Wheelchair elevator with collision detection function

Abstract

The wheelchair lifter with the collision detection function comprises a controller, a lifting guide rail and a lifting table, the lifting table is connected with the lifting guide rail in a sliding and limiting mode, a lifting driving mechanism is arranged on the lifting table, the lifting driving mechanism is electrically connected with the controller, and the controller is electrically connected with the lifting guide rail. The output end of the lifting driving mechanism is connected with the lifting guide rail, and the lifting driving mechanism can drive the lifting table to slide on the lifting guide rail; protection arms are arranged on the front side and the rear side of the lifting table respectively, collision detection mechanisms are arranged on the upper end face, the lower end face and the front end face of each protection arm respectively, and the collision detection mechanisms are connected with the controller. By arranging the collision protection mechanism, collision information of the wheelchair elevator can be detected in real time, and then the safety performance of the wheelchair elevator is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of wheelchair lift technology, specifically to a wheelchair lift with collision detection function. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in some buildings without elevators, wheelchair lifts have been developed to meet the needs of wheelchair users and other people with mobility impairments climbing stairs. To use them, the wheelchair is pushed onto the lifting platform or the user stands on the platform, and then the wheelchair lift is controlled to move up and down along a preset track, thus meeting the needs of people with mobility impairments climbing stairs.

[0003] To ensure wheelchair users can stand stably on the lifting platform, safety arms are typically installed, acting as handrails or limit bars. These safety arms are moving parts that move with the lifting platform; during movement, they inevitably collide with people or objects in the stairwell. However, existing wheelchair lifts lack collision detection mechanisms for their safety arms, requiring users to constantly observe their surroundings and manually control the lift's start and stop to minimize the risk of collisions. Therefore, existing wheelchair lifts present certain safety hazards and necessitate structural improvements. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address some or all of the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides a wheelchair lift with collision detection function, including a controller, a lifting guide rail, and a lifting platform. The lifting platform is slidably limited to the lifting guide rail. A lifting drive mechanism is provided on the lifting platform, which is electrically connected to the controller. The output end of the lifting drive mechanism is connected to the lifting guide rail, and the lifting drive mechanism can drive the lifting platform to slide on the lifting guide rail. Protective arms are provided on the front and rear sides of the lifting platform, and collision detection mechanisms are provided on the upper, lower, and front surfaces of the protective arms, respectively. The collision detection mechanisms are connected to the controller.

[0005] As a further improvement of this utility model, the collision detection mechanism includes mounting seats respectively installed on the upper end face, lower end face and front end face of the protective arm. The mounting seat is provided with an elastic insulating sleeve. The elastic insulating sleeve is provided with a cavity, a first conductor and a second conductor. The first conductor and the second conductor are respectively disposed on both sides of the cavity. The first conductor and the second conductor are electrically connected to the controller. When the cavity shrinks, the first conductor can be electrically connected to the second conductor.

[0006] As a further improvement of this utility model, the mounting base is provided with a T-shaped slot, and one end of the elastic insulating sleeve is provided with a snap-fit ​​protrusion adapted to the T-shaped slot, and the snap-fit ​​protrusion snaps into the T-shaped slot.

[0007] As a further improvement of this utility model, the first conductor and the second conductor are respectively conductive silicone.

[0008] As a further improvement of this utility model, the elastic insulating sleeve, the first conductor, and the second conductor are integrally formed.

[0009] As a further improvement of this utility model, a protective arm drive mechanism is provided on the lifting platform. The protective arm drive mechanism is connected to the controller. The protective arm drive mechanism is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the protective arm. The protective arm drive mechanism is connected to the corresponding protective arm and is used to drive the protective arm to rotate and swing.

[0010] As a further improvement of this utility model, the protective arm drive mechanism includes a protective arm drive motor, and the output end of the protective arm drive motor is connected to the protective arm.

[0011] As a further improvement of this utility model, a handrail is provided on the inner wall of the protective arm.

