ES1281574U9 - SET OF ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR AND SEAT MECHANISM THAT ALLOWS THE TRANSFER OF THE USER TOGETHER WITH HIS CHAIR TO AN AUTOMOBILE - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

ASSEMBLY OF ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR AND SEAT MECHANISM THAT

ALLOWS THE TRANSFER OF THE USER TOGETHER WITH THEIR CHAIR TO

A CAR

field of invention

The present invention refers to electric wheelchairs that have mechanisms capable of carrying out the transfer of the user to a car in a comfortable and safe way. In particular, it refers to mechanisms that allow a user to access a car together with their electric wheelchair, either as a driver or as a passenger, without having to move from their seat and without requiring external assistance.

Description of the state of the art

There are currently multiple options that facilitate the mobility of people who need it, from manual chairs to electric ones or scooters, but in all cases, when facing the transfer to the car, they only have two alternatives: if they are autonomous, they can opt for an access system with their chair, to a van or minivan, directly to the driver's seat, by means of a ramp or elevator, or using a manual wheelchair, make the transfer and disassemble and load the chair in the car, either manually or through automatic collection systems. In the case of not being autonomous and requiring help, the accompanying person must pick up the chair and load it in the car.

In the specific case of electric wheelchairs, the only options available are to access a specially adapted vehicle with the chair itself, either by means of a ramp or an elevation system, or to transfer the user manually. autonomously to the vehicle seat, while the chair is picked up by a robotic system, or by an accompanying person who loads it into the car.

In the first case, it involves very expensive adaptations of the vehicle and in the second, the user is dependent on external help.

Most of the existing inventions use either systems that project the car seat to the outside so that the user can transfer from his wheelchair and later reintroduce the seat to the interior of the vehicle, or systems in which the user along with the seat of his chair, are introduced into the vehicle by means of a system of guided rails. In both cases, the entire wheelchair or part of it remains outside and must be picked up by a robotic system or by the accompanying person.

In the case of Ishita Akira JPH11253492A, a mechanical system installed on the floor of the car goes outside, engages with the user's wheelchair seat and inserts it into the car, while the rest of the wheelchair remains outside. it must be charged separately, which is a suitable solution for totally dependent people, but not for the rest of possible users.

Similarly, Fonarov Janice L US10434023B1, proposes a chair in which the seat moves laterally, to carry out the transfer of the user to the car, but it suffers from the same problem, because it only solves the transfer of the user but not of the complete chair.

Likewise Fengping Tang CN201076560Y, refers to a wheelchair in which the seat is removable and has rails, which when facing away from the car, fit into other rails located on the floor of the car on which the seat slides and then rotates to position itself correctly. As in the previous case, the chair remains on the floor and must be picked up.

Finally, Gaurav Gupta IN2013DE03587A proposes a system of rails attached to the chair, which fit with sliding guides attached to the floor of the car and a pneumatic retraction system for the base of the chair with wheels for retraction / expansion and entry. of the user along with his seat in the car. Although in this case the objective of introducing the user together with his chair is achieved, it is very impractical since, due to space limitations, this system only allows chairs with very small wheels, such as office chairs, and does not allow climbing with a chair electric wheels, with wheels large enough to use indoors and outdoors comfortably.

The objective of the present invention is to get the user to enter/exit a car together with his chair, either as a driver or as a passenger, this being an electric wheelchair with wheels of sufficient size to circulate comfortably outdoors.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to an electric wheelchair, which, together with a mechanism in the automobile, is capable of carrying out the transfer of the user together with his chair. This is achieved through a series of mechanisms that allow access to the car without the need to use lifting mechanisms, since it is the same chair that rises by resting on telescopic rails, which project outwards from the floor of the car, while the wheels fold on the sides of the chair, to create a compact unit that slides on said rails, to introduce the user together with the chair.

In total, the set of devices consists of the following mechanisms:

a.- Electric wheelchair that has:

[ai].- An "L" shaped base structure on which a motor unit sits and on which a seat on which the user sits moves vertically.

