Device for moving loads in a staircase

Abstract

Title: Device for moving loads in a staircase The invention relates to a device (100) for moving loads in a staircase, comprising: - a platform (200); - a jamb system (300), and - an electronic system for controlling the jamb system (300), characterized in that the device (100) also comprises a safety system (500) positioned under the platform (200), said safety system (500) comprising a support (510) for contact with at least two steps of a staircase and a detection system, intended to detect the nose of two steps of a staircase. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Device for moving loads up a staircase Field of invention

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of movement assistance devices.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a device for moving a load up a staircase.

[0003] By loading, it can be understood a person or a package. State of the art

[0004] In the field of the invention, devices are known for allowing the steps of a staircase to be crossed for loads or for people whose physical condition does not allow it.

[0005] These devices conventionally take the form of at least one rail running along the staircase, being fixed to one of the walls delimiting the width of the staircase, namely a wall or a railing. Using motor means, a seat or a tray is mounted movably on the rail(s) of the system.

[0006] In use, an individual sits on the seat or a parcel is placed on the platform and, using control means, the motor means are driven so that the seat or platform can travel the extent of the rail(s), i.e. go up or down the stairs.

[0007] While such devices can make life easier for some individuals, they have many drawbacks.

[0008] Firstly, these devices require significant structural work to enable the rail(s) to be securely installed. It is also necessary to provide a power supply to the system, which requires additional work.

[0009] Secondly, the presence of the rail(s) in a staircase reduces the space available for people wishing to climb or descend the steps without using the device. On the other hand, the seat forms an obstacle that must be avoided when climbing or descending the steps, this obstacle being able to even unbalance people who stumble against it.

[0010] Third, such a device is not very aesthetically pleasing even when the seat can be folded.

[0011] To address these drawbacks, less invasive solutions have been developed. For example, the patent document published under number FR 3 127 461 describes a device comprising a tray under which is fixed a folding mechanical system controlled by an electronic system and powered by a power supply module.

[0012] The folding mechanical system comprises a plurality of telescopic subassemblies (in this case telescopic legs) which deploy independently of each other to allow the platform to be kept horizontal when it moves over a series of steps.

[0013] The electronic system comprises an on-board computer and a series of sensors transmitting information to said on-board computer to ensure control of the folding mechanical system.

[0014] This device therefore does not use rails to enable steps to be crossed.

[0015] However, this device is not entirely satisfactory, particularly in terms of security.

[0016] Indeed, this system can be used by a person to climb steps. In this case, the person sits on a seat mounted on the platform. However, in the event of damage, for example when one of the telescopic sub-assemblies fails, the platform may suddenly lose its horizontality, which can cause the person to fall. This is also the case for a heavy package which can then roll down the stairs and damage its contents or, in the worst case, injure people located behind the device or at the bottom of the stairs. Objectives of the invention

[0017] The invention aims in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0018] More specifically, the invention aims to propose a device for moving loads in a staircase whose safety is increased compared to the devices of the prior art.

[0019] The invention also aims to provide such a device for moving loads in a staircase which is simple to design and maintain.

[0020] The invention further aims to provide such a device for moving loads up a staircase which is aesthetic and which can change from a configuration for transporting a person to a configuration for transporting a load, or vice versa, simply and quickly. Statement of the invention

[0021] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a device for moving loads in a staircase, comprising: - a platform intended to support a load to be moved; - a jamb system positioned under the top, and - an electronic system comprising a plurality of sensors connected to a computer unit configured to control the jamb system, characterized in that the device also comprises a safety system positioned under the top, said safety system comprising: - a contact support intended to come into contact with at least two steps of a staircase; - a contact support positioning system, inserted between the contact support and the plate; - a detection system, intended to detect the nose of two steps of a staircase, and - a computer configured to define an orientation of the contact support as a function of the detection of the nose of two steps by the detection system, and to control the positioning system accordingly.

[0022] The safety system ensures the horizontal position of the tray in all or almost all circumstances, particularly in the event of failure of the jamb system.

[0023] Indeed, the computer can control the positioning system as a function of the nose of two steps so that the contact support comes into contact with said two steps simultaneously in the event of a malfunction of the jamb system.

[0024] This then results in the horizontal position of the tray being maintained, thus preventing the tray load from slipping off said tray.

[0025] When the device is used by a person to climb the steps of a staircase, said person sits on a seat carried by the platform. In the event of damage to the jamb system, the person maintains a comfortable position on his seat, the latter then not being inclined at the risk of becoming uncomfortable, or even causing the person to fall.

