Staircase elevator device

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a Staircase Elevator Device universally suitable for ascending/descending from a few steps up to any given number of steps of a staircase according to Claim 1.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to powered devices for ascending and descending staircases between floors. Persons, especially elderly or disabled, ascending or descending stairs often need powered mechanical asistance. To this end the following kinds of devices are currently in use.

(a) Elevators (or lifts), which move vertically people or goods between floors next to a staircase.

(b) Escalators (or moving stalrcases), which are conveyor transport devices for carrying large numbers of people between floors of a building. These devices consist of a motor-driven chain of individual, linked steps that move up or down on tracks, allowing the step treads to remain horizontal and are mainly used to move pedestrian traffic in places where elevators would be impractical. Principal areas of usage include department stores, shopping malls, airports, transit systems, convention centers, hotels, arenas, stadiums and public buildings.

(c) Stair lifts (or chair lifts, stair gliders) namely mechanical devices for lifting people and wheelchairs up and down stairs. For sufficiently wide stairs, a rail is mounted to the treads of the stairs or on the wall beside the stairs. A chair or lifting platform is attached to the rail and a person on the chair or platform is lifted as the chair or platform moves along the rail.

(d) Step lifts (powerstep lifts, lowrisers, combination of stairway and lift) for short/medium rise up to a maximum of ∼8 steps (1,4 meters) from the ground. They comprise a plurality of steps, able to be converted into a lift platform for a wheelchair user.

(e) Stair-climbing devices, which operate on stairs by means of special wheels or crawler tracks. They may be independent units to which an existing manual wheelchair can be attached or they may be an integral part of the wheelchair and function as a powered wheelchair. They are controlled by experienced assistants.

(f) Stair-climbing robots, having a series of articulating wheel sets extending below a platform. All of the wheel sets are vertically adjustable to negotiate stairways and similar changes of elevation. They use sensors to detect the presence of the stair risers and their height, the control of the assembly being accomplished by a control circuit on board the stair-climbing robot. The wheel sets are raised and lowered independently by special mechanisms.

(g) Suspending systems with a seat suspended by a rail secured to the roof or by crane or by winch.

[0003] Each of the above powered devices has various restrictions regarding installation and use:

(a) Elevators: they require a suitable building space or a modification of the existing building structure to accept lifts for their vertical movement next to the staircase.

(b) Escalators: they also need an extra space in a bulding besides the conventional staircase; they are conveyor transport devices, sutable for carrying large numbers of people between floors and, therefore, are mainly used to move pedestrians in places with traffic.

(c) Stair lifts (or chair lifts, stair gliders): they need suitable staircase space and shape; in narrow staircases they can not be applied; for their installation intervention on the building structure is required.

(d) Step lifts (powerstep lifts, lowrisers, combination stairway and lift): they can not be used between floors, since they are only for short/medium rise up to a maximum of ∼1.4, meter (∼8 steps) from the ground.

(e) Stair-climbing devices: their control needs experienced assistants.

(f) Stair-climbing robots: they are complicated devices, needing for their movements trained operators; they may be more suitable to carry or lift goods and cargo than single human beings.

(g) Suspending systems: they require suitable building space or modification of the existing building structure to accept suspending systems and offer little flexibility.

[0004] Document NL 2 004 022 C discloses a staircase elevator device for ascending/descending any given number of steps of a staircase comprising an equal to the staircase steps number of modular step elevators, each individual modular step elevator being associated with one step of the staircase, each modular step elevator comprising a base arranged on the horizontal surface of the staircase step the modular step elevator is associated with and shaped according to the shape of the horizontal surface of the staircase step and a movable platform having the same shape as the base and beeing able to be moved up or down between the base of the modular step elevator and the level of the lower position of the movable platform of the modular step elevator associated with the next higher staircase step by means of an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator. According to NL 2 004 022 C the movable platform has at least one handhold beeing arranged on one side of the movable platform essentialy verticaly to the riser and to the movable platform, whereby the electric, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator is controllable by a user by means of control means provided on at least one handhold of the movable platform, whereby the first step is an area of the floor level of the lower floor and the last step an area of the floor level of the higher floor, the last step beeing not associated with a modular step elevator, whereby the movable platform of the modular step elevator associated with the second last step is able to be moved up or down between the base and the level of the floor level of the higher floor.

[0005] It is the task of this invention to provide a Staircase Elevator Device suitable for ascending/desending any given number of steps of a staircase which avoids the above mentioned drawbacks and restrictions of the prior art powered devices for ascending and descending between floors.

[0006] This task is solved by the features of Patent Claim 1. Additional configurations and advantages derive from the Dependent Claims,

[0007] Accordingly, a Staircase Elevator Device suitable for ascending/desending any given number of steps of a staircase is proposed comprising an equal to the staircase steps number of modular step elevators which according to the invention are firmly combined by one or two long metal profiles in a stable, united and all-integrated Device, each individual modular step elevator beeing associated with one step of the staircase and according to the invention connected with the step in a non-destructive way, e.g. by means of a double-sided adhesive tape, each modular step elevator comprising a base which is firmly arranged on the horizontal surface of the staircase step the modular step elevator is associated with and shaped according to the shape of the horizontal surface of the staircase step and a movable platform having the same shape as the base and being able to be moved up or down between the base of the modular step elevator and the level of the lower position of the movable platform of the modular step elevator associated with the next higher staircase step by means of an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator, the movable platform having at least one handhold beeing arranged on one side of the movable platform preferrably essentialy verticaly to the riser and to the movable platform, whereby the electric, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator is controllable by the user by means of control means provided on at least one handhold of the movable platform.

