FR2708258A1 - Raising steps device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a raising steps device characterised in that it comprises a set of vertically mobile elements (1, 2, 3) each one having at least two planes forming steps (1a, 2a, 3a) and risers (1b, 2b 3b), at least a first and a second motor (4, 5) allowing the first and last mobile end elements (1, 3) of the said set to be moved vertically, connecting means (6) interacting with the mobile elements (1, 2, 3) and allowing the vertical movement of the intermediate elements (2) upon vertical movement of the said first and last mobile element (1, 3), means (7) for controlling and synchronising the said motors (4, 5), the said connecting means (6) and the said control and synchronising means (7) making it possible to align the said steps (1a, 1b, 1c) in just one and the same essentially horizontal plane and thus form a platform and allowing the vertical translation of the said platform thus produced between a low position and at least one high position.

Description

 Elevating step device.

 The field of the invention is that of crossing level breaks, for example outside or inside buildings. The invention relates in particular, but not exclusively, to the field of equipment intended for people with reduced mobility in order to allow them to cross a level break corresponding to one or more steps.

 People with reduced mobility and, more particularly those using a wheelchair, often find it impossible to climb a staircase, even with a reduced number of steps. This problem occurs outside the home (especially in public buildings, hospitals, retirement homes, ...) but also in the home itself, to climb, for example, the front porch or the stairs leading to the upper floor of the house. This problem can be encountered both outside the home (porch) and inside (level break between two floors or half floors, for example).

 An identical problem is encountered in the industrial world, for example in factories or warehouses, when transport trolleys or similar devices are used.

 There are various devices which can provide a solution to this problem. In addition to elevators, or elevators, which can be installed as soon as sufficient space for this is available, there are also known in the state of the art lifting platforms cooperating with a guide rail installed along a staircase and making it possible to transfer a wheelchair, from the bottom of the staircase to the top of it, and vice versa.

However, such devices are poorly suited to outdoor conditions, which makes them difficult to use for equipping outdoor stairs such as steps.

 In addition, they are bulky, and therefore cannot be installed everywhere. For example, in cities, the space between the sidewalk (on which the device must of course not encroach) and the porch is often insufficient to install devices of known type.

 In addition, these devices must generally coexist with stairs, to allow the passage of able-bodied people, which practically doubles the space required.

 The invention particularly aims to overcome these drawbacks of the state of the art.

 In particular, an objective of the present invention is to provide a lifting device, intended in particular for people with reduced mobility, in order to allow them to cross a level break corresponding to a staircase of a few steps, such as a stoop.

 Another object of the invention is to provide such a device, which allows crossing of a level break on the one hand by valid people, in a "transparent" manner for them, and on the other hand by people with reduced mobility, or by any type of transport cart.

 Another objective of the invention is to propose such a device whose overall size is limited.

 Yet another objective of the invention is to disclose such a device that can be installed at low cost and requiring little masonry work to do this.

The invention relates to a lifting step device characterized in that it comprises:
a set of at least three vertically movable elements each having at least two planes essentially perpendicular to each other forming steps and risers;
- at least the first vertical drive means of the first element
mobile end of said set of mobile elements and at least second means
vertical drive of the last movable end element of said set of elements
mobile;
- connecting means cooperating with the first mobile element, the last
mobile element and at least one intermediate mobile element provided between said element
first movable member and said last movable member, said connecting means
authorizing the vertical displacement of said intermediate element (s) during the
vertical displacement of said first mobile element and / or of said last element
mobile;
- means for controlling said drive means, making it possible to
position said movable elements in at least two stable positions:
- a first position in which said mobile elements form
a staircase, and
- a second position in which said movable elements are
aligned in one and the same essentially horizontal plane, so that
thus form a platform, said control means authorizing the
vertical translation of said platform thus formed between a position
low and at least one high position.

 Such a device can be installed in particular to replace the steps to access a dwelling and allow a person with reduced mobility arriving at the bottom or at the top of this step to climb and descend it. it also allows passage to a valid person, in the form of a classic staircase.

 Thus, the invention allows access to people with reduced mobility in a space substantially equivalent to that of a staircase, while alternately offering the functions of a staircase.

