WO2013076668A2

WO2013076668A2 - Lifting device and method for lifting persons with limited mobility and/or wheelchairs and hoisting device for such a lifting device

Info

Publication number: WO2013076668A2
Application number: PCT/IB2012/056604
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gert Albert Louis Vrijens
Original assignee: Gert Albert Louis Vrijens
Priority date: 2011-11-21
Filing date: 2012-11-21
Publication date: 2013-05-30
Also published as: WO2013076668A3; BE1020327A3

Abstract

The system according to the invention comprises a lifting device to lift persons with limited mobility (100) and/or wheelchairs (101), comprising care lifting aid means (2) and an electric hoisting device (1), wherein the electric hoisting device is arranged in such a way that the same hoisting system (1) is releasabiy connectable to at least two different of the care lifting aid means (2) as mentioned hereafter: - a first type of care lifting aid means (22), comprising a carriage / rail system which, in operational mode of the care lifting aid means (22) is mounted substantially horizontal above said person with limited mobility and is attached to a ceiling of a space or to a supportive construction; - a second type of care lifting aid means (21) that rests on a substantially horizontal surface and which may or may not be moved across that surface; - a third type of care lifting aid means (23) which may or may not releasably be attached to a wall; and - a fourth type care lifting aid means (24) which may or may not releasably be attached to a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention comprises a hoisting device (1 ) for such lifting device and method for lifting persons with limited mobility and/or wheelchairs by means of such a lifting device.

Description

LIFTING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR LIFTING PERSONS WITH LIMITED MOBILITY AND/OR WHEELCHAIRS AND HOISTING DEVICE FOR SUCH A

LIFTING DEVICE [01] The invention relates in general to a lifting device for lifting persons with limited mobility and/or wheelchairs. "Persons with limited mobility" is taken to mean persons whose mobility is restricted due to a physical (sensory or locomotive, permanent or temporary) disability or disorder, or any other form of disability, or due to age. [02] Such lifting device forms part of assistive technology, which in its turn refers to every technological tool to support persons with an impairment caused by disability or age. The impairments may be of a locomotory, sensory, cognitive, emotional or psychic nature. The use of assistive technology results in an increased autonomy and the persons with a disorder will enjoy self-determination for longer.

[03] In today's society, there is a growing demand for such assistive technology, both by the end user and by the healthcare sector that has to use such assistive technology. One very important objective therein is that this assistive technology is appropriately integrated in the daily lives of persons with an impairment caused by disability or age.

[04] Also for lifting devices to lift persons with limited mobility and/or the wheelchairs mostly used by those persons to move along, the objective is to make them more accessible for persons with limited mobility, both in terms of lifting the person itself as the wheelchair mostly used by those persons to move along, as such lowering the threshold to make spaces in buildings and vehicles more user-friendly for persons with limited mobility.

[05] There are already lifting devices known that allow persons with limited mobility to be lifted and moved from one space to another. Handi Move International for instance developed a portable motor that is provided to be suspended in a rail system that is attached to the ceiling. This portable motor can be used in various rail paths. This motor is furthermore provided with integrated suspension hooks at both sides of the motor in order to attach a sling, as well as provided with an attachment eye at the underside of the motor for the suspension of a body support as described in [06] The drawback of this solution however is that this portable motor can only be used in combination with a rail system and slings or the body support as mentioned above. This system thus can only be used to lift and move persons with limited mobility in different spaces that are fitted with the same rail system, using the same motor and, finds no other applications. Such a motor cannot at all be used to lift persons with limited mobility in different locations where different care lifting aid means are available.

[07] In WO 99/17704 a lifting system is described to move, particularly lift, transport, lower, etc. persons between different positions and spaces, for instance a bed and a chair, a bed and a bathroom, etc. The system also comprises a portable, electric hoisting device that can be transported from one space to another without having to move the entire lifting system. Each workspace can be provided with a separate carriage / rail system that is attached to the ceiling of the workspace and from which the portable winch assembly can be releasably suspended.

[08] In WO 00/26133 an electric hoisting system is described to lift amongst others persons, wherein this hoisting system is portable by a single person without any further assistance.

