Battery exchange mechanism of electric folding wheelchair and electric folding wheelchair

Abstract

This utility model provides a battery interchange mechanism for an electric folding wheelchair, comprising: two identical sliding grooves mounted on a wheelchair base, with open tops; a controller located at the front end of the sliding grooves, the controller having at least one first plug; a battery pack including a battery and a slider located at the bottom of the battery, a second plug adapted to the first plug at the front end of the battery pack, a handle at the rear end of the battery pack, and a positioning hole on the slider, allowing the slider to be inserted into the sliding groove to connect the second plug with the first plug; and a locking member elastically telescopically mounted on the sliding groove, capable of elastically abutting the slider to form elastic energy storage, extending into the positioning hole to lock the battery pack when releasing the elastic energy, and disengaging from the positioning hole when pulled to unlock the battery pack. Its structure is simple, battery replacement is convenient, and the connection stability between the battery pack and the controller is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of wheelchair technology, specifically to a battery interchange mechanism for an electric folding wheelchair and an electric wheelchair. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of electric wheelchairs, existing products suffer from several technical challenges in battery and controller connection and mounting structures, failing to meet users' demands for stability, battery life, and ease of operation. On one hand, most electric wheelchairs rely on traditional wiring harnesses for power transmission, and the unavoidable road bumps during wheelchair use can easily cause loose wiring harness plugs and poor contact. This can lead to power fluctuations affecting ride smoothness, or even sudden power outages and other safety hazards, especially for users with mobility impairments, where such malfunctions can directly disrupt their journey or even result in accidents. On the other hand, existing products generally use a single-battery design, limiting their range and making it difficult to support long-distance outdoor travel. Even when equipped with a spare battery, there is a lack of a dedicated quick-change mechanism, often requiring tools to disassemble mounting components and plug / unplug multiple wiring harnesses, making the process cumbersome. Therefore, improvements to existing electric wheelchairs are necessary. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the aforementioned technologies. Therefore, one objective of this utility model is to provide a battery swapping mechanism for an electric folding wheelchair. This mechanism has a simple structure, facilitates battery replacement, and ensures the stability of the connection between the battery pack and the controller.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a battery interchange mechanism for an electric folding wheelchair, comprising:

[0005] Two identical sliding tracks are mounted on the wheelchair's mounting base, with the tops of the tracks open.

[0006] A controller is disposed at the front end of the slide, and the controller has at least one first plug;

[0007] A battery pack, comprising a battery and a slider disposed at the bottom of the battery, a second plug adapted to the first plug at the front end of the battery pack, a handheld part at the rear end of the battery pack, and a positioning hole on the slider, which can be inserted into the groove to allow the second plug to be connected to the first plug;

[0008] A locking element is elastically and telescopically disposed at the bottom of the slide groove. The locking element can elastically abut against the slider to form elastic energy storage. When the locking element releases the elastic energy storage, it can extend into the positioning hole to lock the battery pack. When the locking element is pulled, it exits the positioning hole to unlock the battery pack.

[0009] According to this utility model, a battery swapping mechanism for an electric folding wheelchair utilizes two identical sliding grooves to facilitate the installation of two battery packs. The battery pack's slider slides into the grooves, electrically connecting the second plug of the battery pack to the first plug of the controller. After the battery pack is installed, a locking element elastically extends into a positioning hole on the slider, locking the battery pack to the groove. When the battery pack in use is depleted, the locking element is unlocked, and the two battery packs can be swapped to ensure power supply to the wheelchair. This battery swapping mechanism for an electric folding wheelchair has a simple structure and allows for convenient battery pack replacement.

[0010] In addition, the battery interchange mechanism for an electric folding wheelchair according to the above embodiments of this utility model may also have the following additional technical features:

[0011] Optionally, the insertion end of the slide is provided with a guide, which is used to guide the slider step by step into the slide.

[0012] Optionally, the bottom of the slider is provided with a slope, which can elastically compress the locking member when it slides in contact with the locking member.

[0013] Optionally, the cross-section of the groove is inverted T-shaped.

[0014] Optionally, both the controller and the locking element are mounted on the fixed base, which is rotatably connected to the front and rear frames of the wheelchair.

[0015] Optionally, the battery pack includes an upper housing and a lower housing, the upper housing being connected to the lower housing to form a cavity for mounting the battery, and the slider being disposed at the bottom of the lower housing.

[0016] Optionally, the rear end of the upper housing is bent to cover the rear end of the lower housing, and the upper housing is hollow in the part covering the lower housing to form the hand grip.

