ES2323138T3 - PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION DEVICE FOR OVERCOMING DIFFERENCES IN HEIGHT, IN PARTICULAR POOL ELEVATORS. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a patient transport system (1) for overcoming differences in level, in particular, a swimming pool lifter, which comprises a portable track (4), supported on a base (10) in the direction of gravity and provided with rail bodies (20), on which a transport device (2) with a patient carrier (26) can move for upward and downward transport. The aim of said invention is to make portable patient transport systems more user-friendly. Said aim is achieved, whereby the transport device (2) can move on at least three rail bodies (20) of the track (4) and said track (4) has at least two sections (6-9) with a different angle of inclination (11, 12), at least one distance (D) in the direction of gravity (G) between two rail bodies (20) being different in at least two sections (6-9) of the track (4).

Description

People transport device for overcome differences in height, in particular elevators pool.

The invention relates to a device of transport of people to overcome differences in height, in particular pool lifts, with a raceway transportable that can be supported in the direction of the force of gravity on a base and that presents rail bodies in which a transport device with accommodation for people is movable for up and down transport.

A device for transporting people from this type with a transportable raceway is needed for example when it is necessary to temporarily transport a person with reduced mobility or no movement capacity, without the people transport device is installed so permanent.

Unlike installed lifting equipment of fixed form, the transport device described in this document It can be mounted in the short term and disassembled when it is no longer needed This transport device. The transport device can also be used as an aid for the ascent or entry of people. Entry aids of this type are used for example in the field of swimming pools as pool elevators.

A device for transporting people from this type is known from DE 102 45 277 A1. The disposition of Pool lift described in the mentioned document allows transport people with reduced mobility to a pool and to out of it. The known arrangement of pool lift presents a height-adjustable accommodation for people that from a position outside the pool is movable to a position in the pool. This is done with the help of a raceway mobile, inclined relative to the vertical along which it is Movable people accommodation.

The objective of the present invention is to set up transportable transport devices for people from more comfortable way for the user.

This goal is achieved in a device transport of persons of the type initially mentioned by the fact that the transport device is movable in so minus three rail bodies of the raceway and the track rolling has at least two sections, each with an angle of different inclination, being at least one distance in direction of the force of distinct gravity between two bodies of Rail in at least two sections of the raceway.

The rail bodies are part of the path of rolling that guide one or several transport devices to the along the raceway and provide an arbitrary layout of The raceway. At least three rail bodies are arranged side by side in axial direction, the rail bodies spaced apart from each other in horizontal direction. The rail bodies are laid in such a way that the raceway present at least two sections with inclination angles different. A section of the road is understood as a section Partial of the raceway in which all rail elements they have the same constant inclination angle and run in axial direction parallel to each other. It can also be planned that a first section and a second section do not pass directly to each other. In this case there is a transition zone in which the angle of inclination varies gradually, that is, the angle of A section does not pass abruptly to another angle of another section. A horizontal section is also possible in which the angle of inclination is 0º. In the arrangement of the rail bodies is provided that at least one distance in the direction of the force of gravity between two bodies of raceway is different in at least two sections of the raceway. The distance in the direction of the force of gravity is the shortest union between two rail bodies in vertical direction. The distance is determined. from the center of the cross section of a first rail body to center of the cross section of a second rail body, meeting the cross sections of the rail bodies in The same vertical plane. In the case of three rail bodies installed there are three distances of this type. It's about the distance between the first and second rail body, the distance between the second and third rail body and the distance  between the first and the third rail body. When the sections cross sections of these three rail bodies are in a triangle with a horizontally oriented baseline and with a height perpendicular to this baseline, when comparing the first section with the second section of the raceway varies for example the height of the triangle. Through this variation of the distance in the direction of the force of gravity is possible to guide a transport device with a constant orientation angle of the accommodation of people without the need to align the accommodation of people in the respective section. This is particularly advantageous in transport devices presenting several axes, the axes being arranged one after the other in the direction of travel It is possible to transport the person by example sitting, standing and also lying. This depends on the People accommodation settings. As accommodation of people should understand all the devices that allow accommodate one or several people at the same time, so that you are people can be transported with the help of the device transport. As accommodation for people can be used for example a seating surface, a chair, a stretcher, a cage conveyor, a platform or similar. The accommodation of people can also be configured in such a way that a person with reduced mobility can enter with his wheelchair in the accommodation of people.

