EP3603597A1 - Electric wheelchair with alignment function - Google Patents

Abstract

An electric wheelchair 2 according to the invention with an erecting function is characterized by mechanical coupling means which are designed and connected to a headrest 16 and / or to armrests 18 such that when a backrest 12 is adjusted from the sitting position to the lying position, the headrest 16 is relative to the backrest 12 from a headrest sitting position into a headrest lying position and / or the armrests 18 are or are adjusted relative to the backrest 12 from an armrest sitting position into an armrest lying position.

Description

The invention relates to an electric wheelchair of the type mentioned in the preamble of claim 1 with an erecting function.

Electric wheelchairs are used to improve the mobility of people with severe physical disabilities.

Electric wheelchairs with an erecting function are known which have a base body on which a seat part with a seat and a back part with a back are adjustably arranged. The seat part and the backrest part are adjustable relative to one another or to the base body between a seat position in which the seat surface is arranged approximately horizontally and in which the backrest and seat surface are arranged approximately at right angles to one another, and an upright position in which the seat surface and the Backrest form an approximately vertical support surface. The seat part and the backrest part are adjustable relative to each other and to the base body between the sitting position and a lying position, in which the backrest and the seat form an approximately horizontal lying surface. To adjust the backrest part and the seat part relative to one another or to the base body between the sitting position and the lying position and between the sitting position and the standing position, an electromotive adjusting device is provided. To support a user in the area of his head is one with the backrest part connected headrest part is provided with a headrest, while armrests are provided for supporting the arms of the user, which are connected to the backrest part.

A corresponding wheelchair enables the user to move in the sitting position by means of an electric motor drive of the wheelchair. If the user wishes to rest on the wheelchair, the backrest part is adjusted to the lying position by means of the electromotive adjusting device, in which the backrest and the seat form an approximately horizontal lying surface. If the user wants to straighten up, the seat part and the backrest part are moved into the upright position in which the seat surface and the backrest form an approximately vertical support surface. If the user is not or not fully able to use the legs to support himself on the floor, he can use the arms to support himself on the armrests. In this way, a suitable wheelchair also enables people with severe physical disabilities to carry out physical training to a certain extent. As soon as the physical strength of the user is no longer sufficient to keep upright after moving the backrest and the seat surface into the upright position, the seat surface and the backrest can be moved back into the sitting position. A corresponding wheelchair thus gives its user a high degree of flexibility in order to move and move to a certain extent even with severe physical restrictions.

The invention has for its object to provide an electric wheelchair of the type mentioned in the preamble of claim 1 with erecting function, which is improved in terms of support for the user.

This object is achieved by the invention specified in claim 1.

The invention provides mechanical coupling means which are designed and connected to the headrest and / or the armrests in such a way that when the backrest is adjusted into the lying position, the headrest relative to the backrest from a headrest sitting position into a headrest lying position and / or the armrests are or are adjusted relative to the backrest from an armrest sitting position into an armrest lying position.

The basic idea of the invention is to automatically adjust the headrest or the armrests when adjusted to the lying position so that the support of the user in the lying position is better adapted to his anatomical conditions.

Here, the headrest can be adjusted in particular in a headrest lying position in which the support surface of the headrest forms an obtuse angle with the support surface of the backrest, in other words, the support surface of the headrest is inclined relative to the support surface of the backrest toward the head of the user. Appropriate support in the area of the head is generally perceived by the user as more pleasant than support provided by a continuous, for example essentially horizontal support surface.

With respect to the armrests, a support which is better adapted to the anatomical conditions of the user can also be achieved according to the invention by the support surfaces of the armrests forming an obtuse angle of in particular approximately 135 ° with the support surface of the backrest in their armrest lying position. In other words, in the armrest lying position, the armrests are inclined relative to the lying surface, which is generally perceived by the user as more pleasant than an arrangement of the armrests that is in alignment with the lying surface.

The fact that a corresponding adjustment of the headrest part or the armrests takes place automatically by means of the mechanical coupling means provided according to the invention when the wheelchair is moved into the lying position, the operation of the wheelchair is particularly simple for the user by a separate adjustment of the headrest part or the armrests in their headrest lying position or armrest lying position are unnecessary. Due to the mechanical coupling of the adjustment of the headrest part or the armrests to the adjustment of the backrest relative to the seat surface between the sitting position and the lying position, the adjustment of the headrest part can or the armrests can also be effected by means of the same electromotive drive, by means of which the adjustment of the backrest part and the seat part is effected relative to one another between the sitting position under the lying position. In this way, a separate electromotive drive is not required for this, so that the mechanical structure, which is only slightly more complicated than that of known electric wheelchairs, results in significantly improved functionality.

Because the support function of the headrest or armrests in the lying position is improved compared to known electric wheelchairs, the user of the wheelchair is encouraged to actually use the functionality that results from the lying position in practice.

