GB2583331A

GB2583331A - Wheelchair lift platform

Info

Publication number: GB2583331A
Application number: GB1904151.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Beck Adam; John Edwards Paul
Original assignee: Mobility Networks Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Mobility Networks Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-26
Filing date: 2019-03-26
Publication date: 2020-10-28
Also published as: GB201904151D0

Abstract

A wheelchair lift for a vehicle comprising a hydraulically actuated lifting assembly 18 with a hydraulic strut 32, a foldable platform assembly with a hydraulically actuated roll off ramp 72, a hydraulic power pack 118 and a hydraulic hose 120 coupling the power pack to the strut and the ramp actuator wherein the hydraulic hose 120 is routed via the lifting assembly and the platform assembly between the power pack 118 and the hydraulic actuator for the ramp. The hose 120 may be routed through the interior of a support arm and the platform and the exterior of the lifting assembly. The platform may be moved stowed and deployed configurations and have a second lifting mechanism. The hose 120 may branch into different sections.

Description

WHEELCHAIR LIFT PLATFORM

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to foldable wheelchair lifts, in particular those for mounting on vehicles.

Background

Vehicle-mounted wheelchair lifts provide a moveable platform upon which a wheelchair may be raised and lowered between ground level and a level at which the wheelchair may he wheeled into or out from the vehicle. Such lifts are generally mounted on or inside the vehicle itself and are deployed out from a door in the side or the rear of the vehicle when needed, for example using a hydraulic actuating mechanism.

Such lifts generally comprise hydraulically actuated lifting assemblies comprising hydraulic struts that raise and lower the lift. Such lifts therefore generally comprise one or more hydraulic systems for actuating the hydraulic struts (and other hydraulically actuated components of the lift) comprising one or more hydraulic power packs and one or more hydraulic hoses that couple the hydraulic power packs to the hydraulically actuated components.

Vehicle-mounted wheelchair lifts are often foldable to save space when stowed, which can make the routing of the hydraulic hosing between the hydraulic power packs and the hydraulically actuated components of the lift challenging. In particular, ensuring that the hydraulic hosing is adequately secured to the lift in an unobtrusive manner that minimises obstructions while also being sufficiently protected is difficult. It is also a challenge to couple all of the hydraulically actuated components to a single hydraulic power pack.

There is therefore a need for a wheelchair lift that addresses these problems.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a wheelchair lift for a vehicle. The wheelchair lift comprises a hydraulically actuated lifting assembly comprising a hydraulic strut for actuating the lifting assembly. The wheelchair lift further comprises a foldable platform assembly comprising a hydraulically actuated roll-off ramp and a hydraulic actuator for actuating the roll-off ramp. The wheelchair lift further comprises a hydraulic power pack for actuating the hydraulic strut and the hydraulic actuator. The wheelchair lift further comprises a hydraulic hose coupling the hydraulic power pack to the hydraulic strut and the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic hose is routed via the lifting assembly and the platform assembly between the power pack and the hydraulic actuator.

The hydraulic hose may branch to provide a first hose section coupled to the hydraulic strut and a second hose section coupled to the hydraulic actuator.

The wheelchair lift may further comprise a support arm connecting the lifting assembly to the platform assembly. The hydraulic hose (second hose section) may also be routed via the support arm between the power pack and the hydraulic actuator. In particular, the hydraulic hose may be routed via the support arm between the lifting assembly and the platform assembly.

The hydraulic hose (second hose section) may he internally routed through the support arm between the power pack and the hydraulic actuator. The support arm may comprise a tubular section. The hydraulic hose may be internally routed through the tubular section.

The hydraulic hose (second hose section) may he routed into the support arm through an upper end of the support arm.

The hydraulic hose (second hose section) may he routed out from (i.e may emerge from) the support arm at a lower end of the support arm.

The hydraulic hose (second hose section) may be routed along, in particular externally along, the lifting assembly between the power pack and the hydraulic actuator. In particular, the hydraulic hose may he routed along the lifting assembly between the power pack and the support arm.

The hydraulic hose (second hose section) may be internally routed through the platform assembly between the power pack and the hydraulic actuator, in particular between the support arm and the hydraulic actuator.

The platform assembly may comprise a platform frame and a platform section pivotably connected to the platform frame so that the platform section can move between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The roll-off ramp may be mounted on the platform section. The hydraulic hose (second hose section) may be internally routed through the platform frame between the power pack and the hydraulic actuator, in particular between the support arm and the platform section.

The hydraulic hose (second hose section) may be internally routed through the platform section between the power pack and the hydraulic actuator. In particular, the hydraulic hose may be routed through the platform section between the platform frame and the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic hose (second hose section) may he routed into the platform section from the platform frame.

The platform frame may comprise a side member. The platform section may he pivotably connected to the side member. The hydraulic hose (second hose section) may be internally routed through the side member between the power pack and the hydraulic actuator, in particular between the support arm and the platform section. The hydraulic hose may be routed between the interior of the side member and the interior of the platform section through a first aperture in an inner edge of the side member and a second aperture in an outer edge of the platform section. The first and second apertures may be aligned with each other when the foldable platform section is in its deployed configuration.

The platform section may comprise a tubular frame. The hydraulic hose (second hose section) may be internally routed through the tubular frame, in particular between the platform frame and the hydraulic actuator.

The platform assembly may further comprise a second platform section pivotable connected to the platform frame so that the platform section can move between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. For example, the platform frame may comprise a second side member opposed to the first side member and the second platform section may be pivotably connected to the second side member. The platform frame may comprise a cross member connecting the side members of the platform frame.

The platform assembly may comprise a second roll-off ramp mounted on the second platform section and a second hydraulic actuator for actuating the second roll-off ramp. The hydraulic power pack may be an to also actuate the second hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic hose may further couple the power pack to the second hydraulic actuator.

The hydraulic hose may branch to provide a third hose section, the third hose section being coupled to the second hydraulic actuator. In particular. the hydraulic hose may comprise a third hose section branched from the second hose section via a hydraulic manifold.

