WO2002094168A1

WO2002094168A1 - Self-locking safety system for the transport of wheelchair users

Info

Publication number: WO2002094168A1
Application number: PCT/ES2002/000241
Authority: WO
Inventors: Juan Dols Ruiz; Salvador Sanchez Martinez; Elena Rodilla Hoyo
Original assignee: Universidad Politecnica De Valencia
Priority date: 2001-05-24
Filing date: 2002-05-22
Publication date: 2002-11-28
Also published as: ES2178611B1; ES2178611A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a safety system that is intended for any standard type of wheelchair. The inventive system can be installed and used in the greatest number of transport means possible and constitutes a complete and integral safety device which protects the user of a wheelchair. Said system provides a practical and effective anchoring means for the wheelchair and the occupant thereof when the user is moving with the aid of the wheelchair in a motor vehicle. The invention essentially comprises a part (12) which is normally installed in the wheelchair (1) and which defines a connector between the actual seat and the locking system (3). The locking system is mounted in a fixed and permanent manner to a rear panel (2, 2') which is attached to the floor of the vehicle. The rear panel (2, 2') is provided with a headrest (18) and a reclinable ischiatic support (19) and said panel supports the anchors for the safety belts which are incorporated in the wheelchair. The part (12) which is connected to the wheelchair (1) is provided with a U shape and the telescopic rod thereof (13, 13') is held in place by two rack bars (7) of the self-locking system (3) which are actuated by a geared motor.

Description

TITLE SECURITY SYSTEM FOR SELF-LOCKING FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF USERS IN WHEELCHAIRS OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The present invention, as stated in the description of this specification, refers to a self-locking security system for transporting users in chair seats. wheels, with which significant advantages are achieved over devices or systems that are currently used for the same purpose. It involves a complete and comprehensive security system that allows the occupant, or user of a wheelchair, and the chair itself to be protected from an impact or accident during the transport of Persons with Reduced Mobility (PMR) traveling in different types of vehicles Without leaving the chair.

It is an object of the invention to ensure that the safety system provides a comfortable and efficient anchor for both the wheelchair and its occupant, when he or she moves, using the chair, in a motor vehicle. The restraint system intended to hold the chair is rigid, while the system intended for the occupant is flexible

(seatbelts). The automatic actuation mechanism is governed by a control system operated at the user's will and in this way it is the same who decides the interlocking or unlocking of the chair to the security system. As an alternative to a failure of the power supply necessary for its operation, there is a manual drive capable of releasing the chair. <

Fundamentally construc ^¬ tive features of the security system in question, compared to other solutions already on the market, is its universality of use, with the following advantages: - Applicability to transport users in wheelchairs in different types of vehicles (buses, minibuses, minivans, trams, subway, rail, etc.).

- Universality in the use with different types of wheelchairs (manual, electric), through an interface that presents three degrees of freedom for its precise regulation in the interlocking of the chair, and its possible adaptation to different types of wheelchair structures. wheels. Built with different types of materials that provide varying degrees of stiffness, according to needs.

- Versatility in the location inside the transport vehicle:

. User orientation forward or backward according to the order of travel.

. Fixed or mobile installation on the floor of the vehicle.

. Installation on one side or center of the vehicle interior. - Adaptability to different types of users and chair sizes, based on:

. Height adjustment of the automatic interlocking system.

. Height adjustment of the headrest of the integral system.

Height adjustment of the upper point of the occupant's safety system.

- Versatility in the control system of the drive mechanism, which allows mounting in different configurations within the vehicle and the control and recognition of the user who will use it.

DESCRIPTION DS THE INVENTION

In general, the self-locking security system for transporting users in wheelchair chairs, which is the object of the invention, It consists of five fundamental elements, some of which are intended for the safety of the user, others are intended for the support of the wheelchair, the others serving as support for Arab or used as a link between them.

These components are as follows:

- Safety system for the occupant of the wheelchair: seat belt.

- Security system for the wheelchair, by means of the automatic interlocking system.

- Universal wheelchair interface system.

- Safety screen for mounting the chair interlocking and retention system for the occupant.

- Control system for the automatic operation of the wheelchair interlocking system.

In what follows we make special mention of the safety system for the wheelchair, through the automatic interlocking system, and the universal wheelchair interface system.

The wheelchair is a carrier in its rear part of a piece that moves with it and that defines the universal interface system. It is the link between the chair itself and the retention or interlocking system for it, fixed and permanently mounted on the vehicle. It is one of the elements that make up the safety system, being mobile since it can be removed from the wheelchair at the user's discretion, although it is not necessary to remove it for normal chair driving. We can classify it as a rigid type element.

The wheelchair interlocking system is constituted by a rear screen anchored to the - A - vehicle floor, therefore permanently and permanently mounted on the vehicle. It is the element that also supports the anchorage points of the safety belts that the wheelchair incorporates and that defines the element that we have called the occupant's safety system.

The piece installed in the wheelchair, through which the chair is linked to the fixed screen, has a "U" shape whose soul defines a telescopic bar and adjustable branches, the ends of which have tie ties to the structure of the chair, to which they are solidly anchored.