[09] The drawback of both lifting systems as described in WO 99/17704 and WO 00/26133 is that they can only be applied with lifting systems that are attached to the ceiling. [10] The objective of the Invention is consequently to provide for a lifting device to lift persons with limited mobility and/or wheelchairs, comprising an electric hoisting device and care lifting aid means, wherein the lifting device is employable in different applications that require different care lifting aid means. It is furthermore an object of the invention that several persons with limited mobility can use the same care lifting aid means, this both in domestic sphere and in public places.

[11] The problem of the invention is solved by providing for a lifting device to lift persons with limited mobility and/or wheelchairs, comprising care lifting aid means and an electric hoisting device, wherein the electric hoisting device is arranged in such a way that the same hoisting device is releasably connectable to at least two different of the care lifting aid means as mentioned hereafter: a first type of care lifting aid means, comprising a carriage / rail-system which in operational mode of the care lifting aid means is mounted substantially horizontal above said person with limited mobility and is attached to a ceiling of a space or to a supportive construction;

a second type of care lifting aid means that rests on a substantially horizontal surface and which may or may not be moved across that surface;

a third type of care lifting aid means which may or may not releasably be attached to a wall; and

a fourth type of care lifting aid means which may or may not releasably be attached to a vehicle.

[12] By arranging the electric hoisting system according to the invention in such a way that it is releasably connected to at least two of the care lifting aid means as mentioned above, the threshold to make spaces or vehicles user friendly for persons with limited mobility is seriously reduced, this for the person with the limited mobility itself, the direct environment of that person, as well as for the healthcare sector dealing with such persons, this because a single hoisting device can be applied on different types of care lifting aid means. Since therewith also the actual lifting function is relieved from the care lifting aid means itself, these care lifting aid means can be construed in a more simple way. Such a lifting device according to the invention even allows to make public places such as a toilet, a hotel room, etc. user-friendly in a cost-effictive way for persons with limited mobility, this because such a public place can be provided with simple care lifting aid means to which the electric hoisting device according to the invention can be releasably connected, wherein a person with limited mobility then releasably connects his own electric hoisting device, which he probably uses at home and/or in a care institution, to a care lifting aid means provided in such a public place. It is for instance possible to provide in a public toilet to the wall or the ceiling thereof a simple care lifting aid means to which the electric hoisting device according to the invention can be releasably connected. Therewith, a person with limited mobility who is in a wheelchair and which has to go to the toilet, can releasably connect his own electric hoisting system to the care lifting aid means, lift himself out of the wheelchair using the electric hoisting device and move to the toilet by means of the care lifting aid means, and lower himself on to the toilet. Subsequently, this person can be lifted off the toilet again with the electric hoisting device, can then move back to the wheelchair by means of the care lifting aid means and can finally lower himself into the wheelchair by means of the electric hoisting device, this fully independent or with a minimum of assistance. Such lifting devices furthermore allow that different persons use different care lifting aid means with the same hoisting device.

[13] The first type of care lifting aid means mainly consist out of a fixed or mobile ceiling lift.

[14] A ceiling lift is a lift that uses an electric motor that is attached to the ceiling by means of a suspension, for instance a strap, that is fitted into a rail system. The person with limited mobility can be lifted and lowered by means of the electric motor and be moved by means of the rail system through the space wherein the rail system is suspended.

[15] The second type of care lifting aid means mainly consists out of a floor lift which may or may not be mobile. A mobile lift is also referred to as a patient lift.

[16] There are two types of floor lifts, i.e. passive and active lifts (also referred to as stand-up lifts). Both floor lifts consist out of a preferably mobile and U-shaped chassis. Passive floor lifts are used for persons with limited mobility which have no stand-up function. To that end, these lifts are provided with a slingbar to which a sling can be suspended or a body support that can be fixedly or releasably connected to the upper side of the chassis. Passive floor lifts are thus used to lift and move persons with limited mobility by means of the slingbar and sling or the body support. Active floor lifts are used to lift persons who still have a stand-up function but who have difficulties to stand up from a sitting position, for instance persons with too little muscle tone or suffering from arthritis, from the bed, from a chair or from a wheelchair into a standing position.

[17] The third type of care lifting aid means mainly consist out of a wall lift. A wall lift is a lift that may or may not be permanently be attached to a substantially vertical wall.

