JP5207560B2 - Illuminated ladder - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an illuminated ladder in which a light source for illumination is attached to the ladder.

  In general, ladders that are widely used are not equipped with lighting devices, so when used in dark places such as at night or in the basement, it is not easy to check the hands and feet, and the user can go up and down with a sense. There are many cases.

  For this reason, there are many accidents where the user falls or the ladder falls, and there is a risk of developing into a serious accident such as a fatal accident.

  Therefore, although it is recognized as a normal usage method that it is used in an environment where the surroundings are bright such as during the daytime, in this case, the usable time zone is limited and the usage efficiency is low.

  For example, in construction work, it may affect the overall work process, and may be used unintentionally after sunset for reasons such as extension of work. The method (use in a bright environment) is not always adhered to.

  Under such circumstances, especially in the event of a disaster or emergency, since the ladder is used in a hurry, there is an even greater risk of accidentally stepping off the treadle and losing balance, leading to falling or falling.

  Therefore, conventionally, it has been studied to attach a lighting fixture to the ladder.

  For example, a tread plate is installed between a pair of fixed columns fixed to a building to form a ladder, and a movable column formed in the shape of a back basket is disposed on the front side of the fixed column of the ladder so that it can be tilted up and down. An evacuation ladder is known in which an illuminating lamp that is turned on in conjunction with the standing upright of a backrest-shaped movable support is provided above the fixed support (see Patent Document 1).

  However, in this evacuation ladder, the illuminating lamp is designed to light up in conjunction with the upright standing of the back-cage-shaped movable column, and is assumed to be fixed to the building. There is a problem that it cannot be moved and used because it cannot.

  In addition, it is composed of two struts on both sides and a tread board erected between the struts at a substantially constant interval. The lower end of the strut is grounded to the floor and leaned against the wall. There is known a ladder for indoor use, in which illumination units are arranged on the upper and lower sides of a support column and on a handrail (see Patent Document 2).

  In addition, lighting fixtures are built inside the pedestal of the stepladder or at the bottom of the step pedestal. When built in the inside of the pedestal, light is emitted to the top of the step pedestal. A stepladder is known in which light is applied to an upper part of a stepped foot below the stepped foot, and a switch for turning on the lighting fixture is provided on the surface of the pedestal (see Patent Document 3).

  However, these ladders and stepladders have the following problems because the switches are provided on the columns and pillars.

  That is, there are various users of ladders and stepladders, including children and elderly people, and therefore it is not possible to determine in general which height of the column or pedestal should be provided with the switch.

  In addition, although it is possible to turn on the light if the switch is turned on, there is a problem that it is difficult to find the switch before the switch is turned on.

  In the technique of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the illuminating lamp of the evacuation ladder is provided only at one point above the fixed column. Therefore, when the ladder is lowered, the light of the illuminating lamp is lowered. There was also a problem that the foot cross at the foot could not be easily confirmed to the bottom because it was obstructed by the person himself.

  Further, in the technique of Patent Document 2, since the illumination unit is provided at limited positions such as the upper and lower sides of the support column and the handrail, the light may not be sufficient near the center away from the illumination. . In order to overcome this surely, it is necessary to increase the illuminance, but in that case, the illuminance may be too strong near the illumination unit.

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 3, when it is built inside the pedestal, light is emitted from the inside of the pedestal to the upper part of the step rail, so that the foot is not sufficiently irradiated with light. If it is built in the lower part of the pedestal, it will illuminate your feet from the stepped pedestal, so it will be necessary to increase the illuminance and it will be expensive, and light will be emitted from the upper side to the lower side. There was a risk of feeling dazzling.

JP 2003-328670 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-037641 JP 2010-163847 A

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an illuminated ladder that can easily find and operate a switch and can be used safely even in a dark place. Preferably, an object of the present invention is to provide an illuminated ladder that illuminates light in a well-balanced manner over the entire ladder, ensures visibility with a slight illuminance, and does not feel dazzling when ascending the ladder.

  The present inventor has intensively studied to solve the above-mentioned problems, and finds that it is very easy to find and operate the switch if at least one of the plurality of step bars includes the switch on the tread surface. Thus, the present invention has been completed.

  Moreover, if each of the plurality of step bars includes the light source so as to irradiate light on the tread surface side, the light can be illuminated in a well-balanced manner over the entire ladder, and with a slight illuminance. It was also found that visibility could be secured and there was no fear of feeling dazzling when climbing the ladder.

That is, the illuminated ladder according to the present invention is a ladder having a column and a plurality of step bars installed between the columns, and a battery is provided as a power source on the column, and a switch to at least one tread, which before Symbol light source for illumination provided in the ladder by the switch is turned on and off, the cross-sectional shape of the strut is U-shaped, the battery can pair The battery storage bag is housed in a battery storage bag for impact protection, and the battery storage bag is stored in a battery storage box that fits in the recess of the column, and the door of the battery storage box is waterproofed It is characterized by that.