The hydraulic hose (third hose section) may he internally routed through the platform frame, in particular the second side member, between the power pack and the second hydraulic actuator, in particular between the hydraulic manifold and the second platform section. The hydraulic hose (third hose section) may be internally routed through the second platform section between the power pack and the second hydraulic actuator, in particular between the platform frame (the second side arm) and the second hydraulic actuator.

The wheelchair lift may further comprise a second hydraulically actuated lifting assembly comprising a second hydraulic strut for actuating the second hydraulic lifting assembly. The wheelchair lift may comprise a second support arm connecting the second lifting assembly to the platform assembly. The hydraulic power pack may be arranged to also actuate the second hydraulic strut. The hydraulic hose may further couple the power pack to the second hydraulic strut.

The hydraulic hose may branch to provide a fourth hose section, the fourth hose section being coupled to the second hydraulic actuator. In particular, the hydraulic hose may comprise a fourth hose section branched from the second hose section via the hydraulic manifold.

The hydraulic hose may be routed between the power pack and the second hydraulic strut via both lifting assemblies, both the support arms (if present), and the platform assembly, in particular the platform frame.

The hydraulic hose (fourth hose section) may be routed from the platform assembly into the second support arm between the power pack and the second hydraulic strut, in particular between the hydraulic manifold and the second hydraulic strut. The hydraulic hose (fourth hose section) may be internally routed through the second support arm.

The hydraulic hose (fourth hose section) may he routed out from (emerge from) an upper end of the second support arm.

The hydraulic hose (fourth hose section) may be routed along, for example externally routed along, the second lifting assembly between the power pack and the second hydraulic actuator, in particular between the second lifting assembly and the second hydraulic strut.

The hydraulic hose may branch into the third and/or fourth hose sections from the second hose section via a manifold housed internally within the platform frame. The hydraulic manifold may be housed within the cross member of the platform frame.

An access port may he formed in the platform frame (in particular the cross member of the platform frame) adjacent to the hydraulic manifold.

Brief Description of the Figures

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a wheelchair lift according to the invention in the raised deployed configuration.

Figure 113 shows a perspective view of a wheelchair lift according to the invention in transit between the raised deployed configuration and the stowed configuration.

Figure 1C shows a perspective view of a wheelchair lift according to the invention in the stowed configuration.

Figure 2A shows a right side view of a wheelchair lift according to the invention in the raised deployed configuration.

Figure 2B shows a right side view of a wheelchair lift according to the invention in transit between the raised deployed configuration and the stowed 10 configuration.

Figure 2C shows a right side view of a wheelchair lift according to the invention in the stowed configuration.

Figure 3A shows a rear view of a wheelchair lift according to the invention in the raised deployed configuration.

Figure 3B shows a rear view of a wheelchair lift according to the invention in transit between the raised deployed configuration and the stowed configuration.

Figure 3C shows a rear view of a wheelchair lift according to the invention in the stowed configuration.

Figure 4A shows a top view of a wheelchair lift according to the invention in the raised deployed configuration.

Figure 4B shows a top view of a wheelchair lift according to the invention in transit between the raised deployed configuration and the stowed configuration.

Figure 5A shows a right side view of a wheelchair lift according to the invention in the raised deployed configuration with the stowing assembly covers removed to expose the stowing assembly.

Figure 5B shows a right side view of a wheelchair lift according to the invention in transit between the raised deployed configuration and the stowed configuration with the stowing assembly covers removed to expose the stowing assembly.

Figure SC shows a right side view of a wheelchair lift according to the invention in the stowed configuration with the stowing assembly covers removed to expose the stowing assembly.

Figure 6A shows a right side view of the right stowing assembly of a wheelchair lift according to the invention in the raised deployed configuration.

Figure 6B shows a right side view of the right stowing assembly of a wheelchair lift according to the invention in transit between the raised deployed configuration and the stowed configuration.

Figure 6C shows a right side view of the right stowing assembly of a wheelchair lift according to the invention in the stowed configuration.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of selected parts of the mounting assembly.

Figure 8 shows a cross-section through the mounting assembly and the floor of a vehicle as viewed from the rear of the vehicle.

Figure 9 shows a cross-section through the mounting assembly and the floor of a vehicle as viewed from the right side of the vehicle.

Figure 10A shows a rear view of a wheelchair lift according to the invention in transit between the raised deployed configuration and the stowed configuration and shows the hydraulic hose routing with the hydraulic power pack mounted under the floor of the vehicle.

Figure 10B shows a rear view of a wheelchair lift according to the invention in transit between the raised deployed configuration and the stowed configuration and shows the hydraulic hose routing with the hydraulic power pack mounted adjacent to the left lifting assembly.

Figure 11 shows a left side view of a wheelchair lift according to the invention in transit between the raised deployed configuration and the stowed configuration and shows simultaneously two alternative hydraulic hose routings. The stripe-filled hose routing represents the routing when the power pack is located under the floor of the vehicle, the dark-grey hose routing represents the routing when the power pack is located adjacent to the left lifting assembly, and the light-grey hose routing represents the routing common to both power pack mounting positions.

Like reference numerals denote like features throughout the drawings.

Detailed Description

Referring to Figures 1A-5C, a wheelchair lift 10 according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a foldable platform assembly 12, a pair of support arms 14 which are arranged substantially vertically, with the foldable platform assembly 12 supported on their lower ends, a pair of handrails 16, each pivotably mounted on one of the support arms 14, and a pair of lifting assemblies 18, each connecting the upper end of one of the support arms 14 to the floor of a vehicle.

