(19)
(11)EP 3 478 618 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
09.09.2020 Bulletin 2020/37

(21)Application number: 17725754.0

(22)Date of filing:  19.05.2017
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
B66B 9/08(2006.01)
(86)International application number:
PCT/GB2017/051415
(87)International publication number:
WO 2018/002573 (04.01.2018 Gazette  2018/01)

(54)

DRIVE UNIT

ANTRIEBSEINHEIT

UNITÉ D'ENTRAÎNEMENT


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30)Priority: 30.06.2016 GB 201611478

(43)Date of publication of application:
08.05.2019 Bulletin 2019/19

(73)Proprietor: Platinum Stairlifts Ltd
Cross Hills, Yorkshire BD20 7BW (GB)

(72)Inventors:
  • DUIJNSTEE, Eduard
    2935 AB Ouderkerk aan den IJssel (NL)
  • HANCOCK, Gavin
    Durham Durham DH7 8PE (GB)
  • REES, Michael
    Cross Hills Yorkshire BD20 7BW (GB)

(74)Representative: Barker Brettell LLP 
100 Hagley Road Edgbaston
Birmingham B16 8QQ
Birmingham B16 8QQ (GB)


(56)References cited: : 
EP-A1- 1 449 801
GB-A- 2 527 410
WO-A1-2014/098575
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description


    [0001] The present invention relates to a drive unit for a rail-guided displacement device, such as, but not exclusively, a stair lift.

    [0002] Stair lifts have been used for several years, in order to transport people who have difficulty negotiating staircases from one floor to another. Stair lifts generally comprise a rail arrangement which runs along a staircase in a similar manner to a bannister. The rail arrangement may comprise a single rail or a plurality of rails. Stair lifts further comprise a drive unit, which runs along the rail(s) and which supports a load-bearing means typically comprising a support platform such as a seat.

    [0003] In many instances, the stair lift will travel along a rail or rails comprising straight sections and/or curved sections of variable gradients. The combination of straight rail sections, curved rail sections and variations in gradient will depend upon the shape and dimensions of the staircase. For instance, a staircase may comprise two or more flights, often of different gradients and frequently with horizontal rail sections as corners are turned and level floor sections are negotiated.

    [0004] The rail arrangement may comprise at least one of the following types of bend: climbing bends, in which the gradient of the rail arrangement changes; flat bends, in which the direction of the rail arrangement changes and the gradient does not change; and bends that are a mixture of a climbing bend and a flat bend, i.e. where the gradient and the direction of the rail arrangement change.

    [0005] It would be desirable for the stair lift to be capable of negotiating smoothly and reliably a rail arrangement comprising any combination of types of bend.

    [0006] WO97/12830 discloses a running gear for a drive mechanism for a rail-guided displacement device, such as a stair lift. The running gear comprises a base part, drive means and at least two sets of guide wheels, arranged behind each other, viewed in direction of travel of the running gear, so that, during use, the running gear is guided along the rail in a desired position by the guide wheels, characterised in that the base part comprises at least a bridge piece, a first and a second frame part, the frame parts each being connected to the bridge piece so as to be movable about at least one swivel axis, each frame part carrying a set of guide wheels and the frame parts being mutually coupled by coupling means which form a mechanical mirror, so that the movements of the first and the second part are always each other's mirror image in a first plane of symmetry extending at right angles to the driving direction of the running gear between the first and the second frame part, and viewed relative to the bridge piece. Also WO 2014/098575 discloses a stairlift drive unit.

    [0007] A first aspect of the invention provides a drive unit for a rail-guided displacement device comprising:

    a base part;

    a housing comprising:
    a first yoke shaft sleeve and a second yoke shaft sleeve, the first yoke shaft sleeve and the second yoke shaft sleeve being spaced apart and disposed on opposite sides of the base part, and a cross sleeve rigidly connecting the first yoke shaft sleeve and the second yoke shaft sleeve; wherein the housing is pivotally connected to the base part such that the housing can pivot, in use, relative to the base part about a pivot axis;

    a first yoke and a second yoke, each of the first yoke and the second yoke comprising:

    a guide wheel assembly, the guide wheel assembly comprising one or more guide wheels arranged to roll, in use, along a running rail; and

    a yoke shaft;

    wherein the yoke shaft of the first yoke is received in the first yoke sleeve and the yoke shaft of the second yoke is received in the second yoke sleeve, the yoke shafts being movable longitudinally within their respective yoke sleeve, in use; and

    a communication means disposed at least partially within the cross sleeve, the communication means providing communication between the yoke shafts in the yoke sleeves and being configured such that when, in use, one of the yoke shafts moves longitudinally in its yoke sleeve the communication means causes the other of the yoke shafts correspondingly to move longitudinally in its yoke sleeve.



    [0008] Advantageously, the drive unit may be able to negotiate rails comprising all types of bends, due to the combination of pivotal movement of the housing relative to the base part, which results in a swing of the yoke shaft sleeves, and the longitudinal movements of the yoke shafts within their respective yoke sleeves, which longitudinal movements correspond with one another due to the communication means providing communication between the yoke shafts.

    [0009] In effect, the drive unit provides a mirror, e.g. an at least partially mechanical mirror, whereby, in use, movements of the first yoke shaft and the second yoke shaft are each other's mirror image in a plane of symmetry. This plane of symmetry is in a plane lying between the first yoke shaft sleeve and the second yoke shaft sleeve. The plane of symmetry is positioned at right angles to the driving direction of the drive unit, i.e. the direction of movement of the drive unit at the location of the plane of symmetry extends at least substantially as a normal to the relevant plane of symmetry.

