Auxiliary traction equipment for wheelchair for disabled

Abstract

An auxiliary traction device (1) for a wheelchair (W), comprising a support structure (2) to which a drive wheel (3) is rotatably coupled, the drive wheel (3) comprising a wheel (31) operatively connected to an electric motor (32), an electronic control unit (4) configured to control the electric motor (32), a connection assembly (6) rotatably associated to the support structure (2), therefore, a steering axis (Y) of the supporting structure (2) and the driving wheel (3) is limited relative to the connecting assembly (6). The auxiliary traction device further comprises a hook-like body (7) defined coaxially with the steering axis (Y), rotatably coupled to the connection assembly (6), and the first end (7a) of which is integrally connected to the support structure (2). The hook-shaped body (7) is provided with a hook-shaped forming piece (71) at a second end (7b) opposite to the first end (7a), so that an external accessory device (200, 300, 400) provided with a reverse piece (205, 304, 401) complementary to the hook-shaped forming piece (71) is allowed to be hooked operatively.

Description

Summary of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to an auxiliary traction device for a wheelchair for the disabled.

[0002] The invention also relates to auxiliary traction systems, each of which comprises an auxiliary traction device as described above associated with a specific accessory device.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for fastening the above-mentioned auxiliary traction device to a wheelchair for disabled persons.

[0004] It is known that people with motor impairments in the lower limbs need to use special wheelchairs for the disabled so that they can move autonomously, semi-autonomously or be moved by a caregiver.

[0005] It is also known that such wheelchairs comprise a frame on which a seat for the disabled is provided and to which a pair of main, rear, usually larger wheels and a pair of front, smaller, pivoting wheels are rotatably coupled.

[0006] Typically, wheelchairs are provided with armrests associated with the rear wheels, which are accessible to a disabled person to manually propel the same wheelchair.

[0007] Disadvantageously, however, this simple construction of a manually propelled wheelchair does not allow a disabled person to push the same wheelchair over long distances or up a particularly steep uphill slope, as the effort required would be excessive and there would be a risk of endangering their own safety.

[0008] In order to overcome these problems, in the past, electric wheelchairs for disabled people have been developed and put on the market, i.e., wheelchairs provided with an integrated electric motor suitable for rotating the rear wheels, a battery pack for powering the aforementioned electric motor, and a control device that can be commanded by the disabled person to control the functions of the wheelchair.

[0009] However, these types of wheelchairs for the disabled have two major disadvantages.

[0010] The first perceived disadvantage is that electric wheelchairs for the disabled are expensive and much more expensive than manual wheelchairs.

[0011] Furthermore, electric wheelchairs for the disabled are bulky and make it impossible to perform certain movements and procedures that are normally possible with a manual wheelchair.

[0012] For example, with an electric wheelchair, it is not possible for a disabled person to autonomously use a car and load the wheelchair into the car as is the case with a manual folding wheelchair.

[0013] In order to achieve a compromise between these two solutions, auxiliary traction devices have been developed over the past two decades which can be removably coupled to a manual wheelchair for disabled persons, alternatively at the front or at the rear, so that the latter is driven by a motor.

[0014] In particular, regarding auxiliary traction devices that can be specifically coupled to the front of a wheelchair, they generally include a tubular column and a steering unit, which in turn includes a steering tube that can be rotatably inserted into the aforementioned tubular column. The steering tube is associated with a wheel at its first end and with a steering device, such as a handlebar, at its second end.

[0015] Furthermore, auxiliary traction systems of known type comprise motion generating means associated with the wheels, preferably electric motors with associated batteries, operating the wheels in rotation.

[0016] Furthermore, prior art auxiliary traction devices must include a connection assembly in order to achieve a stable and secure connection with the wheelchair in a forward position relative to the axis of rotation of the rear wheels of the wheelchair.

[0017] However, such auxiliary traction devices configured to be associated at the front of a wheelchair are known to be ineffective when traveling uphill because the auxiliary traction device / wheelchair assembly remains nearly unloaded and has difficulty gripping the ground.

[0018] Alternatively, as mentioned above, there are auxiliary devices that are configured to be associated with the wheelchair only in a rear position relative to the axis of rotation of the rear wheels of the wheelchair. In this case, obviously, such auxiliary traction devices do not provide a steering unit actuable by the disabled person, but they comprise motorized wheels that can be controlled by means of appropriate control devices, such as joysticks, that are within reach of the disabled person, or such devices have an assisted steering basic principle, i.e. when the disabled person manually operates the rear wheels of the wheelchair, the auxiliary device enables the rotation of the wheels of the device itself, based on the direction and speed of the movement applied by the disabled person, thus facilitating the movement of the wheelchair.

[0019] Yet, this type of auxiliary traction device also has important disadvantages, promptly can happen when wheelchair goes downhill.In fact, in this case, rear auxiliary traction device can not fully brake this wheelchair, because the former is basically dragged by the latter.

[0020] Furthermore, with the rearward positioning of the auxiliary traction device, the thrust of the latter, generated by the electric motor, tends to press the front wheels of the wheelchair resting on the ground. Disadvantageously, even in the case of very small unevennesses or small steps in the ground, this can cause the aforementioned front wheels of the wheelchair to get stuck on such unevenness, preventing the wheelchair from moving forward or even causing it to tip over.

[0021] It can therefore be said that each of the above mentioned types of auxiliary traction devices has certain disadvantages compared to other types, depending on the driving and ground conditions faced by the disabled person.

[0022] In connection with this, a further disadvantage of all the above-mentioned types of auxiliary traction devices is that each of them is designed to be coupled to a wheelchair in only one specific position, and therefore each of these types of wheelchairs is designed to be used in only one of the above-mentioned modes.

