Wheelchair equipped with electric drive and method of use thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a wheelchair (1) equipped with a removable electric drive device (2) comprising a first part (21) attached to the wheelchair (1), a drive wheel (23) supported by a second part (22) of the drive device (2) and an electric motor rotating the drive wheel (23). According to the invention, the second part (22) is movable relative to the first part (21) between a first position, in which the drive wheel (23) is located entirely above the wheels (13, 14) of the wheelchair (1), and a second position, in which the drive wheel (23) is located in front of the front wheel (14) of the wheelchair (1) and at least partially below the wheels (13, 14) of the wheelchair, the drive device (2) comprising a locking device for locking the second part (22) in this second position. The invention also relates to a drive device (2) for a wheelchair.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to wheelchairs designed for people with mobility impairments. Specifically, this invention relates to wheelchairs equipped with electric drive units or electrification devices.

[0002] This invention particularly relates to wheelchairs equipped with such a detachable electric drive unit. The invention also relates to a detachable electric drive unit designed for attachment to a wheelchair. Background Technology

[0003] Wheelchairs enable people with mobility impairments to move around, even those whose health conditions prevent them from walking. Wheelchairs can typically be propelled (i.e., moved) by the person sitting in the wheelchair, by another person pushing the wheelchair, and / or by an electric drive unit.

[0004] Many wheelchairs, known as manual wheelchairs, are designed to be propelled by the person sitting in them. These wheelchairs typically have large-diameter rear wheels and usually smaller-diameter front wheels; the rear wheels can be rotated directly by the user's hands, while the front wheels ensure the wheelchair's stability.

[0005] Other wheelchairs are equipped with motors that drive their wheels. These types of electric wheelchairs are suitable for people who lack the muscle strength to propel themselves. These electric wheelchairs are typically heavy and bulky. They are rarely foldable and difficult to transport in a vehicle. Furthermore, these electric wheelchairs tend to be very expensive.

[0006] There are also electric drive units for wheelchairs that can be detachably attached to manual wheelchairs to enable or assist in the movement of the wheelchair.

[0007] For example, as described in document WO2023 / 214372, this electric drive unit can be attached to a wheelchair in several different configurations to enable propulsion under various conditions. However, the device is very bulky, and a person in a wheelchair cannot configure it to any of the suggested configurations. Therefore, this makes the device difficult to use in various configurations. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome these shortcomings of the prior art.

[0009] In particular, the present invention is designed to use a detachable electric drive unit to assist in pushing the wheelchair.

[0010] A specific objective of this invention is to ensure that wheelchairs can be effectively propelled in various configurations, particularly on flat, level surfaces and on uneven surfaces.

[0011] Another specific goal is to enable wheelchair users to set up the drive system themselves without encountering too much difficulty, so that they can drive their wheelchairs in their preferred configuration.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to provide assistance with wheelchair propulsion while the wheelchair user continues to operate the manual wheelchair by manually operating the rear wheels.

[0013] These objectives, and others which will become clearer below, are achieved by a wheelchair comprising: a frame supporting a seat; at least two generally coaxial rear wheels supported by said frame; and at least one front wheel supported by said frame, and a plane tangent to said rear wheels and said front wheels beneath said wheelchair, said plane being defined as a reference plane of said wheelchair; said wheelchair is equipped with a detachable electric drive unit comprising:

[0014] At least one attachment member for attaching to the frame of the wheelchair, supported by a first portion of the drive unit;

[0015] At least one drive wheel is supported by a second part of the drive device;

[0016] At least one motor, the motor being capable of rotating the drive wheel about a non-steering axis that is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rear wheel;

[0017] The second part of the drive device is movable relative to the first part of the drive device between the following positions:

[0018] At least one first position, wherein the drive wheels are entirely above the reference plane of the wheelchair, and

[0019] At least one second position, wherein the drive wheel is located in front of the front wheel of the wheelchair, and at least a portion of the drive wheel is located below the reference plane of the wheelchair;

[0020] The drive device includes a locking device for locking the position of the second part relative to the first part in the second position or at least one of the second positions.