It is particularly preferred that the bodies of rail are arranged in at least one section of the track rolling in such a way that its cross sections are in a straight line and that the rail bodies are arranged to such a way in at least one section that its sections transversal are in a polygon. When the sections cross sections of the rail bodies are in a line imaginary, for example in a line that runs horizontally, This arrangement takes up little space since the rail bodies They are lying on a plane. In an arrangement of the sections cross-sections of the rail bodies in an imaginary polygon, is say in a spatial arrangement, more space is required than in A flat layout. However, the stability of the rolling is greater in a spatial arrangement of the sections transversal, for example in the vertices of a triangle Imaginary equilateral that in a flat layout. Both advantages of stability and space saving are combined here one with other. By arranging the rail bodies you can be achieved at the same time also that the orientation of the accommodation of people, for example with respect to the horizontal, be constant and independent of the inclination angle of the track rolling The stability of the rail body arrangement is important in horizontal sections, since these are used preferably for the rise and fall. In these moments, the rail bodies are also exposed to greater forces transversal. The transverse forces originate for example by loads to be transported whose center of gravity lies very far above the rail bodies or by lateral movements, such as they appear during the rise and fall. When the sections cross sections of the rail bodies are arranged in a polygon, this contributes to the stability of the raceway. The transverse forces are inferior during the displacement of the transport device It is therefore planned that cross sections of the rail bodies run in a imaginary line on inclined sections of the raceway and are spatially arranged in a polygon.

It is particularly preferred that the device of transport of people present an adjustment device. This adjustment device serves to align the raceway under a desired angle The adjustment device may present by example a roller device or a single cylinder supported in a rotating way. With these rollers it is possible to move the track rolling at one end during assembly and disassembly. The Desired tread inclination can be adjustable also through adjustment profiles. These adjustment profiles are for example extendable from the rail body to a certain length and can therefore modify the angle of inclination with respect to The support surface.

Preferably, the transport device of people presents four rail bodies. With four bodies of rail a particularly favorable stability of the track is obtained rolling. The person to be transported can have a high weight. He weight to be transported is distributed on one side between four bodies of rail. On the other hand, the transport device moves from more stable form in particular in horizontal sections of the rolling

Rail bodies can be assembled so rail elements practice. Rail elements can be joined in axial direction according to a modular principle. Because the People transport device is disassembled after its use, these binding techniques are particularly appropriate for create a strong and secure bond that on the other hand can Dismantle quickly and easily. It is for example of screw connections or plug-in connections. On a device transportable transport of people it is convenient that the route of Detachable rolling can be handled in small units with reduced geometric dimensions. These small units are the rail elements whose geometric shape can adapt to the line Desired transport.

The rail elements preferably have a cross section in the form of a profile. With a profile on the cross-sectional view of the rail element ensures that the rolling bodies or sliding bodies of the device transport are scrollable in a guided way in the elements of rail. The profile-shaped cross section can be extended for the entire axial length of the rail body. In this way also increases the safety of the transport device of people, since a derailment of the rolling bodies or of Sliding bodies will be less likely.

It is particularly preferred that the device of transport of people is resistant to corrosion. Because which transportable transport devices are frequently used in places where unfavorable conditions exist, a resistance corrosion is advantageous especially when the device transportation of people is used abroad under different weather conditions. Because a material resistant to corrosion does not form rust, the transport device of people can also be used in swimming pools and in seawater where It is in direct contact with water. As material can be used by example stainless steel.

