Rotatable lifting device for a person with reduced mobility

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lifting device (10), comprising: a base (20) having a vertical cavity (29); a frame (22), rotatable within the cavity; a platform (24) movable vertically on the frame (22); and a masking element (25) comprising a bellows (82); said bellows having an upper edge (86), fixed to the platform, and a lower edge (88); the bellows (82) being deformable between a retracted and an extended configuration, such that in the retracted configuration, the upper (86) and lower (88) edges of the bellows are closer to each other than in the extended configuration. The masking element further comprises a retaining element (84), fixed both to the lower edge (88) of the bellows and to the moving frame (22).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lifting device, of the type comprising: a base having a cavity extending around a vertical axis; a moving frame, mounted movably in rotation, around the vertical axis, in the cavity of the base; a platform comprising a horizontal plate, said platform being movable in vertical translation on the moving frame; the lifting device being configured to move between at least a first, a second and a third position, such that: in the first position, the horizontal plate of the platform is disposed at a first level and in a first angular arrangement, with respect to the vertical axis; in the second position, said horizontal plate is disposed at a second level and in the first angular arrangement, with respect to the vertical axis, the second level being located above the first level;and in the third position, said horizontal platform is disposed at the second level and in a second angular arrangement, relative to the vertical axis, the second angular arrangement being distinct from the first angular arrangement; the lifting device further comprising a masking element, the masking element comprising a bellows; said bellows having an upper edge, fixed to the horizontal platform, and a lower edge; the bellows being deformable between a retracted configuration, corresponding to the first position of the lifting device, and a deployed configuration, corresponding to the second and third positions of the lifting device; such that in the retracted configuration, the upper and lower edges of the bellows are closer to each other than in the deployed configuration.

[0002] The invention relates more specifically to a rotating lifting device for transferring a person with reduced mobility from a first floor level to a second floor level. Such a lifting device is described in particular in patent EP3937872, filed in the name of the Applicant.

[0003] The present invention aims to improve the ergonomics and reliability of existing devices. To this end, the invention relates to a lifting device of the aforementioned type, in which the masking element further comprises a retaining element, fixed both to the lower edge of the bellows and to the travel frame.

[0004] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the lifting device comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations: the bellows is substantially arranged in an arc; and the support element comprises: a rigid lower hoop, fixed along the lower edge of the bellows and extending between two ends; and two fixing arms, each of said arms being fixed both to one end of said lower hoop and to the moving frame; the base has an access opening to the cavity, said opening giving access to the horizontal platform at the first level, said opening extending over a first angular section relative to the base along the vertical axis; and the bellows extends over a second angular section relative to the platform along the vertical axis, said second angular section being greater than or equal to the first angular section and strictly less than 360°;The first and second angular sections and an angle between the second and third positions of the device are configured such that: in the second position of the device, the bellows closes the access opening to the cavity; and in the third position of the device, the bellows is located angularly at a distance from said opening; each of the first and second angular sections is between 80° and 120° and preferably on the order of 100°; and the angle between the second and third positions of the device is between 80° and 100° and preferably on the order of 90°; the bellows is made of a shape-memory material, such that said material tends to return to the retracted configuration of the bellows; the displacement frame comprises: a horizontal structure; two vertical uprights, extending from said horizontal structure;and two lifting units, each lifting unit being assembled to one of the uprights and configured to vertically translate the platform relative to said upright; each lifting unit includes a pulley; the displacement frame includes a rotation mechanism, said rotation mechanism comprising slides fitted with rollers.

[0005] The invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, comprising: a lifting device as described above; a first floor, substantially opposite the horizontal platform at the first level and in the first angular arrangement; and a second floor, substantially opposite the horizontal platform at the second level and in the second angular arrangement; the lifting device being configured to transfer a wheelchair between the first and second floors.

[0006] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the drawings in which: [ Fig 1 ] ] Fig 2 ] ] Fig 3 ] THE Figures 1 , 2 And 3 are perspective views of a lifting device according to an embodiment of the invention, respectively in a first, a second and a third position; and [ Fig 4 ] there figure 4 is a partial, perspective view of the lifting device of the figures 1 to 3 .

[0007] THE figures 1 to 3represent a lifting device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. More specifically, the lifting device 10 is a rotating lifting device, intended, for example, for people in wheelchairs or for people transporting a stroller or a trolley. The lifting device 10 is, for example, intended to be fitted to a building or a vehicle, such as a train or a coach.