'^' The interlocking system is linked to the vertical screen, it has a metal structure that protects the electromechanical system of actuation of a pair of grab bars that are capable of vertical displacement from an emergency position in which they hold the part attached to the wheelchair, and another of withdrawal in which it is released, this movement being carried out by means of a motor-reducer.

For its part, the rear screen or element that is fixed to the floor of the vehicle and that supports the interlocking system and the anchorage points of the belts, provides rigidity to the assembly by transferring the loads applied to the chair and its occupant, to the bodywork vehicle. The screen incorporates a headrest that offers greater comfort to the user, protecting the head and neck from impact. It also includes a reclining ischial support that can be deployed for use when the system is not in use.

The rear screen, while still a fixed element, can be attached to the body of the vehicle in a welded way, or detachable as we will see later in relation to the figures. The security system is governed by a automatic control that the user can connect or disconnect at their own will, so that only he or an authorized person can start the clamping mechanism. It incorporates a security code to protect it from the use of outsiders, being placed in an area accessible to the user.

To facilitate the understanding of the characteristics of the invention and as an integral part of this specification, some sheets of drawings are attached in whose figures, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1.- It is a perspective view of the self-locking safety system for the transport of wheelchair users, object of the invention, in the mooring position of the wheelchair.

Figure 2.- It is a perspective view of the rear screen that supports the interlocking system, and the "U" part that is normally fixed to the wheelchair has also been included, thus allowing a better view of the way in which the anchorage.

Figure 3.- It is an exploded perspective view of a rear screen of structure fixed to the body of the vehicle. Figure 4.- It is an exploded perspective view of a rear screen of mobile or removable feature.

Figure 5.- It is a perspective view of the wheelchair, from the back of it to observe the part installed in it, in the form of "U".

Figure 6.- It is a perspective view of the part installed in the wheelchair, according to another embodiment thereof.

Figure 7.- It is an exploded perspective view of one of the flanges where the ends of the "U" anchoring piece, according to an embodiment by means of screws.

Figure 8. ~ - It is a perspective view, similar to Figure 7, of a flange formed by three pieces, one of which effects the assembly to become integral with the structure of the wheelchair.

Figure 9.- It is a perspective view of the interlocking system materialized by the protective metal structure of the rack bars.

Figure 10.- It is an exploded perspective view of the component parts of the interlocking system whose drive is included inside, in accordance with that shown in Figure 9. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the numbering adopted in the figures, we see how the self-locking safety system for the transport of users in wheelchairs, which the invention proposes, is applicable in any conventional type of wheelchairs 1 and to different types of vehicles . The rear screen is referenced with the number 2 and defines the element that is anchored to the floor of the vehicle, either fixedly (see figure

3), or in detachable form (see figure 4). The interlocking system can be seen represented in figures 9 and 10, referenced in general with the number 3, fixed to the front part of the screen

1, as clearly seen in figure 2. Its metal structure is formed by different plates machined in Zincal 75 aluminum alloy, preferably. In this metal structure, the side plates 4 and the base 5 stand out, and the free ends of the rack bars are introduced into the holes 6 provided in the latter.

7 driven by the gear reducer 8 located inside this metal structure 3, through the pinions 9. The front and rear faceplates are referenced with the numbers 10 and 11.

With special reference now to Figure 5, we see how the wheelchair 1 has the "U" shaped part mounted on its back that materializes the link between the chair itself 1 and the interlocking system 3 of which Zipper rods are part 7. This "U" piece is generally referenced with the number 12 and in its isolated condition with respect to the wheelchair 1 it is also observed in Figure 2, in the position where it is fully locked and retained at the ^'other side of the rack bars 7 in the locking system 3 secured to the rear bulkhead 2.

This "U" piece 12 normally installed in the chair but which can be removed from it at the user's discretion, is basically composed of a telescopic bar 13 that materializes the soul of the general "U" shape. The branches 14 of the same "U" piece 12 are finished off in two flanges 15 that are attached to the tubular structure 16 of the wheelchair 1. The "U" part 12 is therefore adjustable to the dimensions of the chair of wheels, both as regards the length of its soul 13, as well as that of its branches 14 as it can be secured with respect to the flanges 15 to the optimum extent. Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the piece in "U" 12, referenced in this case with the number 12 adding the suffix ', where the central bar or core 13' corresponds to the adjustment of two pieces of solid quadrangular section that They enter a hollow profile of the same section with a perfect fit. The lock in the desired position is obtained by simple pins located in one of the existing aligned holes. The soul 13, or 13 'is arranged parallel to the floor of the vehicle and towards the rear with respect to the wheelchair 1, as seen in Figure 5, in order to be retained with rack bars 7 when the interlocking system is activated (see figure 2).

Making special mention of the figures

3 and 4, we can see the rear screen 2, or 2 'which have a common structure materialized by the rigid structure of arms in "V" 17 that provides rigidity to the assembly and incorporates a headrest 18 that offers great comfort to the user protecting it The head and neck of an impact. It also includes reclining ischial support 19, which can be folded down when necessary.

