Slope device

Abstract

To reduce labor and time in adjusting the inclination angle of a slope.SOLUTION: The slope device 1 includes a base part 2, a slope part 3 whose one end is rotatably connected to the base part 2 via a rotation connection part 4 and which can be inclined, and an inclination adjustment mechanism 5 provided so as to be interposed between the base part 2 and the slope part 3, and the inclination adjustment mechanism 5 includes a four-joint cross link mechanism 55.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a slope device that is temporarily installed at a step location at a construction site, for example. [Background technology]

[0002] A known example of a conventional slope device installed at a step at a construction site or the like includes a base plate placed on the installation surface, a slope plate that is supported at one end by a support shaft parallel to the base plate and rotates around the support shaft to tilt relative to the base plate, and a height adjustment device that supports the end of the slope plate opposite the end supported by the support shaft and can adjust the height of the end from the base plate.The height adjustment device has a support base that stands upright from the base plate, a screw hole with a screw groove formed on its inner surface, a female screw member that is supported by the support base at a position higher than the base plate with the screw hole oriented in a direction perpendicular to the base plate, and a shaft portion that has a screw thread formed on its outer surface, and when the shaft portion is inserted into the screw hole, it moves up and down in a direction perpendicular to the base plate as the screw thread advances or retreats relative to the screw groove, and is equipped with a male screw member on whose upper end the end of the slope plate rests (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3154296 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, for example, the location and elevation difference of steps at a construction site change from time to time as the construction progresses, and work is often carried out to move the slope device or adjust the slope angle of the slope (in other words, the height of the upper end of the slope) in accordance with the changes in location and elevation difference.

[0005] In this case, for example, in the slope device of Patent Document 1, each time the slope device is moved or the inclination angle is adjusted, a tool such as a wrench must be inserted by hand or through a cutout in the support wall of the support base to rotate the head of the male-threaded member, and the threads of the male-threaded member's shaft are moved forward and backward relative to the thread grooves of the female-threaded member to raise and lower the male-threaded member, thereby raising and lowering the position of the end (shaft end) of the male-threaded member's shaft that protrudes upward from the female-threaded member. By raising and lowering the height of the shaft end, the height of the upper end of the slope plate placed on the shaft end can be changed. Furthermore, to stably maintain the height of the male-threaded member at the adjusted height, after adjusting the height of the male-threaded member, the nut must be tightened from the shaft end side until it abuts against the upper end of the female-threaded member. This poses a problem: it takes a great deal of time and effort each time the slope's inclination angle (in other words, the height of the upper end of the slope) is adjusted.

[0006] Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention aims to provide a technique that can reduce the effort and time required to adjust the inclination angle of a slope. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the slope device of the present invention has a base portion, a slope portion having one end rotatably connected to the base portion so as to be tiltable, and a slope adjustment mechanism arranged to be interposed between the base portion and the slope portion, and the slope adjustment mechanism may include a four-bar cross link mechanism.

[0008] The slope device of the present invention may be configured so that the inclination adjustment mechanism includes a guide shaft and a pair of slide blocks arranged on the side of the base portion or the slope portion, a feed screw shaft and a pair of feed nuts arranged on the side of the slope portion or the base portion, and a pair of support links whose both longitudinal ends are connected to the slide block and the feed nut and arranged in a cross-body manner.

[0009] In the slope device according to the present invention, the pair of support links may be rotatably connected to each other at the cross-shaped intersection.

[0010] The slope device according to the present invention may be configured such that an engagement portion used when rotating the feed screw shaft about its axis is provided at an end portion in the axial direction of the feed screw shaft.

[0011] The slope device of the present invention may be configured so that a lower approach is attached to the base portion adjacent to one end of the slope portion, forming an inclined surface between the slope portion and the lower surface of the step location where the base portion is installed.

[0012] The slope device of the present invention may be configured such that an upper approach is attached to the slope section, extending and protruding from the other end of the slope section and bridging between the slope section and the upper surface of the step location where the base section is installed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the effort and time required to adjust the inclination angle of the slope. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a front perspective view showing the configuration of a slope device according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a slope portion is inclined relative to a base portion. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the state of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a front perspective view of the slope device of FIG. 1 in a state where the slope portion is not generally inclined relative to the base portion. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the state of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 2 is a rear front perspective view showing the configuration of an inclination adjustment mechanism of the slope device of FIG. 1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] In the description of the present invention, the up-down direction is defined along each of the mutually orthogonal axes shown in each drawing (in other words, each axis of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system), and upward and downward directions are defined according to the direction of each arrow. The front-rear direction is defined along with forward and backward directions according to the direction of each arrow. Furthermore, the left-right direction is defined along with leftward and rightward directions according to the direction of each arrow. The up-down direction is along a vertical plane, and the front-rear direction and left-right direction are along a horizontal plane.

