Wheelchair axle allowing the coupling and decoupling of a wheel with a motorization device carried by the wheelchair

Abstract

The invention relates to a wheelchair axle for coupling and decoupling a wheel with a drive system mounted on the wheelchair. The axle (2) according to the invention comprises a first coupling means (8) for cooperating with a wheel (14) mounted on the axle (2), such that the axle (2) can rotate the wheel (14). Notably, the first coupling means (8) extends radially or substantially radially to the axle (2), and the first coupling means (8) includes at least one reversible linkage means (16) for securing or releasing the wheel (14) from the coupling means. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Wheelchair axle allowing the coupling and decoupling of a wheel with a motorization device carried by said wheelchair Technical field to which the invention relates

[0001] The present invention relates to an axle for a wheelchair, preferably a foldable wheelchair, capable of holding a wheel on said wheelchair and, more particularly, allowing the coupling and decoupling of a wheel with a motorization device carried by a wheelchair. Technological background

[0002] It is known from the state of the art that folding wheelchairs have several significant advantages. Thanks to their folding mechanism, they can be accommodated in confined spaces, which facilitates their storage and transport. People with reduced mobility can then use means of transport more easily and, as a result, increase their travel distance.

[0003] In order to improve their freedom of movement, folding wheelchairs can be equipped with motorized wheels. Each motorized wheel is equipped with a motor that allows the wheel to rotate around an axis fixed to the frame of the chair. In the case of a non-folding frame, the motorization can act on the 2 side wheels.

[0004] The motorized wheels are controlled by a control system such as for example a joystick present at the end of an armrest of the chair, so that the user of the chair can control the direction as well as the speed of rotation of each motorized wheel or at the rear of the chair to be piloted by a third person.

[0005] However, it should be noted that the motorization integrated into a wheel has some disadvantages. For example, the presence of the motorization in the wheel significantly increases its weight. As a result, the assembly and disassembly of a motorized wheel on a wheelchair is a physically demanding exercise, generally requiring the assistance of a third person.

[0006] According to another disadvantage, in order to allow the control of the motorized wheels by the user of the chair, an electrical connection system is necessary between the chair and said wheels. The presence of such a system complicates the process of mounting and dismounting the motorized wheels. In addition, the electrical connection systems can be damaged during the mounting or dismounting steps, leading to malfunction or unavailability of the motorization device present in the wheel.

[0007] Furthermore, when one of the motorized wheels is defective, the motorized assistance of the wheelchair becomes unusable. The user is then forced to manually pivot the motorized wheels to move his chair. Since the motorized wheels contain motors, they have a significantly higher inertia. Consequently, moving becomes tedious for the user of the chair, thus limiting his freedom and autonomy of movement.

[0008] The invention aims to solve these technical problems, by proposing a device allowing the motorization of a wheel of a wheelchair, without significantly increasing the weight of the wheel, while allowing easy assembly and disassembly of said wheel from the wheelchair. Subject of the invention

[0009] For this purpose, the invention provides an axle for a wheelchair wheel, extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The axle comprises a first coupling means intended to cooperate with a wheel mounted on said axle, so that the axle can drive the rotation of said wheel.

[0010] Remarkably, the first coupling means extends radially or substantially radially to the axis, and the first coupling means comprises at least one reversible connecting means, allowing at will to maintain or release said wheel from the coupling means.

[0011] By “coupling means” is meant a device or a mechanism allowing two elements to pivot at the same speed.

[0012] By "reversible connecting means" is meant a device or a mechanism allowing two elements to be attached or detached together at will.

[0013] Advantageously, the invention therefore proposes a first coupling means mounted on an axle, comprising at least one reversible connection means, capable of allowing the driving or not of a wheel connected to the axle.

[0014] The axle according to the invention thus allows a wheel mounted on the axle to be disengaged, when for example the axle is no longer able to be pivoted by a motorization means present on a wheelchair. As a result, thanks to the invention, the wheelchair can be used even when the motorized drive system of the wheelchair is broken down. By allowing the wheel to be disengaged at will, the invention allows the user of the wheelchair to be able to manually operate the wheel of said wheelchair, when the latter suffers a motorization failure.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first coupling means is integral in translation with said axis. By fixing the position of the first coupling means along said axis, the first coupling means can serve as a reference or as a stop, for mounting a wheel on said axis.

