(19)
(11) EP 2 338 455 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication:
29.06.2011 Bulletin 2011/26

(21) Application number: 10197189.3

(22) Date of filing: 28.12.2010
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
A61G 3/00(2006.01)
(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
Designated Extension States:
BA ME

(30) Priority: 28.12.2009 IT MO20090316

(71) Applicant: Simad Srl
41037 Mirandola (IT)

(72) Inventors:
  • Fallavena, Franco
    40066, Pieve di Cento FE (IT)
  • Gandolfi, Carlo
    42045, Luzzara RE (IT)
  • Rattighieri, Giuseppe
    41012, Limidi di Soliera MO (IT)

(74) Representative: Modiano, Micaela Nadia et al
Modiano Gardi Patents SAS Via Meravigli 16
20123 Milano
20123 Milano (IT)

   


(54) Loading/unloading device, particularly for stretchers and the like


(57) A device (1) for loading/unloading, particularly for stretchers and the like, from at least one supporting surface to at least one deck (13) which is raised with respect to a supporting surface and/or vice versa, whose particularity consists in comprising means (3) for gripping at least one stretcher (B) which rests on a supporting surface and means for the movement, along at least two directional axes (X1, X2, X3), of the grip means (3) which can be associated at at least one frame (4) for the movement of the stretcher (B) between a first configuration, in which it rests on the supporting surface, and a second configuration, in which the stretcher rests on the deck (13) for its loading and unloading.




Description


[0001] The present invention relates to a loading/unloading device, particularly for stretchers and the like that self-load in two steps, for example associable with means for their transport, such as ambulances, vehicles for transporting patients and the like, such as to reduce the effort required from operators and ensure a movement of the stretcher that avoids sudden shaking and tilting of the patient.

[0002] Stretchers, i.e., medical devices, are known which are used for carrying patients within and outside hospitals.

[0003] These stretchers generally have wheels mounted on feet which can be retracted or folded to arrange the deck of the stretcher on which the infirm patient must be placed in a configuration in which it is lowered almost to the level of the ground on which such wheels rest, in order to facilitate the loading of the patient if he is on the ground, to a configuration in which such deck is raised from the ground so as to facilitate the transport of the patient.

[0004] Stretchers, as is known, can be loaded onto ambulances to rest injured patients on them and allow their transport from the accident site to the treatment site.

[0005] Under these circumstances, the stretcher is carried to the vicinity of the ambulance with its deck in the raised configuration and, once the deck has been raised above the level of the raised supporting surface defined by the sanitary compartment of the ambulance designed to accommodate the patient, by pushing the stretcher into the sanitary compartment the stretcher is brought to the retracted configuration for its accommodation inside the sanitary compartment.

[0006] Therefore, for patients who are particularly heavy, but also under normal conditions of use, the operations for loading/unloading the stretchers with respect to the ambulance are a very delicate step of the transport of the patient, both for the operators assigned to transport and for the patient himself.

[0007] For patients who, for example, have a considerably body weight, lifting the stretched above the deck of the sanitary compartment of the ambulance, which is performed manually by the personnel assigned for transport, is in fact particularly difficult and delicate.

[0008] The difficulty lies not only in the physical force spent for the loading/ unloading operations but also in the execution of these operations with the smallest number of vibrations and/or shocks for the patient, so as to not compromise his precarious state of health.

[0009] This implies that personnel assigned to the transport of the patient must be highly trained and experienced in performing these vitally important operations.

[0010] The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks of the background art, by providing a loading/unloading device particularly for stretchers and the like that self-load in two steps, which makes it possible to facilitate the operations of loading/unloading the stretcher for the operators, reducing the physical burdens and the dorsolumbar risks of the personnel assigned to the operations for loading and unloading the patient.

[0011] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a loading/unloading device, particularly for stretchers and the like, that protects the patient against impacts, shaking, accidental vibration during the operations for unloading/loading the stretcher.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a loading/unloading device that is highly reliable, relatively simple to provide and of low cost.