[0008] The control means can be control buttons or a control stick and can also comprise an alarm button. In case the movable platform has two handholds they are arranged at opposite sides of the movable platform verticaly to the riser and to the movable platform.

[0009] The first step is an area of the floor level of the lower floor and the last step an area of the floor level of the higher floor, the last step beeing not associated with a modular step elevator, whereby the movable platform of the modular step elevator associated with the second last step is able to be moved up or down between the base and the level of the floor level of the higher floor.

[0010] The bases of the modular step elevators associated with one staircase between two floors are according to the invention firmly connected to each other by means of at least one, preferably one or two stable profiles in a stable, united and all-integrated Device. The profile is running along and parallel to the inclination of the staircase from the lower floor to the higher floor and can serve also as a guide channel for the cables and/or tubing needed for the operation of the actuators of the movable platforms as stated in the characterizing part of claim 1. Within another embodiment groups of successive arranged modular step elevators are firmly connected to each other by means of at least one stable profile.

[0011] The operation of the Staircase Elevator Device according to the present invention for ascending is as follows: The user holds the handholds of the lowest 'first' modular staircase elevator and stands on its movable platform. By pressing an "up" button on the handhold or by suitably operating a control stick the 'first' platform ascents to the level of the next, 'second' movable platform of the modular staircase elevator associated with the next higher staircase step, which is in the lower position, namely on the base thereof.

[0012] The two movable platforms are at this stage at the same level and the user holds the handholds of the second movable platform and moves from the 'first' on the 'second' movable platform and stands on it. By pressing the "up" push button on the handhold the 'second' movable platform he ascents to the level of the next 'third' movable platform and so on and so forth until the higher floor is reached.The same procedure as for ascenting applies for descending the stairs of the staircase by pressing the "down" button or by suitably operating a control stick of the respective handholds.

[0013] The process of ascending and descending can also be automated, whereby the movable platforms are moved sequentially up or down according to the operation mode at predefined, adjustable time intervals. In case the time intervals are too short or problems arise the user can operate an alarm button arranged on the handholds stopping the movement.

[0014] Within another embodiment the handholds of each movable platform comprise also a touch sensor, whereby the movement of the movable platform comprising the handhold starts when the touch sensor is dampened for a predefined time.

[0015] The Staircase Elevator Device according to the present invention successfully encounters the restrictions and drawbacks of various powered devices for ascending and descending between floors known from the prior art as explained below:

(a) Compared to Elevators the Staircase Elevator Device does not require a suitable building space or any modification of the existing building structure.

(b) Compared to Escalators: the Staircase Elevator Device is affixed on the already existing staircase and is intended to carry one to two persons at a time.

(c) Compared to Stair lifts (or chair lifts, stair gliders) the Staircase Elevator Device needs practically no modification of or intervention on the building structure; it is flexible arid easily adaptable to any shape, size or pitch of stair and can be easily removed any time, since it is fixed on the staircase in a non-duestructive way, securing a stable operation. The Staircase Elevator Device according to the invention is especially suitable for narrow staircases, where chair lifts with the seating person can not be accommodated.

(d) Compared to Step Lifts (powerstep lifts, lowrisers, combination stairway and lift) the Staircase Elevator Device is universally suitable for ascenting/desending between a few steps up to unlimited number of steps and not restriced for short/medium rise only.

(e) Compared to Stair-climbing devices the Staircase Elevator Device is controlled by the user himself on the step, needing no experienced assistance.

(f) Compared to Stair-climbing robots the Staircase Elevator Device is a simple device and its operation is easily controlled by the user himself, needing no trained operators.

(g) Compared to Suspending systems the Staircase Elevator Device does not use such suspending systems which are rather inappropriate for elderly people, having to travel suspended from the roof or by a crane or by a winch.

[0016] Moreover the Staircase Elevator Device according to the invention does not interfere with normal use of the stairs, when it is not in use. The use of the Staircase Elevator Device according to the invention results in a reduction in tooling costs and in the costs of ongoing maintenance, because of its flexibility and simplicity in installation and use. Moreover the Staircase Elevator Device can be adapted to enable ascenting and descenting from a few steps, e.g. 2-3 steps up to unlimited number of steps depending on the number of steps of the staircase.

[0017] In the following, the invention will be described in greater detail using the enclosed Figures, which show:

Figure 1:

A schematic perspective view of a first prefered embodiment of a modular step elevator based on the invention;

Figure 2:

A schematic perspective view of a second prefered embodiment of a modular step elevator based on the invention;

Figure 3:

A schematic perspective view of a third prefered embodiment of a modular step elevator based on the invention;

Figure 4:

A schematic overall view of a Staircase Elevator Device according to the invention, installed on the steps of a staircase at a non-operational stage/modus; and

Figure 5:

An illustration of the way a user ascends by using the Staircase Elevator Device from level 1 to level 2.

[0018] Per the invention and with reference to Figure 1 a modular step elevator of a Staircase Elevator Device suitable for ascending/descending any given number of steps of a staircase comprises a base 1 firmly arranged in a non-destructive way on the horizontal surface of the staircase step the modular step elevator is associated with and shaped according to the shape of the horizontal surface of the staircase step and a movable platform 2 having the same shape as the base 1 and beeing able to be moved up or down between the base 1 of the modular step elevator and the level of the lower position of the movable platform of the modular step elevator associated with the next higher staircase step by means of an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator. The base can be metallic and/or wooden and has the shape of the horizontal surface of the staircase step, to which it is assigned.