In other words, the invention relates to a staircase convertible into a platform for the transfer of a wheelchair
To this end, the lifting step device according to the invention can take at least three positions:
- A first position in which the movable elements are arranged so as to form a staircase of a few steps;
- a low position in which the steps of said device are brought into the same horizontal plane forming a platform, said horizontal plane being in the same plane as the ground and thus allowing the person with reduced mobility, possibly in a wheelchair, to climb on said platform; and,
- A high position in which said platform is brought to ground level of the floor so as to allow the person with reduced mobility to access this floor.

 The passage from one to the other of these three positions is ensured by the drive means (motors, jacks, etc.) which equip the mobile end elements and by the connecting means which transmit the action motors at the intermediate element or at the intermediate elements.

 In one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises one or two intermediate elements.

 Preferably, the device comprises a frame installed on at least one side of said set of movable elements, said frame being equipped with a first vertical rack and a second vertical rack and said first movable member is provided with a first pinion and said last movable element is equipped with a second pinion, said first drive means allowing the drive of said first pinion and of said first movable element along said first vertical rack and said second drive means allowing the drive of said second pinion and said last movable member along said second vertical rack.

 The frame is advantageously provided on one side of the movable elements so as not to burden the construction of the device and, mainly, to reduce its size.

However, provision may be made to provide the device with a frame on each side of the movable elements, each of said frames supporting two racks each cooperating with a pinion, without departing from the scope of the invention.

 Preferably, said frame has vertical slides and said movable elements are each provided with a lateral carriage having rollers and counter-rollers allowing the movement of said carriages along said slides.

 Also preferably, said carriages each have a set of four rollers cooperating with four counter-rollers, two of said rollers being fixed essentially in the upper part of each of said carriages and two of said rollers being fixed essentially in the lower part of each of said carriages rollers fixed in the upper part of said carriages cooperating with the external face of said slideways and rollers fixed in the lower part of said carriages cooperating with the internal face of said slideways.

 Advantageously, said rollers are made of steel and said counter-rollers are made of plastic material or steel. Such rollers make it possible to prevent any inclination of the mobile elements forming the steps in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rise of the steps. This is particularly useful when the frame supports the movable elements only on one side.

 Preferably, said means for connecting the mobile elements to each other consist of a connecting rod connecting said carriages, said connecting rod being mounted in rotation on an axis integral with the carriage of said intermediate mobile element and being provided with oblong holes cooperating with wheels mounted in rotation on other moving parts.

 According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, said first movable element comprises an anti-fall lip substantially pressed against the riser of said first movable element in said first position, and cooperating with a third motor making it possible to raise it in said second position.

 A fall prevention lip prevents any accident against the person on the platform during the ascent of the platform. In particular, such an anti-fall lip is necessary for compliance with the safety standards set for the transfer of people with reduced mobility.

 Also according to a variant of the invention, said device comprises a horizontal restraint and locking arm integral with said last mobile element and extending up to said first mobile element, and in said first mobile element is provided with means for locking said arm of stress, so as to secure said movable elements in said second position.

 This constraint arm makes it possible on the one hand to join together between the mobile elements for safety reasons, and on the other hand to guarantee perfect synchronism of the two drive means, even when the latter do not support the same load.

 According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, said first and second pinions are mounted in the lower part of the carriages of the first and last movable elements, said carriages being provided in their upper part with a idler gear, each of said idler idlers cooperating with one of said racks.

 The idler gears are intended to prevent the tilting of the moving parts.

 Advantageously, said carriages are preferably provided with a second set of rollers cooperating with the lateral faces of the slides so as to prevent the inclination of said steps in the direction of ascent thereof.

 Finally, several devices of this type can be superimposed, offset, for example to allow the crossing of a floor.

The invention, as well as the various advantages which it presents, will be more easily understood thanks to the description which follows of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings in which:
- Figures 1 to 3 describe the operating mode of the lifting step device according to the invention;
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention;
FIG. 5 is a side view of the device shown in FIG. 4;
- Figure 6 is a side view of the device according to Figure 4 when the platform is lowered to ground level;
- Figure 7 is a side view of the device according to Figure 4 when the platform is raised to the level of the floor;
- Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the operation of the safety device preventing the platform from disengaging and ensuring the synchronization of the drive means.