    [0010] Advantageously, the guide wheels of the first yoke can move relative to the guide wheels of the second yoke such that the plane in which the axes of the respective guide wheels are located always intersects the rail(s) at right angles. Thus, each guide wheel can continuously be held in such a position relative to the rail(s) that the tread thereof is located parallel to a tangent to the relevant part of a curve, so that when the curve is being traversed, each guide wheel can move through that curve while rolling in an optimum manner. As a result of each movement of one yoke being mirrored relative to the other yoke, when, for instance, a curve is run into or negotiated, the position of the leading yoke is adjusted by the leading guide wheels, so that the guide wheels may follow an ideal line. The position of the following yoke also correspondingly adjusts to the curve being negotiated and consequently the guide wheels of the following yoke may follow the ideal line.

    [0011] In an embodiment, the communication means may comprise a mechanical mirror shaft configured to engage with the yoke shafts. For instance, the mechanical mirror shaft may engage with the yoke shafts such that longitudinal movement of the yoke shafts within the yoke shaft sleeves causes rotational movement of the mechanical mirror shaft. The mechanical mirror shaft may rotate, in use, about the longitudinal axis of the cross sleeve.

    [0012] The mechanical mirror shaft may comprise gears at or near its ends and the yoke shafts may each comprise toothed portions, the gear at or near each end of the mechanical mirror shaft being in engagement with the toothed portion of one of the yoke shafts.

    [0013] In an embodiment, the pivot axis may be offset from the longitudinal axis of the cross sleeve.

    [0014] In an embodiment, the yoke shafts may be parallel with each other. Central longitudinal axes of the yoke shafts may be parallel with each other and may extend substantially perpendicularly to a plane containing the pivot axis and the longitudinal axis of the cross sleeve. Typically, the central longitudinal axes of the yoke shafts may intersect a plane containing the pivot axis and the longitudinal axis of the cross sleeve. In embodiments, in which the pivot axis is offset from the longitudinal axis of the cross sleeve, the central longitudinal axes of the yoke shafts may intersect the plane containing the pivot axis and the longitudinal axis of the cross sleeve between the pivot axis and the longitudinal axis of the cross sleeve.

    [0015] In an embodiment, the guide wheel assemblies may each comprise a plurality of guide wheels.
    In an embodiment, each guide wheel assembly may be pivotable relative to the yoke, e.g. such that the guide wheel assemblies may each remain, in use, perpendicular to the running rail being traversed by the drive unit.

    [0016] In an embodiment, each yoke may comprise an open jaw having the guide wheel assembly mounted therein. The guide wheel assembly may be pivotally mounted in the open jaw.

    [0017] The yoke shaft may extend in an outward direction from the open jaw.

    [0018] The drive unit may comprise at least one sensor operable to measure the relative angle of the housing to the base part. The sensor(s) operable to measure the relative angle of the housing to the base part may comprise an encoder or a potentiometer arranged to measure rotation about the pivot axis.

    [0019] The drive unit may comprise at least one sensor operable to measure, directly or indirectly, longitudinal movement of each yoke shaft within its respective yoke shaft sleeve.

    [0020] In embodiments comprising a mechanical mirror shaft configured to engage with the yoke shafts, the sensor(s) operable to measure, directly or indirectly, longitudinal movement of each yoke shaft within its respective yoke shaft sleeve may comprise an encoder or a potentiometer arranged to measure rotation about the longitudinal axis of the cross sleeve.

    [0021] In some embodiments, the drive unit may comprise a drive means operable to move, in use, the drive unit along a running rail.

    [0022] The drive means may comprise a motor, e.g. an electric motor.

    [0023] The drive means may further comprise a gearbox coupled to the motor.

    [0024] The drive means may comprise a drive wheel. The drive wheel may be a pinion configured to engage with a rack extending alongside the running rail.

    [0025] The drive unit may comprise a sensor arranged to measure and/or monitor operation of the drive means, or, typically, of the motor. The sensor arranged to measure and/or monitor operation of the drive means may comprise an encoder or a potentiometer arranged to measure rotations of the motor.

    [0026] A second aspect of the invention provides a rail-guided displacement device, e.g. a stair lift, comprising a drive unit according to the first aspect of the invention and a support platform attached to the base part of the drive unit.

    [0027] The support platform may for example comprise a chair or a seat.

    [0028] In some embodiments, the displacement device may comprise an inclinometer coupled to the support platform.

    [0029] A third aspect of the invention provides a rail-guided displacement device system, e.g. a stair lift system, comprising:

    a running rail;

    a rail-guided displacement device according to the second aspect of the invention on the running rail; and

    a control system operable to control travel of the rail-guided displacement device along the running rail.



    [0030] The rail-guided displacement device system may comprise a single running rail.

    [0031] The running rail may be configured at an end to provide a first step start.

    [0032] The control system may control travel of the rail-guided displacement device in response to signals received from one or more sensors, e.g. encoders or potentiometers, in or on the drive unit.

    [0033] The control system may comprise a level control system operable to hold the support platform level as the rail-guided displacement device moves along the running rail.

    [0034] The control system may be operable to vary the speed of the rail-guided displacement device as it moves along the running rail. For instance, the control system may operate to reduce the speed of the rail-guided displacement device as it approaches and/or travels around a bend in the running rail.

