Auxiliary driving device for wheelchair

Abstract

An auxiliary driving device for a wheelchair is provided. The auxiliary driving device comprising: a main wheel steered by a handlebar through a steering column, a bushing arranged around the steering column, a drive mechanism to drive the main wheel, a coupling arm configured for the attachment with the wheelchair, a hinge mechanism configured to allow rotation of the coupling arm with respect to an axis of rotation perpendicular to the length of the steering column and to the length of the coupling arm, and a fastening mechanism configured to fix the position of the coupling arm with respect to the axis of rotation.

Description

[0001] AUXILIARY DRIVING DEVICE FOR WHEELCHAIR

[0002] This application claims the benefit of the Spanish Utility Model U202430961 filed on May 23rd, 2024.

[0003] The object of the present disclosure relates to an auxiliary driving device for wheelchairs.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Auxiliary driving devices for wheelchairs allow a wheelchair to be transformed into a tricycle. The auxiliary driving devices attach to wheelchairs by means of releasable attaching systems. In this way, the user can attach the auxiliary driving device to the wheelchair as required and detach the device therefrom when it is no longer required.

[0006] When the auxiliary driving device is in a detached condition it can be a relatively bulky object, which can make it difficult to handle.

[0007] The applicant has found that further improvement is possible in the auxiliary driving devices, especially in the configuration of some parts.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] According to a first object of the disclosure, an auxiliary driving device for wheelchair is disclosed. The auxiliary driving device comprising a main wheel steered by a handlebar through a steering column, a bushing arranged around the steering column, a drive mechanism configured to drive the main wheel, and a coupling arm linked to the bushing, wherein the coupling arm is configured for attachment to the wheelchair. The auxiliary driving device further comprises a hinge mechanism linked to the bushing and to the coupling arm, wherein the hinge mechanism is configured to allow rotation of the coupling arm with respect to an axis of rotation perpendicular to the length of the steering column and to the length of the coupling arm. The auxiliary driving device further comprises a fastening mechanism linked to the bushing and to the coupling arm, wherein the fastening mechanism is configured to fix the position of the coupling arm with respect to the axis of rotation. Thanks to these features, an auxiliary driving device is achieved having a hinge arm that can be hinged to the steering column. The arm can adopt an extended position for attaching to the wheelchair or a retracted position. The auxiliary driving device may have a more compact or retracted configuration when detached from the wheelchair. This may facilitate storage or handling of the auxiliary driving device when not in use. A more compact configuration may allow for a reduced footprint, for example, in a house, office, vehicle, etc.

[0010] The user can move from an extended position of the coupling arm into a retracted position and vice versa without the need for tools. The user does not need to have expert skills to carry out the operation, so that the intervention of qualified personnel may be not necessary. The operation of moving from an extended into a retracted position and vice versa can be performed easily, quickly and conveniently.

[0011] The coupling arm can be moved from an extended position, that is substantially horizontal and parallel to the ground, into a retracted position in which the coupling arm is pivoted towards the steering column, and vice versa. When the coupling arm is pivoted, it swings over the steering column.

[0012] The auxiliary driving device may comprise a support plate associated with the bushing, wherein the hinge mechanism is arranged between the support plate and the coupling arm.

[0013] The hinge mechanism may in some cases comprise a pivot guide, the pivot guide being configured to slidably receive a pivot pin between two ends of stroke, the pivot pin being linked to the coupling arm.

[0014] The pivot guide may comprise a groove arranged on the support plate. According to some examples, the pivot guide comprises an upper end of stroke and a lower end of stroke. The coupling arm can be rotated relative to the pivot pin when the pivot pin substantially reaches the upper end of stroke.

[0015] The auxiliary driving device may comprise a stroke limiting element associated with the pivot guide, so as to limit the stroke of the pivot pin with respect to the pivot guide.

[0016] According to some examples, the fastening mechanism may comprise a fastening guide arranged on the support plate, the fastening guide being configured to slidably receive a fastening pin, the fastening pin being linked to the coupling arm, wherein the fastening pin is detachable from the fastening guide.

[0017] In further examples, the fastening guide comprises at least one opening at one end thereof, such that the fastening pin is in a detached position from the fastening guide when the pivot pin is arranged at the upper end of stroke of the pivot guide.

[0018] In one example of the auxiliary driving device, the fastening guide may have an elongated profile-like body that protrudes perpendicularly from the support plate. The fastening pin is allowed to roll or slide along the elongated body while the fastening pin is in a position attached to the fastening guide.