The raceway preferably presents angle changes The angle changes allow an adaptation of the raceway to arbitrary space requirements. The changes angle can refer to both the horizontal component and also to the vertical component of the raceway. It is also possible a simultaneous change of both components. In this way inclinations are adjusted relative to the horizontal. They are also possible curves in the vertical direction to avoid for example a obstacle installed in a fixed way such as a wall.

It is particularly preferred that the device of transport is connected to the raceway through rollers Rollers are simple means to create a joint between the transport device and the raceway. The rollers are cylindrical bodies rotatably supported around an axis of rotation and comprise for example cylinders and wheels.

In a practical way, the transport device It has handles. The handles on the transport device can serve on the one hand so that people grab them during transport. The handles are also useful when the device People transport must be disassembled and transported.

The accommodation of people is conveniently height adjustable A height-adjustable accommodation can be regulated in such a way that the person can go up and down to a height that you consider comfortable. In the case of heavy loads, the People accommodation can be adjusted in the direction of the rolling, so that the center of gravity of the load is approaching more to the raceway and the transport device can move safely during the trip.

It is preferred that the accommodation of people be rotating around at least one axis. A rotating shaft can used to facilitate the rise and fall of a person. This can be carried out for example by tilting the surface of seat, which facilitates for example the descent of a person. It is also possible that the seating surface is swivel around a vertical axis, so a person can climb on first and the seat surface is then turned on the direction of travel, so the person looks in the direction of March.

It is advantageous that a drive device to move the transport device be arranged so fixed in relation to the raceway. The device of drive does not move, so the transport device It does not carry unnecessary loads. This is particularly convenient in the case of transportable transport devices of people. Energy is also saved, as it must move a lower mass along the raceway.

It is planned that the device drive present a traction device. The device of traction can exert both a braking effect during the descent of the transport device along the raceway as the driving forces necessary to raise the device transport along the raceway. The device of transport can be formed for example by a belt traction or a cable. A drive belt or cable has little weight and can be rolled easily. This has the advantage that during the movement of the transport device on the track rolling no protruding parts appear. It is also possible to use as a traction device a toothed belt driven by example on reversing rollers and tensioning by rollers tensioners It is possible to move the toothed belt using a drive, so that the housing of people can move between a limit switch arranged by example in a pool and another limit switch located by Example out of the pool. With traction devices of this type facilitates an arbitrary development of the raceway and the transport device moves so controlled.

Preferably, the transport device of People is remotely controllable. This allows to handle the drive device from any point to position and move the transport device. The remote control can be established by cable or radio. It is also possible that the person to transport the same remote control the device transport.

It is preferred that the total weight of the track rolling is less than 500 kg. In this way, the raceway It is manageable and can be easily transported without large equipment size. It is also possible to lift the raceway mounted to store it for example in the roof area of a pool without take up a lot of space. The people transport device can lift for example by a hoist or with a crane. Because that the total weight of the raceway is distributed by the length of it, it is also possible to mount it on a floor soft. This can be an advantage for example in water pools of sea.

Preferably, the weight of a rail element It is less than 5 kg. A single person can transport an item of this type of rail and assemble it together with other rail elements forming a rail body of a raceway.

The length of the raceway is preferably less than 60 m. The length of the raceway It is kept as short as possible and installed on a path as direct as possible between the differences in height that are due overcome.

It is advantageous that the rail bodies are lying visibly. In the case of laid rail bodies visibly it is kept under the volume of work for the assembly and disassembly of the raceway, since they are directly accessible. It is not necessary to provide channels in which Track elements tend.

The rail bodies are expected to be bent towards the center of the raceway at the end of the same. With such a bend of the rail bodies, the transport device is mechanically held in the path of rolling and the transport device is prevented from leaving the rail body. This is another aspect of security that may be also present additionally to a device drive with for example limit switches. The inward curvature also has the advantage that the bodies installed rail do not represent a danger that the person who get on or off at the end of the road suffer injuries.

