electric wheelchair

Abstract

The present invention discloses an electric wheelchair, which belongs to the field of wheelchair technology and aims to overcome the drawback of existing electric wheelchairs that they are unsuitable for users with ambulatory disabilities. The electric wheelchair comprises a frame, a controller, two drive wheels, and a motor for driving the two drive wheels. A swing assembly is swingably mounted on the frame, the swing assembly includes a seat, and a tilt sensor is provided on the swing assembly. The controller is connected to the motor and the tilt sensor. The electric wheelchair allows the user to control the tilt of the swing assembly by adjusting the body's center of gravity, thereby controlling travel and steering. The user can control the wheelchair's travel by twisting the body without the need for manual or foot control, making it convenient for users with ambulatory disabilities to use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of wheelchairs and relates to an electric wheelchair. Background Art

[0002] An existing electric wheelchair consists of a body, two front wheels, two rear wheels, a steering switch, a seat, and a controller. The seat is equipped with a handlebar, and the steering switch is connected to the controller. The two rear wheels are equipped with hub motors connected to the controller. The user manually controls the steering switch to control the wheelchair's forward, reverse, left, and right turns. This type of electric wheelchair is not suitable for users with ambulatory disabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention proposes an electric wheelchair to address the problems existing in the prior art, aiming to overcome the defect that the existing electric wheelchair is not suitable for users with disabled hands.

[0004] The present invention is achieved in that:

[0005] An electric wheelchair comprises a frame, a controller, two drive wheels mounted on the frame and distributed left and right, and a motor for driving the two drive wheels to rotate. The wheelchair is characterized in that a swinging assembly is swingably provided on the frame, the swinging assembly includes a seat, a tilt sensor is provided on the swinging assembly, and the controller is connected to the motor and the tilt sensor.

[0006] A swing connection piece is provided between the swing assembly and the frame, the swing assembly and the swing connection piece are connected to swing left and right or swing back and forth, and the swing direction of the swing connection piece relative to the frame is perpendicular to the swing direction of the swing assembly relative to the swing connection piece;

[0007] Alternatively, the frame is provided with a spherical groove with an opening facing upward, and the swing assembly is provided with a swinging ball embedded in the spherical groove.

[0008] The swing connection member includes a fixed portion and an upwardly extending hinged ear, the swing assembly is hinged on the hinged ear, the frame includes a central axis coaxial with the rotation axis of the driving wheel, the fixed portion is fixed to the pressure plate, and the fixed portion and the pressure plate can be rotatably clamped on the central axis.

[0009] A return member is provided between the frame and the swing assembly to enable the swing assembly to return to an initial state.

[0010] The frame body has an upwardly protruding extension platform, the swing assembly includes a column, and the return member is a plurality of circumferentially distributed springs arranged between the column and the upper end of the extension platform.

[0011] The frame includes a limiting plate, the swing assembly includes a column, the limiting plate has a limiting hole, the column passes through the limiting hole, there is a swing space between the hole wall of the limiting hole and the column, and the lower end of the column is connected to the frame for relative swinging.

[0012] A locking mechanism is provided between the swing assembly and the frame to prevent the swing assembly from swinging relative to the frame.

[0013] The locking mechanism includes a latch located on one of the swing assembly and the frame, a socket located on the other, and an operating member for moving the latch up and down;

[0014] Alternatively, the locking mechanism includes a pin located on one of the swing assembly and the frame, a socket located on the other, and an electric drive component that drives the pin to move up and down, the electric drive component is connected to the controller, and the seat is provided with an armrest, and the armrest is provided with a button connected to the controller.

[0015] The frame is provided with a front universal wheel and a rear universal wheel, wherein the front universal wheel is located in front of the rotation axis of the driving wheel, and the rear universal wheel is located behind the rotation axis, and the driving wheel, the front universal wheel and the rear universal wheel touch the ground at the same time;

[0016] The swing assembly includes a mounting box fixed to the bottom of the seat, wherein a battery and the controller are arranged in the mounting box.

[0017] The tilt sensor is a gyroscope installed on the swing assembly;

[0018] Alternatively, the tilt sensor is a distance sensor mounted on the swing assembly to detect the distance of the frame, and the distance sensor deviates from the connection position of the swing assembly and the frame in the vertical direction.

[0019] The electric wheelchair provided by the present invention allows users to control the inclination of the swing assembly by adjusting the center of gravity of the body, thereby controlling travel and steering. Users can control the travel of the wheelchair by twisting their body without the need for hand or foot control, making it convenient for users with disabled hands and feet to use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the wheelchair's structure from the first angle;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of the part A in the middle;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the wheelchair's structure from a second angle;

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of the middle part B;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the wheelchair's structure from a third angle;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the wheelchair's structure from the fourth angle;

[0026] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the frame.