The improvement brought about by the invention already occurs when either the headrest or the armrests are or are forcibly adjusted according to the invention when the wheelchair is adjusted into the sitting position. However, it is particularly advantageous if both the headrest and the armrests are positively adjusted according to the invention.

An advantageous development of the invention provides that in the headrest sitting position a support surface of the headrest with a support surface of the backrest form an essentially flat support surface and that in the headrest lying position the support surface of the headrest forms an obtuse angle with the support surface of the backrest. As a result, the support function of the headrest in the lying position of the wheelchair is improved in the manner described above.

Another advantageous development of the invention provides that in the armrest seating position the support surfaces of the armrests are arranged approximately at right angles to a support surface of the backrest and in the armrest lying position the support surfaces of the armrests form an obtuse angle of in particular approximately 135 ° with the support surface of the backrest. As a result, the support function of the armrests in the lying position of the wheelchair is improved in the manner described above.

The electromotive adjusting device expediently has a first electromotive linear drive, which is operatively connected between the base body and the backrest part in such a way that when the first electromotive linear drive is actuated, the backrest is adjusted relative to the seat surface between the sitting position and the lying position, as is an expedient development of Invention provides.

A drive device or adjusting device, by means of which the components of the wheelchair are adjusted between the sitting position, the lying position and the righting position, can be designed in any suitable manner according to the respective requirements. A further development of the invention, which in combination with the features of the preamble of claim 1, but independently of the features of the characterizing part of claim 1, has an independent inventive meaning in itself, provides that the electromotive adjusting device has a second electromotive linear drive which is operatively connected in the longitudinal center plane of the base body of the electric wheelchair between the base body and the backrest part such that when the second electromotive linear drive is actuated, the seat surface part is adjusted relative to the base body between the sitting position and the standing position. Corresponding electromotive linear drives are available as relatively simple, inexpensive and robust standard components and are suitable for exerting large forces, which is particularly important when the wheelchair according to the invention is designed for relatively corpulent users with a relatively high body weight. Due to the arrangement of the linear drive in the longitudinal center plane of the base body of the power wheelchair, the introduction of force into the backrest part is symmetrical compared to an arrangement outside the longitudinal center plane. It has surprisingly been found that this results in significant advantages, for example with regard to the design of the adjustment mechanism with regard to its loading during the adjustment movement.

Another advantageous development of the invention, which in combination with the features of the preamble of claim 1, but independently of the features of the characterizing part of claim 1, has an independent inventive meaning in itself, provides that the electromotive adjusting device has a second electromotive linear drive , which is operatively connected between the base body and the seat surface part in such a way that when the second electromotive linear drive is actuated, the seat surface part is adjusted relative to the base body between the seat position and the righting position, a gas pressure spring arrangement being assigned to the second electromotive linear drive and connected in terms of drive technology to the second electromotive linear drive is. The gas pressure spring arrangement supports the second electromotive linear drive when the wheelchair is adjusted to the upright position, that is, when the adjustment takes place against the weight of the user's body weight. In this way, an adjustment without reducing the adjustment speed is ensured even if the wheelchair is used by a more corpulent user with a relatively high body weight. If necessary, the second electromotive linear drive can also be dimensioned smaller with regard to the power to be applied. Corresponding gas pressure springs are available as relatively simple, inexpensive and robust standard components. In this way, the functional safety of the wheelchair according to the invention is improved with relatively simple and inexpensive means.

The number and design of gas pressure springs of the gas pressure spring arrangement can be selected within wide limits in accordance with the respective requirements. To this extent, an advantageous development of the invention provides that the gas pressure spring arrangement has at least two gas pressure springs spaced apart from one another transversely to the direction of travel of the wheelchair. The gas pressure springs can in particular be arranged symmetrically to the longitudinal center plane of the wheelchair, so that the supportive introduction of force by the gas pressure springs during the adjustment of the wheelchair from the sitting position into the upright position to the longitudinal center plane of the wheelchair takes place symmetrically.

An advantageous development of the embodiments with the electromotive linear drives provides a common control device for controlling the first electromotive linear drive and the second electromotive linear drive. The control device can be operated by the user of the wheelchair by means of a suitable operating device. The control device can be permanently installed on the wheelchair. However, the operating device can also be a wireless remote control which is in data transmission connection with the control device. Depending on the respective requirements and circumstances, a smartphone, for example, can also be used as the operating device.

The design of the coupling means provided according to the invention can be selected within wide limits in accordance with the respective requirements and circumstances. To this extent, an advantageous further development of the invention provides that the coupling means have an adjusting element which is arranged between the base body and the backrest part and is operatively connected such that when the backrest part moves from the sitting position into the lying position, the adjusting element moves from a first position into a second position Position is moved, the adjusting member being connected to the headrest part and the armrest part such that when the adjusting member moves from the first position to the second position, the headrest is moved from the headrest sitting position to the headrest lying position and the armrests are moved from the armrest sitting position to the armrest lying position , In this embodiment, when the backrest part is displaced from the sitting position into the lying position, the adjusting member is forced from a first position into a second position and, in turn, causes the armrests to be displaced from the armrest sitting position into the armrest lying position with a corresponding adjustment. To this This results in a relatively simple mechanical structure with relatively few components.

