An impact-resistant wheelchair fork structure

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of anti-impact wheelchair front fork structure, including front fork frame, front fork frame detachably connected with universal roller and anti-impact frame, and front fork frame is detachably connected with electric drive device by anti-impact frame.The anti-impact frame includes the sub-frame connected with the front fork frame, and the two sides of the sub-frame are respectively provided with sleeve pipe, and a U-shaped tube is slidably inserted into two sleeve pipes at both ends respectively.Damping mechanism is respectively arranged in each sleeve pipe, and the end of damping mechanism is in abutment with the end of U-shaped tube inserted into sleeve pipe.Each sleeve pipe wall is provided with an oval hole, and the oval hole is arranged along the sleeve pipe axis, and a positioning pin is sequentially inserted into the oval hole and the radial hole arranged at the end of U-shaped tube.The utility model detachably designs electric drive device in front fork structure, which can be well integrated into ordinary wheelchair, and damping mechanism is arranged to absorb and buffer impact force, to avoid impact force directly transmitted to front fork frame and user, to improve the comfort and safety of riding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of wheelchair technology, specifically relating to an impact-resistant wheelchair front fork structure. Background Technology

[0002] Wheelchairs, as an important means of transportation for people with mobility impairments, include conventional wheelchairs that rely on human power and electric wheelchairs that rely on electricity. Electric wheelchairs, equipped with batteries, motors, and electronic control systems, offer convenience but also place demands on wheelchair design. To accommodate the added heavy power components and ensure stability, a more robust frame needs to be redesigned, and weights must be carefully designed to maintain a stable center of gravity and prevent tipping. Simultaneously, a user-friendly control interface is required, allowing users to easily, accurately, and safely control the wheelchair. However, electric wheelchairs travel at higher speeds than conventional wheelchairs. In the event of an accidental bump or low-speed collision, the impact force is directly transmitted to the frame and the user without any cushioning, posing a certain safety hazard.

[0003] Therefore, the above problems urgently need to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0004] Purpose of the utility model: In order to overcome the above shortcomings, this utility model provides an impact-resistant wheelchair front fork structure that integrates an electric drive device, can switch between ordinary wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs, and has a buffer structure for accidental bumps and low-speed collisions, thereby improving the comfort, safety and reliability of electric wheelchairs.

[0005] Technical Solution: To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an impact-resistant wheelchair front fork structure, including a front fork frame, detachably connected to omnidirectional rollers and an impact-resistant frame, and the front fork frame detachably connected to an electric drive device via the impact-resistant frame. The impact-resistant frame includes a subframe connected to the front fork frame, with sleeves on both sides of the subframe, and a U-shaped tube slidably inserted into the two sleeves at both ends. Each sleeve is equipped with a damping mechanism, one end of which abuts against the end of the U-shaped tube inserted into the sleeve. Each sleeve wall has an elliptical through hole extending along the sleeve axis, and a positioning pin passes sequentially through the elliptical through hole and a radial through hole at the end of the U-shaped tube to limit the sliding stroke of the U-shaped tube and the sleeve.

[0006] This invention features a detachable electric drive unit within the front fork structure. The weight of the electric drive unit is borne by itself, without affecting the wheelchair's center of gravity or structural design. It eliminates the need for wheelchair redesign and integrates seamlessly into standard wheelchairs. This detachable connection significantly simplifies the installation and maintenance of the electric drive unit. When the electric drive is needed, it is installed; when not in use, it is removed, footrests are installed, and the wheelchair is used as a regular wheelchair, improving its flexibility. Repairing or replacing the electric drive unit does not require disassembling the entire front fork structure, effectively reducing maintenance difficulty and costs. Furthermore, in the event of bumps or low-speed impacts, the U-shaped tube slides axially relative to the sleeve, allowing the damping mechanism to absorb and buffer the impact force, preventing direct transmission to the front fork and the user, thus enhancing riding comfort and safety.