[0012] As a further improvement of this utility model, the lifting drive mechanism includes a lifting drive motor and a reducer. The lifting drive motor and the reducer are respectively connected to the lifting platform. The output end of the lifting drive motor is connected to the input end of the reducer. A drive gear is provided on the output end of the reducer. A lifting rack is provided on the lifting guide rail. The drive gear is meshed with the lifting rack.

[0013] As a further improvement of this utility model, guide plates are provided at both ends of the lifting platform. One end of the guide plate is hinged to the lifting platform. A guide drive motor is provided on the lifting platform. A pulling block is provided on the output end of the guide drive motor. The pulling block is hinged to the guide plate. The pulling block can pull the guide plate to rotate and swing.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0015] This invention provides collision protection mechanisms on the upper, lower, and front surfaces of the protective arm. During operation, the collision detection mechanism detects a collision and sends a feedback signal to the controller, which then immediately stops the lifting drive mechanism. This prevents the protective arm from colliding with external objects and thus improves the safety performance of the wheelchair lift, demonstrating high market value and application prospects. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Fig. 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of this utility model;

[0018] Fig. 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure from another perspective of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0019] Fig. 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the cross-section of the protective arm in an embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains; the terminology used in the specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, or accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a particular order.

[0021] In this invention, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this invention. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment to other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this invention can be combined with other embodiments.

[0022] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] like Figs. 1-3As shown, a wheelchair lift with collision detection function includes a controller, a lifting guide rail 1, and a lifting platform 2. The controller can adopt an existing circuit structure and integrates a control program. The lifting platform 2 is slidably limited to the lifting guide rail 1. A lifting drive mechanism is installed on the lifting platform 2 and is electrically connected to the controller. The controller can control the lifting drive mechanism to work or stop. The output end of the lifting drive mechanism is connected to the lifting guide rail 1, and the lifting drive mechanism can drive the lifting platform 2 to slide on the lifting guide rail 1. In daily use, when the wheelchair is pushed onto the lifting platform 2 or the user stands on the lifting platform 2, the lifting drive mechanism is controlled to drive the lifting platform 2 to slide on the lifting guide rail 1, thereby driving the lifting platform 2 to rise or fall, achieving the purpose of going up or down stairs.

[0024] The lifting platform 2 is equipped with protective arms 3 on both its front and rear sides. These protective arms 3 protect wheelchairs or users on the lifting platform 2, enhancing safety. Collision detection mechanisms are installed on the upper, lower, and front surfaces of the protective arms 3, and these mechanisms are connected to the controller. During use, if there is an obstacle or pedestrian in front of the lifting platform 2, the protective arms 3 will collide with the obstacle or pedestrian as the platform 2 moves. Upon detecting the collision, the collision detection mechanism will send a signal to the controller, which will immediately stop the lifting drive mechanism, thus preventing a collision between the lifting platform 2 and the obstacle or pedestrian. The collision detection mechanisms on the protective arms 3 enhance the safety of the wheelchair lift. The presence of these mechanisms on the three outer surfaces of the protective arms 3 ensures that collisions from all directions are detected promptly, further improving the safety performance of the wheelchair lift.

[0025] Specifically, the collision detection mechanism includes mounting bases 4 respectively installed on the upper, lower, and front faces of the protective arm 3. Each mounting base 4 has an elastic insulating sleeve 5, within which is a cavity 6, a first conductor 7, and a second conductor 8. The first conductor 7 and the second conductor 8 are respectively located on opposite sides of the cavity 6 and are electrically connected to the controller. Normally, the first conductor 7 and the second conductor 8 are separated by the cavity 6 and are not electrically connected. When a collision occurs on the upper, lower, or front face of the protective arm 3, the external obstacle will compress the elastic insulating sleeve 5, causing it to elastically deform. As the elastic insulating sleeve 5 deforms, the cavity 6 shrinks. When the cavity 6 shrinks, the first conductor 7 and the second conductor 8 move closer together until they become electrically connected. Once electrically connected, the first conductor 7 and the second conductor 8 will send a signal to the controller. At this point, the controller determines that a collision has occurred and immediately stops the lifting drive mechanism.