[0023] The task of the present invention is to develop an auxiliary traction device capable of eliminating the aforementioned disadvantages and limitations of the prior art.

[0024] In particular, an object of the present invention is to develop an auxiliary traction device of universal type, i.e. which can be configured, depending on the driving conditions faced by the disabled person, so as to be coupled to a manual wheelchair alternatively at the front, at the rear or even at a central position relative to the axis of rotation of the rear wheels of said wheelchair.

[0025] Furthermore, the object of the invention is to create an auxiliary traction device which can be controlled manually by a disabled person or which, alternatively, can implement an auxiliary wheelchair guidance.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to create an auxiliary traction device that can be constructed in a simple and intuitive way, thereby replacing its use as described above.

[0027] The above-mentioned tasks and objectives are achieved by the auxiliary traction device according to claim 1 .

[0028] Further features of the auxiliary traction device are described in the respective dependent claims.

[0029] An auxiliary traction system comprising an auxiliary traction device according to the invention associated with a specific accessory device from among a plurality of accessory devices, thereby configuring the auxiliary traction device for one of the aforementioned types of use, is also part of the present invention.

[0030] The auxiliary traction system of the invention is characterized by what is described in claim 8 .

[0031] A method for fastening the inventive traction device to a wheelchair according to claim 11 and the appended claims is also part of the invention.

[0032] The tasks and the above-mentioned objects and the advantages mentioned below are highlighted by describing preferred embodiments of the auxiliary traction device of the present invention, and likewise in three embodiments of the auxiliary traction system of the present invention, which are given for exemplary and non-limiting purposes with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] - Figure 1 shows an auxiliary traction device of the invention according to a first axonometric view;

[0034] - Figure 2shows an auxiliary traction device of the invention according to a second axonometric view;

[0035] - Figure 3 shows the auxiliary pulling device of the present invention as seen from above;

[0036] - Figure 4 shows an auxiliary traction device of the present invention according to a first side view;

[0037] - Figure 5 shows an auxiliary pulling device of the invention according to a first side view taken from a vertical section plane;

[0038] - Figure 6 shows an auxiliary traction device of the present invention according to a first exploded side view;

[0039] - Figure 7 shows an auxiliary traction device of the present invention according to a second exploded side view;

[0040] - Figure 8 shows a detail of the auxiliary traction device of the present invention according to a first exploded side view;

[0041] - Fig. 9 A first embodiment of the auxiliary traction system of the present invention is shown;

[0042] - Fig.10 A second embodiment of the auxiliary traction system of the present invention is shown;

[0043] - Fig.11 Shows Fig.10 Details of the auxiliary traction system;

[0044] - Fig.12 A third embodiment of the auxiliary traction system of the present invention is shown mounted at the front of a wheelchair;

[0045] - Fig.12a Shows Fig.12 Details of the auxiliary traction system;

[0046] - Fig.13 A third embodiment of the auxiliary traction system of the present invention mounted at the rear of a wheelchair is shown;

[0047] - Fig.14 A fourth embodiment of the auxiliary traction system of the present invention is shown;

[0048] - Fig.14a Shows Fig.14 Cross-sectional details of the auxiliary traction system;

[0049] The auxiliary traction device for a wheelchair of the present invention is Figures 1 to 71 is shown in separate form in the figure and is referred to as 1 as a whole.

[0050] As can be seen in the above-mentioned figures, the above-mentioned auxiliary traction device 1 comprises a support structure 2 to which a drive wheel 3 is rotatably coupled, defining an axis of rotation X of the latter.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen therein, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, such a support structure 2 has two side portions 21 and 22 , arranged on opposite sides of the drive wheel 3 so as to define said axis of rotation X, connected to each other by a front wall 23 and a rear wall 24 .

[0052] Obviously, the auxiliary traction device 1 also comprises the aforementioned drive wheel 3 , which in turn is provided with a wheel 31 operatively connected to an electric motor 32 arranged at the hub of such wheel 31 .

[0053] The auxiliary traction device 1 of the present invention further comprises an electronic control unit 4, which is configured to control the rotation of the electric motor 32. Figure 6 As shown, such an electronic control unit 4 is arranged inside a housing 21 a defined in a first side portion 21 of the above-mentioned two side portions 21 and 22 of the support structure 2 .

[0054] Furthermore, the auxiliary traction device 1 is provided with an electric energy storage device 5, in particular a rechargeable battery pack, configured to supply power to the drive wheel 3 and the electronic control unit 4. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, such an electric energy storage device 5 is coupled and arranged inside a second housing 22a, which is defined at the other side portion 22 relative to the first housing 21a, as Figure 7 shown.

[0055] Advantageously, the electronic control unit 4 and the electrical energy storage device 5 are arranged at the housings 21a and 22a defined in the side parts 21 and 22 of the support structure 2, respectively, which can make the auxiliary traction device 1 of the invention extremely compact. This feature, together with the other features described below, makes it possible to fasten the auxiliary traction device 1 of the invention alternatively in different positions relative to the wheelchair W, in particular at the front or the rear of the wheelchair W, or alternatively at the axis of rotation X2 of the rear wheel RP of the same wheelchair W. It is therefore advantageously possible to use the same auxiliary traction device 1 of the invention in different alternative modes, namely:

[0056] 1. Driving with an auxiliary traction device 1, which is installed at the front and guided by pushing on the wheels of the wheelchair, thereby implementing assisted driving;

[0057] 2. Driving with the auxiliary traction device 1, which is guided by a handlebar attachment;

[0058] 3. Driving outdoors with the auxiliary traction device 1 mounted at the front and guided by a power steering device controlled by a joystick (normal driving for quadriplegic users);

[0059] 4. Driving with an auxiliary traction device 1, which is installed at the rear and guided by pushing on the wheels of the wheelchair, thereby implementing assisted driving;

[0060] 5. Driving indoors with the auxiliary traction device 1 mounted at the rear and guided by a power steering device controlled by a joystick (normal driving for quadriplegic users);

[0061] 6. Driving with auxiliary traction device 1, which is installed at the center and guided by pushing on the wheels of the wheelchair, thereby implementing assisted driving.

