JP2008520516A - Mobile device for bringing handicapped people closer to the counter and counter - Google Patents

Abstract

A mobile device that can be easily used by a physically handicapped person and has a small occupation area.
A support 2 and a platform 3 that supports a wheelchair and a user thereof and that can be raised and lowered are provided. The support is slidable on a first longitudinal mast 4 and the first mast 4. The platform 3 comprises a second longitudinal mast 5 connected and fixed to a vertical movement means 6 for moving the platform 3, the platform 3 being movable on the second longitudinal mast 5. The moving device 1 attached as follows.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile device for assisting a handicapped person in approaching a service counter. More particularly, the present invention relates to disability using wheelchairs, whether inside or outside public buildings, whether automated or business-aid such as supermarket counters. The present invention relates to a mobile device fixed to a wall surface or a floor surface so that a person can use an automated machine such as an automatic teller machine (ATM) or a counter so as to approach the counter.

  People using wheelchairs are due to many obstacles that interfere with access to public places, private homes, cars, etc. It is known to experience many difficulties in daily activities. And these obstacles are difficult to overcome without the assistance of a third party. Handicapped people, especially those in wheelchairs, approach automated machines such as automated teller machines (so-called cash points, or ATMs), airport check-in counters, cigarette vending machines and counters. If necessary, the problem arises whether it is public or not, like a post office or a supermarket.

  This problem is particularly noticeable in the case of an automated teller machine. This is because the counter is fully automated and linked to a safe that cannot change its position.

  U.S. Pat. No. 3,661,228 (Glasser) describes a horizontal platform located on a step and secured to a vertical support that is secured to the ground. The platform is connected to the support body in a cantilever manner and connected to a motor-driven actuator that is integral with the support body. This operating body and the conventional operating body of the same kind have a drawback that they are bulky, and this is an obstacle to the use in front of the counter.

  Therefore, the platform should be positioned to occupy the surrounding area continuously, while the area in front of and near the counter must remain intact for use and will continue for this purpose. Can not be used. A structure with a fixed platform also occupies a large area. This property is particularly disadvantageous when the lifting device is installed in a narrow space or public area.

  The rising platform is housed in a suitable recess formed in the floor or pavement to get close to the floor in front of the counter occupied by the unused platform, i.e. the platform does not interfere with normal walking. For example, a device supported by a folding structure such as a pantograph has been proposed.

  When the platform is in a low position, the platform is flush with the floor and the pantograph is hidden. When the device is activated, the platform rises vertically and the pantograph extends from its retracted position above the floor. These devices are extremely large and require expensive stone materials to provide an installation base on the floor or pavement.

  Furthermore, if the device is installed in an unattended location, it may be tampered with, destroyed, or stolen. Furthermore, it is cumbersome for a user to operate and control this type of conventional device. Control of the movement of the platform within the support of the device takes place in a position that is difficult for the user to access, whether the platform is moving or in its raised position. On the other hand, when the platform is lowered, the control device is often visible, which is obviously a safety issue as the child gets closer.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a device that assists a disabled person on a wheelchair to use a counter, and according to the present invention, the above-mentioned drawbacks of conventional devices are easily and cost-effectively solved. The

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a lifting device for a disabled person on a wheelchair, which is minimal in size, easy to install and easy for the user under all conditions of use. It is possible to control the entire area when not in use.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a lifting device for wheelchair users that minimizes the risk of misuse by, for example, a child and reduces the possibility of damage by a vandal.

  The present invention further relates to the use of the above-described automated teller machine, and more generally, a mobile device that assists the disabled to approach the counter for use, whether automatically or not. .

  These and other objects can be achieved by the present invention relating to a lifting device for wheelchair users according to claim 1.

  According to the invention, the platform in the stationary position is provided with a support and a control device adjacent to each other. Due to this feature, when the control device is not in use, the platform protects the control device provided on the movable longitudinal mast, eg hidden from an external observer, thereby preventing misuse of the control device. This is particularly advantageous because it reduces the danger and possibility of destruction.

