EP1258443A1 - A platform lift - Google Patents
A platform lift Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1258443A1 EP1258443A1 EP01201769A EP01201769A EP1258443A1 EP 1258443 A1 EP1258443 A1 EP 1258443A1 EP 01201769 A EP01201769 A EP 01201769A EP 01201769 A EP01201769 A EP 01201769A EP 1258443 A1 EP1258443 A1 EP 1258443A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- carrier element
- platform
- arms
- platform lift
- lift
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66B—ELEVATORS; ESCALATORS OR MOVING WALKWAYS
- B66B9/00—Kinds or types of lifts in, or associated with, buildings or other structures
- B66B9/06—Kinds or types of lifts in, or associated with, buildings or other structures inclined, e.g. serving blast furnaces
- B66B9/08—Kinds or types of lifts in, or associated with, buildings or other structures inclined, e.g. serving blast furnaces associated with stairways, e.g. for transporting disabled persons
- B66B9/0853—Lifting platforms, e.g. constructional features
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G3/00—Ambulance aspects of vehicles; Vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances, e.g. for facilitating access of, or for loading, wheelchairs
- A61G3/02—Loading or unloading personal conveyances; Facilitating access of patients or disabled persons to, or exit from, vehicles
- A61G3/06—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like
- A61G3/063—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like using lifts separate from the vehicle, e.g. fixed on the pavement
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a platform lift for transferring a wheelchair from a first position to a second position, in particular for lifting a disabled person in a wheelchair over one or more steps from one level to a higher second level, including a carrier element having a console and a substantially horizontal platform, said carrier element is moveable relative to a fixed base element, and drive means for moving the carrier element.
- Such lifts for raising a load to the top of a small number of steps may generally be referred to as low-rise vertical lifting platforms.
- a various kinds of lifts that are dealing with this problem are known.
- a platform lift of this kind is known from EP-A-0 732 296. This platform deals with the disadvantage that such platforms take up a lot of space around the steps, which is particularly disadvantageous when the lift is not in use.
- the invention consists of a platform lift of the initially mentioned kind wherein the base element is positioned adjacent to the carrier element and that the carrier element is mounted to the base element by two or more pivotable arms.
- the foundation i.e. base elements is only required on one side of the lift which in turn means that the lift only takes up space on one side of the steps.
- the carrier element carrying the load is maintained with the same orientation throughout the lifting operation ensuring that the platform is horizontal during the swinging movement of the carrier element.
- the arms are substantially parallel in orientation and at least one of the arms is connected to the drive means for pivoting the arms.
- a first arm is used for driving the lift by lifting the carrier element and the second arm functions as a stabilising arm as the two arms represent a parallelogram lifting structure.
- the drive means for pivoting the arms causing the movement of the carrier element include an electrically driven linear actuator.
- the drive means may be particularly compact in design.
- the drive means for pivoting the carrier element are provided in the console.
- the overall size of the lift may be minimised as the drive means may be provided in the carrier element, i.e. the moveable part of the lift.
- the operating panel may also be provided on the console of the carrier element whereby the person in a wheelchair may operate the lift on his own.
- the drive means for pivoting the carrier element may be provided in the base element.
- the arms are pivotable between a substantially horizontal lower position to a substantially vertical higher position.
- the length of the arms is less than the distance between the pivoting points of the first and second arm on the carrier element and pivoting points of the base element.
- the arms are mounted to the carrier element via a swivel joint allowing for at least a 90° rotation of the carrier element in one of the extreme positions.
- the carrier element may be swung aside to a parking position beside the steps in front of the base element leaving the steps unblocked by the lift.
- the platform is hinged to the console and foldable to an inactive vertical position.
- a free and unhindered access to the steps is ensured when the lift is parked in its inactive position.
- the platform lift shown in the figures comprises a carrier element 1 that is movably mounted on a base element 2 via a first arm 5 and a second arm 6 that connects a console 4 of the carrier element 1 to the base element 2.
