contact points (18) have a locking mechanism for locking the securing of the securing elements (4) to the vehicle.
4. Fastening device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that the substantially vertically displaceable securing element (4) is formed by a vertically oriented telescopic rod, or in that the substantially vertically displaceable securing element (4) is formed by two telescopic rods that extend towards one another in a V shape in the direction of a common contact point (18).
5. Fastening device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that the support structure (7, 11) is formed by a planar component, in particular by a housing (7), or in that the support structure (7, 11) is formed by a frame (11).
6. Fastening device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that at least one contact point (18) has an electrical connection such 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