[0026] Finally, the cooperation between the detection system and the computer makes it possible to identify the most suitable steps on the nose of which the contact support can rest to maintain a horizontal position of the tray. This makes it possible to guarantee the horizontal position of the tray even when the staircase has steps of different heights.

[0027] According to an advantageous aspect, the contact support comprises a first arm and a second arm.

[0028] The presence of two arms increases the stability of the tray in its horizontal position.

[0029] Indeed, by using two arms, for example on either side of the tray, the stability of the tray is increased. There is no risk of the tray tipping due to a movement of the load for example, or to a load positioned on one side of the tray.

[0030] According to an advantageous aspect, each of the first arm and the second arm comprises a rail rotatably mounted on the plate and a slide slidably mounted on the rail.

[0031] The rail is rotatably mounted on the plate via the positioning system.

[0032] This allows the configuration of the contact support to be adapted according to the staircase.

[0033] Therefore, the same device can be used for several different staircases.

[0034] Likewise, this makes it possible to adapt the safety system to the weight and dimensions of the load being transported.

[0035] According to an advantageous aspect, the slide comprises an adhesive element intended to cooperate with the nose of at least two steps of a staircase.

[0036] The adhesive element prevents the device from slipping when it rests on the safety system, i.e. on the contact support.

[0037] According to an advantageous aspect, the positioning system comprises at least one motorized pivot forming an interface between the plate and each of the first arm and the second arm.

[0038] The or each motorized pivot ensures the correct orientation of each of the first arm and the second arm.

[0039] Depending on the staircase on which the device operates, the contact support can guarantee the horizontal position of the platform thanks to each motorized pivot.

[0040] According to an advantageous aspect, the detection system comprises a first capture module and a second capture module intended to detect, respectively, the nose of a so-called upstream step and the nose of a so-called downstream step according to a direction of movement of the device.

[0041] This detection makes it possible to define an inclination of the staircase to position the contact support so as to guarantee the horizontal position of the platform in the event of failure of the jamb system.

[0042] According to an advantageous aspect, the tray has a housing in which a seat is received, said seat being able to adopt a storage position in which it is retracted inside the housing and a use position in which it is unfolded outside the housing.

[0043] It is thus possible to quickly and easily change the assignment of the device. For example, if the device is usually used by a person to negotiate stairs, but said person wishes to raise or lower a heavy load, then he or she can fold the seat so as to position the load stably on the platform and transmit said load to a receiver at the other end of the stairs.

[0044] In addition, the fact of being able to retract the seat into the housing makes it possible to limit the size of the device when it is not in use, in order to store it fa- quietly.

[0045] According to an advantageous aspect, the jamb system comprises at least one module integrating telescopic legs independent of each other, said module being rotatably mounted on a lower surface of the plate.

[0046] It is thus possible to follow a turn in a staircase while maintaining an identical orientation of the platform. This is particularly advantageous when the device is used to transport a person, said person then not being pivoted which could risk disorienting them and / or causing them discomfort.

[0047] According to an advantageous aspect, the jamb system comprises two modules, a first module called the upstream module and a second module called the downstream module.

[0048] The use of two modules allows for smooth and safer crossing of steps.

[0049] A first module can thus cooperate with a first step while the second module cooperates with a second step.

[0050] According to an advantageous aspect, the security system also comprises an accelerometer housed in the plate and coupled to the computer, said computer being configured to take into account a positioning datum of the plate, provided by the accelerometer, for the definition of the orientation of the contact support.

[0051] This provides good responsiveness of the safety system to identify a failure of the jamb system in order to ensure that the tray is kept in a horizontal position. Figures

[0052] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given as an illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings described below.

[0053] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation in side view of a device of moving loads in a staircase, according to the invention.

[0054] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation in view from below of the device for moving loads in a staircase, according to the invention.

[0055] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic side view representation of the device for moving loads in a staircase, according to the invention, in use.

[0056] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] a schematic representation in front view of the device for moving loads in a staircase, according to the invention, in a configuration for transporting people. Detailed description of the invention

[0057] With reference to Figures 1 to 4, a device 100 for moving a load in a staircase, according to the invention, is now described.

[0058] Such a device 100 allows the movement of a load, for example a person or a package up a staircase, autonomously.

[0059] The device 100 comprises: - a platform 200 intended to support the load to be moved; - a 300 jamb system positioned under the 200 top; - a 400 electronic system, and - a 500 security system.

[0060] The tray 200 has an upper face 210 intended to receive the load and a lower face 220 opposite the upper face 210.