[0013] This aim, as well as these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a device for loading/unloading, particularly for stretchers and the like, from at least one supporting surface to at least one deck which is raised with respect to a supporting surface and/ or vice versa, characterized in that it comprises means for gripping at least one stretcher which rests on said supporting surface and means for the movement along at least two directional axes of said grip means which can be associated at at least one frame for the movement of said stretcher between a first configuration, in which it rests on said supporting surface, and a second configuration, in which it rests on said deck for loading and unloading it.

[0014] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a loading/unloading device particularly for stretchers and the like, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a loading/unloading device for stretchers according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a top view of the device according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a bottom view of the device according to the invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic view of the loading of a stretcher in a sanitary compartment by means of the device according to the invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic view of the unloading of a stretcher in a sanitary compartment by means of the device according to the invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention with the grip means in a forward position;

Figure 8 is a side elevation view of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the device according to the invention, with the grip means in a configuration which is intermediate between the ones of Figure 1 and of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a side elevation view of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a side view of a detail of the means for gripping of the device during use, according to the invention;

Figure 12 is a top view of a detail of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a sectional view of the device according to the invention, with a particular implementation of the motor drive for motion along the axis X2;

Figure 14 is an exploded detail view of the tilting means of the device according to the invention;

Figures 15a and 15b are perspective views of the grip means in particular of the presence sensors, according to the invention;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the device, particularly of the control devices, according to the invention.



[0015] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a loading/unloading device particularly for stretchers and the like that self-load in two steps, designated by the reference letter B in the accompanying drawings.

[0016] In particular, the device 1 is adapted for the loading and/or unloading of a stretcher B from at least one supporting surface to at least one deck 13 which is raised with respect to such supporting surface and/or vice versa, such supporting surface being defined for example by the ground on which the ambulance itself rests.

[0017] The device 1 comprises a frame 4 for supporting grip means 3 and the deck 13; the frame 4 can be associated with a raised surface 2, which is constituted for example by the sanitary compartment of an ambulance or the like or another vehicle for transporting such stretcher.

[0018] The device 1 comprises at least one traction arm 8, which can slide along a linear longitudinal guide, which makes it possible to load/unload the stretcher while keeping it substantially horizontal by means of the movement of such arm, and therefore of the grip means 3, along an axis X1, combined with motion along a directional axis X2 of the grip means 3 connected to the arm 8 and designed to retain the stretcher B, which is moved from the supporting surface constituted, for example, by the ground in front of the entry section of the vehicle, to the deck 13 on board of the vehicle or vice versa for the unloading operation.

[0019] In particular, in the preferred embodiment there is a pair of arms 8, which rotate through an angle between 10° and 15° on a circular arc, and this rotation allows keeping the stretcher substantially horizontal, lifting and lowering the grip means 3 along such circular arc.

[0020] The movement means comprise means 5 for tilting along the first directional axis X1, the grip means 3 and means 6, 7 for translational motion along at least the second directional axis X2 of the grip means 3.

[0021] The tilting means 5 comprise at least one arm 8, a first end 8a of which is associated with the grip means 3 and a second end 8b of which is associated rotatably with a plate designed to be fixed to a carriage 16 (described in detail hereinafter) for the longitudinal movement of such arm along the device 1.

[0022] The rotation of the arm 8 guides the stroke of the grip means 3 substantially along a circular arc, making it possible to move the stretcher B along the axis X2, keeping it substantially horizontal although the stretcher B is passing from the supporting surface to a raised surface constituted by the deck 13, or vice versa, during which movement it would tend to tilt.

[0023] The circular arc of rotation of the arm 8 is substantially comprised between 10° and 15° and can vary depending on the type of stretcher B by means of the lower stroke limit adjustment 30 and the upper one 31.

[0024] This rotation of the arm 8 is adapted to maintain a configuration of the stretcher B such that the plane of arrangement of the patient on the stretcher is substantially proximate to the horizontal during the step of loading/unloading said stretcher on or from the deck 13.