[0016] Conversely, according to another embodiment, the first coupling means can be movable in translation along said axis and comprise reversible holding means on said axis, so as to allow the position of the first coupling means to be adapted along said axis, depending on the wheel to be mounted on said axis, of the chassis of the chair.

[0017] According to an alternative embodiment, the first coupling means comprises a coupling face intended to face a wheel mounted on said axle, and the coupling face comprises at least one reversible connecting means. This embodiment offers the advantage of allowing easier coupling of the wheel to the first coupling means.

[0018] According to another embodiment variant, at least one reversible connecting means extends parallel or substantially parallel to the axis. This embodiment allows more efficient coupling of the wheel to the first coupling means.

[0019] According to another embodiment variant, at least one reversible connecting means consists of a cavity, capable of receiving a lug. Preferably, the lug is secured to a wheelchair wheel and capable of moving relative to said wheel, as described below.

[0020] According to another variant, the axle comprises a second coupling means, located at the proximal end of the axle, and this second coupling means is configured to allow the axle to be driven by a motorization device. Preferably, the motorization device is supported by the chassis of a wheelchair, as described below.

[0021] Thus, advantageously, the means for motorizing the wheel is not present on the wheel but on the chassis, which avoids the wheel being weighed down by a dedicated motorizing device. As a result, the assembly or disassembly of the wheel on the axle can be carried out easily by the user of a wheelchair equipped with an axle according to the invention.

[0022] According to another advantage, compared to the state of the art described above, the inertia of the wheel is significantly lower due to the absence of motorization in the wheel. It is therefore easier for the user to move his chair manually or when the motorization of the chair is defective.

[0023] According to another advantage, the axle does not include any electrical connection system between the motorization device and the wheel. As a result, the invention offers a more reliable and less restrictive solution compared to the state of the art, for driving the pivoting of a wheel of a wheelchair.

[0024] Preferably, the second coupling means is reversible. In other words, this second coupling means can allow the engagement or disengagement of the axle of a motorization device supported by the chassis of a wheelchair at will.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the second coupling means is capable of being detached secured to the motorization device supported by the chassis of the wheelchair, in order to allow a user of said wheelchair to quickly remove or install the wheel on the wheelchair, without requiring the use of tools or carrying out complex manipulations.

[0026] By way of non-limiting example, the second coupling means may comprise ribs and / or grooves on the surface of the axle.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the invention, the axis comprises at least one retractable appendage, located between its proximal end and the first reversible coupling means, and the retractable appendage is capable of moving in a direction radial to the axis. The retractable appendage is intended to serve as a stop, against an element of a wheelchair, in order to prevent the disengagement of the second reversible coupling means, when the second coupling means is coupled to a motorization device of said wheelchair.

[0028] Of course, the various features, variants and embodiments mentioned above can be combined with each other in various combinations, to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0029] The invention also relates to a wheelchair wheel comprising at least one reversible coupling means, capable of cooperating with the first coupling means of an axle as described above.

[0030] According to an alternative embodiment, the wheel is mounted on an axle according to the invention, and the wheel comprises at least one reversible connecting means, capable of cooperating with at least one reversible connecting means, present at the coupling face of the first coupling means of the axle.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one reversible connecting means, present at the coupling face of the first coupling means of the axle, is a cavity open on said coupling face, and at least one reversible connecting means of the wheel, comprises a lug capable of being inserted into or removed from said cavity. Preferably, the lug is of oblong shape or according to a preferred variant of cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape.

