GB2589672A - Access ramp - Google Patents

Abstract

A deployable ramp assembly 1, for use with a vehicle such as a train, comprises a base 10, a frame 20 moveably mounted to the base, and a lifting mechanism 30. A ramp 40 extends longitudinally from a pivot 50 connected to the frame to a free end distal from the frame. A tie 60 extends between and is pivotally connected to first and second anchor points 62, 64. The first anchor point is spatially fixed relative to the base and the second is fixed to the deployable ramp, longitudinally spaced apart from the pivot. Raising the frame by the lifting mechanism moves the ramp pivot toward the first anchor point causing the free end of the ramp to descend outwardly (Fig. 3) and lowering the frame by the lifting mechanism moves the ramp pivot away from the first anchor point causing the free end of the ramp to raise inwardly (Fig. 2). The lifting mechanism may comprise support members 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, over which upright hollow members 34a, 34c, 34c, 34d, telescopically slide. The hollow members may support a handrail 36a, 36b. The tie may comprise a cord or cable. The frame may comprise a platform.

Description

ACCESS RAMP

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a deployable ramp, more specifically to a deployable access ramp.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide access ramps to assist with access into vehicles or buildings, for example to avoid steps of gaps. Such ramps may for example be used to enable safe passage by those with mobility limitations (for example the elderly or infirm), whether using a wheelchair or mobility device or on foot, and for loading of heavy and/or wheeled articles.

One specific use of such access ramps is for access to mass transportation system vehicles (such as trains) where the ramp may both bridge any gap between the vehicle and a platform and/or provide a height transition to avoid a step between the floor level of the train and the platform. It will be appreciated that in such context a "ramp" may in some uses extend horizontally (i.e. not include any change in level) to span a gap and is intended to be interpreted broadly in this regard when used herein.

Particularly when used with vehicles, access ramps may be required to be repositionable and may be moveable between a deployed (or in use) configuration and a retracted (or stowed) configuration. In their simplest form, a deployable access ramp can be a simple board type member which is manually positionable to span between the vehicle (for example train) and ground (for example platform), and such manual ramps are commonly found and used on trains. It will be appreciated that there are clear advantages to providing a configuration which can automate, or partially automate, movement of the ramp between the deployed and retracted positions. For example, even when manufactured from lightweight materials the load bearing requirements for an access ramp may result in a significant manual handling weight. Further, if an access ramp is intended to be used for those of limited mobility then an automated system is clearly preferable in ensuring that they may operate the ramp without the need for assistance. When used on a mass transportation system such as a train it may also be appreciated that there is a need for the access ramp to be relatively quick to both deploy and retract (since a vehicle may stop for only a very limited time period).

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved access ramp. In particular it would be advantageous to provide a deployable ramp which is suitable for installation in a variety of contexts including vehicles. It may be appreciated that a deployable ramp for use on a vehicle should advantageously be relatively lightweight and compact.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a deployable ramp assembly comprising: a base; a frame moveably mounted to the base; and a lifting mechanism for vertically displacing the frame relative to the base. A ramp extends longitudinally from a pivot, connected to the frame, to a free end distal from the platform. A tie extending between: a first anchor point, spatially fixed relative to the base, and a second anchor point, fixed to the deployable ramp and longitudinally spaced apart from the pivot. The tie is pivotably connected to both the first and second anchor points. Raising of the frame by the lifting mechanism moves the ramp pivot toward the first anchor point causing the free end of the ramp to descend outwardly. Lowering of the frame by the lifting mechanism moves the ramp pivot away from the first anchor point causing the free end of the ramp to raise inwardly.

It may be appreciated that the raising and lowering of the ramp may be considered to be a swinging or "drawbridge" type action about the pivot.

When the frame is at its fully raised position (distal from the base) the ramp will be at its most outwardly rotated position (for example based upon the angle of the ramp measured from the first anchor point). This may be considered the full deployed position of the ramp. In the full deployed position the tie may prevent any further rotation of the ramp such that the free end of the ramp cannot move any lower.