[0025] The translational motion of the second end 8b along the directional axis X2 is such as to induce the arm 8 to rotate along such circular arc, thus lower or tilt more or less, in order to facilitate the loading and unloading of the stretcher B, compensating the vertical stresses, along the directional axis X1, produced by the loading/unloading thereof which tend to tilt the stretcher.

[0026] The second end 8b is associated rotatably with a plate which is fixed to the carriage 16.

[0027] Such plate comprises the upper stroke limit 31 and the lower stroke limit 30 of the rotation of the arm 8 for the tilting of the grip means 3 along a circular arc: by means of the variation of the thickness of a pad 32 that lies below the end 8b of the arm or of the position of the upper stroke limit 30 and/or the lower stroke limit 30 it is possible to change the breadth of the circular arc of the tilting of the arm.

[0028] The arm 8 is substantially inclined with respect to the vertical on the opposite side with respect to the direction of approach of the stretcher B to the raised surface 2 (from the resting surface), so that such arm allows dragging the stretcher B to its complete loading on the deck 13 that lies on the frame 4 arranged on the raised surface 2.

[0029] The tilting of the arm 8 is such as to compensate the vertical component of the upward thrust caused by the loading of the stretcher B onto the deck 13 (the stretcher B is in fact loaded from one side thereof, which tends to be raised with respect to the opposite side, which remains transiently rested on the supporting surface constituted for example by the ground) and of the downward thrust applied by the weight of the stretcher B gripped by the grip means 3.

[0030] The oscillation of the grip means 3 is damped by the translational thrust that operates on the arm 8 and is exercised by the first translational motion means 6, which always keep the stretcher B in traction during motion along the axis X2 that determines the transition of the stretcher from the supporting surface to the deck 13.

[0031] Preferably, the arms 8 and the grip means 3 form a bridge above the deck 13 and the arms are anchored, by means of plates, to the carriage 16, which is made to perform a longitudinal translational motion along the device 1.

[0032] The grip means 3 comprise a clamp 9, which is jointly associated with the arms 8. The clamp 9 comprises a fixed flap 10, which is substantially C-shaped and is adapted to fit a supporting bar of the stretcher B, and a movable flap 11, which is associated rotatably with respect to the fixed flap and adapted to enclose such bar of the stretcher B inside a substantially closed ring formed by the C-shaped fixed flap and such movable flap.

[0033] Advantageously, the grip means 3 comprise sensor means 34 and 33, which are adapted to communicate to a control unit 35 of the device 1 the presence of the supporting bar of the stretcher B inside the grip means and/or the closure or opening of the grip means 3. The control unit 35, furthermore, can manage the motion along at least one axis X1, X2, X3 by means of an electric motor drive, the operation of which is set by the control unit according to the status of the sensors that are present in the grip means and the operating mode requested by the operator by means of a control console 36 of the device 1. The activation of the motion of the grip means by way of the arms 8 connected to the carriage 16 is dependent on the confirmation, sent to the control unit by the sensor means 33, of the complete closure of the grip means 3.

[0034] If the grip means open during the loading or unloading motion of the stretcher, the control unit stops the motion and emits an acoustic alarm signal to warn the operators that the grip means are open. Moreover, by means of the sensor 34, which discerns the presence or the absence of the stretcher B in the grip means 3, the control unit 35 enables or disables some electrical movement functions: for example, in the absence of the stretcher B the first translational motion means 6 can be moved even when the grip means 3 are not closed.

[0035] The movable flap 11 and the fixed flap 10 of the grip means 3 are shaped advantageously so that the jaw of the clamp 9 cannot open under the effect of the load, but only if a release lever is operated.

[0036] Advantageously, the grip means can comprise electromechanical means for the closure of the movable flap on the fixed flap, with the consequent possibility of activating the closure of the jaw of the clamp 9 remotely by means of the control console 36 of the device 1 through supervision of the control unit 35.