[0017] A view from above along the vertical direction is a plan view, and a view from below is a bottom view, a view from the front along the front-to-back direction is a front view, and a view from the rear along the left-to-right direction is a side view. The surface seen in the plan view is the front surface, and the surface seen in the bottom view is the back surface.

[0018] However, the terms top (surface), bottom (back), front (front face), back (back face), and left and right are merely distinctions for the purpose of explaining the present invention, and do not specify the direction or orientation from a particular viewpoint when using the slope device of the present invention.

[0019] (Overall composition) 1 to 4 are diagrams showing the configuration of a slope device 1 according to an embodiment, as an example of a specific configuration of the slope device according to the present invention.

[0020] This slope device 1 is installed at a step location and functions as an inclined passageway that spans between a lower portion and an upper portion of the step location.

[0021] The slope device 1 of the embodiment has a base portion 2, a slope portion 3 whose one end is rotatably connected to the base portion 2 via a pivotal connecting portion 4 and is therefore tiltable, and a tilt adjustment mechanism 5 arranged to be interposed between the base portion 2 and the slope portion 3, and the tilt adjustment mechanism 5 includes a four-section cross link mechanism 55.

[0022] Here, with regard to the slope section 3, when the slope device 1 is installed at the step location, the end portion on the upper step side of the step (which is also the rear end portion) is referred to as the "upper end portion 3c," and the end portion on the lower step side of the step (which is also the front end portion) is referred to as the "lower end portion 3d."

[0023] In addition, each of the following components that make up the slope device 1 is assembled by joining the parts that are not slidable, rotatable, or pivotable to each other by, for example, welding, or fixing them to each other by fastening members such as screws and bolts or joining members such as rivets.

[0024] The base portion 2 is installed at the lower portion of the step, supports the slope portion 3, and is provided with an inclination adjustment mechanism 5.

[0025] The base portion 2 is formed by connecting four frame members and has a rectangular frame shape (in other words, a picture frame shape) in a plan view.

[0026] Specifically, the front frame member 21 and the rear frame member 22, each of which has its axis direction aligned along the left-right direction and is spaced apart from each other in the front-to-rear direction, and a pair of left and right side frame members 23, each of which has its axis direction aligned along the front-to-rear direction and is spaced apart from each other in the left-to-right direction and is arranged to span between the left ends and right ends of the front frame member 21 and the rear frame member 22, are assembled and connected to form a square frame (in other words, a picture frame) when viewed from above.

[0027] For example, the base portion 2 may be provided with a reinforcing member for improving its strength. In the example shown in the drawings, reinforcing members 24 and 25 are provided, each with its axis aligned in the left-right direction.

[0028] The material of the base portion 2 is not limited to a specific material, and an appropriate material may be selected, for example, taking into consideration the required strength. Each frame member constituting the base portion 2 may be made of, for example, steel or aluminum alloy material formed into a square pipe shape.

[0029] The slope portion 3 is supported by the base portion 2 and serves as a passageway connecting the upper and lower portions of the step portion.

[0030] The slope section 3 mainly includes a frame body 3b and a slope plate 34 on the upper surface of the frame body 3b. The upper surface of the slope plate 34 forms the passage surface 3a of the slope section 3.

[0031] The frame body 3b of the slope section 3 is assembled and connected to form a square frame body (in other words, a picture frame) in a plan view, and is made up of a front frame member (hidden by other members and not visible in the drawing) and a rear frame member 32 whose respective axes are arranged along the left-right direction and are spaced apart from each other in the front-to-rear direction, and a pair of left and right side frame members 33 whose respective axes are arranged along the front-to-rear direction and are spaced apart from each other in the left-to-right direction, and which are arranged to bridge between the left ends and right ends of the front frame member and the rear frame member 32.

[0032] The distance in the front-to-rear direction between the front frame member and the rear frame member 32 that constitute the frame body 3b of the slope section 3 is adjusted to be slightly wider than the distance in the front-to-rear direction between the front frame member 21 and the rear frame member 22 that constitute the base section 2.

[0033] In addition, the distance in the left-right direction between the pair of left and right side frame members 33 that constitute the frame body 3b of the slope portion 3 is adjusted to be wider than the distance in the left-right direction between the pair of left and right side frame members 23 that constitute the base portion 2.

