Folding wheelchair

Abstract

A folding wheelchair is disclosed having a frame with two side portions, a seat and a folding mechanism. The folding mechanism has coupling connections, pivoting connections and a cross-strut with two bars crossing at a pivot point. First ends of each of the cross-strut bars are mounted rotatably on the side portions of the frame via the pivoting connections. Second ends of each of the cross-strut bars are releasably mounted on the other of the two side portions of the frame via the coupling connections. A distance between the frame side portions may be modified if the cross-strut bars second ends are released from the frame side portions. The cross-strut bars are pivoted relative to each other about the pivot point. The cross-strut extends from the first ends to the second ends of the bars in a cross-strut direction which, in the operating position, extends substantially along the seat.

Claims

1. A folding wheelchair, which can be folded and unfolded between an operating position and a folded position, comprising a frame with two side portions, a seat and a folding mechanism, the folding mechanism comprising two coupling connections, two pivoting connections and a cross-strut with two bars crossing at a pivot point, a first longitudinal end of each of the two bars of the cross-strut being rotatably mounted to one of the two side portions of the frame via one of the pivoting connections, a second longitudinal end of each of the two bars of the cross-strut being mounted movably along the other of the two side portions of the frame to the other of the two side portions of the frame via one of the coupling connections, the two bars of the cross-strut being pivotable at the pivot point relative to each other, and a distance between the side portions of the frame being modifiable by moving the second longitudinal ends of the two bars of the cross-strut along the other side portion of the frame, wherein the bars of the cross-strut are pivoted relative to each other about the pivot point, wherein the cross-strut extends from the first longitudinal ends of the two bars to the second longitudinal ends of the two bars in a cross-strut direction which, in the operating position, extends substantially along the seat, wherein the pivoting connections, the coupling connections or the pivoting connections and the coupling connections are displaceable along the cross-strut direction relative to the two side portions of the frame, wherein the coupling connections of the folding mechanism are each formed with a fixing structure, which can be fastened to the associated one of the two side portions of the frame at different positions along the cross strut direction, wherein the fixing structures of the coupling connections each have a latching device and the side portions of the frame are equipped with counter-latching structures which cooperate for fastening with the latching device of the fixing structure of the associated one of the coupling connections, and wherein the latching devices of the fixing structures of the coupling connections each have an engaging part and the counter-latching structures of the side portions of the frame are each equipped with teeth.

2. The folding wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the pivoting connections of the folding mechanism each comprise a joint via which one of the bars of the cross-strut is articulated on one of the side portions of the frame.

3. The folding wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the folding mechanism has a first intermediate structure which is arranged between the first longitudinal ends of the two bars of the cross-strut and the side portions of the frame, and a second intermediate structure which is arranged between the second longitudinal ends of the two bars of the cross-strut and the side portions of the frame.

4. The folding wheelchair of claim 1, comprising two drive wheels, which in the operating position are each mounted to one of the side portions of the frame, wherein the drive wheels are mounted to the side portions of the frame by means of a manually operatable quick-release fastener.

5. The folding wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the two side portions of the frame support the seat in the operating position.

6. The folding wheelchair of claim 1, comprising two steering wheels and a footrest mounted to a front portion of the frame.

7. The folding wheelchair of claim 6, wherein the front portion of the frame comprises two foot tubes, each of which extends from one of the side portions of the frame and on each of which one of the two steering wheels is mounted.

8. The folding wheelchair of claim 1, comprising a backrest wherein the frame has a rear portion to which the backrest is mounted, wherein the rear portion of the frame is foldable to the side portions of the frame so that the backrest is folded forward in the folded position.

9. The folding wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the side portions of the frame each have a guide structure and the coupling connections of the folding mechanism each comprise a sliding part which is coupled to the guide structure of one of the side portions and is movable along this guide structure.

10. The folding wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the distance between the side portions of the frame can be varied in a range from about 30 cm to about 55 cm.

11. The folding wheelchair of claim 1, wherein the distance between the side portions of the frame can be modified in predefined steps in particular of about 36 cm, about 38 cm, about 40 cm, about 42 cm and about 45 cm.