In principle, the armrests can be arranged or stored independently of one another. In order to bring about a synchronous adjustment of the armrests in accordance with the anatomical conditions of the user and at the same time to simplify the mechanical structure with regard to the armrests, an advantageous development of the invention provides that the armrests are arranged on a common armrest part.

An advantageous development of the aforementioned embodiment provides that the armrest part is connected to the backrest part so as to be pivotable about an armrest pivot axis which preferably runs transversely to the direction of travel.

Another advantageous development of the invention provides that the headrest part is connected to the backrest part so as to be pivotable about a pivoting axis of the headrest, preferably transverse to the direction of travel.

An extremely advantageous development of the invention provides that the mechanical coupling means have a first lever gear and that the adjusting member is part of the first lever gear. A desired kinematics of the movement of the armrests can be achieved in a relatively simple manner by means of corresponding lever gears.

An advantageous further development of the embodiments with the adjusting member provides that the adjusting member is a swivel lever which is connected to the backrest part about an adjusting member pivot axis pointing in the direction of travel of the wheelchair and which is arranged and functionally connected to the backrest part in such a way that when the backrest part is adjusted the sitting position in the lying position of the swivel lever is given away from its first position into its second position. This results in a relatively simple structure with relatively few components.

An advantageous development of the aforementioned embodiment provides that the free end of the pivot lever facing away from the adjusting pivot axis is connected to one end of a pivot lever coupling lever, the other end of which is connected to the base body in such a way that when the backrest part moves from the sitting position into the lying position, the pivot lever is given away from his first position to his second position.

An advantageous further development of the aforementioned embodiment provides that the swivel lever coupling lever is articulated at one end to the end of the swivel lever facing away from the adjusting element swiveling axis and articulated at its other end to the main body of the wheelchair.

In order to connect the swivel lever to the armrest part in a particularly simple manner in the embodiments, an advantageous development of the corresponding embodiments provides that the armrest part is connected to the swivel lever via a preferably rigid coupling rod.

An advantageous development of the aforementioned embodiment provides that the coupling rod executes a non-planar movement when the pivoting lever moves between its first position and its second position and is connected via ball joints at one end to the pivoting lever eccentrically to the adjusting element pivoting axis and at the other end to the armrest part eccentrically to the armrest pivoting axis is.

An extremely advantageous development of the invention provides that the mechanical coupling means have a second lever mechanism that is connected on the input side to the armrest part and / or the adjusting member and on the output side to the headrest part such that when the backrest part is adjusted from the sitting position to the lying position, the headrest part is adjusted from the headrest sitting position to the headrest lying position. In this embodiment, the forced adjustment of the headrest part takes place between it Headrest sitting position and its headrest lying position by means of a lever gear.

The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the attached schematic drawing. All of the features claimed in the claims, described in the description and illustrated in the drawing, as well as in any suitable combination with one another, form the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims and their references, and regardless of their description or illustration in the drawing.

Fig. 1A - 1C

eine perspektivische Detailansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Elektrorollstuhles in unterschiedlichen kinematischen Phasen während einer Verstellung zwischen einer Sitzposition (Fig. 1A) und einer Aufrichtposition (Fig. 1C),

Fig. 2 A - 2 C

eine Seitenansicht des Ausführungsbeispiels gemäß Fig. 1 in unterschiedlichen kinematischen Phasen während einer Verstellung zwischen der Sitzposition (Fig. 2 A) und der Aufrichtposition (Fig. 2 C),

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht eines Details des Ausführungsbeispiels gemäß Fig. 1 im Bereich der Verbindung zwischen einem Rückenlehnenteil und einem Grundkörper des Elektrorollstuhls,

Fig. 4A - Fig. 4C

eine perspektivische Detailansicht des Ausführungsbeispiels gemäß Fig. 1 in unterschiedlichen kinematischen Phasen während einer Verstellung zwischen der Sitzposition (Fig. 4A) und einer Liegeposition (Fig. 4C),

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Detailansicht des Ausführungsbeispiels gemäß Fig. 1 im Bereich der Verbindung zwischen dem Rückenlehnenteil und dem Grundkörper des Elektrorollstuhles,

Fig. 6 A - 6 C

eine Seitenansicht des Ausführungsbeispiels gemäß Fig. 1 in unterschiedlichen kinematischen Phasen während einer Verstellung zwischen der Sitzposition (Fig. 6 A) und der Liegeposition (Fig. 6 C),

Fig. 7 A und 7 B

das Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Fig. 1 in einer zu Fig. 6 ähnlichen Seitenansicht, wobei Fig. 7 A der Sitzposition und Fig. 7 B der Liegeposition entspricht,

Fig. 8 A und 8 B

das Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Fig. 1 in einer Rückansicht, wobei Fig. 8 A der Sitzposition und Fig. 8 B der Liegeposition entspricht und

Fig. 9 A - Fig. 9 C

eine Seitenansicht des Ausführungsbeispiels gemäß Fig. 1 in unterschiedlichen kinematischen Phasen im Bereich der Kopfstütze während einer Verstellung zwischen der Sitzposition (Fig. 9 A) und der Liegeposition (Fig. 9 C).