[18] The fourth type of care lifting aid means mainly consists out of

an in-and-out lift to enable persons with limited mobility to get in and out of a car; or

a trunk lift to lift wheelchairs into and out of the trunk of a car. [19] An in-and-out lift for cars is used to let persons with limited mobility easily get in and out of a car. Such in-and-out lifts are for instance described in EP 2 262 460.

[20] In a preferred embodiment of a lifting device according to the invention, the hoisting device is provided with a housing comprising at least the following components:

a coil around which a belt is wound;

an electric motor that is provided to drive the rotational movement of the said coil, through which the said belt is woundable on and off the coil;

a reduction gear for transferring the movement of the electric motor on the said coil; and

a rechargeable battery.

[21] An additional objective of the invention is to make the hoisting device as compact and as light as possible, in order to make the device as ergonomical as possible and easily portable.

[22] To that end, the hoisting device has the following preferred maximum dimensions:

- a height of 150 mm;

a length of 300 mm; and

a width of 150 mm.

[23] The maximum weight therewith is 5 kg.

[24] Such dimensions and weight allow that the electric hoisting device is easy to carry by the persons with limited mobility as well as by attendants of these persons and this hoisting device can be easily stored. [25] In a first embodiment of a lifting device according to the invention, the electric motor is placed next to the reduction gear and the reduction gear next to the coil.

[26] To make the hoisting system still more compact, in a second embodiment of a lifting device according to the invention, the coil is placed around the reduction gear. [27] Fitting a coil around the reduction gear in an electric hoisting device so as to achieve a more compact hoisting device in this way is more broadly applicable than only with hoisting devices that are provided for lifting persons with limited mobility and / or wheelchairs. Such a compact hoisting device can be applied anywhere where heavy loads at a relatively low speed has to be lifted, wherein thus a great force has to be exercised and wherein a large transmission are required. Such a compact hoisting device can for instance be applied for lifting heavy building materials such as bags of cement, for lifting heavy boxes, heavy sections of metal, etc. Such a compact hoisting device can also be applied regardless of the fact whether the same electric hoising device is releasably connected with two or more care lifting aid means.

[28] Therewith is preferably between the coil and the reduction gear a bearing applied such that the coil could turn around the reduction gear. This bearing may for instance consist out of one or more needle bearings, Teflon bushes, etc,

[29] In a preferred embodiment of a lifting device according to the invention, the reduction gear is a planetary reduction gear.

[30] With a planetary reduction gear, the driving shaft and the driven shaft are aligned. By providing such a planetary reduction gear, it is possible to integrate a gear mechanism in a small space, which^' mechanism allows great changes at speed and which allows for the transmission of great powers.

[31] In another preferred embodiment of a lifting device according to the invention, the reduction gear is a harmonic drive reduction gear. The operating principle of a harmonic drive is based on the elastic deformation of a tooth ring. The mechanism consists out of the following three components:

a ring-shaped tooth ring;

a flexible tooth ring; and

a wave generator.

The wave generator rotates therewith inside the flexible tooth ring. As this flexible tooth ring is oval, during the rotation the flexible tooth ring will move up and down in the ring- shaped tooth ring as a wave. As the outer ring has more teeth than the inner ring, the rings will shift relatively to one another. Depending on which of the parts of this harmonic drive is fixed and thus cannot move, at one rotation of the wave generator, the flexible tooth ring will leave behind with the ring-shaped tooth ring corresponding the difference in the number of teeth. Because a large portion of the tetth takes part in the transmission of power, and because a very high reduction transmission is possible, the harmonic drive is very compact, robust, relatively free of clearance and free of maintenance.

[32] The big advantage of a harmonic drive reduction gear is that it is a compact reduction gear with a great transmission ratio through which large reductions are possible. This is particularly advantageous for the hoisting device according to the invention since the hoisting device according to the invention must lift a great load, more specifically up to 200 kg with a single belt and up to 400 kg with a double belt, this at a speed of for instance 500 mm / minute.

[33] In addition to the aforementioned preferred reduction gears, it is also possible to use other reduction gears such as cyclic precision reduction gears, worm gearboxes, etc.

[34] The said electric hoisting device in a preferred embodiment of a lifting device according to the invention, comprises a fall protection. A fall protection takes care that a person with limited mobility or his wheelchair does not fall when a mechanical component of the hoisting device or the battery would fail.