In the above, the illuminated ladder according to the present invention may be one in which each of the plurality of step bars includes the light source so as to irradiate the tread surface side with light .

  Furthermore, the wiring can be provided along the support column and the step rail, and the wiring can be extended to the outside and electrically connected to an external power source.

  The light source can be turned on / off by the operation of a switch provided in a wired or wireless remote control device.

  In the present invention, since at least one of the plurality of step bars has a switch on the tread surface, it is only necessary to search for the switch within a limited area of the tread surface, compared with a switch provided at an arbitrary height of the support column. And it is much easier to find and operate the switch.

  If a light source is provided on each tread surface, light can be illuminated in a well-balanced manner over the entire ladder. Moreover, since there is a light source near the foot, safety can be ensured with a slight illuminance, which contributes to energy saving. Furthermore, since it illuminates the feet with the tread surface and is not irradiated with light downward from the top, there is no problem of dazzling when ascending the ladder.

  In the above, as long as the column or the crosspiece has a battery as a power source, it can be used outdoors without an external power source or at the time of a power failure.

  If the wiring is provided along the support column and the step rail, and the wiring is extended to the outside and can be electrically connected to an external power source, by using the external power source, It can be used for a long time. By using in combination with the above-mentioned battery, you can usually use a battery and use an external power supply when the battery is low or used for a long time. In the event of an emergency such as a power outage or outdoor use without an external power source, it is possible to use the battery according to the usage mode, such as a method of using the battery as a spare battery, which increases convenience.

  If the light source can be turned on and off by the operation of a switch provided in a wired or wireless remote control device, the switch can be easily operated in the vicinity of the ladder or in the vicinity thereof. By turning on the light by remote switch operation, it is easy to check the lift position in advance, and it is possible to have a smooth system adapted to lift when lifting, and it is convenient, safer and more secure It will be able to go up and down.

It is a perspective view which shows one Embodiment of the ladder with illumination of this invention. It is the elements on larger scale which show one Embodiment of the ladder with illumination of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the attachment state of the foot switch in one Embodiment of the ladder with illumination of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the attachment state of the light source in one Embodiment of the ladder with illumination of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the attachment state of the battery storage box in one Embodiment of the ladder with illumination of this invention. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the attachment state of the solar cell in another embodiment of the ladder with illumination of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the attachment state of the battery storage box in another embodiment of the ladder with illumination of this invention.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the illuminated ladder according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these descriptions, and other than the following examples, Modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  The illuminated ladder shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a basic structure in common with a general ladder, and specifically includes a support column 10 and a plurality of step bars 20 installed between the support columns 10. ing. The tread bar 20 is horizontally provided at regular intervals, an end cap 11 is provided at the upper end, and a non-slip end tool 12 is provided at the lower end. A reinforcing bracket 21 is provided on the lowermost crosspiece 20.

  The material of the column 10 and the step bar 20 is preferably lightweight for convenience of carrying, and is preferably resistant to impact and the like for the purpose of use. As what satisfies such conditions, for example, a light metal such as aluminum or a steel is preferable. In addition, a ladder or the like used for emergency dispatch such as a disaster in an electric power company or a fire fighting organization may employ a special material according to the purpose such as a glass reinforced plastic having a high insulating property.

  In the ladder with illumination according to the present invention, in such a configuration similar to the conventional one, at least one of the plurality of step bars 20 includes a switch 30a on the tread surface, and the light source 40 for illumination is turned on / off by the switch 30a. .

  In FIGS. 1 and 2, a switch 30 a is provided at the right end of the lowermost tread bar 20.

  As described above, the switch 30a is usually provided on the lowermost tread bar 20. This is because it is desirable to turn on the illumination at the earliest stage of raising and lowering.

  The switch 30a is preferably a foot switch, a mat switch, or the like that can be operated by stepping on a leg.

  For example, a foot switch as shown in FIG. 3 is suitable.

  In FIG. 3, the left side of the drawing is the front side of the ladder, that is, the side on which the user moves up and down.

  A part of the tread bar 20 is a recess, and a foot switch 30a is disposed there, and the foot switch 30a has a pedal 31 on the surface that the user steps on to switch the switch. On the inside, the height is fixed on the rear side (left side of the page) of the ladder, and a spring 32 is provided at the center and a contact 33 is provided on the front side of the ladder.

  The recess 22 provided in a part of the step bar 20 is made of, for example, a part of the surface of the step bar 20 that is cut and removed, and is made of a material that can withstand the weight of the user, such as a steel plate. Can be provided by forming a space sufficient to arrange the.