    [0035] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of installing a rail-guided displacement device system at an intended site of use, the method comprising:

    mounting a drive unit according to the first aspect of the invention on a running rail; and

    installing a control system operable to control travel of the rail-guided displacement device along the running rail.



    [0036] The method may include the step of fixing the running rail in place at the intended site of use.

    [0037] The intended site of use may comprise at least one staircase.

    [0038] The method may further comprise the step of attaching a support platform to the base part of the drive unit, e.g. to provide a rail-guided displacement device according to the second aspect of the invention for mounting on the running rail.

    [0039] In order that the invention can be well understood, certain embodiments will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

    Figure 1 shows an example embodiment of a drive unit for a stair lift according to the invention;

    Figure 2 shows in more detail and partially cut away, the housing and yokes of the drive unit shown in Figure 1;

    Figure 3 is a side elevation of the drive unit of Figure 1;

    Figure 4 illustrates schematically a drive unit according to the invention traversing a climbing bend; and

    Figure 5 illustrates schematically a drive unit according to the invention traversing a flat bend.



    [0040] Figures 1 and 3 show a drive unit 1 according to an example embodiment of the invention. The drive unit 1 is adapted for use with a single running rail (not shown), typically of round cross-section, running alongside a staircase.

    [0041] The drive unit 1 comprises a base part 2. The base part 2 has a rear portion and a front portion with an intermediate cross portion extending between the rear portion and the front portion. In the rear portion of the base part 2, there is a gear box housing 18 containing a gear box. The gear box is coupled to a motor 17, typically an electric motor. The motor is located above the gear box housing 18. Below the gear box, at the bottom of the base part 2 is a pinion 19. The pinion 19 is coupled to the gear box and hence the motor. The pinion 19 is configured to engage with a rack (not shown) arranged below the running rail. Together, the motor, gear box and pinion 19 provide a drive means operable to move, in use, the drive unit 1 along the running rail. Located between gear box housing 18 and the pinion 19 is a central guide wheel 24, configured to roll, in use, along the running rail. A sensor such as a motor encoder 16 is coupled to the motor and is operable to measure rotation of the motor. Alternatively, the sensor coupled to the motor and operable to measure rotation of the motor may comprise a potentiometer. A data link (not shown) is provided to carry data from the motor encoder 16 to a control system (not shown). A connector (not shown) is provided for connecting the motor to a power supply (not shown).

    [0042] The front portion of the base part 2 is provided with means such as a socket 25 for securing a support surface or platform (not shown) such as a seat or chair to the drive unit 1. A means for maintaining the support surface in a horizontal orientation during travel may be provided. The means for maintaining the support surface in a horizontal orientation during travel may comprise an inclinometer.

    [0043] The drive unit 1 further comprises a housing 3, which is pivotally connected to the base part 2. The parts of the housing 3 are shown particularly clearly in Figure 2, as well as in Figures 1 and 3.

    [0044] The housing 3 comprises a pair of elongate yoke shaft sleeves 4a, 4b, disposed on opposite sides of the base part 2. The elongate yoke shaft sleeves 4a, 4b have parallel longitudinal axes. A cross sleeve 5 rigidly connects the elongate yoke shaft sleeves 4a, 4b to each other. The cross sleeve 5 extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axes of the yoke shaft sleeves 4a, 4b. The cross sleeve 5 passes over the intermediate cross portion and between the rear portion and the front portion of the base part 2.

    [0045] The housing 3 is pivotally connected to the base part 2 at a pair of pivot points 6a, 6b, located on opposite sides of the base part 2. In use, the housing 3 pivots relative to the base part 2 about a pivot axis 7, which passes through pivot points 6a, 6b. A pivot encoder 14 is provided to measure rotation about the pivot axis 7. A data link (not shown) is provided to carry data from the pivot encoder 14 to a control system (not shown). It will be appreciated that the pivot encoder 14 is an example of a sensor that could be employed to measure rotation about the pivot axis 7. An alternative sensor could comprise a potentiometer.

    [0046] The cross sleeve 5 contains a mechanical mirror shaft (not shown), which has at each end a gear 23a. A mechanical mirror shaft encoder 15 is provided to measure rotation of the mechanical mirror shaft about a longitudinal axis 8 of the cross sleeve 5. A data link (not shown) is provided to carry data from the mechanical mirror shaft encoder 15 to a control system (not shown). It will be appreciated that the mechanical mirror shaft encoder 15 is an example of a sensor that could be employed to measure rotation of the mechanical mirror shaft about a longitudinal axis 8 of the cross sleeve 5. An alternative sensor could comprise a potentiometer.

    [0047] Each yoke shaft sleeve 4a, 4b is adapted to receive a yoke shaft 13a, 13b of a yoke 9a, 9b.

    [0048] Each yoke 9a, 9b comprises an open jaw portion 10a, 10b, in which is pivotally mounted a guide wheel assembly 11a, 11b comprising a plurality of yoke guide wheels 12a, 12b. The yoke guide wheels 12a, 12b are arranged to roll, in use, along the running rail. Each guide wheel assembly 11a, 11b is pivotally mounted in its respective open jaw portion 10a, 10b such that, in use, the guide wheel assembly 11a, 11b will remain perpendicular to the running rail.

    [0049] The drive unit 1 is configured such that the running rail (not shown) passes, in use, through the open jaw portions 10a, 10b of the yokes 9a, 9b disposed on opposite sides of the base part 2 and beneath the cross portion of the base part 2. Thus, the yoke guide wheels 12a, 12b and the central guide wheel 24, which is located between the yokes 9a, 9b, run along the running rail, in use.