 According to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the device according to the invention can be installed to replace a stoop allowing access to a floor 41 from the ground 40. Such a device comprises three mobile elements, also called in the part of the invention lifting steps: a first element 1 constituting the first step from the ground, an intermediate mobile element 2 constituting the second step, and a last mobile element 3 constituting the third step, the fourth step being constituted by the elevation between stage 41 and the last step formed by the mobile element 3.

 According to Figure 1, the three mobile elements are shown in their "staircase" position and the device has the general external appearance of a conventional porch. Generally, this is the default position.

 It will be noted that, although the embodiment described only implements an intermediate movable element 2, the device may include more than one such intermediate element.

 According to Figure 2, the three movable elements 1, 2, 3 are lowered to ground level so as to form a platform 8 on which a person with reduced mobility, possibly in a wheelchair, can easily get on.

 FIG. 3 represents the platform 8 in its high position at the same level as the stage 41. When the platform 8 is raised, constituted by the mobile elements 1, 2, 3 placed in a single horizontal plane, an anti-fall lip 29 consisting of a plate parallel to the riser of the first movable element 1 is placed in order to avoid any fall of the person being on the platform 8.

 When using the step-up device, the user has a two-channel remote control. Note that it may, in other embodiments of the invention have other types of control. The remote control includes an "up" and a "down" command.

 The signals emitted by the remote control feed a programmable automaton which manages the progress of the "up-down" cycles. The latter monitors the status of 9 detectors (3 per motor, including the anti-fall lip motor) and controls 8 actuators (motors, latch and horn).

The procedure is similar to that used in a conventional elevator. When the user is upstairs and wishes to descend to ground level, the "descent" cycle is as follows:
- impulse and mantien of the "climb" button on the remote control (lift call),
- rise of the anti-fall lip 29,
- mounting of the movable elements 1, 2, 3 in the high position so as to form a flat
form 8 at level 41,
- release of the push button on the remote control,
- locking of moving parts,
- impulse and hold down the "down" button on the remote control once
that the user is mounted on the platform 8,
- descent from platform 8,
- unlocking and lowering of the anti-fall lip 29,
- release of the push button when the user has descended from the platform,
- pulse maintained on the "up" button to allow the return of
mobile elements 1, 2, 3 in the "staircase" position.

When, conversely, the user is at ground level and wants to access the floor, he uses the "descent" button on the remote control so as to call the moving elements in the "low platform" position:
- impulse and hold of the "descent" button,
positioning of the anti-fall lip 29 in a horizontal position,
- lowering of the movable elements 1, 2, 3 to form a platform 8 at the level
of the ground,
- release of the "down" button on the remote control,
- locking of the moving parts 1,2,3,
When the user is mounted on the platform,
- press and hold the "up" button on the remote control,
- rise of the platform 8 up to level 41,
- release of the button,
- impulse and hold of the "descent" button,
- unlocking of mobile elements 1, 2, 3,
- descent to the "staircase" position of the moving elements 1, 2, 3,
- retraction of the anti-fall lip 29.

Each "climb" and "descent" cycle is divided into three phases:
- training of the platform and access to it,
- level change then release,
- return of "staircase" elements.

 For people who have difficulty maintaining an impulse (for example quadriplegic people), the progress of each phase can be ordered by a simple memorized impulse.

 With reference to FIG. 4, the device for lifting steps according to the invention is shown in more detail in perspective.

 According to this figure, it can be seen that each movable element 1, 2, 3 consists of three plates arranged at right angles to each other.

 For each of the mobile elements, two of these plates (la and lb, 2a and 2b, 3a and 3b) respectively form the steps and the counter-steps of the device.

 These mobile elements are secured to a lateral frame 9 on only one of their side 10.

As already mentioned previously, it is also possible to envisage providing a frame on either side of the mobile elements and not on one side only. However, the use of a frame on one side makes it possible to considerably lighten the structure of the assembly and therefore to require masonry for implanting the device more discreet. This is particularly useful when the stairs or steps to be fitted are narrow.

 The first mobile element 1 and the third mobile element 3 are each provided with a motor (geared motor) 4, 5 allowing their vertical displacement along the frame 9. For this purpose, the mobile elements 1, 2, 3 are fixed to carriages 19, 20, 21 sliding on slides 15, 16, 17, 18 forming parts of the frame 9. The carriages 19, 20, 21 roll on the slides 15, 16, 17, 18 by means of sets of rollers and counter rollers 22a. The rollers 22 roll on the external face of the slides and the counter-rollers 22a roll on the internal face of the latter.