[0007] Furthermore, in the aforementioned impact-resistant wheelchair front fork structure, the electric drive system includes a first electric drive mechanism and a second electric drive mechanism, which are rotatably connected by a connecting shaft. The connecting shaft is connected via a mounting bracket and a U-shaped tube. The first and second electric drive mechanisms are respectively equipped with a first joystick and a second joystick. The user can control the operating status of the first and second electric drive mechanisms by manipulating the first and second joysticks respectively, and achieve steering function by adjusting the speed difference between the two electric drive mechanisms.

[0008] Furthermore, in the aforementioned impact-resistant wheelchair front fork structure, the first and second electric drive mechanisms are respectively designed as electric self-balancing scooters. Electric self-balancing scooters are characterized by their small size, compact structure, stable power output, and built-in balance control system. Integrating them as electric drive mechanisms into the wheelchair front fork structure effectively simplifies the overall drive system design. The built-in balance control function of the electric self-balancing scooter helps the wheelchair maintain stability during operation, reducing the difficulty of operation for the user, and is especially suitable for people with mobility impairments.

[0009] Furthermore, in the aforementioned impact-resistant wheelchair fork structure, the mounting frame includes a horizontal plate and a vertical plate, which are connected end-to-end to form a rectangular structure. A connecting plate is connected below the horizontal and vertical plates, and the connecting plate is detachably connected via a sleeve and a U-shaped tube. The sleeve has threaded holes, and bolts are threaded through the holes in the connecting plate to connect with the threaded holes in the sleeve. The rectangular mounting frame provides a stable support base for the connecting shaft, and the sleeve design allows for quick assembly and disassembly between the mounting frame and the U-shaped tube.

[0010] Furthermore, in the aforementioned impact-resistant wheelchair fork structure, the jacket has a mounting hole for the U-shaped tube to pass through, and the side wall of the jacket has a clamping part with a deformation groove arranged along the axis of the mounting hole. The deformation groove divides the clamping part into a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion has a threaded hole, and the second protrusion has a through hole. An elastic gasket is provided between the mounting hole and the U-shaped tube.

[0011] During installation, after the U-shaped tube is passed through the mounting hole, bolts are sequentially passed through the through hole of the second protrusion and screwed into the threaded hole of the first protrusion. As the bolts are tightened, the first and second protrusions deform closer together under the action of the deformation groove, thereby clamping the U-shaped tube and ensuring the stability of the connection between the mounting bracket and the U-shaped tube. At the same time, this clamping and detachable connection structure makes it easy to assemble and disassemble the mounting bracket and the U-shaped tube, improving the maintenance convenience of the electric drive device.

[0012] Furthermore, in the aforementioned impact-resistant wheelchair fork structure, a groove is provided in the middle of the second protrusion. The groove further enhances the deformation capability of the second protrusion, allowing the clamping part to generate a more uniform clamping force during bolt tightening, ensuring a tighter clamping of the U-tube and preventing it from loosening.

[0013] Furthermore, in the aforementioned impact-resistant wheelchair front fork structure, the front fork frame includes a first support and a second support. Both the first and second supports are L-shaped, with their vertical ends sleeved onto the vertical ends of the subframe. The horizontal ends of the first and second supports are connected by a seat plate. The L-shaped structure of the first and second supports allows them to fit a standard wheelchair body. By sleeved their vertical ends onto the vertical ends of the subframe, the connection strength between the two is ensured. The seat plate further enhances the overall structural rigidity of the front fork frame, preventing relative deformation of the first and second supports under stress, thereby ensuring the stability and load-bearing capacity of the front fork structure and guaranteeing the safety of the wheelchair during operation.

[0014] Furthermore, the damping mechanism can be selected as a damping spring or a damping rubber block, and a metal joint can be provided at the abutment of the damping mechanism and the U-tube to disperse stress and improve durability.