The invention is described below with reference to a preferred embodiment in combination with the drawing. The figures show:

Fig. 1: Schematic view of a device transportation of people

Fig. 2: Schematic representation of a transport device in plan view from above.

Fig. 3: Layout of the sections cross sections of the rail bodies in a first section.

Fig. 4: Section layout cross sections of the rail bodies in a second section.

Fig. 5: Schematic representation of a transport device on a raceway.

Fig. 6: Schematic representation of a system Drive with a toothed belt and tensioning rollers.

A device of transport of people 1 with a transport device 2 movable by a drive device 3 in one way of track 4. Track 4 is made up of rail elements 5 and presents several sections 6 to 9. In a first section 6, the raceway 4 forms with a horizontal support surface 10 a first angle 11 of 45 °. An angle of 45º for at least one section. The movement component vertical is in this case essentially the same as the component of horizontal movement

In a second section 7 and in a fourth section 9, the rail bodies 5 are oriented horizontally, ie parallel to base 10. In a third section 8, the path of rolling 4 runs under a more pronounced second angle 12 of more than 45º. All rail elements 5 are oriented by example under a second angle 12 of 60 ° with respect to the horizontal. Transition sections are arranged between sections 6 to 9 13. A part of the rail elements 5 presents in these areas of transition 13 another angle of inclination than the rail elements 5 lying in relation to that part, for example 0º and 45º in Sections 6 and 7.

With the people transport device 1 a difference in height H between points X and Y is exceeded, existing between the points X and Y a part Z of greater height. This part Z of greater height can be for example a wall, a railing or similar. In the present case, the device transport of people 1 is used to transport people with reduced mobility to transport them to a full pool of water 14 and out of it. At the bottom of the pool, it is say on the support surface 10, the transport device of people 1 is supported by an adjustment device 15. The adjusting device 15 with a support body 16 and a telescopic device 17 serves to adjust the first angle 11 of 45º of the raceway 4 with respect to the bearing surface 10. The support body 16 can also be used to support the rail elements 5 still mounted on the vertical wall 18 of the edge pool while removing from water 14. Other devices adjustment 15 may also be arranged on the surfaces in the environment of points Y and Z to support and fix the path of rolling 4 in the direction of the force of gravity G. These adjustment devices 15 may also be equipped with a telescopic device 17. In the present case only one telescopic device 17 with the support body 16 configured as a roller body in the form of a cylinder, which allows assist the lifting movement along the wall 18 during  assembly or disassembly of the raceway.

A plan view is shown in figure 2 from above the raceway 4 with four rail bodies 20 lying in parallel with each other, composed of rail elements 5 assembled with pluggable joints. In figure 3 and in figure 4 shows a respective sectional view of the raceway 4. The cross sections 19 represented of the rail bodies 20 have a circular cross section 19. This section Transversal 19 is configured here in solid form. To reduce the weight of rail elements 5, these cross sections 19 can also be configured hollow or partially hollow

Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the raceway 4 in the first section 6. In figure 4, shows a sectional view of raceway 4 in the second one, third and fourth section 7, 8, 9 or in transition zones 13. In the first section 6 of the people transport device 1, the cross sections 19 of the rail bodies 20 are arranged in an imaginary line 21, while in the second, third and fourth section 7, 8, 9 as well as in transition zones 13 the cross sections 19 of the rail bodies are found at the vertices of an imaginary polygon 22. In this case, the polygon is a quadrilateral in the form of a trapezoid. Should note that cross sections 19 of these sections 6 to 9 and transition zones 13 are only shown schematic The horizontal and vertical distances between cross sections 19 are constant in a section 6 to 9. The distances in a section are constant until with a change of angle 23 begins a transition zone 13. The distance between the rail bodies 5 may also vary continuously in this transition zone 13. When comparing the arrangement of rail bodies 5 in different sections 6 to 9, at least in two sections 6 to 9 a distance D between the rail bodies 5 in the direction of the force of gravity G. This it also follows from a comparison of the two figures 3 and 4. In Figure 3, the distance D in the direction of the force of gravity G is zero and in figure 4 this distance D is greater than zero. The horizontal distances between the rail bodies 5 are They keep constant. The distance D may also be different in each of sections 7, 8, 9.