[0027] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 100, frame; 110, central axis; 120, spring; 130, extension platform; 140, limit plate; 141, limit hole; 142, socket; 150, front universal wheel; 160, rear universal wheel; 200, driving wheel; 300, swing assembly; 310, seat; 320, column; 330, installation box; 340, latch; 341, boss; 350, operating part; 351, toggle part; 352, toggle slot; 400, swing connection part; 410, fixing part; 420, hinged ear; 430, pressure plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following will further describe the specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings to make the technical solution of the present invention easier to understand and grasp. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0029] This embodiment provides an electric wheelchair, such as Figure 1-7 As shown, it includes a frame 100, a controller, two driving wheels 200 installed on the frame 100 and distributed on the left and right, and a motor that drives the two driving wheels 200 to rotate. A swinging assembly 300 is swingably set on the frame 100, and the swinging assembly 300 includes a seat 310. A tilt sensor is provided on the swinging assembly 300, and the controller is connected to the motor and the tilt sensor.

[0030] When a user sits on seat 310, they adjust their body position, causing the center of gravity of seat 310 to shift, causing the swing assembly 300 to tilt relative to frame 100. The tilt sensor detects the tilt of frame 100 and transmits a signal to the controller, which controls the motor to rotate drive wheels 200, enabling the wheelchair to move straight or turn. The user only needs to adjust their body to control the wheelchair, without the need for manual or foot control. Even users with disabilities can control the wheelchair, reducing their dependence on others and lowering their living costs.

[0031] The motor includes two hub motors respectively mounted on two driving wheels 200, and the driving wheels 200 have a wheel axle fixed to the driving wheels 200. When the speed or direction of the two driving wheels 200 of the controller is different, the steering of the wheelchair can be achieved.

[0032] like Figure 1-2 As shown, a swing connector 400 is provided between the swing assembly 300 and the frame 100. The swing assembly 300 and the swing connector 400 are connected in a left-right swinging manner. The swing direction of the swing connector 400 relative to the frame 100 is perpendicular to the swing direction of the swing assembly 300 relative to the swing connector 400, that is, the swing connector 400 and the frame 100 are connected in a forward and backward swinging manner. The initial state of the swing assembly 300 is not tilted. When the swing assembly 300 swings forward, the controller controls the wheelchair to move forward and straight. The greater the tilt angle of the swing assembly 300, the faster the travel speed. When the swing assembly 300 swings backward, the controller controls the wheelchair to move backward and straight. The left and right swings of the swing assembly 300 respectively control the left and right steering of the wheelchair. By adjusting the user's body, the wheelchair can move forward, backward, and turn.

[0033] In other optional embodiments, the swing assembly 300 and the swing connection member 400 may be connected in a forward and backward swinging manner.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the swing connector 400 includes a fixed portion 410 and an upwardly extending hinge ear 420. The swing assembly 300 is hinged on the hinge ear 420. The frame 100 includes a central axis 110 coaxial with the rotation axis of the drive wheel 200. The fixed portion 410 is fixed to a pressure plate 430. The fixed portion 410 and the pressure plate 430 are rotatably clamped on the central axis 110. In other optional embodiments, the swing connector 400 may be omitted. A spherical groove with an upward opening may be provided on the frame 100, and a swinging ball embedded in the spherical groove may be provided on the swing assembly 300. In this way, the swing assembly 300 can also swing back and forth and left and right relative to the frame 100.

[0035] like Figure 3-4As shown, a return member is provided between the frame 100 and the swing assembly 300 to return the swing assembly 300 to its initial position. When the swing assembly 300 tilts from its initial position, the return member must overcome its elastic force. This elastic force helps the user return the swing assembly 300 to its initial position, reducing operational difficulty. Specifically, the frame 100 includes an upwardly protruding extension platform 130. The swing assembly 300 includes a column 320. The return member comprises a plurality of springs 120 circumferentially distributed between the column 320 and the upper end of the extension platform 130. This embodiment utilizes three springs 120. The reduced number of springs 120 ensures balanced force distribution across the swing assembly 300, preventing deviation of the swing assembly 300 when the user is seated or not seated on the seat 310. In other alternative embodiments, the number of springs 120 may be two or more. In other alternative embodiments, the return member may also be a torsion spring disposed at the hinge of the swing connector 400.