[0021] The wheelchair of the present invention can be easily switched from a configuration corresponding to a first position to a configuration corresponding to a second position, in which the drive wheels cannot effectively propel the wheelchair, while in the second position, the drive wheels both propel the wheelchair and provide stability. The drive wheels are particularly efficient at propelling the wheelchair in the second position, even on uneven surfaces.

[0022] Switching from one configuration to another requires no assembly or disassembly of the drive unit. The device can be switched from an inactive to an active position while the user is seated, and vice versa, without leaving the wheelchair or bending over. This allows the user to use the device to assist in pushing the wheelchair while still controlling the rear wheels with both hands. Furthermore, the user can configure the drive unit themselves without external assistance or leaving the wheelchair.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, in the first position or at least one of the first positions, the drive wheel is located behind the front wheel.

[0024] In this configuration, the drive wheels occupy very little space when they are not effectively used to drive the wheelchair.

[0025] In another advantageous embodiment, in the first position or at least one of the first positions, the drive wheel is located in front of the front wheel.

[0026] In another advantageous embodiment, in the first position or at least one of the first positions, the drive wheel is tangent to the reference plane of the wheelchair.

[0027] In this configuration, the drive wheels can help propel the wheelchair. However, the limited contact between the drive wheels and the ground limits the effectiveness of this propulsion.

[0028] In another advantageous embodiment, in the first position or at least one of the first positions, the drive wheel is spaced apart from the reference plane of the wheelchair.

[0029] In this configuration, the drive wheels do not touch the ground, thus not interfering with the movement of the wheelchair.

[0030] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first portion consists of a rod extending laterally through the wheelchair, each end of the rod supporting an attachment member connected to the wheelchair frame.

[0031] Advantageously, in this case, the rod is telescopic, and the distance between the ends of the rod is variable.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the drive wheel supports a plurality of rollers configured to ensure contact between the drive wheel and the ground, each roller being pivotally mounted on the drive wheel about an axis substantially tangential to the drive wheel.

[0033] These drive wheels, known as "omnidirectional" wheels, make the wheelchair easier to maneuver when in contact with the ground. Specifically, they allow the user to change direction and turn by manually pushing the rear wheel 13, while the drive wheels propel the wheelchair. They also prevent friction during changes of direction, whether the wheel is motor-driven or freely rotating.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the second portion of the drive unit is connected to the first portion via a joint forming a pivotal connection about an axis that is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rear wheel. This pivotal connection allows the second portion of the drive unit to move relative to the first portion of the drive unit between a first position and a second position.

[0035] Preferably, the locking device locks the second part relative to the first part at an angular position corresponding to the first position or the second position to prevent rotation.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, these locking devices include at least one stop that restricts rotation of the second portion relative to the first portion.

[0037] In an advantageous embodiment, the drive device includes an electric device for driving the second portion relative to the first portion between at least one of the first positions and at least one of the second positions.

[0038] Preferably, in this case, these electric devices include a motor capable of rotating the drive wheel.

[0039] The present invention also relates to an electric drive device for a wheelchair, the wheelchair comprising:

[0040] The frame that supports the seat;

[0041] At least two substantially coaxial rear wheels supported by the frame;

[0042] At least one front wheel supported by the frame;

[0043] A plane tangent to the rear and front wheels beneath the wheelchair is defined as the reference plane of the wheelchair; the electric drive unit includes:

[0044] At least one attachment member, which is attached to the wheelchair frame in use, and the attachment member is supported by a first portion of the drive unit;

[0045] At least one drive wheel is supported by a second part of the drive device;

[0046] At least one motor, the motor being capable of rotating the drive wheel about a non-steering axis that is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rear wheel;

[0047] The second part of the drive device is movable relative to the first part of the drive device between the following positions:

[0048] At least one first position in which the drive wheels are completely above the reference plane of the wheelchair during use;

[0049] At least one second position, wherein, in use, at least a portion of the drive wheel is located below the reference plane of the wheelchair and in front of the front wheel of the wheelchair.