The lifting assemblies 18 are hydraulically actuated to move the lift 10 between a stowed configuration, as shown in Figure 1C, in which the platform assembly 12 is folded away and is stowed within the vehicle in a substantially vertical arrangement, and a deployed configuration, in which the platform assembly 12 is arranged to provide a substantially horizontal platform 20 upon which a wheelchair may be accommodated. In the deployed configuration, the platform assembly 12 is movable between a lowered position, in which the platform 20 rests on, or is in close proximity to, the ground and in which a wheelchair can he wheeled between the ground and the platform 20, and a raised position, as shown in Figure 1A, in which the platform 20 is approximately level with the floor of the vehicle and in which the wheelchair may be wheeled between the platform 20 and the internal floor of the vehicle. The lift 10 therefore has three principal configurations: a stowed configuration (Figure 1C), a raised deployed configuration (Figure 1 A), and a lowered deployed configuration.

Typically, the wheelchair lift 10 will be mounted in a vehicle, such as a minibus, to raise and lower a wheelchair and its occupant between the ground and the inside of the vehicle. The most common arrangement is for the wheelchair lift 10 to be mounted at the rear of the vehicle so that it may be deployed through doors on the back of the vehicle. Accordingly, the frame of reference used in the following discussion assumes such a configuration. For example, the right 22 and left 24 sides of the lift 10 are those that face the left and right sides of the vehicle when looking forwards. Of course, other mounting configurations arc possible, for example so that the lift 10 deploys out from the side of the vehicle. The "front" or "inboard" side 23 of the lift 10 is therefore the side that faces into the vehicle and the "rear" or "outboard" side 25 of the lift 10 is the side that faces out of the vehicle, i.e. in the direction in which the platform 20 extends away from the support arms 14 when the lift 10 is in the deployed configuration.

The lift 10 comprises right and left lifting assemblies 18. Each lifting assembly 18a, 18b comprises an upper lifting arm 26 and a lower lifting arm 28, which are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Each of the upper 26 and lower 28 lifting arms is pivotahly connected at its lower (inboard) end to a mounting turret 30, the upper lifting arm 26 being connected to the mounting turret 30 at a point above the lower lifting arm 28. The upper (outboard) end of each of the lifting arms 26, 28 is pivotably connected to the upper end of a support arm 14, again with the upper lifting arm 26 being connected to the support arm 14 at a point above the lower lifting arm 28 so as to form a parallelogram linkage. A hydraulic strut 32 is arranged between the upper 26 and lower 28 lifting arms to actuate the parallelogram linkage, which in turn causes the lift 10 to raise and lower between the stowed and deployed configurations. The hydraulic strut 32 is pivotahly connected at one of its ends to a point towards or at the lower (inboard) end of the lower lifting arm 28 and is pivotably connected at its other end to a point towards or at the upper (outboard) end of the upper lifting arm 26.

As best illustrated in Figures 7, 8, and 9, each mounting turret 30 includes a tower 34 and base in the form of a mounting plate 36, which is provided with a plurality of mounting holes 38. The lift 10 may be mounted on, and secured to, the floor 40 of a vehicle via the mounting plate 36. Mounting bolts 42 pass though the mounting holes 38 in the mounting plate 36 and through corresponding holes 44 provided in the floor 40 of the vehicle. Mounting brackets 46 are provided on the underside of the vehicle, which are also provided with mounting holes 48, through which the mounting bolts 42 also pass. The mounting brackets 46 are arranged to engage with the chassis 50 of the vehicle to provide a secure anchorage for the lift 10 when the mounting brackets 46 are secured against the chassis 50 by way of the mounting bolts 42 and corresponding mounting nuts 52 that are screwed onto the mounting bolts 42.

The foldable platform assembly 12 is pivotably mounted on its left hand side to the lower end of the left support arm 14, and on its right hand side to the lower end of the right support arm 14. The foldable platform assembly 12 comprises a substantially U-shaped platform frame 54. The platform frame 54 comprises a cross member 56 at its proximal (inboard) end, and left and right side members 58, which are connected to the cross member 56 at their proximal (inboard) ends and extend away from the cross member 56 in the outboard direction in a substantially parallel manner. The cross member 56 extends between the left and right side members 58, and may also extend between the left and right support arms 14. The upper surfaces of the cross member 56 and the side members 58 are generally flat and together define the platform plane. Left and right side walls 60 extend upwards in a substantially perpendicular manner from the left and right edges of the platform frame 54. The side walls 60 extend along substantially the whole length of the platform frame 54 from its proximal (inboard) end to its distal (outboard) end to prevent the wheelchair from rolling off the sides of the platform 20 when the lift 10 is in the deployed configuration. The platform frame 54 is pivotably connected towards its distal (inboard) end on its left and right sides to the left and right support arms 14, respectively, so that it may pivot about a horizontal axis that extends between the two connection points with the support arms 14.

The foldable platform assembly 12 further comprises left and right foldable platform sections 62. Each foldable platform section 62 comprises a flat base portion 64, which is connected to the inside edge of the respective side member 58 of the platform frame 54 by one or more hinges 66 so that the foldable platform section 12 can pivot between a deployed configuration, in which its base portion 64 lies in the platform plane, and a stowed configuration, in which it lies substantially perpendicular to the platform plane. When the lift 10 is raised into the stowed configuration the foldable platform sections 62 and the side members 58 extend vertically upwards to define a passageway between them. The passageway may, for example, be wide enough to allow a person to pass through, thereby allowing the door of the vehicle that the lift 10 deploys out from to he used when the lift 10 is in the stowed configuration. The inside edges of the foldable platform sections 62 abut one another when in the deployed configuration and the base portions 64 of the foldable platform sections 62 cooperate with the cross member 56 and side members 58 of the platform frame 54 to define a platform 20 upon which a person or an object, such as a wheelchair, may be placed and lifted into or lowered from a vehicle. In the deployed configuration, the foldable platform sections 62 rest on a lip 57 that extends from the distal (outboard) edge of the cross member 56 of the platform frame 54 and under the foldable platform sections 62, thereby providing support to the foldable platform sections 62. The foldable platform sections 62 also each comprise a support tab 68, which rest on the upper surface of the cross member 56 of the platform frame 54 in the deployed configuration, thereby also providing support to the foldable platform sections 62.