[0032] The invention also relates to a wheelchair comprising a wheel as described above, held to the chassis of the chair by an axle according to the invention, and the wheelchair comprises a motorization device coupled with the second coupling means of said axle.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the wheelchair is foldable or not. Description of figures

[0034] The invention will be better understood, thanks to the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

[0035] [Fig.l] illustrates a perspective view of an axle according to the invention, intended to allow a wheel to be held on a wheelchair;

[0036] [Fig.2] illustrates a schematic and partial view of a wheelchair comprising a wheel held to the chair by means of the axle shown in [Fig.l], the wheel not being coupled to a motorization device carried by the wheelchair;

[0037] [Fig.3] illustrates a schematic and partial view of the wheelchair illustrated by the [Fig.2], for which the wheel is coupled to a motorization device carried by the wheelchair. Detailed description of the invention

[0038] As a reminder, the invention proposes a device allowing the motorization of a wheel of a wheelchair, without significantly increasing the weight of the wheel, while allowing easy assembly and disassembly of said wheel from the wheelchair.

[0039] [Fig.l] illustrates a non-limiting embodiment of such a device according to the invention. According to the present example, the device is an axis 2 or mechanical shaft, stretching between a proximal end 4 and a distal end 6. The length of the axis, measured from its proximal end to its distal end, is between 5 cm and 30 cm, preferably between 8 cm and 15 cm. The diameter of the axis varies between its proximal end and its distal end, between 8 cm and 18 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 14 cm.

[0040] The axle is formed from a material having sufficient mechanical strength to serve as a connecting axle between a wheelchair and a wheel of said wheelchair. According to the present example, the axle is preferably made from one of the following materials: steel, aluminum, synthetic polymers.

[0041] Remarkably, the axis 2 comprises a first coupling means 8, between its proximal end 4 and its distal end 6. According to the present example, the first coupling means is formed by a plate 10, crossed in its center by the axis 2, and extending radially to said axis. The plate is integral with the axis 2, in translation as well as in rotation. Optionally, the axis and the plate can form a single part, manufactured using a molding or machining technique.

[0042] The plate 10 is circular in shape. The diameter of the plate is between 3 cm and 10 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 8. The thickness of the plate 10 is between 2 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 5 mm.

[0043] The plate 10 is delimited by two large faces, including a coupling face 12 facing the distal end 6 of the axis. The smallest distance between the coupling face 12 and the distal end 6 is between 3 cm and 10 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 8 cm.

[0044] As illustrated by [Fig.2], the coupling face comprises several reversible connecting means, intended to allow the retention or detachment of a wheel 14 from the plate 10.

[0045] According to the present example, the reversible connecting means are formed by cavities 16, opening onto the coupling face 12. The cavities 16 are cylindrical or substantially cylindrical in shape and extend in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the axis 2. The cavities can connect the large opposite faces of the plate 10.

[0046] Each cavity 16 is adapted to allow the insertion at will of a lug 18, as illustrated by [Fig. 3], then the removal of said lug, according to a translation movement parallel or substantially parallel to the axis 2.

[0047] In order to allow a specific spacing to be maintained between the coupling face 12 and the wheel 14 mounted on the axle, a spacer 20 surrounds said axle and bears against the coupling face. The length of the spacer 20, measured along the axis 2, is between 1 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 10 mm.

[0048] According to an alternative embodiment, the spacer 20 can be integral with the coupling face 12 of the plate, so that the plate 10 and the spacer 20 form a single piece.

[0049] One or more flats 22 are present on the surface of the axle and visible in [Fig. 1]. The flat or flats are intended to allow the plate 10 to be driven in rotation by the axle 2, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The spacers 20 and 62 shown in [Fig. 1] are intended to allow the longitudinal play between the wheel and the chassis of the chair to be adjusted.

[0050] According to the invention, the distal end 6 of the axle comprises a thread 32 allowing the face of a nut 34. Advantageously, the nut 34 makes it possible to adjust the space between the spacer 20 and the nut 30, depending on the dimensions of the ball bearings 26 and 27. In other words, the nut 34 makes it possible to control the play existing between the axle 2 and the hub 36 of the wheel 14. Adequate screwing of the nut onto the distal end 6 makes it possible to firmly hold the inner ring 24 of the first ball bearing 26 against the spacer 20 and, thus, prevent the appearance of fluttering likely to produce undesirable vibrations when the wheel pivots around the axle 2.