[0050] In use, the electric drive unit can have each of the features described above in conjunction with the wheelchair. Attached Figure Description

[0051] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description of preferred embodiments given by way of simple illustrative and non-limiting examples, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a wheelchair.

[0053] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an electric drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The image shows a front view of the wheelchair, which is equipped with... Figure 2 The drive unit shown.

[0055] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 The side view of the wheelchair shown shows that it is equipped with Figure 2 The drive unit shown.

[0056] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A side view of a wheelchair equipped with Figure 2 The variations of the drive unit shown are in different configurations.

[0057] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 A side view of a wheelchair equipped with Figure 2 The drive units in the system are in different configurations.

[0058] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 A side view of a wheelchair equipped with Figure 2The drive units in the system are in different configurations. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of wheelchair 1. Wheelchair 1 includes a frame 11 supporting a seat 12, two generally coaxial rear wheels 13, and two front wheels 14. The rear wheels 13 are mounted to pivot about generally horizontal axes of rotation, which are themselves supported by the frame 11. The front wheels 14 are also mounted to pivot about generally horizontal axes of rotation.

[0060] In this specification, the terms "front" and "rear" refer to the position of a component on a horizontal axis called the "longitudinal axis," which corresponds to the direction of travel of the wheelchair when moving in a straight line. Along this longitudinal axis, the "forward" direction corresponds to the direction faced by the user sitting in the wheelchair, while the "rear" direction corresponds to the opposite direction. When the projection of a component of the wheelchair on the longitudinal axis is in front of (or behind) the projection of a second component on the same axis, the component is said to be "in front of" (or "behind") the second component. For example, the front wheel 14 of wheelchair 1 is located "in front of" the rear wheel 15.

[0061] Typically, the front wheel 14 can be steerable; that is, the portion of the frame 11 that supports its axis of rotation can pivot about a generally vertical steering axis relative to the rest of the frame 11.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in the figure, wheelchair 1 has two front wheels 14. Of course, in other embodiments, the wheelchair may have a single front wheel 14, which will not significantly change the implementation of the invention.

[0063] When wheelchair 1 rests on the ground via its rear wheels 13 and front wheels 14, a point on each rear wheel and a point on each front wheel 14 (i.e., the lowest point on these wheels) constitute the contact point between wheelchair 1 and the ground. A plane passing through these points of contact with the ground and tangent to the rear wheels 13 and front wheels 14 is hereinafter referred to as the reference plane 10 of wheelchair 1. This reference plane corresponds to the ground plane on which wheelchair 1 rests when supported by its rear wheels 13 and front wheels 14.

[0064] According to the present invention, the wheelchair 1 is equipped with a detachable electric drive unit 2. Figure 2 The detachable drive unit 2 is shown, which is designed to be detachably attached to the frame 11 of the wheelchair 1.

[0065] The drive unit 2 consists of two parts that are movable relative to each other. The first part 21 of the drive unit 2 is designed to be detachably attached to the frame 11. The second part 22 of the drive unit 2 supports the drive wheel 23.

[0066] For detachable attachment to the frame 11, the first portion 21 of the drive unit 2 includes at least one attachment member 211. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 21 is formed as a rod designed to be laterally positioned between the two tubes of the frame 11 of the wheelchair 1. Thus, the first portion 21 extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rear wheel 13.

[0067] The first part 21 includes an attachment member for securing the first part 21 to the frame 11 of the wheelchair 1. Such attachment members have various variations and are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0068] exist Figure 2 In the specific embodiment shown, these attachment members consist of two support forks 211 that form the two ends of the rod and are oriented in opposite directions. These support forks 211 are capable of translational movement relative to the central portion of the first portion 21 so as to move away from each other, thereby making the first portion 21 retractable.