[0037] The translational motion means 6, 7 comprise first means 6 for the translational motion of the grip means 3 for the translational motion of the stretcher B from the first configuration, in which it still partly rests on the supporting surface, for example the ground, to the second configuration, in which it completely lies on the deck 13, and vice versa. Advantageously, the stretcher B is adapted to retract the supporting legs in transition from the first configuration to the second one and vice versa, extending them in the unloading transition from the second to the first configuration thereof.

[0038] The device 1 comprises at least one substantially straight guide 12 of the stretcher B, which can be associated with the deck 13, which is anchored to the frame 4 and is provided with side walls 14 which delimit the guide 12: the stretcher B slides on the guide, is arranged horizontally and parallel to the raised surface 2, and is anchored firmly to the deck 13, at the end of the loading thereon, by means of adapted hooks.

[0039] The supporting frame 4 comprises, in addition to the deck 13 for supporting the stretcher B in the retracted configuration, a front portion which can be folded and tilted for the descent and ascent along an inclined plane of the stretcher B.

[0040] In particular, the portion of the stretcher B that is retained by the grip means 3 resting on the deck 13 (on its inclined front portion) during the motion for loading and unloading onto and off the deck 13, traces the circular arc that allows its loading and unloading in a substantially horizontal position.

[0041] In particular, the longitudinal axis of the guide 12 is arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sanitary compartment of the ambulance.

[0042] The deck 13 is such as to be rested on the frame 4 and by means of the frame on the raised surface 2 and thus on the bottom of the sanitary compartment of the ambulance and jointly fixed thereto, for example by means of threaded elements.

[0043] Advantageously, the second directional axis X2 is substantially parallel to the direction imparted by the substantially straight guide 12 for the translational motion of such stretcher along a direction which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide 12.

[0044] The first translational motion means 6, for example, comprise at least one substantially straight track 17, which is fixed to the frame 4 and adapted to guide the translational motion, along the second directional axis X2, of the arms 8 and thus of the grip means 3 with a conveyor belt, which comprises at least one toothed belt 15 which is closed in a loop and is supported in rotation by a driving pulley and a driven pulley, which are associated with the supporting frame 4, for the translational driving of the translation carriage 16, associated rotatably with the second end 8b, of at least one of the arms 8 for translational motion along the longitudinal axis of the belt 15 and therefore of the carriage 16 and of the grip means 3 and therefore of the clamp 9 jointly associated with such arms.

[0045] The carriage 16 has a contoured profile 18, which is for example C-shaped, and is adapted to be mated with the track 17 for guided translation with respect to such track along the second directional axis X2 defined by such track.

[0046] Advantageously, the first translational motion means 6 comprise a pair of conveyor belts and tracks 17 respectively for the synchronized translational motion of each one of the arms 8.

[0047] In the preferred embodiment, the motion of the grip means 3 provided by the translational motion means 6 is allowed by the action of a motor means which operates on the translational motion means 6 and is activated by the control unit 35 on the basis of the commands sent by the operators via the remote control console 36 of the device 1 and of the status of the sensor means 33 and 34 that are present in the grip means 3 and sensor means 37 that are present along the longitudinal stroke of the carriage 16.

[0048] In this embodiment, the connection of the translational motion means 6 to the motor can be disabled by the operators and the movement of such grip means can also be provided by pushing on the part of the operators assigned to loading and unloading.

[0049] The translational motion means 6, 7 comprise second translational motion means 7 for the translational motion of the stretcher along a third directional axis X3, which is substantially perpendicular to the second directional axis X2 and parallel to such raised surface and thus perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stretcher B as well as to the direction imparted by the substantially straight guide 12.

[0050] The second translational motion means 7 comprise at least one straight guide (whose longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the third directional axis X3) which is interposed between the deck 13 and the supporting frame 4 and a rack 19 which is associated with the supporting frame 4 and arranged so that the longitudinal axis is substantially parallel with the third directional axis X3 and a pawl 20 which is associated with the deck 13 of the supporting frame 4 and meshes with such rack to temporarily stop translational motion along the third directional axis X3 of such deck and thus of the stretcher B which rests on it.