[0015] As can be seen from the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects: The impact-resistant wheelchair front fork structure of this utility model, through the design of a detachable electric drive device, achieves flexible conversion between ordinary wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs, greatly improving the practicality and convenience of the wheelchair. Simultaneously, utilizing the sliding fit between the U-shaped tube and the sleeve, as well as the buffering effect of the damping mechanism, it can effectively absorb and mitigate the impact force generated by bumps and low-speed collisions, preventing the impact force from being directly transmitted to the user, significantly improving riding comfort and safety. Furthermore, by adopting an electric self-balancing vehicle as the electric drive mechanism, not only is the overall design of the drive system simplified, but its built-in balance control function also assists the wheelchair in maintaining driving stability, reducing the difficulty of operation for the user. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the impact-resistant wheelchair front fork structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the impact-resistant frame; Figure 3 This is a top view of the structure of the impact-resistant frame; Figure 4 for Figure 3 The sectional view shown is along line AA. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electric drive device; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electric drive device; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the jacket.

[0017] In the diagram: 1. Front fork frame, 11. First bracket, 12. Second bracket, 13. Seat plate, 2. Universal caster, 3. Impact-resistant frame, 31. Subframe, 32. U-tube, 321. Elliptical through hole, 33. Sleeve, 34. Damping mechanism, 35. Positioning pin, 4. Electric drive unit, 41. First electric drive mechanism, 411. First hand lever, 42. Second electric drive mechanism, 421. Second hand lever, 43. Connecting shaft, 44. Mounting bracket, 441. Horizontal plate, 442. Vertical plate, 443. Connecting plate, 444. Jacket, 4441. Mounting hole, 4442. Clamping part, 44421. First protrusion, 44422. Second protrusion, 44423. Groove, 4443. Deformation groove. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Example 1 like Figure 1-4The diagram illustrates an impact-resistant wheelchair fork structure, comprising a fork frame 1, with omnidirectional casters 2 and an impact-resistant frame 3 detachably connected to the fork frame 1. An electric drive unit 4 is detachably connected to the fork frame 1 via the impact-resistant frame 3. The impact-resistant frame 3 includes a subframe 31 connected to the fork frame 1. Sleeves 33 are provided on both sides of the subframe 31, and a U-shaped tube 32 is slidably inserted into each of the two sleeves 33. A damping mechanism 34 is provided within each sleeve 33, with one end of the damping mechanism 34 abutting against the end of the U-shaped tube 32 inserted into the sleeve 33. Each sleeve 33 has an elliptical through-hole 321 extending along the axis of the sleeve 33. A positioning pin 35 passes sequentially through the elliptical through-hole 321 and a radial through-hole at the end of the U-shaped tube 32 to limit the sliding stroke of the U-shaped tube 32 and the sleeve 33. The damping mechanism 34 can be a damping spring or a damping rubber block. A metal joint can be provided at the junction of the damping mechanism and the U-tube to distribute stress and improve durability.

[0019] like Figure 5 The impact-resistant wheelchair front fork structure shown includes an electric drive unit 4 comprising a first electric drive mechanism 41 and a second electric drive mechanism 42. The first electric drive mechanism 41 and the second electric drive mechanism 42 are rotatably connected by a connecting shaft 43, which is connected via a mounting bracket 44 and a U-shaped tube 32. The first electric drive mechanism 41 and the second electric drive mechanism 42 are respectively equipped with a first control lever 411 and a second control lever 421. The user can control the operating status of the first electric drive mechanism 41 and the second electric drive mechanism 42 by manipulating the first control lever 411 and the second control lever 421, respectively, and achieve steering function by adjusting the speed difference between the two electric drive mechanisms.

[0020] In this embodiment, the first electric drive mechanism 41 and the second electric drive mechanism 42 are respectively configured as electric self-balancing vehicles. Sensors are installed on the footrests of the electric self-balancing vehicles. When the user's foot steps on the anti-slip pads of the footrests, the footrest sensors are triggered, and the battery powers the control system, but the motor remains stationary. The user pushes the joystick forward, causing the electric self-balancing vehicle to tilt forward. The attitude sensor (gyroscope) in the controller senses the tilt angle of the electric self-balancing vehicle, enabling forward movement. Conversely, the user pulls the joystick backward, causing the electric self-balancing vehicle to tilt backward, enabling backward movement. When turning is required, the first joystick is pushed forward while the second joystick remains stationary, and the electric drive device 4 will turn under the effect of the speed difference, and vice versa. Alternatively, the first joystick remains stationary while the second joystick is pulled backward to achieve turning. Furthermore, the controller inside the electric self-balancing vehicle adjusts the output power of the hub motors in real time based on the vehicle's tilt angle and angular velocity detected by the attitude sensor to maintain the vehicle's balance and ensure the stability of the wheelchair during operation.