[0069] Therefore, the distance between the ends of the rod forming the first part 21 is variable, which allows the rod to adapt to the spacing of the tubes to be installed in the frame 11. The distance between the ends of the first part 21 also allows the support forks 211 forming these ends (which rest on two spaced tubes of the frame 1) to clamp the first part 21 between the two tubes, thereby securing the first part 21 to the frame 11 by clamping.

[0070] This attachment of the first part 21 of the drive unit 2 to the frame 11 of the wheelchair 1 is shown in Figure 3 The support fork 211 is designed to allow users to assemble it quickly, but it must also be able to transmit enough torque to support the weight of the front of the wheelchair.

[0071] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the rod constituting the first part 21 of the drive device 2 can be pivotally connected, thereby being able to fold against the second part 22 and enter a storage position.

[0072] In other embodiments, the first part of the drive unit may be connected to the frame 11 of the wheelchair 1 by any other means known to those skilled in the art, such as by a clamp capable of clamping onto a tube of the frame 11, by screws, etc.

[0073] In one particular embodiment, the frame 11 may be equipped with at least one anchor that is permanently or semi-permanently attached to the frame 11 (e.g., by screws), and the anchor has a mounting interface. In this case, the attachment member of the first portion 21 may consist of a mounting interface complementary to the mounting interface of the anchor. This embodiment allows the drive unit 2 to be connected to the frame 11 in a particularly simple and efficient manner by means of the interaction of the two complementary mounting interfaces. Obviously, for a user already seated in the wheelchair 1, connecting the drive unit to the wheelchair 1 via the drive portion 21 is quick and easy.

[0074] The drive wheel 23 is mounted to pivot about an axis, which is itself supported by a second part 22 of the detachable drive unit 2. When the first part 21 is attached to the frame 11, the axis of rotation of the drive wheel 23 is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rear wheels of the wheelchair. Therefore, this axis is non-stealable relative to the wheelchair 11.

[0075] According to the present invention, the drive wheel 23 is driven to rotate by a motor included in the detachable drive device 2.

[0076] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the second part 22 of the detachable drive unit 2 includes a motor and a mechanical connector, such as a mechanical gearbox, capable of transmitting the rotation of the motor to the wheel 23. In another possible embodiment of the invention, the motor that rotates the wheel 23 may be integrated into the wheel itself.

[0077] The motor is typically powered by batteries. In the illustrated embodiment, these batteries are stored in the second part 22 of the removable drive unit 2. In some embodiments, these batteries can be removed from the removable drive unit 2 for charging and / or replacement with charged batteries.

[0078] Conveniently, the motor can be controlled by a remote control, for example, by a mobile terminal connected to the detachable drive unit 2 via a radio link.

[0079] In the configuration of the drive unit 2, it is preferable that the drive wheels 23 remain free, without being rotated or braked. This configuration can be achieved, for example, by disengaging the motor, thereby enabling the wheelchair to be moved in a conventional manner by the physical force of the user or a third party, without the drive unit 2 hindering such movement, even when its drive wheels 23 are in contact with the ground.

[0080] exist Figure 2In the specific embodiment shown, the drive wheel 23 is advantageously a so-called omnidirectional wheel or fully constrained wheel. Such a fully constrained wheel or omnidirectional wheel is a mechanism comprising a wheel supporting a plurality of rollers 231 distributed around its circumference. Each of these rollers 231 is mounted to be pivotable relative to the wheel 23 about an axis substantially tangential to and perpendicular to the wheel. Such an omnidirectional wheel, well known to those skilled in the art, is capable of applying traction in its plane of rotation, but simultaneously capable of lateral sliding in a direction transverse to that plane by means of the rollers. Using such an omnidirectional wheel to construct the drive wheel 23 effectively improves the maneuverability of the wheelchair equipped with the drive unit 2.