It shows:

1A-1C

a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of an electric wheelchair according to the invention in different kinematic phases during an adjustment between a sitting position ( Fig. 1A ) and an erection position ( 1C )

2A-2C

a side view of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 in different kinematic phases during an adjustment between the sitting position ( 2A) and the righting position ( 2 C) .

Fig. 3

a side view of a detail of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 in the area of the connection between a backrest part and a base body of the electric wheelchair,

Figures 4A-4C

a detailed perspective view of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 in different kinematic phases during an adjustment between the sitting position ( Figure 4A ) and a lying position ( Figure 4C )

Fig. 5

a detailed perspective view of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 in the area of the connection between the backrest part and the base of the electric wheelchair,

6A-6C

a side view of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 in different kinematic phases during an adjustment between the sitting position ( 6 A) and the lying position ( 6 C) .

7A and 7B

the embodiment according to Fig. 1 in one too Fig. 6 similar side view, being Fig. 7 A the seating position and Fig. 7 B corresponds to the lying position,

8 A and 8 B.

the embodiment according to Fig. 1 in a rear view, wherein Fig. 8 A the seating position and Figure 8B corresponds to the lying position and

9A-9C

a side view of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 in different kinematic phases in the area of the headrest during an adjustment between the sitting position ( Fig. 9 A) and the lying position ( Fig. 9 C) ,

The following will refer to 1 to 9 an embodiment of an electric wheelchair 2 according to the invention, which will also be referred to as a wheelchair 2, explained in more detail.

In the figures of the drawing, components of the wheelchair 2 have been omitted to different extents for reasons of illustration in order to reduce the representation to the elements essential for understanding the invention. Insofar as components that are shown in other figures are omitted in individual figures, it goes without saying that the corresponding components in these figures are to be supplemented in accordance with the meaning of the concept

1A to 1C show a perspective detail view of an embodiment of an electric wheelchair 2 according to the invention with erecting function in different kinematic phases during an adjustment between one in Fig. 1A shown sitting position and one in 1C shown erection position. Figure 1B corresponds to an intermediate position between the aforementioned positions.

The wheelchair 2 has a base body 4 which is designed as a chassis which can be moved by means of an electric motor drive. The construction of a corresponding wheelchair is generally known to the person skilled in the art and is therefore not explained in more detail here.

A seat part 6 with a seat 8 and a backrest part 10 with a backrest 12 are adjustable on the base body 4 relative to one another and to the base body 4 (cf. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 ) arranged.

The seat part 6 and the backrest part 10 are relative to each other or to the base body 4 between the in Fig. 1A shown sitting position, in which the seat 8 is approximately horizontal and the backrest 12 and the seat 8 are arranged approximately at right angles to each other, and in 1C shown upright position adjustable, in which the seat surface 8 and the backrest 12 together form an approximately vertical support surface. A corresponding erection function is generally known in electric wheelchairs and is not in itself the subject of the invention.

In addition, the seat part 6 and the backrest part 10 are adjustable relative to one another and to the base body 4 between the sitting position and a lying position, in which the backrest 12 and the seat surface 8 form an approximately horizontal lying surface. Fig. 4 shows in various kinematic phases a corresponding adjustment between the sitting position and the lying position, whereby Figure 4A the sitting position and Figure 4C represents the lying position. Figure 4B represents an intermediate position between the aforementioned positions.

To adjust the backrest part 10 and the seat part 6 relative to one another between the sitting position and the lying position, an electromotive adjustment device with a first electromotive linear drive is provided, which will be explained in more detail below.

A second electromotive linear drive is provided for adjusting the backrest part 10 and the seat part 6 relative to one another or to the base body 4 between the sitting position and the standing position, which is also explained in more detail below.

With the backrest part 10, a headrest part 14 is connected to a headrest 16, which serves to support the head of the user of the wheelchair 2. Fig. 9 shows the headrest 16 in various kinematic phases during an adjustment of the headrest 16 between one in Fig. 9 A shown headrest seating position and one in Fig. 9C shown headrest lying position. Fig. 9 B shows an intermediate position between the headrest sitting position and the headrest lying position.

To support the user of the wheelchair 2 in the area of his arms, armrests are provided which are arranged on both sides of the seat surface 8 and of which only a right armrest 18 can be seen in the drawing (cf. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 ).

The following will refer to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 The uprighting function of the wheelchair 2, which is known per se from the prior art, is first explained in more detail.