[0008] In the embodiment shown in the figures 1 to 3 The lifting device 10 allows passage from a first floor 12 to a second floor 14, said second floor 14 being located higher than the first floor 12. The first 12 and second 14 floors will be described in more detail below.

[0009] More specifically, in the embodiment shown, the lifting device 10 and the first 12 and second 14 floors are part of a vehicle (not shown), in particular a railway vehicle, such as a train.

[0010] The lifting device 10 comprises: a base 20; a movement chassis 22; a platform 24; and a masking element 25.

[0011] The base 20 comprises external walls 26, 27 and an internal wall 28, all vertical. The base 20, particularly the internal wall 28, defines a cavity 29 open upwards. More precisely, the cavity 29 has a cylindrical shape of revolution, extending along a first vertical axis 30.

[0012] The base 20 has an upper end 32. In this description, terms such as "upper" and "lower" are understood in relation to the first axis 30.

[0013] In the embodiment shown, the external walls 26, 27 of the base 20 form a square outline.

[0014] The base 20 also includes an opening 34 providing access to the cavity. This opening 34 is notably provided in the internal wall 28 and in one 26 of the external walls of said base 20.

[0015] The opening 34 extends over a first angular section α relative to the base 20 along the first axis 30. The first angular section α is preferably between 80° and 120° and more preferably close to 100°

[0016] In the embodiment shown, the base 20 further comprises a threshold 36, substantially horizontal, extending outwards from the cavity 29 from a lower end 37 of the opening 34. The threshold 36 is arranged in an extension of the first floor 12.

[0017] At the level of a lower part of cavity 29, the base 20 also includes a circular rail, located under the lower end 37 of the opening 34 and not visible in the figures. This circular rail is arranged horizontally and centered on the first axis 30.

[0018] In the embodiment shown, the threshold 36 is arranged in line with the first floor 12; and the second floor 14 is substantially coplanar with the upper end 32 of the cavity. Furthermore, the first 12 and second 14 floors are arranged at an angle strictly greater than 0° and strictly less than 180°, said angle preferably being close to 90°. In the embodiment shown, the second floor 14 is arranged along an external wall 27 of the base 20, perpendicular to the external wall 26 comprising the opening 34.

[0019] The displacement chassis 22 is mounted to rotate about the first axis 30 within the cavity 29 of the base 20. The chassis 22 is fixed in translation relative to the base 20. The displacement chassis 22 is partially visible on the figure 4 .

[0020] The displacement chassis 22 comprises: a horizontal structure 40; two vertical uprights 42; two lifting units 44; and a rotation mechanism 46.

[0021] In the embodiment shown, the horizontal structure 40 has an elongated shape, extending along a second horizontal axis 50. More precisely, the horizontal structure 40 is substantially symmetrical with respect to a plane including the first axis 30 and the second axis 50.

[0022] Each vertical member 42 extends at one end of the horizontal structure 40 along the second axis 50. Each member 42 has a vertical structure 52, visible on the figure 4 .

[0023] Preferably, at least one of the uprights 42 further includes a protective flange 54, extending upwards from the horizontal structure 40 and visible on the figures 1 to 3 The protective flange 54 includes, in particular, a radial surface 56 and an upper surface 58. The radial surface 56 forms an arc of a cylinder of revolution, extending along the first axis 30 and substantially complementary to the shape of the cavity 29. The radial surface 56 is arranged opposite the first axis 30 with respect to the vertical structure 52. The upper surface 58 extends horizontally towards the first axis 30 from an upper end of the radial surface 56.

[0024] In the embodiment shown, the vertical uprights 42 are substantially identical to each other and each of said uprights includes a protective flange 54.

[0025] Each lifting unit 44 is installed on one of the vertical uprights 42 and configured to vertically translate the platform 24 relative to said upright 42. Each lifting unit 44 is for example analogous to the mechanism described in document EP3937872 and preferably includes a pulley 59.

[0026] The rotation mechanism 46 allows the chassis 22 to pivot relative to the base 20 around the first axis 30. In the embodiment shown, the rotation mechanism 46 comprises slides 60 fixed to the vertical uprights 42. The slides 60 are fitted with rollers adapted to roll on the circular rail (not shown) of the base 20, in a manner similar to the mechanism described in document EP3937872.

[0027] Platform 24 includes a horizontal platform 62 and two vertical guardrails 64.

[0028] The horizontal platform 62 has an elongated shape, extending along a third horizontal axis 66, between a first 68 and a second 69 endpoint. In the embodiment shown, the third axis 66 is substantially perpendicular to the second axis 50.