12. A folding wheelchair, which can be folded and unfolded between an operating position and a folded position, comprising a frame with two side portions, a seat and a folding mechanism, the folding mechanism comprising two coupling connections, two pivoting connections and a cross-strut with two bars crossing at a pivot point, a first longitudinal end of each of the two bars of the cross-strut being rotatably mounted to one of the two side portions of the frame via one of the pivoting connections, a second longitudinal end of each of the two bars of the cross-strut being mounted movably along the other of the two side portions of the frame to the other of the two side portions of the frame via one of the coupling connections, the two bars of the cross-strut being pivotable at the pivot point relative to each other, and a distance between the side portions of the frame being modifiable by moving the second longitudinal ends of the two bars of the cross-strut along the other side portion of the frame, wherein the bars of the cross-strut are pivoted relative to each other about the pivot point, wherein the cross-strut extends from the first longitudinal ends of the two bars to the second longitudinal ends of the two bars in a cross-strut direction which, in the operating position, extends substantially along the seat, wherein the pivoting connections, the coupling connections or the pivoting connections and the coupling connections are displaceable along the cross-strut direction relative to the two side portions of the frame, wherein the pivot point of the bars of the cross-strut of the folding mechanism is formed by a coupling element, wherein the coupling element comprises two rotating parts which are pivotable relative to each other, of which the one rotating part is rigidly connected to the one of the two bars of the cross-strut of the folding mechanism and the other rotating part is rigidly connected to the other of the two bars of the cross-strut of the folding mechanism, and wherein the two rotating parts of the coupling element can be locked to each other in a plurality of different rotational positions.

13. The folding wheelchair of claim 12, wherein the coupling element has teeth which lock the two rotating parts to each other in the plurality of different rotational positions.

14. The folding wheelchair of claim 13, wherein the coupling element has an axis of rotation, which is coupled to the two rotating parts, and a control element, wherein the axis of rotation comprises the teeth and the control element can engage in the teeth at different positions, so that the rotating parts are locked to each other in the plurality of different rotational positions, wherein the control element is mounted spring-loaded to the axis of rotation.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further advantageous refinements of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with the aid of the schematic drawings. In particular, the folding wheelchair according to the invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using exemplary embodiments.

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a folding wheelchair according to the invention.

(3) FIG. 2 is a top view of a folding mechanism of the folding wheelchair of FIG. 1 in an operating position of the first seat width.

(4) FIG. 3 is a top view of the folding mechanism of the folding wheelchair of FIG. 1 in an operating position of the second seat width.

(5) FIG. 4 is a top view of the folding mechanism of the folding wheelchair of FIG. 1 in a folded position.

(6) FIG. 5 is a front view of the folding mechanism of the folding wheelchair of FIG. 1 in the operating position of the first seat width.

(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a frame of a second exemplary embodiment of a folding wheelchair according to the invention in an operating position.

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the frame of FIG. 6 in a folded position.

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective exploded view of a coupling element of the frame from FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(10) Certain terms are used in the following description for practical reasons and are not meant to be limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “below” and “above” indicate directions in the drawing to which reference is made. The terms “inward,” “outward” “below,” “above,” “left,” “right” or similar are used to describe the arrangement of designated parts relative to each other, the movement of designated parts relative to each other and the directions towards or away from the geometric center of the invention and designated parts thereof as shown in the figures. This spatial relative information also includes different positions and orientations than those shown in the figures. For example, if a part shown in the figures is turned over, elements or features that are described as “below” are then “above.” The terminology includes the words expressly mentioned above, derivatives of the same, and words of similar meaning. The terms “front” and “rear” are used in connection with the folding wheelchair, so that the area of the folding wheelchair which is designed to accommodate the feet of a user is at the front and the area which is designed to accommodate the back is at the rear. The typical direction of travel is accordingly toward the front or forward.

(11) In order to avoid repetitions in the figures and the associated description of the different aspects and exemplary embodiments, certain features are to be understood as common for different aspects and exemplary embodiments. The omission of an aspect in the description or a figure does not suggest that this aspect is missing in the associated exemplary embodiment. Rather, such omission can serve for clarity and prevent repetitions. In this context, the following definition applies to the entire further description: If reference numerals are included in a figure for the sake of clarity in the drawing but are not mentioned in the directly associated description text, reference is made to their explanation in the preceding description of the figures. If reference symbols are also mentioned in the description text belonging directly to a figure, which are not contained in the associated figure, reference is made to the preceding and following figures. Similar reference numerals in two or more figures stand for similar or identical elements.

(12) FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a folding wheelchair 1 according to the invention. The folding wheelchair 1 comprises a frame 2, which is predominantly designed as a tubular construction, a seat 3, a folding mechanism 4, two larger drive wheels 5 and two smaller steering wheels 6. The frame 2 is formed symmetrically in two parts with a left and a right tubular construction. It has a plurality of corresponding two-part portions and in particular a front portion 22 in the front, a rear portion 23 and two central side portions 21 arranged between front portion 22 and rear portion 23.