In order to move the backrest part 10 and the seat surface part 6 relative to each other so that the backrest 12 and the seat surface 8 form a continuous, approximately vertical support surface, an electromotive adjusting device 20 with a first electromotive linear drive 22 (cf. Fig. 1A ) intended. The first electromotive linear drive 22 is arranged between the backrest part 10 and the seat surface part 6 and is operatively connected such that when the linear drive 22 is actuated, the backrest part 10 relative to the seat surface part 6 about a horizontal backrest part pivot axis 24 from the in FIG Fig. 1A shown sitting position in the in 1C shown lying position is pivoted. Structure and mode of operation corresponding Electromotive linear drives are generally known and are therefore not explained in more detail here.

As in Fig. 1A In the sitting position, the backrest 12 and the seat surface 8 are arranged approximately at right angles to one another, while the backrest 12 and the seat surface 8 form an approximately vertical continuous support surface in the upright position, as shown in FIG 1C is shown.

A second electromotive linear drive 28 is provided for adjusting the seat part 6 relative to the base body 4 (cf. in particular Fig. 1A ). The second electromotive linear drive 28 is arranged between the seat surface part 6 and the base body 4 and is operatively connected such that when the second electromotive linear drive 28 is actuated, the seat surface part 6 between the Fig. 1A shown sitting position, in which the seat 8 is arranged approximately horizontally, and in 1C shown upright position is adjusted, in which the seat 8 is arranged approximately vertically and, as stated above, forms an approximately vertical continuous support surface together with the backrest 12.

A common control device is provided to control the first electromotive linear drive 22 and the second electromotive linear drive 28. The structure and mode of operation of a corresponding control device are generally known to the person skilled in the art and are therefore not explained in detail here. To simplify the illustration, the common control device is also not shown in the drawing. The control device is designed and programmed in such a way that the adjustments to be carried out by the first electromotive linear drive 22 on the one hand and by the second electromotive linear drive 28 on the other hand are carried out in a coordinated manner in accordance with the position of the wheelchair 2 chosen by the user (sitting position or standing position or lying position) ,

Fig. 2 shows a partial view of the wheelchair 2 in the area of the backrest 12 and the seat 8 in different kinematic phases during an adjustment between the sitting position of the sitting position, the Figure 2A the Fig. 1A , the Figure 2B the Figure 1B and the Figure 2C the 1C equivalent.

According to the invention, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the second electromotive linear drive 28 is arranged in the longitudinal median plane of the wheelchair 2, as in particular from Figure 1B can be seen. In this way, when the backrest part 10 is adjusted relative to the base body 4, the adjusting force applied by the linear drive 28 is introduced symmetrically. This is particularly advantageous if the adjustment is made against the weight of the body weight of a more corpulent user of the wheelchair 2. The provision from them 1C shown in the upright position in Fig. 1A Seat position shown takes place when the linear drive 22 is switched on under the weight of the body weight of the user.

Furthermore, according to the invention, in the exemplary embodiment shown, a gas pressure spring arrangement 30 with gas pressure springs 32, 34 is assigned to the second electromotive linear drive 28 and, in terms of drive technology, connected in parallel with the second electromotive linear drive 28 (cf. in particular 1C ). Because of the parallel connection of the gas pressure springs 32, 34 to the second electromotive linear drive 28, the gas pressure springs 32, 34 support the latter in the adjustment movement between the sitting position and the righting position. This is again particularly advantageous if the adjustment is made against the weight of the body weight of a more corpulent user of the wheelchair 2.

Fig. 3 shows a view of a detail in the area of the connection between the seat part 6 and the base body 4, wherein in addition to the second electromotive linear drive 28, the gas pressure spring 34 of the gas pressure spring arrangement 30 can also be seen.

The following will refer to in particular 4 to 8 first the forced adjustment of the armrests 18 according to the invention during an adjustment of the backrest part 10 explained in more detail from the sitting position to the lying position.

The forced adjustment of the headrest 16 according to the invention when the backrest part 10 is adjusted from the sitting position to the lying position is subsequently described in particular with reference to Fig. 9 explained in more detail.

In order to effect the forced adjustment of the headrest 16 or the armrests 18 according to the invention, mechanical coupling means are provided according to the invention, which in the exemplary embodiment shown are designed and connected to the headrest part 14 and the armrests in such a way that when the backrest 12 is adjusted to the lying position Headrest 16 is or are adjusted relative to the backrest 12 from a headrest sitting position into a headrest lying position and / or the armrests 18 are moved relative to the backrest 12 from an armrest sitting position into an armrest lying position.

The armrests 18 are on a common armrest part 36 (cf. for example Figure 4A ) arranged, which is pivotably connected to the backrest part 10 about a horizontal armrest part pivot axis running transverse to the direction of travel of the wheelchair 2.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the mechanical coupling means are designed such that in the armrest seating position, the support surfaces of the armrests 18 are arranged approximately at right angles to a support surface of the backrest 12 (cf. FIGS. 4A and in particular) 6 A) and in the armrest lying position the support surfaces of the armrests 18 form an obtuse angle of in particular approximately 135 ° with the support surface of the backrest 12 (cf. Figure 4C and particularly Figure 6C ).