- the carrier element 1 Beside the generally vertical console 4, the carrier element 1 includes a generally horizontal platform 3 for carrying the load in the lift.
- the platform 3 that is generally rectangular in shape, is provided with foldable edges 7 at each of the sides adjacent the console 4. These foldable edges 7 may be lowered to facilitate rolling a load such as a wheelchair onto the platform 3 and may be folded upwards in order to prevent the load from rolling off during the lifting operation and to prevent the load from being able to roll off in the wrong direction (see fig. 2 and 3).
- the console 4 is also provided with retention bars 8 circumscribing the space above the platform 3. The retention bars 8 may be raised and lowered independently, as shown in the figures 1 to 3 in order to retain and to direct the loading and unloading of the platform 3.
- the base element 2 of the platform lift is permanently fixed adjacent to a staircase comprising one or more steps 10.
- the carrier element 1 is swung from a lower level, as shown in fig. 2 to a top position, shown in fig. 3.
- the arms 5, 6 are preferably in a generally horizontal orientation in the lower position and are swung to the top position where the arms 5, 6 are in a generally vertical position, see fig. 4.
- the console 3 may preferably be provided with drive means (not shown) and an operation panel 9 enabling a person on the lift to operate the lift him or herself.
- At least one of the arms 5 is connected to a drive source for moving the carrier element 1 relative to the base element 2.
- This drive source may preferably be an electrically driven linear actuator or a rotary actuator.
- the drive means may preferably also include an electrical power source such as a rechargeable battery or an external power supply for driving the actuator.
- the platform 3 is preferably connected to the console via a hinge (not shown) so that the platform 3 may be folded up to a vertical position with the lift is not in use.
- a hinge not shown
- the arms 5, 6 may be connected to the carrier element 1 via a swivel joint 11.
- the carrier element 1 may be swung aside when it is not being used.
- This embodiment is particularly advantageous with respect to some staircases where the space beside the stairs makes it difficult or even impossible to install a platform lift that does not hinder the access to the stairs.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a platform lift for transferring a wheelchair from a first position to a second position, in particular for lifting a disabled person in a wheelchair over one or more steps from one level to a higher second level, including a carrier element having a console and a substantially horizontal platform, said carrier element is moveable relative to a fixed base element, and drive means for moving the carrier element.
- For disabled persons in wheelchairs or other persons with limited mobility, it is difficult to climb steps on their own. Such lifts for raising a load to the top of a small number of steps may generally be referred to as low-rise vertical lifting platforms.
- A various kinds of lifts that are dealing with this problem are known. A platform lift of this kind is known from EP-A-0 732 296. This platform deals with the disadvantage that such platforms take up a lot of space around the steps, which is particularly disadvantageous when the lift is not in use.
- However, this platform lift still hinders a free access to the steps when the lift is in a parked position, as it extends across the entire width of the steps. Moreover, although the lift according to EP-A-0 732 296 is provided with a relative compact driving mechanism, this drive mechanism takes up a considerable amount of space on each side of the steps, just as it is technically complicated and consequently difficult to service and to carry out maintenance on the lift.
- It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a platform lift of the initially mentioned kind that is compact and simple to operate and service.
- The invention consists of a platform lift of the initially mentioned kind wherein the base element is positioned adjacent to the carrier element and that the carrier element is mounted to the base element by two or more pivotable arms.
- By a platform lift according to the present invention, the foundation, i.e. base elements is only required on one side of the lift which in turn means that the lift only takes up space on one side of the steps. In order to keep the platform in a horizontal position at least two lifting arms are provided. Hereby, the carrier element carrying the load is maintained with the same orientation throughout the lifting operation ensuring that the platform is horizontal during the swinging movement of the carrier element.
- Preferably, the arms are substantially parallel in orientation and at least one of the arms is connected to the drive means for pivoting the arms. Hereby, a first arm is used for driving the lift by lifting the carrier element and the second arm functions as a stabilising arm as the two arms represent a parallelogram lifting structure.
