EP2432724B1 - Override system for a stairlift - Google Patents
Override system for a stairlift Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2432724B1 EP2432724B1 EP09748437.2A EP09748437A EP2432724B1 EP 2432724 B1 EP2432724 B1 EP 2432724B1 EP 09748437 A EP09748437 A EP 09748437A EP 2432724 B1 EP2432724 B1 EP 2432724B1
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- Prior art keywords
- actuator
- rail
- override
- rotation
- rotation component
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- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001174 ascending effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000036316 preload Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- 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
- B66B9/0846—Guide rail
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an override system for a stairlift and, in particular but not exclusively, to an override system for use in the event of a power failure of an electronically controlled stairlift.
- Stairlifts provide transportation of a person (or a wheelchair or such like) up and down stairs, assisting people who find ascending and descending stairs difficult and in particular those with limited mobility.
- a rail is mounted to or near a flight of stairs and a chair (or platform for a wheelchair) is mounted via a carriage on the rail.
- the carriage can be controlled by the user via a control means to travel along the rail and up and down the stairs.
- the rail may be straight or curved, depending on the configuration of the staircase up and down which the stairlift is required to travel.
- the rail needs to extend beyond the end of the flight of stairs, to enable a user to mount/dismount. As such, stairlift rails will obstruct a doorway if the stair and doorway are in close proximity.
- One way of overcoming this problem is to hinge an end of the rail away from the door, e.g. as shown in Figure 1a , or configure an end of rail so it can be folded out of the way, e.g. as shown in Figure 1 b.
- Stairlift rail systems are typically controlled electronically and, in normal working order, will not obstruct access to a room or prevent a door from opening as they are "parked" out of proximity of the door.
- the lower end of the stairlift rail is hinged or foldable with respect to the majority length of the rail. The end of the rail can thus be folded upward and away from the doorway to its parking position.
- a problem with this system is that components of the drive system are exposed. Having moving parts exposed could be potentially dangerous (e.g. to articles, fingers etc getting caught therein).
- the rails need to be contiguous in order for the carriage to move across them and, as such, they are potentially a trapping/shearing hazard.
- the links in the rails may trap or crush anything therebetween.
- Open housings, carriages etc. also make the system vulnerable to damage and contamination from dirt which could jeopardise operation of the stairlift.
- the exposed drive system components may be aesthetically displeasing.
- FIG. 2 shows such a system in situ on a staircase.
- the rail comprises a first rail section that is moveable longitudinally up and down a flight of stairs with respect to fixings on the stairs. This allows controlled movement in a straight line of action to withdraw the lower part of the rail away from a door e.g. at he bottom of the stairs to allow access/egress.
- an override system for a stairlift comprising a rail and an electronically controlled actuator, the override system comprising override means adapted to force the actuator to move the rail instead of the electronic control.
- the override means is adapted to force the actuator to move the second rail portion instead of the electronic control.
- the invention is thus useful in the event of motor failure (e.g. a power cut) where the moveable stairlift rail may otherwise be stuck in a position that blocks access/egress to/from a room.
- the invention provides a means of manipulating the actuator (e.g. manually).
- an override system for a stairlift comprising a rail and an electronically controlled actuator for moving at least a part of the rail, the override system providing an override means configured to extend accessibility beyond the confines of the rail, e.g. to manipulate and or move the actuator.
- the stairlift may be of the type comprising a rail having a first rail portion fixed to a flight of stairs, a second rail portion moveable with respect to the first rail portion and an electronically controlled actuator for moving the moveable rail portion with respect to the first rail portion.
- the invention provides a means of facilitating access to the actuator, e.g. by effectively extending the size of the actuator, preferably in a direction transverse to the longitudinal length thereof.
- the invention is thus useful in the event of motor failure (e.g. a power cut) where the moveable stairlift rail may otherwise be stuck in a position that blocks access/egress to/from a room as it provides a way to gain access to (and manipulate) the actuator in order to force movement thereof.
- the actuator is operable for converting rotation motion to linear motion
- the override means is adapted to cause the actuator to rotate
- the override means may be directly attachable to the actuator to force the movement.
- the override means may comprise an intermediate component for coupling the override means to the actuator.
- the intermediate component comprises a rotation component and rotation of the rotation component causes the actuator to rotate.