[0051] The pawl 20 is associated, by means of lever systems of a known type, with a release pedal for the disengagement of such pawl from the rack 19 and for the consequent translational motion of the deck 13 along the directional axis X3.

[0052] Such movement along the third directional axis X3 is such as to allow the adaptation of the position of the stretcher B in the compartment of the motor vehicle, once it has been loaded on board the raised surface 2 on the deck 13, and thus for example allow the loading of instruments, personnel assigned for transport or others in the sanitary compartment of the ambulance.

[0053] In particular, the second translational motion means comprise a pair of racks 19 and a pair of pawls 20, which are mutually spaced along the longitudinal axis of the guide 12 and are connected by guiding elements 29 for guided translational motion along the third directional axis X3 of the deck 13.

[0054] In particular, at least one of the translational motion means 6, 7 and the tilting means 5 comprises mutually independent motor means, respectively for the translational actuation and/or tilting of the stretcher B.

[0055] The motor means can comprise, not in the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, a first motor, which is controlled by the tilting means 5 and whose output shaft is associated, for example by reduction units or guiding elements and engagement/disengagement elements which are known to the person skilled in the art, with the second end 8b of at least one of the arms 8 for movement, by means of such first motor controlled by the control unit 35, of the arm 8 along the circular arc that allows the tilting of the grip means 3, so as to keep the stretcher B substantially horizontal during the operation for loading and/or unloading it.

[0056] In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, instead, the arms 8 are associated, so that they can rotate freely, with the carriage 16 by means of a plate, and their movement is limited between the lower stroke limit 30 and the upper stroke limit 31, which also are associated with the plate and thus with the carriage 16.

[0057] The arms 8 are moved either manually by the operator to grip the stretcher B or as a consequence of the movement imparted by the first translational motion means 6 to the stretcher B: the rotation of the arm 8, in fact, during the steps for loading and unloading the stretcher B occurs by means of the combination, allowed by the provided mechanical implementation, of the motion of the first translational motion means 6, which keep the stretcher B under traction with the particular shape of the arm 8 and with the action of the weight of the stretcher B with which the arm 8 is associated by way of the grip means 3.

[0058] The motor means comprise a second independent motor 21, which is controlled by the first translational motion means 6, of which it determines the motion by means of the mechanical implementation described hereinafter, which makes it possible to connect the second motor 21 to the toothed belt 15 that produces the translational motion of the arm 8 and therefore of the grip means 3 along the second directional axis X2.

[0059] The output shaft 22 of the second motor 21 is associated with a driven gear 27, which in turn is associated with a driven shaft 28, by means of reduction units 23, guiding elements not shown in the figure and coupling/uncoupling elements 26. By the driven shaft 28, the motion of the second motor 21 is transmitted to the driving pulley, as is known to the person skilled in the art, and thus to the belt 15, which allows the translational motion of the arm 8.

[0060] In particular, the coupling/uncoupling element 26 can be an electromagnetic coupling which closes a toothed plate onto a corresponding plate, so as to couple, in the case of closure, or uncouple, in the case of opening, the connection to the belt 15 and thus make it possible to perform the translational motion along the axis X2 by means of a motor drive or manually.

[0061] Preferably, the second motor 21 is confined in an end region 38 of the frame 4, below the deck 13 in a region that is reserved thereto and is closed and fixed on the frame 4. This has the advantage of leaving space, inside the frame 4 and more specifically below the deck 13, for accommodating at least one stretcher of the bucket type or of the spinal type and/or the like. Furthermore, one or more openings 39 are provided in the deck 13 to allow cleaning of the area inside the frame 4 that is comprised between the deck 13 and the raised surface 2.

[0062] The motor means might comprise a third motor for the electromechanical actuation, controlled by the control unit 35, of the translational motion of the device 1 in the direction of the axis X3.

[0063] Furthermore, the device 1 comprises at least one unit 35 for the control and monitoring of the movement of the movement means.