  According to one aspect of the invention, the stationary longitudinal mast and the movable element are configured to partially overlap and slide relative to each other. Preferably, the masts, which are slidably coupled to one another and made of mold material, define an interior space in which at least a part of the device for moving the platform is accommodated.

  The first longitudinal mast or stationary element provides a second longitudinal mast or movable element guide means, and the second longitudinal mast is slidably coupled to the guide means. preferable. The second longitudinal mast has a shape that partially surrounds the first stationary longitudinal mast and prevents access to the platform moving device.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the platform moving device allows the user to operate one or more control devices coupled to and moving with the upper end of the second longitudinal mast that is the movable element. Is controlled. The platform movement device may be a different kind of means, for example a mechanical actuation device, a pneumatic actuation device, an electro-pneumatic actuation device, a hydraulic actuation device, or an electrical actuation device. The platform movement device preferably includes a hydraulic piston coupled to the first longitudinal mast and the second longitudinal mast.

  The starting device, which starts by rotating the platform from the vertical stop position to the horizontal use position or vice versa, is operated by the user using a suitable mechanism, for example a mechanical or electronic key. For example, it is preferable to be remotely operated from the control station of the apparatus.

  The device of the present invention has many advantages over the prior art. Compared to conventional devices for raising a wheelchair from low to high levels, the device of the present invention is also dramatically smaller in size and for raising the platform and a second longitudinal mast or moving element, or saddle. Due to the coupling, the available space around the mobile device is maximized.

  In fact, when the moving device is not in use, the platform is oriented substantially vertically and does not occupy the surrounding space, and when the moving device is in use, the platform is in a position parallel to the floor. Furthermore, the second longitudinal mast functions as a saddle and moves integrally with the platform in the longitudinal direction so that when it is moving, it functions as an abutment or support for the user of this moving device. .

  Furthermore, the control device located on the second longitudinal mast or saddle can be easily accessed by the user while the platform is moving. In fact, this control device is always close to the user under all conditions of use of the mobile device according to the invention.

  In addition to the main use as a counter as described above, the mobile device of the present invention can be applied to many different uses in order to allow a wheelchair person to move easily. This solves the problem of architectural barriers that prevent the use of physically disabled people. Since the size is small, the apparatus of the present invention can be installed in a place where a conventional apparatus could not be installed, for example, a telephone box.

  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention by way of non-limiting examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

  FIG.1 and FIG.2 is a perspective view of the moving apparatus 1 of this invention, This apparatus 1 is equipped with the support body 2, the platform 3 which supports a wheelchair and its user. The support 2 has means for fixing itself to the ground or wall of the building or to a support fixed to the ground or wall. The platform 3 is raised in the direction indicated by the arrow U in the drawing between a low horizontal position and a raised horizontal position, i.e. a low position corresponding to the position of the platform 3 placed on the ground, for example, and a platform raised from the ground. 3 between the raised positions corresponding to 3 in the vertical direction substantially parallel to the support 2.

  The support 2 is slidably connected to the first longitudinal mast 4 which is a stationary longitudinal element, and the first longitudinal mast 4, and the platform 3 is installed to operate like a saddle. A vertical mast 5 as a second element is provided. The relative displacement between the masts 4, 5 is performed by vertical movement means 6 for moving the platform 3, so that the platform 3 can pivot upward on the second longitudinal mast 5, It is hinged.

  FIG. 1 shows a stop position of the platform 3, that is, a state where the moving device 1 is not operating. In this case, the platform 3 is located at the lowest position with respect to the ground and is disposed at a longitudinal position adjacent to the support 2. As shown in FIG. 1, when the platform 3 is in the stop position, the platform 3 at least partially hides the support 2 from the eyes of the viewer so that the control device 8 cannot be operated.

  The moving device 1 of the present invention is smaller in size than a conventional similar device. When this mobile device is not in operation (FIGS. 1 and 6), its overall dimensions are minimal and the floor space actually occupied by this mobile device is usually required by conventional similar mobile devices. It is remarkably small compared to the area. This feature is particularly useful in view of the fact that the sparseness necessary to install a mobile device for the disabled can not be ensured. Indeed, the mobile device of the present invention can be installed in a small area or when the available space must be used for other applications.