    [0050] The yoke shaft 13a, 13b of each yoke 9a, 9b extends away from the open jaw portion 10a, 10b and passes through the yoke shaft sleeve 4a, 4b. Each yoke shaft 13a, 13b is movable, in use, longitudinally within the yoke shaft sleeve 4a, 4b, in which the yoke shaft sleeve 13a, 13b is received. Central longitudinal axes 20a, 20b of the yoke shafts 13a, 13b are indicated in the drawings. The yoke shafts 13a, 13b can move longitudinally within the yoke shaft sleeves 4a, 4b.

    [0051] As shown in Figure 2, the yoke shaft 13a has a toothed portion 22a located in an intermediate region of the yoke shaft 13a. The toothed portion 22a engages with the gear 23a at the end of the mechanical mirror shaft. The other yoke shaft 13b also has a toothed portion (not shown) located in an intermediate region of the yoke shaft 13b. The toothed portion engages with a gear (not shown) at the respective end of the mechanical mirror shaft.

    [0052] The engagement between toothed portions on the yoke shafts 13a, 13b and the gears on the mechanical mirror shaft mean that the mechanical mirror shaft rotates as the yoke shafts 13a, 13b move longitudinally in their respective yoke shaft sleeves 4a, 4b. The rotation of the mechanical mirror shaft is measured, in use, by the mechanical mirror shaft encoder 15. From this measurement, the position of the yoke shafts 13a, 13b in their respective yoke shaft sleeves 4a, 4b can be inferred. The mechanical mirror shaft acts to ensure that when one yoke shaft moves, the other yoke shaft also moves.

    [0053] As can be seen in Figure 1, the pivot axis 7 is offset from the longitudinal axis 8 of the cross sleeve 5. Such an offset is not required for proper functioning of the drive unit 1, i.e. the pivot axis 7 and the longitudinal axis 8 of the cross sleeve 5 may not be offset from each other. The central longitudinal axes 20a, 20b of the yoke shafts 13a, 13b are parallel with each other and extend perpendicularly to a plane containing the pivot axis 7 and the longitudinal axis 8 of the cross sleeve 5. The central longitudinal axes 20a, 20b of the yoke shafts 13a, 13b intersect the plane containing the pivot axis 7 and the longitudinal axis 8 of the cross sleeve 5 between the pivot axis 7 and the longitudinal axis 8 of the cross sleeve 5.

    [0054] By pivoting about the pivot axis 7, in use, the housing 3 moves through a housing swing arc 21a. As a consequence, the yokes 9a, 9b, move, in use, through a yoke swing arc 21b.

    [0055] The combination of a swing motion and longitudinal movement of the connected yoke shafts enables the drive unit to traverse, in use, a running rail having any combination of types of bend.

    [0056] Figure 4 shows schematically a side view of a drive unit according to the invention traversing a climbing bend 48 in a running rail. The climbing bend 48 is between a horizontal section 40 of the running rail and a sloping section 41 of the running rail. The drive unit is travelling in the direction indicated by the arrow 42. Shown schematically is a base part 43 of a drive unit between a leading yoke 44a with a yoke shaft 45a and a following yoke 44b with a yoke shaft 45b. Longitudinal movement of the yoke shafts 45a, 45b within the yoke shaft sleeves is indicated by the double headed arrows 46a, 46b. Each yoke 44a, 44b has a guide wheel assembly 47a, 47b pivotally connected thereto. As can be seen in Figure 4, the guide wheel assemblies 47a, 47b pivot relative to their respective yokes 44a, 44b such that the guide wheel assemblies 47a, 47b remain perpendicular to the running rail as the drive unit traverses the climbing bend 48.

    [0057] Figure 5 shows schematically a plan view of a drive unit according to the invention traversing a flat bend 57 in a running rail. The flat bend 57 is between a first section 50 of the running rail and a second section 51 of the running rail, the second section 51 of the running rail extending in a different direction from the first section 50 of the running rail. The drive unit is travelling in the direction indicated by the arrow 52. Shown schematically is a base part 53 of a drive unit between a leading yoke 54a with a yoke shaft 55a and a following yoke 54b with a yoke shaft 55b. Swing movement of the yoke shafts 55a, 55b is indicated by the arrows 56a, 56b.

    [0058] A stair lift system may comprise a drive unit according to the present invention. In such a stair lift system, the drive unit may be coupled to a support platform such as a seat or a chair. The stair lift system may comprise a running rail. The stair lift system may comprise a control system in communication with the drive unit and operable to control movement of the drive unit along the running rail. In particular, one or more sensors (e.g. encoders or potentiometers) on the drive unit may be in communication with the control system.

    [0059] Conveniently, the drive unit of the present invention can be used with a running rail that is configured for a first step start. In a first step start configuration, the running rail typically comprises a vertical section adjacent a first step of a staircase. Having a running rail that is configured for a first step start may be particularly beneficial in stair lift systems installed on staircases in relatively confined spaces.

    [0060] An example of the operation of the drive unit 1, or a stair lift system comprising the drive unit 1, will now be described.

    [0061] The yoke guide wheels 12a, 12b of the guide wheel assemblies 11a, 11b mounted in the yokes 9a, 9b provide a connection with the running rail either side of the base part 2 of the drive unit 1. As described above, the yokes 9a, 9b are connected together via the toothed portions of yoke shafts 13a, 13b engaging with the gears on the mechanical mirror shaft. Accordingly, a mechanical mirror is formed, which causes, in use, both yokes 9a, 9b to move together when the drive unit enters a climbing bend (or a bend comprising a climbing component).