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the mechanical coupling means have an adjusting element that is formed by a pivot lever 38 in the exemplary embodiment shown. The pivot lever 38 is arranged between the base body 4 and the backrest part 10 and is operatively connected such that the pivot lever 38 when the backrest part moves 10 from the sitting position to the lying position from a first position (cf. Figure 4A and Figure 7A ) in a second position (cf. Figure 4C and Figure 7C ) is moved. The pivot lever 38 is connected to the headrest part 14 and the armrest part 36 such that when the pivot lever 38 moves from its first position to its second position, the armrest part 36 moves from the armrest sitting position to the armrest lying position and the headrest part 14 from the headrest sitting position to the headrest lying position becomes.

The pivot lever 38 is about an adjusting member pivot axis 40 pointing in the direction of travel of the wheelchair 2 (cf. Figure 4A ) connected to the backrest part 10.

The free end of the pivot lever 38 facing away from the adjusting element pivot axis 40 is articulated with one end of a pivot lever coupling lever 42 (cf. Figure 4A ), the other end of which is connected in an articulated manner to the base body 4 such that when the backrest part 10 moves from the sitting position into the lying position, the pivoting lever 38 from its first position (cf. Figure 4A ) in its second position (cf. Figure 4C ) is pivoted. The coupling of the pivot lever 38 to the base body 4 is effected by means of the pivot lever coupling lever 42 in such a way that when the backrest part 10 is adjusted from the sitting position into the lying position, the pivot lever 38 is forcibly pivoted from the first position into the second position.

The armrest part 36 is connected to the pivot lever 38 via a rigid coupling rod 44. The coupling rod 44 performs a non-planar movement when the pivot lever 38 moves between its first position and its second position. For this reason, the coupling rod 44 is connected at one end to the swivel lever 38 via ball joints and at the other end to the armrest part 36. Like for example in Figure 4A As can be seen, the coupling rod 44 is eccentric at one end by means of a first ball joint 46 to the pivot axis 4 with the pivoting lever 38 and at its other end connected to the armrest part 36 eccentrically to the armrest pivot axis by means of a second ball joint 48.

The swivel lever 38 is part of a first lever mechanism, which is part of the mechanical coupling means according to the invention. The functioning of these mechanical coupling means is as follows:
With an adjustment of the backrest part 10 from the in Figure 4A shown sitting position in the Figure 4C shown lying position by means of the first electromotive linear drive 22, the pivot lever 38 is due to its mechanical coupling to the base 4 of the wheelchair 2 from its in Figure 4A and Figure 6A illustrated first position in its in Figure 4C and Figure 6C shown second position pivoted. Due to the mechanical coupling of the armrest part 36 to the pivot lever 38 by means of the coupling rod 44, the armrest part 36 is in this case relative to the backrest part 10 in Fig. 6 pivoted clockwise so that the armrests 18 form an obtuse angle with the support surface of the backrest 12 in the lying position, like him Fig. 6C shown. The resulting inclination of the armrests 18 relative to the support surface of the backrest 12 brings about an anatomically improved and ergonomically favorable support of the user's arms when the wheelchair 2 is in the lying position.

Because the mechanical coupling means provided according to the invention kinematically couple a movement of the armrest part 36 to a movement of the backrest part 10 from the sitting position into the lying position, the corresponding adjustment movement of the armrest part 36 is a forced movement. The adjustment of the armrest part 36 from the armrest sitting position into the armrest lying position is thus carried out automatically by means of the first electromotive linear drive 22 when the backrest part 10 is moved into the lying position. In this way, a separate drive for the adjustment of the armrest part 36 relative to the backrest part 10 is not required. In addition, there is no need for a corresponding operation for the user. This is the ergonomics of the wheelchair 2 and its adaptation to the anatomical conditions of a user improved.

The kinematics of the components involved in the adjustment of the armrest part 36 are shown in FIGS Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 further illustrated, wherein Figure 7A and Figure 8A the armrest seating position and Figure 7B and Figure 8B correspond to the armrest lying position. Even if, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the adjustment of the armrest part 36 is coupled to the adjustment of the backrest part 10 in the manner described above, in FIG Figure 7B and Figure 8B for the sake of illustration, the backrest part 10 is further shown in its sitting position, while the components involved in the adjustment (swivel lever 38, coupling rod 44 and armrest part 36) in Figure 7B and Figure 8B are shown in the armrest lying position. It can be seen that the armrest part 36 in Fig. 7 is pivoted clockwise from the armrest sitting position to the armrest lying position.

The following will refer in particular to Fig. 7 and Fig. 9 the adjustment of the headrest part 14 according to the invention explained.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, as already stated above, the mechanical coupling means are designed such that when the backrest 12 is moved into the lying position, not only are the armrests 18 moved into the armrest lying position, but rather, in addition, the headrest part 14 also moves from a headrest sitting position a headrest lying position is adjusted. In the headrest sitting position (cf. Fig. 9 A) the support surface of the headrest 18 together with the support surface of the backrest 12 forms an approximately horizontal support surface, while in the headrest lying position (cf. Fig. 9C ) the support surface of the headrest 16 forms an obtuse angle with the support surface of the backrest 12 and the headrest 16 is thus inclined towards the head of the user.