[0029] Each of the first 68 and second 69 ends of the horizontal plate 62 has a contour 70 in an arc of a circle, substantially complementary to the shape of the cavity 29.

[0030] The vertical guardrails 64 extend from the horizontal platform 62 and are located on either side of the third axis 66.

[0031] Each of the guardrails 64 comprises a frame 72 and a cover 74. In the embodiment shown, each of the guardrails 64 also comprises a control panel 76.

[0032] The frame 72 of each of the guardrails 64 is assembled to the vertical structure 52 of one of the vertical uprights 42 of the frame 22. Each of said frames 72 is able to slide vertically relative to the corresponding vertical structure 52, under the action of the corresponding lifting unit 44.

[0033] The hood 74 of each of the guardrails 64 covers the corresponding frame 72, as well as the vertical structure 52 of the corresponding post 42 and part of the corresponding lifting unit 44.

[0034] The cover 74 of each of the guardrails 64 includes, in particular, an external wall 78, positioned opposite the first axis 30. This external wall 78 is configured to slide vertically relative to the flange 54 of the corresponding post 42. In particular, the external wall 78 and an edge of the upper surface 58 of said flange have substantially complementary shapes.

[0035] Each control console 76 is located in the upper part of one of the guardrails 64, above the hood 74. In the embodiment shown, each of the control consoles 76 is electronically connected to the lifting units 44 and allows the platform 24 to be translated vertically relative to the uprights 42.

[0036] Optionally, the platform 24 also includes a safety barrier 80, located at the first end 68 of the horizontal platform 62. The barrier 80 is able to slide vertically along the covers 74 between a lowered and an uppered position. In the lowered position, the barrier 80 is flush with the horizontal platform 62, and in the upper position, the barrier is located higher than the horizontal platform.

[0037] The masking element 25 includes a bellows 82 and a retaining element 84.

[0038] The bellows 82 has a substantially horizontal upper edge 86 and lower edge 88. The bellows 82 is deformable between a retracted and an extended configuration, such that in the retracted configuration, the upper edge 86 and lower edge 88 are closer to each other than in the extended configuration.

[0039] More specifically, the bellows 82 has an accordion shape with folds 89 arranged substantially horizontally. Preferably, in the retracted configuration of the bellows, adjacent folds 89 are in contact with each other, so as to minimize the overall height of said bellows.

[0040] Preferably, the bellows 82 is made of a flexible material, such as fiberglass fabric. More preferably, the material of the bellows 82 has shape memory, such that said material tends to return to the retracted configuration of the bellows.

[0041] The upper edge 86 of the bellows 82 is fixed to an underside face of the horizontal plate 62 of the platform 24, near the first end 68. Preferably, the upper edge 86 of the bellows 82 is disposed substantially along the rounded contour 70 of said first end 68.

[0042] In the embodiment shown, the masking element 25 includes a rigid upper hoop 90, having an arc-shaped form and fixed both to the upper edge 86 of the bellows 82 and to the lower face of the horizontal plate 62. Preferably, the upper hoop 90 has an L-shaped cross-section.

[0043] The bellows 82 extends over a second angular section β relative to the horizontal plate 62 along the first axis 30. Preferably, said second angular section β is greater than or equal to the first angular section α of the opening 34. Preferably, said second angular section β is strictly less than 360°, i.e., the bellows 82 is not closed upon itself. More preferably, said second angular section β corresponds substantially to an angular section formed by the rounded contour 70.

[0044] More preferably, the second angular section β is between 80° and 120°, even more preferably close to 100°.

[0045] In the embodiment shown, the bellows 82 is arranged angularly between the flanges 54 protecting the uprights 42.

[0046] The retaining element 84 is fixed both to the lower edge 88 of the bellows 82 and to the displacement frame 22.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, the retaining element 84 comprises a rigid lower hoop 92 and two fixing arms 94.

[0048] The rigid lower hoop 92 has an arc-shaped form and is fixed along the lower edge 88 of the bellows 82. Preferably, the lower hoop 92 has an L-shaped cross-section.

[0049] By the term "rigid" applied to the upper hoop 90 and the lower hoop 92, it is understood that said hoops are less deformable than the bellows 82 and are able to maintain an arc shape during the use of the lifting device 10.

[0050] Each of the two fixing arms 94 extends substantially parallel to the third axis 66 and is fixed both to one end of the lower hoop 92 and to the horizontal structure 40 of the displacement chassis 22.