[35] The first fall protection forms part of the reduction gear itself, particularly the loss in efficiency of the reduction gear due to the resistance that this reduction gear gives to the coil when the belt unwinds of the coil.

[36] On the other hand, an additional fall protection can be provided consisting out of a centrifugal safeguard mechanism that ensures that when the belt that is present on the coil unwinds too fast, this movement is blocked. [37] In a particular embodiment of a lifting device according to the invention, inside the housing of the electric hoisting device a coiied spring is provided for recuperation of the energy supplied by the motor.

[38] When the belt is unwound from the coil in order to lower a person with limited mobility, the spring coil is coiled through which this one stores energy. When now the belt is wound back onto the coil in order to lift a person with limited mobility, this stored energy will be released and give support to the motor through which less power is needed and there can be worked with lighter components.

[39] In a preferred embodiment of a lifting device according to the invention, the housing is built up out of two parts, wherein the first part of the said housing is arranged as a rechargeable battery that can be taken off the second part.

[40] This has the advantage that the battery is easy replaceable when this battery is empty. Such a battery can in this way also be arranged such that these can be charged in different ways, by means of the socket with AC power as well as by means of a cigarette lighter.

[41] In an advantageous embodiment of a lifting device according to the invention, the electric hoisting device and the care lifting aid means are provided with a first element, respectively a second element, wherein these two elements are slidable into each other.

[42] Such a releasable sliding connection allows to releasably connect the hoisting system with the care lifting aid means in a simple manner.

[43] Said first element of the electric hoisting device is preferably provided with one or more bearings in order to allow the said elements to slide into each other.

[44] On the one hand, said first element of the electric hoisting device can therewith be provided with one or more bearings to allow said elements to slide into each other.

[45] On the other hand, said second element of the care lifting aid means can be provided with one or more notches to allow for the releasable insertion of the said bearings for a fixed positioning of said elements in relation to each other.

[46] With an advantageous embodiment of a lifting device according to the invention, to the belt a slingbar is attached that is provided to attach a sling or a body support for lifting persons with limited mobility, and that is provided in order to attach a wheelchair in order to be able to lift that wheelchair. [47] Therewith, the said belt can be arranged double by letting this belt run over a bearing and fixedly couple the end of this belt to the said housing. This forms an additional pulley movement that doubles the potential load and reduces speed by half. [48] The invention also comprises an electric hoisting device for a lifting device according to the invention as described above.

[49] Finally, the invention relates to a method for lifting persons with a limited mobility, wherein use is made of an electric hoisting device that is releasably connectable to at least two different of the hereafter mentioned care lifting aid means: a first type of care lifting aid means, comprising a carriage / rail-system which in operational mode of the care lifting aid means is mounted substantially horizontal above said person with limited mobility and is attached to a ceiling of a space or to a supportive construction;

a fourth type of care lifting aid means which may or may not releasably be attached to a vehicle;

wherein the method comprises at least the following steps:

the said electric hoisting device is releasably attached to a first care lifting aid means selected from the different types of abovementioned care lifting aid means;

- the person with limited mobility or the wheelchair is attached to the electric hoisting device such that that this person or wheelchair can be lifted;

the said person or wheelchair is again detached from the electric hoisting device; the electric hoisting device is detached from said first care lifting aid means;

the same electric hoisting device is attached to a second, different from the first, care lifting aid means selected from the abovementioned types of care lifting aid means;

the person with limited mobility or the wheelchair is attached to the electric hoisting device such that this person or wheelchair can be lifted;

the said person or wheelchair is again detached from the electric hoisting device; - the electric hoisting device is detached from the said second care lifting aid means. [50] In order to further clarify the properties of this invention and to indicate additional advantages and particularities thereof, now follows a more detailed description of a hoisting device according to the invention, and the care lifting aid means that form part of a lifting device according to the invention. It should be clear that nothing in the following description can be interpreted as a limitation of in the claims claimed protection for the lifting device and the hoisting device according to the invention, as well as the method for lifting persons with limited mobility and/or wheelchairs.