[0036] like Figure 4 、 7 As shown, the frame 100 includes a limit plate 140 having a limit hole 141 thereon. The column 320 passes through the limit hole 141. A swinging space is provided between the wall of the limit hole 141 and the column 320. The lower end of the column 320 is connected to the frame 100 for relative swinging. When the column 320 abuts the wall of the limit hole 141, the limit plate 140 can prevent the column 320 from swinging further, thereby preventing the swing assembly 300 from swinging too far, improving the safety of the wheelchair and preventing the user from being unable to stand up due to excessive body tilt. The column 320 is strong and will not break, thus better ensuring the reliability of the limit and improving safety. The limit plate 140 is located on the top of the extension platform 130. The edge of the limit plate 140 has fixing ears, and the spring 120 is fixed to the fixing ears. In other optional embodiments, a limiting protrusion or limiting pin for limiting the swing angle can also be set between the swing connector 400, the swing assembly 300 and the frame 100. For example, a waist-shaped hole is set on the swing connector 400, and a pin is fixed on the central axis 110, and the pin passes through the waist-shaped hole.

[0037] like Figure 3-4 As shown, a locking mechanism is provided between the swing assembly 300 and the frame 100 to prevent the swing assembly 300 from swinging relative to the frame 100. This locking structure prevents the swing assembly 300 from swinging relative to the frame 100, preventing the wheelchair from shifting while the user is seated, and improving the stability and safety of wheelchair use. Specifically, the locking mechanism includes a latch 340 on the swing assembly 300, a socket 142 on the frame 100, and an operating member 350 for moving the latch 340 up and down.

[0038] The swing assembly 300 includes a mounting box 330 fixed to the bottom of the seat 310. A latch 340 and an operating member 350 are mounted on the sidewalls of the mounting box 330. The operating member 350 is rotatably mounted on the mounting box 330. The operating member 350 includes a toggle portion 351 with a toggle slot 352. The latch 340 includes a boss 341 that engages with the toggle slot 352. Rotation of the operating member 350 drives the boss 341 up and down, thereby driving the latch 340 up and down. The socket 142 is located on the limit plate 140. When the latch 340 moves upward and out of the socket 142, the swing assembly 300 is unlocked, allowing the swing assembly 300 to swing relative to the frame 100. When the latch 340 moves downward and into the socket 142, the swing assembly 300 is locked relative to the frame 100. In alternative embodiments, the latch 340 may be mounted on the frame 100, with the socket 142 located on the swing assembly 300. In other optional embodiments, the installation box 330 may also be fixed on the frame 100 .

[0039] In other optional embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a latch 340 located on one of the swing assembly 300 and the frame 100, a socket 142 located on the other, and an electric drive that drives the latch 340 up and down. The electric drive is connected to the controller. The seat 310 is provided with an armrest, and the armrest is provided with a button connected to the controller. The user presses the button with their body, which sends a signal to the controller, which controls the electric drive to drive the latch 340 up and down, thereby locking and unlocking the swing assembly 300 relative to the frame 100. The electric drive can be a motor or an electric cylinder.

[0040] like Figure 1 、 5 As shown, the frame 100 is equipped with a front universal wheel 150 and a rear universal wheel 160. The front universal wheel 150 is located in front of the rotation axis of the drive wheel 200, while the rear universal wheel 160 is located behind the rotation axis. The drive wheel 200, the front universal wheel 150, and the rear universal wheel 160 all touch the ground simultaneously. The front universal wheel 150 and the rear universal wheel 160 provide front and rear support for the wheelchair, preventing it from tipping over. When the wheelchair is primarily used on a horizontal surface, the bottoms of the front universal wheel 150, the rear universal wheel 160, and the drive wheel 200 are aligned on the same plane, providing stable support for the wheelchair. The two universal wheels are located in front of and behind the rotation axis of the drive wheel 200. This helps both drive wheels 200 maintain contact with the ground on uneven surfaces, ensuring accurate directional control of the wheelchair and preventing one of the drive wheels 200 from lifting off the ground. In other alternative embodiments, all the universal wheels can be located in front of or behind the rotation axis of the drive wheel 200. The front universal wheel 150 and the rear universal wheel 160 are fixed to the frame body 100 via wheel brackets with screws, or can be welded to the frame body 100 .

[0041] The battery and the controller are arranged in the installation box 330. The battery supplies power to components such as the controller, the motor, and the tilt sensor.

[0042] The tilt sensor is a gyroscope mounted on the swing assembly 300. The gyroscope can detect the tilt of the swing assembly 300 in four directions. The gyroscope can be a separate component or a component integrated on the circuit board where the controller is located.

