AAT V-MAX+ Installation and operating instructions

Pushing and Braking Aid
Translation of the original user's manual GB

CE Declaration of conformity
The company AAT Alber Antriebstechnik GmbH herewith declares that the
products of the power system v-max+are developed and manufactured ac-
cording to the general guidelines 2007/47/EG and 2006/42/EG of the Eu-
ropean Union.
This declaration loses all validity, if the above mentioned devices have
been tampered with or changed in any way without the knowledge and
agreement of the company AAT Alber Antriebstechnik.
Signature of the manufacturer:
Markus Alber
Managing partner
AAT Alber Antriebstechnik GmbH
The power system v-max+is being tested
according to the norm DIN EN 12184
and DIN EN 12182 and at the instituti-
on for certification of medical products
GmbH, Technical University Berlin.
2
AAT Alber Antriebstechnik GmbH
Postfach 10 05 60 · D-72426 Albstadt
Tel.: +49.74 31.12 95-0 · Fax.: 12 95 35
[email protected] · www.aat-online.de
v-max_plus_gb_07/2011

Table of contents
CE Declaration of conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Table of contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1 General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1 How to use this user's manual . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.2 Instruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.3 Care and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.4 Warranty and liability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2 Description of the product. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.1 Adequate use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.2 General survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.3 Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.4 Dimensioned sketch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.5 Standard scope of delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.6 Optional accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3 Assembly and initial operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.1 Brackets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.2 Mega battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.3 Hook on the v-max+. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.4 Detach the v-max+. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.5 Pushing and control grip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.6 Functional check. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4 Safety instructions and hazard notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.1 Special information concerning the operation . . . . 18
4.2 Instruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.3 Operation / attendant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.4 Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.5 Care and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.6 Conditions of paths, walkways etc. . . . . . . . . . 20
4.7 Charge of batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.8 Power unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.9 Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.10 Mounting the brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.11 Technical requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.1 Maximm total weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.2 Mega battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6 Control and display elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
6.1 Control unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
6.2 On/Off push button. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.3 Charge condition of the mega battery pack. . . . . . 25
6.4 Control light to indicate malfunction . . . . . . . . 26
6.5 Trouble shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
6.6 Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
7 Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
7.1 Mega battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
7.2 Voltage converter for your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 28
3

8 Care, maintenance and recycling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
8.1 New user . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
8.2 Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
8.3 Mega battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
8.4 Fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
8.5 Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
8.6 Recycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
9 Warranty and liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
9.1 Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
9.2 Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
4

1 General information
Congratulations! You acquired a pushing and braking aid, operated by an
assistant which can be adapted to almost any type of heavy-duty wheel-
chair by a special holding device.
v-max+assists the attendant to push and brake the wheelchair. It facilita-
tes the driving up of slopes and brakes automatically when going downhill
thus providing extra safety for both the assistant and the wheelchair user.
With the v-max+you can transport a person safely and without great phy-
sical effort up a maximum slope of 12 %. The v-max+ is also suitable to
transport a person on level ground. The device is compact, light-weight
and manouverable.
The v-max+is dedicated for the Type Class A and B according to the norm
12184.
The sticker with the device’s serial number is located at the bottom side
of the housing.
1.1 How to use this user's manual
The user’s manual is part of the delivery package and instruct you step by
step about the safe and adequate use of the v-max+,Operating the
v-max+takes a certain skill.
Please read this user’s manual carefully and particularly take note of the
safety instructions before you use the v-max+for the first time.
After reading, please store this user’s manual at an appropriate place for
further reference.
1.2 Instruction
In the interest of your safety the v-max+may only be operated by trained
personnel.
Instruction on how to operate the device is part of the delivery package
and takes place with your authorized dealer or an AAT representative.
Please read this user’s manual carefully and particularly take note of the
safety instructions before you use the movilino for the first time.
1.3 Care and maintenance
One of the most important aspects concerning the maintenance of the
v-max+is charging the seal lead acid batteries. They are part of the batte-
ry pack and must be charged every time after using the device.
Other than that your v-max+does not need much care or maintenance.
More extensive instructions you find in chapter 8.
1.4 Warranty and liability
For damage that was caused by inadequate use disregarding this manual
we assume no liability whatsoever. (Please read chapter 9 for more detai-
led information concerning warranty and liability).
5