[0081] Of course, in other embodiments, different types of wheels can be used to implement the present invention.

[0082] According to the invention, the second portion 22 of the detachable drive unit 2 is movable relative to the first portion 21, which is itself fixedly connected to the wheelchair frame 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 22 is thus connected to the first portion 21 via a joint 24, which forms a pivotal connection with an axis that is generally horizontal and parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheelchair's rear wheels. By means of this joint 24, the second portion 22 is capable of pivoting about an axis that generally corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the rod forming the first portion 21.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, a connector 24, enabling the second portion 22 to move from a first position to a second position, is formed by the second portion 22 pivoting around a rod forming the first portion 21. Therefore, this rod essentially forms the central axis of the pivot connection. This configuration provides a simple pivot connection that allows for rapid assembly.

[0084] In this embodiment, the pivoting of the second portion 22 about the joint 24 relative to the first portion 21 allows adjustment of the position of the drive wheel 23 relative to the wheelchair 1. In particular, this pivoting movement allows adjustment of the distance between the axis of the drive wheel 23 and the reference plane 10 of the wheelchair 1.

[0085] In other possible embodiments of the invention, the second part 22 of the drive unit 2 may be connected to the first part 21 by a different type of connection (e.g., a sliding connection), provided that the connection is capable of changing the distance between the axis of the drive wheel 23 and the reference plane 10 of the wheelchair 1.

[0086] According to the invention, the mobility of the second portion 22 relative to the first portion 21 allows the drive wheel 23 to be in multiple positions. Advantageously, a suitable locking mechanism can be used to lock the position of the second portion 22 relative to the first portion 21 in each of these positions. These locking mechanisms may include at least one stop that locks the movement of the second portion 22 relative to the first portion 21.

[0087] Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 A wheelchair 1 equipped with a drive unit is shown, wherein the second part 22 is in a position referred to below as the “first position”, such that the drive wheel 23 is completely above the reference plane of the wheelchair.

[0088] exist Figure 4 In the configuration shown, the second part 22 of the drive unit 2 is positioned relative to the first part 21 of the frame 11 attached to the wheelchair 1 such that the drive wheel 23 is tangent to the reference plane 10 of the wheelchair 1 and is located behind the front wheel 14 of the wheelchair.

[0089] In this configuration, the drive wheel 23 is positioned entirely above the reference plane 10, that is, on the same side of the reference plane 10 as the wheelchair 1. More precisely, the entire volume of the drive wheel 23 is positioned above the reference plane 10 in the direction of Earth's gravity.

[0090] In this configuration, the rear wheel 13, front wheel 14, and drive wheel 23 of wheelchair 1 can simultaneously contact the ground. In this configuration, if rolling resistance is low, for example, if the surface on which wheelchair 1 moves does not generate significant rolling resistance, the rotation of wheel 23 can propel the wheelchair.

[0091] In such Figure 5 In a variant of this configuration shown, the second part 22 of the drive unit 2 can be positioned relative to the first part 21 of the frame 11 attached to the wheelchair 1 such that the drive wheel 23 is tangent to the reference plane 10 of the wheelchair 1 and located in front of the front wheel 14 of the wheelchair. In this configuration, the drive wheel 23 is completely above the reference plane 10.

[0092] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the configuration shown, the rear wheel 13, front wheel 14, and drive wheel 23 of wheelchair 1 can simultaneously contact a flat surface. In these configurations, if rolling resistance is low, for example, if the surface on which wheelchair 1 moves does not generate significant rolling resistance, the rotation of wheel 23 can propel the wheelchair.