(13) The front portion 22 of the frame 2 comprises two parallel foot tubes 221, each connected via an arch to the associated side portion 21, that terminate at the bottom in foot plugs 222 made of rubber. The foot tubes 221 are connected to each other via a foldable footrest 7. They extend approximately along the lower legs of a user of the folding wheelchair when the user is sifting on it.

(14) The side portions 21 of the frame 2 each have a quasi-horizontal top tube 212 and a bottom tube 211 extending parallel thereto at a vertical distance. The rear portion 23 of the frame 2 comprises a quasi-vertical tube on each of the two sides, a backrest 231 being attached to these tubes in such a way that it lies between the tubes. The backrest 231 can be folded forward.

(15) The folding mechanism 4 is arranged between the two side portions 21 of the frame 2. It comprises a first or rear intermediate structure 44 with a quasi-vertical rear vertical strut 441 on each of the two sides and a second or front intermediate structure 45 with a quasi-vertical front vertical strut 451 on each of the two sides. The rear vertical struts 441 each extend on one of the two sides in a rear region of the side portions 21 of the frame 2 between the bottom tube 211 and the top tube 212. Analogously, the front vertical struts 451 each extend on one of the two sides in a front region of the side portions 21 of the frame 2 between the bottom tube 211 and the top tube 212.

(16) The rear vertical struts 441 and the front vertical struts 451 are connected to each other via a quasi-vertical cross-strut 41 of the folding mechanism 4. The cross-strut 41 comprises two bars 411 crossing at a pivot point 412. One of the two bars 411 extends from the left rear vertical strut 441 to the right front vertical strut 541, and the other of the two bars 411 extends from the right rear vertical strut 441 to the left front vertical strut 451.

(17) The seat 3 comprises a cushion 31 and a cushion support 32 which is connected to the two top tubes 212 of the side portion 21 of the frame 2. In particular, the top tubes 212 carry the poster carrier 32, which in turn supports the cushion 31. The top of the poster 31 defines a seat plane which extends more or less parallel to the cross-strut 41 of the folding mechanism 4. In particular, a cross-strut direction 8 extends along the seat 3.

(18) The two drive wheels 5 of the folding wheelchair 1 are mounted on each of the two sides from the outside on a wheel suspension of the side portions 21 of the frame 1. For this purpose, they are equipped with a quick release 51, which enables simple manual assembly and disassembly. The steering wheels 6 are mounted rotatably about a vertical axis on each one of the bottom tubes 211 via associated suspensions.

(19) The frame 2 also has two side panels 24, which are each arranged on one side of the seat 3 between the seat 3 and the drive wheel 5. They enable the user placed on the seat 3 to be protected while traveling. In FIG. 1, the folding wheelchair 1 is shown in an operating position in which it can be driven by the user.

(20) In FIG. 2, the folding mechanism 4 is shown from above in a first seat width. The bars 411 of the cross-strut 41 each have a first or rear longitudinal end 4111 and a second or front longitudinal end 4112. The bars 411 are fastened to each of the rear vertical struts 441 at their rear longitudinal ends 4111 and to each of the front vertical struts 451 at their front longitudinal ends 4112.

(21) The folding mechanism 4 further comprises two rear pivoting connections 42 and two front coupling connections 43. The pivoting connections 42 are each formed from a socket 421 molded onto the upper end of the rear vertical strut and a joint 422 connected to the associated top tube 212. The pivoting connections 42 allow the bars 411 of the cross-strut 41 to be pivoted relative to the top tubes 212 about a quasi-vertical axis.

(22) The two coupling connections 43 are each formed from a socket 431 molded onto the upper end of the front vertical strut and a pin 433 of a latching device of a fixing structure which interacts with a perforation 432 as a pin receptacle in the top tube 212. In particular, the pins 433 are inserted into opposite perforations 432 in the top tubes 212 and interact with the sockets 431, so that the front vertical struts 451 are held or coupled. The pins 433 are each inserted into a selected perforation 432 of a series of perforations 432.

(23) In FIG. 2, the pins are inserted in approximately middle perforations 432 of the row of perforations 432. The angle of rotation of the bars 411 of the cross-strut 41 about the pivot point 412 relative to each other is thus defined. As a result, a distance between the left top tube 212 and the right top tube 212 and the left lower tube 211 and the right lower tube 211 from each other and thus the distance between the side portions 21 of the frame 2 is determined. A seat width is thus predetermined, a seat 3 suitable for the selected seat width and a matching backrest 231 being able to be selected.