 Motors 4 and 5 can be replaced by any suitable drive means, such as side cylinders.

 The plane lb of the first mobile element 1 is designed so as to be able to form an anti-fall lip thanks to a motor provided under the mobile element 1 and making it possible to raise the plane lb thanks to a cam and to a lever 34.

 Control and synchronization means 7 are provided so as to allow the vertical displacement of the mobile elements 1, 2, 3, in a single horizontal plane so as to form a platform.

 Referring to Figure 5, the carriages 19, 20, 21 each have a set of four rollers 22-22 and four counter rollers 22a. The two rollers 22 located in the upper part of each carriage roll on the external face of the slides 15, 16, 17, 18 of the frame 9; while the corresponding counter-rollers (not shown) roll on the internal face of these slides.

 Conversely, the rollers located in the lower part of the carriages 19, 20, 21 roll on the internal face of the slides 15, 16, 17, 18 while the corresponding counter-rollers 22a roll on the external face of the latter. The rollers 22 which support the main forces to prevent an inclination of said movable elements 1, 2, 3 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of "climb" of the steps are formed of steel while the countergalets are formed of a plastic material.

 The motors 4 and 5 respectively equipping the first movable element 1 and the third movable element 3 allow the carriages 19 and 21 to be mounted along lateral racks 12 and 1 1 fixed to the frame by means of pinions 14a, 13a. Idler pinions 14 and 13 are rotated when the carriages 19 and 21 are raised and lowered.

 A connecting rod 6, mounted in rotation on an axis 25 provided on the second mobile element 2, connects the 3 mobile elements to each other. So as to allow the positioning of these three mobile elements to form the platform. This connecting rod 6 is provided at each of its ends with oblong holes 26 in which roll wheels 27 fixed to the movable elements 1 and 3.

 According to Figure 6, the motors 4 and 5 have been actuated so that the movable elements 1, 2, 3 form a platform essentially at ground level. These motors 4, 5 made it possible to lower the carriages 19, 20, 21 along the racks 11, 12 and the slides 15, 16, 17, 18 driving the mobile elements 1, 2, 3. The connecting rod 6 made it possible to cause the mobile element 2 to be positioned by rotation about the axis 25, the wheels 27 of the mobile elements 1, 3 moving in the oblong holes 26.

 With reference to FIG. 7, the motors 4 and 5 have been actuated so as to bring the platform constituted by the mobile elements 1, 2, 3 to the level of the stage. During this ascent, the carriages 19, 20, 21 moved under the effect of the motors 4, 5 along the racks 11 and 12 and the slides 15, 16, 17, 18.

 Before the start of this ascent, the lever 34 was actuated so as to allow the raising of the anti-fall lip 29 by means of the cam 35.

 FIGS. 8 and 9 schematically represent the operating mode of the safety device with which the embodiment of the lifting step device described here is equipped.

 A constraint arm 30 is fixed to step 3, for example by welding.

 When the platform 8 formed by the movable elements 1, 2, 3 is formed, the constraint arm 30 rests on all of the 3 elements. An electromagnet 32 is then automatically actuated so as to engage locking means 31 in the constraint arm 30.

 In this way, the undesirable separation of the elements of the platform (which can be caused for example by the rupture of a reduction gear shaft) is prevented during the ascent or descent of the user on the platform. In addition, the synchronization of the motors when moving the platform.

 Several improvements can be added to this device, to improve comfort and / or safety. Thus, a seal, or a broom, can be placed between each movable element, to prevent an object from passing between two of these elements. One can also provide a curtain with automatic winding, taking place during the rise of the platform and preventing access under it.

 The embodiment described here is not intended to reduce the scope thereof.

In particular, the device can comprise more than one intermediate lifting step, so as to form a device having more than three steps. In particular, devices with two intermediate elements are provided. This makes it possible to vary the stroke of the platform and its surface, as required.

 It should be noted that the invention allows very great adaptability of these dimensions, by simply adjusting the strokes of the motors, from standard mobile elements.

 In addition, several sets (with three or four lifting steps) can be combined to cross significant heights. They can in particular be installed so that, in the "staircase" position, they form a single staircase, and that in the "platform" position, the high position of the first platform allows access to the second platform in the low position.