[0043] In other optional embodiments, the tilt sensor is a distance sensor installed on the swing assembly 300 to detect the distance from the frame 100, and the distance sensor is offset from the connection position of the swing assembly 300 and the frame 100 in the vertical direction. The distance sensor includes two groups, which respectively detect the left and right swing and the front and back swing of the swing assembly 300. For example, the distance sensor for detecting the front and back swing is installed in the middle position of the left and right direction of the swing assembly 300, and the distance sensor for detecting the left and right swing is installed in the middle position of the front and back direction of the swing assembly 300. The distance sensor detects the distance change and thus determines the swing angle of the swing assembly 300. In other optional embodiments, the distance sensor can also detect the distance from the ground. This solution is more suitable for wheelchairs that are mainly used on a relatively flat bottom surface, such as using a wheelchair at home. In other optional embodiments, the tilt sensor can also be a pressure sensor or a level sensor.

Claims

1. An electric wheelchair comprising a frame (100), a controller, two drive wheels (200) mounted on the frame (100) and distributed left and right, and a motor for driving the two drive wheels (200) to rotate, characterized in that: A swing assembly (300) is swingably arranged on the frame (100), the swing assembly (300) includes a seat (310), a tilt sensor is provided on the swing assembly (300), and the controller is connected to the motor and the tilt sensor; A return member is provided between the frame (100) and the swing assembly (300) to return the swing assembly (300) to an initial state; The frame (100) has an upwardly protruding extension platform (130), the swing assembly (300) includes a column (320), and the return member is a plurality of circumferentially distributed springs (120) arranged between the column (320) and the upper end of the extension platform (130); The frame (100) includes a limiting plate (140), the swing assembly (300) includes a column (320), the limiting plate (140) has a limiting hole (141), the column (320) passes through the limiting hole (141), a swing space is provided between the hole wall of the limiting hole (141) and the column (320), and the lower end of the column (320) is connected to the frame (100) in a relatively swinging manner; A locking mechanism is provided between the swing assembly (300) and the frame (100) to prevent the swing assembly (300) from swinging relative to the frame (100); The locking mechanism comprises a latch (340) located on one of the swing assembly (300) and the frame (100), a socket (142) located on the other, and an operating member (350) for moving the latch (340) up and down; or, the locking mechanism comprises a latch (340) located on one of the swing assembly (300) and the frame (100), a socket (142) located on the other, and an electric drive member for driving the latch (340) to move up and down, the electric drive member being connected to the controller, and an armrest being provided on the seat (310), and a button being provided on the armrest being connected to the controller; The limiting plate is located on the top of the extension platform. The periphery of the limiting plate is provided with a fixing ear, and the spring is fixed at the fixing ear. The jack is located on the limiting plate.

2. The electric wheelchair according to claim 1, characterized in that: A swing connection member (400) is provided between the swing assembly (300) and the frame (100); the swing assembly (300) and the swing connection member (400) are connected in a left-right swinging manner or a front-back swinging manner; and a swing direction of the swing connection member (400) relative to the frame (100) is perpendicular to a swing direction of the swing assembly (300) relative to the swing connection member (400); Alternatively, a spherical groove with an upward opening is provided on the frame (100), and a swinging ball embedded in the spherical groove is provided on the swinging assembly (300).

3. The electric wheelchair according to claim 2, characterized in that: The swing connection member (400) includes a fixed portion (410) and an upwardly extending hinged ear (420), the swing assembly (300) is hinged on the hinged ear (420), the frame (100) includes a central axis (110) coaxial with the rotation axis of the driving wheel (200), the fixed portion (410) is fixed to a pressure plate (430), and the fixed portion (410) and the pressure plate (430) are rotatably clamped on the central axis (110).

4. The electric wheelchair according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The frame (100) is provided with a front universal wheel (150) and a rear universal wheel (160), wherein the front universal wheel (150) is located in front of the rotation axis of the driving wheel (200), and the rear universal wheel (160) is located behind the rotation axis, and the driving wheel (200), the front universal wheel (150) and the rear universal wheel (160) touch the ground at the same time; The swing assembly (300) includes a mounting box (330) fixed to the bottom of the seat (310), wherein a battery and the controller are arranged in the mounting box (330).

5. The electric wheelchair according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The tilt sensor is a gyroscope installed on the swing assembly (300); Alternatively, the tilt sensor is a distance sensor installed on the swing assembly (300) to detect the distance of the frame (100), and the distance sensor deviates from the connection position of the swing assembly (300) and the frame (100) in the vertical direction.

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