[0093] In one possible variation of these configurations, the position of the second part 22 of the drive mechanism 2 relative to the first part 21 of the frame 11 attached to the wheelchair 1 may not be locked. In this case, the drive wheels 23 rest on the ground under their own weight, located in front of or behind the front wheels 23. If the wheelchair 1 is on a flat surface at this time, the drive wheels 23 are tangent to the reference plane 10 of the wheelchair 1, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0094] On the other hand, if the wheelchair 1 is located on an uneven surface, the drive wheel 23 can move above the reference plane 10 of the wheelchair 1, at a distance from the plane, or conversely, partially below the reference plane 10, due to the unevenness of the ground. This position of the drive wheel 23 (where it is partially below the reference plane 10) does not constitute the "first position" as defined above, but it does not prevent the front wheels 14 and rear wheels 13 of the wheelchair 1 from contacting the ground. This position can be advantageously implemented when the drive wheel 23 can pivot freely without being driven or braked by a motor.

[0095] exist Figure 6 In the configuration shown, the second part 22 of the drive unit 2 is positioned relative to the first part 21 of the frame 11 attached to the wheelchair 1 such that the drive wheel 23 is located at a distance from the reference plane 10 of the wheelchair 1, completely above the reference plane 10, and behind the front wheel 14 of the wheelchair 1.

[0096] In this configuration, the drive wheel 23 does not contact the ground on which the wheelchair 1 rests. Therefore, it cannot push the wheelchair 1, but it does not hinder the movement of the wheelchair 1.

[0097] Of course, in a variant of this configuration (not shown), the drive wheel 23 may be located at a distance from the reference plane 10, completely above the reference plane 10, and in front of the front wheel 14 of the wheelchair 1.

[0098] The drive unit 2 can also be configured in other ways, wherein the second part 22 is in a different position relative to the first part 21 of the frame 11 attached to the wheelchair 1. Such positions constitute the “initial position” as defined in the first description when the drive wheels 23 are fully positioned above the reference plane 10 of the wheelchair 1.

[0099] Figure 7 The configuration of the drive unit is shown, wherein the second part 22 of the drive unit 2 is positioned relative to the first part 21 of the frame 11 attached to the wheelchair 1 such that the drive wheel 23 is located in front of the front wheel 14 of the wheelchair 1 and at least partially below the reference plane 10 of the wheelchair 1.

[0100] In this position of the second part 22 (referred to as the "second position" in this description), when the wheelchair 1 is placed on a flat surface, the front wheels 14 of the wheelchair 1 do not contact the ground. Contact between the wheelchair 1 and the ground is ensured only by its rear wheels 13 and drive wheels 23.

[0101] In this configuration, a significant portion of the weight of the wheelchair 1 rests on the drive wheels 23, ensuring good contact between the drive wheels 23 and the ground. The rotation of the drive wheels 23 then propels the wheelchair 1 very efficiently. This configuration is particularly suitable for navigating rough terrain, providing rolling resistance to the wheelchair 1.

[0102] Furthermore, since the drive wheels are located in front of the front wheels 14, it effectively ensures that the wheelchair 1 has good stability.

[0103] It should be noted that in all configurations, the axis of the drive wheel 23 remains parallel to the axis of the rear wheel 13. Since the drive wheel 23 cannot be steered, it can provide assistance without requiring the user to steer. The user can then place their hands on the rear wheel 13 to steer the wheelchair.

[0104] According to the invention, the drive unit 2 includes locking devices for locking the position of the second part 22 relative to the first part 21 in a second position. These locking devices keep the wheelchair 1 in a configuration where the front wheels 14 do not contact the ground when the wheelchair 1 is placed on the ground. However, they are reversible because they do not permanently prevent the second part 22 from returning to its original position.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, these locking devices may be angle locking mechanisms, for example, consisting of a notched sector member equipped with locking fingers and integrated into the connector 24. This angle locking mechanism can be configured to lock the second portion 22 relative to the first portion 21 at a defined angle, at least holding it in the second position as defined above. The angle locking mechanism can be configured to define at least one second position as defined above and at least one first position as defined above.

[0106] The angle locking mechanism can be advantageously locked and / or unlocked by a user-operated control, such as a trigger acting on a cable that enables the locking finger to move relative to a notched sector.