[0064] The grip means 3, the translational motion means 6, 7 and the tilting means 5 are functionally connected to the control and monitoring unit 35 for the automation of the loading and unloading of the stretcher B onto and off the deck 13 on the raised surface 2 respectively.

[0065] In particular, the control and monitoring unit 35 is controlled by the sensors 33, 34, 37 and the motor means for automated control and monitoring of the movement, along the three directional axes, of the grip means 3 and therefore of the stretcher B.

[0066] The device 1 further comprises additional sensors 37, which are arranged along the longitudinal stroke of the carriage 16 and are connected to the control and monitoring unit 35, to which they report the position of the carriage 16, allowing the control unit to stop its motion in specific positions.

[0067] The control and monitoring unit 35 constantly checks at least the following parameters of the device 1 in order to stop the system and activate an acoustic and luminous alarm in case of anomaly and ensure the safety of the operators and of the patient on the stretcher B: compliance of the power supply voltage of the device, the value of the current absorbed by such device, the temperature of the electromechanical elements, the functionality of the sensors in the grip means 3 and along the longitudinal stroke of the carriage 16.

[0068] The users of the device 1 can control the motion of the movement means both for unloading and for loading by means of at least one fixed or portable wired or wireless console 36, which by way of an adapted protocol sends the loading or unloading command to the control unit. This remote console 36 comprises luminous indications that inform the operator of any malfunction of the device 1 as regards the power supply, due to overcurrent and/or due to temperature, failure of the sensors, on the battery level.

[0069] Furthermore, the control and monitoring unit of the device 1 can comprise a unit for storing the performed operations and for fault detection; for example, there can be a malfunction diagnostics unit or an interface unit with external units such as for example PCs so as to inquire the device 1 on maintenance and/or configuration and/or programming or similar activities. By means of a connector 40 for wired or wireless connection, the control and monitoring unit 35 can exchange information with external units for configuration and/or programming and/or diagnostics and/or data collection.

[0070] Another subsystem that can be connected to the control unit 35 is a unit for detecting forces and accelerations, so as to establish a relation between the health status of the patient and the way of driving the vehicle, storing the force and acceleration data affecting the patient on the stretcher that lies on the deck 13.

[0071] The device 1 can be provided with suspension means, optionally of the active and programmable type, for greater patient comfort.

[0072] The device 1 can operate both manually and with motorized functions alternately in the same unit: in case of failure or need, the motor drive that is present on the directional axes X1 and/or X2 and/or X3 can in fact be excluded, even for a single axis, and motion can be activated manually.

[0073] The steps of operation of the present invention that can be programmed in the control and monitoring unit, of the type of an electronic board, are described hereinafter.

[0074] Once the operator assigned to the transport of patients has, with informed clearance, firmly gripped the grip means 3 and therefore the clamp 9 on the stretcher B and the sensors detect both the presence of the stretcher B, gripped within the clamp between the fixed flap 10 and the movable flap 11, and the closure of the grip means, one proceeds as follows.

[0075] By pressing "ON/OFF" on the control console, the device 1 switches on, the control and management unit activates a contactor of the power supply circuit and an LED, for example a green one, which is inside the "ON/OFF" button, lights up, remaining on as long as the device 1 is armed correctly (power contactor engaged).

[0076] By pressing "LOAD" or "UNLOAD", the control and monitoring unit enables the second motor 21 to perform the translational motion of the grip means 3 and therefore of the stretcher B.

[0077] The pressing of the "LOAD" or "UNLOAD" buttons must be continuous so that the longitudinal translational motion occurs; this is done to avoid a. simple pressing from starting a continuous motion and to constrain the loading/unloading operations to the presence of at least two operators, since only one assigned person cannot follow the stretcher in its movement and simultaneously keep the "LOAD" or "UNLOAD" button on the control console of the device 1 pressed. This increases safety in patient transport.

[0078] Moreover, the control and monitoring unit provides for safety programmings which are designed to define the operations for loading/unloading the stretcher B in full safety for the patient who lies on the stretcher.