[0062] The prior art traction systems cannot be configured alternatively according to the aforementioned six modes.

[0063] The auxiliary traction device 1 is also provided with a connection assembly 6 which is rotatably associated with the support structure 2, thereby defining a steering axis Y of the same support structure 2 together with the drive wheel 3 relative to the connection unit 6. In particular, as Figure 5 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , such a steering axis Y is defined to be orthogonal and offset from the rotation axis X of the drive wheel 3 .

[0064] Furthermore, the rotatable connection between the connecting assembly 6 and the supporting structure 2 is a freely rotatable connection.

[0065] The term “freely rotatably connected” in this context means that the connecting component 6 is free to rotate around the support structure 2 essentially without any constraints.

[0066] In more detail, this freely rotatable association between the connecting assembly 6 and the supporting structure 2 allows the same connecting assembly 6 to be rotated relative to said supporting structure 2 through an angle of substantially 360°.

[0067] For example Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the connection assembly 6 comprises a first fastening device 61 for connecting the auxiliary traction device 1 to the frame T of the wheelchair W. As shown in FIG.

[0068] In particular, such first fastening means 61 are configured to fasten the auxiliary traction device 1 by means of the connecting arm BC to the front of the rotation axis X2 of the rear wheel RP of the wheelchair W when the connecting assembly 6 is rotated to a position substantially aligned with the supporting structure 2, thereby keeping the front wheel RA of the same wheelchair W lifted, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 ,10 and 12.

[0069] Furthermore, this first fastening device 61 is configured to fasten the auxiliary traction device 1 to the rotation axis X2 of the rear wheel RP of the wheelchair W by means of the insertion bracket system ST when the connecting assembly 6 is rotated to a position substantially aligned with the supporting structure 2, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 shown.

[0070] Furthermore, the first fastening device 61 is configured to fasten the auxiliary traction device 1 to the rear of the rotation axis X2 of the rear wheel RP of the wheelchair W by inserting a suitable bracket system ST when the connecting assembly 6 is rotated substantially 180° relative to the supporting structure 2, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 shown.

[0071] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection assembly 6 has an elongated profile, wherein said first fastening means 61 are defined at a distal end 6a relative to an end 6b where such connection assembly 6 is rotatably associated with the supporting structure 2 .

[0072] This advantageously enables Fig. 9 , 10 , 12 and 13, the relative orientation between the connecting assembly 6 and the supporting structure 2 can connect the auxiliary traction device 1 of the present invention at both the front and rear and at a position substantially aligned with the rotation axis X2 of the rear wheel RP of the wheelchair W, such as Fig.14 visible.

[0073] In particular, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elongated profile of the connecting assembly 6 is a curved profile with an angle of curvature substantially corresponding to the angle of curvature of the wheel 31, so that when the connecting assembly 6 is arranged in a position substantially aligned with the supporting structure 2, its profile follows a portion of the profile of the same wheel 31, such as Figure 4 visible.

[0074] According to the invention, the auxiliary traction device 1 also comprises a hook-shaped body 7, which is defined coaxially with the steering axis Y, rotatably coupled to the connecting assembly 6 and integrally connected with its first end 7a to the supporting structure 2. The hook-shaped body 7 is also provided with a hook-shaped forming piece 71 at a second end 7b opposite to the aforementioned first end 7a, thereby allowing to operatively hook an external accessory device 200, 300, 400, some types of which are better defined below, and the hook-shaped body 7 is in turn provided with a counter-shaped piece complementary to the hook-shaped forming piece 70.

[0075] This particular feature can quickly and easily couple any one of the above-mentioned external accessory devices 200 , 300 , 400 to the auxiliary traction device 1 .

[0076] As will be described in detail below, this feature enables the auxiliary traction device 1 of the present invention to be used in combination with appropriate and different external accessory devices 200, 300, 400 and hooked to the wheelchair W in different positions.

[0077] Preferably, if Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the hook 7 comprises a cylindrical hook body 72 integrally connected to the support structure 2 with a first end 7a, such that the same cylindrical hook body 72 is coaxial with the steering axis Y. Its cylindrical shape allows a rotatable coupling with the connecting assembly 6 to be implemented by inserting at least one mechanical bearing 73.

[0078] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, such a cylindrical hook-shaped body 72 is basically inserted into the connecting component 6, such as Figure 5 Visible in.

[0079] This further contributes to determining the maximum compactness of the auxiliary traction device 1 according to the invention, so that it can be combined with wheelchairs W of different configurations as described above.

[0080] On the other hand, regarding the hook-shaped forming piece 71, it preferably has a concave polygonal profile, and even more preferably has a concave rectangular profile.

[0081] In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the cylindrical hook body 72 has a through hole 74 axially defined from the bottom 71 a of the hook forming member 71 to the first end 7 a.

[0082] Furthermore, it is envisaged that, according to this preferred embodiment, the support structure 2 is provided, below the first end 7 a of the cylindrical hook-shaped body 72 and therefore adjacent to the aforementioned through hole 74 , with a lever assembly 8 configured to actuate a braking system 9 associated with the wheel 31 .

[0083] This set of features can thus engage the lever assembly 8 by passing through the aforementioned through hole 74 and thus actuate the braking system 9 of the wheel 31 .

[0084] During the description of one of the preferred embodiments of the auxiliary traction system 1 of the present invention, the technical advantages of this configuration will be clarified hereinafter.

