Load-moving device for stairs

Abstract

Title: Load Moving Device for Stairs The invention relates to a load moving device (100) for stairs, comprising: - a platform (200); - a support system (300); and - an electronic system for controlling the support 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 for detecting the nosing of two steps of a staircase. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Loading transport device for stairs Scope of the invention

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of mobility aid devices.

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

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

[0004] In the field of the invention, devices are known to allow passage over the steps of a staircase for loads or for persons whose physical condition does not permit it.

[0005] These devices typically take the form of at least one rail running along the staircase and fixed to one of the walls defining the width of the staircase, namely a wall or a railing. A seat or platform is movable on the rail(s) of the system using motorized means.

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

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

[0008] First, these devices require significant structural work to allow for a solid installation of the rail(s). It is also necessary to provide a power supply to the system, which entails additional work.

[0009] Secondly, the presence of the rail(s) in a staircase reduces the space available for people wishing to go up or down the steps without using the device. Furthermore, the seat forms an obstacle that must be avoided when going up or down the steps, and this obstacle can even cause people to lose their balance if they trip over it.

[0010] Thirdly, such a device proves to be unsightly even when the seat can be folded up.

[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 platform 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 sub-assemblies (in this case telescopic legs) which deploy independently of each other to keep the platform horizontal when moving over a series of steps.

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

[0014] This device therefore does not use rails to allow the crossing of steps.

[0015] However, this device does not give complete satisfaction, particularly in terms of safety.

[0016] Indeed, this system can be used by a person to navigate stairs. In this case, the person sits on a seat mounted on the platform. However, in the event of a malfunction, for example, if one of the telescopic sub-assemblies fails, the platform may suddenly lose its horizontal position, causing the person to fall. This is also the case for a heavy package, which could then roll down the stairs and damage its contents or, in the worst-case scenario, 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 provide a load movement device in a staircase with increased safety compared to prior art devices.

[0019] The invention also aims to provide such a load-moving device in a staircase that is simple in design and maintenance.

[0020] The invention further aims to provide such a load-moving device in a staircase which is aesthetically pleasing and which can switch from a person-transporting configuration to a load-transporting configuration, or vice versa, in a simple and quick manner. Description of the invention

[0021] These objectives, as well as others that will appear subsequently, are achieved through the invention, which relates to a load-moving device in a staircase, comprising: - a platform designed to support a load to be moved; - a leg system positioned under the tabletop, and - an electronic system comprising a plurality of sensors connected to a computer unit configured to control the leg system, characterized in that the device also comprises a safety system positioned under the platform, 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, interposed between the contact support and the plate; - a detection system, designed to detect the nosing of two steps of a staircase, and - a computer configured to define an orientation of the contact support according to the detection of the nosing of two steps by the detection system, and to control the positioning system accordingly.

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

[0023] Indeed, the computer can control the positioning system according to 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 results in the horizontal position of the tray being maintained, thus preventing the load from sliding off the tray.

[0025] When the device is used by a person to navigate the steps of a staircase, said person is seated on a seat supported by the platform. In the event of a malfunction of the leg system, the person maintains a comfortable position on their seat, which is then not tilted to avoid discomfort or even a fall.

[0026] Finally, the cooperation between the detection system and the computer makes it possible to identify the most suitable steps on the nosing of which the contact support can rest to maintain a horizontal position of the platform. This ensures the horizontal position of the platform 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 platform in its horizontal position.

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

[0030] According to an advantageous aspect, each of the first arm and second arm includes a rail mounted for rotation on the platform and a slide mounted for sliding on the rail.

[0031] The rail is mounted to rotation on the platform via the positioning system.

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

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

[0034] Similarly, this allows the safety system to be adapted to the weight and dimensions of the load being transported.

[0035] According to an advantageous aspect, the slide includes an adherent 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 includes at least one motorized pivot forming an interface between the platform and each of the first and second arms.

[0038] The motorized pivot or pivots ensure the correct orientation of each of the first and second arms.

[0039] Depending on the staircase on which the device moves, 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 sensing module and a second sensing 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 allows a stair inclination to be defined to position the contact support so as to guarantee the horizontal position of the platform in case 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 out of the housing.

[0043] It is thus possible to quickly and easily change the function of the device. For example, if the device is usually used by a person to go up or down stairs, but that person wishes to carry a heavy load up or down, then they can fold the seat so as to position the load stably on the platform and pass said load to a receiver at the other end of the stairs.

[0044] Furthermore, the ability to retract the seat into the housing limits the device's footprint when not in use, thus facilitating storage. cilement.

[0045] According to an advantageous aspect, the leg system comprises at least one module integrating telescopic legs independent of each other, said module being mounted for rotation on a lower face platform.

[0046] It is thus possible to follow a turn in a staircase while maintaining the same orientation of the platform. This is particularly advantageous when the device is used to transport a person, as the person is not rotated, which could disorient them and / or cause them discomfort.

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

[0048] The use of two modules allows for a smoother 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 safety system also includes an accelerometer housed in the platform and coupled to the computer, said computer being configured to take into account a positioning data of the platform, 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 leg system in order to ensure that the platform remains in a horizontal position. Figures

[0052] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings described below.

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

[0054] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a schematic representation in view from below of the loading displacement device in a stair, according to the invention.