[0061] As illustrated by Figures 2 and 3, the jamb system 300 comprises at least one module 310 integrating telescopic legs 312 independent of each other.

[0062] The module 310 is rotatably mounted on the plate 200. In other words, the module 310 can pivot relative to the plate 100.

[0063] For this, the module 310 comprises a motorized element 315 forming an interface between the module 310 and the lower face 220 of the plate 200.

[0064] More specifically, the jamb system 300 comprises two modules 310, a first module called the upstream module and a second module called the downstream module.

[0065] The upstream module is positioned in the vicinity of a front face 230 of the plate 200 and the downstream module is positioned in the vicinity of a rear face 240 of the plate 200.

[0066] The front face 230 and the rear face 240 are given with reference to a forward movement direction of the device 100, illustrated schematically by the arrow F in [Fig.l]. It should be noted that the forward movement of the device 100 corresponds to climbing a staircase. For descending a staircase, the device 100 moves in reverse, that is to say in the opposite direction to the arrow F illustrated by [Fig.l]. In other words, the device 100 therefore does not make a U-turn after climbing a staircase to allow it to descend.

[0067] Each module 310 comprises a frame 311 in which at least one telescopic leg 312 is mounted.

[0068] The or each telescopic leg 312 is secured to the chassis 311 by a first end and carries, at a second end opposite the first end, a displacement member 313. The displacement member 313 takes for example the form of one or more wheels or rollers. The displacement member 313 could take other forms without distorting its function.

[0069] As will be explained in more detail below, the displacement member 313 is intended to come into contact with the top of the steps of a staircase.

[0070] The electronic system 400, schematically illustrated by [Fig.2], comprises a plurality of sensors 410 connected to a computer unit 420.

[0071] The sensors 410 are for example proximity sensors and / or orientation sensors making it possible to detect the proximity of a step to be climbed or descended, and the inclined or horizontal position of the platform 200.

[0072] As will be explained in more detail below, the electronic system 400 makes it possible to control the jamb system 300 and the security system 500 using the computer unit 420.

[0073] The security system 500 is now described in more detail.

[0074] The security system 500 comprises: - a 510 contact support; - a positioning system 520 of the contact support 510; - a detection system, and - a 550 calculator.

[0075] The contact support 510 is intended to come into contact with at least two steps of a staircase, as will be described below.

[0076] As seen in [Fig. 3], the contact support 510 comprises a first arm 511 and a second arm 512. As will be explained later, the second arm 512 extends parallel to the first arm 511. However, for certain staircase configurations, it is possible that the first arm 511 and the second arm 512 do not extend parallel to each other.

[0077] Each of the first arm 511 and the second arm 512 comprises a rail 513 rotatably mounted on the plate 200 and a slide 514 slidably mounted on the rail 513. Motorized means 515 make it possible to control the movement of the slide 514 on the rail 513.

[0078] Finally, the slide 514 comprises an adhesive element 516 intended to cooperate with the nose N of at least two steps of a staircase.

[0079] The nose N of a stair step is defined as being the junction between the upper surface of the step on which an individual rests (this upper surface being generally designated as a "step" as such) and the riser, that is to say the face which extends vertically.

[0080] In the case of a “solid” staircase, the horizontal walls (i.e. the steps) are solid and the vertical walls (i.e. the risers) are also solid. In other words, the riser extends over the entire height measured between two immediately successive steps.

[0081] Conversely, in the case of an openwork staircase, the horizontal walls (i.e. the steps) are solid and the vertical walls (i.e. the risers) are partially openwork. This is particularly the case when the staircase comprises a beam on which boards are fixed. In this case, the riser is then formed by the edge of the boards and the empty space located under the board up to the lower step. or the floor if it is the lowest step of the staircase.

[0082] The positioning system 520 is interposed between the contact support 510 and the plate 200.

[0083] The positioning system 520 comprises at least one motorized pivot forming an interface between the plate 200 and each of the first arm 511 and the second arm 512.

[0084] According to a first embodiment, the positioning system 520 comprises a single pivot common to the first arm 511 and to the second arm 512.

[0085] According to a second embodiment, the positioning system 520 comprises two pivots, including a first pivot associated with the first arm 511 and a second pivot associated with the second arm 512.

[0086] The detection system is intended to detect the nose N of two steps of a staircase.

[0087] For this, the detection system comprises a first capture module 530 and a second capture module 540 intended to detect, respectively, the nose N of a so-called upstream step and the nose N of a so-called downstream step according to the direction of forward movement of the device 100.