- the rotation component may comprise a first rotation component attached to or provided on the actuator and rotation of the first rotation component causes the actuator to rotate.
- the rotation component may further comprise a second rotation component coupled to the first rotation component. Rotation of the second component may cause rotation of the first rotation component.
- the intermediate component comprises a pulley system.
- the rotation component may comprise any one or more of a wheel, a sprocket or a gear.
- the override system may further comprise coupling means for coupling the rotation component to the actuator.
- the coupling means may comprise any one or more of a chain, rope, cable or belt encompassing the actuator or a rotatable part thereof and the rotation component.
- the coupling means may comprise timing means for controlling the rotation of the rotation member.
- the override means comprises a tool adapted to fit in and/or around at least a part of the rotation means.
- the tool may be a spanner, e.g. a C-shaped spanner. It is an advantage that a simple hand tool, e.g. a spanner, is inexpensive to manufacture/purchase, and easy to operate.
- embodiments of the invention provide a means of manipulating (e.g. mechanically and/or manually) the actuator e.g. in the event of a power failure.
- the first rotating member provides for this.
- the second rotating member (and the coupling between the first and second rotating members) facilitates the manipulation by extending accessibility to the actuator.
- the tool e.g. spanner
- a stairlift comprising a chair mounted on a rail and an electronically controlled actuator for moving the chair along the rail and the override system according to any above aspect and or embodiment.
- the stairlift rail may comprise a first rail portion fixed to a flight of stairs, a second rail portion moveable with respect to the first rail portion, and the override means is preferably adapted to force the actuator to move the second rail portion instead of the electronic control.
- the actuator may comprise a rotatable member that is free to rotate, but not free to move axially along the rail, when the override system is in use. Means may be provided for restricting manipulation of the actuator when normally powered.
- the stairlift rail 10 also comprises a moveable section or slide track 19.
- the movement of the slide track 19 is controlled by an actuator (e.g. a linear actuator), mounted inside the stairlift rail 10.
- the actuator has a shaft 20 and is controlled by an electronic drive system (not shown) contained in a printed circuit board (PCB).
- the actuator 20 is preferably a self contained unit, comprising an epicyclic motor and gearbox in line with its longitudinal axis. Alternatively, separate actuator, motor and gearbox components could be utilised to achieve the same result.
- the actuator 20 is located in the centre of the rail 10 and, as such, it is difficult to access the actuator 20 to manipulate it.
- the PCB may also be located at the mid point of the rail, underneath and inside of the extruded rail.
- the actuator 20 is connected to the fixed portion 18 of the rail 10 with attachment means 22.
- the actuator 20 can move the slide track 19 from the position as shown in Figure 3 longitudinally upward, to retract the end of the track 19, and it can move the track 19 longitudinally down again.
- One or more rollers 21 are provided between the fixed and moveable stairlift rail sections 18, 19 to facilitate the movement therebetween, as shown in Figure 4 .
- a gas spring or strut 24 is also provided.
- the gas strut 24 is a counter balance for the user's mass (e.g. rated at 1040 Newtons to ensure the user does not free fall down the stairs). This preload is accounted for in the force supplied by the actuator 20.
- the gas spring 24 is attached to the fixed part 18 of the stairlift rail 10 with a connector 25.
- the moving connections of the actuator 20 and the gas strut 24 are secured to the connector 26, which is then secured e.g. clamped to the moving rail 19 at a predetermined point on the rail 19.
- the connector 26 comprises an L-shaped mounting, which is attached (e.g. by screws as shown in Figure 4 ) to the rail 19.
- the L-shaped mounting mounts the actuator 20 and gas strut 24 inside the rail 19.
- the stairlift comprises means 27 for providing access to the actuator 20 and/or for forcing the actuator 20 to move, e.g. in the event of a power failure.
- the forced movement is mechanical rather than electronic.
- a voltage could be supplied to the motor to move the track system to a desired position under emergency conditions. This is acceptable if the motor drive is in working order on the actuator. However, if the motor fails for some reason, e.g. if the brushes or internal windings of the motor fail, the motor will not move - hence rendering the track 19 immoveable.
- the actuator 20 comprises a first rotating member 28.
- the first rotating member 28 is provided on or at an end of the actuator 20 - as is best shown in Figures 3 and 5 .