When the frame is at its fully lowered position (proximal to the base) the ramp will be at its most inwardly rotated position (for example based upon the angle of the ramp measured from the first anchor point). This may be considered the full retracted position of the ramp. In the full retracted position the tie may support the ramp holding the free end of the ramp in an elevated position.

The pivot may comprise a hinged connection extending along adjacent edges of the ramp and frame. The adjacent edges may be the inward edge of the ramp and the outward edge of the frame. The ramp may have a rectangular shape. The frame may have a rectangular shape. The ramp and frame may have the same width. The ramp and frame may be contiguous.

The location of the first anchor point may be adjustable. The first anchor point may be vertically adjustable relative to the base; for example, the first anchor point may be fixed to an upright support member and may be fixable at a plurality of positions along the upright. The location of the second anchor point may be adjustable. The second anchor point may be longitudinally adjustable relative to the ramp; for example, the second anchor point may be at a side of the ramp and may be fixable at a plurality of longitudinal positions. In some examples a series of indexed positions for the connection of the anchor points may be provided.

Adjustment of one or both anchor points may allow configuration of the deployable ramp assembly. For example, the adjusting the position of the anchor points may enable the full retracted or full deployed position of the ramp to be adjusted. Such adjustment may for example be carried out during installation or configuration of the deployable ramp assembly.

The lifting mechanism may comprise a plurality of support members extending upwardly from the base. For example, the frame and the base may be rectangular, and one support member may be provided at each corner. The frame may slide relative to the support members.

The frame may further comprise a plurality of upright hollow members. Each hollow member may extend over or around a corresponding one of the support members. The hollow members may be configured to telescopically slide over a corresponding one of the plurality of support members. The hollow members may, for example, be tubular.

The upright hollow members support at least one handrail. For example, a handrail may extend between two space apart hollow members spanning a gap therebetween and may, for example, be generally parallel to the base. A pair of upright hollow members and a handrail may be formed as a single U-shaped member. The ramp assembly may be provided with two parallel handrails extending along opposing sides of the frame.

The lifting mechanism may comprise a linear actuator associated with at least one of the support members. The, or each, linear actuator may for example cause a telescopic action between the support member (fixed relative to the base) and an associated component of the frame (for example the hollow members). In some embodiments, a plurality of linear actuators may be provided each associated with a different support member (for example, all of the support members may be provided with a linear actuator) to provide a distributed lifting force. Such a plurality of linear actuators may be synchronised.

The linear actuator (or actuators) may comprise a screw actuator (which may, for example, be a leadscrew or a ball screw). A plurality of screw actuators may be driven by a common drive means. For example, the common drive means may include a sprocket at each screw actuator and a drive (for example a drive chain) extending therebetween. In such an arrangement a single motor may be provided to actuate the drive.

The tie may be a flexible member, for example the tie may comprises a cord or cable. The tie may be provided with a degree of lengthwise elastic flexibility to protect the apparatus against damage. For example, a spring connector may be provided between the tie and one of the anchor points.

The frame may comprise a platform. The platform may comprise at least one planar support and may for example comprise a pair of spaced apart planar supports to provide a space therebetween for drive components (for examples sprockets and a drive chain).

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a deployable ramp in accordance with an embodiment. The vehicle may be a mass transportation vehicle, for example a train. The deployable ramp may be associated with (for example mounted in) an entry point of the vehicle.

Whilst the invention has been described above, it extends to any inventive combination of the features set out above or in the following description or drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention may be performed in various ways, and embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example only, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a ramp assembly in accordance with an embodiment; Figure 2 shows a side view of the ramp of figure 1 in a retracted configuration; Figure 3 shows a side view of the ramp of figures 1 and 2 in a deployed configuration; Figure 4 shows a detailed section of the ramp assembly of figures 1 to 3; and Figure 5 shows a further detailed section of the ramp assembly of figures Ito 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the context of embodiments of the invention references may be made to components being horizontal or vertical and it may be appreciated that such references are not intended to be limiting. Such terms are used for ease of reference and are intended to refer to the general directions relative to the apparatus when in use. For example, a "horizontal" direction or plane may, in practice, be defined by being generally parallel to the surface upon which the apparatus is mounted. Likewise, a "vertical" direction or plane may be defined by being generally perpendicular to the surface upon which the apparatus is mounted. In applications such a vehicles it will be appreciated that the surface upon which the apparatus is mounted may itself be moveable and/or tiltable and as such the relevant axis of the apparatus may not be fixed in absolute terms (rather only relative to the vehicle). Any other references to directions such as above/below or upward/downward are likewise intended to be interpreted in a relative, non-limiting, manner.