[0026] In this embodiment, the elastic insulating sleeve 5 is made of insulating silicone material, and the first conductor 7 and the second guide are made of conductive silicone material; moreover, the elastic insulating sleeve 5, the first conductor 7, and the second conductor 8 are integrally molded structures. For example, the elastic insulating sleeve 5, the first conductor 7, and the second conductor 8 are integrally molded using an extruder and then cooled and cured at room temperature. In other embodiments, the elastic insulating sleeve 5, the first conductor 7, and the second conductor 8 can also be several independent components, and the first conductor 7 and the second conductor 8 can be fixed inside the elastic insulating sleeve 5 by snap-fitting or adhesive bonding.

[0027] To ensure a stable connection between the elastic insulating sleeve 5 and the mounting base 4, each mounting base 4 is provided with a T-shaped slot 41. One end of the elastic insulating sleeve 5 is provided with a snap-fit ​​protrusion 51 that matches the T-shaped slot 41, and the snap-fit ​​protrusion 51 engages with the T-shaped slot 41. Through the cooperation of the snap-fit ​​protrusion 51 and the T-shaped slot 41, the elastic insulating sleeve 5 can be installed and fixed on the mounting base 4, improving the stability of the structure. In other embodiments, the elastic insulating sleeve 5 and the mounting base 4 can also be connected using other fixing methods, such as screw fixing.

[0028] The lifting platform 2 is equipped with a protective arm drive mechanism, which corresponds one-to-one with the protective arm 3. The protective arm drive mechanism is connected to a controller and to the corresponding protective arm 3, driving the protective arm 3 to rotate and swing. Driving the protective arm 3 to rotate and swing facilitates pushing the wheelchair onto and removing it from the lifting platform 2. In actual use, when the wheelchair needs to be pushed onto the lifting platform 2, the controller activates the protective arm drive mechanism, causing the protective arm 3 to flip upwards and open before the wheelchair is pushed onto the platform 2. After the wheelchair is pushed onto the platform 2, the controller again activates the protective arm drive mechanism, causing the protective arm 3 to flip downwards and close, thus limiting the wheelchair on the lifting platform 2 and improving safety. The process of removing the wheelchair from the lifting platform 2 is the same as the process of pushing the wheelchair onto the platform 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0029] In this embodiment, the protective arm drive mechanism includes a protective arm drive motor 9, which is fixedly mounted on the lifting platform 2. The protective arm drive motor 9 is electrically connected to the controller, and its output terminal is connected to the protective arm 3. The controller controls the protective arm drive motor 9 to rotate forward or backward, thereby driving the protective arm 3 to flip open or close. In other embodiments, the protective arm drive mechanism can also be other structures or devices capable of driving rotary motion, such as a rotary cylinder.

[0030] To further enhance safety, handrails 10 are provided on the inner wall of the protective arm 3. When using the wheelchair lift to go up and down stairs, the user on the lifting platform 2 can hold the handrails 10 to ensure that the wheelchair can be stably placed on the lifting platform 2, thereby improving safety and comfort.

[0031] The lifting drive mechanism includes a lifting drive motor 11 and a reducer 12, which are fixedly mounted on the lifting platform 2. The lifting drive motor 11 is electrically connected to the controller, and its output end is connected to the input end of the reducer 12. A drive gear 13 is provided on the output end of the reducer 12, and a lifting rack 14 is provided on the lifting guide rail 1. The drive gear 13 meshes with the lifting rack 14. During operation, the controller controls the lifting drive motor 11 to work, which drives the reducer 12. The reducer 12 drives the drive gear 13 to rotate, and the rotating drive gear 13 slides on the lifting rack 14, thereby causing the lifting platform 2 to slide on the guide rail, realizing the function of going up or down.