[0107] In other embodiments of the invention, the locking device may be any other type known to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that these locking devices do not necessarily completely lock the position of the second part relative to the first part. In fact, in some embodiments, these locking devices can stably hold the second part in a second position relative to the first part without locking the position.

[0108] For example, these locking devices can consist of a stop that, under normal wheelchair use conditions, prevents rotation in another direction due to gravity, prevents the second part from rotating relative to the first part only in one direction. Therefore, in Figure 7In the configuration shown, the stop that prevents the second part 22 from rotating upward relative to the first part 21 is sufficient to constitute the locking device of the present invention. In fact, under normal use conditions of the wheelchair 1, the weight of the wheelchair 1 prevents the second part 22 from tilting upward relative to the first part 21, thereby... Figure 7 The configuration shown is stable.

[0109] Therefore, the locking effect provided by this stop is reversible, and the stop itself need not be movable. In fact, specific adjustments to the wheelchair and / or drive unit 2 can allow the second part 22 to move downward and backward at a certain angle, for example, to reach... Figure 4 or Figure 6 The first position shown.

[0110] According to one possible embodiment of the invention, movement of the second portion 22 relative to the first portion 21 (specifically, movement between a first position and a second position of the second portion 22) can be performed by a user. For example, such movement can be performed by manipulating the second portion 22 using a handle 221 attached to it. In this case, to move from the first position to the second position, the user can unlock the position of the second portion 22 relative to the first portion 21 (if that position is locked), manually adjust that position, and then lock it once that position corresponds to the second position.

[0111] exist Figure 5 In the advantageous embodiment shown, the second part 22 can be integrated with a joystick 25, the free end of which is equipped with a handle 250 located in front of the user seated in the wheelchair 1. The handle 250 is equipped with a trigger that activates a locking device to lock and / or unlock the position of the second part 22 relative to the first part 21. The user seated in the wheelchair 1 can easily move the second part 22 from its first position (e.g., ...). Figure 5 (As shown) Move to the second position, in which the second part 22 is in Figure 7 The position is shown. To do this, the user can operate the trigger on the handle 250 to unlock the second part 22, push the handle 250 until the second part 22 reaches its second position, and then press the trigger again to lock the second part 22 in its second position.

[0112] In another possible implementation, movement of the second part 22 relative to the first part 21 from one position to another can be achieved by driving the drive wheel 23 to rotate via a motor. For example, if the rear wheels 13 of the wheelchair 1 are locked by a brake or some other device, movement can be achieved by rotating the drive wheel 23 forward. Figure 4 The first position shown is to Figure 7The second position change is shown. This rotation of the drive wheel 23 causes the second part 22 of the drive unit 2 to move forward.

[0113] Therefore, the present invention relates to a method of using a wheelchair according to the invention, wherein a second part 22 of a drive unit 2 is connected to a first part 21 via a joint 24 forming a pivotal connection about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rear wheel 13, the method comprising:

[0114] - Preparation steps include locking the rotation of the rear wheel 13 while the drive wheel is in contact with the ground, and unlocking the rotation of the joint 24 between the first part 21 and the second part 22 of the drive unit 2; and

[0115] - The step of rotating the drive wheel 23 causes the second part 22 to move relative to the first part 21 from one of the first positions to one of the second positions, or from one of the second positions to one of the first positions.

[0116] Preferably, during the preparation step, the rear wheels 13 are locked before the rotation of the joint between the first part 21 and the second part 22 is released. However, they may also be locked after release.

[0117] Advantageously, the method of use may also include a locking step after the driving step, which includes locking the rotation of the joint 24 between the first part 21 and the second part 22 of the driving device 2.

[0118] Of course, the process also includes unlocking the rear wheels after the driving step and, if applicable, after the locking step.