[0019] The pivot guide can be arranged between the fastening guide and the steering column.

[0020] In some examples, the fastening guide may have two elongated profile-like bodies protruding perpendicularly from the support plate, the two elongated bodies being arranged parallel to each other. The auxiliary driving device may comprise a pivot guide arranged between the two elongated bodies.

[0021] In a further example of the auxiliary driving device, the pivot pin and / or the fastening pin may comprise a quick release mechanism for fixing its position relative to the pivot guide and the fastening guide. In this way, the user can easily fix or release the position of the pivot pin and / or the fastening pin with respect to the pivot guide and the fastening guide.

[0022] In a yet further example, the pivot pin and / or the fastening pin may comprise a bearing.

[0023] In some examples the pivot pin and locking pin are arranged respectively on both sides of the length of the coupling arm. the pivot guide and / or the fastening guide may have a linear configuration and they may be parallel to each other.

[0024] The pivot guide and / or the fastening guide may be parallel to the length of the steering column. In this way, the handlebar together with the main wheel and the support plate are allowed to slide relative to the hinge arm and vice versa. This may allow the user to adjust the relative position in height between the hinge arm and the rest of the auxiliary driving device.

[0025] In examples, the auxiliary driving device may comprise two support plates and the support plates may be arranged facing each other and respectively on both sides of the length of the steering column. In this case the two plates are arranged facing each other and with respect to the bushing.

[0026] According to some examples, the auxiliary driving device may comprise a support stand linked to the bushing, wherein the auxiliary driving device comprises a clamping mechanism for clamping the coupling arm to the stand in the detached position of the fastening guide.

[0027] The steering column may have in some examples a telescopic configuration. The extension of the steering column can be adjusted by the user as required.

[0028] The coupling arm may have a telescopic configuration. In this way, the user can easily adjust the relative distance between the steering column and the wheelchair along a direction substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the wheelchair.

[0029] The hinge mechanism may comprise a pair of pivot pins rotationally associated with the bushing, wherein the coupling arm is linked to the pivot pins.

[0030] According to examples, the hinge mechanism may comprise a clamp that can be fastened to the bushing and a pivot pin, wherein the coupling arm is linked to the clamp through the pivot pin.

[0031] The fastening mechanism may comprise a quick release mechanism associated with the pivot pin.

[0032] In the present disclosure, the terms top, bottom, front, rear, side, etc. are to be understood in relation to a condition of use of an auxiliary driving device.

[0033] Further objects, advantages, and features of cases of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description or can be learned by practice of the description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Particular cases of the present disclosure will be described below by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

[0035] Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic side view of an auxiliary driving device attached to a wheelchair according to an example;

[0036] Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic side view of the auxiliary driving device according to an example in an extended position;

[0037] Figure 3 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of a complementary element on a wheelchair;

[0038] Figure 4 shows a diagrammatic side view of the auxiliary driving device in figure 2 in a retracted position;

[0039] Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic side view of the auxiliary driving device in figure 2 with the handlebar in a lower or shortened position; and

[0040] Figure 6 shows an example of a cross-section of the auxiliary driving device through the support plates and the bushing according to an example.

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

[0042] Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic side view of an auxiliary driving device 100 attached to a wheelchair 200 according to an example.

[0043] The wheelchair 200 comprises a frame 210 formed from a plurality of bars. Said bars may be tubular elements with a circular, square, elliptical, etc. cross-section, made of strong materials such as metal or the like. The wheelchair 200 is provided with a seat 211 for seating a user. The wheelchair 200 is also provided with a pair of large wheels 221 and a pair of steering wheels 222 arranged in a front position for steering the wheelchair 200. Said steering wheels 222 are smaller in size than the large wheels.

[0044] A diagrammatic example of an auxiliary driving device 100 is also shown in figure 1 . In this example, several parts are not illustrated for the sake of clarity. The auxiliary driving device 100 is provided with a main wheel 112 steered by the handlebar 111 through the steering column 110. In this example, the steering column 110 is associated with a support plate 120. The support plate 120 is in turn linked to the coupling arm 130 for releasably attaching to the wheelchair 200. However, in other non-illustrated examples of the auxiliary driving device 100, the coupling arm 130 may be hinged to the steering column, that is, without a support plate 120 being involved.