[0085] Finally, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connection assembly 6 further comprises a second fastening device 62 for removably fastening the auxiliary traction device 1 to one of the aforementioned external accessory devices 200 , 300 , 400 .

[0086] Before describing various embodiments of the auxiliary traction systems 100, 101, 102 and 103, it is important to reiterate that the auxiliary traction device 1 of the present invention can obtain important technical advantages over auxiliary traction devices of known types, in that since the same auxiliary traction device 1 of the present invention is provided with the aforementioned hook-shaped body 7, it can be coupled at different positions relative to the wheelchair W and can be used in different ways. In particular, as already mentioned above, the auxiliary traction device 1 can be used alone, or can be associated with different types of external accessory devices 200, 300, 400 at the hook-shaped body 7.

[0087] In more detail, according to a first mode of use, the auxiliary traction device 1 can be associated in a separate manner at the front with the axis of rotation X2 of the rear wheel RP of the wheelchair W, and the support structure 2 and the drive wheel 3 are free to pivot relative to the connection assembly 6, as shown Fig. 9 shown.

[0088] This auxiliary traction device 1 is thus configured to operate in an assisted driving mode, i.e. the electronic control unit 4 is configured to detect, with the aid of appropriate sensors, the speed and direction of the movement imposed on the rear wheel RP in manual mode, and based on these readings, the electronic control unit 4 is configured to impose a rotation of a predetermined amplitude on the drive wheel 3.

[0089] Alternatively, the second mode of use of the auxiliary traction device 1 provides for associating an accessory device defining a manual steering device 200 with the auxiliary traction device 1, thereby defining the first embodiment of the auxiliary traction system 100 of the present invention, such as Fig.10 shown.

[0090] In particular, the manual steering device 200 includes a tubular column 201 and a steering unit 202, wherein the steering unit 202 is provided with a steering tube 203 rotatably inserted into the tubular column 201. Fig.10 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the steering tube 203 is provided with a handle 204 at a first end 203a thereof. Fig.11 As can be seen in the figure, a counter-shaped piece 205 complementary to the hook-shaped forming piece 71 of the coupling assembly 7 is provided at the second end 203b opposite to the first end 203a. In addition, the tubular column 201 is provided with a fastening device 206 compatible with the second fastening device 62 of the coupling assembly 7.

[0091] This association between the auxiliary traction device 1 and the aforementioned manual steering device 200 provides in particular for operatively coupling the hook-shaped shaped piece 71 to the counter-shaped piece 205, so that the handlebar 204 operatively cooperates with the supporting structure 2 and in particular with the driving wheel 3. In other words, this operative cooperation allows steering the motor wheel 3 by rotating the aforementioned handlebar 204.

[0092] Furthermore, this association between the auxiliary traction device 1 and the above-mentioned manual steering device 200 provides for fastening the fastening means 206 of the same manual steering device 100 with the second fastening means 62 of the coupling assembly 7, thereby integrating the two above-mentioned devices.

[0093] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Fig.11 As can be seen in FIG. 2 , the manual steering device 200 comprises a universal joint 207 which is interposed between the steering tube 203 and the counter-piece 205 .

[0094] This feature advantageously allows steering the drive wheel 3 while restricting the rotation of the handlebar 204, thus avoiding a "steering" effect of the handlebar 204 itself.

[0095] Still preferably, the counter-piece 205 of the manual steering device 200 includes a through hole 208 placed in communication with the through hole 74 of the cylindrical body 72 .

[0096] Furthermore, according to this preferred embodiment, the manual steering device 200 is provided with a lever system 209, which is connected at the handlebar 204 to a joystick 210 configured to be actuated by a user, and at the opposite end, the lever system 209 is arranged to penetrate the through hole 208 of the counter-piece 205 and the through hole 74 of the cylindrical body 72 of the auxiliary traction device 1.

[0097] Thus, the lever system 209 is configured to engage the lever assembly 8 of the auxiliary traction device 1 when the operating lever 210 is actuated, so that the braking system 9 is activated.

[0098] This makes it possible to create an emergency braking system on the auxiliary traction device 1 of the present invention, which can be controlled from the handlebars 204 of the manual steering device 200, and at the same time to obtain a quick and easy connection and disconnection of the same manual steering device 100 to the auxiliary traction device 1 of the present invention.

[0099] Thus, generally, a manually guided auxiliary traction system 100 can be implemented with the aid of the auxiliary traction device 1 of the invention with the aid of a handlebar 204 , wherein the handlebar is provided with an acceleration system capable of controlling the rotation of the drive wheel 3 .

[0100] According to a variant embodiment of the present invention, respectively Fig.12 and Fig.13 The auxiliary traction systems 101 and 102 shown in FIG. 1 include a power steering device 300 as an accessory device, and the power steering device 300 further includes a support housing 301 in which an electric steering motor 302 is inserted. In particular, as shown in FIG. Fig.12aAs can be seen from the details of the auxiliary traction system 101 , the electric steering motor 302 is provided with a rotating shaft 303 , and the rotating shaft 303 is provided with a counter-shaped piece 304 at its free end 303 a .

[0101] According to the invention, this counter-shaped piece 304 is coupled to the hook shaped piece 71 so that the rotation axis 303 operatively cooperates with the support structure 2 and the driving wheel 3. Furthermore, the support housing 301 is provided with fastening means 305 so that the power steering device 300 is integrated with the auxiliary traction device 1.

[0102] Furthermore, the auxiliary traction systems 101 and 102 according to the preferred embodiment include a satellite control device (not shown in the figure), which is configured to allow a user to control the movement of the electric steering motor 302 , as well as the rotation speed and braking of the drive wheels 3 .