[0019] The movable platform 2 shown in Figure 1 has two handholds 3 beeing arranged at opposite sides of the movable platform 2 verticaly to the riser and to the movable platform 2, whereby the actuator of the is modular step elevator is controllable by a user by means of control means 4 provided on at least one handhold 3 of the movable platform 2.

[0020] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 the movable platform 2 is electrically driven by means of an electric motor 6 and preferably trapezoidal screws 5 fixed vertically near the corners of the base 1 and passing through holes of the movable platform 2. In the embodiment shown in figure 1 the motor is a 12V motor with a housing vertically fixed on top of the the movable platform 2. At least one suitable, recharchable battery for providing the electric energy for the motor 6 of the modular step elevators of the Staircase Elevator Device is provided (not shown).

[0021] As can be taken from Figure 1 the motor 6 drives a first motor pulley 7 which is connected by means of a first timing belt 8 with a central reduction pulley 9 which is arranged on a shaft 10 on which a second and a third pulley 11, 12 serving as distribution pulleys are arranged. The first, second and third pulley 9, 11, 12 are rotating with the shaft 10. The second and third pulley 11,12 transfer momentum by means of second and third belts 13, 14 to peripheral pulleys 15, 16, 17, 18, whereby each peripheral pulley 15,16,17,18 drives a nut 19 on each trapezoidal screw 5, screwing or unscrewing them along the trapezoidal screws 5, thus converting the rotational movement into an up or down movement and driving the inner rings of the ball bearings 20 to ascent or descent, whereby the outer rings of the ball bearings 20 are fixed to the movable platform 2. The inner rings of the bearings 20 are revolved by the trapezoidal nuts 19. A can be taken by Figure 1, the trapezoidal screws 5 are partialy guided (the upper part thereof depending on the movement of the movable platform 2) through the handholds 3, which are configured as hollow bodies. In order to show this feature a part of the left part of the left handhold 3 is not shown so that the upper part of the screw 5 guided through the handhold can bee seen.

[0022] Moreover the modular step elevator comprises a height adjustment screw 21 which is preadjusted to stop the movement of the movable platform 2 at the level of the lower position of the movable platform of the modular step elevator associated with the next higher staircase step.

[0023] As Figure 1 shows the bases 1 of the modular step elevators associated with one staircase between two floors are firmly connected to each other by means of at least one stable profile 22 in a stable, united and all-integrated Device, whereby the at least one profile 22 is running along and parallel to the inclination of the staircase from the lower floor to the higher floor and can serve also as a guide channel for the cables needed for the operation of the actuators of the movable platforms 2. In addition side vertical plates 23 can be provided which are fixed at one or both sides of the base 1, on which the at least one profile 22 is affixed.

[0024] The Staircase Elevator Device also comprises limit-switches and relays used to activate the motors of the modular step elevators in order to be controllable by the user for up or down movement either separately for each modular step elevator or sequentially for all modular step elevators on the staircase steps.

[0025] The embodiment shown in Figure 2 differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in that the the movable platform 2 is electrically driven by means of an electric motor 6 and toothed racks 28 fixed vertically near the corners of the base 1, passing through proper holes of the movable platform 2 and partialy guided (the upper part thereof depending on the movement of the movable platform 2) through the handholds 3, which are configured as hollow bodies.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2 the motor 6 is coupled to a gear box 24 for speed reduction, whereby the momentum is transferred from the gear box 24 by sprockets 25 and chains 26 to peripheral gears 27 arranged on axles 29 according to the principle of a chain drive, which are movable up or down along the racks 28, thus carrying upwards or downwards the movable platform 2, at which the ends of the axles 29 are rotatably fixed. The peripheral gears 27, engaged to the racks 28 provide synchronous and parallel movement of the movable platform 2 by elevating it at the preadjusted height by a height adjustment screw shown in Figure 1 at the level of the lower position of the movable platform of the modular step elevator associated with the next higher staircase step. In addition roller means 30 assigned to each rack 28 arranged on axles can be provided to avoid friction between the racks 28 and to ensure a smooth movement of the movable platform 2.

[0027] The embodiment shown in Figure 3 differs from the embodiment shown in figure 1 in that the the movable platform 2 is pneumatically or hydraulically driven by means of pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders 31 and toothed racks 32, fixed vertically near the corners of the base 1, passing through proper holes of the movable platform 2 and partialy guided (the upper part thereof depending on the movement of the movable platform 2) through the handholds 3, which are configured as hollow bodies.

[0028] The cylinders 31 are fixed vertically at both sides on the top of the movable platform 2 and have piston rods 33 fixed on the base 1, initiating the up or down movement of the movable platform 2. The compressed air or oil moves the pistons rods 33 depending on the operation mode up or down, thus changing the distance between the base 1 and the movable platform 2.

[0029] The compressed air or oil of an air compressor or oil pump moves through a tubing and corresponding air or oil valves the piston rods 33 vertically and in synchronous mode, which are movable the platform 2 at a height preadjusted by a height adjustment screw (not shown).

[0030] The movement of the movable platform 2 can be supported by peripheral gears 34, engaged to the racks 32, providing synchronous up or down movement of the movable platform 2. Within this context a chain 37, sprockets 35 and axles 36 are provided, transferring synchronous rotation to peripheral gears 34 engaged to the racks 32, whereby for each side of the modular step elevator an axle 36 is provided, on which a sprocket 35 and gears 34 assigned to the racks 32 are firmly arranged. The sprockets 35 of both sides are connected to reach other by means of a revolving chain 37 for synchronization. In addition roller means 30 assigned to each rack 32 arranged on axles can be provided to avoid friction between the racks 32 and to ensure a smooth movement of the movable platform 2.