[0021] like Figure 6The impact-resistant wheelchair fork structure shown includes a mounting bracket 44 comprising a horizontal plate 441 and a vertical plate 442. The horizontal plate 441 and vertical plate 442 are connected end-to-end to form a rectangular structure. A connecting plate 443 is connected below the horizontal plate 441 and vertical plate 442. The connecting plate 443 is detachably connected via a sleeve 444 and a U-shaped tube 32. The sleeve 444 has threaded holes, and bolts are threaded through holes in the connecting plate 443 to connect to the threaded holes in the sleeve 444.

[0022] like Figure 7 The impact-resistant wheelchair fork structure shown has a sleeve 444 with a mounting hole 4441 for a U-shaped tube 32 to pass through. The side wall of the sleeve 444 has a clamping portion 4442, which has a deformation groove 4443 arranged along the axis of the mounting hole 4441. The deformation groove 4443 divides the clamping portion 4442 into a first protrusion 44421 and a second protrusion 44422. The first protrusion 44421 has a threaded hole, and the second protrusion 44422 has a through hole. An elastic washer is provided between the mounting hole 4441 and the U-shaped tube 32.

[0023] In this embodiment, the second protrusion 44422 has a groove 44423 in the middle.

[0024] In this embodiment, the front fork 1 includes a first support 11 and a second support 12. The first support 11 and the second support 12 are both L-shaped. The vertical ends of the first support 11 and the second support 12 are sleeved with the vertical ends of the subframe 31. The horizontal ends of the first support 11 and the second support 12 are connected by a seat plate 13. The L-shaped structure of the first support 11 and the second support 12 can be adapted to a standard wheelchair body. By sleeved with the vertical ends of the subframe 31, the connection strength between the two is ensured. The horizontal ends of the first support 11 and the second support 12 are connected by the seat plate 13. The seat plate 13 further strengthens the overall structural rigidity of the front fork 1, preventing relative deformation of the first support 11 and the second support 12 under stress, thereby ensuring the stability and load-bearing capacity of the front fork structure and ensuring the safety of the wheelchair during operation.

[0025] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: When the wheelchair requires electric drive, firstly, the U-shaped tube 32 is passed through the mounting hole 4441 of the sleeve 444, and an elastic washer is installed between the mounting hole 4441 and the U-shaped tube 32. The first electric drive mechanism 41 and the second electric drive mechanism 42 are connected and fixed to the mounting bracket 44 via the connecting shaft 43. The connecting plate 443 and the sleeve 444 are connected by bolts to complete the installation of the electric drive device 4. Then, the bolts are passed through the through hole of the second protrusion 44422 and screwed into the threaded hole of the first protrusion 44421, and initially tightened.

[0026] The damping mechanism 34 is placed inside the two sleeves 33, and then both ends of the U-shaped tube 32 are inserted into the sleeves 33 on both sides of the subframe 31, so that the positioning pin 35 passes through the elliptical through hole 321 in the wall of the sleeve 33 and the radial through hole at the end of the U-shaped tube 32 in sequence. The end of the positioning pin 35 is threaded with a nut to limit the sliding stroke of the U-shaped tube 32 in the sleeve 33. At this time, the positioning pin 35 is located at the end of the elliptical through hole 321 near the electric drive device 4, and the damping mechanism 34 is squeezed by the end of the U-shaped tube 32, forming a preload. Adjust the connecting plate 443 to make it horizontal, and tighten the bolt again so that the first protrusion 44421 and the second protrusion 44422 deform under the action of the deformation groove 4443, clamping the U-shaped tube 32. At this time, the wheelchair can be used as an electric wheelchair. The user controls the operation of the first electric drive mechanism 41 and the second electric drive mechanism 42 by manipulating the first joystick 411 and the second joystick 421 respectively, and achieves steering by utilizing the speed difference between the two electric drive mechanisms. During driving, if a collision or low-speed impact occurs, the U-shaped tube 32 will slide along the axis of the sleeve 33, compressing the damping mechanism 34. The damping mechanism 34 generates damping force to absorb and buffer the impact force.