[0103] Therefore, an auxiliary traction system having power steering with front traction can be implemented with the aid of the auxiliary traction device 1 of the present invention, such as Fig.12 In the case of an auxiliary traction system 101, or an auxiliary traction system having power steering with rear traction, such as Fig.13 The situation of the auxiliary traction system 102.

[0104] In addition, the present invention Fig.14 The auxiliary traction system of the different embodiments referred to as 103 provides that the accessory device is a clamping bracket 400, in which a counter-shaped member 401 and a fastening device 402 are integrally defined, such as Fig.14a can be seen in the details.

[0105] In particular, the counter-shaped piece 401 and the hook-shaped shaped piece 71 of the auxiliary traction device 1 are coupled to each other and likewise the fastening means 402 are fastened to the second fastening means 62 so that the support structure 2 and the driving wheel 3 are prevented from rotating relative to the connection assembly 6 .

[0106] According to this embodiment of the auxiliary traction system 103, the auxiliary traction device 1 is fastened at the rotation axis X2 of the rear wheel RP of the wheelchair W, and the auxiliary traction system 103 of the present invention is controlled by means of a satellite control device such as a joystick, which is preferably operably connected to the electronic control unit 4 in a wireless mode, thereby allowing the disabled person to control the speed and braking of the wheelchair 3.

[0107] As described above, the method of fastening the auxiliary traction device 1 to the wheelchair W is also part of the present invention.

[0108] In particular, the method of the present invention alternatively provides three fastening configurations, as described below.

[0109] In particular, it should be noted that all three configurations described later can be implemented with the same auxiliary traction device 1 of the present invention.

[0110] The first fastening configuration provides for fastening the auxiliary traction device 1 at the front of the rotation axis X2 of the rear wheels RP of the wheelchair W.

[0111] To this end, a first configuration provides for performing the following steps:

[0112] - Rotate the connection assembly 6 into a position substantially aligned with the support structure 2, such as e.g. Fig. 9 Visible in;

[0113] - Arrange the auxiliary traction device 1 at the front of the wheelchair W;

[0114] - fastening the auxiliary traction device 1 to the rotation axis X2 of the rear wheel RP of the wheelchair W by means of the first hook device 61 and the connecting arm BC, thereby keeping the front wheel RA of the wheelchair W lifted, as Fig. 9 shown.

[0115] As already described and reiterated later, this first configuration makes it possible to use the traction device 1 in three modes: controlled by a manual steering device 200 provided with an accelerator, or by a satellite control system such as a joystick, or as an auxiliary drive system without any further accessories.

[0116] In a first case, in fact with respect to a first configuration, the method of the invention provides for fastening said manual steering device 200 to an auxiliary traction device 1, where, as seen above, the manual steering device 100 comprises a tubular column 201 and a steering unit 202, the steering unit 202 being provided with a steering tube 203 rotatably inserted into the tubular column 201. Furthermore, the steering tube 203 is provided at one of its first ends 203a with a handle 204 and at a second end 203b opposite to said first end 203b with a coupling counter-shaped piece 205 complementary to the hook-shaped shaped piece 71 of said hook-shaped body 7. Furthermore, the tubular column 201 is provided with fastening means 206 compatible with the second fastening means 62 of the connecting assembly 6.

[0117] Therefore, the fastening of this manual steering device 200 with the auxiliary traction device 1 provides for connecting the counter-shaped piece 205 and the forming piece 71, so that the handlebar 204 is operably coordinated with the supporting structure 2 and the driving wheel 3, and the fastening device 206 is fastened with the second fastening device 62, so that the auxiliary traction device 1 is integrated with the manual steering device 200.

[0118] In the second case, the first fastening configuration also provides for fastening a power-assisted steering device 300 to a traction device 1, where, as already described, the power-assisted steering device 300 comprises a support housing 301 in which an electric steering motor 302 provided with a rotation shaft 303 is inserted. The rotation shaft 303 is provided at its free end 303a with a counter-shaped piece 304 complementary to the hook-shaped shaped piece 71 of the hook-shaped body 7. The support housing 301 is provided with fastening means 305 compatible with the second fastening means 62 of the connecting assembly 6.

[0119] Therefore, the fastening of the power-assisted steering device 300 to the auxiliary traction device 1 provides for connecting the counter-shaped piece 304 to the shaped piece 71, so that the rotating shaft 303 can be operably coordinated with the supporting structure 2 and the driving wheel 3, and provides for fastening the fastening device 305 to the second fastening device 62, so that the auxiliary traction device 1 is integrated with the power-assisted steering device 300.

[0120] As described above, this first configuration provides for the use of the power steering device 300 and also for associating a satellite control device with the power steering device 300 and the auxiliary traction device 1. This control device is in fact configured so that the user can control the movement of the electric steering motor 302 and the movement of the drive wheel 3.

[0121] We now turn to the description of a second fastening configuration which, as an alternative to the first fastening configuration, provides for fastening the auxiliary traction device 1 at the rotation axis X2 of the rear wheels RP of the wheelchair W.

[0122] To implement the second construction, it provides:

[0123] - rotating the connection assembly 6 to a position substantially aligned with the support structure 2;

[0124] - Arrange the auxiliary traction device 1 below the axis of rotation X2;

[0125] - The auxiliary traction device 1 is fastened to the rotation axis X2 of the rear wheel RP of the wheelchair W by means of the insertion bracket system ST, such as Fig.14 Visible in.

[0126] Preferably, this second configuration also provides for fastening the clamping bracket 400 to the traction device 1, where, as can be seen above, a counter-shaped piece 401 complementary to the hook-shaped piece 71 of the hook-shaped body 7 is integrally defined in the clamping bracket 400. Fastening means 402 compatible with the second fastening means 62 of the connecting set 6 are also provided.