[0045] As it can be seen, attachment of the auxiliary driving device 100 and the wheelchair 200 results in a tricycle. The tricycle is formed by the two large wheels 221 and the main wheel 112 of the auxiliary driving device 100. The attachment with the coupling arm 130 raises the front of the wheelchair 200. Thus, the steering wheels 222 do not contact the ground 400 in an attached condition of the wheelchair 200 and the device 100.

[0046] Once the tricycle is formed, the user can move quickly and conveniently. Figure 1 also shows a direction of travel 300 of the wheelchair attached to the auxiliary driving device. Said direction of travel 300 may refer to both directions of movement, that is, forward and reverse.

[0047] An example of the auxiliary driving device 100 when not attached to the wheelchair 200 has been shown in figure 2. It can be seen in said figure that the auxiliary driving device 100 comprises a bushing 170 or tube arranged around the steering column 110. The tube is arranged concentric with the steering column 110. The bushing 170 in this example is associate with the support plate 120.

[0048] The support plate is linked to the bushing, and it is arranged aligned with the longitudinal axis of the steering column.

[0049] The auxiliary driving device 100 further comprises a drive mechanism 160 configured to drive the main wheel 112. In this case, it is a battery powered electric motor 150. The electric motor can act on the shaft of the main wheel 112. The battery 150 in the example of figure 2 is linked to the bushing 170 and to the support plate 120. The battery 150 illustrated has an elongated configuration arranged along the longitudinal axis 113 of the steering column, such that the bushing 170 is arranged between the battery 150 and the support plate 120. The battery may be arranged in any part of the auxiliary drive device 100. The battery may comprise a releasable part, for example, a part that can be removed when the battery is exhausted or damaged. The coupling arm 130 in the illustration of figure 2 is arranged in an extended position, substantially horizontal, and parallel to the ground. The user can leave the coupling arm 130 in the extended position when it is desired to attach the auxiliary driving device 100 to the chair 200.

[0050] As can be seen in figures 1 and 2, in examples where a support plate 120 is provided, the coupling arm 130 has an elongated configuration such that one end is associated with support plate 120 and an attaching device 131 is provided at the other end linkable with a complementary element 230 of the wheelchair in order to allow a releasable attachment between the chair 200 and the device 100. The attaching device 131 and the complementary element 230 may be based on a tongue-and-groove relationship to fix the relative position in a releasable manner. The complementary element 230 may be linked to the frame 210 of the wheelchair 200.

[0051] In examples where no support plate 120 is provided, the coupling arm 130 has an elongated configuration such that one end is associated with the bushing 170 and the other end is associated with the attaching device 131.

[0052] An example of a complementary element 230 is shown in figure 3. The complementary element 230 comprises a pair of platens 232, 233 arranged substantially parallel to each other and connected through pins 231 , 232. The platens 232, 233 in the example are linked to a cross member of the frame 210 through clamps 235, 236. The cross member of the frame 210 may be arranged such that the longitudinal axis 215 of the cross member is substantially horizontal and transverse with respect to the direction of travel 300. The pins 231 , 232 may end up received into recesses or the like arranged in the attaching device 131. The complementary element 230 in figure 3 is only one non-limiting example of complementary elements 230 for connecting the chair and the auxiliary driving device in a releasable manner.

[0053] Figure 2 shows that the longitudinal axis 132 of the coupling arm 130 in the extended position substantially coincides with the direction of travel 300. In the extended position of the coupling arm 130, the longitudinal axis 113 of the steering column 110 may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis 132 of the coupling arm 130, such that an angle is defined between the longitudinal axis 132 of the coupling arm 130 and the longitudinal axis 113 of the steering column 110. The coupling arm 130 in figure 2 has a first end 136 and a second end 137 along the longitudinal axis 132. The first end 136 is arranged facing the steering column 110 while the second end 137 is arranged facing away from the first end 136. The first end 136 may comprise a beveled profile, such that said first end 136 has a surface substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 113 of the steering column 110 when the coupling arm 130 is in the extended position.

[0054] The coupling arm 130 may have a telescopic configuration so that the extension of the coupling arm 130 along its longitudinal axis 132 can be adjusted. This helps the separation between the steering column 110 and the chair 200 to be adjusted when they are attached together.