- In the preferred embodiment, the drive means for pivoting the arms causing the movement of the carrier element include an electrically driven linear actuator. Hereby, the drive means may be particularly compact in design.
- Preferably, the drive means for pivoting the carrier element are provided in the console. Hereby, the overall size of the lift may be minimised as the drive means may be provided in the carrier element, i.e. the moveable part of the lift. Moreover, the operating panel may also be provided on the console of the carrier element whereby the person in a wheelchair may operate the lift on his own. Alternatively, the drive means for pivoting the carrier element may be provided in the base element.
- Preferably, the arms are pivotable between a substantially horizontal lower position to a substantially vertical higher position. Moreover, the length of the arms is less than the distance between the pivoting points of the first and second arm on the carrier element and pivoting points of the base element. Hereby, performance of the lift may be chosen according to circumstances, and the swinging action may be adjusted by limitation in accordance to the actual dimensions of the steps to the bridged.
- In a second preferred embodiment of the invention, the arms are mounted to the carrier element via a swivel joint allowing for at least a 90° rotation of the carrier element in one of the extreme positions. Hereby, the carrier element may be swung aside to a parking position beside the steps in front of the base element leaving the steps unblocked by the lift.
- Preferably, the platform is hinged to the console and foldable to an inactive vertical position. Hereby, a free and unhindered access to the steps is ensured when the lift is parked in its inactive position.
- The invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
- fig. 1
- shows a perspective view of a platform lift according to the invention during use,
- fig. 2
- shows same in its lower position,
- fig. 3
- shows the same in its top position,
- fig. 4
- is a side view of the platform lift according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, and
- fig. 5
- shows a schematic top view of a platform lift according to a second embodiment of the invention.
- The platform lift shown in the figures comprises a carrier element 1 that is movably mounted on a
base element 2 via afirst arm 5 and asecond arm 6 that connects aconsole 4 of the carrier element 1 to thebase element 2. Beside the generallyvertical console 4, the carrier element 1 includes a generallyhorizontal platform 3 for carrying the load in the lift. Theplatform 3 that is generally rectangular in shape, is provided withfoldable edges 7 at each of the sides adjacent theconsole 4. Thesefoldable edges 7 may be lowered to facilitate rolling a load such as a wheelchair onto theplatform 3 and may be folded upwards in order to prevent the load from rolling off during the lifting operation and to prevent the load from being able to roll off in the wrong direction (see fig. 2 and 3). As another safety feature, theconsole 4 is also provided withretention bars 8 circumscribing the space above theplatform 3. Theretention bars 8 may be raised and lowered independently, as shown in the figures 1 to 3 in order to retain and to direct the loading and unloading of theplatform 3. - The
base element 2 of the platform lift is permanently fixed adjacent to a staircase comprising one ormore steps 10. By moving thearms arms arms - The
console 3 may preferably be provided with drive means (not shown) and anoperation panel 9 enabling a person on the lift to operate the lift him or herself. At least one of thearms 5 is connected to a drive source for moving the carrier element 1 relative to thebase element 2. This drive source may preferably be an electrically driven linear actuator or a rotary actuator. The drive means may preferably also include an electrical power source such as a rechargeable battery or an external power supply for driving the actuator. - The
platform 3 is preferably connected to the console via a hinge (not shown) so that theplatform 3 may be folded up to a vertical position with the lift is not in use. Hereby, the amount of space may be minimised and the inconvenience of blocking the steps may be avoided. - As shown in fig. 5, the
arms swivel joint 11. Hereby, the carrier element 1 may be swung aside when it is not being used. This embodiment is particularly advantageous with respect to some staircases where the space beside the stairs makes it difficult or even impossible to install a platform lift that does not hinder the access to the stairs. - By the invention, it is realised that many other embodiments of the invention than the ones described above may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the accompanying claims. The importance is that the drive means and the design makes it possible to support the platform on one side only, whereas hitherto known low-rise vertical lifts for climbing a small number of steps must have a platform that is supported on both sides of the steps.