(24) If, as shown in FIG. 3, the pins are inserted into other perforations which are closer to the pivoting connections 42, the angles of rotation of the bars 411 of the cross-strut 41 about the pivot point 412 are modified so that the lateral angles between the bars 411 are reduced and the front and rear angles between the bars 411 are increased. As a result, a distance between the left top tube 212 and the right top tube 212 and the left bottom tube 211 and the right bottom tube 211 and thus the distance between the side portions 21 of the frame 2 is increased in comparison to FIG. 2. Again, a seat 3 suitable for the selected larger seat width and a suitable backrest 231 can now be selected.

(25) FIG. 4 shows the folding mechanism 4 of the folding wheelchair 1 folded up in a folded position. The sockets 431 of the front vertical struts 451 are decoupled or released from the side portion and pivoted forward. In particular, the two bars 411 of the cross-strut 41 are pivoted relative to each other about the pivot point 412 in such a way that the lateral angles between the bars 411 are maximal and the front and rear angles between the bars 411 are minimal. As a result, the two sides of the frame 2 are maximally moved towards each other, so that a distance between them is minimal.

(26) In FIG. 5, the folding mechanism 4 is shown from the front. It can be seen that the front vertical struts 451 of the front intermediate structure 45 each have a lower socket 432 in addition to the upper sockets 431. The lower sockets 432 encompass the bottom tubes 211 of the side portion 21 of the frame 2. The frames 431, 432 are each quasi-C-shaped in cross section.

(27) FIG. 6 shows a frame 20 with a folding mechanism 40 of a second exemplary embodiment of a folding wheelchair according to the invention. The folding wheelchair further comprises a seat, two larger drive wheels and two smaller steering wheels, all of which are not shown in FIG. 6. The frame 20 is symmetrical with a front portion 220 in the front, a rear portion 230 and two middle side portions 210 arranged between front portion 220 and rear portion 230.

(28) The front portion 220 of the frame 20 comprises two parallel foot tubes 2210, each connected via an arch to the associated side portion 210, that can be connected at the bottom to a footrest. The side portions 210 of the frame 20 each have a quasi-horizontal top tube 2120 and a bottom tube 2110 extending parallel to it at a vertical distance. The top tubes 2120 and the bottom tubes 2120 are each equipped with a coulisse 4320 as a guide structure. The rear portion 230 of the frame 20 comprises on each of the two sides a quasi-vertical tube which terminates in each case in a handle 240, a backrest being attachable to these tubes in such a way that it is situated between the tubes. The backrest 231 can be folded forward via folding joints 250 arranged between the rear portion 230 and the side portions.

(29) The folding mechanism 40 is arranged between the two side portions 210 of the frame 20. It comprises a first or rear intermediate structure 440 with a quasi-vertical rear vertical strut 4410 on each of the two sides and a second or front intermediate structure 450 with a quasi-vertical front vertical strut 4510 on each of the two sides. The rear vertical struts 4410 each extend on one of the two sides in a rear region of the side portions 210 of the frame 20 between the bottom tube 2110 and the top tube 2120. Analogously to this, the front vertical struts 4510 each extend on one of the two sides in a front region of the side portions 210 of the frame 20 between the bottom tube 2110 and the top tube 2120.

(30) The bars 4110 of the cross-strut 410 each have a first or rear longitudinal end 41110 and a second or front longitudinal end 41120. The bars 4110 are each fastened to the rear vertical struts 4410 at their rear longitudinal ends 41110 and to the front vertical struts 4510 at their front longitudinal ends 41120.

(31) The rear vertical struts 4410 and the front vertical struts 4510 are connected to each other via a quasi-vertical cross-strut 410 of the folding mechanism 40. The cross-strut 410 comprises two bars 4110 crossing at a pivot point 4120. The one of the two bars 4110 extends from the left rear vertical strut 4410 to the right front vertical strut 4510, and the other of the two bars 4110 extends from the right rear vertical strut 4410 to the left front vertical strut 4510.

(32) The pivot point 4120 is formed by a coupling element 90. The coupling element 90 comprises an upper rotating part 910 and a lower rotating part 920 rotatably connected thereto. The upper rotating part 910 is rigidly connected to the upper of the bars 4110, and the lower rotating part 920 is rigidly connected to the lower of the two bars 4110.