[51] In this description, reference is made to the attached drawings by means of reference number, wherein:

• Figure 1 is a perspective front view of a preferred embodiment of a hoisting device according to the invention;

· Figure 2 is an open front view of the housing including the different elements of a first embodiment of a hoisting device according to the invention;

• Figure 3 is a perspective front view of the different elements inside the housing of the first embodiment as illustrated in figure 2;

• Figure 4 Is an open perspective front view of the different elements as illustrated in figure 3;

• Figure 5 is a perspective front view of the different elements inside the housing of a second embodiment of a hoisting device according to the invention;

• Figure 6 is an open perspective front view of the different elements as illustrated in figure 5;

· Figure 7 is a perspective front view of a preferred releasable connection between a hoisting device and a care lifting aid means according to the invention;

• Figure 8 is a perspective side view of the part of the releasable connection of the care lifting aid means as illustrated in figure 7;

• Figure 9 is a perspective side view of a passive floor lift of the hoisting device according to the invention as illustrated in figure 1 for lifting a person with limited mobility via a slingbar and sling;

• Figure 10 is a perspective front view of a ceiling lift provided with the hoisting device according to the invention as illustrated in figure 1 for lifting a person with limited mobility via a slingbar and sling; • Figure 11 is a perspective side view of a wall lift of the hoisting device according to the invention as illustrated in figure 1 for lifting a person with limited mobility via a slingbar and sling; ,

• Figures 12 and 13 is a perspective view of the back of a vehicle which is equipped with a trunk lift provided with the hoisting device according to the invention as illustrated in figure 1 for lifting a wheelchair in and out of the trunk of a vehicle, wherein the wheelchair either is situated in the vehicle, respectively outside the vehicle. [52] On the figures 1 and 2 a hoisting device (1 ) according to the invention is illustrated that consists out of a housing (10) built up out of two parts (10a and 10b). In the first part (10a) of this housing (10), a frame (26) is provided to which the hereafter mentioned components inside this first part (10a) of the housing (10) are attached. [53] As can be seen in figures 3, 4 and 6, first of all a coil (1 1 ) is provided around which a belt (12) has been wound that can then be wound on and off the coil (11). In order to obtain a smooth unwinding and winding movement of the belt (12), two rolling elements (32 and 33) are provided (see figures 4 and 6) that turn around the belt (12) when it is wound around and off the coil (11 ).

[54] For driving the said coil (11), an electric DC or AC motor (13) is present that in the operational state of the hoisting device (1) drives the rotation movement of the coil (11 ), through which the belt (12) is wound on and off the coil (11). A DC motor (13) is a motor wherein electric energy in the form of DC is converted into mechanical energy.

[55] This electric motor (13) is, as can be seen in the figures 4 and 6, supported in a bracket (30) that is secured to the frame (26).

[56] Apart from the electric motor (13), a reduction gear (14) is provided to transfer the movement of the motor (13) to the said coil (11). This reduction gear (14) can be arranged planetary as well as it is arranged as a harmonic drive. With a planetary reduction gear (14), this can be arranged 3-stage as well as 4-stage. Also other types of reduction gears (14) can be applied here as well, such as cyclic precision reduction gears and worm gearboxes. [57] The resistance that the reduction gear (14) provides to the coil (11) when the belt (12) is wound and unwound takes care that already fall protection is present. This fall protection thus forms part of the reduction gear (14). [58] However, it is also possible to provide an addition fall protection that exists out of a centrifugal safeguard mechanism (not shown in the figures).

[59] In order to support the end of the axis or spindle of the reduction gear (14), a main bearing (15) is provided.

[60] As illustrated in figures 5 and 6, a coil spring (19) may be provided for the recuperation of the energy supplied by the electric motor (13). This coil spring (19) is arranged around the electric motor (13). [61] Although the embodiment of a hoisting device (1) according to the invention as illustrated in figure 2 all elements have been attached to a frame (26), it is also possible to mount these parts directly onto the motor (13) and the reduction gear (14) and provide these inside the first part (10a) of the housing (10) (not shown in the figures). [62] As can be seen in the figures 1 and 2, the second part (10b) of the housing (10) is arranged as a removable and rechargeable battery. This battery (10b) is arranged in such a way that this on the first part (10a) of the housing (10) can be slid and by means of a click system releasably be connected with this first part (10a). [63] This battery (5) then connects against pre-shaped contact points (37), through which the electric motor (13) receives power and can be driven. When a battery (5) is empty, this then only has to be taken away from the first part (10a) of the housing, after which a new charged battery (5) can be placed. [64] In a first embodiment of a hoisting device (1) according to the invention, as can be seen in figures 2 to 4, the electric motor (13) is placed next to the reduction gear (14) and the reduction gear (14) next to the coil (11 ).