The vehicle is anchored to the ground in the case of the fixed screen 2, by direct welding of the base plates 20, while in the case of the mobile screen

2 'the detachable joint takes place through the grooved plates 21 in solidarity with the arms or legs 17 of the frame and through the plates 22 welded to the floor of the vehicle, with interposition of the reinforcement plates 23, naturally with the collaboration of opportune locking screws through the corresponding holes of these overlapping elements.

Figure 7 shows the flange 15 which is fastened by means of screws 24 to make the block with respect to the tubular structure 16 of the wheelchair 1, the respective branch 14 of the "U" piece 12 being fixed by means of a screw through the hole 25 of the flange body 15. The branch 14 is recessed through the side hole 26 thereof.

Figure 8 shows a flange system that constitutes an alternative construction for it, where this piece referenced with the number 15 'is composed of three pieces that fit like a puzzle according to a system of slots and guides. Parts 27 and 28 wrap the bar of the tubular structure 16 of the wheelchair 1, adjusting the cylindrical shape. Then the workpiece is tightened in contact with the structure bar. tubular ture 16 of the chair, by means of the piece 29 vertically movable.

Whether the "U" part 12 or 12 'is of a cylindrical configuration, or of a square section, respectively, the blocking of its branches 14 is carried out with respect to the flange 15, or 15' by means of a pin or screw that the it locks in the most suitable introduction position depending on the geometric shape of the bars of the tubular structure 16 of the wheelchair 1. In one embodiment, this pin is formed by two pieces, the pin itself and a hood which are joined together by a screw to facilitate its use as a single piece when inserting or removing it from the through hole where it is located. The hood is threaded on the upper face of the flange body 15, keeping the pin in position and preventing it from being able to escape from impact. It is positioned vertically by inserting it through the upper part of the flange body 15.

With special reference now to Figure 10, we see how the zippers 7 responsible for fastening and fastening the wheelchair interface, travel in a vertical direction reaching the two extreme positions: fully raised when the safety system is idle and fully lowered , as shown in figure 9, when the system must be attached to the bar interface bar, or "U" part 12 of the device. As seen in this figure 10, said rack bars 7 have the appropriate teeth carved along the upper half of a face, the opposite side being in contact with the structure and completely smooth.

The pinions 9 have their axis perpendicular to the symmetry of the rack bar 7 and the teeth permanently engaging with it. Through the rotation of the pinions 9 and according to their direction, the upward or downward movement of the rack 7 occurs, moving both simultaneously. On these pinions, a manual drive is carried out that will allow, from the outside of the metal structure and through a hole provided therein, to produce the unlocking of the system in the event of an electric current failure.

Claims

CLAIMS; 1.- SECURITY SYSTEM FOR SELF-CLEANING FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF USERS IN WHEELCHAIRS, applicable to any conventional type of wheelchairs (1) and to different types of vehicles, characterized in that it includes an installed part (12, 12 ') normally in the wheelchair (1) and that moves with it, as a link between the chair itself and the interlocking system (3) for it fixedly and permanently mounted on the vehicle, through a rear screen (2, 2 ') anchored to the floor of the vehicle and also supports the anchorage points of the seat belts that incorporates the wheelchair (1).

2. SECURITY SYSTEM FOR SELF-LIFTING FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF USERS IN WHEELCHAIRS, according to claim 1, characterized in that the rear screen (2, 2 ') incorporates a headrest (18), as well as a reclining ischial support (19 ).

3.- SECURITY SYSTEM FOR SELF-LIFTING FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF USERS IN WHEELCHAIRS, according to claim 1, characterized in that the part (12, 12 ') installed in the wheelchair (1), has a "U" shape whose soul (13, 13 ') defines a telescopic bar, the length of the branches (14) being also adjustable and the free ends thereof having two flanges (15, 15') that have a cavity to accommodate the bar ( 16) of the structure of the chair to which they are solidly anchored.

4. ™ SECURITY SYSTEM FOR SELF-WASHING FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF USERS IN WHEELCHAIRS, according to claim 3, characterized in that the flange (15 ') is composed of three parts (27, 28, 29), two of which ( 27, 28) jointly embrace the cylindrical section of the bar (16), while the third (29) acts as a tightening wedge that relates the previous two (27, 28) and which is vertically scrollable

5. SECURITY SYSTEM FOR SELF-LIFTING FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF USERS IN WHEELCHAIRS, according to claim 1, characterized in that the interlocking system (3) includes a metal structure that protects the electromechanical drive system of two defined clamping bars by vertical zippers (7) that tie the "U" part (12, 12 ') of the wheelchair (1) in the lowered position, engaging with said zippers (7) two pinions (9) actuated by a motor-reducer (8) turn in both directions.

6. SAFETY SYSTEM FOR AUTOENCLAVA- TION FOR TRANSPORTING USER WHEELCHAIR according to claim 1, characterized in that there is also a safety system of the wheelchair (1), Goberna ^¬ do disconnectable by an automatic control to User will, which starts or deactivates the interlocking system (3) by dialing a security code in the electronic control circuit.