[0001] The present invention concerns a device for the ascent and descent of stairs for
the disabled.
[0002] Devices of the type in question are generally equipped with a lifting structure which
moves along a system of tracks ranged along staircase ramps in such a way as to allow
disabled persons, that is those not able to ascend and descend stairs autonomously,
to overcome this obstacle. The lifting structure is usually equipped with a platform
on which a wheelchair, or similar, or a seat, can be placed and on which the disabled
person can sit. The platform must at all times be kept perfectly horizontal and must
be particularly stable, that is it must not oscillate during its movement in such
a way as to create difficulties for the person transported.
[0003] These requirements, together with the fact that the lifting structure must often
move up and down ramps which are curvy and of varying gradient, create notable complications
from the point of view of construction. For the movement of the lifting structure,
fixed motors are normally used, which draw the structure by means of drawing systems
which thus cause the structure to run along guiding tracks. As a rule this solution
is complex from a constructional point of view, for which reason in the present invention
an on-board motor is installed, even though this also creates some constructional
problems.
[0004] On-board motorization, in fact, generally leads to the need for a system of guiding
tracks as well as rack devices or similar, whose construction and assembly are usually
quite complex, in particular when variations in gradient have to be dealt with.
[0005] The aim of the present invention is to provide a device for the ascent and descent
of staircases for the disabled, which is equipped with an on-board motor, which can
overcome tracts with variable gradient and with very sharp bends, and which nevertheless
is simple in construction and assembly with regard to construction and assembly of
the guiding and drawing system.
[0006] Further aim of the present invention is to provide a device which ensures great lifting
structure stability, thus preventing any unwanted oscillation.
[0007] These aims and others besides are achieved by the present device as it is described
in the appended claims.
[0008] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better described
during the detailed description which follows, of a preferred but not exclusive form
of the present device, which is illustrated in the attached diagrams purely in the
form of an example and is therefore not to be considered as unique:
- fig. 1 shows the vertical elevation section of the tracks and the rolling element
group for the drawing along the tracks of the lifting structure;
- fig. 2 shows a schematic side-view of the lifting structure moving along the tracks;
- figs. 3 and 4 show, schematically and in enlarged scale, and pawl hold-down device,
respectively in frontal view and in section.
- fig. 5 shows a schematic side-view of particulars of the braking system, with some
parts removed for the better viewing of others;
- figs. 6 and 7 show, in front and side views respectively, details relative to the
support elements of the tracks.
[0009] The device is question comprises a lifting structure equipped with a standing or
seating platform on which the disabled person can stand or sit; this platform must
always be kept in a horizontal position in order to avoid unwanted movements. The
lifting structure moves along a system of tracks which are ranged along the staircase
ramp. The track system comprises two tracks, respectively an upper track (1) and a
lower track (2), which are realized by means of uniform oval-section tubular strips
which are ranged along the length of the staircase ramp and which maintain exactly
the same reciprocal distance, measured vertically, between their upper edges. The
tracks are positioned one above the other in such a way that the major axes of their
sections are exactly in line on a plane of symmetry of the tracks.
[0010] The lifting structure is supported by the tracks, and moves along them by means of
a support and draw group which comprises a pair of rolling elements, respectively
an upper element (3) and a lower element (4), which roll around fixed axles with respect
to the lifting structure and which roll each on their respective track; the upper
element (3) is driven by means of a motor, not illustrated in the diagram, which is
on board the lifting structure. The motor is equipped with a pinion and transmission
is achieved by means of a crown wheel (25) and a shaft (26) on which both the crown
wheel and the rolling element are fixed. The lower element (4) rolls on a non-motorized
shaft (27) on the end of which is a braking mechanism which will be better described
below.