[65] The housing (10) of such a hoisting device (1) has a maximum height of 150 mm, a maximum length of 300 mm and a maximum width of 150 mm and a maximum weight of 5 kg. [66] In a second, more compact embodiment of a hoisting device (1 ) according to the invention, as shown in figure 6, the coil (11) is arranged around the reduction gear (14). Between the coil (11 ) and the reduction gear (14) needle bearings (31 ) are provided such that the coil (11) can turn around the reduction gear (14).

[67] The compact form of the hoisting device (1) has a housing (10) with the following maximum dimensions:

a height of 150 mm;

- a width of 150 mm; and

a length of 250 mm.

[68] As can be seen in figures 1 and 2, at the underside of the beft (12) a slingbar (3) is attached. To this slingbar (3), a sling (4) (see figures 9 to 11) is hang for lifting a person (100) with limited mobility. This slingbar (3) can be reieasably attached to the belt (12), or can be fixedly connected to it. On the other hand, also a body support (not shown in the figures) can be (releasably) connected to the hoisting device (1 ). It is also possible to use this slingbar (3) to attach a wheelchair (101) in order to lift this for instance by means of a trunk lift (24) in and out of the trunk (102) of a vehicle (see figures 12 and 13).

[69] There can be chosen to arrange the belt (12) single or double. With a single belt a maximum weight of 200 kg can be lifted. When the belt (12) runs through the lifting frame (3) across a bearing and the end of this belt (12) is then coupled to the said housing (10), more specifically to the first part (10a) thereof, then a double belt is obtained that can lift a maximum weight of 400 kg.

[70] The hoisting device (1 ) according to the invention can be arranged in different ways with a control. A first option is, as can be seen in figure 7, to provide operating buttons (34, 35) on the housing (10) of the hoisting device (1) itself, particularly a first button (34) in order to raise the belt (12) with slingbar (3) and a second button (35) in order to lower the belt (12) with slingbar (3). It is however also possible to provide a remote control (not shown in the figures). This remote control can be provided with a cable that is plugged in to the hoisting device (1 ) by means of, for instance a USB connection, as well as that the remote control works wireless, for instance by means of infrared control, radio control, etc. It is therewith also possible to for instance operate the hoisting device (1) by means of a smartphone, PC, tablet or even a domotics system.

[71] As can be seen in figures 9 to 13, the same hoisting device (1) according to the invention can be used in combination with different types of care lifting aid means (2), Such care lifting aid means (2) may for instance consist out of:

a first type of care lifting aid means (22), comprising a carriage / rail system which, in operational mode of the care lifting aid means (22) is mounted substantially horizontal above said person with limited mobility and is attached to a ceiling of a space or to a supportive construction;

a second type of care lifting aid means (21) that rests on a substantially horizontal surface and which may or may not be moved across that surface; a third type of care lifting aid means (23) which may or may not releasably be attached to a wall; and

a fourth type care lifting aid means (24) which may or may not releasably be attached to a vehicle.

[72] Some examples of care lifting aid means are therewith; a floor lift (21) (see figure 9), a ceiling lift (22) (see figure 10), a wall lift (23) (see figure 11) and a trunk lift (24) to lift a wheelchair (102) in order to load it in and out of the trunk (102) of a vehicle. Other care lifting aid means (2) that are not shown in the figures are a bath lift, a swimming pool lift or an in-and-out lift in order to enable persons (100) of limited mobility to get in and out of a vehicle. [73] As can be seen in figure 7, the hoisting device (1 ) is provided with a first element (16) and the care lifting aid means (2) is provided with a second element (17), wherein this second element (17) is slidable into the first element (16). This first element (16) of the hoisting device (1) may comprise a U-shaped cavity into which the second element (17) of the care lifting aid means (2) can be slid. Therefore, as can be seen in figures 2 to 6, the frame (26) is provided with two parallel upright walls (36) between which two bearings (18) are arranged. The second element (17) of the care lifting aid means (2) is provided with notches (19) with a shape that corresponds with the shape of the bearings (18) such that these bearings (18) can rest into these notches (19) and the hoisting device (1 ) is releasably connectable with the care lifting aid means (2). In this way, a fixed positioning is created of the first and the second elements (16, 17) in relation to each other. [74] As can be seen in figure 11, the second element (17) of the said care lifting aid means (2) can be provided with one or more paths of contact across which the bearings (18) of the first element (16) can roll. In this way, a changeable positioning of the first and second elements (16, 17) in relation to each other is obtained.