Each side member 58 comprises an elongate tubular section 59, for example made from rectangular or square box section tubing. The elongate tubular section 59 supports a top plate 61 that provides a portion of the lift platform 20. Likewise, the cross member 56 also comprises a tubular section 67 and a top plate. Similarly, each of the foldable platform sections 62 comprises a tubular frame 63, again typically made from rectangular or square box section tubing. A top plate 65 is supported on the tubular frame 63, which provides a portion of the lift platform 20 when the foldable platform sections 62 are in the deployed configuration.

The foldable platform sections 62 may extend beyond the distal (outboard) ends of the side members.58 of the platform frame 54. In this case, as for the side members 58, the foldable platform sections 62 may also each comprise a side wall 70, which extends upwards substantially perpendicularly from the outer edge of the base portion 62 when the lift 10 is in the deployed configuration to prevent a wheelchair from rolling off the sides of the platform 20. The side walls 70 of the foldable platform sections 62 and the side walls 60 of the platform frame 54 cooperate to form left and right platform side walls that extend along substantially the whole length of the platform assembly 12.

Left and right hydraulically actuated roll-off ramps 72 are pivotably mounted on the distal (outboard) ends of the left and right foldable platform sections 62, respectively. Each of the roll-off ramps 72 is actuated by a hydraulic actuator 116. Each of the hydraulic actuators may comprise a hydraulic cylinder comprising a hydraulically actuated piston. Thus, the platform assembly 12 comprises left and right hydraulic actuators 116 for actuating the left and right roll-off ramps 72, respectively. The left and right roll-off ramps 72 are mounted on the left and right foldable platform sections 62, respectively, in particular at the outboard (distal) ends of the foldable platform sections 62 adjacent to the roll-off ramps 72. Each hydraulic actuator 116 actuates its respective roll-off ramp 72 so that when the lift 10 is in the raised deployed configuration, each of the roll-off ramps 72 extends upwards substantially perpendicularly from the base portion 64 of the foldable platform section 62 to which it is attached to prevent the wheelchair from rolling off the distal (outboard) end of the platform 20. When in the lowered deployed configuration the roll-off ramps 72 are lowered to allow the wheelchair to he wheeled between the ground and the platform 20. Thus, each of the roll-off ramps 72 is movable between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration and is actuated between these two configurations by its respective hydraulic actuator 116. For example, when the lift 10 is in its lowered deployed position the hydraulically actuated pistons are retracted, thus allowing the roll-off ramps 72 to drop under the influence of gravity into their lowered positions. As the hydraulic pistons are actuated so that they extend and contact the roll-off ramps 72, the roll-off ramps 72 are urged into their raised configurations by the hydraulic actuators. In particular, the hydraulic pistons push on the roll-off ramps 72 so as to pivot them from their lowered to their raised configurations. Preferably, as the lift 10 is raised from its lowered to its raised deployed configuration, the roll-off ramps 72 are pivoted into their raised positions before the platform assembly 62 is lifted off of the ground, i.e. before the lifting assemblies 18 arc actuated to move the lift 10 from its lowered to its raised deployed configuration. Likewise, as the lift 10 is lowered between its raised and lowered deployed configurations it is preferable for the roll-off ramps 72 to remain in their raised positions until the platform assembly 12 (and therefore also the lifting assemblies 18) reaches its fully lowered position. Therefore, the hydraulic system may be configured such that the hydraulic pressure at which the hydraulic actuators 116 are actuated to raise the roll-off ramps 72 is less than the hydraulic pressure required to actuate the hydraulic struts 32 so as to raise (e.g. fully raise) the lifting assemblies 18. This ensures that a wheelchair on-board the platform 20 cannot roll off the platform 20 from the outboard side unless the platform assembly 12 is fully lowered. However, this sequence is not essential and it is also possible for the roll-off ramps 72 to be raised and lowered while the platform assembly 12 itself is being raised and lowered close to the ground.

The platform assembly 12 also comprises a bridge plate 74, which is pivotably connected to the proximal (inboard) end of the platform frame 54 so that it can pivot about a horizontal axis adjacent to the proximal (inboard) edge of the platform 20. The bridge plate 74 bridges the gap between the floor of the vehicle and the proximal (inboard) edge of the platform 20 when the lift 10 is in the raised deployed configuration, thereby allowing a wheelchair to be wheeled between the platform 20 and the floor of the vehicle. In the lowered deployed configuration the bridge plate 74 extends upwards from the proximal edge of the platform 20 to prevent the wheelchair from rolling off the proximal (inboard) end of the platform 20. In the stowed configuration the bridge plate 74 rests against the floor of the vehicle in a substantially horizontal manner. The bridge plate 74 also has left and right side walls 76 that extend upwards from its left and right edges.

The lift 10 also comprises left and right handrails 16, which are pivotably mounted on the left and right support arms 14, respectively. The handrails 16 project substantially horizontally away from the support arms 14 in the deployed configurations to provide handrails above and to either side of the platform 20. In the stowed configuration, the handrails 16 fold away to project substantially vertically upwards.

The raising and lowering of the lift 10 is actuated by the hydraulic struts 32 in the lifting assemblies 18. The extension and compression of the hydraulic struts 32 directly results in the raising and lowering of the lifting assemblies 18 and the support arms 14 due to the parallelogram linkage formed by these parts. The movement of the foldable platform assembly 12 and of the handrails 16 is indirectly actuated by the hydraulic struts 32 in the lifting assemblies 18 via left and right stowing linkage assemblies 78, which convert the movement of the lifting assemblies 18 and the support arms 14 into controlled movement of the foldable platform assembly 12 and the handrails 16.

As best shown in Figures 6A-C, each of the left and right stowing linkage assemblies 78 comprises a platform stowing linkage and a bridge plate stowing linkage. Each platform stowing linkage comprises a pivot arm 80, a contact roller 82, a stowing strut 84, and a gas strut 86. The pivot arm 80 is pivotably connected at its proximal end to the respective support arm 14 at a point below where the lifting assembly 18 is connected to the support arm 14 and above where the platform assembly 12 is connected to the support arm 14. The pivot arm 80 is arranged so that it projects away from the support arm 14 towards the respective lifting assembly 18.