- the first rotating member 28 is free to rotate when required, e.g. in the event of a power failure. However, tightening a clamp screw or nut 40 prevents the first rotating member rotating otherwise.
- the second rotating member 34 is thus held captive by the clamping screw or nut 40, to prevent inadvertent rotation under normal powered operation. However, in emergency operational conditions, the clamp 40 can be slackened to allow rotation of the secondary rotation member 34.
- a second rotating member 34 is provided on the fixed rail section 18.
- the second rotating member 34 is configured for coupling to the first rotating member 28 of the actuator 20.
- the first and second rotating members 28, 34 may be coupled together by means such as a belt. This could be achieved by a chain and sprocket, gears, rope or any means of rotation under a controlled manner.
- a pulley system 36 may be utilised.
- the pulley system may comprises a timing belt, in order to obtain positive drive, although a plain pulley system could also be utilised.
- the clamp 40 thus stops the pulley 28 from rotating via the timed belt 36.
- the second rotating member 34 cannot move axially, due to the provision of a bearing 29 captive by one or more abutment surfaces 30.
- Figure 6 shows how the bearing surfaces 30 may be provided by an aperture in the fixed stairlift rail section 18.
- Embodiments of the invention thus provide a means of forcing rotation of the first rotating member 28, and hence driving the normally fixed end 32 of the actuator 20 in both directions.
- the internal mechanism of a linear actuator usually works on a lead screw type mechanism, typically Acme or balls screw.
- Conventional actuators require an end thereof to be fixed in order to prevent axial rotation at each end in order to allow the lead screw to extend.
- Rotation of the actuator 20 is translated into longitudinal movement in order to move the slide track 19 (e.g. as shown in Figure 4 which shows a conventional actuator arrangement).
- Embodiments of the invention provide for rotation of the normally extending fixed end 32 of the actuator 20, to simulate the extension of the actuator 20.
- means are provided for rotating or moving the actuator connection 28, 34, 36 to the fixed part 18 of the rail system.
- An extension 37 is provided on an end of the actuator 20, attached (e.g. riveted) to the actuator shaft 20. The extension is coupled to the first rotating member 28 (which is in turn coupled to the second rotating member 34.
- the actuator shaft 32 By turning the second rotating member 34, the actuator shaft 32 can be rotated, and hence it is possible to move the normally fixed centres of the actuator 20 when no electrical power is applied to extend or retract the actuator 20. Thus it is possible to override the position of the slide track 19, and thus move the track/obstruction from the doorway.
- embodiments of the invention provide means for rotating the actuator shaft 20, to extend the internal screw and hence extend or contract the normally fixed end 32.
- Figure 2 shows a sliding stairlift rail fixed to a flight of stairs.
- the standards ISO 9386-2: 2000: Powered stairlifts for seated, standing and wheelchair users moving in an inclined plane and BS5776:1996 Powered stairlifts) dictate this.
- Embodiments of the invention thus serve to override the permanently coupled actuator which takes all the user load and forces.
- the actuator extension 37 may comprise the connection to the fixed rail section 18, and may provide the bearing 29.
- the connection 37 is the part that is under load and must be controlled so as not to cause an uncontrolled movement of the rail system. This connection is stressed to take linear forces exerted under maximum working load. Forced rotation of the second rotating member 34 causes the first rotating member to rotate, causing the actuator extension 37 to rotate, rotating the actuator 20, such movement being translated by the actuator into linear movement of the moveable rail section 19.
- the connection of the actuator 20 to the fixed portion 18 of the stair rail system is thus manipulated in order to extend or contract the coupling point - in order to slide the moveable part 19 of the rail with respect to the fixed rail 18.
- the end of the actuator 20 points downward towards the stairs and is encased within the stairlift rail 10. This is advantageous because it ensures moving components are hidden from view and difficult to access but, as such, this also hinders access to the drive components in the event of a power failure.
- the end of the actuator 20 may alternatively point upward. Whilst this increases accessibility to the drive components, this also exposes moving components and may affect the arrangement of components that provide for the sliding motion of the stairlift rail 10. Embodiments of the present invention may, however, be employed in either case.
- the secondary rotating member 34 may be rotated manually (e.g. directly by hand).
- a handle or wheel 41 may be used for hand winding the actuator 20.