  When the user steps on the pedal 31, the upper and lower contacts 33 come into contact with the foot switch 30a, thereby switching on and off. When the stepping force by the user is released, the contact of the upper and lower contacts 33 is canceled by the elasticity of the spring 32, and the state is returned to the state where switching between on and off is possible again.

  The foot switch 30 a is electrically connected to the light source 40 and the battery 60 through the wiring 50, and the wiring 50 is built in a hollow portion provided in the step bar 20.

  Here, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the switch 30 a is provided at the right end of the tread bar 20 so that the switch 30 a is not obstructed to move up and down, and the switch 30 a is arranged at a position easy to understand. This is to make it easier to achieve. Even if the switch 30a is provided at the left end, the same effect can be obtained.

  In FIG. 1, switches 30 b and 30 c are further provided on the inner side at two places, the upper part and the lower part of the column 10. In this way, in addition to the switch 30a, a conventional switch may be separately provided.

  Here, the column 10 has a U-shaped cross section, and although not shown, the switches 30 b and 30 c are provided so as to be accommodated in the recesses of the column 10. These switches 30 b and 30 c are also electrically connected to the light source 40 and the battery 60 through the wiring 50.

  Although not shown in the drawings, these switches 30b and 30c are provided with an operation section for the user to perform the switch operation on the inner side of the column. This operation unit may simply be able to turn on and off the light source 40, but may further be provided with an illuminance adjustment function.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light source 40 is preferably built in each of the plurality of step bars 20.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the light source 40 is built in the tread bar 20.

  That is, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the tread bar 20 is made hollow so that the light source 40 can be built in, and a part of the surface is cut and removed, and the light source 40 is attached to the inside.

  The light source 40 is fixed inside the step bar 20 and is made of an impact-resistant and light-transmitting material such as reinforced plastic on its surface, and a rubber packing is provided at a joint portion with the step bar 20. A cover member 41 that is waterproofed, for example, is formed.

  The light source 40 is electrically connected to the battery 60 and the switches 30 a to 30 c via the wiring 50, and the wiring 50 is built in a hollow portion provided in the tread bar 20.

  Although it does not specifically limit as the light source 40, The energy-saving light source like LED is preferable.

  Next, the power source will be described. For example, as shown in FIG.

  Here, as described above, the support column 10 has a U-shaped cross section, and the battery storage box 61 is provided so as to fit in the recess.

  The battery storage box 61 has a door that can be opened and closed in a single-opening manner so that the replacement work can be easily performed, and a battery storage bag 62 is provided inside the battery storage box 61. The battery 60 is accommodated in the battery pack.

  The door of the battery storage box 61 may be waterproofed by forming a rubber packing around the opening / closing surface in order to prevent rainwater from entering.

  The battery storage bag 62 protects against impact, that is, the vibration or rolling of the battery 60 or the disconnection of the wiring 50 due to the vibration such as the vibration of the ladder when the ladder is moved or when the user moves up and down. This has the effect of preventing the battery 60 from being damaged.

  When a plurality of small batteries are provided, the position of the battery 60 becomes difficult. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the position of the battery 60 is controlled as much as possible by providing one square battery. It is preferable to make this easier.

  The battery 60 is electrically connected to the switches 30a to 30c and the light source 40 through the wiring 50, and the wiring 50 is provided along the corners of the recesses in the U-shaped support column 10. The wiring 50 may be protected with aluminum or the like.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, For example, the following changes implementation is possible.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the ladder having the simplest structure has been described as an example, but a stepladder can be similarly employed. That is, the ladder referred to in the present invention includes a stepladder.

  Moreover, as a power supply, as shown to FIG. 6, 7, a solar cell can also be used, for example.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the solar panel 601 is provided on the outer surface of the support column 10, and the electric energy generated by the solar panel 601 is supplied to the storage battery 602 via the wiring 50. ing.

  An energization control unit 603 is provided below the storage battery 602, and the energization amount can be controlled according to the supply amount of electric energy from the solar panel 601 to the storage battery 602, the remaining amount of the storage battery 602, and the like. It can be done. As a result, even if there is a change in illuminance due to weather or time of day, storage and discharge are appropriately performed, and energy saving can be realized.

  Other configurations may be the same as those in the above embodiment.

  Note that the light applied to the solar panel 601 does not necessarily have to be strong light, and the solar panel 601 is not provided outside the support column 10 but inside the support column 10 (the position of the U-shaped recess). ). By providing it inside, the risk of damage to the solar panel 601 can be reduced.

  Although illustration is omitted, a solar battery and a dry battery are combined, and the light source is usually turned on using the power from the solar battery, and the power supply from the solar battery is lost after sunset, and the storage battery. When the power stored in the battery is also consumed, it may be switched to the power supply from the dry battery.

  Ladder is rarely used frequently or for a long time, so its power consumption is not large, and it can often be covered by power supply by solar cell, but the weather is bad and there is no remaining power There is an advantage that power can be supplied by a dry cell even in an unexpected situation such as a sudden power outage at night.