[75] A method according to the invention for lifting persons with limited mobility (100) and / or wheelchairs (101), wherein use is made of a lifting device consisting of an electric hoisting device (1) that is releasably connected to at least two different of the abovementioned types of care lifting aid means (2), therewith comprises at least the following steps:

the said electric hoisting device (1) is releasably attached to a first care lifting aid means (21 , 22, 23 or 24), selected from the different types of care lifting aid means (2) as mentioned above;

- the person with limited mobility (100) or the wheelchair (101) is attached to the electric hoisting device (1) in such a way that this person (100) or wheelchair (101 ) can be lifted;

the said person (100) or wheelchair (101) is detached again from the electric hoisting device (1 );

- the electric hoisting device (1) is detached from the said first care lifting aid means (21 , 22, 23 or 24);

the same electric hoisting device (1) is attached to a second, different from the first, care lifting aid means (21 , 22, 23 or 24) selected from the abovementioned types of care lifting aid means (2);

- the person with limited mobility (100) or the wheelchair (101 ) is attached to the electric hoisting device (1) in such a way that this person (100) or wheelchair (101) can be lifted;

the said person (100) or wheelchair (101) is detached again from the electric hoisting device (1);

- the electric hoisting device (1 ) is detached from the said second care lifting aid means (21 , 22, 23 or 24).

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A lifting device to lift persons with limited mobility (100) and/or wheelchairs (101 ), comprising care lifting aid means (2) and an electric hoisting device (1 ), CHARACTERISED IN THAT the said electric hoisting device (1 ) is arranged in such a way that the same hoisting device (1) is releasabiy connectable to at least two different of the care lifting aid means (2) as mentioned hereafter:

a second type of care lifting aid means (21) that rests on a substantially horizontal surface and which may or may not be moved across that surface; a third type of care lifting aid means (23) which may or may not releasabiy be attached to a wall; and

a fourth type care lifting aid means (24) which may or may not releasabiy be attached to a vehicle.

2. A lifting device according to claim 1, CHARACTERISED IN THAT the said first type of care lifting aid means comprises a fixed or mobile ceiling lift (22).

3. A lifting device according to claim 1 , CHARACTERISED IN THAT the said second type of care lifting aid means comprises floor lift (21) which may or may not be mobile.

4. A lifting device according to claim 1 , CHARACTERISED IN THAT the said third type of care lifting aid means comprises a wall lift (23).

5. A lifting device according to claim 1 , CHARACTERISED IN THAT the said fourth type of care lifting aid means comprises;

an in-and-out lift to enable persons (100) with limited mobility to get in and out of a car; or

a trunk lift (24) to lift wheelchairs (101) into and out of the trunk (102) of a car.

6. A lifting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, CHARACTERISED IN THAT the hoisting device (1) is provided with a housing (10) comprising at least the following components:

a coil (11 ) around which a belt (12) is wound;

an electric motor (13) that is provided to drive the rotational movement of the said coil (11) through which the said belt (12) is woundable on and off the coil (12);

a reduction gear (14) for transferring the movement of the electric motor (13) on the said coil (11); and

a rechargeable battery (5).

7. Lifting device according to claim 6, CHARACTERISED IN THAT the housing (10) of the hoisting device (1 ) has the following maximum dimensions;

a height of 150 mm;

a length of 300 mm; and

a width of 150 mm.

8. A lifting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, CHARACTERISED IN THAT the hoisting device (1) has a maximum weight of 5 kg.