[0017] Another objective of this invention is to provide an electric folding wheelchair that includes the battery interchange mechanism described above. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electric folding wheelchair according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A structural diagram from another perspective;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the battery interchange mechanism according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A structural diagram from another perspective;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the battery interchange mechanism according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A structural diagram from another perspective;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] Electric folding wheelchair a, battery interchange mechanism b, slide 1, guide 11, fixed base 2, controller 3, first plug 31, battery pack 4, second plug 41, slider 42, positioning hole 43, inclined surface 44, upper shell 45, lower shell 46, handhold 47, locking component 5, front frame 6, rear frame 7. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0028] To better understand the above technical solutions, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0029] To better understand the above technical solutions, the following will provide a detailed explanation of the technical solutions in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0030] The following is for reference. Figure 1-7The implementation of the battery interchange mechanism for the electric folding wheelchair according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0031] The battery interchange mechanism for an electric folding wheelchair according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0032] Two identical sliding tracks 1 are mounted on the wheelchair mounting base 2, with the top of the sliding tracks 1 being open.

[0033] Controller 3 is located at the front end of slide 1, and controller 3 has at least one first plug 31;

[0034] Battery pack 4 includes a battery and a slider 42 disposed at the bottom of the battery. The front end of the battery pack 4 is provided with a second plug 41 that is adapted to the first plug 31. The rear end of the battery pack 4 is provided with a hand-held part 47. The slider 42 is provided with a positioning hole 43. The slider 42 can be inserted into the slide groove 1 so that the second plug 41 is connected to the first plug 31.

[0035] Locking member 5 is elastically and telescopically disposed at the bottom of slide groove 1. Locking member 5 can elastically abut against slider 42 to form elastic energy storage. When locking member 5 releases elastic energy storage, it can extend into positioning hole 43 to lock battery pack 4. When locking member 5 is pulled, locking member 5 exits positioning hole 43 to unlock battery pack 4.

[0036] In other words, the wheelchair has two slots 1 for installing the battery pack 4. The battery pack 4 in one slot 1 is used to power the wheelchair, and the battery pack 4 in the other slot 1 is for backup. When installing the battery pack 4, the operator holds the handle 47 of the battery pack 4 and inserts the slider 42 of the battery pack 4 into the insertion end of the slot 1. As the battery pack 4 slides toward the mating end of the slot 1, the slider 42 elastically compresses the locking member 5 to form elastic energy storage. When the second plug 41 of the battery pack 4 aligns with the first plug 31 of the controller 3, When fully inserted, the positioning hole 43 is exactly in the opposite position to the locking member 5. The locking member 5 releases its elastic stored energy and automatically extends into the positioning hole 43, restricting the sliding of the slider 42, thereby keeping the battery pack 4 and the slide groove 1 relatively fixed, forming an automatic locking of the battery pack 4, ensuring the stable docking of the battery pack 4 and the controller 3. When disassembling the battery pack 4, the operator pulls the locking member 5, the locking member 5 exits the positioning hole 43, and then the operator holds the holding part 47 to pull the battery pack 4 out of the slide groove 1. The two battery packs 4 can then be replaced. The operation is convenient and quick.

[0037] The two slides 1 can be integrally formed on a mounting plate, or one slide 1 can be set on a mounting plate. The mounting plate is connected to the fixed base 2. The two slides 1 are arranged side by side and the top of the slides 1 is open, so that the battery pack 4 only has the slider 42 mate with the slide 1. The main part of the battery pack 4 is located above the slide 1 to facilitate heat dissipation of the battery pack 4. The number of first plugs 31 can be one or two. The locking member 5 can be an elastic indexing pin with a handle. The bottom wall of the slide 1 can be closed. The locking member 5 can be installed on the bottom wall of the slide 1 or on the fixed base 2. The slide 1 can be connected to the fixed base 2 through the bottom wall. The slider 42 can be integrally formed from the outer shell of the battery pack 4. The cross-section of the slide 1 can be C-shaped or inverted T-shaped, as long as it can restrict the left and right and up and down movement of the slider 42, so that the slider 42 only slides in the direction defined by the slide 1.