[0031] An air-Compressor or oil-pump is installed separately and close to the staircase, providing compressed air or oil to the cylinders 31. The Staircase Elevator Device also comprises flow controls for regulating the upwards or downwards speed of the movable platform 2, either separately for each movable platform 2 or sequentially for all movable platforms 2 on the staircase steps.

[0032] The bases 1 of the modular step elevators associated with one staircase between two associated with one staircase between two floors are firmly connected to each other by means of at least one stable profilen in a stable, united and all-integrated Device, whereby the profile Is running along and parallel to the inclination of the staircase from the lower floor to the higher floor and can serve as a guide channel for the cables and the tubing needed for the operation of the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders of the movable platforms 2.

[0033] Figure 4 shows a Staircase Elevator Device according to the invention comprising 18 modular step elevators installed on a staircase having 18 steps. The bases of the modular step elevators associated with the staircase are firmly connected to each other by means of a stable profile 22 running along and parallel to the inclination of the staircase from the lower floor to the higher floor.

[0034] According to the invention and with reference to Figure 5 the operation of the Staircase Elevator Device for ascending is as follows: The user holds the handholds of the lowest 'first' modular staircase elevator and stands on its movable platform (figure 5a). By pressing an "up" button on the handhold or by suitably operating a control stick the 'first' platform ascents to the level of the next, 'second' movable platform of the modular staircase elevator associated with the next higher staircase step, which is in the lower position (Figure 5b).

[0035] The two movable platforms are at this stage at the same level and the user holds the handholds 3 of the second movable platform and moves from the 'first' on the 'second' movable platform and stands on it (Figure 5b). By pressing the "up" push button or by suitably operating a control stick on the handhold the 'second' movable platform he ascents to the level of the next 'third' movable platform (Figure 5c, Figure 5d) and so on and so forth until the 17^th step (Figure 5e) and the higher floor is reached (Figure 5f). The same procedure as for ascenting applies for descending the stairs of the staircase by pressing the "down" button or by suitably operating a control stick of the respective handholds 3.

[0036] While the operation has been described above as being a series of finite, sequential steps, the various operations can be actuated in a fairly rapid and fluid sequence, allowing the user to move smoothly and reasonably rapidly from the lower to the highetr floor or vice versa.

Claims

1. Staircase Elevator Device for ascending/descending any given number of steps of a staircase comprising an equal to the staircase steps number of modular step elevators, each individual modular step elevator being associated with one step of the staircase, each modular step elevator comprising a base (1) firmly arranged on the horizontal surface of the staircase step the modular step elevator is associated with and shaped according to the shape of the horizontal surface of the staircase step and a movable platform (2) having the same shape as the base and beeing able to be moved up or down between the base (1) of the modular step elevator and the level of the lower position of the movable platform (2) of the modular step elevator associated with the next higher staircase step by means of an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator, the movable platform (2) having at least one handhold (3) beeing arranged on one side of the movable platform (2) essentialy verticaly to the riser and to the movable platform (2), whereby the electric, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator is controllable by a user by means of control means (4) provided on at least one handhold (3) of the movable platform, whereby the first step is an area of the floor level of the lower floor and the last step an area of the floor level of the higher floor, the last step beeing not associated with a modular step elevator, whereby the movable platform (2) of the modular step elevator associated with the second last step is able to be moved up or down between the base (1) and the level of the floor level of the higher floor, characterized in that each individual modular step elevator associated with one step of the staircase is connected with the step in a non-destructive way, in that the modular step elevators are firmly combined by one or two long metal profiles in a stable, united and all-integrated Device and in that the bases (1) of the modular step elevators associated with one staircase between two floors are firmly connected to each other by means of at least one stable profile (22) running along and parallel to the inclination of the staircase from the lower floor to the higher floor and serving also as a guide channel for the cables and/or tubing needed for the operation of the actuators of the movable platforms (2).

2. Staircase Elevator Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable platform (2) is electrically driven by means of an electric motor (6) and trapezoidal screws (5) fixed vertically near the corners of the base (1) and passing through holes of the movable platform (2), the motor (6) driving a first motor pulley (7) which is connected by means of a first timing belt (8) with a central reduction pulley (9) which is arranged on a shaft (10) on which a second and a third pulley (11, 12) are arranged, whereby the first, second and third pulley are rotating with the shaft (10) and the second and third pulley (11, 12) transfer momentum by means of second and third belts (13, 14) to peripheral pulleys (15, 16, 17, 18), each peripheral pulley (15, 16, 17, 18) driving a nut (19) on each trapezoidal screw (5), screwing or unscrewing them along the trapezoidal screws (5), thus converting the rotational movement into an up or down movement and driving the inner rings of ball bearings (20) to ascent or descent, whereby the outer rings of the ball bearings, (20) are fixed to the movable platform (2) and the inner rings of the bearings (20) are revolved by the trapezoidal nuts (19).

3. Staircase Elevator Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable platform (2) is electrically driven by means of an electric motor (6) and toothed racks (28) fixed vertically near the corners of the base (1) and passing through proper holes of the movable platform (2) the motor (6) being coupled to a gear box (24) for speed reduction, whereby the momentum is transferred from the gear box (24) by sprockets (25) and chains (26) to peripheral gears (27) arranged on axles (29), which are movable up or down along the racks (28), thus carrying upwards or downwards the movable platform (2), at which the ends of the axles (29) are fixed, whereby the peripheral gears (27), engaged to the racks (28) provide synchronous and parallel movement of the movable platform (2).