  FIGS. 2, 5 and 7 show the mobile device 1 in operation, ie the mobile device 1 in operation, with the platform 3 in a low position. In this case, the platform 3 abuts on the ground and can be used by a person seated in a wheelchair. Therefore, the shape and size of the platform 3 are set so that the user can easily position the wheelchair on the upper surface of the support area 9.

  The moving device 1 is operated by the user with respect to the first longitudinal mast 4. A control device 8 is provided for actuating the means for moving the second longitudinal mast 5 and thereby moving the platform 3 longitudinally. In the illustrated embodiment, a control device 8 is attached to the upper end of the support 2.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 6, and 16, when the platform 3 is located adjacent to the support 2, at least a part of the control device 8 is preferably protected by the platform 3. .

  3 and 4 are a front view and a side view of the moving device 1, respectively. The platform 3 is in the horizontal rising position (the horizontal stop position is indicated by a dotted line D in FIG. 4 and corresponds to a state where the platform 3 is stopped on the floor G).

  As shown in the figure, when the moving device 1 is operated, that is, after the moving device 1 is started, the platform 3 and the second longitudinal mast 5 move together. The first longitudinal mast 4 can be fixed to the floor G or the wall surface, and the movable second longitudinal mast 5 is raised by means for moving the platform 3. Therefore, the control device 8 is always at the same height as the platform 3 even if it is moved up and down.

  8 and 8A show cross sections of the support 2, and are cross-sectional views taken along lines EE and AA in the support 2 of FIG. 3, respectively. In this embodiment, the stationary first vertical mast 4 is formed of an open bar having a hollow T-shaped cross section as shown in the figure, and is provided on a base portion 14 integrated with the vertical mast 4. It is possible to fix to the ground by using the hole 13.

  The stationary vertical mast 4 can have a different shape, and as a modification or addition, the vertical mast 4 may be attached to a wall surface.

  The second longitudinal mast 5 that can slide on the stationary longitudinal mast 4 is also formed from a hollow bar having a cross-sectional shape that partially surrounds the longitudinal mast 4. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the first longitudinal mast 4 is stationary, and the second longitudinal mast 5 is guided by the first longitudinal mast 4 and moves in the normal direction with respect to the paper surface.

  In the example shown, the movable longitudinal mast or saddle 5 has a C-shaped cross section and is slidably connected to the first longitudinal mast 4 at this end by a sliding block 7. The sliding block 7 is present at a low position and a high position of the support 2 between both longitudinal masts. They are fixed to the longitudinal mast or saddle 5 at the low position and are movable therewith, and are fixed to the stationary vertical mast 4 at the high position (FIG. 8).

  The platform 3 is connected to a second longitudinal mast 5 by a hinge 15 that rotates the platform 3 upward.

  The means for moving the platform 3 in the vertical direction can be of various types. The second longitudinal mast 5 is moved relative to the first longitudinal mast 4. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, this function is performed by a hydraulic piston which is a vertical movement means 6 housed in the support 2. This piston is connected to both the longitudinal masts 4 and 5. Instead of the hydraulic piston, the moving device 1 may be equipped with a pneumatic piston, screw, spring, or the like that can be installed outside the support 2.

  FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the moving device 1 when the platform is in a low position. The horizontal movement means 16 controls the over rotation from the stop position (vertical direction) of the platform 3 to the use position (FIG. 10). The horizontal movement means 16, for example a hydraulic piston, fixed to the platform 3 and the support 2 can be controlled by using the movement device 1 or remotely from a control station. In the former case, the user can control the rotation of the platform 3 by an appropriate controller installed in the mobile device 1 or by a personal key that is not mechanically or electronically interfaced with the mobile device 1. In the latter case, the operator can control the rotation of the platform 3 from the control station, for example according to specific requirements. Alternatively, the user may manually rotate the platform.

  The platform 3 is preferably equipped with a safety switch for detecting its position with respect to the ground. Further, the platform 3 may be equipped with a sensor that detects the weight of the user on the platform together with the wheelchair. In this case, a suitable control circuit can use the sensor signal to determine the operating speed of the piston 6 and to verify the functional parameters of the moving device 1.