[0027] When the electric drive function is not needed, the bolts of the positioning pin 35 can be removed, and the U-shaped tube 32 along with the electric drive device 4 can be pulled out from the sleeve 33. The foot pedals can then be installed, and the wheelchair can be converted into a regular wheelchair.

[0028] The above embodiments are exemplary and are intended to illustrate the technical concept and features of this utility model, so that those skilled in the art can understand the content of this utility model and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of this utility model should be covered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. An impact-resistant wheelchair front fork structure, characterized in that: The device includes a front fork frame (1), which is detachably connected to a caster wheel (2) and an impact-resistant frame (3). The front fork frame (1) is detachably connected to an electric drive unit (4) via the impact-resistant frame (3). The impact-resistant frame (3) includes a subframe (31) connected to the front fork frame (1). The subframe (31) has sleeves (33) on both sides. A U-shaped tube (32) is slidably inserted into the two sleeves (33) at both ends. Each sleeve (33) contains a... A damping mechanism (34) is provided, one end of which abuts against the end of the U-shaped tube (32) of the inserted sleeve (33); each sleeve (33) has an elliptical through hole (321) on its wall, the elliptical through hole (321) extending along the axis of the sleeve (33), and a positioning pin (35) passing through the elliptical through hole (321) and the radial through hole at the end of the U-shaped tube (32) in sequence to limit the sliding stroke of the U-shaped tube (32) and the sleeve (33).

2. The impact-resistant wheelchair fork structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electric drive device (4) includes a first electric drive mechanism (41) and a second electric drive mechanism (42). The first electric drive mechanism (41) and the second electric drive mechanism (42) are rotatably connected by a connecting shaft (43). The connecting shaft (43) is connected by a mounting bracket (44) and a U-shaped tube (32). The first electric drive mechanism (41) and the second electric drive mechanism (42) are respectively provided with a first hand lever (411) and a second hand lever (421).

3. The impact-resistant wheelchair fork structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first electric drive mechanism (41) and the second electric drive mechanism (42) are respectively configured as electric self-balancing vehicles.

4. The impact-resistant wheelchair fork structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting bracket (44) includes a horizontal plate (441) and a vertical plate (442). The horizontal plate (441) and the vertical plate (442) are connected end to end to form a rectangular structure. A connecting plate (443) is connected below the horizontal plate (441) and the vertical plate (442). The connecting plate (443) is detachably connected by a sleeve (444) and a U-shaped tube (32).

5. The impact-resistant wheelchair fork structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sleeve (444) is provided with a mounting hole (4441) for the U-shaped tube (32) to pass through. The side wall of the sleeve (444) is provided with a clamping part (4442). The clamping part (4442) is provided with a deformation groove (4443). The deformation groove (4443) is arranged along the axis of the mounting hole (4441). The deformation groove (4443) divides the clamping part (4442) into a first protrusion (44421) and a second protrusion (44422). The first protrusion (44421) is provided with a threaded hole, and the second protrusion (44422) is provided with a through hole.

6. The impact-resistant wheelchair fork structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second protrusion (44422) has a groove (44423) in the middle.

7. The impact-resistant wheelchair fork structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front fork frame (1) includes a first bracket (11) and a second bracket (12). The first bracket (11) and the second bracket (12) are respectively L-shaped. The vertical ends of the first bracket (11) and the second bracket (12) are connected to the vertical ends of the subframe (31). The horizontal ends of the first bracket (11) and the second bracket (12) are connected by a seat plate (13).

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