4. Staircase Elevator Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable platform (2) is pneumatically or hydraulically driven by means of pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders (31) and toothed racks (32), fixed vertically near the corners of the base (1) and passing through proper holes of the movable platform (2), the cylinders (31) being fixed vertically at both sides on the top of the movable platform (2) and having piston rods (33) fixed on the base (1), initiating the up or down movement of the movable platform (2), whereby the compressed air or oil moves the pistons rods (33) vertically and in synchronous mode up or down, thus changing the distance between the base (1) and the movable platform (2).

5. Staircase Elevator Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the movement of the movable platform (2) is supported by peripheral gears (34), engaged to the racks (32), providing synchronous up or down movement of the movable platform (2), whereby a chain (37), axles (36) and sprockets (35) are provided, transferring synchronous rotation to the peripheral gears (34), whereby for each side of the modular step elevator an axle (36) is provided, on which a sprocket (35) and gears (34) assigned to the racks (32) are firmly arranged, the sprockets (35) of both sides being connected to eachother by means of a revolving chain (37) for synchronization.

6. Staircase Elevator Device according to claim 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that each modular step elevator comprises a height adjustment screw (21) which is preadjusted to stop the movement of the movable platform (2) at the level of the lower position of the movable platform (2) of the modular step elevator associated with the next higher staircase step.

7. Staircase Elevator Device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the control means (4) are control buttons or a control stick.

8. Method for operating a Staircase Elevator Device according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that a user holds the handholds (3) of the lowest 'first' modular staircase elevator and stands on its movable platform whereby by pressing an "up" button on the handhold or by suitably operating a control stick the 'first' movable platform (2) ascents to the level of the next, 'second' movable platform (2) of the modular staircase elevator associated with the next higher staircase step, which is in the lower position, thus the two movable platforms (2) being at the same level, whereby in a next step the user holds the handholds of the "second" movable platform and moves from the 'first' on the 'second' movable platform (2) and stands on it, whereby by pressing the "up" push button or by suitably operating a control stick on the handhold (3) the 'second' movable platform (2) he ascents to the level of the next 'third' movable platform (2) and so on and so forth until the higher floor is reached, whereby the same procedure as for ascenting applies for descending the stairs of the staircase by pressing the "down" button or by suitably operating a control stick of the respective handholds (3).

9. Method for operating a Staircase Elevator Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the handholds (3) of each movable platform (2) comprise a touch sensor, whereby the movement of a movable platform (2) starts when the touch sensor is dampened for a predefined time.

10. Method for operating a Staircase Elevator Device according to any of the prededing claims 1-7, characterized in that the process of ascending and descending is automated, whereby the movable platforms (2) are moved sequentially up or down according to the operation mode at predefined, adjustable time intervals, whereby in case the time intervals are too short or problems arise the user can operate an alarm button arranged on the handholds (3) stopping the movement.

Ansprüche

1. Treppenaufzugsvorrichtung zum Hinauf/Hinabsteigen einer beliebigen Anzahl von Stufen einer Treppe, umfassend eine der Anzahl der Stufen der Treppe entsprechende Anzahl von modularen Stufenaufzügen, wobei jeder einzelne modulare Stufenaufzug einer Treppenstufe zugeordnet ist, wobei jeder modulare Stufenaufzug eine Basis (1), die auf der horizontalen Oberfläche der Treppenstufe, der der modulare Stufenaufzug zugeordnet ist, fest angeordnet ist und entsprechend der Form der horizontalen Oberfläche der Treppenstufe geformt ist, und eine bewegliche Plattform (2) umfasst, die die gleiche Form wie die Basis (1) aufweist und durch einen elektrischen, pneumatischen oder hydraulischen Aktuator zwischen der Basis (1) des modularen Stufenaufzuges und dem Niveau der unteren Position der beweglichen Plattform (2) des modularen Stufenaufzuges, der der nächsthöheren Stufe zugeordnet ist, hinauf und hinab bewegbar ist, wobei die bewegliche Plattform (2) mindestens einem Handlauf (3) aufweist, der an einer Seite der beweglichen Plattform (2) im Wesentlichen senkrecht zu der Treppenstufe und zu der beweglichen Plattform (2) angeordnet ist, wobei der elektrische, pneumatische oder hydraulische Aktuator von einem Benutzer durch an mindestens einem Handlauf (3) der beweglichen Plattform (2) bereitgestellte Steuermittel (4) steuerbar ist, wobei die erste Treppenstufe ein Bereich der Bodenebene des unteren Stockwerks und die letzte Treppenstufe ein Bereich der Bodenebene des höheren Stockwerks ist, wobei der letzten Treppenstufe kein modularer Stufenaufzug zugeordnet ist, wobei die bewegliche Plattform (2) des modularen Stufenaufzuges, der der vorletzten Treppenstufe zugeordnet ist, zwischen der Basis (1) und der Bodenebene des höheren Stockwerkes hinauf oder hinab bewegbar ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jeder einzelne einer Treppenstufe zugeordnete modulare Stufenaufzug zerstörungsfrei mit der Treppenstufe verbunden ist, dass die modularen Stufenaufzüge mittels eines oder zwei länglichen Metallprofilen fest zu einer stabilen, einheitlichen und integrierten Treppenaufzugsvorrichtung kombiniert sind, und dass die Basen (1) der modularen Stufenaufzüge, die einer Treppe zwischen zwei Stockwerken zugeordnet sind, durch mindestens ein stabiles Profil (22), das entlang und parallel zu der Neigung der Treppe von dem unteren Stockwerk zu dem oberen Stockwerk verläuft und auch als Führungskanal für die Kabel und/oder Leitungen, die zum Betrieb der Aktuatoren der beweglichen Plattformen (2) benötigt werden, verwendet wird, fest miteinander verbunden sind.