[0011] The rolling elements (3) and (4) roll on the tracks (1) and (2) by means by cogged
fits which comprise a number of equidistant holes (9), bored into the surface of the
tracks; each rolling element is fitted with pins (10), which extend radially and which
are shaped and distanced in such a way as to fit each into one of the holes in the
tracks as the rolling element proceeds. In this way, when the motor is started and
the rolling element (3) rotates, the support and drawing structure move along the
tracks, bringing with it the lifting structure.
[0012] The type of cogged fit described above has the particular advantage that the holes
in the tracks (9) can be bored in situ after the tracks have been correctly positioned
along the staircase ramps. This avoids the problem of having racks or similar which
would have to made in the workshop and which could present assembly and positioning
problems, especially in the case of long and curvy tracts. slightly superior to the
major diameter of the track.
[0013] Each bogie is fitted with two parallel rolls so that the lifting structure is coupled
to each track at three points, which are: the rolling element; and the two rolls on
the bogie. In this way, lifting structure oscillations are prevented. This is especially
true for tracts which have a gradient superior to about 15 degrees ; in such cases
the frame on which the bogie is mounted rolls around its hinge axle as shown in fig.
2, thus constituting a secure anchor for the lifting structure.
[0014] Along horizontal tracts or tracts where the gradient is modest, such as for example
in tracts with gradient variations ranging from horizontal to sloped tracts, oscillations
of the lifting structure are possible.In order to avoid this eventuality, a second,
smaller bogie, here termed a trolley (15), is fitted to the frame, laterally with
regard to the larger bogie (5); where the gradient is modest, such as in fig. 2, an
auxiliary track (16) is welded to the main track (1) and the trolley runs along this,
thus constituting a further restriction for the lifting structure and preventing oscillation.
As for horizontal tracts, a pawl (18) is fitted in correspondence with the tracks,
which is operated by a cam (not illustrated in the diagram), and which fits into a
hole (17) bored into the lifting structure, thus preventing frame oscillation. The
trolley (15) and the pawl (18) prevent oscillation around a horizontal axle. To prevent
oscillation around a vertical axle, a further bogie pair, here termed a dolly (19)
is fitted on to the upper track group, and interacts with cams specially positioned
in the curves of the tracks to stabilize the whole system; in cases where these dolly-wheels
are cone-shaped, they can interact directly with the track. To cope with straight
tracts, a second only (19a) is fitted which interacts internally with the track (2).
Both the first and second dollies roll around axles mounted respectively on frame
(7) and frame (8).
[0015] To prevent the rolling elements from slipping out sideways from the tracks, each
rolling element is fitted with a lateral abutment, respectively (11) and (12), forming
a throat out of which the pins (10) emerge perpendicularly; on the opposite sides
contrast pulleys are fitted, respectively (13) and (14), mounted in such a way as
to make contact with the tracks, thus constituting a further safeguard against the
rolling elements' falling out sideways from the tracks.
[0016] The invention in question comprises also a braking device, fitting at one end of
the shaft (27) on which the lower rolling element (4) is mounted. This braking device
comprises a disk pair (31) and (32), which are fixed on the shaft (27) and rotate
with it. The position of these disks forms a throat, inside which a hexagonal cam
(33) and a cogwheel (34), attached to each other, are fitted. The group constituted
by the cam (33) and the cogwheel (34) is set in motion by means of clutch disks (35)
which act on the internal side surface of disks (31) and (32) and on the external
side surfaces of the cogwheel (34). By means of a scoop spring (36), compressed by
a ferrule, the disks (31) and (32) can be locked more or less tightly and in this
way the degree of clutch developed between the disks and the internal cogwheel can
be increased or decreased.
[0017] An anchor (37) is fitted, one of whose ends, round-shaped, interests the cam (33)
while the other end, tooth-shaped, can interest the cogwheel (34). Through force of
gravity, or by means of a spring, the anchor (37) tends to rest in the position with
the round end falling on the cam (33). The cam is of such dimensions that when the
round end falls on the sides of the hexagon the toothed end does not contact the teeth
of the cogwheel (34), while when the round end falls on the edges of the hexagon,
the toothed end of the anchor acts upon the teeth of the cogwheel (34).