In figure 1 you can see the device transport 2 in a side view with four rollers in total on raceway 4 configured as stainless wheels 25 of polyamide. The transport device 2 is shown in two different positions, once in the first inclined section 6 and once in the fourth horizontal section 9. In both positions represented and throughout the route along the route of rolling 4, a housing of people 26 is oriented in a way horizontal. In this accommodation of people 26, configured here as a simple seating surface, a person can be transported from the fourth horizontal section 9 of the raceway 4 to the pool. The transport device 2 can also accommodate a Wheelchair. This has the advantage that they can be transported No problem people who need a wheelchair. In this case it is not necessary for these people to get out of their chair wheels. This also contributes to the convenience of using the device Of transport.

As shown in Figure 1, the transport device 2 is movable from the beginning of the track  rolling at point Y and in the pool until shortly before the point X. This is what drive device 3 is used for out of the pool at the beginning of the raceway. The device Drive 3 features an electric motor. An electric motor It is easily controllable. It is arranged in a housing, so  There is no danger of getting dirty. When the engine is protected also against splashing water, there is also no danger of that electric currents have negative consequences for people. A drive device 3 disposed outside the pool has the advantage that the drive device 3 it almost does not come into contact with water 14, so it is not necessary shut it up expensively. The drive device 3 is connected with the transport device 2 through a device of traction not shown. The traction device is configured for example as a stainless steel cable that repels Water.

The drive device 3 is set to operation with an electric battery 27. Battery systems 12 volts or 24 volts are widely available and have on the one hand the electrical capacity necessary to transport a person up and down along the raceway 4 inclined. On the other hand, such a battery system is Still small enough to be manageable. It is also possible to charge a battery 27 while another is in service. From this way there is an independence of a power supply network of fixed installed power and power supply local, which allows using the people transport device anywhere.

The drive device 3 is remotely controllable by a remote control 28. This can be connected to the drive device 3 via a cable or, as in the case shown, a radio connection is established. Due to the horizontal section 9 at the access point of the raceway 4, for a person with reduced mobility it is easily possible to climb the accommodation housing by itself or with the help of another person
people 26.

Figure 5 shows a sectional view of another raceway 4 with another transport device 2 in the which rail bodies 20 do not have a cross section circular 19 but rather a rectangular cross section with a profile 24 on two opposite sides. With the help of this profile 24 is possible to guide wheels 25 in rail bodies 20. They are arranged four rail bodies 20 next to each other, being arranged the two respective outer rail bodies 20 at a distance inferior to each other than the inner rail bodies 20. He transport device 2 in figures 2 and 5 presents eight 25 polyamide wheels. Figure 5 shows the device for transport 2 in a front view, being arranged directly  one on another the wheels 25 in contact with a rail body 20 in common. However, the wheels 25 may be arranged shifted shape, as shown on another device of transport 2. Wheels 25 form pairs of wheels. So that the transport device 2 can move safely over the rail bodies 20 are provided with wheels 25 above and below the rail bodies 20, as shown in figures 2 and 5. Wheels 25 of the wheel pairs act above and below the rail bodies 20. The wheels 25 themselves may have a profile guide on its perimeter or be guided on the rail body 20 in profile 24 of the cross sections of the rail elements 5, as shown in Figure 5. The front axles 29 and rear of the transport device 2 are connected to each other through crossbars 30. Crossbars 30 carry a device for fixing 31 for the accommodation of persons 26 of the device transport 2. It can be mounted on the fixing device 31 for example a seating surface, a chair or a platform to accommodate a person The fixing device 31 can accommodate also a person in a wheelchair. To accommodate different Types of wheelchairs may require an adapter. Too a platform is possible to accommodate a wheelchair.