2 Description of the product
2.1 Adequate use
Please use the braking and pushing aid exclusively for the transportation
of physically disabled persons.
Said person should be able to sit properly without help, otherwise you
should secure them with a safety belt. The latter is an accessory available
at AAT Alber Antriebstechnik GmbH.
In addition, the arms of the person to be transported should not protrude
over the arm rests of the wheelchair during the transportation process.
FIn the interest of your safety you may not use the v-max+on escalators or
moving belts!
FTransporting other kinds of loads is explicitly prohibited!
FOnly authorized operators may use the v-max+. Therefore never leave the
v-max+unattended.
FDue to safety reasons the v-max+may only be operated by trained per-
sonnel who are physically and intellectually capable to handle the device
in all situations of operation.
FPlease note the wheelchair manufacturer’s specifications (wheels’ air
pressure, maximum approved total weight, maximum incline, etc.) when
using the v-max+. You may under no circumstances exceed the specified
limiting values!
FPlease avoid driving on unpaved or unfortified grounds such as sand,
mud, loose gravel, ice or snow.
6

2.2 General survey
= control grip
= v-max+power unit
= heavy-duty wheels incl. handrim and toothed ring
= brackets on the wheelchair
= mega battery pack incl. bag
= pushing grip
7

2.2.1 Control grip
= speed control
= rocker switch backwards/forwards
= link to hold grips
= helix cable
2.2.2 Power unit
= control grip
= power switch
= driving unit's link to the wheelchair
= mega battery pack
= socket for power cable (out) and charging cable (in)
= socket for power cable on the v-max+
= control panel
2.2.3 Control panel
= push button On/Off
= indicator of battery charge and malfunction
8

2.3 Technical data
*Limiting values stipulated by the wheelchair manufacturers must be no-
ted and observed.
** Range and climbing potential depends, among other factors, on the
weight of the person to be transported, the road conditions, the territory,
etc.
9
Measurements
height = 275 mm
width = 630 mm
depth = 185 mm
Weight
power unit incl. handle = 13,5 kg
mega battery pack = 14,3 kg
power cable = 0,2 kg
bag for batteries incl. velcro straps = 0,3 kg
charger = 0,3 kg
total weight = 28,6 kg
Limits for mounting the v-max+on a wheelchair seat width of 60 cm and more
Max. approved total weight 300 kg (person, wheelchair, v-max+)*
Speed
continually adjustable
5,5 km / h forward
3 km / h backward
Max. slope up to 12 %**
Capacity with one battery charge up to 11,5 km**
Batteries 2 x 12 V / 22 Ah
Direct current motor 24 V / 419 W
Storing an operating temperature - 20° C to + 60° C / - 10° C to + 50° C
Noise level The device’s A weighted noise level lies typically below 60 dB
Vibration specifications The weighted RMS value of acceleration the upper body is
exposed to lies typically below 2,5 m/s²
In the interest of progress we reserve the right for technical changes.

2.4 Dimensioned sketch
10

2.5 Standard scope of delivery
The following is part of the standard scope of delivery:
= heavy duty wheel incl. handrim and toothed ring
= v-max+power unit plus handle
= charger incl. user's manual
= mega battery pack incl. bag
...as well as the components mounted to the wheelchair,
power cable and bag for the battery pack plus the user’s
manual (no picture).
In addition, it is necessary to mount brackets to the
wheelchair. (this is not included in the delivery package).
2.6 Optional accessories
= spokes' protection
= voltage converter
= hip belt
11

3 Assembly and initial operation
The v-max+can only be used in connection with a special bracket which
must be mounted to your wheelchair.
This bracket may only be mounted by AAT or dealers authorized by AAT.
3.1 Brackets
All brackets are especially developed and adjusted to each individual
wheelchair, which means that the bracket,right and left, pictured in
this operator’s manual may differ from the one attached to your wheel-
chair.
FBefore each use, check whether the bracket is securely fastened to the
wheelchair. In case screws have loosened or fallen out you may not use
the v-max+.Please contact your dealer immediately.
FPlease note that mounting the v-max+to a wheelchair (depending on the
model) may result in restricting the adjustment of its seat or back rest.
FMounting the v-max+to a wheelchair (depending on the model) may re-
sult in a change of the wheelchair’s measurements.
3.1.1 Attach and detach the wheels
Full-floating axles: with your index finger press the locking bolt in the
middle of the axle to release the connection and the wheel can be taken
off.
Instantaneous axis: remove the cover and loosen the nut with a flat
wrench. Now pull the instantaneous axis through the opening and take off
the wheel.
Always remove first one and then the other wheelchair wheel.
To mount the wheels on the wheelchair, please follow these instructions in
reverse order.
3.2 Mega battery pack
A bag for the battery pack is attached under the seat of the wheelchair.
Simply slide the mega battery pack into its bag
and fix it with a velcro strap.
12