[0034] The frame 3b of the slope section 3 may be provided with reinforcing members for improving its strength. In the example shown in the figure, reinforcing members 35 and 36 are provided, each with its axis extending in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, respectively.

[0035] The slope plate 34 of the slope section 3 is composed of a plate-shaped member and is fixed and attached to the upper surface of each frame member (including reinforcing members provided as necessary) so as to cover the upper surface side of the frame body 3b of the slope section 3 (specifically, a square frame body in a plan view composed of a front frame member, a rear frame member 32, and a pair of left and right side frame members 33).

[0036] The slope plate 34 of the slope section 3 may be configured to cover the entire passage surface 3a (in other words, the entire upper surface side of the square frame body in a plan view formed by the front frame member, the rear frame member 32, and a pair of left and right side frame members 33) with a single flat plate-like member, or may be configured to cover multiple flat plate-like members arranged side by side.

[0037] The material of the slope section 3 is not limited to a specific material, and an appropriate material may be selected, for example, taking into consideration the required strength. Each frame member constituting the frame body 3b of the slope section 3 may be made of, for example, a steel material or an aluminum alloy material formed into a square pipe shape. Furthermore, the slope plate 34 of the slope section 3 may be made of, for example, a steel plate or an aluminum alloy plate formed into a flat plate shape.

[0038] In the example shown in the figure, the base portion 2 and the slope portion 3 are formed and arranged so as to have a rectangular shape whose longitudinal direction is the direction connecting the upper step side and the lower step side in a plan view (i.e., the front-to-rear direction). Note that the base portion 2 and the slope portion 3 may also be formed and arranged so as to have a rectangular shape whose transverse direction is the direction connecting the upper step side and the lower step side in a plan view (i.e., the front-to-rear direction).

[0039] In this embodiment, an upper approach 6 is attached to an upper end 3c of the slope section 3, and a lower approach 7 is attached to a lower end 3d of the slope section 3, continuing from the lower end 3d.

[0040] The upper approach 6 is formed to have the same width as the left-right width of the slope section 3, and is attached to the upper end 3c of the slope section 3, and is provided as a structure that extends and overhangs toward the upper step side (i.e., rearward).

[0041] The upper approach 6 may be attached to the upper end 3c of the slope section 3 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis whose axial direction is along the left-right direction, i.e., so that the degree of inclination in the front-to-rear direction can be changed. Note that the upper approach 6 may also be attached to the upper end 3c of the slope section 3 so as not to be rotatable, i.e., so as to be fixed.

[0042] In the example shown in the figure, the upper approach 6 is attached to the rear frame member 32 of the slope section 3 by two hinges 61 that are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, with the pins (rotation axes) connecting the pair of blades each positioned in a left-right direction.

[0043] The lower approach 7 is formed to have the same width as the left-right width of the slope section 3, and is attached to the front end of the base section 2 adjacent to the lower end section 3d of the slope section 3, and is provided as an inclined surface between the lower end portion of the passage surface 3a of the slope section 3 and the lower surface of the step section.

[0044] The lower approach 7 may be attached to the front end of the base 2 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis whose axis direction is along the left-right direction, i.e., so that the degree of inclination in the front-to-back direction can be changed. Note that the lower approach 7 may also be attached to the front end of the base 2 so as not to be rotatable, i.e., so as to be fixed.

[0045] In the example shown in the figure, the lower approach 7 is attached to the connecting part frame 41 of the pivoting connecting part 4 attached to the front frame member 21 of the base part 2 by two hinges 71 that are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, and each hinge has a pin (rotation axis) that connects a pair of blades and is positioned in a left-right direction.

[0046] When the slope device 1 is installed at the step, the upper approach 6 is placed on the upper surface of the step, and the lower approach 7 is interposed between the lower end portion of the passage surface 3a of the slope section 3 and the lower surface of the step. As a result, a continuous inclined surface is formed by the upper approach 6, slope section 3, and lower approach 7 between the upper and lower surfaces of the step.

[0047] For example, if a gap occurs between the upper end portion (upper end portion 3c) of the passage surface 3a of the slope section 3 and the upper surface of the step, the upper approach 6 covers the gap and forms a good passageway.

[0048] Furthermore, for example, when a step occurs between the lower end portion (lower end portion 3d) of the passage surface 3a of the slope section 3 and the lower surface of the step location, the lower approach 7 smoothly connects the passage surface 3a of the slope section 3 and the lower surface of the step location, thereby forming a good passageway.