A deployable ramp assembly 1 in accordance with an embodiment is show in figure 1.

The ramp assembly 1 comprises a base 10 and a frame 20 which is moveably mounted to the base. A lifting mechanism 30 is provided for vertically displacing the frame 20 relative to the base 10. A ramp 40 is connected to the frame by a pivot 50. A supporting tie 60 extends between the base 10 and the ramp 40.

The lower part of the apparatus 1 consists of the base 10 which is configured to allow the apparatus 1 to be securely mounted to a surface in use, for example, a floorplate of a train or other vehicle. The base 10 has a generally rectangular footprint (and may for example be square). The base 10 could be a solid plate but in the illustrated embodiment comprises a metal framework. The use of a frame may ensure that the base 10 is relatively lightweight and may also allow a degree of flex in the base 10 to allow a degree of conformance to a mounting surface. Four upright support members 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d extend vertically away from each corner of the base 10. A further support 63 is also attached to the base 10 and is offset from the main footprint of the base 10.

The upper part of the apparatus 1 is assembled around a frame 20 which is vertically slidably mounted on the base 10. The frame 20 consists of a platform 25 which has apertures (not shown) at each corner through which the upright support members 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d pass through. The platform 25 is formed as a sandwich structure having a spaced apart upper plate 25a and lower plate 25b defining a void 26 therebetween. The void 26 is provides a space for the actuation components of the lifting mechanism 30 (as will be explained in further detail below). Each corner of the frame 20 is provided with a hollow tubular member 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d which extend over the corresponding support members 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d in a telescopic arrangement. The tubular members on either side of the platform 25 are formed as pairs (i.e. 34a & 34b and 34c & 34d) which are each part of of U-shaped member to provide a handrail 36a, 36b extending horizontally along the side of the platform 25. The handrails 36a, 36b are spaced vertically above the platform and fixed relative to the platform 25.

A hinge 50 extends along the front edge of the frame 20 and pivotally connects the ramp 40 to the platform 25 of the frame 20. The hinge 50 in the illustrated embodiment is a single continuous hinge with a continuous pivot member extending across the full width of the frame 20.

The lifting mechanism 30 consists of four linear screw actuators 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d.

Each screw actuator acts between a support member 12 and its corresponding tubular member 34 to provide a telescopic translation therebetween in use. The screw actuators are driven via a common drive input 31. The drive input 31 is connected in use to a motor (omitted from the figures for clarity) that is mounted to the frame 20 proximal to the input 31. The drive input 31 extends from above the upper plate 25a to a sprocket mounted within the void 26 between the plates 25a, 25b of the frame. The sprocket of the drive input 31 is then connected by a transmission to each of the linear screw actuators 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d. For example, each screw actuator may have an associated drive sprocket mounted around its support member 12 and/or tubular member 14 and within the void 26. The transmission may be a chain 33 extending around the periphery of the frame 20 and engaging the sprockets associated with the the drive input 31 and each of the linear screw actuators 32. Thus, the common input 31 can drive the linear screw actuators in a synchronised manner from a single attached motor.

The ramp 40 is a simple rectangular metal plate and extends from a first end 41, connected to the frame 20 by the pivot 50, to a free end 42, distal from the pivot 50. The upper surface 45 of the ramp 40 may have a non-slip coating or finish. The width of the ramp is less than the spacing of the hollow tubular members 34 on the frame 20 but extends substantially across the full width of the platform 25.