- Figure 7 shows a hexagon drive 41. Such manual adjustment would not have been possible in known arrangements, as access to the actuator was too limited.
- a tool can be provided to assist rotation of the secondary rotation member 34.
- a spanner e.g. a 'C' spanner, 38 can be used to cause rotation.
- the position of the belt around the secondary rotating member 34 can be adjustable in order for the spanner 38 to be positioned on the rotating member 34, e.g. as shown in Figure 5 .
- a direct inline drive onto the end 32 of the actuator 20 could be used to rotate and control rotation of the actuator 20.
- An auxiliary shaft (not shown) could be provided to cause rotation of the normally extending fixed end 32 of the actuator 20. If the actuator is positioned in a downward facing attitude, this could give rise to access issues. To overcome this, the actuator 20 could be positioned in an upward facing attitude.
- the auxiliary shaft would need to be adjustable in length to suit changes in stair length. Care must also be taken so that the shaft does not interfere with end safety edges dictated by moving components.
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- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
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Description
- The present invention relates to an override system for a stairlift and, in particular but not exclusively, to an override system for use in the event of a power failure of an electronically controlled stairlift.
- Stairlifts provide transportation of a person (or a wheelchair or such like) up and down stairs, assisting people who find ascending and descending stairs difficult and in particular those with limited mobility. Typically, a rail is mounted to or near a flight of stairs and a chair (or platform for a wheelchair) is mounted via a carriage on the rail. The carriage can be controlled by the user via a control means to travel along the rail and up and down the stairs. The rail may be straight or curved, depending on the configuration of the staircase up and down which the stairlift is required to travel.
- The rail needs to extend beyond the end of the flight of stairs, to enable a user to mount/dismount. As such, stairlift rails will obstruct a doorway if the stair and doorway are in close proximity. One way of overcoming this problem is to hinge an end of the rail away from the door, e.g. as shown in
Figure 1a , or configure an end of rail so it can be folded out of the way, e.g. as shown inFigure 1 b. - Stairlift rail systems are typically controlled electronically and, in normal working order, will not obstruct access to a room or prevent a door from opening as they are "parked" out of proximity of the door. In the example shown in
Figures 1a and 1b , the lower end of the stairlift rail is hinged or foldable with respect to the majority length of the rail. The end of the rail can thus be folded upward and away from the doorway to its parking position. - The systems shown in
Figures 1 a and 1 b may suffer the disadvantage that, in the event of power failure, the end of the rail could remain in the fully down (or fully up) position, thus blocking access/egress to/from a room. It is thus desirable to provide a means of manually operating the folding/hinge mechanism to allow access/egress in emergency conditions. - A known way to achieve this is by providing the moving part of the folding rail system with a counter balance, to allow ease of manual handing to move the hinged part of the rail. Document
WO03/004399A1 - A problem with this system, however, is that components of the drive system are exposed. Having moving parts exposed could be potentially dangerous (e.g. to articles, fingers etc getting caught therein). The rails need to be contiguous in order for the carriage to move across them and, as such, they are potentially a trapping/shearing hazard. In addition, the links in the rails may trap or crush anything therebetween. Open housings, carriages etc. also make the system vulnerable to damage and contamination from dirt which could jeopardise operation of the stairlift. Furthermore, the exposed drive system components may be aesthetically displeasing.
- Such problems could be avoided by using a straight track (i.e. non-hinged) system. One particular system manufactured by Minivator Limited incorporates a sliding track system that can slide out of the way of a doorway so as not to block access/egress as discussed above.
Figure 2 shows such a system in situ on a staircase. Here, the rail comprises a first rail section that is moveable longitudinally up and down a flight of stairs with respect to fixings on the stairs. This allows controlled movement in a straight line of action to withdraw the lower part of the rail away from a door e.g. at he bottom of the stairs to allow access/egress. - However, accessing the stairlift drive system in order to override it in the event of, for example, a power failure is difficult, as the drive mechanism is typically concealed from view - i.e. under the rail shown in
Figure 2 . The override system according to the invention is characterized by what is disclosed in claim 1. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an override system for a stairlift, the stairlift comprising a rail and an electronically controlled actuator, the override system comprising override means adapted to force the actuator to move the rail instead of the electronic control. For a stairlift rail comprising a first rail portion fixed to a flight of stairs, a second rail portion moveable with respect to the first rail portion and an electronically controlled actuator for moving the moveable rail portion with respect to the first rail portion, the override means is adapted to force the actuator to move the second rail portion instead of the electronic control. - The invention is thus useful in the event of motor failure (e.g. a power cut) where the moveable stairlift rail may otherwise be stuck in a position that blocks access/egress to/from a room. Advantageously, the invention provides a means of manipulating the actuator (e.g. manually).