[0051] According to the invention, the axis 2 comprises a second reversible coupling means 38, at its proximal end 4. This second coupling means is configured to be easily and at will coupled or decoupled, to a shaft of a motorization device present on or carried by a wheelchair. In the coupled position, the motorization device is able to pivot the axis around a pivot axis parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of said axis 2.

[0052] To do this, the proximal end 4 of the axis has a shape 39 of the “male” type, as illustrated by [Fig.l]. The proximal end 4 is configured to fit into a cavity 40 of “female” shape, present at the end of a shaft 42 of a motorization device 44. The proximal end 4 and the cavity 40 are of complementary shape in order to allow transmission of the rotational movement of the shaft 42 to the axis 2. According to the present example, the proximal end 4 has a hexagonal shape as illustrated by [Fig.l].

[0053] Of course, the invention is not limited to this single embodiment, so that the proximal end could be of “female” shape and accommodate a “male” end of the shaft of the motorization device.

[0054] According to another characteristic of the invention, the axis 2 comprises at least one retractable appendage 46, located slightly set back from its proximal end 4. The retractable appendage(s) 46 are at a distance from the proximal end, between 3 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 15 mm.

[0055] In the present case, the axis comprises two retractable appendages 46 located in the same plane radial to the axis 2. The retractable appendages are diametrically opposed on the axis. Each retractable appendage 46 is able to move in a direction radial to the axis, between a projecting position visible in [Fig.l], and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the retractable appendages 46 are housed in the axis 2, in order to allow removal of the axis from a chassis 48 of a wheelchair 50.

[0056] In the projecting position, a portion of the retractable appendages 46 protrudes from the surface of the axle so that each appendage can form a stop. In the projecting position, the retractable appendages are intended to bear directly or indirectly against the chassis 48 of the wheelchair 50, as explained below, in order to prevent decoupling of the axle with a motorization device carried by said wheelchair. According to the present example, the retractable appendages 46 have the shape of a ball.

[0057] The axle comprises a push button 52, at its distal end 6, to allow a user to modify the position of the retractable appendages at will. In other words, by means of the push button 52, the user can hold or remove the axle 2 from the chassis 48.

[0058] The invention also relates to a wheelchair 50, partially represented by [Fig.2]. The wheelchair 50 comprises at least one wheel 14 held to said chair, by means of an axle 2 as described above. Preferably, the wheel 14 is a rear wheelchair wheel.

[0059] The wheelchair 50 comprises a motorization device 44, secured to the chassis 48 of the chair. The motorization device is controlled by the user of the wheelchair, via a control console not shown in [Fig.2]. The The control console allows the user to choose the direction and speed of rotation of the shaft 42. The hollow shaft is held opposite a passage, provided in an edge of the chassis 48 of the wheelchair.

[0060] This passage is occupied by a train of ball bearings 56 and 57. The outer ring 58 of the second ball bearing is secured to the chassis 48 of the wheelchair 50. The inner ring 60 of the second ball bearing is configured to allow the passage of the axis 2 through the chassis 48. More precisely, the proximal end 4 of the axis 2 can be inserted or removed at will from the second ball bearing 56, in order to allow easy mounting or dismounting of the axis 2 on the wheelchair 48.

[0061] As mentioned above, the proximal end 4 of the shaft is of a shape complementary to the cavity 40 present at the free end of the shaft 42 of the motorization device, in order to allow easy insertion and removal of the proximal end 4 of the shaft 2 in said cavity, when the retractable appendages 46 are in the retracted position.

[0062] In order to prevent unwanted withdrawal of the proximal end 4 of the axis of the cavity 40, as illustrated by FIGS. 2 and 3, the retractable appendages 46 are held in a projecting position, so as to bear against the inner ring 60 of the second ball bearing 56 which occupies the passage.

[0063] According to the present example, between the inner ring 60 of the second ball bearing 56 and the plate 10, there is another spacer 62. This other spacer is intended to maintain a sufficient space between the plate 10 and the chassis 48 of the wheelchair, in order to prevent any friction between these two elements. Optionally, this other spacer 62 can be integral with the plate 10 in order to form a single piece.