The tie 60 is a flexible chord or cable member selected to have sufficient tensile strength to support the weight of the ramp 40. A first anchor point 62 (which Ois shown in detail in Figure 4) for the tie is provided on an upright anchor support 63 which is rigidly attached to the base 10 and is offset from the main footprint of the base 10. The anchor support 63 is also connected to the frame 20 via one of the upright members 34b. As such, the anchor support includes a telescopic configuration having a fixed lower member 63a connected to the base 10 and a slidable upper member 63b connected to the frame 20. The anchor point 62 for the tie 60 is connected to the lower member 63a such that it is spatially fixed relative to the base (i.e. it does not move upon movement of the frame 20). The anchor point 62 comprises a first portion 62a which provides a pivotable connection for the tie 60. A second portion 62b of the anchor point 62 is configured as a clamp for engaging the anchor support 63. The clamp portion 62b may have a simple screw fastener such that the vertical position of the anchor point 62 relative to the base 10 may be adjusted (but once adjusted is fixed in use). A spring 61 may be provided between the anchor point 62 and the tie 60 to allow a limited, pre-determined, amount of longitudinal elasticity to the tie. The spring 61 may help protect the ramp assembly from damage in use (for example in the event that the assembly is poorly or incorrectly adjusted).

A second anchor point 64 is attached to the ramp 40 and is shown in detail in Figure 5. The second anchor point 64 is configured as a pin member which is connectable to a corresponding part of the ramp and is pivotable relative to the ramp 40 when attached. the side of the ramp is provided with a flange 46 having a plurality of slots 47a, 47b and 47c for receiving the anchor point. Each slot extends a limited extent along the longitudinal length of the ramp 20. Thus, the position of the anchor point 64 may be coarsely adjusted by selection of which slot the anchor point 64 is connected to and finely adjusted by being moved within the chosen slot.

Operation of the ramp assembly 1 will now be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3 which respectively show the assembly in representative retracted and deployed positions. It will be appreciated that these positions are only two positions that the assembly can take up and in some embodiments there may be other functional or intermediate positions during use. In the retracted position (of Figure 2), the pivot SO is proximal to the base 10 and the vertical spacing between first anchor point 62 and the second anchor point 64 is such that the ramp 40 is held in the upright position by the tie 60. As such the free end 62 of the ramp is vertically raised and is longitudinally proximal to the frame 20.

The lifting mechanism 30 is activated by actuation of the drive (not shown) to turns the input 31. The input 31 uses the transmission chain 33 to simultaneously drive each of the linear screw actuators 32. As a result, the frame 20 is raised, in the direction of arrow A in Figure 3, away from the base 10. The raising of the frame 20 carries with it the pivot SO and the proximal end 41 of the ramp 40. The raising motion brings the pivot 50 towards the first anchor point 62 (which is fixed relative to the base 10) reducing the vertical space therebetween. As the pivot SO and the second anchor point 64 are carried with the frame 20 the movement enables the ramp 40 to rotate outwardly away from the ramp assembly in the direction shown by arrow B. When fully deployed as shown in the figures the ramp 40 is extending outwardly away from the platform 25 and is supported in a cantilever manner by the tie 60 and the pivot SO. Whilst it may be noted that the fully deployed position shown in Figure 3 has the ramp in a substantially horizontal position, it will be appreciated that adjustment of the position of one or both anchor points 62 and 64 can be used to adjust the rotational position of the ramp 40 at a given vertical position of the frame 20. Thus, the assembly shown in the embodiment can be easily adjusted/configured (for example during an initial installation or in maintenance procedures) to provide a required range of motion of the ramp. It will also be noted that whilst the ramp is shown in Figure 3 with the free end unsupported, in normal use the ramp would be expected to be rotated until the free end 42 of the ramp engages a surface (for example of a railway platform when installed on a train carriage).

The size and proportions of the ramp can be selected for particular uses. For example, in some embodiments the ramp may be sized to accommodate a wheelchair. In a wheelchair version it may also be provided with a pivotable lip at the free end 42 of the ramp. The lip may passively rotate between a generally horizontal alignment when pressed into engagement with a surface and a generally vertical alignment when free of a surface. Thus, the pivotable lip may provide a safety backstop which prevents a wheelchair from rolling back off the ramp when the ramp is raised from contact with a surface.