3.3 Hook on the v-max+
To mount the v-max+the powered axles must be inserted entirely. Press
the two slide switch toward the PRESS button until they lock. See
picture on the right.
Now slide the v-max+evenly, on both sides, into the brackets.
FMake sure the v-max+with its wheelchair links is in a straight line
when you insert it into the brackets .
Then the v-max+slides automatically into the appropriate place in the
brackets.
13

Now you press the PRESS button to unlock the levers and the powered ax-
les come out.
FThe power unit is activated, if both slide switch have reached their ou-
ter position.
FThe driving unit locked properly, if the wheelchair cannot be moved ma-
nually any more.
Now you can insert the plug of the power cable into its socket on the
v-max+.
14

Then you put the other plug of the power cable into its socket on the
mega battery pack.
FPlease make sure that the power cable’s plug is dry and clean.
If the device is already attached to the wheelchair (as described in chap-
ter 3.3), the v-max+is now ready to use.
3.4 Detach the v-max+
To detach the v-max+, please follow these instructions (chapter 3.3 – 3.4)
in reverse order.
FPlease remove the power cable plugged into the jack of the v-max+first.
3.5 Pushing and control girp
The wheelchair driver’s attendant controls all functions of the v-max+by
means of the control grip.Since the control grip and the pushing grip
can be installed either on the right or the left side, the v-max+is ideal
for both right-handed or left-handed users.
At the ends of the regular wheelchair grips receptacles are attached
into which you can stick both grips of the v-max+on either side. These
particular grip holders allow the user to insert either one of the grips in
various positions on the right or the left side, so an individual and comfor-
table adjustments ot the grips is possible.
FPlease make sure that the grips are locked firmly on the receptacles!
15

3.5.1 Attaching the grips
Due to the special toothing (see picture) it is possible to insert the grips
into the receptacles in the most comfortable position for each individual
users.
See picture on the right indicating the grip positions which have proven
most comfortable for frequent use.
3.5.2 Removal of the grip
Pull the locating pin . The grip unlocks and you can lift it out of the
link.
16

In case you do not need the device for some time, simply remove the grips
and put them back into their respective holders on the v-max+(see pictu-
re).
This way the grips turn into stable feet for the v-max+so you can simply
set it aside.
3.6 Functional check
FPlease check the device’s electronic functions each time before using it
(see chapter 6.1)!
FMake sure that the mega battery pack is charged before you use the
v-max+!
FPlease make sure that the tilt support is not jammed whenever you use
the v-max+!
17

4 Safety instructions and hazard notes
FFor a safe operation of the v-max+it is important that you observe and
adhere to all warning signs and instructions in this user’s manual as well
as the warning signs and instructions on the device itself.
All general rules for the safe use of a wheelchair apply without reservation
while operating the v-max+. You must always observe the limit values and
instructions indicated by the manufacturer (e.g. air pressure, maximum to-
tal weight, maximum inclination, etc.).
FLimit values may never be exceeded!
To assure a safe use of the v-max+, it is indispensable to observe the follo-
wing directions:
4.1 Special information concerning the operation:
Generally all of the wheelchair’s specific limiting values indicated by the
manufacturer must be observed.
In the interest of your safety the pushing and braking aid v-max+may not
be used on escalators, stairs, moving walkways or unfortified surfaces. You
may only move the wheelchair plus mounted v-max+manually (see chap-
ter 3.3), if the device is turned off. Please observe the instructions and li-
miting values of your wheelchair’s manufacturer.
Please first get familiar with the handling characteristics and riding quali-
ties of the device. Please drive first on level ground until you feel comfor-
table in handling the v-max+safely. Practise at a low speed.
FAlways turn the speed control to its lowest speed when you begin using
the device and increase the speed slowly to the desired tempo.
FPlease lower the speed before driving down an incline.
FPlease do not roll down an incline with the v-max+disengaged!
Even though the v-max+manages inclines up to 12%, the wheelchair
manufacturer’s stipulated maximum incline may under no circumstances
be exceeded. (Ramps in public buildings have an incline of approximately
6 %.)
FPlease cross over obstacles such as curbs on sidewalks with a turned off
v-max+. Crossing over higher curbs should be done backwards because
the rollers may jackknife. Please pull the wheelchair at its grips not at
the ones of the v-max+. Also always check the height of your anti-tilt sup-
port and keep in mind the wheelchair manufacturer’s stipulated maxi-
mum height.
The current road traffic regulations apply when you use the v-max+on
public roads. Should there be additional devices necessary, you need to
mount them to your wheelchair as soon as possible. In such case, please
contact your local dealer.
Please avoid driving parallel on steep slopes to avoid a tilting over side-
ways of your wheelchair. Always counter-steer when the curb on the side-
walk is slanting downward and remain at a safe distance to the curb.
Please do not drive to the edge of stairs or precipices with the v-max+tur-
ned on.
FPlease do not attach anything to the v-max+'s grip!
18