[0064] The hub 30 of the wheel is crossed by several lugs 18. Each lug is able to move parallel or substantially parallel to the axis 2, between a decoupling position illustrated by [Fig.2] and a coupling position visible in [Fig.3].

[0065] In the coupling position, the free ends of the lugs 18 penetrate into the cavities 16 present in the coupling face 12 of the plate 10, so as to couple the wheel 14 in rotation with said plate.

[0066] In the decoupling position illustrated by [Fig.2], the free ends of the lugs 18 are distant from the coupling face 12, so as to decouple the rotation of the wheel from the rotation of the plate 10.

[0067] As illustrated by [Fig.2], the lugs 18 are naturally held in the decoupling position, by means of springs 64 present in the hub 30 of the wheel. The movement of the lugs 18 is synchronized by one or more control levers 66, present at an outer face 68 (of the hub. The outer face 68 of the hub is opposite the plate 10. The control levers 66 are configured to allow a user of the chair to couple or decouple the wheel 14 with the plate 10, easily and at will, by inserting or removing the lugs 18 into the cavities 16 of the plate.

[0068] The invention thus allows a user of the wheelchair to quickly and easily couple the wheel 14 to a motorization device, present on the wheelchair, by actuating one or more control levers 66, in order to benefit from motorized assistance to pivot the wheel 14. If necessary, the user can decouple the wheel from the motorized device by actuating said control lever(s) 66, to manually pivot the wheel.

[0069] Of course, the device described above can be duplicated for the second rear wheel of the wheelchair so that the two rear wheels can be motorized or manually operated.

[0070] Preferably, the wheelchair is capable of folding to facilitate its storage and transport.

Claims

Claims

1. Axle (2) for a wheelchair wheel (14), extending between a proximal end (4) and a distal end (6), comprising a first coupling means (8) intended to cooperate with a wheel (14) mounted on said axle (2), so that the axle (2) can rotate said wheel (14), characterized in that the first coupling means (8) extends radially or substantially radially to the axle (2), and in that the first coupling means (8) comprises at least one reversible connecting means (16), allowing at will to maintain or release said wheel (14) from the coupling means.

2. Axle according to claim 1, characterized in that the first coupling means (8) comprises a coupling face (12) intended to face a wheel (14) mounted on said axle, and in that the coupling face (12) comprises at least one reversible connecting means (16).

3. Axis (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one reversible connecting means (16) extends parallel or substantially parallel to the axis (2).

4. Axle (2) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that at least one reversible connecting means consists of a cavity (16) capable of receiving a lug (18).

5. Axle (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a second coupling means (38), located at the proximal end (4) of the axis, and in that this second coupling means (38) is configured to allow the axis (2) to be driven by a motorization device (44).

6. Axle according to claim 5, characterized in that the second coupling means (38) is reversible.

7. Wheel (14) for a wheelchair characterized in that it comprises at least one reversible coupling means (18), capable of cooperating with the first coupling means (8) of an axle (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Wheelchair wheel (14) according to claim 6, characterized in that the wheel (14) is mounted on an axle (2) according to one of claims 2 to 6, and in that the wheel (14) comprises at least one reversible connecting means (18), capable of cooperating with at least one reversible connecting means (16), present at the coupling face (12) of the first coupling means (8) of the axle.

9. Wheelchair wheel (14) according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one reversible connecting means, present at the coupling face (12) of the first coupling means (8) of the axle, is a cavity (16) open on said coupling face (12), and in that at least one reversible connecting means of the wheel (14) comprises a lug (18) capable of being inserted into or removed from said cavity, by means of a control (66) present at a face (68) of the wheel which is opposite the first coupling means (8).

10. Wheelchair (50) characterized in that it comprises a wheel (14) according to one of claims 7 to 9, held to the chassis (48) of the wheelchair by an axle (2) according to claim 5 or 6, and in that the wheelchair (50) comprises a motorization device (44) coupled with the second coupling means (38) of said axle (2).

Images