The contact roller 82 is mounted at the distal end of the pivot arm 80, and is arranged so that it contacts, and rolls along, the underside 19 of the lifting assembly 18 when the lifting assembly 18 is raised and lowered between the stowed and the raised deployed configurations.

The pivot arm 80 is arranged so that it pivots downwards about its connection to the support arm 14 when the contact roller 82 is in contact with the underside 19 of the lifting assembly 18 and the angle between the lifting assembly 18 and the support arm 14 is reduced, i.e. as the lift is raised. This generally means that the pivot arm 80 forms an acute angle with respect to the underside 19 of the lifting assembly 18 when measured from above and an obtuse angle when measured from below. The stowing strut 84 is pivotably connected at its upper end to the pivot arm 80 and extends downwardly from the pivot arm 80 to pivotably connect at its lower end to the proximal (inboard) end of the platform assembly 12. The stowing strut 84 is connected to the platform assembly 12 to the proximal (inboard) side of the platform assembly pivot axis 86.

When the lift 10 is moved between the lowered and raised deployed configurations, the contact roller 82 is not in contact with the underside 19 of the lifting assembly 18 and the platform assembly 12 is held in a substantially horizontal configuration. As the lift 10 is raised further between the raised deployed configuration and the stowed configuration, the angle between the support arm 14 and the lifting assembly 18 continues to decrease and the distance between the underside 19 of the lifting assembly 18 and the support arm 14 is reduced. The contact roller 82 is brought into contact with the underside 19 of the lifting assembly 18 either as the lift 10 reaches the raised deployed configuration or at some point between the raised deployed configuration and the stowed configuration. Once the contact roller 82 contacts the underside 19 of the lifting assembly 18 the contact roller 82 is forced to roll downwardly along the underside 19 of the lifting assembly 18 as the lift 10 is raised further, which causes the pivot arm 80 to pivot downwardly about its connection to the support arm 14. This causes the stowing strut 84 to exert a downward force on the proximal (inboard) end of the platform assembly 12, which causes the platform assembly 12 to pivot about its horizontal pivot axis 86, thereby raising the platform assembly 12 from the deployed configuration, in which it extends substantially horizontally, to the stowed configuration, in which it extends substantially vertically.

The gas strut 86 is pivotably connected to the upper end of the stowing strut 84 and extends downwardly to pivotably connect to the support arm 14. The gas strut 84 is under compression when the lift 10 is in the stowed configuration and therefore acts, together with gravity, to encourage the platform assembly 12 to lower from its stowed to its deployed configuration as the lift 10 is lowered. The platform stowing linkage acts to control the movement of the platform assembly 12 during deployment by undergoing the reverse of the motion described above in relation to the raising of the lift.

The platform stowing linkage also comprises a cam 88 which projects outwardly from the upper end of the stowing strut 84. The earn 88 is slidably located within a slot 90 formed in a handrail stowing linkage 92, which is itself connected to the respective handrail 16. Together, the handrail 16 and the handrail stowing linkage 92 form a handrail assembly. The slot 90 in the handrail stowing linkage 92 has a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end being closer than the distal end to the pivotal connection 94 of the handrail assembly to the support arm 14. As the lift 10 is raised from the raised deployed configuration to the stowed configuration the cam 88 exerts a downward force on the handrail stowing linkage 92 due to the downward movement of the platform stowing linkage and the confinement of the cam 88 within the slot 90 in the handrail stowing linkage 92. This causes the handrail assembly to pivot about its connection 94 to the support arm 14 thereby causing the handrail 16 to be raised from its deployed configuration, in which it extends substantially horizontally, to its stowed configuration, in which it extends substantially vertically. The confinement of the cam 88 within the slot 90 in the handrail stowing linkage 92 accommodates for the non-constant displacement of the cam 88 from the handrail assembly pivot point 94 as the handrail 16 is raised and lowered by allowing the cam 88 to slide within the slot 90.

Each of the foldable platform sections 62 comprises a stowing arm 96, which cxtcnds under the side member 58 to which the foldable platform section 62 is attached when in the deployed configuration and projects out from the side of the platform assembly 12 in the vicinity of the respective support arm 14. The stowing arm 96 is connected to the lower end of the support arm 14 via a connecting rod 98, which is pivotably and rotatably connected at its ends to the stowing arm 96 and the support arm 14 by rose joints, thereby allowing three-axis rotation of the connecting rod 98. Only the left connecting rod 98 is shown in the figures, but both left and right connecting rods 98 are ordinarily present. The connecting rod 98 cxtcnds downwards from its connection to the support arm 14 to connect to the stowing arm 96. Thus, as the platform assembly 12 is raised from the deployed to the stowed configuration and the angle between the platform assembly 12 and the support arm 14 reduces, the connecting rod 98 exerts a downward force on the stowing arm 96, thereby causing the foldable platform section 62 to be raised from the deployed to the stowed configuration.

The bridge plate stowing linkage comprises an upper pivot arm 100, a lower pivot arm 102, a contact roller 104, a stowing strut 106, and a gas strut 108. The upper pivot arm 100, like the pivot arm 80 of the platform stowing assembly, is pivotably connected at its proximal end to one of the support arms 14 at a point below where the lifting assembly 18 is connected to the support arm 14 and above where the platform assembly 12 is connected to the support arm 14. The upper pivot arm 100 is arranged so that it projects away from the support arm 14 towards the respective lifting assembly 18. The contact roller 104 is mounted at the distal end of the upper pivot arm 100, and is arranged so that it contacts and rolls along the underside of the lifting assembly 18 when the lifting assembly 18 is raised and lowered between the stowed and the deployed configurations.

The upper pivot arm 100 is arranged so that it is forced to pivot downwards about its connection to the support arm 14 when the contact roller 104 is in contact with the underside 19 of the lifting assembly 18 and the angle between the lifting assembly 18 and the support arm 14 is reduced, i.e. as the lift 10 is raised. This generally means that the upper pivot arm 100 forms an acute angle with respect to the underside of the lifting assembly 18 when measured from above and an obtuse angle when measured from below.