[0088] The calculator 550 is configured to define an orientation of the contact support 510 as a function of the detection of the nose N of two steps by the detection system, and to control the positioning system 520 accordingly.

[0089] According to an embodiment illustrated by [Fig.2], the calculator 550 is integrated into the electronic system 400. According to an alternative embodiment, the calculator 550 can be integrated into the computer unit 420, in which case it is in the form of a series of lines of code allowing calculations to be carried out for controlling the security system 500.

[0090] Finally, the security system 500 also comprises an accelerometer 560 housed in the plate 200 and coupled to the computer 550. The computer 550 is then configured to take into account positioning data from the plate 200, provided by the accelerometer 560, for defining the orientation of the contact support 510.

[0091] With reference to [Fig.4], the tray 200 has a housing 250 in which a seat 260 is received.

[0092] The seat 260 is foldable and can thus adopt a storage position in which it is retracted inside the housing 250 and a use position in which it is unfolded outside the housing 250.

[0093] In the retracted position of the seat 260, the device 100 can for example be used to transport a package and, in the position of use of the seat 260, the device 100 can be used to transport a person.

[0094] The device 100 advantageously comprises a battery allowing its autonomy when moving without resorting to the use of a cable which can then be a nuisance. for device 100 or for people using the stairs without using device 100.

[0095] The device 100 also comprises a battery recharging system, for example an induction system making it possible to provide rapid and discreet charging of the device 100.

[0096] In operation, the device 100 can be used, in a first case, for moving a package or, in a second case, for moving a person.

[0097] In the first case, the package is placed directly on the upper face 210 of the tray 200.

[0098] In the second case, the seat 260 is placed in its position of use, that is to say it is located outside the housing 250. A person can then sit in the seat to go up or down a staircase.

[0099] The device 100 is put into operating condition and the computer unit 420 controls the jamb system 300, and more specifically the movement members 313, to allow the device 100 to move in order to approach a first step of the staircase to be crossed.

[0100] The sensors 410 of the electronic system 400 then detect the nose N of the first step and the computer unit 420 controls the jamb system 300 to actuate the telescopic legs 312 in order to cross the first step.

[0101] The sensors 410 of the electronic system 400 continue to detect the nose N of different steps to allow the computer unit 420 to control the jamb system 300 in order to cross the different successive steps of the staircase.

[0102] Alternatively, the sensors 410 of the electronic system 400 detect the vertical distance separating the movement member 313 of each telescopic leg 312 and the upper wall of the step located immediately below the telescopic leg 312 concerned, and the horizontal distance separating the front face 230 of the platform 200 and the riser of a step immediately upstream of the front face 230 of the platform 200.

[0103] According to another variant, the sensors 410 of the electronic system 400 detect a plurality of geometric points allowing the computer unit 420 to create a three-dimensional image of the staircase in which the device 100 is moving, and to position itself relatively there.

[0104] When the steps form a curved path, the modules 310 of the jamb system 300 are pivoted by means of the motorized element 315, in order to adapt the position of the telescopic legs 312 to the shape of the step. This makes it possible to minimize any possible positioning of the movement members 313 in overhang of the step, in whole or in part.

[0105] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the rotation of modules 310 can also be implemented without stressing the motorized element 315, the latter then being free to rotate. Indeed, when the movement member of each telescopic leg 312 comprises a plurality of wheels or rollers, the only difference in rotation speed of the wheels or rollers between the right and the left of the device 100 makes it possible to create a rotational movement of the telescopic leg 312.

[0106] Furthermore, the various sensors 410 of the computer system 400 control in real time the inclination of the plate 200, that is to say the maintenance of its horizontal position.

[0107] In the event of an excessively steep inclination which could cause the package or person to fall onto the platform 200, the computer unit 420 controls the telescopic legs 312 to remedy the lack of horizontality of the platform 200.

[0108] When moving the device 100 in a staircase, the safety system 500 is activated.

[0109] For this, as soon as at least one of the telescopic legs 312 is deployed, the safety system 500 is activated to avoid any risk of unwanted tilting of the platform 200.

[0110] The support 510 is pivoted relative to the plate 200 via the positioning system 520.

[0111] The pivoting of the support 510 is carried out so that the adhesive element 516 of each of the first arm 511 and the second arm 512 is above the nose N of at least one step.

[0112] When the device 100 is entirely in the staircase, the pivoting of the support 510 is carried out so that the adhesive element 516 of each of the first arm 511 and the second arm 512 is above the nose N of at least two steps.

[0113] To do this, the first capture module 530 and the second capture module 540 detect the nose N of the steps located upstream and downstream of the device 100 to define an inclination of the staircase and control the positioning system 520 via the computer 550.