The resulting change in the angle of the support surface of the headrest 16 is shown in FIG Fig. 9 illustrated at 50. Fig. 9 A shows the headrest 16 in a position slightly adjusted in the direction of the headrest lying position, in which a reference surface of the headrest 16 coincides with a reference plane defined by the support surface of the backrest 12 and thus forms an angle of 0 ° with the reference plane. In the in Fig. 9 A In the position shown, the reference surface of the headrest 16 forms an angle of approximately 3 ° with the horizontal reference plane.

Figure 9C shows the headrest 16 in the headrest lying position, in which the reference surface of the headrest 16 forms an angle of approximately 25 ° with the reference plane, so that the supporting surface of the headrest 16 in the headrest lying position forms an obtuse angle with the supporting surface of the backrest 12, i.e. the headrest is inclined towards the user's head.

The headrest part 14 is mounted on the backrest part 10 so as to be pivotable about a horizontal headrest pivot axis 52 which runs transversely to the direction of travel of the wheelchair 2. The headrest pivot axis 52 runs in FIG Fig. 7 A perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

The headrest part 14 has at its end facing away from the headrest pivot axis 52 an adjustable and lockable holder 54, at the free end of which the headrest 16 is arranged. The basic position of the headrest 16 can be adjusted relative to the headrest part 14 by appropriate adjustment of the holder.

The mechanical coupling means provided according to the invention are designed and connected to the headrest 16, namely in the exemplary embodiment shown with the headrest part 14, that when the backrest 12 is moved into the lying position, the headrest 16 is moved from its headrest sitting position into the headrest lying position. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the mechanical coupling means have a second lever gear, which has a first lever 56 which is integrally formed on the headrest part 14 and is articulated at its free end about a first hinge axis 58 to a second lever 60, which on its the End facing away from the first articulation axis 58 is articulated with the armrest part about a second articulation axis 62 36 is eccentric to the armrest pivot axis and is connected to the ball joint 48.

Especially from a comparison between Figure 7A and Figure 7B it can be seen that when the armrest part 36 is mechanically forcibly moved into its armrest sitting position when the backrest part 10 is moved into the sitting position, the headrest part 14 about the headrest pivot axis 52 in Fig. 7 A is pivoted clockwise until the in Figure 7B shown headrest lying position of the headrest part 14 is reached.

As in 9A to 9B illustrated, the headrest 16 is inclined towards the feet of the user. In this way, an ergonomically improved support in the area of the head, which is better adapted to the anatomical conditions of the user, is achieved in the headrest lying position. It has been shown in practice that a corresponding support compared to a continuous, almost horizontal lying surface is perceived as more pleasant.

In the illustrated embodiment, the headrest part 14 is mechanically coupled to the armrest part 36. However, it is possible according to the invention to choose a differently designed mechanical coupling of the headrest part 14, which is designed such that when the backrest part 10 is moved into the lying position, the headrest 16 is moved into the headrest lying position.

The wheelchair 2 according to the invention offers its user in the lying position an ergonomically improved support in the area of the head and arms which is better adapted to the anatomical conditions of the user. Due to the arrangement according to the invention of the second electromotive linear drive 28 in the longitudinal center plane of the wheelchair 2, the introduction of force into the backrest part 10 is improved when the backrest part 10 is moved from the sitting position into the righting position. In this way, the righting function can be reliably maintained even if the adjustment is made against the weight of the body weight of a more obese user. It works in the same sense according to the invention, the gas pressure spring arrangement 30 connected in parallel with the second electromotive linear drive 28.

Claims (19)