[0127] Thus, the fastening between the clamping bracket 400 and the auxiliary traction device 1 provides for coupling the counter-shaped piece 401 and the hook-shaped shaped piece 71 and fastening the fastening means 402 to the second fastening means 62 , thereby preventing the support structure 2 and the driving wheel 3 from rotating relative to the connecting assembly 6 .

[0128] Finally, as an alternative to the first and second configurations, a third configuration for fastening the auxiliary traction device 1 provides for fastening the auxiliary traction device 1 at the rear of the rotation axis X2 of the rear wheel RP of the wheelchair W. In order to allow this, Fig.13 As can be seen, the third construction provides:

[0129] - Rotating the connection assembly 6 substantially by 180° relative to the support structure 2;

[0130] - arranging the auxiliary traction device 1 at the rear of the axis of rotation X2;

[0131] The auxiliary traction device 1 is fastened by inserting a bracket system ST at the rear of the rotation axis X2 of the rear wheels RP of the wheelchair W.

[0132] As already described and reiterated later, this third configuration makes it possible to use the auxiliary traction device 1 in two modes: via a satellite control system such as a joystick, or, without any additional accessories, as an auxiliary drive system.

[0133] In the first case, the third configuration of the method also provides for also fastening the power-assisted steering device 300 to the auxiliary traction device 1. As can be seen above, the power-assisted steering device 300 comprises a support housing 301 in which an electric steering motor 302 provided with a rotating shaft 303 is inserted. The rotating shaft 303 is provided at its free end 303a with a counter-shaped piece 304 complementary to the hook-shaped shaped piece 71 of the hook-shaped body 7. In addition, the support housing 301 is provided with fastening means 305 compatible with the second fastening means 62 of the connecting assembly 6. Therefore, also for the third configuration, fastening the power-assisted steering device 300 to the auxiliary traction device 1 provides for coupling the counter-shaped piece 304 to the shaped piece 71, so that the rotating shaft 303 cooperates operatively with the support structure 2 and the driving wheel 3, and for fastening the fastening means 305 to the second fastening means 62, so that the auxiliary traction device 1 is integrated with the power-assisted steering device 300.

[0134] Also in this case, provision is made to associate a satellite control device with the power steering device 300 and the traction device 1 , wherein the control device is configured such that a user can control the movement of the electric steering motor 302 and the movement of the drive wheels 3 .

[0135] Therefore, as described above, the auxiliary traction device 1 achieves all the preset goals.

[0136] In particular, the object is achieved to develop a universal auxiliary traction device which can be configured, depending on the driving conditions faced by the disabled person, to be coupled to a manual wheelchair alternatively at the front, at the rear or even at a central position relative to the axis of rotation of the rear wheels of said wheelchair.

[0137] Furthermore, the object is achieved to create an auxiliary traction device which can be controlled manually by a disabled person or which, alternatively, can implement assisted wheelchair steering.

[0138] Another object achieved is to create an auxiliary traction device that can be constructed in a simple and intuitive way, thus replacing its use as described above.

Claims

1. An auxiliary traction device (1) for a wheelchair (W), characterized in that: The auxiliary traction device (1) comprises: - a support structure (2) to which a drive wheel (3) is rotatably coupled so as to define an axis of rotation (X) of the drive wheel (3), the support structure (2) having two side parts (21, 22) arranged on opposite sides of the drive wheel, the side parts being connected to each other by a front part (23) and a rear part (24); - said drive wheel (3), of the type comprising a wheel (31) operatively connected to an electric motor (32); an electronic control unit (4) configured to control the electric motor (32), the electronic control unit (4) being arranged in a first housing (21a) defined in a first side portion (21) of the side portions (21, 22); - an electric energy storage device (5) configured to supply power to the drive wheel (3) and the electronic control unit (4), the electric energy storage device (5) being arranged in a second housing (22b) defined in a second side portion (22) of the side portions (21, 22); - a connection assembly (6) having an elongated profile and being rotatably associated with the support structure (2) at its first end (6a), thereby defining a steering axis (Y) of the support structure (2) and the drive wheel (3) relative to the connection assembly (6), the rotatable association being of a free type, the steering axis (Y) being defined as being orthogonal and offset relative to the rotation axis (X), the connection assembly (6) comprising first fastening means (61) defined in the second end of the connection assembly (6) for connecting the auxiliary traction device (1) to the frame of the wheelchair (W), the connection assembly (6) further comprising second fastening means (62) for fastening the auxiliary traction device (1) to an external accessory device (200, 300, 400); - a hook-shaped body (7), the hook-shaped body (7) being defined coaxially with the steering axis (Y), being rotatably connected to the connecting assembly (6), and the first end (7a) of the hook-shaped body (7) being integrally connected to the supporting structure (2), the hook-shaped body (7) being provided with a hook-shaped forming piece (71) at its second end (7b) opposite to the first end (7a), the hook-shaped forming piece (71) having a concave polygonal profile, thereby allowing the operational hooking of the external accessory device (200, 300, 400), the external accessory device being provided with a counter-shaped piece (205, 304, 401) complementary to the hook-shaped forming piece (71).

2. The auxiliary traction device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The free-form connection enables the connection assembly (6) to be rotated through an angle of substantially 360° relative to the support structure (2).

3. The auxiliary pulling device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The elongated profile of the connecting component (6) is a curved profile having an angle of curvature substantially corresponding to the angle of curvature of the wheel (31), so that when the connecting component (6) is rotated in a position substantially aligned with the supporting structure (2), the elongated profile substantially follows a portion of the profile of the wheel (31).