2. Treppenaufzugsvorrichtung nach Patentanspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die bewegliche Plattform (2) durch einen Elektromotor (6) und Trapezgewinde (5), die senkrecht in der Nähe der Ecken der Basis (1) angebracht und durch Löcher in der beweglichen Plattform (2) geführt sind, elektrisch angetrieben wird, wobei der Motor (6) eine erste Motorriemenscheibe (7) antreibt, welche mittels eines ersten Zahnriemens (8) mit einer mittig angeordneten, auf einer Welle (10) gelagerten Untersetzungsscheibe (9) verbunden ist, wobei auf der Welle eine zweite und eine dritte Riemenscheibe (11, 12) angeordnet sind, wobei sich die erste, zweite und dritte Riemenscheibe (9), (11), (12) mit der Welle (10) drehen, und die zweite und dritte Riemenscheibe (11, 12) das Drehmoment über einen zweiten und dritten Riemen (13, 14) zu äußeren Riemenscheiben (15, 16, 17, 18) übertragen, wobei jede äußere Riemenscheibe (15, 16, 17, 18) eine Mutter (19) auf jedem Trapezgewinde (5) antreibt und diese entlang der Trapezgewinde (5) auf- und abschraubt, wodurch die Rotationsbewegung durch Kugellager (20) in eine Aufoder Ab-Bewegung umgewandelt wird und die inneren Ringe von Kugellagern (20) so angetrieben werden, dass sie sich hinauf und hinabbewegen, wobei die äußeren Ringe der Kugellager (20) fest mit der beweglichen Plattform (2) verbunden sind und die inneren Ringe der Kugellager (20) durch die Trapezmuttern (19) gedreht werden.

3. Treppenaufzugsvorrichtung nach Patentanspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die bewegliche Plattform (2) durch einen Elektromotor (6) und Zahnstangen (28), die senkrecht in der Nähe der Ecken der Basis (1) angeordnet sind und durch passende Löcher in der beweglichen Plattform (2) geführt sind, elektrisch angetrieben wird, wobei der Motor (6) mit einem Getriebe (24) zur Geschwindigkeitsreduktion verbunden ist und das Drehmoment von dem Getriebe (24) über Zahnräder (25) und Ketten (26) weiter zu äußeren Zahnrädern (27) übertragen wird, welche auf Achsen (29) gelagert sind, die sich entlang der Zahnstangen (28) auf oder ab bewegen können, wodurch die bewegliche Plattform (2), an der die Enden der Achsen (29) befestigt sind, hinauf und hinab bewegt wird, wobei die äußeren Zahnräder (27), die mit den Zahnstangen (28) in Eingriff stehen, für eine synchrone und parallele Bewegung der beweglichen Plattform (2) sorgen.

4. Treppenaufzugsvorrichtung nach Patentanspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die bewegliche Plattform (2) durch pneumatische oder hydraulische Zylinder (31) und Zahnstangen (32), die senkrecht in der Nähe der Ecken der Basis (1) platziert sind und durch passende Löcher in der beweglichen Plattform (2) geführt sind, pneumatisch oder hydraulisch angetrieben wird, wobei die Zylinder (31) senkrecht an beiden Seiten an der Oberseite der beweglichen Plattform (2) befestigt sind und Kolbenstangen (33) aufweisen, die an der Basis (1) befestigt sind und die Auf- oder Ab-Bewegung der beweglichen Plattform (2) veranlassen, wobei Pressluft oder Öl die Kolbenstangen (33) senkrecht und synchron auf oder ab bewegt, wodurch der Abstand zwischen der Basis (1) und der beweglichen Plattform (2) verändert wird.

5. Treppenaufzugsvorrichtung nach Patentanspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Bewegung der beweglichen Plattform (2) durch äußere Zahnräder (34), die mit Zahnstangen (32) in Eingriff stehen, unterstützt wird, so dass eine synchrone Auf- oder Ab-Bewegung der beweglichen Plattform (2) ermöglicht wird, wobei eine Kette (37), Achsen (36) und Kettenräder (35) vorgesehen sind, welche die synchrone Rotation zu den äußeren Zahnrädern (34) übertragen, wobei für jede Seite des modularen Stufenaufzuges eine Achse (36) vorgesehen ist, mit der ein Kettenrad (35) und Zahnräder (34), die den Zahnstangen (32) zugeordnet sind, fest verbunden sind, wobei die Kettenräder (35) an jeder Seite miteinander mittels eines Kettentriebs (37) zur Synchronisierung verbunden sind.

6. Treppenaufzugsvorrichtung nach Patentanspruch 2, 3, 4 oder 5 dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jeder modulare Stufenaufzug eine Höheneinstellungsschraube (21) umfasst, die voreingestellt ist, um die Bewegung der beweglichen Plattform (2) auf dem Niveau der unteren Position der beweglichen Plattform des modularen Stufenaufzugs, das der nächsthöheren Stufe (2) zugeordnet ist, zu stoppen.

7. Treppenaufzugsvorrichtung nach Patentanspruch 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 oder 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuermittel (4) entweder Steuertasten oder ein Steuerknüppel sind.

8. Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Treppenaufzugsvorrichtung nach einem der vorangehenden Patentansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein Benutzer die Handläufe (3) des untersten "ersten" modularen Stufenaufzugs hält und auf seiner beweglichen Plattform steht, wobei durch Pressen eines "Aufwärts"-Knopfs an dem Handlauf oder mittels einer geeigneten Bedienung eines Steuerknüppels die "erste" bewegliche Plattform (2) auf das Niveau der "zweiten" beweglichen Plattform (2) des modularen Stufenaufzugs, die der nächsthöheren Treppenstufe zugeordnet ist und sich in der unteren Position befindet, steigt, so dass sich beide beweglichen Plattformen (2) auf dem gleichen Niveau befinden wobei, in einem nächsten Schritt der Benutzer die Handläufe der "zweiten" beweglichen Plattform hält ,sich von der "ersten" auf die "zweite" bewegliche Plattform (2) bewegt und auf der "zweiten" beweglichen Plattform steht, wobei er durch Pressen eines "Aufwärts" - Knopfs oder mittels einer geeigneten Bedienung eines Steuerknüppels auf dem Handlauf (3) der "zweiten" beweglichen Plattform (2) auf das Niveau der "dritten" beweglichen Plattform (2) hinaufsteigt und so weiter und so fort bis das obere Stockwerk erreicht ist, wobei für das Hinabsteigen der Stufen der Treppe die gleiche Prozedur wie für das Hinaufsteigen durch Pressen des "Abwärts"-Knopfs oder durch geeignete Bedienung eines Steuerknüppels auf dem jeweiligen Handlauf (3) angewandt wird.

9. Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Treppenaufzugsvorrichtung nach Patentanspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Handläufe (3) jeder beweglichen Plattform (2) einen berührungsempfindlichen Sensor aufweisen, wobei die Bewegung einer beweglichen Plattform (2) beginnt, wenn der berührungsempfindliche Sensor für eine vorgegebene Zeit berührt wird.

10. Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Treppenaufzugsvorrichtung nach einem der vorangehenden Patentansprüchen 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Hinauf- und Hinabsteigen automatisiert abläuft, wobei die beweglichen Plattformen (2) nacheinander je nach Betriebsmodus in vordefinierten, einstellbaren Zeitintervallen hinauf oder hinab bewegt werden, wobei der Benutzer einen Alarmknopf, der an den Handläufen (3) angeordnet ist, betätigen kann, der die Bewegung stoppt, falls die Zeitintervalle zu kurz sind oder Probleme auftreten.

Revendications

1. Dispositif d'élévateur de marches d'escalier pour monter/descendre tout nombre donné de marches d'escalier, comprenant un nombre d'élévateurs de marche modulaires équivalent au nombre de marches de l'escalier, chaque marche modulaire étant associée à une marche d'escalier, chaque élévateur de marche modulaire comprenant une base (1) fixée fermement sur la surface horizontale de la marche d'escalier avec laquelle l'élévateur de marche modulaire est associé et suit la forme de la surface horizontale de la marche d'escalier, et une plateforme mobile (2) ayant la même forme que la base et pouvant être déplacée vers le haut ou vers le bas entre la base (1) de l'élévateur de marche modulaire et le niveau de la position la plus basse de la plateforme mobile (2) de l'élévateur de marche modulaire associé à la marche suivante supérieure de l'escalier au moyen d'un actionneur électrique, pneumatique ou hydraulique, la plateforme mobile (2) disposant d'au moins une poignée (3) agencée sur un côté de la plateforme mobile (2) essentiellement à la verticale de l'élévateur et de la plateforme mobile (2), tandis que l'actionneur électrique, pneumatique ou hydraulique peut être commandé par l'utilisateur au moyen de dispositifs de commande (4) prévus sur une poignée au moins (3) de la plateforme mobile, tandis que la première marche est au niveau du sol de l'étage inférieur et la dernière marche est au niveau du sol de l'étage supérieur, la dernière marche n'étant pas associée à un élévateur de marche modulaire, tandis que la plateforme mobile (2) de l'élévateur de marche modulaire associé à la deuxième dernière marche peut se déplacer vers le haut ou vers le bas entre la base (1) et le niveau du sol de l'étage supérieur, caractérisé en ce que chaque élévateur de marche modulaire associé à une marche de l'escalier est relié à la marche d'une façon non destructive, les élévateurs de marche modulaires étant fermement reliés par un ou deux longs profilés en métal dans un dispositif stable, assemblé et totalement intégré et que les bases (1) des élévateurs de marche modulaires associées à un escalier entre deux étages sont fermement reliées les unes aux autres au moyen d'au moins un profilé stable (22) courant le long de, et parallèlement à, l'inclinaison de l'escalier à partir de l'étage inférieur à l'étage supérieur et servant également de canal de guidage pour les câbles et/ou les tubes nécessaires au fonctionnement des actionneurs des plateformes mobiles (2).

2. Dispositif d'élévateur de marches d'escalier, selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la plateforme mobile (2) est actionnée électriquement au moyen d'un moteur électrique (6) et de vis trapézoïdales (5) fixées à la verticale près de chaque coin de la base (1) et passant dans des trous de la plateforme mobile (2), le moteur (6) actionnant une première poulie à moteur (7) qui est reliée au moyen d'une première courroie de distribution (8) à une poulie de réduction centrale (9) fixée sur un arbre (10) sur lequel sont fixées une deuxième et une troisième poulie (11, 12), tandis que la première, la deuxième et la troisième poulie tournent avec l'arbre (10) et la deuxième et troisième poulie (11, 12) exercent une impulsion au moyen de deuxième et de troisième courroies (13, 14) vers des poulies périphériques (15, 16, 17, 18), chaque poulie périphérique (15, 16, 17, 18) actionnant un écrou (19) sur chaque vis trapézoïdale (5), vissant ou dévissant ceux-ci le long des vis trapézoïdales (5), convertissant ainsi le mouvement rotatif en un mouvement vers le haut ou vers le bas et actionnant les bagues intérieures de roulements à billes (20) pour monter ou descendre, tandis que les bagues extérieures des roulements à billes (20) sont fixées à la plateforme mobile (2) et les bagues intérieures des roulements à billes (20) sont tournées par les écrous trapézoïdaux (19).