[0055] The auxiliary driving device 100 comprises a hinge mechanism 180 arranged between the support plate 120 and the coupling arm 130. The hinge mechanism 180 is configured to allow the coupling arm 130 to be rotated with respect to an axis of rotation 185 perpendicular to the length of the steering column 110, that is, the longitudinal axis 113 of the steering column 110, and to the length of the coupling arm 130, that is, the longitudinal axis 132 of the coupling arm. The axis of rotation 185 is illustrated in figure 2 in the side view. When the support plate 120 is present, the hinge mechanism 180 can allow a relative rotation of the coupling arm 130 with respect to the support plate 120 around the axis of rotation 185. The longitudinal axis 132 of the coupling arm can be rotated around the axis of rotation 185. In this way, the coupling arm 130 can be moved from an extended position into a retracted position and vice versa. Figure 4 shows a diagrammatic side view of the auxiliary driving device in figure 1 in a retracted position. The hinge mechanism 180 is allowed to be moved from the extended position shown in figures 1 and 2 into the retracted position shown in figure 4 and vice versa.

[0056] The auxiliary driving device 100 comprises a fastening mechanism 190 configured to fix the position of the coupling arm 130 with respect to the axis of rotation 185. The fastening mechanism 190 can prevent the relative rotation of the coupling arm 130 with respect to the axis of rotation 185. In this way, the coupling arm 130 can be held in an extended position so that it can be attached to or detached from the wheelchair 200. Thanks to the fastening mechanism 190, the coupling arm 130 can be adjusted in height relative to the ground without being rotated relative to the plate 120 or the steering column 110. The hinge mechanism 180 of the examples shown comprises a pivot guide 181 arranged on the support plate 120. The pivot guide 181 is configured to slidably receive a pivot pin 182 between two ends of stroke: an upper end of stroke 183 and a lower end of stroke184. In some cases, the pivot pin 182 may comprise a bearing, in other cases, the pivot pin 182 may be a sliding element, for example, a boss. The pivot pin 182 is linked to the coupling arm 130.

[0057] In the examples shown, the axis of rotation 185 comprises the pivot pin 182.

[0058] In the attached examples, the pivot guide 181 comprises a groove arranged in the support plate 120. The pivot guide 181 has an elongated configuration. As discussed above, the pivot guide 181 comprises the upper end of stroke 183 and the lower end of stroke 184. The pivot pin 182 can be therefore moved along the stroke defined by the upper end of stroke 183 and the lower end of stroke 184.

[0059] In examples where the auxiliary driving device 100 is not provided with a support plate 120, the hinge mechanism 180 may comprise a pair of pivot pins 182 pivotally associated with the bushing 170. In this way, the coupling arm 130 is linked to the bushing 170. The pair of pivot pins 182 may be arranged on either side of the longitudinal axis 113 of the steering column 110. The coupling arm 130 can be pivoted relative to the steering column 110.

[0060] In another example where the auxiliary driving device 100 is not provided with a support plate 120, the hinge mechanism 180 may comprise a clamp that can be fastened to the bushing 170 and a pivot pin 182, wherein the coupling arm 130 is linked to the clamp through the pivot pin 182. The coupling arm 130 can be pivoted relative to the clamp and thus relative to the bushing 170.

[0061] The fastening mechanism 190 in the figures enclosed herein comprises a fastening guide 191 arranged on the support plate 120. The fastening guide 191 is configured to slidably receive a fastening pin 192. The fastening pin 192 may comprise a bearing and, in other examples, the fastening pin 192 may comprise a sliding element, for example, a boss. The fastening pin 192 is linked to the coupling arm 130. The fastening pin 192 is detachable from the fastening guide 191.

[0062] In non-illustrated examples, the fastening guide 191 may be provided with two elongated profile-like bodies protruding perpendicularly from the support plate 120. The two elongated bodies may be arranged parallel to each other. In these examples, the pivot guide 181 may be arranged between both elongated bodies.

[0063] The fastening mechanism 190 may comprise a quick release mechanism associated with the pivot pin 182. The quick release mechanism may prevent the hinge arm 130 from being pivoted to the steering column 110. The quick release mechanism may be applied in the examples where the hinge arm 130 is linked to the bushing 170 without the support plate 120.

[0064] In the examples shown in figures 2 and 5, the coupling arm 130 in the extended position is cantilevered relative to the rest of the auxiliary driving device 100. The fastening pin 192 is supported by or fixed on the fastening guide 191. When the device 100 is attached with the chair 200, the fastening pin 192 may also be supported by or fixed on the fastening guide 191.