Reversal of the lifting mechanism 30 to lower the frame 20 back toward the base 10 (in the opposite direction to arrow A) will act to move the pivot 50 and first anchor point 62 apart. As a result, the ramp 40 must raise (counter to the direction of arrow B) and the assembly twill move back to a retracted configuration (as shown in Figure 2.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that various changes or modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment the lifting mechanism is mounted to the frame such that it raises and lowers with the frame. However, it will be appreciated that other arrangements could use a lifting mechanism mounted to the base with only passive components of the lifting mechanism associated with the moveable frame.

Further, whilst the embodiment uses a single tie (and associated anchor points) mounted to one side of the ramp and frame other arrangements are possible. For example, increased strength could be provided (at the expense of additional components and complexity) by providing opposing pairs of ties on each side of the ramp.

Whilst the illustrated embodiments use a common drive input 31 to which a motor can be directly attached, it will be appreciated that other drive arrangements are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in some embodiments a series of gears may extend between the motor and chain drive or between the motor and at least one of the screw actuators (with the driven screw actuator then driving the other screw actuators via the drive chain). In other embodiments a drive belt may be provided between the motor and an input for the chain drive (said input may for example be one of the screw actuators). The use of a drive belt may for example, reduce noise produced during use.

To provide increased utilisation and availability, embodiments of the invention may further be configured as a portable deployable ramp assembly. For example, a ramp assembly according to an embodiment could be moveable such that a single assembly could be used across a variety of locations (such as a railway station with multiple platforms or multiple carriage locations on a single platform) by being position alongside a carriage or the like. Accordingly, the base of the platform may comprise wheels (which could for example include rollers). At least some of the wheels may be lockable for safety. At least some of the wheels may be pivotable or castored relative to the base.

Claims (17)

1. CLAIMS1. A deployable ramp assembly comprising: a base; a frame moveably mounted to the base; a lifting mechanism for vertically displacing the frame relative to the base; a ramp extending longitudinally from a pivot, connected to the frame, to a free end distal from the platform; and a tie extending between: a first anchor point, spatially fixed relative to the base, and a second anchor point, fixed to the deployable ramp and longitudinally spaced apart from the pivot, the tie being pivotably connected to both the first and second anchor points; wherein raising of the frame by the lifting mechanism moves the ramp pivot toward the first anchor point causing the free end of the ramp to descend outwardly and lowering of the frame by the lifting mechanism moves the ramp pivot away from the first anchor point causing the free end of the ramp to raise inwardly.
2. 2. The deployable ramp assembly of claim 1, wherein the pivot comprises a hinged connection extending along adjacent edges of the ramp and frame.
3. 3. The deployable ramp assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the location of the first and second anchor points is adjustable to allow configuration of the deployable ramp assembly.
4. 4. The deployable ramp assembly of claim 3, wherein the first anchor point is vertically adjustable relative to the base.
5. S. The deployable ramp assembly of claim 3 or 4, wherein the second anchor point is at a side of the ramp and is longitudinally adjustable relative to the ramp.
6. 6. The deployable ramp assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a plurality of support members extending upwardly from the base and wherein the frame slides relative to the support members.
7. 7. The deployable ramp assembly of claim 6, wherein the frame further comprises a plurality of upright hollow members, each hollow member being configured to telescopically slide over a corresponding one of the plurality of support members.
8. 8. The deployable ramp assembly of claim 7, wherein the upright hollow members support at least one handrail.
9. 9. The deployable ramp assembly of claim 6,7 or 8, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a linear actuator associated with at least one of the support members.
10. 10. The deployable ramp assembly of claim 8, wherein the linear actuator comprises a screw actuator.
11. 11. The deployable ramp assembly of claim 9, wherein a plurality of screw actuators are driven by a common drive means.
12. 12. The deployable ramp assembly of claim 10, wherein the common drive means comprises a sprocket at each screw actuator and a drive chain extending therebetween.
13. 13. The deployable ramp assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the tie comprises a cord or cable.
14. 14. The deployable ramp assembly of any preceding claim, wherein a spring connector is provided between the tie and one of the anchor points.
15. 15. The deployable ramp assembly of any preceding claim wherein the frame comprises a platform.
16. 16. A vehicle comprising a deployable ramp as claimed in any preceding claim.
17. 17. A train comprising a deployable ramp as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15 associated with an entry point.