    [0062] In the climbing bend, the angle of rotation of the mechanical mirror shaft inside the cross sleeve 5 is dependent upon the rate of change of the gradient of the running rail. This gradient is inferred from readings taken by the mechanical mirror shaft encoder 15. Consequently, the control system is provided with the instantaneous rate of change of the gradient of the running rail.

    [0063] As described above, the housing 3 is pivotally connected to the base part 2, which allows the drive unit 1 to negotiate flat bends (or bends comprising a flat bend component). In a flat bend, the swing angle between the housing 3 and the base part 2 is dependent upon the rate of change of direction (horizontal angle) of the running rail. The pivot encoder 14 measures the angle of the housing 3 relative to the base part 2. Consequently, the control system is provided with the instantaneous rate of change of the direction (horizontal angle) of the running rail.

    [0064] In addition, the motor encoder 16 is operable to provide the control system with measurements of the rotation of the motor, from which the distance travelled along the running rail can be inferred.

    [0065] A support platform such as a seat or chair typically may be coupled to the drive unit. In use, the support platform may be kept in a substantially horizontal orientation. For instance, a chair may be attached to the drive unit on a horizontal axis of rotation. Means to tilt the chair about the horizontal axis, in use, may be provided to tilt the chair such that the chair remains substantially horizontal to the ground as the gradient of the running rail changes.

    [0066] An inclinometer may be coupled to the chair and may be in communication with the control system. Accordingly, the control system may use data received from the inclinometer to determine, in use, the angle of the chair to the horizontal.

    [0067] In some embodiments, the stair lift system may comprise a level control system operable to hold the support platform, e.g. seat or chair, horizontal as the drive unit moves along the rail and the gradient of the rail changes with respect to the horizontal.

    [0068] For instance, the level control system may be configured to integrate the output of the mechanical mirror shaft encoder 15. The integrated value may then provide a demand proportional to the angular rotation of the support platform, e.g. seat or chair, about the horizontal axis required to maintain the support platform in a substantially horizontal position.

    [0069] In embodiments comprising an inclinometer, the output of the inclinometer may be used to recalibrate the stair lift system against long-term drift. The inclinometer may be monitored by the control system during operation. The control system may be configured to shut down the stair lift system and/or issue an alarm or warning message in the event that the inclinometer detects that the support platform, e.g. seat or chair, is no longer level (i.e. in a substantially horizontal position).

    [0070] By receiving data from the mechanical mirror shaft encoder 15, the pivot encoder 14 and, optionally, the motor encoder 16, the control system may determine in real-time where on the running rail the drive unit 1 is located. Accordingly, there may be no need to pre-program and/or memory map the drive unit and control system for a given running rail when installing a stair lift system according to the invention.

    [0071] The control system may be operable to establish the positions of the ends of the running rail. The output of the sensors (e.g. comprising encoders or potentiometers) measuring the angle of the housing relative to the base part and the rotation of the mechanical mirror shaft may be monitored by the control system to determine in real-time the position of bends in the running rail. In response, the control system may be operable to vary the speed of travel of the drive unit as it travels along the running rail, e.g. to implement a speed decrease as the drive unit enters a bend and/or to implement a speed increase as the drive unit exits a bend.

    [0072] A number of modifications and variations will be apparent to the skilled person, and the foregoing examples are not intended to limit the invention, which should be determined with reference to the appended claims.


    Claims

    1. A drive unit (1) for a rail-guided displacement device comprising:

    a base part; (2)

    a housing (18) comprising:

    a first yoke shaft sleeve (4a) and a second yoke shaft sleeve, (4b) the first yoke shaft sleeve and the second yoke shaft sleeve being spaced apart and disposed on opposite sides of the base part, and a cross sleeve rigidly connecting the first yoke shaft sleeve and the second yoke shaft sleeve; wherein the housing (18) is pivotally connected to the base part such that the housing can pivot, in use, relative to the base part about a pivot axis;

    a first yoke (9a) and a second yoke, (9b) each of the first yoke and the second yoke comprising:

    a guide wheel assembly, (11a,11b) the guide wheel assembly comprising one or more guide wheels arranged to roll, in use, along a running rail; and

    a yoke shaft;

    wherein the yoke shaft of the first yoke is received in the first yoke sleeve and the yoke shaft of the second yoke is received in the second yoke sleeve, the yoke shafts being movable longitudinally within their respective yoke sleeve, in use; and

    a communication means (23a)

    disposed at least partially within the cross sleeve, the communication means providing communication between the yoke shafts in the yoke sleeves and being configured such that when, in use, one of the yoke shafts moves longitudinally in its yoke sleeve (4a,4b) the communication means causes the other of the yoke shafts correspondingly to move longitudinally in its yoke sleeve.


     
    2. A drive unit according to claim 1, wherein the communication means comprises a mechanical mirror shaft configured to engage with the yoke shafts, optionally wherein the mechanical mirror shaft engages with the yoke shafts such that longitudinal movement of the yoke shafts within the yoke shaft sleeves causes rotational movement of the mechanical mirror shaft.
     
    3. A drive unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pivot axis is offset from the longitudinal axis of the cross sleeve.
     