- According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an override system for a stairlift, the stairlift comprising a rail and an electronically controlled actuator for moving at least a part of the rail, the override system providing an override means configured to extend accessibility beyond the confines of the rail, e.g. to manipulate and or move the actuator. The stairlift may be of the type comprising a rail having a first rail portion fixed to a flight of stairs, a second rail portion moveable with respect to the first rail portion and an electronically controlled actuator for moving the moveable rail portion with respect to the first rail portion.
- The invention provides a means of facilitating access to the actuator, e.g. by effectively extending the size of the actuator, preferably in a direction transverse to the longitudinal length thereof. The invention is thus useful in the event of motor failure (e.g. a power cut) where the moveable stairlift rail may otherwise be stuck in a position that blocks access/egress to/from a room as it provides a way to gain access to (and manipulate) the actuator in order to force movement thereof.
- In accordance with either of the above aspects, the following embodiments are provided.
- In an embodiment, the actuator is operable for converting rotation motion to linear motion, and the override means is adapted to cause the actuator to rotate.
- The override means may be directly attachable to the actuator to force the movement.
- Alternatively, the override means may comprise an intermediate component for coupling the override means to the actuator. Preferably, the intermediate component comprises a rotation component and rotation of the rotation component causes the actuator to rotate. The rotation component may comprise a first rotation component attached to or provided on the actuator and rotation of the first rotation component causes the actuator to rotate. The rotation component may further comprise a second rotation component coupled to the first rotation component. Rotation of the second component may cause rotation of the first rotation component.
- In an embodiment, the intermediate component comprises a pulley system. The rotation component may comprise any one or more of a wheel, a sprocket or a gear. The override system may further comprise coupling means for coupling the rotation component to the actuator. The coupling means may comprise any one or more of a chain, rope, cable or belt encompassing the actuator or a rotatable part thereof and the rotation component. The coupling means may comprise timing means for controlling the rotation of the rotation member.
- In an embodiment, the override means comprises a tool adapted to fit in and/or around at least a part of the rotation means. The tool may be a spanner, e.g. a C-shaped spanner. It is an advantage that a simple hand tool, e.g. a spanner, is inexpensive to manufacture/purchase, and easy to operate.
- Thus, in its simplest form, embodiments of the invention provide a means of manipulating (e.g. mechanically and/or manually) the actuator e.g. in the event of a power failure. The first rotating member provides for this. The second rotating member (and the coupling between the first and second rotating members) facilitates the manipulation by extending accessibility to the actuator. The tool (e.g. spanner) provides an easy and inexpensive way of manipulating the actuator.
- According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a stairlift comprising a chair mounted on a rail and an electronically controlled actuator for moving the chair along the rail and the override system according to any above aspect and or embodiment. The stairlift rail may comprise a first rail portion fixed to a flight of stairs, a second rail portion moveable with respect to the first rail portion, and the override means is preferably adapted to force the actuator to move the second rail portion instead of the electronic control.
- The actuator may comprise a rotatable member that is free to rotate, but not free to move axially along the rail, when the override system is in use. Means may be provided for restricting manipulation of the actuator when normally powered.