4. Auxiliary traction device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The hook-shaped body (7) comprises a cylindrical hook-shaped body (72), which is integrally connected to the supporting structure (2) with the first end (7a) so that the cylindrical hook-shaped body (72) is coaxial with the steering axis (Y), and the cylindrical hook-shaped body (72) is rotatably connected to the connecting assembly (6) by means of the insertion of at least one mechanical bearing (73).

5. The auxiliary traction device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cylindrical hook body (72) is basically inserted into the connecting assembly (6).

6. The auxiliary traction device (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that: The cylindrical hook-shaped body (72) has a through hole (74) axially defined from the bottom (71a) of the hook-shaped forming piece (71) to the first end (7a), and the support structure (2) is provided with a lever assembly (8) below the first end (7a) of the cylindrical hook-shaped body (72), and the lever assembly (8) is configured to actuate a braking system (9) associated with the wheel (31), and the lever assembly (8) is configured to engage through the through hole (74).

7. Auxiliary traction device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first hook device (61) is configured to fasten the auxiliary traction device (1) to the front of the rotation axis (X2) of the rear wheel (RP) of the wheelchair (W) by means of the connecting arm (BC) when the connecting assembly (6) is rotated in a position basically aligned with the supporting structure (2), thereby keeping the front wheel (RA) of the wheelchair (W) lifted, and is configured to fasten the auxiliary traction device (1) to the rotation axis (X2) of the rear wheel (RP) of the wheelchair (W) by means of the insert bracket system (ST); the first hook device (61) is configured to fasten the auxiliary traction device (1) to the rear of the rotation axis (X2) of the rear wheel (RP) of the wheelchair (W) by means of the insert bracket system (ST) when the connecting assembly (6) is rotated basically 180° relative to the supporting structure (2).

8. An auxiliary traction system (100, 101, 102, 103), characterized in that: The auxiliary traction system comprises: - Auxiliary traction device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims; - one or more accessory devices (200, 300, 400), each of which is provided with a counter-shaped piece (205, 304, 401) complementary to the hook-shaped forming piece (71) of the hook-shaped body (7) and a fastening device (206, 305, 402) compatible with the second fastening device (62) of the connecting assembly (6), the counter-shaped piece (205, 304, 401) and the hook-shaped forming piece (71) being coupled to each other so that the accessory device ( 200, 300, 400) is operably coordinated with the support structure (2) and the drive wheel (3) of the auxiliary traction device (1), and the fastening device (206, 305, 402) is fastened to the second fastening device (62) of the connecting assembly (6), so that the auxiliary traction device (1) is integrated with the one or more accessory devices (200, 300, 400); the one or more accessory devices (200, 300, 400) are: - A manual steering device (200), the manual steering device (200) comprising a tubular column (201) and a steering unit (202), the steering unit being provided with a steering tube (203) rotatably inserted into the tubular column (201), the steering tube (203) being provided with a handlebar (204) at a first end (203a) thereof, and being provided with a coupled anti-shaped member (205) at a second end (203b) opposite to the first end (203a), the anti-shaped member (205) and the shaping member (71) being coupled to each other so that the handlebar (204) is rotatably coupled to the supporting structure. The tubular column (201) is provided with the fastening device (206), so that the auxiliary traction device (1) is integrated with the manual steering device (200), and when the connecting assembly (6) is rotated to a position substantially aligned with the supporting structure (2), the auxiliary traction device (1) is fastened to the rotation axis (X2) of the rear wheel (RP) of the wheelchair (W) at the front by means of the first connecting device (61) and by means of the connecting arm (BC), thereby keeping the front wheel (RA) of the wheelchair (W) lifted; - a power steering device (300), the power steering device (300) comprising a support housing (301) in which an electric steering motor (302) is inserted, the electric steering motor (302) being provided with a rotating shaft (303), the rotating shaft (303) being provided with the anti-shaped piece (304) at its free end (303a), the anti-shaped piece (304) and the shaped piece (71) being connected to each other so that the rotating shaft (303) can be operably matched with the support structure (2) and the driving wheel (3), the support housing (301) being provided with the fastening device (305) so that the power steering device (300) is integrated with the auxiliary traction device (1), the auxiliary traction system (101, 102) further comprising a satellite control device, the The satellite control device is configured to enable a user to control the movement of the electric steering motor (302); the auxiliary traction device (1) is fastened to the rotation axis (X2) of the rear wheel (RP) of the wheelchair (W) at the front by means of the first hook device (61) and by means of the connecting arm (BC) when the connecting assembly (6) is rotated into a position substantially aligned with the supporting structure (2), thereby keeping the front wheel (RA) of the wheelchair (W) lifted, or the auxiliary traction device (1) is fastened to the rotation axis (X2) of the rear wheel (RP) of the wheelchair (W) at the rear by means of the first hook device (61) and by means of the insertion bracket system (ST) when the connecting assembly (6) is rotated 180° relative to the supporting structure (2); - A clamping bracket (400), wherein the counter-shaped piece (401) and the fastening device (402) are defined integrally, the counter-shaped piece (401) and the hook-shaped forming piece (71) are connected to each other, and the fastening device (402) is fastened to the second fastening device (62), thereby preventing the support structure (2) and the drive wheel (3) from rotating relative to the connecting assembly (6), the auxiliary traction device (1) being fastened to the rotation axis (X2) of the rear wheel (RP) of the wheelchair (W) by means of the first hook device (61) and by the insertion bracket system (ST) when the connecting assembly (6) is rotated in a position substantially aligned with the support structure (2).

9. The auxiliary traction device (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that: The manual steering device (200) comprises a universal joint (207) inserted between the steering tube (203) and the counter-shaped member (205).