[0114] More particularly, the first capture module 530 and the second capture module 540 detect the nose N of a plurality of steps located upstream of the device 100, of a plurality of steps located downstream of the device 100 and of the steps located under the device 100.

[0115] When the steps of the staircase are not identical, the calculator 550 uses two highest steps to define the inclination of the staircase so that the positioning of the adhesive element 516 of each of the first arm 511 and the second arm 512 is carried out as a function of the nose N of said two highest steps.

[0116] Depending on the need, the slide 514 of one or each of the first arm 511 and of the second arm 512 is moved on its rail 513 by motorized means.

[0117] In other words, when a staircase is straight and has identical steps, the slide 514 is moved as far away as possible from the positioning system 520 to allow increased stability of the device 100. Indeed, by moving the adhesive element 516 away from the positioning system 520, stability is ensured downstream of the device 100, which benefits the horizontal maintenance of the platform 200.

[0118] In fact, the adhesive element 516 is not in contact with the nose N of the steps but is spaced away from it so as not to slow down the advance of the device 100 in the staircase.

[0119] When an incident is detected, for example a failure of the jamb system 300 and / or an inclination of the platform 200, the positioning system 200 is controlled to press the adhesive element 516 against the nose N of the steps of the staircase and thus stabilize the device 100 by repositioning the platform 200 horizontally.

[0120] Alternatively, the adhesive element 516 could be in constant contact with the nose N of the steps of the staircase making the operation of the device 100 sequential.

[0121] From then on, the slide 514 is moved away from the positioning system 520 to press the adhesive element 516 against the nose N of the steps of the staircase. As the device 100 moves in the staircase, the slide 514 moves on the rail 513 to move closer to the positioning system 520 which acts continuously on the positioning of the first arm 511 and the second arm 512 to keep the adhesive element pressed against the nose N of the steps.

[0122] When the slide is located at a predetermined distance from the positioning system 520, the advance of the device 100 is stopped and the adhesive element 516 is moved away from the nose N of the steps to allow movement of the slide 514 in the direction opposite to the positioning system 520. The adhesive element is then again pressed against the nose N of the steps of the staircase and the device 100 resumes its advance in the staircase as explained previously.

[0123] The device 100 which has just been described thus allows the movement of a load in a staircase, whether it is a package or a person, in a secure manner.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (100) for moving loads in a staircase, comprising: - a platform (200) intended to support a load to be moved; - a jamb system (300) positioned under the platform (200), and - an electronic system (400) comprising a plurality of sensors (410) connected to a computer unit (420) configured to control the jamb system (300), characterized in that the device (100) also comprises a safety system (500) positioned under the platform (200), said safety system (500) comprising: - a contact support (510) intended to come into contact with at least two steps of a staircase; - a positioning system (520) of the contact support (510), interposed between the contact support (510) and the platform (200);- a detection system, intended to detect the nose (N) of two steps of a staircase, and - a computer (550) configured to define an orientation of the contact support (510) as a function of the detection of the nose (N) of two steps by the detection system, and to control the positioning system (520) accordingly.;

2. Device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact support (510) comprises a first arm (511) and a second arm (512).

3. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each of the first arm (511) and the second arm (512) comprises a rail (513) rotatably mounted on the plate (200) and a slide (514) slidably mounted on the rail (513).

4. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the slide (514) comprises an adhesive element (516) intended to cooperate with the nose (N) of at least two steps of a staircase.

5. Device (100) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the positioning system (520) comprises at least one motorized pivot forming an interface between the plate (200) and each of the first arm (511) and the second arm (512).

6. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection system comprises a first capture module (530) and a second capture module (540) intended to detect, respectively, the nose (N) of a so-called upstream step and the nose of a so-called downstream step according to a direction of movement of the device (100).

7. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tray (200) has a housing (250) in which a seat (260) is received, said seat (260) being able to adopt a storage position in which it is retracted inside the housing (250) and a use position in which it is unfolded outside the housing.

8. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the jamb system (300) comprises at least one module (310) integrating telescopic legs (312) independent of each other, said module (310) being rotatably mounted on a lower face (220) of the plate (200).

9. Device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the jamb system (300) comprises two modules (310) including a first module called the upstream module and a second module called the downstream module.

10. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the security system (500) also comprises an accelerometer (560) housed in the plate (200) and coupled to the calculator (550), said calculator (550) being configured to take into account positioning data of the plate (200), provided by the accelerometer (560), for defining the orientation of the contact support (510).

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