  FIG. 11 is a front view of the moving device 1 in which the platform 3 is at a low position. The piston which is the vertical moving means 6 is indicated by a dotted line. A control device 8 is mounted on the upper end of the second vertical mast 5. The control device 8 may include, for example, push buttons for starting, raising, stopping, and lowering the platform. In general, the control device 8 may be mounted at a position away from the support 2, for example, may be mounted on an arm extending in the lateral direction from the support 2.

  12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. The lower end 17 of the piston which is the vertical moving means 6 is connected to the first longitudinal mast 4, and the upper end 18 is also fixed to the second longitudinal mast 5. As the piston extends, the longitudinal mast 5 and the platform 3 secured thereto rise.

  Similarly, a horizontal movement means 16, preferably a piston, mounted for rotation of the platform 3 has an end 19 fixed to the second longitudinal mast 5 and an end 20 fixed to the platform 3. Have. When the piston 16 is extended or restored, the platform 3 rotates around the hinge 15 as shown in detail in FIG. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the support 2 taken along line FF in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. It is preferable to have an upward peripheral edge 10. In practice, the edge of the platform 3 has a contour protruding relative to the upper surface. The peripheral part 10 has a role which prevents the user of the wheelchair on the platform 3 from falling. The peripheral edge 10 prevents the wheelchair wheel from moving beyond the end of the platform so that it can only be exceeded if the user intends to do so.

  The vertical mast 4 is provided with a hole 21 for passing an electric wire or other cable. When the vertical mast 4 is in contact with the wall, the cable becomes invisible.

  FIGS. 16 to 19 show possible applications of the mobile device 1 for facilitating the use of an automated teller machine (ATM) by the user 11 of the wheelchair 12. In the illustrated case, the moving device 1 is installed on a pavement G outside the building B. In particular, the first longitudinal mast 4 is fixed to the pavement G or the building B or both. As shown in FIG. 16, when the mobile device 1 has not been started, the platform 3 rotates upward and is parallel to the outer wall of the building B, hiding the control device 8 or the command device.

  As shown in FIG. 17, a suitable personal start key is used to place the platform 3 in a horizontal position, allowing the user 11 to access and use the control 8. The control device 8 and the support body 2 with corresponding servomechanisms are at least partly protected against possible vandalism or for example unauthorized use by those interested in the use of ATMs. Yes.

  FIG. 17 shows the mobile mounting 1 ready for use by the user 11. The ATM platform 3 is flush with the pavement G. The user 11 can move the platform 3 to the lower position shown in the figure by using a key regardless of whether it is electronic or mechanical. Alternatively, the mobile device 1 may be connected to a remote control station that moves the platform to the position shown. In fact, the rotation of the platform 3 relative to the support 2 can be performed by any suitable mechanism.

  As shown in FIG. 18, when the platform 3 reaches the low position, the user 11 drives the wheelchair and holds it in the support region 9 on the upper surface 9 until the wheelchair protrudes and is accommodated in the peripheral edge portion 10. The control device 8 is located at the upper end of the support 2 and is always at the user's hand. The control device 8 allows the user to start the vertical movement means 6 and raise the platform 3.

  FIG. 19 shows the configuration of the mobile mounting 1 with the platform 3 in the raised position, for example the platform is raised about 50 cm from the level of the pavement G. Thereby, the user 11 can use ATM. The user can operate the control device 8 to return the platform 3 to the low position and leave the ATM. A signal for returning the platform 3 to the rotationally raised position shown in FIG. 16 can be generated by the user himself or a remote station or timer.

  Similarly, the mobile device 1 is used when the user uses a control panel or equipment, or when the user 11 needs to prevent falling. Can be used in the same way at any time.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the mobile mounting 1 that has not been started occupies only a minimum portion of the pavement G. Unlike the conventional mobile device, this mobile device 1 has a compact structure and ensures that the pavement G is fully utilized. The device 1 can also be installed on public or private land where costs are incurred depending on the occupied area. High installation costs are thus avoided, which is advantageous for the distribution of the mobile device according to the invention and improves the mobility of people with disabilities. Furthermore, the device 1 can be conveniently installed in a small area, since the platform 3 only occupies the use area temporarily.