10. The auxiliary traction system (100) according to any one of claims 8 or 9, in combination with claim 6, characterized in that: The counter-piece (205) includes a through hole (208) communicating with the through hole (74) of the cylindrical hook-shaped body (72), and the manual steering device (200) is provided with a lever system (209), which is connected to a joystick (210) configured to be actuated by a user at the handlebar (204), and at the opposite end, the lever system (209) passes through the through hole (208) of the counter-piece (205) and through the through hole (74) of the cylindrical hook-shaped body (72) of the auxiliary traction device (1), and the lever system (209) is configured to engage the lever assembly (8) of the auxiliary traction device (1) when the joystick (210) is actuated to activate the brake system (9).

11. A method for fastening an auxiliary traction device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 to a wheelchair (W), characterized in that: The method alternatively provides three fastening configurations: - a first configuration for fastening the auxiliary traction device (1) in front of the axis of rotation (X2) of the rear wheel (RP) of the wheelchair (W), the first configuration providing: - rotating the connection assembly (6) to a position substantially aligned with the support structure (2); - arranging the auxiliary traction device (1) at the front of the wheelchair (W); - fastening the auxiliary traction device (1) to the rotation axis (X2) of the rear wheel (RP) of the wheelchair (W) by means of the first hook means (61) and the connecting arm (BC), thereby keeping the front wheel (RA) of the wheelchair (W) lifted; - a second configuration for fastening the auxiliary traction device (1) at the axis of rotation (X2) of the rear wheel (RP) of the wheelchair (W), the second configuration providing: - rotating the connection assembly (6) to a position substantially aligned with the support structure (2); - arranging the auxiliary traction device (1) below the rotation axis (X2); - fastening the auxiliary traction device (1) to the rotation axis (X2) of the rear wheel (RP) of the wheelchair (W) by means of an insertion bracket system (ST); - a third configuration for fastening the auxiliary traction device (1) at the rear of the axis of rotation (X2) of the rear wheel (RP) of the wheelchair (W), the third configuration providing: - rotating the connection assembly (6) substantially by 180° relative to the support structure (2); - arranging the auxiliary traction device (1) at the rear of the rotation axis (X2); - The auxiliary traction device (1) is fastened to the rear of the rotation axis (X2) of the rear wheel (RP) of the wheelchair (W) by means of an insertion bracket system (ST).

12. The fastening method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first fastening structure also includes fastening a manual steering device (200) to the auxiliary traction device (1), wherein the manual steering device (200) includes a tubular column (201) and a steering unit (202), the steering unit (202) is provided with a steering tube (203) rotatably inserted in the tubular column (202), the steering tube (203) is provided with a handlebar (204) at its first end (203a), and is provided with the hook-shaped forming member (204) at a second end (203b) opposite to the first end (2036) The tubular column (201) is provided with a connecting reverse-shaped piece (205) complementary to the forming piece (71), and the fastening device (206) is compatible with the second fastening device (62) of the connecting assembly (6); the fastening provides a connection between the reverse-shaped piece (205) and the forming piece (71), so that the handlebar (204) is operably matched with the supporting structure (2) and the driving wheel (3), and the fastening device (206) is fastened with the second fastening device (62), so that the auxiliary traction device (1) is integrated with the manual steering device (200).

13. The fastening method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first fastening structure also includes fastening a power steering device (300) to the auxiliary traction device (1), wherein the power steering device (300) includes a support shell (301) in which an electric steering motor (302) is inserted, the electric steering motor (302) is provided with a rotating shaft (303), the rotating shaft (303) is provided with a counter-shaped piece (304) complementary to the hook-shaped forming piece (71) of the hook-shaped body (7) at its free end (303a), and the support shell (301) is provided with the fastening device (305) compatible with the second fastening device (62) of the connecting assembly (6); the fastening provides The counter-shaped member (304) is connected to the shaped member (71) so that the rotating shaft (303) is operably matched with the supporting structure (2) and the driving wheel (3), and the fastening device (305) is fastened to the second fastening device (62) so that the auxiliary traction device (1) is integrated with the power steering device (300); the first fastening structure also provides for associating a satellite control device with the power steering device (300) and the auxiliary traction device (1), the satellite control device being configured to enable a user to control the movement of the electric steering motor (302) and the movement of the driving wheel (3).

14. The fastening method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The second fastening structure also provides for fastening the clamping bracket (400) to the auxiliary traction device (1), wherein a counter-shaped piece (401) complementary to the hook-shaped forming piece (71) and a fastening device (402) are integrally defined in the clamping bracket (400), and the fastening device (402) is compatible with the second fastening device (62) of the connecting assembly (6); the fastening provides for coupling the counter-shaped piece (401) and the hook-shaped forming piece (71), and fastening the fastening device (402) to the second fastening device (62), thereby preventing the support structure (2) and the drive wheel (3) from rotating relative to the connecting assembly (6).

15. The fastening method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The third fastening configuration also includes fastening a power steering device (300) to the auxiliary traction device (1), wherein the power steering device (300) includes a support housing (301) in which an electric steering motor (302) is inserted, the electric steering motor (302) is provided with a rotating shaft (303), the rotating shaft (303) is provided with a counter-shaped piece (304) complementary to the hook-shaped forming piece (71) of the hook-shaped body (7) at its free end (303a), and the support housing (301) is provided with the fastening device (305) compatible with the second fastening device (62) of the connecting assembly (6); the fastening provides The counter-shaped member (304) is connected to the shaped member (71) so that the rotating shaft (303) is operably matched with the supporting structure (2) and the driving wheel (3), and the fastening device (305) is fastened to the second fastening device (62) so that the auxiliary traction device (1) is integrated with the power steering device (300); the first fastening structure also provides for associating a satellite control device with the power steering device (300) and the auxiliary traction device (1), the satellite control device being configured to enable a user to control the movement of the electric steering motor (302) and the movement of the driving wheel (3).

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