- An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following drawings, wherein:
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Figure 3 is shows a cutaway view of a stairlift rail, including an override system according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the stairlift rail ofFigure 2 or Figure 3 (without the override system); -
Figure 5 shows an enlarged cutaway view of the underside of a stairlift rail, including an override system according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 6 is a view of the override system and fixed stairlift rail section ofFigure 3 in use on a stairlift rail; and -
Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the underside of the stairlift rail ofFigure 3 . -
Figure 3 shows one end of astairlift rail 10. Therail 10 is mounted to a staircase via fixings orfeet 12. Therail 10 may be a conventional stairlift rail, e.g. formed by an extrusion process. Thefixings 12 comprise bearingplates 14 which are attached (e.g. by screws) to treads of a flight of stairs (not shown, althoughFigure 2 shows a similar rail in situ on a flight of stairs). Referring again toFigure 3 , theplates 14 are also attached to a fixedportion 18 of thestairlift rail 10 via a pivotal or hingedconnection 16. Thepivot 16 enables therail 10 to be positioned on stairs at different angles in order to accommodate stairs of varying heights. - The
stairlift rail 10 also comprises a moveable section orslide track 19. The movement of theslide track 19 is controlled by an actuator (e.g. a linear actuator), mounted inside thestairlift rail 10. The actuator has ashaft 20 and is controlled by an electronic drive system (not shown) contained in a printed circuit board (PCB). Theactuator 20 is preferably a self contained unit, comprising an epicyclic motor and gearbox in line with its longitudinal axis. Alternatively, separate actuator, motor and gearbox components could be utilised to achieve the same result. As can be seen fromFigures 3 and4 , theactuator 20 is located in the centre of therail 10 and, as such, it is difficult to access theactuator 20 to manipulate it. The PCB may also be located at the mid point of the rail, underneath and inside of the extruded rail. - The
actuator 20 is connected to the fixedportion 18 of therail 10 with attachment means 22. Theactuator 20 can move theslide track 19 from the position as shown inFigure 3 longitudinally upward, to retract the end of thetrack 19, and it can move thetrack 19 longitudinally down again. One ormore rollers 21 are provided between the fixed and moveablestairlift rail sections Figure 4 . - A gas spring or strut 24 is also provided. The
gas strut 24 is a counter balance for the user's mass (e.g. rated at 1040 Newtons to ensure the user does not free fall down the stairs). This preload is accounted for in the force supplied by theactuator 20. As can be seen fromFigures 3 and4 , thegas spring 24 is attached to the fixedpart 18 of thestairlift rail 10 with aconnector 25. The moving connections of theactuator 20 and thegas strut 24 are secured to theconnector 26, which is then secured e.g. clamped to the movingrail 19 at a predetermined point on therail 19. Theconnector 26 comprises an L-shaped mounting, which is attached (e.g. by screws as shown inFigure 4 ) to therail 19. The L-shaped mounting mounts theactuator 20 andgas strut 24 inside therail 19. - The stairlift comprises means 27 for providing access to the
actuator 20 and/or for forcing theactuator 20 to move, e.g. in the event of a power failure. Preferably the forced movement is mechanical rather than electronic. In the event that the PCB fails, a voltage could be supplied to the motor to move the track system to a desired position under emergency conditions. This is acceptable if the motor drive is in working order on the actuator. However, if the motor fails for some reason, e.g. if the brushes or internal windings of the motor fail, the motor will not move - hence rendering thetrack 19 immoveable. - In an embodiment, and unlike conventional actuators, the
actuator 20 comprises a first rotatingmember 28. The first rotatingmember 28 is provided on or at an end of the actuator 20 - as is best shown inFigures 3 and5 . The first rotatingmember 28 is free to rotate when required, e.g. in the event of a power failure. However, tightening a clamp screw ornut 40 prevents the first rotating member rotating otherwise. The second rotatingmember 34 is thus held captive by the clamping screw ornut 40, to prevent inadvertent rotation under normal powered operation. However, in emergency operational conditions, theclamp 40 can be slackened to allow rotation of thesecondary rotation member 34. - In an embodiment, a second rotating
member 34 is provided on the fixedrail section 18. The second rotatingmember 34 is configured for coupling to the first rotatingmember 28 of theactuator 20. - The first and second
rotating members Figures 3 ,5 ,6 and 8, apulley system 36 may be utilised. The pulley system may comprises a timing belt, in order to obtain positive drive, although a plain pulley system could also be utilised. - The
clamp 40 thus stops thepulley 28 from rotating via the timedbelt 36. As such, the second rotatingmember 34 cannot move axially, due to the provision of abearing 29 captive by one or more abutment surfaces 30.Figure 6 shows how the bearing surfaces 30 may be provided by an aperture in the fixedstairlift rail section 18. - The provision of the second rotating member 34 (coupled to the first rotating member 28) extends the accessibility to rotate the