[0079] In particular, in compliance with the machines directive, by pressing an emergency button the control and monitoring unit directly disconnects the power supply part, deactivates the contactor, disconnects the electromagnet to disengage the gears with the motor means to thus allow the operators to move manually the traction arm or arms, since everything is disconnected from the motor drive.

[0080] The control and monitoring unit performs the same procedure for disconnection of the power circuit part in case of malfunction arising from an excessive absorption of current by the motor means or if such means exceed the maximum operating temperature. These errors and others are displayed for example by means of the lighting of a luminous indicator next to the "RESET" button, accompanied by the switching off of the green luminous indication next to the "ON/OFF" key.

[0081] To reactivate the device 1 it is necessary to remove and resolve actively the cause of the error and then press the "RESET" button and switch on the device 1 again by pressing the "ON/OFF" key.

[0082] It is advantageous to distinguish the two error signals, i.e. the one related to the pressing of the emergency button and the one related to the indication of overcurrent and/or overtemperature, since the control and monitoring unit must respond differently in the two cases and the operators must be warned of anomalies occurring in the device 1.

[0083] By pressing of the emergency button, the control and monitoring unit must disconnect the power supply section, by operating on the adapted contactor, and switch off the green "ON/OFF" light. To reactivate the device it becomes necessary to return the emergency button to the inactive position and press "ON/OFF" to rearm the power supply.

[0084] In case of an error caused by excessive current absorption and/or overtemperature on the part of the motor (where it is presumed, for example, that the excessive absorption is due to the fact that an object has accidentally jammed below the stretcher B), the control and monitoring unit must deactivate power and report the error by turning on the red luminous indication, so that the operator is informed of the presence of an anomaly in the device 1. The red light indicates to the operator that it is necessary to eliminate a problem. In order to reactivate the device 1 once the problem has been solved, it is necessary to press the "RESET" button which is located next to the red luminous indicator and to restore power it is necessary to press the "ON/OFF" button.

[0085] Furthermore, the control and monitoring unit also drives on the fixed or portable control console additional luminous indications to indicate for example that the battery of the system is discharged; in this case, the device 1 operates all the same until a minimum threshold is exceeded, so that the user is informed of the need to recharge the batteries that supply power to the device. An additional luminous indicator reports that the temperature of the control and monitoring unit of the actuation system is close to exceeding the limit operating temperature; if exceeded, the device 1 does not start so as to avoid damage of the control board or stops if it is in operation.

[0086] Furthermore, if the sensors that are present in the grip means 3 detect the absence of the stretcher B, after a time that can be programmed by configuring the control unit by means of its connection to a PC or similar external device has elapsed, the control and monitoring unit can control the motor means so as to move the arms 8 into the position that corresponds to the first configuration, i.e., with the grip means 3 lowered and ready to close onto a stretcher B that must be loaded from the supporting surface onto the deck 13.

[0087] During this step, known as "AUTOMATIC UNLOADING", the device 1 actuates, for example 10 seconds before the unloading transient and during the same, an acoustic warning in order to warn the operators of the movement of the arms 8.

[0088] If the device 1 remains inactive for a specific time, which can be set during the configuration of the control and monitoring unit, which can be performed by means of its connection to a PC or the like (PDA, laptop, etcetera), the control and monitoring unit automatically switches off the power section and after a certain period of time, which also can be programmed, also switches off its logic section.

[0089] This operation makes it possible to reduce power consumption and at the same time increases safety, since in this condition the device 1 is deactivated, the green "ON/OFF" light is off and in order to switch the device back on it is necessary to press "ON/OFF".

[0090] In practice it has been found that the described invention achieves the intended aim and objects, and in particular the fact is stressed that the loading/unloading device particularly for stretchers and the like that self-load in two stages, according to the invention, makes it possible to facilitate the operations for loading/unloading the stretcher and to protect the patient against impacts, shaking, accidental vibrations during the operations for loading/unloading the stretcher and to reduce the physical burden on the personnel assigned to the operations for loading and unloading the patient.