[0051] The retaining element 84 and the lower edge 88 of the bellows 82 are received in the lower part of the cavity 29, below the lower end 37 of the opening 34.

[0052] In the embodiment shown, the lifting device 10 includes a single masking element 25, located at the first end 68 of the horizontal platform 62. In an alternative not shown, the lifting device further includes another masking element, substantially identical, located at the second end 69 of the horizontal platform 62.

[0053] The lifting device 10 is configured to move between at least one first, second, and third position, shown respectively on the Figures 1 , 2 And 3 .

[0054] In the first position of the lifting device 10, the horizontal platform 62 of the platform 24 is arranged at a first level and in a first angular arrangement, with respect to the first axis 30. More precisely, in the first angular arrangement, the third axis 66 of the horizontal platform 62 is aligned with the opening 34 of the base 20; and at the first level, the horizontal platform 62 is substantially coplanar with the lower end 37 of said opening 34, as well as with the threshold 36 of the base.

[0055] Furthermore, in the first position of the lifting device 10, the bellows 82 is in retracted configuration and fully received in the lower part of the cavity 29, below the lower end 37 of the opening 34.

[0056] Preferably, in the retracted configuration of the bellows 82, the vertical distance between the upper edge 86 and the lower edge 88 is less than 15 mm, more preferably on the order of 12 mm. Thus, it is not necessary to provide a great depth of the cavity 29 below the lower end 37 of the opening 34.

[0057] In the second position of the lifting device 10, the horizontal platform 62 of the platform 24 is arranged at a second level and in the first angular arrangement, relative to the first axis 30. The second level is located higher than the first level. More precisely, at the second level, the horizontal platform 62 is substantially coplanar with the upper end 32 of the base.

[0058] Furthermore, in the second position of the lifting device 10, the bellows 82 is in the deployed configuration and closes the opening 34 of the base 20. The upper edge 86 and lower edge 88 of said bellows are held fixed relative to the chassis 22, respectively by the horizontal plate 62 and by the retaining element 84.

[0059] Preferably, in said deployed configuration, a vertical distance between the upper edge 86 and lower edge 88 of the bellows 82 is greater than 250 mm, more preferably in the order of 260 mm.

[0060] In the third position of the lifting device 10, the horizontal platform 62 is arranged at the second level and in a second angular arrangement relative to the first axis 30. The second angular arrangement is distinct from the first angular arrangement. More precisely, in the second angular arrangement, the second end 69 of the horizontal platform 62 is positioned opposite the second floor 14.

[0061] An angle γ between the first and second angular arrangements is supplementary to the angle between the first 12 and second 14 floors. In the embodiment shown, the angle γ between the first and second angular arrangements is between 80° and 100° and preferably approximately 90°.

[0062] In the embodiment shown, in the third position of the lifting device 10, the opening 34 of the base 20 is closed by the radial surface 56 of the protective flange 54 of one of the uprights 42; and the bellows 82 is located angularly at a distance from said opening 34.

[0063] A method for implementing the lifting device 10 will now be described.

[0064] The lifting device 10 is considered to be in the first position of the figure 1 and that the possible safety barrier 80 of said lifting device is in the lowered position. A wheelchair (not shown), carrying a user, moves on the first platform 12 and reaches the opening 34 of the base 20 and the first end 68 of the horizontal platform 62. The wheelchair enters the horizontal platform 62, between the guardrails 64.

[0065] Using one of the control consoles 76, the user then activates a program to raise the lifting device 10. The steps of such a raising program are described below.

[0066] Optionally, the safety barrier 80 of the lifting device is first raised to the upper position to prevent the wheelchair from accidentally rolling backward. Then, the lifting units 44 are activated, moving the platform 24 upward relative to the frame 22. The horizontal platform 62 thus moves from the first to the second level.

[0067] The lifting device 10 is then in the second position of the figure 2The opening 34 in the base 20 is closed by the bellows 82 in its deployed configuration, the upper edge 86 and lower edge 88 of which are held respectively by the horizontal platform 62 and the retaining element 84. The cavity 29 and the mechanisms housed within are thus protected from the possible insertion of objects or body parts by other users located near the lifting device 10.

[0068] The rotation mechanism 46 is then activated, so as to rotate the chassis 22 relative to the base 20 around the first axis 30. The horizontal plate 62 of the platform 24 thus pivots by the angle γ between the first and second angular arrangements.