Claims (9)
- A platform lift for transferring a wheelchair from a first position to a second position, in particular for lifting a disabled person in a wheelchair over one or more steps from one level to a higher second level, including
a carrier element havinga console anda substantially horizontal platform,
drive means for moving the carrier element
characterised in that
the base element is positioned adjacent to the carrier element and that the carrier element is mounted to the base element by two or more pivotable arms. - A platform lift according to claim 1, wherein the arms are substantially parallel in orientation and at least one of the arms is connected to the drive means for pivoting the arms.
- A platform lift according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drive means for pivoting the arms causing the movement of the carrier element include a linear actuator.
- A platform lift according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drive means for pivoting the carrier element are provided in the console.
- A platform lift according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drive means for pivoting the carrier element are provided in the base element.
- A platform lift according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the arms are pivotable between a substantially horizontal lower position to a substantially vertical higher position.
- A platform lift according to claim 6, wherein the length of the arms is less than the distance between the pivoting points of the first and second arm on the carrier element and pivoting points of the base element.
- A platform lift according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the arms are mounted to the carrier element via a swivel joint allowing for at least a 90° rotation of the carrier element in one of the extreme positions.
- A platform lift according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the platform is hinged to the console and foldable to an inactive vertical position.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP01201769A EP1258443A1 (en) | 2001-05-14 | 2001-05-14 | A platform lift |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP01201769A EP1258443A1 (en) | 2001-05-14 | 2001-05-14 | A platform lift |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1258443A1 true EP1258443A1 (en) | 2002-11-20 |
Family
ID=8180299
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP01201769A Withdrawn EP1258443A1 (en) | 2001-05-14 | 2001-05-14 | A platform lift |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1258443A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2877657A1 (en) * | 2004-11-10 | 2006-05-12 | Dominique Meunier | Elevating platform system for person with reduced mobility, has roller supporting on rail to control motor and pushing unit to displace platform, carried by vertical apron, from lower to upper position along slope of staircase |
FR2938521A1 (en) * | 2008-11-20 | 2010-05-21 | Inst Francais Du Petrole | LIFTING DEVICE |
CN104973488A (en) * | 2015-02-06 | 2015-10-14 | 湖北安步电梯科技有限公司 | Plate type carrying device |
WO2018052370A1 (en) * | 2016-09-13 | 2018-03-22 | Nicae Singapore Pte Ltd | Building lift |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3739267A1 (en) * | 1987-11-20 | 1989-06-01 | Rhein Bayern Fahrzeugbau Gmbh | Lifting device |
DE29707633U1 (en) * | 1997-04-26 | 1997-07-10 | Happel Industrietechnik | Wheelchair swivel lift (SF 350 II) |
-
2001
- 2001-05-14 EP EP01201769A patent/EP1258443A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3739267A1 (en) * | 1987-11-20 | 1989-06-01 | Rhein Bayern Fahrzeugbau Gmbh | Lifting device |
DE29707633U1 (en) * | 1997-04-26 | 1997-07-10 | Happel Industrietechnik | Wheelchair swivel lift (SF 350 II) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2877657A1 (en) * | 2004-11-10 | 2006-05-12 | Dominique Meunier | Elevating platform system for person with reduced mobility, has roller supporting on rail to control motor and pushing unit to displace platform, carried by vertical apron, from lower to upper position along slope of staircase |
FR2938521A1 (en) * | 2008-11-20 | 2010-05-21 | Inst Francais Du Petrole | LIFTING DEVICE |
EP2189411A1 (en) * | 2008-11-20 | 2010-05-26 | Ifp | Riser device |
CN104973488A (en) * | 2015-02-06 | 2015-10-14 | 湖北安步电梯科技有限公司 | Plate type carrying device |
WO2018052370A1 (en) * | 2016-09-13 | 2018-03-22 | Nicae Singapore Pte Ltd | Building lift |
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Effective date: 20040513 |