[0091] Advantageously, the device 1, accommodated within the sanitary compartment, does not protrude from the vehicle adapted to transfer the patient except for the part of the folding front portion of the deck 13, confining inside all the movement and grip means, offering operators the possibility to work in confined spaces, since there is no need for the arms adapted for gripping of the stretcher B to protrude from the vehicle, which would require larger operating spaces.

[0092] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0093] All the details may further be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

[0094] In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to requirements without thereby abandoning the scope of the protection of the appended claims.

[0095] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. MO2009A000316, from which this application claims priority, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0096] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.


Claims

1. A device (1) for loading/unloading, particularly for stretchers and the like, from at least one supporting surface to at least one deck (13) which is raised with respect to said supporting surface and/or vice versa, characterized in that it comprises means (3) for gripping at least one stretcher (B) which rests on a supporting surface, sensor means (33, 34) in said grip means (3), and means for the movement, along at least two directional axes (X1, X2, X3), of said grip means (3) which can be associated at said deck (13), for the movement of said stretcher (B) between a first configuration, in which it rests on said supporting surface, and a second configuration, in which it rests on said deck (13) for its loading and unloading.
 
2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said movement means comprise means (5) for tilting said grip means (3) along a first one (X1) of said directional axes (X1, X2, X3) and means (6, 7) for translational motion along at least one second axis (X2) of said directional axes (X1 , X2, X3).
 
3. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said tilting means (5) comprise at least one guiding element for the combined rotation and translation of said tilting grip means (3) from said first configuration to a position in which said stretcher (B) is at least partially raised from the supporting surface or vice versa for unloading.
 
4. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said guiding element comprises at least one arm (8), a first end (8a) of which is associated with said grip means (3) and a second end (8b) of which can be associated rotatably with said deck (13), the rotation of said arm (8) guiding the tilting of said grip means (3) substantially along a circular arc.
 
5. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said translational motion means (6, 7) comprise first means (6) for the translational motion of said grip means (3), which are slidingly associated laterally with respect to said deck (13) for the translational motion of said stretcher (B) from said first configuration to said second configuration and vice versa in case of unloading.
 
6. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one substantially rectilinear guide (12) for said stretcher (B), which can be associated with said deck (13) and is substantially parallel thereto for guiding and retaining said stretcher (B) on said deck (13) and arranging said stretcher so that it rests stably thereon.
 
7. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a supporting frame (4) which comprises said deck (13) and is firmly associated with a raised surface (2) of a sanitary compartment adapted to transport at least one stretcher (B).
 
8. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second directional axis (X2) is substantially parallel to the direction imparted by said substantially rectilinear guide (12).
 
9. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said translational motion means (6, 7) comprise second translational motion means (7) for the translational motion of said stretcher (B) along a third axis (X3) of said directional axes (X1, X2, X3) which is substantially perpendicular to said second directional axis and parallel to said raised surface (2).
 
10. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of said translational motion means (6, 7) and said tilting means (5) comprise independent motor means respectively for the translational motion of the stretcher (B) along the guide (12) and/or for the tilting of the grip means (3) anchored to the stretcher (B) along said circular arc and said motor means can be disengaged temporarily and independently.
 
11. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one unit for monitoring and controlling the movement of said movement means, at least said grip means (3), and/or said translational motion means (6, 7) and/or said tilting means (5) being functionally connected to said monitoring and control unit to automate the loading/unloading of said stretcher (B) on/from said deck (13) on said raised surface (2).
 
12. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises said sensor means (33, 34) in said grip means (3) adapted to report the presence of at least one stretcher (B) to said control unit (35) and sensor means (37) which are present along the longitudinal stroke of the carriage (16) and adapted to report the position of said grip means (3) along said longitudinal stroke of the carriage (16) to said control unit (35).
 
13. An ambulance for carrying stretchers and the like, comprising at least one compartment for loading/unloading said stretchers, characterized in that it comprises at least one device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, associated with said loading/unloading compartment and operating substantially inside said ambulance.
 




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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