[0018] When shaft velocity (27) (and therefore the lifting structure speed) is low, the
round end of the anchor reaches each edge of the cam (33) at the moment in which the
toothed end of the anchor (37) meets a space in the cogwheel (34); as rotation continues,
the round end of the anchor falls successively on one of the sides of the hexagonal
cam and lifts the toothed end (37), thus permitting the free rotation of the cogwheel
(34).
[0019] When shaft velocity increases, during the passage of the round end from one edge
of the hexagonal cam (33) to another, there is not enough time for the rotation of
the anchor (37), so the toothed end acts upon the cogwheel teeth (34) and prevents
it from rotating. This in turn leads to the creation of a couple between the clutch
(35) and the cogwheel (31) and (32), which slows down the shaft rotation (27) until
it comes to a complete stop. By means of the calibration of a spring, or movement
of a counterweight, it is possible to act upon anchor inertia (37) and thus vary the
speed at which the braking mechanism will intervene.
[0020] For the mounting of the track system on the staircase ramp there are several support
elements, each of which comprises a prismatic guide bracket, which is fixed low down
on the stair ramp, and which forms the base of the support element. A first element
(42) is slid into this guide bracket and fixed in the required position: its top end,
equipped with at least two perpendicular studs (43) is positioned on one of the steps
of the staircase. The studs (43), which are threaded and accompanied by nuts, are
used to fix the bottom end of a post (44); grooves are bored into the post's base
for reception of the studs, whose function is the correct adjusting of the distance
of the post from the staircase. There is a similar groove at the top end of the post
(44).
[0021] An arm (45), which is fixed to the two tracks (1) and (2) is positioned at the top
end of the post. This arm, like the post, has a groove bored into it for adjustment
purposes; each post can be bolted to its relative arm (45). The fact of the two grooves
allows the position of the tracks with respect to the vertical post (44) to be regulated.
[0022] The conformation of the above-described support elements both avoids the necessity
to bore holes into the steps of the staircase and provides an extremely simple way
of regulating the position of the support element in the three spatial directions.
[0023] A low tension busway (51) runs along the entire length of the lower track, from which,
by means of wiping-contact (52), current is obtained to drive the on-board motor of
the lifting structure.
[0024] The invention is extremely simple to assemble; the entire lifting structure and the
relative guiding and drawing system are constructed in the workshop. In situ, only
the two tracks, with their relative support elements, are assembled; even the holes
(9) in the tracks for the pins of the rolling elements can be bored in the workshop,
although if required they can also be bored after the tracks have been mounted.
[0025] Once this operation has been completed the lifting structure group is mounted on
the tracks and is ready to perform its ascent and descent operations.
[0026] By operating the lifting structure's on-board motor, the shaft (26) begins to rotate
and with it the rolling element (3); thanks to the cogged fit between the rolling
element and the track, the entire lifting structure group can move along the track.
[0027] During horizontal tracts, the frame (7) is held steady by the pawl (18); the frame
(7) being thus held steady, plus the further steadying provided by the trolley (15)
ensure the stability of the lifting structure. During tracts where the gradient is
steep (more than 15 degrees) frame (7) and (8) are free to oscillate and slide around
their axles as in fig. 2, providing by themselves the stability required for the lifting
structure, whose platform, perpendicular between the central axes of the rolling elements
(2) and (1), remains perfectly horizontal. During low-gradient tracts, such as when
the structure is passing from a horizontal tract to an inclined tract, the stability
of the lifting structure is ensured by the trolley (15), which acts upon its track
(16). Stability around the vertical axle is guaranteed by the dolly groups (19).
[0028] In cases of excessive lifting structure velocity, which can be caused by accident
during descent, the braking device acts upon the shaft (27), slowing down the rotation
of said shaft until it comes to a stop and thus brings to a halt the entire lifting
structure.