    4. A drive unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein central longitudinal axes of the yoke shafts are parallel with each other and extend substantially perpendicularly to a plane containing the pivot axis and the longitudinal axis of the cross sleeve, optionally wherein the central longitudinal axes of the yoke shafts intersect a plane containing the pivot axis and the longitudinal axis of the cross sleeve.
     
    5. A drive unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the following apply:

    a) each guide wheel assembly is pivotable relative to its respective yoke;

    b) each yoke comprises an open jaw having the guide wheel assembly mounted therein;

    c) the drive unit comprises at least one sensor operable to measure the relative angle of the housing to the base part; and

    d) the drive unit comprises at least one sensor operable to measure, directly or indirectly, longitudinal movement of each yoke shaft within its respective yoke shaft sleeve.


     
    6. A drive unit according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a drive means operable to move, in use, the drive unit along a running rail, optionally comprising a sensor arranged to measure and/or monitor operation of the drive means.
     
    7. A rail-guided displacement device comprising a drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6and a support platform attached to the base part of the drive unit, optionally comprising an inclinometer coupled to the support platform, and/or optionally wherein the support platform comprises a chair or a seat.
     
    8. A rail-guided displacement device system comprising:

    a running rail;

    a rail-guided displacement device according to claim 7on the running rail; and

    a control system operable to control travel of the rail-guided displacement device along the running rail.


     
    9. A rail-guided displacement device system according to claim 8 comprising a single running rail.
     
    10. A rail-guided displacement device system according to claim 8 or claim 9wherein the rail-guided displacement device system is a stair lift system, optionally wherein the running rail is configured at an end to provide a first step start.
     
    11. A rail-guided displacement device system according to any one of claim 8, claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the control system controls travel of the rail-guided displacement device in response to signals received from one or more sensors in or on the drive unit, and/or wherein the control system comprises a level control system operable to hold the support platform level as the rail-guided displacement device moves along the running rail.
     
    12. A rail-guided displacement device system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the control system is operable to vary the speed of the rail-guided displacement device as the rail-guided displacement device moves along the running rail.
     
    13. A method of installing a rail-guided displacement device system at an intended site of use, the method comprising:

    mounting a drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6 on a running rail; and

    installing a control system operable to control travel of the rail-guided displacement device along the running rail.


     
    14. A method according to claim 13 including the step of fixing the running rail in place at the intended site of use, and/or wherein the intended site of use comprises at least one staircase.
     
    15. A method according to claim 13 or claim 14 further comprising the step of attaching a support platform to the base part of the drive unit, e.g. to provide a rail-guided displacement device according to claim 7 for mounting on the running rail.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Antriebseinheit (1) für eine schienengeführte Fortbewegungsvorrichtung, umfassend:

    einen Basisteil (2);

    ein Gehäuse (18), umfassend:

    eine erste Gabelwellenhülse (4a) und eine zweite Gabelwellenhülse (4b), wobei die erste Gabelwellenhülse und die zweite Gabelwellenhülse beabstandet sind und auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten des Basisteils angeordnet sind, und eine Querhülse, welche die erste Gabelwellenhülse und die zweite Gabelwellenhülse starr verbindet; wobei das Gehäuse (18) mit dem Basisteil derart schwenkbar verbunden ist, dass das Gehäuse im Gebrauch mit Bezug auf den Basisteil um eine Schwenkachse herum schwenken kann;

    eine erste Gabel (9a) und eine zweite Gabel (9b), wobei jede von der ersten Gabel und der zweiten Gabel Folgendes umfasst:

    eine Führungsradbaugruppe, (11a, 11b), wobei die Führungsradbaugruppe ein oder mehrere Führungsräder umfasst, die eingerichtet sind, um im Gebrauch an einer Laufschiene entlang zu rollen; und

    eine Gabelwelle;

    wobei die Gabelwelle der ersten Gabel in der ersten Gabelhülse aufgenommen ist und die Gabelwelle der zweiten Gabel in der zweiten Gabelhülse aufgenommen ist, wobei die Gabelwellen innerhalb ihrer jeweiligen Gabelhülse im Gebrauch in Längsrichtung bewegbar sind; und

    ein Verbindungsmittel (23a),

    das mindestens teilweise innerhalb der Querhülse angeordnet ist, wobei das Verbindungsmittel eine Verbindung zwischen den Gabelwellen in den Gabelhülsen bereitstellt und derart konfiguriert ist, dass wenn sich im Gebrauch eine der Gabelwellen in ihrer Gabelhülse (4a, 4b) in Längsrichtung bewegt, das Verbindungsmittel bewirkt, dass sich die andere der Gabelwellen in ihrer Gabelhülse entsprechend in Längsrichtung bewegt.


     
    2. Antriebseinheit nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Verbindungsmittel eine mechanische Spiegelwelle umfasst, die konfiguriert ist, um mit den Gabelwellen in Eingriff zu kommen, wobei die mechanische Spiegelwelle mit den Gabelwellen derart in Eingriff kommt, dass die Längsbewegung der Gabelwellen innerhalb der Gabelwellenhülsen eine Drehbewegung der mechanischen Spiegelwelle bewirkt.
     
    3. Antriebseinheit nach Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, wobei die Schwenkachse gegenüber der Längsachse der Querhülse versetzt ist.
     
    4. Antriebseinheit nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die mittleren Längsachsen der Gabelwellen zueinander parallel sind und sich im Wesentlichen rechtwinklig zu einer Ebene erstrecken, welche die Schwenkachse und die Längsachse der Querhülse enthält, wobei wahlweise die mittleren Längsachsen der Gabelwellen eine Ebene kreuzen, welche die Schwenkachse und die Längsachse der Querhülse enthält.
     