(33) The folding mechanism 40 further comprises two rear pivoting connections 420 and two front coupling connections 430. The pivoting connections 420 each have a joint 4220 connected to the associated top and bottom tubes 2110, 2120. The pivoting connections 420 allow the bars 4110 of the cross-strut 410 to be turned to the top and bottom tubes 2110, 2120 about a quasi-vertical axis.

(34) The two coupling connections 430 are respectively formed from sliding parts, which are formed by the upper and lower ends of the front vertical struts 4510, and the coulisses 4320. In particular, the lower coulisses 4320 each have an upwardly oriented horizontal sliding surface, and the upper coulisses 4320 each have a downwardly oriented horizontal sliding surface. The front vertical struts 4510 are each arranged between the coulisses 4320 of the associated side portion 210 in such a way that the vertical ends of the front vertical struts 4510 or their sliding parts rest against the sliding surfaces of the coulisses 4320. In this way, the front vertical struts 4510 can efficiently slide back and forth along the side portions 210 of the frame 20.

(35) In FIG. 6, the folding wheelchair 10 is shown in an operating position in which it can be driven by the user. By adjustment of the folding mechanism 90, an angle between the two bars 4110 is adjusted such that a distance between the side portions 210 is set to a desired seat width. The front vertical struts 4510 of the folding mechanism 40 are moved relatively far back along the frame 20.

(36) FIG. 7 shows the frame 20 in a folded position or folded up position. The upper rotating part 910 and the lower rotating part of the coupling element 90 are pivoted relative to each other such that the angles between the bars 4110 are modified such that the front vertical struts 4510 of the folding mechanism 40 are moved forward along the frame 20. The bars 4110 are also rotated via the joints 4220 to the associated side portions 210.

(37) The rear portion 230 of the frame 20 or its tubes ending in a handle 240 are folded forward about the folding joints 250. In this folded position, the frame 20 is extremely compact.

(38) In FIG. 8, the coupling element 90 is shown in detail. It can be seen here that the upper rotating part 910 and the lower rotating part 920 are each formed with a groove which is shaped for gripping and partially engaging around the bars 4110 of the cross bar 410. The coupling element 90 further comprises an axis of rotation 930 and a control element 940. The axis of rotation 930 is equipped with an axle bar 9310 and toothed pulleys 9320 as toothing. In particular, the toothed pulleys 9320 are mounted approximately in the middle of the axle bar, so that the teeth are oriented radially outwards. The control element 940 comprises a crescent-shaped latch 9420 and two springs 9410.

(39) In the assembled state, the axle bar 9310 projects through the upper and lower rotating parts 910, 920 through vertical bores 9110, 9210 provided in each. The control element 940 is mounted on the upper rotating part 910 by means of two screws. The two screws protrude through two associated horizontal bores 9120 of the upper rotating part 910. The two springs 9410 are positioned on a side of the upper rotating part 910 facing away from the bolt 9420 in such a way that the bolt 9420 is pulled in the direction of the teeth of the axis of rotation 930. The coupling element 90 thus automatically locks the bars 410.

(40) Although the invention is illustrated and described in detail by means of the figures and the associated description, this illustration and this detailed description are to be understood as illustrative and exemplary and not as limiting the invention. In order not to transfigure the invention, in certain cases well-known structures and techniques cannot be shown and described in detail. It is understood that those skilled in the art can make changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further exemplary embodiments with any combination of features that may differ from the combinations of features explicitly described.

(41) The present disclosure also includes embodiments with any combination of features mentioned or shown above or below for various embodiments. It also includes individual features in the figures, even if they are shown there in connection with other features and/or are not mentioned above or below. The alternatives of embodiments and individual alternatives of their features that are described in the figures and the description can be excluded from the subject matter of the invention or from the disclosed items. The disclosure includes embodiments that only include the features described in the claims or in the exemplary embodiments and also those that include additional different features.

(42) Furthermore, the term “comprise” and derivatives thereof do not exclude other elements or steps. Likewise, the indefinite article “a” or “an” and derivatives thereof do not exclude a plurality. The functions of a plurality of features listed in the claims can be performed by a unit or a step. The terms “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” “quasi” and the like in connection with a property or a value in particular also define exactly the property or exactly the value. The terms “about” and “approximately” in connection with a given numerical value or range can refer to a value or range which lies within 20%, within 10%, within 5% or within 2% of the given value or range. All reference signs in the claims are not to be understood as limiting the scope of the claims.