  In the above, a battery is used as a power source. However, instead of this, an external power source such as a commercial power source or a generator can be used.

  In this case, it is only necessary that the wiring provided along the columns and the step rails extend to the outside and be electrically connected to the external power source.

  If a space for storing wiring for connecting to an external power source is provided on the support posts and stepping bars, it will not be a hindrance when carrying or storing.

  In addition to using an external power source instead of a battery, a battery and an external power source can be used in combination.

  For example, by providing both batteries and wiring for external power supply, you can usually use batteries and use external power when the battery is low or used for a long time. Ordinarily, an external power source can be used, and in the event of an emergency such as a power outage or outdoor use without an external power source, the battery can be used as a spare battery.

  As a battery, not only a primary battery but also a storage battery may be used, but when using a storage battery, if it is configured so that charging from an external power source is possible without removing the storage battery, There is also an advantage that the trouble of removing the storage battery every time can be saved.

  Next, in addition to the switches provided on the tread, switches are also provided at the upper and lower portions of the support column. However, the switches provided on these support columns may be omitted, or one or You may make it provide in three or more places.

  Also, two or more switches may be provided on the same tread or two or more different treads.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the foot switch 30a is provided on the lowermost crosspiece 20. However, in this embodiment, when the ladder is raised, the foot switch 30a is used for lighting, the task is finished, and the ladder is lowered. There is no problem when the foot switch 30a is used to turn off the light later, but when a person who is already at high altitude gets off the ladder in the dark, the person activates the foot switch 30a of the lowermost step rail 20 I can't let you.

  Therefore, when such a use situation is assumed, it can be said that, for example, it is preferable to provide a foot switch on the top rail 20 at the top of the ladder.

  Further, the switch may be provided in a wired or wireless remote control device. As a result, the switch can be easily operated in the immediate vicinity of the ladder or in the vicinity thereof.

  In the case of the wired type, it is only necessary to extend the wiring provided along the support pillars and the treads to the outside so as to be connected to a remote control device provided with a switch. If a space for storing the remote control device and the wiring connected to it is provided on the support post and the step crossing, it will not get in the way when carrying or storing. In addition, as described above, when the wiring provided along the pillars and the step rails is extended to the outside so that it can be electrically connected to the external power source, it extends from the outside of the ladder to the external power source. You may make it provide a remote control apparatus between.

  In the case of a wireless system, a signal is transmitted from the remote control device using infrared rays or radio waves, and a receiver is provided on the support column or step rail to receive the signal from the remote control device and switch the switch on / off. What should I do?

  The illuminated ladder of the present invention described above is most suitable for use in a dark place, and particularly for use in a disaster, emergency, construction site, etc., as will be described below.

  In other words, when a ladder is urgently needed in the event of a disaster or emergency, the light source can be turned on immediately, reducing the risk of falling or falling, and giving the user a sense of security and smoothness. Elevation and safety can be improved. In particular, women and children are inexperienced and unfamiliar with the use of ladders, so there is a great concern about falling, and there is a case where it is not possible to move up and down quickly even under imminent situations during disasters or emergencies. According to the present invention, since the feet and the hands can be sufficiently visually recognized, the fear of falling is reduced, and smooth raising and lowering is enabled by relieving fear. For construction work, if the ladder becomes necessary after sunset due to the extension of work, the illuminated ladder of the present invention can be used, so that the work efficiency is improved and the cost for carrying over the work to the next day is reduced. In addition to being able to reduce this, it is expected that the construction process will proceed smoothly, and that it will also help to improve safety and quality.

  It goes without saying that the illuminated ladder of the present invention may be used in a bright place in the same way as a normal ladder.

  The present invention can be suitably used in place of a conventional ladder, for example, in a dark place, particularly in a disaster, an emergency, or a construction site.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Prop 20 Treading bars 30a-30c Switch 40 Light source 50 Wiring 60 Battery

Claims (4)

In a ladder having a column and a plurality of step bars laid between the columns,
Cell is provided as a power supply to said post, and a switch to at least one tread surface of said plurality of stepping bars, which light source for illumination provided in the ladder is turned on and off by the previous SL switches,
The cross-sectional shape of the support column is a U-shape, and the battery is stored in a battery storage bag for protection against impacts, and the battery storage bag is stored in a battery storage box that fits in a recess of the support column. In addition, the door of the battery storage box is waterproofed,
Illuminated ladder characterized by that. 2. The illuminated ladder according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of step bars includes the light source so as to irradiate the tread surface side with light . With wires are provided along the strut and the stepping bars, to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wiring is characterized in that it is a rolled issued external power source electrically connectable to the outside Illuminated ladder as described. 4. The light source according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light source can be turned on / off by an operation of a switch provided in a wired or wireless remote control device. ladder.

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