[0069] The lifting device 10 is then in the third position of the figure 3The user occupying the wheelchair faces the second end 69 of the horizontal platform 62 and the second floor 14. The said user can thus move his wheelchair up to said second floor 14.

[0070] To make the reverse journey, the user on the second floor 14 can enter the horizontal platform 62 from the second end 69, then activate a descent program of the lifting device 10. Said descent program includes the reverse steps of the ascent program previously described.

[0071] The masking element 25 of the lifting device 10 described above is very compact in height in the retracted configuration of the bellows 82, which optimizes the required depth of the cavity 29 of the base 20. Furthermore, the presence of the retaining element 84 allows the bellows 82 to remain in place during the rotation of the chassis 22, without risk to the safety of the mechanism received under the platform 24. The manufacture and maintenance of the lifting device 10 described above are also facilitated.

Claims

1. Lifting device (10), comprising: - a base (20) having a cavity (29) extending around a vertical axis (30); - a moving frame (22), mounted to rotate about the vertical axis (30) in the cavity (29) of the base (20); - a platform (24) comprising a horizontal plate (62), said platform being movable in vertical translation on the moving frame (22); the lifting device being configured to move between at least a first, a second and a third position, such that: - in the first position, the horizontal plate (62) of the platform is arranged at a first level and in a first angular arrangement, with respect to the vertical axis (30); - in the second position, said horizontal plate (62) is arranged at a second level and in the first angular arrangement, with respect to the vertical axis (30), the second level being located above the first level;and - in the third position, said horizontal platform (62) is arranged at the second level and in a second angular arrangement, relative to the vertical axis (30), the second angular arrangement being distinct from the first angular arrangement; the lifting device further comprising a masking element (25), the masking element comprising a bellows (82); said bellows having an upper edge (86), fixed to the horizontal platform (62), and a lower edge (88); the bellows (82) being deformable between a retracted configuration, corresponding to the first position of the lifting device, and an extended configuration, corresponding to the second and third positions of the lifting device; such that in the retracted configuration, the upper (86) and lower (88) edges of the bellows are closer to each other than in the extended configuration; the lifting device being; characterized in thatthe masking device further includes a retaining element (84), fixed both to the lower edge (88) of the bellows and to the displacement frame (22).

2. Lifting device according to claim 1, wherein: the bellows (82) is substantially arranged in an arc of a circle; and the retaining element (84) comprises: a rigid lower hoop (92), fixed along the lower edge (88) of the bellows and extending between two ends; and two fixing arms (94), each of said arms being fixed at both one end of said lower hoop (92) and to the displacement frame (22).

3. Lifting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the base (20) has an opening (34) for access to the cavity (29), said opening giving access to the horizontal platform (62) at the first level, said opening extending over a first angular section (α) with respect to the base along the vertical axis (30); and the bellows (62) extends over a second angular section (β) with respect to the platform along the vertical axis, said second angular section being greater than or equal to the first angular section and strictly less than 360°.

4. Lifting device according to claim 3, wherein the first (α) and second (β) angular sections and an angle (γ) between the second and third positions of the device are configured such that: in the second position of the device, the bellows closes the access opening (34) to the cavity (29); and in the third position of the device, the bellows is located angularly at a distance from said opening (34).

5. Lifting device according to claim 4, wherein: each of the first (α) and second (β) angular sections is between 80° and 120° and preferably of the order of 100°; and the angle (γ) between the second and third positions of the device is between 80° and 100° and preferably of the order of 90°.

6. Lifting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bellows (82) is made of a shape-memory material, such that said material tends to regain the retracted configuration of the bellows.

7. Lifting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the displacement chassis (22) comprises: a horizontal structure (40); two vertical uprights (42), extending from said horizontal structure (40); and two lifting units (44), each lifting unit being assembled to one of the uprights (42) and configured to vertically translate the platform (24) relative to said upright.

8. Lifting device according to claim 7, wherein each lifting unit (44) comprises a pulley (59).

9. Lifting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the displacement frame (22) comprises a rotation mechanism (46), said rotation mechanism comprising slides (60) equipped with rolling rollers.

10. Vehicle, in particular railway, comprising: a lifting device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims; a first floor (12), substantially opposite the horizontal platform (62) at the first level and in the first angular arrangement; and a second floor (14), substantially opposite the horizontal platform (62) at the second level and in the second angular arrangement; the lifting device (10) being configured to transfer a wheelchair between the first and second floors.

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