The lower pivot arm 102 is pivotably connected at its proximal end to the support arm 14 towards the lower end of the support arm 14. The distal ends of the lower pivot arms 102 of the left and right bridge plate stowing assemblies are connected together by a lifting bar 110 that extends between the distal ends of the left and right lower pivot arms 102 below the bridge plate 74. The stowing strut 106 is pivotably connected at its upper end to the upper pivot arm 100 and extends downwardly to pivotably connect at its lower end to the lower pivot arm 102.

When the lift 10 is in the lowered deployed configuration, the lifting bar 110 is in contact with the underside of the bridge plate 74 and the bridge plate 74 is thereby held in a raised configuration in which it extends upwardly from the proximal (inboard) edge of the platform 20. As the lift 10 is raised, the contact roller 104 is forced to roll downwardly along the underside 19 of the lifting assembly 18, which causes the upper pivot arm 100 to pivot downwardly about its connection to the support arm 14. This in turn causes the lower pivot arm 102 to pivot downwardly about its connection to the support arm 14 due to the connection of the upper 100 and lower 102 pivot arms by the stowing strut 106. This causes the lifting bar 110 to lower relative to the support arms 14, thereby allowing the bridge plate 74 to lower under the force of gravity by pivoting about its connection to the platform assembly 12. The bridge plate 74 continues to lower as the lift 10 is raised, eventually coming to rest the floor 40 of the vehicle so that in the raised deployed configuration a wheelchair may be wheeled between the floor 40 of the vehicle and the platform 20 via the bridge plate 74. As the lift 10 is raised further into the stowed configuration the bridge plate 74 remains supported by the floor 40 of the vehicle in its lowered position. The reverse operation results from lowering the lift 10 between the stowed and the deployed configurations.

The gas strut 108 is pivotably connected to the upper end of the stowing strut 106 and extends downwardly to pivotably connect to the support arm 14. The gas strut 106 is under compression and acts to keep the contact roller 104 in contact with the underside 19 of the lifting assembly 18, which causes the bridge plate 74 to raise upwards as the lift 10 is lowered from the raised deployed configuration to the lowered deployed configuration.

As shown in Figures 1A-C. the stowing linkage assemblies 78 may be at least partially obscured from view by inner 112 and outer 114 covers mounted on the support arms 14. The covers 112, 114 improve the appearance of the lift 10, protect the stowing linkage assemblies 78, and provide improved safety.

Referring now to Figures 10A, 10B and 11, the wheelchair lift 10 comprises a hydraulic system for actuating the hydraulic struts 32 of the lifting assemblies 18 and the hydraulic actuators 116 that actuate the roll-off ramps 72. The hydraulic system comprises a hydraulic power pack 118 and a hydraulic hose 120 coupling the hydraulic power pack 118 to the hydraulically actuated components of the lift 10, namely the hydraulic struts 32 of the lifting assemblies 18 and the hydraulic actuators 116 that actuate the roll-off ramps 72.

The hydraulic power pack 118 may be mounted below the floor of the vehicle, as shown in Figure 10A, or may he mounted above the floor 40 of the vehicle, for example adjacent to one of the lifting assemblies 18, as shown in Figure 10B. In particular, the power pack 118 may be mounted on one of the mounting turrets 30. If the power pack 118 is mounted under the floor 40 of the vehicle, the hydraulic hose 120 is routed to the lift 10 through the floor 40 of the vehicle. In each case, the hydraulic hose 120 branches into a first hose section 122, which is coupled to the hydraulic strut 32 of one of the two lifting assemblies 18, and a second hose section 124, which is coupled to one of the two hydraulic actuators 116 that actuate the roll-off ramps 72, optionally on the same side of the lift 10 as the hydraulic strut 32 coupled via the first hose section 122. The hydraulic strut 32 coupled to the power pack 118 via the first hose section 122 is shown as that of the left-hand lifting assembly 18 in Figure 10B, but this could be either the left or the right lifting assembly 18. In particular, if the power pack 118 is mounted adjacent to one of the lifting assemblies 18 the first hose section 122 is coupled to the hydraulic strut 32 of that lifting assembly 18. For simplicity, the following discussion assumes that the power pack 118 is mounted on the mounting turret 30 of the left-hand lifting assembly 18, but it should be understood that the power pack 118 could instead be mounted on or adjacent to the right-hand lifting assembly 18 and so the terms left and right may be interchanged in the following discussion or replaced by the more general terms "first" and "second", and the left and right sides may be more generally referred to as the "first" and "second" sides.

The second hose section 124 is first routed externally along the left lifting assembly 18 from the proximal (inboard) end to the distal (outboard) end of the lifting assembly 18. Specifically, the second hose section 124 may be externally mounted on and routed along the inboard (or upper) edge or face of the left lifting assembly 18, in particular along the upper lifting arm 26. Alternatively, the second hose section 124 may he routed internally within the lifting assembly 18, for example through one of the lifting arms 26, 28, e.g. the upper lifting arm 26.

The second hose section 124 is then routed from the lifting assembly 18 into the upper end of the left support arm 14 and is routed internally within the support arm 14. The support arms 14 may each comprise a tubular portion, such as a square tubular (or box section) portion, and/or a channel section portion. For example, the upper portion of the support arm 14 may comprise channel section and the lower portion may comprise tubular (e.g. box) section. The second hose section 124 may therefore he routed within the channel of the channel section portion(s) (i.e. between the left and right flanges of the channel section that are joined together by the web of the channel section) and within the internal cavity of the tubular portion(s) of the support arm 14. The second hose section 124 may then he routed out from the interior of the left support arm 14 at the lower end of the support arm 14. For example, an aperture may be formed in the lower end of the support arm 14 through which the hose 120 is routed out from the interior of the support arm 14. The aperture may be in the inboard face of the support arm 14, as shown in Figure 11.