[0055] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a schematic side view representation of the load displacement device in a stair, according to the invention, in use.

[0056] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a schematic front view representation of the load-moving device in a stairway, according to the invention, in a person transport configuration. 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, in an autonomous manner.

[0059] Device 100 comprises: - a 200 platform designed to support the load to be moved; - a 300mm leg system positioned under the 200mm platform; - an electronic system 400, and - a 500 security system.

[0060] The platform 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] Module 310 is mounted to rotate on plate 200. In other words, module 310 can pivot relative to plate 100.

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

[0064] More specifically, the jamb system 300 comprises two modules 310, of which a first module is called the upstream module and a second module is 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 direction of movement of the device 100, schematically illustrated by arrow F in [Fig. 1]. It should be noted that the forward movement of the device 100 corresponds to ascending a staircase. When descending a staircase, the device 100 moves in reverse, that is, in the opposite direction to arrow F illustrated in [Fig. 1]. In other words, the device 100 does not perform a U-turn after ascending a staircase to allow for its descent.

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

[0068] Each telescopic leg 312 is attached to the chassis 311 at a first end and carries, at a second end opposite the first end, a movement member 313. The movement member 313 may, for example, take the form of one or more wheels or rollers. The movement member 313 could take other forms without altering its function.

[0069] As will be explained in more detail later, 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 that allow the detection of 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 later, the electronic system 400 allows the jamb system 300 and the security system 500 to be controlled by means of the computer unit 420.

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

[0074] The 500 security system comprises: - a 510 contact support; - a positioning system 520 for 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 can be 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 stair 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 includes a rail 513 mounted for rotation on the plate 200 and a slide 514 mounted for sliding on the rail 513. Motorized means 515 allow the movement of the slide 514 on the rail 513 to be controlled.

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

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

[0080] In the case of a "solid" staircase, the horizontal walls (i.e., the treads) 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 treads.

[0081] Conversely, in the case of an openwork staircase, the horizontal surfaces (i.e., the treads) are solid and the vertical surfaces (i.e., the risers) are partially openwork. This is particularly the case when the staircase includes a beam to which planks are fixed. In this case, the riser is formed by the edge of the planks and the gap under the plank down to the step below. 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 includes at least one motorized pivot forming an interface between the platform 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 the second arm 512.

[0085] According to a second embodiment, the positioning system 520 comprises two pivots, of which 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 purpose, the detection system includes a first sensing module 530 and a second sensing module 540 intended to detect, respectively, the nose N of a step called upstream and the nose N of a step called downstream according to the direction of forward movement of the device 100.

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

[0089] According to one 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 takes the form of a series of lines of code enabling the performance of calculations for the control of the security system 500.

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

[0091] With reference to [Fig.4], the platform 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 use position of the seat 260, the device 100 can be used to transport a person.

[0094] The device 100 advantageously includes a battery enabling its autonomy on the go without the need for 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 includes a battery charging system, for example an induction system allowing for fast and discreet charging of the device 100.

[0096] In operation, the device 100 can be used, in a first case, for the movement of a package or, in a second case, for the movement of 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 cross a staircase, going up or down it.

[0099] The device 100 is put into working order 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 displacement 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 moves, and to position itself relative to it.

[0104] When the steps follow 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 minimizes any potential positioning of the movement elements 313 cantilevered from the step, in whole or in part.

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

[0106] In addition, the various sensors 410 of the computer system 400 control in real time the tilt of the platform 200, i.e. the maintenance of its horizontal position.

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

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

[0109] For this purpose, as soon as at least one of the telescopic legs 312 is deployed, the safety system 500 is activated to prevent 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 adherent element 516 of each of the first arm 511 and the second arm 512 is above the nose N by at least one step.

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

[0113] To do this, the first sensing module 530 and the second sensing 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 sensing module 530 and the second sensing 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 steps located below the device 100.

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

[0116] Depending on the need, the slide 514 of one or both of the first arm 511 and 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 adherent 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 adherent element 516 is not in contact with the nose N of the steps but is moved away from it so as not to hinder 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 adherent element 516 could be in constant contact with the nose N of the stair steps making the operation of the device 100 sequential.

[0121] From this point, the slide 514 is moved away from the positioning system 520 to press the adhesive element 516 against the nosing N of the stair treads. As the device 100 moves down the stair, the slide 514 moves along the rail 513 to move closer to the positioning system 520, which continuously adjusts the positioning of the first arm 511 and the second arm 512 to keep the adhesive element pressed against the nosing N of the treads.

[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 opposite direction to the positioning system 520. The adhesive element is then pressed again 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 safe manner.

Claims

Demands

1. A device (100) for moving a load in a staircase, comprising: - a platform (200) intended to support a load to be moved; - a support 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 support 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) for 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) parameterized to define an orientation of the contact support (510) according to 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) includes an adherent element (516) intended to cooperate with the nose (N) of at least two steps of a staircase.

5. Device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the positioning system (520) comprises at least one motorized pivot forming an interface between the platform (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 step called upstream and the nose of a step called downstream 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 platform (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 out of the housing.

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

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

10. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the safety system (500) also includes an accelerometer (560) housed in the tray (200) and coupled to the computer (550), said computer (550) being parameterized to take into account a positioning data of the tray (200), provided by the accelerometer (560), for the definition of the orientation of the contact support (510).