    5. Antriebseinheit nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei ein oder mehrere der folgenden Punkte gelten:

    a) jede Führungsradbaugruppe ist mit Bezug auf ihre jeweilige Gabel schwenkbar;

    b) jede Gabel umfasst eine offene Backe, in der die Führungsradbaugruppe montiert ist;

    c) die Antriebseinheit umfasst mindestens einen Sensor, der betriebsfähig ist, um den relativen Winkel des Gehäuses zu dem Basisteil zu messen; und

    d) die Antriebseinheit umfasst mindestens einen Sensor, der betriebsfähig ist, um die Längsbewegung jeder Gabelwelle innerhalb ihrer jeweiligen Gabelwellenhülse zu messen.


     
    6. Antriebseinheit nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, umfassend ein Antriebsmittel, das betriebsfähig ist, um im Gebrauch die Antriebseinheit entlang einer Laufschiene zu bewegen, wahlweise umfassend einen Sensor, der eingerichtet ist, um den Betrieb der Antriebsmittel zu messen und/oder zu überwachen.
     
    7. Schienengeführte Fortbewegungsvorrichtung, umfassend eine Antriebseinheit nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6 und eine Stützplattform, die an dem Basisteil der Antriebseinheit angebracht ist, wahlweise umfassend einen Neigungsmesser, der mit der Stützplattform gekoppelt ist, und/oder wobei wahlweise die Stützplattform einen Sessel oder einen Sitz umfasst.
     
    8. Schienengeführtes Fortbewegungsvorrichtungssystem, umfassend:

    eine Laufschiene;

    eine schienengeführte Fortbewegungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 7 auf der Laufschiene; und

    ein Steuersystem, das betriebsfähig ist, um den Weg der schienengeführten Fortbewegungsvorrichtung entlang der Laufschiene zu steuern.


     
    9. Schienengeführtes Fortbewegungsvorrichtungssystem nach Anspruch 8, umfassend eine einzige Laufschiene.
     
    10. Schienengeführtes Fortbewegungsvorrichtungssystem nach Anspruch 8 oder Anspruch 9, wobei das schienengeführte Fortbewegungsvorrichtungssystem ein Treppenliftsystem ist, wobei die Laufschiene wahlweise an einem Ende konfiguriert ist, um einen Start auf der ersten Stufe bereitzustellen.
     
    11. Schienengeführtes Fortbewegungsvorrichtungssystem nach einem von Anspruch 8, Anspruch 9 oder Anspruch 10, wobei das Steuersystem den Weg der schienengeführten Fortbewegungsvorrichtung als Reaktion auf Signale, die von einem oder mehreren Sensoren in oder an der Antriebseinheit empfangen werden, steuert, und/oder wobei das Steuersystem ein Niveausteuersystem umfasst, das betriebsfähig ist, um das Stützplattformniveau zu halten, während sich die schienengeführte Fortbewegungsvorrichtung entlang der Laufschiene bewegt.
     
    12. Schienengeführtes Fortbewegungsvorrichtungssystem nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 11, wobei das Steuersystem betriebsfähig ist, um die Geschwindigkeit der schienengeführten Fortbewegungsvorrichtung zu variieren, während sich die schienengeführte Fortbewegungsvorrichtung entlang der Laufschiene bewegt.
     
    13. Verfahren zum Installieren eines schienengeführten Fortbewegungsvorrichtungssystems an einem beabsichtigten Verwendungsort, wobei das Verfahren folgende Schritte umfasst:

    Montieren einer Antriebseinheit nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6 auf einer Laufschiene; und

    Installieren eines Steuersystems, das betriebsfähig ist, um den Weg der schienengeführten Fortbewegungsvorrichtung entlang der Laufschiene zu steuern.


     
    14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 13, umfassend den Schritt des Befestigens der Laufschiene an dem beabsichtigten Verwendungsort, und/oder wobei der beabsichtigte Verwendungsort mindestens eine Treppe umfasst.
     
    15. Verfahren nach Anspruch 13 oder Anspruch 14, ferner umfassend den Schritt des Anbringens einer Stützplattform an dem Basisteil der Antriebseinheit, z. B. um eine schienengeführte Fortbewegungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 7 zum Montieren auf der Laufschiene bereitzustellen.
     


    Revendications

    1. Unité d'entraînement (1) pour un dispositif de déplacement guidé par rail comprenant :

    une partie de base (2) ;

    un logement (18) comprenant :

    un premier manchon d'arbre de fourche (4a) et un second manchon d'arbre de fourche (4b), le premier manchon d'arbre de fourche et le second manchon d'arbre de fourche étant espacés l'un de l'autre et disposés sur des côtés opposés de la partie de base, et un manchon croisé raccordant rigidement le premier manchon d'arbre de fourche et le second manchon d'arbre de fourche; dans laquelle le logement (18) est raccordé, de manière à pouvoir pivoter, à la partie de base de sorte que le logement puisse pivoter, en utilisation, par rapport à la partie de base autour d'un axe de pivot ;

    une première fourche (9a) et une seconde fourche (9b), chacune de la première fourche et de la seconde fourche comprenant :

    un ensemble de roues de guidage (11a, 11b), l'ensemble de roues de guidage comprenant une ou plusieurs roues de guidage agencées pour rouler, en utilisation, le long d'un rail de roulement ; et

    un arbre de fourche ;

    dans laquelle l'arbre de fourche de la première fourche est reçu dans le premier manchon de fourche et l'arbre de fourche de la seconde fourche est reçu dans le second manchon de fourche, les arbres de fourche étant déplaçables longitudinalement à l'intérieur de leur manchon de fourche respectif, en utilisation ; et

    un moyen de communication (23a) disposé au moins partiellement à l'intérieur du manchon croisé, le moyen de communication fournissant une communication entre les arbres de fourche dans les manchons de fourche et étant configuré de sorte que, lorsque, en utilisation, l'un des arbres de fourche se déplace longitudinalement dans son manchon de fourche (4a, 4b), le moyen de communication amène l'autre des arbres de fourche de manière correspondante à se déplacer longitudinalement dans son manchon de fourche.