[aii].- A drive unit in which both the front and rear wheels have an identical mechanism in their operation, being integral to an eccentric axis of rotation with respect to the rotation of the wheels and said axis of rotation is driven by at least one geared motor, so that when it rotates and the wheels turn eccentrically, they fold on the sides of the motor unit, configuring a compact unit that does not exceed 20-25 cm in height.

[aiii].- A seat that moves vertically through the base structure by means of at least one geared motor and rack/pinion system or similar such as a linear actuator or a chain/pinion system.

[aiv].- A telescopic footrest coupled to the seat and electrically activated allows it to be folded and its height adjusted, remaining 20-25 cm once folded.

b.- Mechanism attached to the floor of the car that allows the user to be picked up with his chair and that is made up of a base, which is attached to the floor of the car and on which are placed some:

[bi] Telescopic forks that project to the outside to pick up the user with his chair that is in a position parallel to the car in the case of entering laterally or well.

[bii].- Telescopic forks that rest on a rotating column and that project outwards, rotating with an angle equivalent to the opening of the door, to pick up the user with his chair that is in a position parallel to the door of the automobile, in the case of being inserted at an angle, once inserted, rotate and re-position itself inside.

c.- Optional car seat, which is located on top of the user's collection mechanism. It consists of a backrest and a seat that can tilt and fold up. With the seat lowered, it allows a non-dependent user to use the car in a normal way, while folding the seat reveals the transfer system for users with mobility problems.

A typical event of managing the transfer of a user with his electric wheelchair to the car requires a succession of different processes, which are executed in a predefined way when the corresponding command is activated, although there is also the possibility of desisting from the process and executing it conversely, if you encounter an unexpected situation.

For each of the mechanisms there are different states or processes, which are described below.

The execution of these processes in a coordinated way, allows, according to the present invention, to define a procedure so that a user can get on or off together with his electric wheelchair, either as a driver or as a passenger, in a comfortable and safe way, as described below, avoiding dependence on external help or the use of expensive chair collection systems.

In an upload process, the following procedure is executed with the given sequence of processes.

Process 1.- The user approaches the car, opens the door and then, guided by position sensors, places himself in the appropriate position with respect to the car, either parallel to it or to the door.

Process 2.- The control system of the chair, which is not the object of the present invention, checks that the position is correct and that it has enough battery to complete the entire procedure with guarantees.

Process 3.- When activating the up command, it checks if the height of the seat is above that of the telescopic rails in the car and, if necessary, activates the order corresponding to the mechanism for raising the seat, along of the supporting structure of the chair.

Process 4.- The user manually extracts the telescopic forks that will be inserted into the existing guides under the seat of the chair.

Process 5.- The user activates the mechanism for raising the footrest, which raises his feet to the height of the car, at which point he introduces his legs inside the car.

Process 6.- When executing the ascent command, the mechanism that raises the motor unit through the support structure of the chair is activated, which causes it to rest on the telescopic rails and once the wheels no longer touch the ground , the following process is activated.

Process 7.- The wheels management mechanisms act to fold them on the side of the chair and achieve a compact set of about 20-25 cm equivalent to the normal height of a car seat.

Process 8.- The user is introduced together with the chair manually on the telescopic rails and is repositioned inside.

In the process of lowering the car, the procedure is carried out in reverse.

Description of the drawings.

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is attached, as an integral part of said description, where for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, it has been represented the next:

Figure 1 shows the base structure of the chair on which the rest of the elements are mounted.

Figure 2 shows the base structure together with the motor group composed of at least one, gear motor, eccentric shafts, wheels and cover.

Figure 3 shows the seat assembly that slides vertically through the structure.

Figure 4 shows the telescopic footrest.

Figure 5 shows the mechanisms for transferring the chair to the vehicle, its fastening to the floor, the rotation axis and the telescopic guides for entry in a position parallel to the open door.

