FR2858763A1 - Wheelchair for e.g. handicapped person, has frame equipped at rear of fixed control units, brake lever and accelerator to be driven by attendant, where frame has base receiving oscillating engine block and two motor wheels - Google Patents

Abstract

The wheelchair has an articulated light frame (1) equipped at the rear of fixed control units, a brake lever (16) and an accelerator (17) to be driven by an attendant. The frame has a base that is a H-shape to which articulated oblique arms (10, 19) are fixed, where the arms are articulated at their foot. The base receives an oscillating engine block (2) and two motor wheels (3).

Description

This present invention relates to a new concept of chair

  light-weight electric-powered and energy-efficient light-duty wheel, using only small batteries for the transport of disabled persons or persons with reduced mobility.

  - Equipped with fixed controls in the back, it is easy to drive for the attendant. With a fully foldable frame without tools, it can be transported or stored without difficulties. Wheels with wide bandages, flexible and adherent allow to roll everywhere.

  There are known: wheelchairs, manual, foldable, narrow-wheeled, which one must generally push, and which are generally very difficult to maneuver according to the load, the slope and the state of the ground.

  - electric wheelchairs, little or no folding, only the passenger driven by a joystick. In rare cases, this control is removable and installed at the back. These chairs are heavy, uneconomical energy from where the use of 15 large batteries, they are bulky, not transportable and expensive. These two chair versions can not provide the same service as the proposed invention since this new foldable electric wheelchair facilitates driving for the attendant, the latter no longer having to push. In addition it is easy to store. This invention thus fills an unsatisfied need in the current range of wheelchairs for the transport of handicapped persons, or persons with reduced mobility.

  The invention differs from other electric wheelchairs by a light structure, articulated, fully foldable. It has at the rear a handlebar with fixed control elements, brakes and accelerator. Wide, flexible and adherent wheels allow this new chair to circulate on non-tarmac, hilly or steep terrain, safely. Equipped with a Hi-Tech motorisation 'light and energy-saving, where only a small battery is needed, it can easily and comfortably transport people with disabilities or reduced mobility without effort for the guide.

  The accompanying drawings (FIG. 1) illustrate the invention. Referring to FIGS. (1), the H-shaped frame (1) constitutes the main base of the assembly. It supports the electric motor unit, oscillating (2), the driving wheels (3), all regulated by the damper (4), a plate (5) supports the small battery (6), casters (7) and the footrest (8).

  On both sides of the frame (1), two lugs (9) support the intermediate portion which is composed of two oblique arms (10) articulated in the lugs (9). The locking in the oblique position of the two arms (10) is done automatically when they are deployed in abutment and by a pushing action downwards; and conversely upward for unlocking. These two oblique arms (10) support a seat (11) which is deported forward, an adjustable backrest (12) and two armrests (13). Two other arms (19) provide the horizontal position of the seat (11). The locking of these two arms is effected by a cam locking system (21) which is gripped in the tabs (20) in the form of hooks. At the other upper end of these arms (19) a control station (14) having two handles (15) with a brake (16) and an accelerator-variator (17). On top, there is a battery discharge indicator (18). Inside this box (14) - not visible there is a part of the electronics and the safety braking system against misuse. The entire control station (14) is articulated for height adjustment, depending on the size of the attendant. The locking in the chosen position is effected by the cam system (21).

  - Originality of folding / fast folding: principle of the portfolio.

  Figure 2 shows the half open chair.

  Figure 3 illustrates the fully folded chair.

  Figured by the arrows, the possibilities of adjusting the inclination of the backrest (12), the footrest (8), and its inclination.

  The training of the wheelchair is done by an electric motor, inside the block (2), regulated by an electronic, coupled to a gearbox gearbox. At the exit of the housing, a direct drive shaft drives the two drive wheels (3) 25 broad bandages, flexible and adherent that absorb the imperfections of the terrain and allow to drive everywhere. Inside these two wheels (3), a differential allows easy rotation to 360 of the chair. The plate (5) on the chassis (1) receives the engine power battery, light and rechargeable.

  Speed adjustment is achieved by the throttle control (17) 30 located on the wheelchair handlebars. A brake handle operates two hydraulic disc brakes (23).

  According to a variant not shown, a mechanical switch acting directly on the brakes allows the chair to stop in case of mishandling.

  In the context of this invention, many improvements can be made to this new chair concept.

Claims (6)

  1 / wheelchair with electric assistance, for the transport or the walk of the disabled, characterized by the fact that it comprises a light, articulated, fully foldable structure equipped with rear fixed control elements, brakes (16) and accelerator (17), to be driven by an attendant.   2 / wheelchair according to claim 1 characterized in that the structure is light and fully foldable, to be easily transportable in the trunk of a car, has a base (1) H-shaped which are attached articulated oblique arms (10 and 19) allowing all to fall back as a portfolio.   3 / armchair according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterized in that it comprises a specific hinge lug with groove (9) which allows the automatic locking in the upper position of the oblique arms (10). These two oblique arms (10) support, on the one hand, the seat (11) which is offset on the front and, secondly, an adjustable backrest (12), and two armrests (13). The locking of the seat assembly in horizontal position is provided by the two arms (19), at their ends two locking systems by cams (21) are clinging into the two hook-shaped tabs (20).   4 / armchair according to any one of the preceding claims characterized by the height adjustment of the handles of the control station (14) and depending on the size of the attendant, locking on the movable elements being provided by the system cam lock (21).   5 / armchair according to any one of the preceding claims, the assembly being characterized in that the H-shaped base supports a compact engine block (2), oscillating and the wheels (3), the assembly being hinged and regulated by a damper (4).   6 / armchair according to any one of the preceding claims characterized by the use of wide wheels (3 and 7) for rolling everywhere, provided with an integrated differential for 360 maneuverability.