[0065] When the user wants to height adjust the extended coupling arm 130, the coupling arm 130 is allowed to slide relative to the fastening guide 191 and the pivot guide 181. The fastening pin 192 in the examples shown can be moved relative to the fastening guide 191 while the pivot pin 182 is moved along the pivot guide 181. The height adjustment of the extended coupling arm 130 can follow a path substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 113 of the steering column 110.

[0066] In examples where the clamping mechanism comprises two elongated bodies or parallel profiles, the fastening pin is configured to slide and lock with respect to the two elongated bodies.

[0067] In the attached figures, the fastening pin 192 and the pivot pin 182 are respectively arranged on both sides of the coupling arm 130 with respect to the longitudinal axis 132 of the coupling arm 130. In the example shown in figure 2, the fastening pin 192 is arranged in an upper part of the coupling arm 130 and the pivot pin 192 is arranged in a lower part of the coupling arm. This may allow the fastening pin to be capable of detaching from the fastening guide when the pivot pin 182 reaches the upper end of stroke 183.

[0068] It can be seen from figure 2 that with the coupling arm 130 in an extended position and in a side view, the pivot pin 182 is positioned further forward than the fastening pin 192 in the longitudinal axis 132 of the coupling arm 130. The pivot pin 182 is closer to the longitudinal axis 113 of the steering column 110. The pivot pin 182 may be adjacent to the first end 136.

[0069] The fastening guide 191 comprises at least one opening 193 at one end thereof, such that the fastening pin 192 is in a detached position from the fastening guide 191 when the pivot pin 182 is arranged in the upper end of stroke 183 of the pivot guide 181. The fastening guide may be devoid of a stop at one end thereof so that the fastening pin 192 is attached to or detached from the fastening guide 191 .

[0070] The coupling arm 130 may be capable of being rotated relative to the pivot pin 182 when the pivot pin 182 substantially reaches the upper end of stroke 183. When the pivot pin 182 reaches the area of the upper end of stroke 183 the fastening pin 192 may be detached from the fastening guide 191. In this way, the coupling arm 130 can be rotated relative to the axis of rotation 185, and the steering column 110, and moved into a position as illustrated in figure 4.

[0071] The fastening guide 191 in the illustrated examples is provided with at least one elongated body protruding perpendicularly from the support plate 120. However, the fastening guide 191 might exhibit other configurations such as elongated indentations or channels through which the fastening pin 192 can run.

[0072] In some examples, the pivot pin and / or the fastening pin may comprise a quick release mechanism for fixing its position relative to the pivot guide 181 and the fastening guide 191

[0073] The pivot guide 181 in the illustrated examples is arranged between the fastening guide 191 and the steering column 110.

[0074] As can be seen in the figures, the examples of the pivot guide and the fastening guide have a linear configuration and are arranged parallel to each other. Both the pivot guide 181 and the fastening guide 191 are parallel to the length of the steering column 110, that is, the longitudinal axis 113 of the steering column.

[0075] The support plate 120 may have an upper edge substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 113 of the steering column 110. In the illustrated examples, said longitudinal axis 113 is inclined with respect to the length 132 of the coupling arm 130, so the fastening pin 192, which is in a higher position than the pivot pin 182, may therefore be detached from the fastening guide 191 substantially before or at the time when the pivot pin 182 reaches its upper end of stroke 183.

[0076] In some examples, the auxiliary driving device 100 may comprise a stroke limiting element 186 associated with the pivot guide, such that the stroke of the pivot pin 182 relative to the pivot guide is limited. Such stroke limiting element 186 makes it possible to obtain a predetermined position for the pivot pin 182, for example, when the hinge arm 130 is moved from the retracted position into the extended position. The user does not have to adjust the height of the position arm each time it is moved into the extended position. This stroke limiting element 186 can be fixed at any location along the pivot guide. One example of a stroke limiting element 186 has been depicted in figures 4 and 5.

[0077] In the illustrated examples, the auxiliary driving device 100 comprises a support stand 140 linked to the support plate 120. In other examples not shown, the support stand 140 may be attached to the bushing. With the support stand 140, the user can leave the auxiliary driving device 100 resting on the ground when it is not attached to the wheelchair 200. The support stand 140 has a bearing at one end intended to contact the ground in order to facilitate handling of the auxiliary driving device 100 when detached from the wheelchair 200.