Figure 6 shows the mechanisms for the transfer in position for the reception of the chair with the entrance in a position parallel to the open door.

Figure 7 shows the mechanisms for transferring the chair to the vehicle, from a position parallel to it. The geared motor for longitudinal adjustment, the rails for fastening to the floor, and the telescopic guides for picking up the chair can be seen.

Figure 8 shows the telescopic guides in the receiving position of the chair.

Figure 9 shows the optional seat to allow a non-dependent person to use the car.

Figure 10 shows the same seat reclined on the backrest to expose the transfer system for power wheelchair users.

Figure 11 shows the chair in the entry position parallel to the open door and with the telescopic guides about to be extracted.

Figure 12 shows the telescopic guides already positioned under the receptacles of the seat of the chair.

Figure 13 shows the same view from a different position.

Figure 14 shows how the chair is already resting on the guides and the motor unit has started to rise while the wheels turn to fold towards the side of the chair.

Figure 15, shows the chair with the wheels folded and in position to start getting in in the car.

Figure 16 shows the chair pivoting on the axis of rotation and entering the car.

Figure 17 shows the seat in the traffic position after longitudinal adjustment and safety interlock.

Figure 18 shows the chair in position for entry from a position parallel to the car.

Figure 19 shows how the telescopic guides have been inserted correctly, under the seat of the chair.

Figure 20 shows how the chair rests on the guides and the motor unit has begun to rise while the wheels turn, to fold towards the side of the chair.

Figure 21 shows the chair with the wheels folded and in position to start getting into the car.

Figure 22 shows the chair in the traffic position after longitudinal adjustment by means of the geared motor and safety interlock.

Detailed description of some preferred forms of the invention.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, in which the necessary mechanisms and processes are described to safely address the raising or lowering of a user together with his electric wheelchair, either as a driver or as a passenger comfortably and safely.

The present invention consists of two differentiated elements, an electric wheelchair, which has mechanisms to achieve electrical adjustment, both of the height of the seat and of the footrest, as well as the folding of the wheels on the side of the chair and by On the other hand, a mechanism in the automobile, which replaces the seat, either for the driver or the passenger, formed by telescopic guides, fixed to the floor of the vehicle, which are manually extracted, to serve as support for the electric wheelchair, so that it can raise the drive unit by its own means and by folding the wheels on the side, get a compact set with a height similar to that of a conventional seat, before entering the passenger compartment, together with the user.

A preferred embodiment of the procedure to be followed to carry out the transfer to the car from the front, but with an angle equivalent to that of the fully open door, is described below, comprising the following steps:

[a] As shown in Figure 11, upon reaching the car (8), the user opens the door (9), places himself in the appropriate position, facing the car, but parallel to the door, and manually removes the telescopic guides (11) making them rotate about the axis of rotation (12) to place them in position and activate the first process, in which by means of the appropriate sensors, which are not the object of the present invention, it is verified that the position is correct, and that it has enough battery to guarantee the achievement of the objective.

[b] When activating the up command, it checks if the height of the seat is above that of the telescopic guides in the car and, if necessary, activates the order corresponding to the seat elevation mechanism, along the support structure of the chair. Next, the user manually extracts the telescopic guides (11) that will be inserted under the seat of the chair as shown in Figures 12 and 13.

[c] The user activates the mechanism for raising the footrest (7), which raises them to the height of the car, at which point he introduces his legs inside the passenger compartment.

[d] Continuing the raising procedure, the user activates the mechanism that raises the motor unit (2) by the support structure of the chair (1), which causes it to rest on the telescopic guides (11) and a Once the wheels (5) no longer touch the ground, they fold on the side of the chair, achieving a compact unit of about 20-25 cm, equivalent to the conventional height of a car seat, as shown in Figures 14 and 15. .

[e] Finally, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the user is introduced together with the chair manually on the telescopic guides [11], pivoting on the axis of rotation (12) and is repositioned inside.