3. Dispositif d'élévateur de marches d'escalier selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la plateforme mobile (2) est actionnée électriquement au moyen d'un moteur électrique (6) et de crémaillères (28) fixées à la verticale près de chaque coin de la base (1) et passant dans les trous de la plateforme mobile (2), le moteur (6) étant couplé à une boite de vitesses (24) pour réduire la vitesse, tandis que l'impulsion est transférée par des pignons de chaîne (25) et des chaînes (26) de la boîte de vitesses (24) à des roues dentées périphériques (27) disposées sur des axes (29), qui se déplacent vers le haut ou vers le bas le long des crémaillères (28), déplaçant ainsi vers le haut ou vers le bas la plateforme mobile (2) à laquelle sont fixées les extrémités des axes (29), tandis que les roues périphériques (27) enclenchées dans les crémaillères (28) assurent un mouvement synchrone et parallèle de la plateforme mobile (2).

4. Dispositif d'élévateur de marches d'escalier, selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la plateforme mobile (2) est actionnée de manière pneumatique ou hydraulique au moyen de cylindres pneumatiques ou hydrauliques (31) et de crémaillères (32), fixées à la verticale près de chaque coin de la base (1) et passant dans les trous de la plateforme mobile (2), les cylindres (31) étant fixés à la verticale de chaque côté en haut de la plateforme mobile (2) et ayant des tiges de piston (33) fixées sur la base (1), déclenchant le mouvement vers le haut ou vers le bas de la plateforme mobile (2), tandis que de l'air comprimé ou de l'huile active les tiges de piston (33) à la verticale et en mode synchrone vers le haut ou vers le bas, modifiant ainsi la distance entre la base (1) et la plateforme mobile (2).

5. Dispositif d'élévateur de marches d'escalier, selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que le mouvement de la plateforme mobile (2) est assuré par des roues dentées périphériques (34) enclenchées dans les crémaillères (32), assurant un mouvement synchrone vers le haut ou vers le bas de la plateforme mobile (2), tandis qu'une chaîne (37), des axes (36) et des pignons de chaîne (35) sont prévus, transférant un mouvement de rotation synchrone vers les roues dentées périphériques (34), tandis que pour chaque côté de l'élévateur de marche modulaire est prévu un axe (36), sur lequel un pignon de chaîne (35) et des roues (34) associées aux crémaillères (32) sont fermement fixés, les pignons de chaîne (35) sur les deux côtés étant reliés les uns aux autres au moyen d'une chaîne pivotante (37) assurant la synchronisation.

6. Dispositif d'élévateur de marches d'escalier, selon la revendication 2, 3, 4 ou 5 caractérisé en ce que chaque élévateur de marche modulaire comprend une vis de réglage de la hauteur (21) qui est préalablement réglée pour bloquer le mouvement de la plateforme mobile (2) au niveau de la position inférieure de la plateforme mobile (2) de l'élévateur de marche modulaire associé à la marche d'escalier supérieure suivante.

7. Dispositif d'élévateur de marches d'escalier, selon la revendication 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ou 6 caractérisé en ce que les dispositifs de commande (4) sont des touches de commande ou un manche de commande.

8. Procédé pour faire fonctionner un élévateur de marche modulaire selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'utilisateur saisit la poignée (3) du « premier » élévateur de marche modulaire le plus bas et se place sur la plateforme mobile de celui-ci, tandis qu'en pressant la touche « up » sur la poignée ou en activant comme prévu un manche de commande, la « première » plateforme mobile (2) s'élève au niveau de la plateforme mobile suivante, à savoir la « deuxième » plateforme mobile (2) de l'élévateur de marche modulaire associée à la marche suivante supérieure, qui se trouve dans la position la plus basse, ainsi les deux plateformes mobiles (2) sont au même niveau, tandis que sur la marche suivante, l'utilisateur saisit la poignée de la « deuxième » plateforme mobile et se déplace de la « première » à la « deuxième » plateforme mobile (2) en se plaçant sur celle-ci, tandis qu'en pressant la touche « up » ou en actionnant comme prévu un manche de commande sur la poignée (3), la « deuxième » plateforme mobile (2) s'élève au niveau de la plateforme mobile suivante, à savoir la « troisième » plateforme (2) et ainsi de suite jusqu'à ce que l'étage supérieur ait été atteint, tandis que pour descendre les marches de l'escalier, le même processus que la montée est utilisé, à savoir en pressant la touche « down » ou en actionnant comme prévu un manche de commande sur les poignées respectives (3).

9. Procédé pour faire fonctionner un élévateur de marche modulaire selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que les poignées (3) de chaque plateforme mobile (2) comprennent un capteur tactile, tandis que le mouvement d'une plateforme mobile (2) commence lorsque le capteur tactile est sollicité pour une période prédéfinie.

10. Procédé pour faire fonctionner un élévateur de marche modulaire selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 1 - 7, caractérisé en ce que le processus de montée et de descente est automatique, tandis que les plateformes mobiles (2) se déplacent séquentiellement vers le haut ou vers le bas selon le mode d'opération à intervalles prédéfinis et réglables, tandis qu'au cas où les intervalles seraient trop courts ou en cas de problème, l'utilisateur peut presser un bouton d'alarme prévu à cet effet sur les poignées (3) et bloquer ainsi le mouvement.

Drawing