9. A lifting device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, CHARACTERISED IN THAT the electric motor (13) is placed next to the reduction gear (14) and the reduction gear (14) next to the coil (11 ),

10. A lifting device according to claim 9, CHARACTERISED IN THAT the coil (11) is placed around the reduction gear (14).

11. A lifting device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, CHARACTERISED IN THAT the reduction gear (14) is a planetary reduction gear.

12. A lifting device according to one of conclusions 6 to 11 , CHARACTERISED IN THAT the reduction gear (14) is a harmonic drive reduction gear.

13. A lifting device according to any one of claims 6 to 12, CHARACTERISED IN THAT the electric hoisting device (1) comprises a fall protection that forms part of the reduction gear (14).

14. Lifting device according to claim 13, CHARACTERISED IN THAT an additional fall protection is provided consisting out of a centrifugal safeguard mechanism.

15. A lifting device according to any one of claims 6 to 14, CHARACTERISED IN THAT inside the housing (10) of the electric hoisting device (1) a spring coil (19) is provided for the recuperation of the energy supplied by the electric motor (13).

16. A lifting device according to any one of claims 6 to 15, CHARACTERISED IN THAT the housing (10) comprises two parts (10a and 10b), wherein the first part (10a) of said housing (10) is arranged as a rechargeable battery that can be taken off the second part (10b).

17. A lifting device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, CHARACTERISED IN THAT the electric hoisting device (1 ) and the care lifting aid means (2) are provided with a first element (16), respectively a second element (17), wherein these two elements (16 and 17) are slidable into each other.

18. A lifting device according to claim 17, CHARACTERISED IN THAT said first element (16) of the electric hoisting device (1 ) is provided with one or more bearings (18) in order to allow said elements (16 and 17) to slide into each other.

19. A lifting device according to claim 18, CHARACTERISED IN THAT said second element (17) of the care lifting aid means (2) can be provided with one or more notches (19) to allow for the releasable insertion of the said bearings (18) for a fixed positioning of said elements (16 and 17) in relation to each other.

20. A lifting device according to claim 18, CHARACTERISED IN THAT said second element (17) of the care lifting aid means (2) can be provided with one or more paths of contact to allow for said bearings (18) to run over them for a changeable positioning of said elements (16 and 17) in relation to each other.

21. A lifting device according to any one of claims 6 to 20, CHARACTERISED IN THAT to the belt (12) a slingbar (3) is attached that is provided to attach a sling (4) or a body support to lift persons (100) with limited mobility, and that is provided to attach a wheelchair (101 ) in order to lift that wheelchair (101 ).

22, A lifting device according to claim 21, CHARACTERISED IN THAT the said belt (12) is arranged double by letting run this belt (12) through the slingbar (3) across a bearing and attaching the end of that belt (12) to the said housing (10).

23. Electric hoisting device (1 ) for a lifting device according to any one of the preceeding claims.

24. A method for lifting persons with limited mobility (100) and/or wheelchairs (101), CHARACTERISED IN THAT use is made of an electric hoisting device (1) that is releasably connected to at least two different of the hereafter mentioned care lifting aid means (2):

a fourth type care lifting aid means (24) which may or may not releasably be attached to a vehicle;

wherein the method at least comprises the following steps:

the said electric hoisting device (1 ) is releasably attached to a first care lifting aid means (21 , 22, 23 or 24), selected from the different types of abovementioned care lifting aid means (2);

the person with limited mobility (100) or the wheelchair (101 ) is attached to the electric hoisting device (1 ) in such a way that this person (100) or wheelchair (101) can be lifted;

said person (100) or wheelchair (101) Is detached again from the electric hoisting device (1);

the electric hoisting device (1) is detached from the said first care lifting aid means (21 , 22, 23 or 24);

the same electric hoisting device (1) is attached to a second, different from the first one, care lifting aid means (21 , 22, 23 or 24) selected from the abovementioned types of care lifting aid means (2); the person with limited mobility (100) or the wheelchair (101 ) is attached to the electric hoisting device (1) in such a way that this person (100) or wheelchair (101) can be lifted;

the electric hoisting device (1) is detached from the said second care lifting aid means (21 , 22, 23 or 24).

25. A lifting device according to claim 24, CHARACTERISED IN THAT the method uses a lifting device according to any one of claims 1 to 22.