[0119] In another possible implementation, the movement of the second portion 22 relative to the first portion 21 can be driven by an electric motor. The electric drive mechanism for generating this movement can, for example, utilize a motor that rotates the drive wheel 23. In this case, a reduction gear can be provided such that the motor drives the movement of the second portion 22 relative to the first portion 21.

[0120] Alternatively, a motor and a dedicated gear train can be provided to ensure relative rotation of the second part 22 with respect to the first part 21.

Claims

1. A wheelchair (1), comprising: Frame (11), which supports seat (12); At least two substantially coaxial rear wheels (13) supported by the frame (11). At least one front wheel (14) supported by the frame (11). A plane tangent to the rear wheel (13) and the front wheel (14) below the wheelchair (1) is defined as the reference plane (10) of the wheelchair (1). The wheelchair (1) is equipped with a detachable electric drive unit (2), which includes: At least one attachment member (211) for attachment to the frame (11) of the wheelchair, supported by the first part (21) of the drive unit (2); At least one drive wheel (23) is supported by the second part (22) of the drive device (2); At least one motor, the motor being capable of rotating the drive wheel (23) about a non-steering axis that is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rear wheel (13); The second part (22) of the drive device (2) is characterized in that it is movable relative to the first part (21) of the drive device (2) between the following positions: At least one first position, wherein the drive wheel (23) is completely above the reference plane (10) of the wheelchair (1); and At least one second position, wherein the drive wheel (23) is located in front of the front wheel (14) of the wheelchair (1), and at least a portion of the drive wheel (23) is located below the reference plane (10) of the wheelchair (1); The drive device (2) includes a locking device for locking the position of the second part (22) relative to the first part (21) in the second position or at least one of the second positions.

2. The wheelchair according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, In the first position or at least one of the first positions, the drive wheel (23) is located behind the front wheel (14).

3. The wheelchair according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, In the first position or at least one of the first positions, the drive wheel (23) is located in front of the front wheel (14).

4. The wheelchair according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, In the first position or at least one of the first positions, the drive wheel (23) is tangent to the reference plane (10) of the wheelchair (1).

5. The wheelchair according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, In the first position or at least one of the first positions, the drive wheel (23) is spaced apart from the reference plane (10) of the wheelchair (1).

6. The wheelchair according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first part (21) consists of a rod that extends laterally through the wheelchair (1), each end of the rod supporting an attachment member (211) which is connected to the frame (11) of the wheelchair (1).

7. The wheelchair according to the preceding claims, characterized in that, The rod is telescopic, and the distance between the ends of the rod is variable.

8. The wheelchair according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The drive wheel (23) supports a plurality of rollers (231) that ensure contact between the drive wheel and the ground, and each roller (231) is pivotally mounted on the drive wheel (23) about an axis that is substantially tangential to the drive wheel (23).

9. The wheelchair according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The second part (22) of the drive unit (2) is connected to the first part (21) via a joint (24) that forms a pivotal connection about an axis that is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rear wheel (13).

10. The wheelchair according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The locking device includes at least one stop that restricts the rotation of the second part (22) relative to the first part (21).

11. The wheelchair according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The drive device (2) includes an electric device for driving the second part (22) relative to the first part (21) between at least one of the first positions and at least one of the second positions.

12. The wheelchair according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The electric device includes the motor capable of rotating the drive wheel (23).

13. A method of using the wheelchair according to claim 9, comprising: The preparation steps include locking the rotation of the rear wheel (13) while the drive wheel (23) is in contact with the ground, and releasing the rotation of the joint (24) between the first part (21) and the second part (22) of the drive unit (2); as well as The step of rotating the drive wheel (23) causes the second part (22) to move relative to the first part (21) from one of the first positions to one of the second positions, or from one of the second positions to one of the first positions.

14. The method of use according to the preceding claims, characterized in that, After the step of rotating the drive wheel (13), a locking step is included, which includes locking the rotation of the joint (24) between the first part (21) and the second part (22) of the drive device (2).

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