actuator 20, beyond the confines of therail system 10, which would normally be off limits due to the installation on a flight of stairs and configuration of the conventional stairlift components. Embodiments of the invention thus provide a means of forcing rotation of the first rotatingmember 28, and hence driving the normally fixedend 32 of theactuator 20 in both directions. - The internal mechanism of a linear actuator usually works on a lead screw type mechanism, typically Acme or balls screw. Conventional actuators require an end thereof to be fixed in order to prevent axial rotation at each end in order to allow the lead screw to extend. Rotation of the
actuator 20 is translated into longitudinal movement in order to move the slide track 19 (e.g. as shown inFigure 4 which shows a conventional actuator arrangement). Embodiments of the invention, however, provide for rotation of the normally extending fixedend 32 of theactuator 20, to simulate the extension of theactuator 20. - According to embodiments of the invention, means are provided for rotating or moving the
actuator connection part 18 of the rail system. Anextension 37 is provided on an end of theactuator 20, attached (e.g. riveted) to theactuator shaft 20. The extension is coupled to the first rotating member 28 (which is in turn coupled to the second rotatingmember 34. - By turning the second rotating
member 34, theactuator shaft 32 can be rotated, and hence it is possible to move the normally fixed centres of theactuator 20 when no electrical power is applied to extend or retract theactuator 20. Thus it is possible to override the position of theslide track 19, and thus move the track/obstruction from the doorway. - Thus, embodiments of the invention provide means for rotating the
actuator shaft 20, to extend the internal screw and hence extend or contract the normally fixedend 32. - To put this in context,
Figure 2 shows a sliding stairlift rail fixed to a flight of stairs. For such a rail, there is no way of overriding the actuator if it failed. The standards (ISO 9386-2: 2000: Powered stairlifts for seated, standing and wheelchair users moving in an inclined plane and BS5776:1996 Powered stairlifts) dictate this. Embodiments of the invention thus serve to override the permanently coupled actuator which takes all the user load and forces. - As can be seen from
Figure 5 , theactuator extension 37 may comprise the connection to the fixedrail section 18, and may provide thebearing 29. Theconnection 37 is the part that is under load and must be controlled so as not to cause an uncontrolled movement of the rail system. This connection is stressed to take linear forces exerted under maximum working load. Forced rotation of the second rotatingmember 34 causes the first rotating member to rotate, causing theactuator extension 37 to rotate, rotating theactuator 20, such movement being translated by the actuator into linear movement of themoveable rail section 19. The connection of theactuator 20 to the fixedportion 18 of the stair rail system is thus manipulated in order to extend or contract the coupling point - in order to slide themoveable part 19 of the rail with respect to the fixedrail 18. - As can be seen e.g. from
Figures 3-5 , the end of the actuator 20 points downward towards the stairs and is encased within thestairlift rail 10. This is advantageous because it ensures moving components are hidden from view and difficult to access but, as such, this also hinders access to the drive components in the event of a power failure. The end of theactuator 20 may alternatively point upward. Whilst this increases accessibility to the drive components, this also exposes moving components and may affect the arrangement of components that provide for the sliding motion of thestairlift rail 10. Embodiments of the present invention may, however, be employed in either case. - Due to the increased accessibility to rotate the
actuator 20 provided by embodiments of the invention, the secondary rotatingmember 34 may be rotated manually (e.g. directly by hand). In an embodiment, a handle orwheel 41 may be used for hand winding theactuator 20.Figure 7 shows ahexagon drive 41. Such manual adjustment would not have been possible in known arrangements, as access to the actuator was too limited. - Alternatively, a tool can be provided to assist rotation of the
secondary rotation member 34. For example, a spanner, e.g. a 'C' spanner, 38 can be used to cause rotation. In an embodiment, the position of the belt around the secondary rotatingmember 34 can be adjustable in order for thespanner 38 to be positioned on the rotatingmember 34, e.g. as shown inFigure 5 . - In another embodiment, a direct inline drive onto the
end 32 of theactuator 20 could be used to rotate and control rotation of theactuator 20. An auxiliary shaft (not shown) could be provided to cause rotation of the normally extending fixedend 32 of theactuator 20. If the actuator is positioned in a downward facing attitude, this could give rise to access issues. To overcome this, theactuator 20 could be positioned in an upward facing attitude. The auxiliary shaft would need to be adjustable in length to suit changes in stair length. Care must also be taken so that the shaft does not interfere with end safety edges dictated by moving components.