[0032] To facilitate the pushing of the wheelchair onto the lifting platform 2, guide plates 15 are provided at both ends of the lifting platform 2. One end of the guide plate 15 is hinged to the lifting platform 2, and the other end is a free end. The lifting platform 2 is equipped with a guide drive motor 16, which is electrically connected to the controller. A pull block 17 is provided on the output end of the guide drive motor 16. The pull block 17 is hinged to the guide plate 15 and can pull the guide plate 15 to rotate and swing. Normally, the guide plate 15 is in the closed position. When the wheelchair needs to be pushed onto the lifting platform 2, the controller controls the guide drive motor 16 to rotate forward. The guide drive motor 16 drives the pull block 17 to rotate and swing, which in turn causes the guide plate 15 to rotate and swing downward, thus opening the guide plate 15. At this point, the wheelchair can be easily pushed onto the guide plate 15 and then onto the lifting platform 2. After the wheelchair is pushed onto the lifting platform 2, the controller can control the guide drive motor 16 to rotate in reverse, driving the pull block 17 to rotate and swing in the opposite direction, which in turn causes the guide plate 15 to flip upward until it returns to its initial position. When the wheelchair needs to be pushed out of the lifting platform 2, the movement process of the guide drive motor 16 and the guide plate 15 is the same as the process of pushing the wheelchair in, and will not be repeated here.

[0033] The above-described specific embodiments are preferred embodiments of this utility model, and are not intended to limit the specific scope of this utility model. The scope of this utility model includes but is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. All equivalent changes made in accordance with this utility model are within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A wheelchair lift having a collision detection function, characterized by: The device includes a controller, a lifting guide rail, and a lifting platform. The lifting platform is slidably and limitedly connected to the lifting guide rail. The lifting platform is provided with a lifting drive mechanism, which is electrically connected to the controller. The output end of the lifting drive mechanism is connected to the lifting guide rail, and the lifting drive mechanism can drive the lifting platform to slide on the lifting guide rail. The lifting platform is provided with protective arms on its front and rear sides, and collision detection mechanisms are provided on the upper, lower and front surfaces of the protective arms, which are connected to the controller.

2. The wheelchair lift with a collision detection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The collision detection mechanism includes mounting bases respectively installed on the upper end face, lower end face and front end face of the protective arm. The mounting base is provided with an elastic insulating sleeve. The elastic insulating sleeve is provided with a cavity, a first conductor and a second conductor. The first conductor and the second conductor are respectively disposed on both sides of the cavity. The first conductor and the second conductor are electrically connected to the controller. When the cavity shrinks, the first conductor can be electrically connected to the second conductor.

3. The wheelchair lift with collision detection functionality of claim 2, wherein: The mounting base is provided with a T-shaped slot, and one end of the elastic insulating sleeve is provided with a snap-fit ​​protrusion that is adapted to the T-shaped slot. The snap-fit ​​protrusion snaps into the T-shaped slot.

4. The wheelchair lift with collision detection function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first conductor and the second conductor are conductive silicone rubber, respectively.

5. The wheelchair lift with a collision detection function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic insulating sleeve, the first conductor, and the second conductor are integrally formed.

6. The wheelchair lift with collision detection functionality according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: The lifting platform is equipped with a protective arm drive mechanism, which is connected to the controller. The protective arm drive mechanism is configured to correspond one-to-one with the protective arm and is connected to the corresponding protective arm to drive the protective arm to rotate and swing.

7. The wheelchair lift with collision detection functionality of claim 6, wherein: The protective arm drive mechanism includes a protective arm drive motor, the output end of which is connected to the protective arm.

8. The wheelchair lift with collision detection functionality of claim 6, wherein: The inner wall of the protective arm is equipped with a handrail.

9. The wheelchair lift with collision detection functionality of any one of claims 1-5, wherein: The lifting drive mechanism includes a lifting drive motor and a reducer. The lifting drive motor and the reducer are respectively connected to the lifting platform. The output end of the lifting drive motor is connected to the input end of the reducer. The output end of the reducer is provided with a drive gear. The lifting guide rail is provided with a lifting rack. The drive gear is meshed with the lifting rack.

10. The wheelchair lift with collision detection functionality of claim 9, wherein: The lifting platform has guide plates at both ends. One end of the guide plate is hinged to the lifting platform. The lifting platform is equipped with a guide drive motor. The output end of the guide drive motor is equipped with a pull block. The pull block is hinged to the guide plate. The pull block can pull the guide plate to rotate and swing.

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