In Figure 1, the rail bodies 20 with the rail elements 5 are oriented to each other in such a way that the accommodation of people 26 is at any point of the way running parallel to the horizontal base 10. In the zones terminals of the people transport device 1 can be provided that the accommodation of persons 26 is inclined, due to the arrangement of rail elements 5, for example for facilitate the descent of the transported person.

In the terminal area of the raceway 4 close to the X and Y points, switches are planned to career. Limit switches serve safety of service of the device of transport of people 1. The limit switches disconnect the device from drive 3 for transport device 2 to stop at a certain point.

Figure 6 shows schematically a drive system for transport device 1 previously described. The drive system has a timing belt 32 moved by a drive 33. The drive 33 is fixed and has a driven roller 34 which move the timing belt 32. The timing belt 32 is tensioned by tension rollers 35 and change its direction of travel by reversing rollers 36. By means of driven roller control 34, the accommodation of people 26 moves between end switches career not represented outside the pool and within the pool. The drive system can adapt to any Pool geometry Other reversal rollers 36 and rollers tensioners 35 facilitate additional direction changes of the rolling 4.

It is also possible to use the device transport of people 1 for the transport of objects. It can use for example to transport objects in a move, for example to remove boxes and furniture from a floor. During a move it is possible to pass the people transport device to a terrace or through a window. The raceway section 9 horizontal allows to place objects inside the floor directly on the people transport device 1 without having You transport them to the window or to the terrace. It tends so both a raceway 4 in the house that you can follow arbitrary differences in height H and horizontal curves. Too it is possible to drive objects transported off the floor directly to a moving truck on rail elements 5 lying to it. Once the work of transport, the people transport device 1 can disassemble again and be used elsewhere.

Claims (20)

1. Device for transporting people (1) to overcome differences in height, in particular pool elevators, with a transportable raceway (4) that can be supported in the direction of the force of gravity on a base (10) and which it has rail bodies (20) in which a transport device (2) with a housing (26) for people is movable for up and down transport, characterized in that the transport device (2) is movable in at least three rail bodies (20) of the raceway (4) and the raceway (4) have at least two sections (6 to 9), each with a different inclination angle (11, 12), being by at least a distance (D) in the direction of the different gravity force (G) between two rail bodies (20) in at least two sections (6 to 9) of the raceway (4). 2. People transport device (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the rail bodies (20) are arranged in at least one section (6) of the raceway (4) such that their sections cross sections (19) are in a straight line (21) and the rail bodies (20) are arranged in at least one section (7, 8, 9) such that their cross sections (19) are in a polygon (22). 3. People transport device according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the people transport device (1) has an adjustment device (15). 4. People transport device according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the people transport device (1) has four rail bodies (20). 5. Device for transporting persons according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the rail bodies (20) can be assembled from rail elements (5). 6. People transport device according to claim 5, characterized in that the rail elements (5) have a cross-section (24) in the form of a profile. 7. Device for transporting persons according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the device for transporting persons (1) is resistant to corrosion. 8. Device for transporting people according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the raceway (4) has angle changes (23). 9. Device for transporting persons according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the transport device (2) is in contact with the raceway (4) through rollers (25). 10. People transport device according to one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that the transport device (2) has handles. 11. People transport device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the transport surface (26) is height adjustable. 12. Person transport device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the transport surface (26) is rotatable about at least one axis. 13. Person transport device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a drive device (3) for moving the transport device (2) is fixedly located in relation to the raceway (4 ). 14. Device for transporting persons according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the drive device (3) has a traction device. 15. Device for transporting persons according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the device for transporting persons (1) is remotely controllable. 16. Device for transporting persons according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the total weight of the raceway (4) is less than 500 kg. 17. Device for transporting persons according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the weight of a rail element (5) is less than 5 kg. 18. Device for transporting persons according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the length of the raceway (4) is less than 60 m. 19. Device for transporting persons according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the rail bodies (20) are visibly laid. 20. People transport device according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the rail bodies (20) are bent at the end of the raceway towards the center of the raceway.