The perspective view which shows 1st Embodiment of the moving apparatus of this invention. The perspective view which shows 2nd Embodiment of the moving apparatus of FIG. The front view of the moving apparatus of FIG. The side view of the moving apparatus of FIG. The bottom view of the moving apparatus of FIG. Side view of the mobile device of FIG. The top view of the moving apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view at a height position where there is a vertical mast in the moving device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a vertical mast in the moving device shown in FIG. 2 at a height different from that in FIG. 8. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the moving device shown in FIG. 2. Sectional drawing in the GG line of FIG. The front view of the moving apparatus of FIG. Sectional drawing in the BB line of FIG. The side view of the moving apparatus of FIG. The rear view of the moving apparatus of FIG. Sectional drawing in the FF line of the moving apparatus of FIG. The perspective view of the automatic teller machine incorporating the moving apparatus shown in FIG. The perspective view which shows the different state of the moving apparatus shown in FIG. The perspective view which shows the different state of the moving apparatus shown in FIG. The perspective view which shows the different state of the moving apparatus shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Moving apparatus 2 Support body 3 Platform 4 1st longitudinal mast 5 2nd longitudinal mast 6 Vertical moving means 7 Sliding block 8 Control apparatus 9 Support area 10 Peripheral part 11 User 12 Wheelchair 13 Hole 14 Base 15 Hinge 16 Horizontal moving means 17 Lower edge 18 Upper edge 19, 20 End portion 21 Hole

Claims (13)

A support (2) and a platform (3) for supporting the wheelchair and its user, said platform (3) being able to move between a low horizontal position and an elevated horizontal position; A handicap on a wheelchair comprising a vertical movement means (6) fixed to a support (2), further moving the platform (3) between the lower and raised positions and operable by a user In the person's mobile device (1),
The support (2) is further slidably connected to a first longitudinal mast (4) which can be fixed and to the first mast (4) and for moving the platform (3). A second longitudinal mast (5) fixed to the moving means (6), and the platform (3) has a substantially vertical stop position and a substantially horizontal use position; A moving device (1) characterized in that it is fixed to the second longitudinal mast (5) so that it can move between.   The first longitudinal mast (4) and the second longitudinal mast (5) are made of a mold material, and are connected to each other to form a space for accommodating the vertical moving means (6) of the platform (3). The moving device according to claim 1, wherein the moving device is defined.   The horizontal movement means (16) for moving the platform (3) from a horizontal operating position to a horizontal stop position is accommodated in a space defined by the mold material. Mobile device.   The moving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the two longitudinal masts are slid with respect to each other by a sliding block (7).   The first longitudinal mast (4) and the second longitudinal mast (5) have a cross-sectional shape that allows at least a part of them to be fitted to each other. The moving device according to item.   The vertical movement means (6) of the platform (3) is adapted to be controlled by the user with one or more control devices (8) associated with the second longitudinal mast (5). The moving device according to claim 1, wherein:   The moving device according to claim 6, characterized in that the second longitudinal mast (5) protrudes from the surface of the platform (3) and to which the control device (8) is attached.   The vertical movement means (6) of the platform (3) is selected from mechanical actuation devices, pneumatic actuation devices, electro-pneumatic actuation devices, hydraulic actuation devices, and electrical actuation devices. The movement apparatus of any one of Claims 1-7.   9. The moving device according to claim 8, wherein the vertical moving means (6) of the platform (3) is a hydraulic piston.   The platform (3) is adjacent to the support (2) and the control device (8) in a longitudinal stop position, according to any one of the preceding claims. Mobile equipment.   The moving device according to claim 10, characterized in that the platform (3) does not approach the control device (8) at the longitudinal stop position.   Use of the mobile device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, allowing a disabled person to be able to use an automatic counter.   Use according to claim 12, wherein the automatic counter is a bank counter.

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