Please check the wheelchair's anti-tilt support before each use. Please do
not drive backwards against a wall with mounted anti-tilt support because
they could jam and thus not function properly.
When you use mass transportation such as bus, subway, tram, etc.) please
turn off the v-max+and use the locking brakes on your wheelchair.
Please cross streets, intersections and railway crossings paying extra at-
tention.
Please never cross rails (e.g. railway tracks) in a parallel way because the
wheels could be jammed.
If the v-max+is turned off you cannot move the wheelchair manually any
more, i.e. the engine is blocked. However, there is one exception: due to
the mechanical locking mechanism of the engine’s sliders the v-max+is
disengaged. Now you can move the wheelchair (see chapter 3.3). The bra-
ke effect is only there when the device is turned on.
FThe v-max+can always be stopped - during regular use or in an emergen-
cy - by pushing and releasing of the panic switch. Further information on
the panic switch you find in chapter 6.1.3
FIn case of malfunction, please follow the instructions in chapter 6.5
Troubleshooting.
4.1.1 Environmental conditions, electro-magnetic compatibility
Electro-magnetic compatibility means that an electric device functions
properly in its electro-magnetic environment without influencing other de-
vices in the same environment.
The v-max+successfully passed all the EMV tests required by law. Never-
theless, always check whether the device’s electronic functions work pro-
perly before each use. This is particularly important if there is an aerial
mast nearby.
FPlease note that the v-max+may interfere with other electronic devices’
sensitive electro-magnetic fields (e.g. anti-theft systems in department
stores). This may also happen if you connect other devices.
Also make sure that the v-max+is not operated in close proximity to medi-
cal devices with a high potential for danger and/or life-supporting
functions as well as diagnostic devices.
4.1.2 Climate
To ensure proper functioning it is not advisable to expose the v-max+to
freezing conditions. Should this be unavoidable, always put the device in
a non-freezing environment for at least one hour before using it (see chap-
ter 2.3)
At this point check the device before operation. Should your v-max+not
function properly, please call your local dealer or AAT directly.
Please note that the surface temperature of the v-max+could be increased
due to the influence of external heat sources like sunlight.
4.2 Instruction
In the interest of your safety the v-max+may only be operated by people
instructed in the use of the device and further by people who are physical-
ly and mentally capable to manage the v-max+in all situations that may
occur while using it.
19

4.3 Operation / attendant
Thorough instruction into the use of the v-max+by your dealer or a repre-
sentative of AAT Alber Antriebstechnik is part of the delivery package and
takes place at an appointment of your choice. This is a free service at no
extra charge.
FDo not use the v-max+without being trained to operate it.
Anti-tilt supports are obligatory.
Should you feel insecure handling the v-max+, please contact AAT Alber
Antriebstechnik GmbH or your authorized dealer.
4.4 Load
The maximum total weight of 300 kg is composed of the weight of the
person to be transported plus the weight of the wheelchair and the
v-max+.
FThis weight may under no circumstances be exceeded!
FPlease use the v-max+exclusively to transport people!
FIt is strictly prohibited to transport goods with the device.
4.5 Care and maintenance
Please make sure that you charge the battery pack after each use of the
v-max+.If the v-max+is not in operation, please turn off the device.
If the working elements of the device block, turn the v-max+off immedi-
ately.
FRepairs may be done by authorized dealers or the manufacturer only.
Please exclusively use AAT Alber parts and accessories.
Please note the extensive care and maintenance instructions in chapter 8.
4.6 Condition of paths, walkways etc
Avoid driving with the v-max+on unfortified paths such as sand, mud,
loose gravel, ice or snow.
Please avoid using the v-max+in the rain, ice, snow or general wet condi-
tions because then the wheels’ grip on the ground is reduced. There is an
increased danger of slipping and sliding. Please adjust your driving style
accordingly.
4.6.1 Environmental conditions
Although the v-max+has been tested for its electro-magnetic compatibili-
ty, you should still check its electronic functions before each use. This is
particularly important if there is an aerial mast nearby.
4.7 Charge of the batteries
FYou should only use the v-max+with fully charged batteries. The light
emitting diode indicates the state of the batteries’ capacity.
FPlease be careful when going downhill with full batteries. The drive down
generates electricity which charges the batteries additionally. This may
lead to excess voltage which in turn may lead to a turning off of the
v-max+.During regular use the device reduces its speed automatically to
avoid overvoltage.
FWhen going uphill it is also possible that the device turns itself off. This
can happen if there is excess temperature (see chapter 6.5)
20