1) A device for the ascent and descent of stairs for the disabled, comprising: a lifting
structure, including a standing or seating platform which is constantly maintained
in a horizontal position, which moves along a track system that runs along staircase
ramps; a motor to cause movement of the lifting structure along the track system.
The invention is characterized by the fact that: the track system comprises two constant
section tracks (1) and (2) which maintain the same vertical distance between them,
measured between their upper edges; it comprises a pair of rolling elements (3) and
(4), rolling around fixed axles on the lifting structure and rolling each on their
respective track, at least one by means of the above-mentioned motor, which is positioned
on-board the lifting structure; relative to each rolling element a bogie (5) and (6)
is fitted, mounted on a frame (7) and (8) hinged to the rolling element's rotation
axle, which rolls on the track in question in a diametrically opposite position with
respect to the rolling element; at least between the motorized rolling element and
its relative track a cogged fit is foreseen.
2) A device as in claim 1, where said cogged coupling comprises: equidistant holes
(9) bored into the upper surface of the track on which the rolling element rolls;
pins (10) which emerge perpendicularly from the rolling element and which are positioned
in such a way as to fit successively each into one of the holes in the track as the
rolling element rolls.
3) A device as in claim 1, comprising a cogged fit between the rolling element and
the tracks.
4) A device as in claims 1 and 2, characterized in that: said tracks are made of oval-section
tubular strips and are disposed so that the major axes of their sections are exactly
one above the other on a plane of symmetry containing the axes of said holes; each
rolling element comprises one molded wheel with a lateral abutment (11) and (12) forming
a throat out of which said pins emerge perpendicularly; relative to each rolling element
there is a contrast pulley (13) and (14) placed in contact with the track and opposite
the lateral abutment of the rolling element; in correspondence with at least one of
the rolling element groups a trolley (15) is fitted, mounted on the lifting structure,
which is disposed laterally to said trolley and which interacts with tracts of auxiliary
tracks (16) attached to the relative track where the tract gradient is less than about
15 degrees; a block hole (17) is bored into the lifting structure in correspondence
with at least one of the rolling elements, which can receive a pawl (18), formed and
disposed in such a way as to prevent oscillation of the frame when inserted into the
block hole; said insertion (and relative extraction) is attained by means of a system
of cams positioned in correspondence with horizontal tracts of the tracks.
5) A device as in claims 1 and 3, comprising a braking device, calibrated on a shaft
(27) which interests one of the rolling elements and which is idle with respect to
its own rotation axle, which in turn comprises: a disk pair (31) and (32) in fixed
rotation with said shaft, forming between them a throat; a hexagonal cam (33) and
a cogwheel (34), fixed together and coaxial, which are positioned inside said throat;
a number of friction disks (35) interplaced between the inside lateral surfaces of
the disk pair and the outside lateral surfaces of the cogwheel; an anchor (37), one
end of which is round-shaped and acts on said cam, the other end of which is tooth-shaped
and acts on the teeth of the cogwheel; said anchor rotates around a fixed axle with
respect to said shaft axle, and since it is formed in such a way that when the round
end falls on the sides of the hexagonal cam the toothed end does not interfere with
the cogwheel teeth while when the round end falls on the edges of said hexagonal cam
the toothed end acts on the teeth of the cogwheel.
6) A device as in claim 1, comprising a number of support elements for the tracks,
each of which comprises: a prismatic bracket (41), which is fixed to the lower part
of the staircase ramp; a first element (42), one of whose ends is inserted into the
prismatic bracket, and whose other end rests on one of the steps of the staircase,
comprising at least two studs (43) which point upwards in a vertical direction; a
post (44), whose lower end is positioned on the upper end of the first element and
has grooves which said studs fit into, whose upper, vertical end has a further groove;
an arm, fixed to the tracks, which also has a groove for fitting to and adjustment
with said post.