The second hose section 124 is then routed into the interior of the platform assembly 12, specifically the interior of the platform frame 54. The interior of the platform frame 54 comprises the interior volumes of the cross member 56 and the side members 58, in particular the interior volumes of the tubular sections 59, 67 of these parts. The second hose section 124 enters the platform assembly 12 via an aperture 126 in the platform frame 54, for example formed in the left outer edge of the platform frame 54, specifically in the left outer edge of the left side member 58. The second hose section 124 is then routed internally within the platform frame 54 to connect to a hydraulic manifold 128 housed within the platform frame 54.

The hydraulic manifold 128 is housed internally within the cross member 56 of the platform frame 54 and the second hose section 124 is therefore routed internally through the cross member 56 to connect to the hydraulic manifold 128. The manifold 128 may be located elsewhere, but this location allows for easy access to the manifold 128 for maintenance and installation. The platform frame 54, specifically the cross member 56, has an access port 130 formed in it adjacent to the manifold 128 allowing access to the manifold 128 for maintenance and installation. In particular, the service access port 130 may be formed in the underside of the cross member 56, which allows easy access to the manifold 128 from the rear of the vehicle when the lift 10 is in its stowed configuration.

The hydraulic manifold 128 branches the hydraulic hose 120 into two further hose sections: a third hose section 132, which couples to the other hydraulic actuator 116 (in this case the right hydraulic actuator 116 that actuates the right roll-off ramp 72), and a fourth hose section 134, which couples to the other hydraulic strut 32 (in this case the hydraulic strut 32 of the right lifting assembly 18). The second hydraulic hose section 124 also continues from the hydraulic manifold 128. Hence, the second hydraulic hose section is split into two sections: one pre-manifold section and one post-manifold section; and the third 132 and fourth 134 hose sections are branched from the second hose section 124 via the hydraulic manifold 128.

The second hose section 124 (specifically the post-manifold section) leaves the manifold 128 and is routed internally through the cross member 56 and into the interior of the left side member 58. The second hose section 124 is then routed internally through the left side member 58 in the outboard direction. The second hose section 124 is then routed out from the interior of the left side member 58 into the interior of the left foldable platform section 62, specifically into the interior of the tubular frame 63 of the foldable platform section 62. The second hose section 124 is routed from the interior of the left side member 58 into the interior of the left foldable platform section 62 through apertures 125, 127 formed in the inner edge of the side member 58 (aperture 125 -shown in Figure 1C) and the outer edge of the foldable platform section 62 (aperture 127). These apertures 125, 127 are arranged so that they arc aligned with each other when the platform assembly 12 is in its deployed configuration (i.e. with the foldable platform section 62 in its lowered or deployed configuration so that the inner edge of the side member 58 and the outer edge of the foldable platform section 62 face or abut one another) so that the hose 120 may pass through both apertures.

The tubular frame 63 of the platform section 62 comprises inner 136 and outer 138 tubular side rails connected by tubular cross members. The outer side rail runs 138 along the outer edge of the platform section 62 and lies alongside the side member 58 to which the platform section 62 is attached when the platform assembly 12 is in its deployed configuration. The inner side rail 136 runs along the inner edge of the platform section 62 and lies alongside the inner side rail 136 of the other platform section 62 when the platform assembly 12 is in its deployed configuration. The second hose section 124 is routed into the outer side rail 138 of the left platform section 62 and is internally routed through the outer side rail 138 in the outboard direction towards the left hydraulic actuator 116. The second hose section 124 then emerges from (i.e. is routed out from) the tubular frame 63 and couples to the left hydraulic actuator 116.

The right hydraulic actuator 116 is coupled to the manifold 128 by the third hose section 132 in much the same way as the left hydraulic actuator 116 is coupled to the manifold 128 by the second hose section 124, only with the third hose section 132 routed through the left side of the lift 10, i.e. through the left side member 58 and left platform section 62 instead.

The fourth hose section 134 is routed much the same way along the right support arm 14 and right lifting assembly 18 as the second hose section 124 is routed along the left support arm 14 and left lifting assembly 18, except in reverse. Hence, the fourth hose section 134 is routed from the manifold 128 internally through the platform frame 54, specifically the cross member 56, and is routed out from the platform frame 54 via an aperture in the platform frame 54, for example formed in the right outer edge of the platform frame 54, specifically in the right outer edge of the right side member 58.

The fourth hose section 134 is then routed into the interior of the right support arm 14 at the lower end of the right support arm 14. For example, an aperture may be formed in the lower end of the right support arm 14 through which the fourth hose section 134 is routed into the interior of the support arm 14. The aperture may he in the inboard face of the right support arm 14. The fourth hose section 134 is then routed internally within the support arm 14 between the platform assembly 12 and the right lifting assembly 18.

The fourth hose section 134 is then routed out from the upper end of the right support arm 14 and is routed externally along the right lifting assembly 18 from the distal (outboard) end of the lifting assembly 18 to the proximal (inboard) end to the lifting assembly 18. Specifically, the fourth hose section 134 may be externally mounted on and routed along the inboard (or upper) edge or face of the right lifting assembly 18, in particular along the upper lifting arm 26. Alternatively, the fourth hose section 134 may be routed internally within the lifting assembly 18, for example through the upper lifting arm 26. The fourth hose section 134 is then coupled to the right hydraulic strut 32 of the right lifting assembly 18.