     
    2. Unité d'entraînement selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le moyen de communication comprend un arbre miroir mécanique configuré pour se mettre en prise avec les arbres de fourche, facultativement dans laquelle l'arbre miroir mécanique se met en prise avec les arbres de fourche de sorte qu'un mouvement longitudinal des arbres de fourche à l'intérieur des manchons d'arbre de fourche provoque un mouvement rotationnel de l'arbre miroir mécanique.
     
    3. Unité d'entraînement selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, dans laquelle l'axe de pivot est décalé par rapport à l'axe longitudinal du manchon croisé.
     
    4. Unité d'entraînement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle des axes longitudinaux centraux des arbres de fourche sont parallèles l'un à l'autre et s'étendent sensiblement perpendiculairement à un plan contenant l'axe de pivot et l'axe longitudinal du manchon croisé, facultativement dans laquelle les axes longitudinaux centraux des arbres de fourche intersectent un plan contenant l'axe de pivot et l'axe longitudinal du manchon croisé.
     
    5. Unité d'entraînement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle un ou plusieurs de ce qui suit s'applique :

    a) chaque ensemble de roues de guidage peut pivoter par rapport à sa fourche respective ;

    b) chaque fourche comprend une mâchoire ouverte dans laquelle l'ensemble de roues de guidage est monté ;

    c) l'unité d'entraînement comprend au moins un capteur utilisable pour mesurer l'angle relatif du logement par rapport à la partie de base ; et

    d) l'unité d'entraînement comprend au moins un capteur utilisable pour mesurer, directement ou indirectement, un mouvement longitudinal de chaque arbre de fourche à l'intérieur de son manchon d'arbre de fourche respectif.


     
    6. Unité d'entraînement selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant un moyen d'entraînement utilisable pour déplacer, en utilisation, l'unité d'entraînement le long d'un rail de roulement, facultativement comprenant un capteur agencé pour mesurer et/ou surveiller un fonctionnement du moyen d'entraînement.
     
    7. Dispositif de déplacement guidé par rail comprenant une unité d'entraînement selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6 et une plate-forme de support attachée à la partie de base de l'unité d'entraînement, facultativement comprenant un inclinomètre couplé à la plate-forme de support, et/ou facultativement dans lequel la plate-forme de support comprend un fauteuil ou un siège.
     
    8. Système de dispositif de déplacement guidé par rail comprenant :

    un rail de roulement ;

    un dispositif de déplacement guidé par rail selon la revendication 7 sur le rail de roulement ; et

    un système de commande utilisable pour commander un parcours du dispositif de déplacement guidé par rail le long du rail de roulement.


     
    9. Système de dispositif de déplacement guidé par rail selon la revendication 8, comprenant un rail de roulement unique.
     
    10. Système de dispositif de déplacement guidé par rail selon la revendication 8 ou la revendication 9, dans lequel le système de dispositif de déplacement guidé par rail est un système monte-escalier, facultativement dans lequel le rail de roulement est configuré à une extrémité pour fournir un démarrage de première marche.
     
    11. Système de dispositif de déplacement guidé par rail selon la revendication 8, la revendication 9 ou la revendication 10, dans lequel le système de commande commande un parcours du dispositif de déplacement guidé par rail en réponse à des signaux reçus en provenance d'un ou plusieurs capteurs dans ou sur l'unité d'entraînement, et/ou dans lequel le système de commande comprend un système de commande de niveau utilisable pour maintenir le niveau de plate-forme de support au fur et à mesure du mouvement du dispositif de déplacement guidé par rail le long du rail de roulement.
     
    12. Système de dispositif de déplacement guidé par rail selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 11, dans lequel le système de commande est utilisable pour varier la vitesse du dispositif de déplacement guidé par rail au fur et à mesure du mouvement du dispositif de déplacement guidé par rail le long du rail de roulement.
     
    13. Procédé d'installation d'un système de dispositif de déplacement guidé par rail à un site d'utilisation prévu, le procédé comprenant :

    le montage d'une unité de traitement selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6 sur un rail de roulement ; et

    l'installation d'un système de commande utilisable pour commander un parcours du dispositif de déplacement guidé par rail le long du rail de roulement.


     
    14. Procédé selon la revendication 13, incluant l'étape de la fixation du rail de roulement en place au site d'utilisation prévu, et/ou dans lequel le site d'utilisation prévu comprend au moins un escalier.
     
    15. Procédé selon la revendication 13 ou la revendication 14, comprenant en outre l'étape de l'attachement d'une plate-forme de support à la partie de base de l'unité d'entraînement, par exemple pour fournir un dispositif de déplacement guidé par rail selon la revendication 7 pour le monter sur le rail de roulement.
     




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    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description