Electric wheelchair (2) with righting function,
with a base body (4), on which a seat part (6) with a seat surface (8) and a backrest part (10) with a backrest (12) are adjustably arranged,
the seat part (6) and the backrest part (10) relative to one another or to the base body (4) between a seat position in which the seat surface (8) is arranged approximately horizontally and in which the backrest (12) and the seat surface (8 ) are arranged approximately at right angles to one another and an upright position is adjustable in which the seat surface (8) and the backrest (12) form an approximately vertical support surface,
the seat part (6) and the backrest part (10) being adjustable relative to one another and to the base body (4) between the sitting position and a lying position in which the backrest (12) and the seat surface (8) form an approximately horizontal lying surface,
with an electromotive adjustment device for adjusting the backrest part (10) and the seat surface part (6) relative to one another or to the base body (4) between the sitting position and the lying position and between the sitting position and the standing position,
with a headrest part (14) connected to the backrest part (10) with a headrest (16) and
with armrests (18) which are connected to the backrest part (10), characterized by
mechanical coupling means which are designed and connected to the headrest (16) and / or to the armrests (18) such that when the backrest (12) is adjusted from the sitting position to the lying position, the headrest (16) relative to the backrest ( 12) from a headrest sitting position into a headrest lying position and / or the armrests (18) are or are adjusted relative to the backrest (12) from an armrest sitting position into an armrest lying position. Electric wheelchair (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that in the headrest sitting position a support surface of the headrest (16) with a support surface of the backrest (12) forms a substantially flat support surface and that in the headrest lying position the support surface of the headrest (16) with the Support surface of the backrest (12) forms an obtuse angle. Electric wheelchair (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the armrest seating position the support surfaces of the armrests (18) are arranged approximately at right angles to a support surface of the backrest (12) and in the armrest lying position the support surfaces of the armrests (18) form an obtuse angle of in particular approximately 135 ° with the support surface of the backrest (12). Electric wheelchair (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electromotive adjusting device has a first electromotive linear drive (22) which is operatively connected between the base body (4) and the backrest part (10) such that when the first electromotive linear drive is actuated (22) the backrest (12) is adjusted relative to the seat surface (8) between the sitting position and the lying position. Electric wheelchair (2) according to one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the electromotive adjusting device has a second electromotive linear drive (28) which is located in the longitudinal center plane of the base body (4) of the electric wheelchair (2) between the base body (4) and the backrest part (10) are operatively connected in such a way that when the second electromotive linear drive (28) is actuated, the seat part (6) is adjusted relative to the base body (4) between the sitting position and the standing position. Electric wheelchair (2) according to one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the electromotive adjusting device has a second electromotive linear drive (28) which is operatively connected between the base body (4) and the seat part (6), that when the second electromotive linear drive (28) is actuated, the seat surface part (6) is adjusted relative to the base body (4) between the sitting position and the upright position, the second electromotive linear drive (28) a gas pressure spring arrangement (30) is assigned and connected in terms of drive technology to the second electromotive linear drive (28). Electric wheelchair (2) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the gas pressure spring arrangement (30) has at least two gas pressure springs (32, 34) spaced apart from one another transversely to the direction of travel of the wheelchair. Electric wheelchair (2) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized by a common control device for controlling the first electromotive linear drive (22) and the second electromotive linear drive (28). Electric wheelchair (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling means have an adjusting element which is arranged and operatively connected between the base body (4) and the backrest part (10) in such a way that the adjusting element during movement of the backrest part (10) is moved from the sitting position into the lying position from a first position into a second position, the adjusting member being connected to the headrest part (14) and the armrest part (36) in such a way that when the adjusting member moves from the first position to the second position the headrest (16) can be adjusted from the headrest sitting position to the headrest lying position and the armrests (18) from the armrest sitting position to the armrest lying position. Electric wheelchair (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the armrests (18) are arranged on a common armrest part (36). Electric wheelchair (2) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the armrest part (36) is connected to the backrest part (10) so as to be pivotable about an armrest pivot axis which preferably runs transversely to the direction of travel of the wheelchair. Electric wheelchair (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the headrest part (14) is pivotably connected to the backrest part (10) about a headrest pivot axis (52) which preferably runs transversely to the direction of travel. Electric wheelchair (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanical coupling means have a first lever gear and that the adjusting member is part of the first lever gear. Electric wheelchair (2) according to one of Claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the adjusting member is a pivoting lever (38) which is connected to the backrest part (10) about an adjusting member pivoting axis (40) pointing in the direction of travel of the wheelchair and which is arranged and is operatively connected to the backrest part (10) that when the backrest part (10) is adjusted from the sitting position into the lying position, the pivoting lever (38) is given away from its first position into its second position. Electric wheelchair (2) according to claim 14, characterized in that with the free end of the adjusting member pivot axis (40) facing away from the pivot lever (38) one end of a swivel lever coupling lever (42) is connected, the other end of which is connected to the base body (4) in such a way that when the backrest part (10) moves from the sitting position into the lying position, the swivel lever (38) from its first position is given away in its second position. Electric wheelchair (2) according to claim 15, characterized in that the swivel lever coupling lever (42) is articulated at one end with the end of the swivel lever (38) facing away from the adjusting element swivel axis (40) and articulated at its other end with the base body (4) of the wheelchair connected is. Electric wheelchair (2) according to one of Claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the armrest part (36) is connected to the pivoting lever (38) via a preferably rigid coupling rod (44) (44). Electric wheelchair (2) according to claim 17, characterized in that the coupling rod (44) executes a non-planar movement when the pivoting lever (38) moves between its first position and its second position and via ball joints (46, 48) at one end with the pivoting lever ( 38) is connected eccentrically to the adjustment pivot axis (40) and at the other end to the armrest part (36) eccentrically to the pivot axis of the armrest. Electric wheelchair (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanical coupling means have a second lever gear, that on the input side with the armrest part (36) and / or the Adjusting member and on the output side is connected to the headrest part (14) that when the backrest part (10) is adjusted from the sitting position to the lying position, the headrest part (14) is moved from the headrest sitting position to the headrest lying position.

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