[0038] Therefore, by using two identical sliding grooves 1, it is easy to install two battery packs 4. The slider 42 of the battery pack 4 slides with the sliding groove 1, allowing the second plug 41 of the battery pack 4 to form an electrical connection with the first plug 31 of the controller 3. After the battery pack 4 is installed in place, the locking member 5 elastically extends into the positioning hole 43 on the slider 42, locking the battery pack 4 to the sliding groove 1. When the battery pack 4 in use runs out of power, the locking member 5 is unlocked, and the two battery packs 4 can be replaced to ensure the power supply to the wheelchair. The battery swapping mechanism of this electric folding wheelchair has a simple structure, the battery pack 4 is easy to replace, and the connection stability between the battery pack 4 and the controller 3 is guaranteed.

[0039] Optionally, the insertion end of the slide groove 1 is provided with a guide 11, which is used to gradually guide the slider 42 into the slide groove 1. Understandably, by setting the guide 11, the slider 42 can be gradually guided into the slide groove 1, improving the convenience of installing the battery pack 4. The guide 11 can be inclined to connect to the slide groove 1, so that it forms a funnel shape, and the guide 11 can be integrally formed with the slide groove 1.

[0040] Optionally, the bottom of the slider 42 is provided with a slope 44. When the slope 44 slides into contact with the locking member 5, it can elastically compress the locking member 5. Understandably, by setting the slope 44, the locking member 5 can be gradually elastically compressed during the sliding of the battery pack 4, causing the locking member 5 to form elastic energy storage. When the positioning hole 43 slides to the position directly opposite the locking member 5, the elastic energy storage of the locking member 5 is released, and the locking member 5 extends into the positioning hole 43, achieving locking. The slider 42 has a localized concave design in the middle to form a clearance space. This clearance space avoids contact with the locking member 5 and reduces the contact area between the slider 42 and the sliding groove 1, thus reducing friction and making operation easier. The slope 44 transitions from the rear end of the concave portion to the bottom surface of the slider 42.

[0041] Optionally, the cross-section of the slide groove 1 is inverted T-shaped. Understandably, when the inverted T-shaped slide groove 1 is matched with the appropriate inverted T-shaped slider 42, it can more reliably restrict the vertical displacement of the slider 42 structurally. The lateral protrusion of the slider 42 can be engaged in the laterally extending groove of the slide groove 1, effectively preventing the battery pack 4 from coming off the top of the slide groove 1 due to vibration or other factors during sliding or use. At the same time, the vertical sidewalls on both sides of the slide groove 1 can form a stable left and right limit for the slider 42, ensuring that the slider 42 always slides smoothly along the length of the slide groove 1 without deviation. This ensures that the second plug 41 at the front end of the battery pack 4 and the first plug 31 of the controller 3 are accurately aligned during docking, reducing poor contact problems caused by plug docking deviation.

[0042] Optionally, both the controller 3 and the locking element 5 are mounted on the fixed base 2, which is rotatably connected to the front frame 6 and the rear frame 7 of the wheelchair. Understandably, integrating the controller 3 and the locking element 5 onto the same mounting base 2 ensures that their relative positions with the slide 1 remain fixed, preventing misalignment of the controller 3 plug with the slide 1 or misalignment of the locking element 5 with the positioning hole 43 due to assembly errors of the front frame 6 and the rear frame 7 or deformation during use. The rotatable connection design between the mounting base 2 and the front frame 6 and the rear frame 7 is adapted to the folding function of the electric folding wheelchair. When the wheelchair needs to be folded and stored, the front frame 6 and the rear frame 7 rotate relative to each other, and the mounting base 2 can adjust its angle synchronously with the rotation of the front frame 6 and the rear frame 7. This will not hinder the folding action of the front frame 6 and the rear frame 7, and will also prevent collision and wear between the controller 3, the locking element 5, and other components of the front frame 6 and the rear frame 7 during the folding process, ensuring that all components can work normally before and after folding.

[0043] Optionally, the battery pack 4 includes an upper housing 45 and a lower housing 46. The upper housing 45 connects to the lower housing 46 to form a cavity for installing the battery, and the slider 42 is located at the bottom of the lower housing 46. Understandably, the separate upper and lower housing 46 structure facilitates battery assembly and subsequent maintenance. During assembly, the battery can be placed inside the lower housing 46 first, and then the upper housing 45 can be closed to secure it, eliminating the need for complex processing of the overall housing. During maintenance, the battery can be removed simply by disassembling the upper and lower housings 46, making operation convenient. Simultaneously, placing the slider 42 at the bottom of the lower housing 46 allows the lower housing 46 to directly bear the frictional force during the sliding of the battery pack 4, while the upper housing 45 does not need to bear weight or wear resistance, allowing it to focus more on protecting the battery from external impacts, dust, and other factors, thus extending the battery's lifespan. Furthermore, the lower housing 46 can be made of a higher-strength material, further enhancing the structural stability of the slider 42 and preventing breakage or deformation of the slider 42 after long-term use.