In another preferred embodiment, the procedure to be followed to carry out the transfer to the car in parallel with it is described:

[a] As shown in Figure 18, upon reaching the car (8), the user opens the door (9), places himself in the appropriate position, parallel to the car, and activates the first process, in which by means of the appropriate sensors, which are not the object of the present invention, it is verified that the position is correct, and that it has enough battery to guarantee the achievement of the objective.

[b] When activating the up command, it checks if the height of the seat is above that of the telescopic guides in the car and, if necessary, activates the order corresponding to the seat elevation mechanism, along the support structure of the chair. Next, manually extract the telescopic guides (11) that will be inserted under the seat of the chair as shown in Figure 19.

[c] The user activates the mechanism for raising the footrest (7) which raises them to the height of the car at the moment in which he introduces his legs inside the passenger compartment.

[d] Continuing the raising procedure, the user activates the mechanism that raises the motor unit (2) by the support structure of the chair (1), which causes it to rest on the telescopic guides (11) and a Once the wheels (5) no longer touch the ground, Figure 20, they fold on the side of the chair, achieving a compact set of about 20 25 cm equivalent to the normal height of a car seat, as shown in Fig. Figure 21.

[e] Finally, as shown in Figure 22, the user is introduced together with the chair manually on the telescopic guides [11], and is repositioned inside by activating the geared motor (13) for longitudinal positioning.

In both preferred embodiments, the car lowering procedures are executed in reverse.

The originality of this proposal lies, on the one hand, in the fact that a lifting system is not needed in the car, since it is the chair itself that, supported by the telescopic guides that project to the outside, raises the drive unit on its same structure and above all, in the fact that the wheels fold on the sides of the chair, which allows it to become a compact unit of about 20-25 cm, similar to the size of a conventional car seat.

Claims (4)

1. Set formed by an electric wheelchair, which has mechanisms that allow, through the execution of a series of processes, in a certain sequence, the transfer of the user together with his chair to a car, which also has , of the necessary mechanisms for its reception, either as a driver or as a passenger, without having to move from its seat and without requiring external help, characterized in that said wheelchair includes: [a] .- A base structure (1) that serves as a support for the rest of the components. [b] .- A drive group (2) in which the wheels (5) are integral with an eccentric rotation axis (4) with respect to its own rotation axis and said rotation axis is driven by at least one , geared motor (3), so that when it rotates and the wheels turn eccentrically, they fold on the sides of the motor unit, forming a compact unit that does not exceed 20-25 cm in height. [c].- A seat (6) that moves vertically through the base structure (1) by means of at least one geared motor and rack/pinion system. [d] .- A telescopic footrest (7) coupled to the seat and electrically operated allows it to be folded and its height adjusted, leaving a height of 20-25 cm once folded. And the mechanisms necessary for their reception in the car include: and. - Mechanism attached to the floor of the car, which allows the user to be picked up with his chair and which is made up of a base (10), which is attached to the floor of the car and on which telescopic guides (11) are placed, which are they project to the outside to pick up the user with his chair, which is in a position parallel to the car, in the case of entering laterally. F. - Optional car seat, which is placed on top of the user's collection mechanism. It consists of a backrest (16) and a seat (15) that can tilt and fold up. With the seat lowered, it allows a non-dependent user to use the car in a normal way, while folding the seat reveals the transfer system for users with mobility problems. 2. Electric wheelchair according to claim 1, characterized in that the seat (6) moves vertically through the base structure (1) by means of a linear actuator. 3. Electric wheelchair according to claim 1, characterized in that the seat (6) moves vertically through the base structure (1) by means of a pinion/chain mechanism. 4. Electric wheelchair according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer reception mechanism in the automobile has telescopic guides (11) that rest on a rotating column (12) and that project outwards, rotating with an angle equivalent to the opening of the door, to pick up the user with his chair that is in a position parallel to the car door, in the case of entering at an angle, for once inserted, rotate and reposition inside .