[0078] The support stand 140 in the illustrated examples has two sections in the side view arranged such that the length of one section is inclined with respect to the length of the other section. This arrangement may define a space suitable for receiving a portion of the coupling arm 130. In other examples, the profile of the support stand 140 may be L-shaped or C-shaped.

[0079] The auxiliary driving device may comprise a clamping mechanism 141 for clamping the coupling arm 130 relative to the support stand 140 in the detached position of the fastening guide 191. That is, when the coupling arm 130 is in its retracted position as shown in figure 4, the arm can be fastened by the clamping mechanism 141 to the support stand 140 in a releasable manner. This can facilitate handling and storage of the auxiliary driving device 100 when not in use.

[0080] The steering column 110 may have a telescopic configuration. Thanks to this feature, the extension of the steering column 110 can be adjusted to adapt to different user heights. For example, an example of an auxiliary driving device 100 is shown in figure 5 having a lower extension than the example of figure 2.

[0081] Figure 6 shows an example of a cross-section of the auxiliary driving device through the support plates and bushing according to one example. Figure 6 shows two support plates 120 attached to the bushing 170. As it can be seen, in the case where the auxiliary driving device 100 comprises two support plates 120, the plates 120 are arranged facing each other and respectively on both sides of the length of the steering column, that is, the longitudinal axis 113 of the steering column 110. The two plates may include the same parts and be substantially symmetrical.

[0082] In examples with two support plates, the coupling arm 130 may be arranged between both plates. The first end 136 may be inserted between the two plates and be arranged relatively closer to the steering column, whereby a longer potential travel of extension can be allowed for the telescopic mechanism of the coupling arm 130.

[0083] The profiles shown in figure 6 can be manufactured by extrusion of metal such as aluminum.

[0084] In figure 6, the bushing 170 is arranged between the support plates 120 and a space intended to receive the battery and / or other electronic components.

[0085] In one possible embodiment or method of installation, the auxiliary driving device 100 in a condition detached from the wheelchair 200 may be in an extended configuration as illustrated in figures 2 or 5. The user can release the pivot pin 182 from a position fastened to the pivot guide 181. The user may then move the coupling arm 130 upwards until the pivot pin 182 reaches the upper end of stroke 183. At that point, the fastening pin 192 has already passed through the opening 193 or end of the fastening guide and thus no longer abuts the fastening guide 191. The coupling arm 130 can be rotated by the user relative to the axis of rotation 185, and / or bushing. The coupling arm 130 can adopt the retracted position illustrated in figure 4 and fasten the coupling arm 130 with respect to the support stand 140 thanks to the clamping mechanism 141. The user can also move the handlebar downwards so as to compact the length of the steering column.

[0086] In order to reuse the auxiliary driving device 100, the user can follow the same procedure described above, but following the tasks in reverse order. In a first example of implementation, a method relating to an auxiliary driving device 100 according to any of the examples of the present disclosure may comprise: arranging the coupling arm 130 in an extended position, releasing the fastening mechanism 190, rotating the coupling arm by means of the hinge mechanism 180, wherein rotating the coupling arm comprises pivoting the coupling arm 130 relative to the steering column 110. In this way, the coupling arm 130 is pivoted towards the steering column. According to this example, the coupling arm 130 moves from an extended position into a retracted position.

[0087] In a second example of implementation, a method relating to the auxiliary driving device 100 according to any of the examples in the present disclosure may comprise: arranging the coupling arm 130 in a retracted position, rotating the coupling arm by means of the hinge mechanism 180, wherein rotating the coupling arm comprises pivoting the coupling arm 130 relative to the steering column. In this way, the coupling arm 130 adopts a substantially horizontal position with respect to the ground plane. This rotation of the coupling arm 130 occurs in the opposite direction to that of the first example of implementation. The second example of implementation also comprises fastening the fastening mechanism 190 to prevent the coupling arm 130 from being rotated with respect to the steering column 110.

[0088] Although only some particular cases and examples of the disclosure have been disclosed herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that further alternative cases and / or uses of the disclosure are possible, as well as obvious modifications and equivalent elements. Furthermore, the present disclosure covers all possible combinations of the particular cases described above. Reference signs related to drawings and placed in parentheses in a claim are solely for attempting to increase the intelligibility of the claim and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claim. The scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to particular cases but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An auxiliary driving device (100) for a wheelchair (200), comprising: a main wheel (112) steered by a handlebar (111) through a steering column (110), a bushing (170) arranged around the steering column (110), a drive mechanism (160) configured to drive the main wheel (112), a coupling arm (130) linked to the bushing, wherein the coupling arm is configured for attachment with the wheelchair, a hinge mechanism (180) linked to the bushing (170) and to the coupling arm (130), wherein the hinge mechanism is configured to allow rotation of the coupling arm (130) with respect to an axis of rotation (185) perpendicular to the length of the steering column and to the length of the coupling arm; a fastening mechanism (190) linked to the bushing (170) and to the coupling arm (130), wherein the fastening mechanism is configured to fix the position of the coupling arm (130) with respect to the axis of rotation.

2. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to claim 1 , comprising a support plate (120) associated with the bushing (170), wherein the hinge mechanism (180) is arranged between the support plate and the coupling arm (130).

3. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 2, wherein the hinge mechanism (180) comprises a pivot guide (181), the pivot guide (181) being configured to slidably receive a pivot pin (182) between two ends of stroke (183, 184), the pivot pin (182) being linked to the coupling arm (130).

4. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to claim 2 and 3, wherein the pivot guide (181) comprises a groove arranged in the support plate (120).

5. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to any of the claims 3-4, wherein the pivot guide (181) comprises an upper end of stroke (183) and a lower end of stroke (184).

6. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to any of the claims 3-5, wherein the coupling arm (130) is capable of being rotated relative to the pivot pin (182) when the pivot pin (182) reaches the upper end of stroke (183).

7. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to any of the claims 2-6, wherein the fastening mechanism (190) comprises a fastening guide (191) arranged on the support plate (120), the fastening guide (191) being configured to slidably receive a fastening pin (192), the fastening pin (192) being linked to the coupling arm (130), wherein the fastening pin (192) is detachable from the fastening guide (191).

8. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to any of the claims 6 and 7, wherein the fastening guide (191) comprises at least one opening (193) at one end thereof, such that the fastening pin (192) is in a detached position from the fastening guide (191) when the pivot pin (182) is arranged at the upper end of stroke (183) of the pivot guide.

9. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to any of the claims 2-8, wherein the fastening guide (191) has an elongated profile-like body protruding perpendicularly from the support plate (120).

10. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to claims 3 and 7, wherein the pivot guide (181) is arranged between the fastening guide (191) and the steering column (110).

11. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the fastening guide (191) has two elongated profile-like bodies protruding perpendicularly from the support plate (120), the two elongated bodies being arranged parallel to each other.

12. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to claim 11 , comprising a pivot guide (181) arranged between both elongated bodies.

13. The auxiliary driving device according to claims 3 and 7, wherein the pivot pin (182) and / or the fastening pin (192) comprise a quick release mechanism for fixing its position relative to the pivot guide and the fastening guide.

14. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to claims 3 and 7, wherein the pivot pin (182) and / or the locking pin comprises a bearing.

15. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to claims 3 and 7, wherein the pivot pin (182) and the locking pin (192) are arranged respectively on both sides of the length of the coupling arm (130).

16. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to claims 3 and 7, wherein the pivot guide (182) and / or the fastening guide (192) have a linear configuration and are parallel to each other.

17. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to claims 3 and 7, wherein the pivot guide (182) and / or the fastening guide (192) is parallel to the length of the steering column.

18. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to any of the claims 2 - 17, comprising two support plates (120), wherein the support plates are arranged facing each other and respectively on both sides of the length of the steering column (110).

19. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a support stand (140) linked to the bushing (170), wherein the auxiliary driving device comprises a clamping mechanism (141) for clamping the coupling arm (130) with respect to the support stand (140) in the detached position from the fastening guide (191).

20. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the steering column (110) has a telescopic configuration.21 . The auxiliary driving device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling arm (130) has a telescopic configuration.

22. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 2, wherein the hinge mechanism (180) comprises a pair of pivot pins (182) rotationally associated with the bushing (170), wherein the coupling arm (130) is linked to the bushing (170).

23. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 2, wherein the hinge mechanism (180) comprises a clamp that can be fastened to the bushing (170) and a pivot pin (182), wherein the coupling arm (130) is linked to the clamp through the pivot pin (182).

24. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to any of the claims 20 - 21 , wherein the fastening mechanism (190) comprises a quick release mechanism associated with the pivot pin (182).

25. The auxiliary driving device (100) according to claim 3, comprising a stroke limiting element (186) associated with the pivot guide, so as to limit the stroke of the pivot pin (182) with respect to the pivot guide.

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