Claims (14)
- An override system (27) for a stairlift, the stairlift comprising a rail (10) and an electronically controlled actuator (20) for providing longitudinal movement of the rail, the override system comprising override means adapted to override the electronic control of the actuator to force the actuator to move the rail, wherein the override means comprises a first rotation component (28) coupled to the actuator whereby rotation of the first rotation component to rotate the actuator forces movement of the actuator to move the rail.
- The override system of claim 1, wherein the rail comprises a fixed rail portion (18) fixed to a flight of stairs, a moveable rail portion (19) moveable longitudinally with respect to said fixed rail portion and wherein the actuator and override means are adapted for moving said moveable rail portion with respect to said fixed rail portion.
- The override system of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the actuator comprises a lead screw, wherein rotation of the lead screw is translated into longitudinal movement to move the rail.
- The override system of any preceding claim, wherein said override means is directly attachable to said actuator to force said movement.
- The override system of any preceding claim, wherein said override means comprises a second rotation component (34) coupled to said first rotation component, and wherein rotation of said second component causes rotation of said first rotation component.
- The override system of claim 5, wherein said second rotation component is coupled to said first rotation component by means of a pulley system (36).
- The override system of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein said second rotation component comprises any one or more of a wheel, a sprocket or a gear.
- The override system of claim 5, further comprising coupling means for coupling said second rotation component to said first rotation component, said coupling means comprising any one or more of a chain, rope, cable or belt encompassing said first rotation component of said actuator and said second rotation component.
- The override system of claim 8, wherein said coupling means comprises a timing belt (36).
- The override system of any of claims 5 to 9, wherein the second rotation component is accessible beyond the confines of the rail in order to force rotation of the first rotation component.
- The override means of any preceding claim wherein said actuator is mounted inside said rail.
- The override system of any preceding claim, wherein said override means comprises a tool adapted to fit in and/or around at least a part of said first or second rotation components.
- The override system of claim 12, wherein said tool is a spanner (38).
- A stairlift comprising a chair mounted on a rail (10) and an electronically controlled actuator (20) for moving said chair along said rail and an override system according to any of claims 1 to 13.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0818737.9A GB2464336B (en) | 2008-10-13 | 2008-10-13 | Override system for a stairlift |
PCT/GB2009/002469 WO2010043869A1 (en) | 2008-10-13 | 2009-10-14 | Override system for a stairlift |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2432724A1 EP2432724A1 (en) | 2012-03-28 |
EP2432724B1 true EP2432724B1 (en) | 2017-07-19 |
Family
ID=40083939
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP09748437.2A Active EP2432724B1 (en) | 2008-10-13 | 2009-10-14 | Override system for a stairlift |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2432724B1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2464336B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010043869A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2499408B (en) * | 2012-02-14 | 2014-12-03 | Stannah Stairlifts Ltd | Improvements in or relating to stairlifts |
GB2499409B (en) * | 2012-02-14 | 2015-07-01 | Stannah Stairlifts Ltd | Improvements in or relating to stairlifts |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2242412A (en) * | 1990-03-31 | 1991-10-02 | Raymond John Holden | A moving track stairlift. |
GB2296908B (en) * | 1995-01-10 | 1998-04-08 | Liftability Limited | A stairlift |
WO1997026207A1 (en) * | 1996-01-17 | 1997-07-24 | Otto Ooms B.V. | Rail system for a staircase elevator |
GB9822809D0 (en) * | 1998-10-19 | 1998-12-16 | Stannah Stairlifts Ltd | Improvements in or relating to stairlifts |
NL1018443C2 (en) * | 2001-07-03 | 2003-01-08 | Freelift Bv | Guide for along a staircase. |
-
2008
- 2008-10-13 GB GB0818737.9A patent/GB2464336B/en active Active
-
2009
- 2009-10-14 EP EP09748437.2A patent/EP2432724B1/en active Active
- 2009-10-14 WO PCT/GB2009/002469 patent/WO2010043869A1/en active Application Filing
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2464336B (en) | 2012-09-26 |
GB2464336A (en) | 2010-04-21 |
WO2010043869A8 (en) | 2010-07-15 |
EP2432724A1 (en) | 2012-03-28 |
GB0818737D0 (en) | 2008-11-19 |
WO2010043869A1 (en) | 2010-04-22 |
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