The an-angement of the hydraulic system described above, in particular the internal routing of the hose 120 and the positioning of the hydraulic manifold 128, provides a robust system in which the hydraulic hose 120 is protected and supported by the various component parts of the lift 10 and which is simple to install and maintain. In particular, this arrangement reduces the need to provide appropriate external mounting points for the hydraulic hose 120 and to provide protection for the hose 120 because the hose 120 is already protected by and supported within existing parts of the lift 10. Routing the hose 120 internally also reduces the requirement to securely fasten the hose 120 to the lift 10 at multiple points along its length, which makes installation, maintenance and replacement of the hose sections more straightforward and allows the hose to adjust to the configuration of the lift 10 more readily causing less stress on the hose 120. This routing also allows all of the hydraulic components of the lift 10 (i.e. the hydraulic struts 32 and mechanisms) to be operated by a single hydraulic power pack 118, thus ensuring coordinated movement of the hydraulic components and reducing the complexity of the hydraulic system. This routing also avoids having to route the hydraulic hose 120 directly across the passageway between the two lifting assemblies 18, for example along the floor 40 of the vehicle between the two mounting turrets 30, thus reducing clutter and obstacles to the passage of a wheelchair through the passageway.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A wheelchair lift for a vehicle, the wheelchair lift comprising: a hydraulically actuated lifting assembly comprising a hydraulic strut for actuating the lifting assembly; a foldable platform assembly comprising a hydraulically actuated roll-off ramp and a hydraulic actuator for actuating the roll-off ramp; a hydraulic power pack for actuating the hydraulic strut and the hydraulic actuator; and a hydraulic hose coupling the hydraulic power pack to the hydraulic strut and the hydraulic actuator; wherein the hydraulic hose is routed via the lifting assembly and the platform assembly between the power pack and the hydraulic actuator.
2. A wheelchair lift according to claim 1 further comprising a support arm connecting the lifting assembly to the platform assembly, the hydraulic hose also being routed via the support arm between the power pack and the hydraulic actuator.
3. A wheelchair lift according to claim 2, wherein the hydraulic hose is internally routed through the support arm between the power pack and the hydraulic actuator.
4. A wheelchair lift according to claim 3, wherein the hydraulic hose is routed into the support arm through an upper end of the support arm.
5. A wheelchair lift according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the hydraulic hose is routed out from the support arm at a lower end of the support arm.
6. A wheelchair lift according to any preceding claim, wherein the hydraulic hose is routed externally along the lifting assembly between the power pack and the hydraulic actuator.
7. A wheelchair lift according to any preceding claim, wherein the hydraulic hose is internally routed through the platform assembly between the power pack and the hydraulic actuator.
8. A wheelchair lift according to any preceding claim, wherein the platform assembly comprises a platform frame and a platform section pivotably connected to the platform frame so that the platform section can move between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, the roll-off ramp being mounted on the platform section, the hydraulic hose being internally routed through the platform frame between the power pack and the hydraulic actuator.
9. A wheelchair lift according to claim 8, wherein the hydraulic hose is internally routed through the platform section between the power pack and the hydraulic actuator.
10. A wheelchair lift according to claim 9, wherein the hydraulic hose s routed into the platform section from the platform frame.
11. A wheelchair lift according to claims 8 to 10, wherein the platform frame comprises a side member, the platform section being pivotably connected to the side member, and wherein the hydraulic hose is internally routed through the side member between the power pack and the hydraulic actuator.
12. A wheelchair lift according to claim 11, wherein the hydraulic hose is routed between the interior of the side member and the interior of the platform section through a first aperture in an inner edge of the side member and a second aperture in an outer edge of the platform section.
13. A wheelchair lift according to claim 12, wherein the first and second apertures are aligned with each other when the foldable platform section is in its deployed configuration.
14. A wheelchair lift according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the platform section comprises a tubular frame, and wherein the hydraulic hose is internally routed through the tubular frame.
15. A wheelchair lift according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the platform frame comprises a second side member and a cross member connecting the side members of the platform frame; and wherein the platform assembly further comprises a second platform section pivotable connected to the second side member so that the platform section can move between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, a second roll-off ramp mounted on the second platform section, and a second hydraulic actuator for actuating the second roll-off ramp; the hydraulic power pack being arranged to also actuate the second hydraulic actuator, and the hydraulic hose further coupling the power pack to the second hydraulic actuator.
16. A wheelchair lift according to claim 15, wherein the hydraulic hose is internally routed through the second side member between the power pack and the second hydraulic actuator.
17. A wheelchair lift according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the hydraulic hose is internally routed through the second platform section between the power pack and the second hydraulic actuator.
18. A wheelchair lift according to any preceding claim, further comprising a second hydraulically actuated lifting assembly comprising a second hydraulic strut for actuating the second hydraulic lifting assembly, a second support arm connecting the second lifting assembly to the platform assembly, the hydraulic power pack being arranged to also actuate the second hydraulic strut, and the hydraulic hose further coupling the power pack to the second hydraulic strut.
19. A wheelchair lift according to claim 18, wherein the hydraulic hose is routed between the power pack and the second hydraulic strut via the lifting assemblies, the support arms, and the platform assembly.
20. A wheelchair lift according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the hydraulic hose is routed from the platform assembly into the second support arm between the power pack and the second hydraulic strut, and wherein the hydraulic hose is routed internally within the second support arm.
21. A wheelchair lift according to claim 20, wherein the hydraulic hose is routed out from an upper end of the second support arm.
22. A wheelchair lift according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the hydraulic hose is routed externally along the second lifting assembly between the power pack and the second hydraulic actuator.
23. A wheelchair lift according to any preceding claim, wherein the hydraulic hose branches to provide a first hose section coupled to the hydraulic strut and a second hose section coupled to the hydraulic actuator.
24. A wheelchair lift according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the hydraulic hose branches to provide a first hose section coupled to the hydraulic strut and a second hose section coupled to the hydraulic actuator, and wherein the hydraulic hose branches to provide a third hose section, the third hose section being coupled to the second hydraulic actuator.
25. A wheelchair lift according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the hydraulic hose branches to provide a first hose section coupled to the hydraulic strut and a second hose section coupled to the hydraulic actuator, wherein the hydraulic hose branches to provide a third hose section, the third hose section being coupled to the second hydraulic actuator, and wherein the hydraulic hose branches to provide a fourth hose section, the fourth hose section being coupled to the second hydraulic actuator.
26. A wheelchair lift according to claim 25, wherein the hydraulic hose branches into the third and fourth hose sections from the second hose section via a manifold housed internally within the platform frame.
27. A wheelchair lift according to claim 26, wherein an access port is formed in the platform frame adjacent to the hydraulic manifold.