[0044] Optionally, the rear end of the upper housing 45 is bent to cover the rear end of the lower housing 46, and the upper housing 45 is hollowed out where it covers the lower housing 46 to form a handle 47. Understandably, the structure of the upper housing 45 bending to cover the rear end of the lower housing 46 can improve the protection performance of the rear end of the battery pack 4, and at the same time make the overall appearance of the battery pack 4 more consistent. The handle 47 formed by the hollow design is more in line with the human hand grip habits in size and shape. When the operator holds it, his / her fingers can naturally reach into the hollow area, increasing the contact area between the hand and the housing, improving the stability of the grip, and preventing the battery pack 4 from falling due to slippage when disassembling or installing it. At the same time, the bent covering structure makes the edges of the handle 47 smoother, without sharp corners, preventing the operator from being scratched when holding it, improving the safety and comfort of use, as well as the overall aesthetics.

[0045] In addition, this utility model also proposes an electric folding wheelchair a, which includes a battery swapping mechanism b. Understandably, when the main battery pack 4 is depleted, the user does not need to find a charging device; they only need to pull the locking piece 5 to quickly unlock and replace the spare battery pack 4. The entire operation requires no professional tools, and even elderly people with limited mobility or those with weak limbs can easily complete it, greatly improving ease of use. Simultaneously, the inverted T-shaped slide 1, guide piece 11, and other structural designs ensure precise alignment and stable locking of the battery pack 4 during installation, avoiding poor battery contact due to vibration during use and ensuring the safety of the wheelchair. Furthermore, the split housing of the battery pack 4 and the open top slide 1 design facilitate future battery maintenance and replacement, accelerate heat dissipation during battery operation, and extend battery life. The rotatable connection between the fixed seat 2 and the front frame 6 and rear frame 7 perfectly adapts to the wheelchair's folding and storage function, without affecting the wheelchair's storage and portability in confined spaces, further enhancing the product's overall practicality. The electric folding wheelchair a can utilize existing folding structures.

[0046] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0047] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0048] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0049] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0050] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. The illustrative expressions of the above terms in this specification should not be construed as necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0051] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery exchange mechanism for an electric folding wheelchair, characterized by, include: Two identical sliding tracks are mounted on the wheelchair's mounting base, with the tops of the tracks open. A controller is disposed at the front end of the slide, and the controller has at least one first plug; A battery pack, comprising a battery and a slider disposed at the bottom of the battery, a second plug adapted to the first plug at the front end of the battery pack, a handheld part at the rear end of the battery pack, and a positioning hole on the slider, which can be inserted into the groove to allow the second plug to be connected to the first plug; A locking element is elastically and telescopically disposed at the bottom of the slide groove. The locking element can elastically abut against the slider to form elastic energy storage. When the locking element releases the elastic energy storage, it can extend into the positioning hole to lock the battery pack. When the locking element is pulled, it exits the positioning hole to unlock the battery pack.

2. The battery exchange mechanism for a power folding wheelchair of claim 1, wherein, The insertion end of the slide is provided with a guide, which is used to guide the slider step by step into the slide.

3. The battery exchange mechanism for a power folding wheelchair of claim 1, wherein, The bottom of the slider is provided with an inclined surface, which can elastically compress the locking member when it slides in contact with the locking member.

4. The battery exchange mechanism for a power folding wheelchair of claim 1, wherein, The cross-section of the groove is inverted T-shaped.

5. The battery exchange mechanism for a power folding wheelchair of claim 1, wherein, Both the controller and the locking element are mounted on the fixed base, which is rotatably connected to the front and rear frames of the wheelchair.

6. The battery exchange mechanism for a power folding wheelchair of claim 1, wherein, The battery pack includes an upper housing and a lower housing, the upper housing being connected to the lower housing to form a cavity for installing the battery, and the slider being disposed at the bottom of the lower housing.

7. The battery exchange mechanism for a power folding wheelchair of claim 6, wherein, The rear end of the upper housing is bent to cover the rear end of the lower housing, and the upper housing is hollow in the part covering the lower housing to form the hand grip.

8. An electric folding wheelchair, characterized in that, Includes the battery interchange mechanism of the electric folding wheelchair as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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