 The invention is not limited either to the area of the crossing of ruptures by people with reduced mobility. Indeed, it can find many other applications, for example in industry (factories, warehouses, ...), public buildings, ...

Claims (10)

 1. Elevating step device characterized in that it comprises:  - a set of at least three movable elements (1,2,3) vertically presenting  each at least two planes essentially perpendicular to each other forming  steps (la, 2a, 3a) and risers (lb, 2b, 3b);  - at least first means (4) for vertical drive of the first  movable end element (1) of said set of movable elements and at least  second means (5) for vertically driving the last movable end element  (3) said set of moving elements;  - connecting means (6) cooperating with the first movable element (1), the  last mobile element (3) and at least one intermediate mobile element (2) provided  between said first movable member (1) and said last movable member (3), said  connecting means (6) allowing the vertical displacement of the said element or elements  intermediates (2) during the vertical displacement of said first mobile element (1)  and / or said last mobile element (3);  - control means (7) of said drive means (4,5), allowing  to position said mobile elements in at least two stable positions:  - a first position in which said movable elements (1,2,3)  form a staircase, and  - a second position in which said movable elements (1,2,3)  are aligned in one and the same essentially horizontal plane, so  thus forming a platform (8), said control means (7) authorizing  the vertical translation of said platform thus formed between a position  low and at least one high position.  2. A step-up device according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a frame (9) installed on at least one side (10) of said set of movable elements (1,2,3), said frame (9) being equipped with a first vertical rack (11) and a second vertical rack (12) and in that said first movable member (1) is provided with a first pinion (13) and said last movable member (3) is equipped with a second pinion (14), said first drive means (4) allowing the drive of said first pinion (13) and said first movable element (1) along said first vertical rack (11) and said second drive means (5) for driving said second pinion (14) and said last movable element (3) along said second vertical rack (12).  3. Elevating step device according to one of claims 1 or 2 characterized in that said frame (9) has vertical slides (15,16,17,18) and in that said movable elements (1,2,3 ) are each provided with a lateral carriage (19,20,21) having rollers (22) and counter-rollers (22a) allowing the movement of said carriages (19,20,21) along said slideways (15,16 , 17,18).  4. Elevating step device according to claim 3 characterized in that said carriages (19,20,21) each have a first set of four rollers (22) cooperating with four counter-rollers (22a), two of said rollers (22) being fixed essentially in the upper part of each of said carriages (19,20,21) and two of said rollers (22) being fixed essentially in the lower part of each of said carriages (19,20,21), the rollers (22) fixed in the upper part of said carriages (19,20,21) cooperating with the external face (24) of said slides and the rollers fixed in the lower part of said carriages (19,20,21) cooperating with the internal face (23) of said slideways .  5. A lifting step device according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that said connecting means consist of a connecting rod (6) connecting said movable elements (1,2,3), said connecting rod (6) being rotatably mounted on an axis integral (25) of said intermediate movable element (2) and being provided with oblong holes (26) cooperating with wheels (27) rotatably mounted on the other movable elements (1,3).  6. A lifting step device according to claim 1 to 5 characterized in that said first movable element (1) comprises an anti-fall lip (29) substantially pressed against the riser (lb) of said first movable element in said first position, and cooperating with a third motor (28) making it possible to raise it in said second position.  7. A step-up device according to claim 1 to 6 characterized in that it comprises a horizontal restraint and locking arm (30) integral with said last mobile element (3) and extending up to said first mobile element (1 ), and in that said first movable element (1) is provided with locking means (31) with said constraint arm (30), so as to secure said movable elements (1,2,3) in said second position.  8. Device according to one of claims 2 to 7 characterized in that said first and second pinions (13,14) are mounted in the lower part of the carriages (19,21) of the first (1) and the last (3) movable elements, said carriages (19,21) being provided in their upper part with a idler gear (13a, 14a), each of said idler gears cooperating with one of said racks (11,12).  9. Device according to one of claims 4 to 8 characterized in that said carriages (19,20,21) are provided with a second set of rollers (33) cooperating with the lateral faces of the slides so as to prevent tilting said steps (la, lb, lc).  10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that it comprises at least a second set of mobile elements capable of also taking at least two stable positions, corresponding respectively to the formation of a staircase and d 'a platform, and in that the low position of said platform of said second set is in the same horizontal plane as the high position of the platform of the first set of movable elements (1,2,3).