[0049] The upper approach 6 and the lower approach 7 are not limited to the embodiment shown in the figure, and furthermore, are not essential components in the present invention.

[0050] A rotational connection part 4 is provided so as to be interposed between the lower step side of the base part 2 (ie, the front end part) and the lower step side of the slope part 3 (ie, the front end part, lower end part 3d).

[0051] An inclination adjustment mechanism 5 is provided so as to be interposed between the upper step side of the base portion 2 (i.e., the rear end) and the upper step side of the slope portion 3 (i.e., the rear end, upper end 3c).

[0052] (Rotating connection part) The pivotal connection part 4 is a mechanism for connecting the slope part 3 to the base part 2 so that it can pivot along a vertical plane (in other words, so that the slope part 3 can pivot so that the degree of inclination can be changed).

[0053] The pivotal connecting portion 4 mainly includes a connecting portion frame 41 , a bearing 42 , and a pivotal connecting shaft 43 .

[0054] The connecting frame 41 has a horizontal wall and a vertical wall that is connected to one side of the horizontal wall along the longitudinal direction, and has an L-shaped cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The connecting frame 41 is disposed with its longitudinal direction aligned with the left-right direction, and is attached to the lower step side of the step of the base 2 (i.e., the front end).

[0055] The connecting frame 41 is disposed in such a position that the vertical wall portion, which is one side of the L-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, is the front surface, and the horizontal wall portion, which is the other side, is the lower surface (in other words, the bottom surface). In other words, the upper and rear sides of the connecting frame 41 are open.

[0056] The connecting frame 41 is attached such that the upper surface of the horizontal wall portion is fixed to the lower surface of the front frame member 21 of the base portion 2, and is also fixed to the lower surfaces of the front end portions of each of the pair of left and right side frame members 23 of the base portion 2.

[0057] When the connecting frame 41 is attached to the lower step side of the base 2 , the vertical wall portion which is the front surface is located in front of the front frame member 21 of the base 2 and the front frame member of the slope section 3 .

[0058] The bearings 42 are provided as a pair of left and right bearings facing each other in the left-right direction, respectively, at the left and right ends of the connecting frame 41. Specifically, in the example shown in the figure, a pair of left and right plate-like members are attached as the bearings 42 to the left and right ends of the connecting frame 41, respectively, with their plate surfaces facing each other in the left-right direction.

[0059] A hole penetrating in the left-right direction is formed in each of the pair of left and right bearings 42.

[0060] The pivotal connecting shaft 43 is disposed with its axis aligned in the left-right direction and is provided at the front end of the slope section 3. In the example shown in the figure, the pivotal connecting shaft 43 is specifically disposed within the front frame member of the slope section 3.

[0061] The rotary connecting shaft 43 is provided so as to penetrate each of the pair of left and right side frame members 33 of the slope section 3 in the left-right direction, and also penetrate each of the pair of left and right bearings 42 in the left-right direction.

[0062] The pivotable connecting shaft 43 is slidable relative to at least one of the front end of the slope section 3 (specifically, the front end of the pair of left and right side frame members 33) and the bearing 42 on the base section 2 side, and is arranged so as to be rotatable about the shaft.

[0063] Then, via the pivotal connecting shaft 43, specifically with the pivotal connecting shaft 43 as the rotation axis (in other words, the pivotal axis, the swing axis), the slope section 3 is connected and attached to the connecting section frame 41 and ultimately to the base section 2 so that it can rotate along a vertical plane (in other words, it can rotate so that the degree of inclination of the slope section 3 can be changed).

[0064] As a result, the slope portion 3 is configured to be rotatable along a vertical plane from a generally horizontal position (see Figures 3 and 4) in which the upper end portion 3c (i.e., the rear end portion) is very close to the upper step side (i.e., the rear end portion) of the base portion 2, so that the upper end portion 3c moves upward and becomes inclined relative to the base portion 2 (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0065] Furthermore, when the slope section 3 is connected to the base section 2 via the pivotal connecting shaft 43, each of the pair of left and right side frame members 33 of the slope section 3 is arranged in a positional relationship adjacent to the outside in the left-right direction of each of the pair of left and right side frame members 23 of the base section 2.

[0066] Furthermore, when the slope portion 3 is provided with a reinforcing member 35 whose axis is aligned with the front-to-rear direction as in the example shown in the figures, the front frame member 21 of the base portion 2 and the reinforcing member 35 of the slope portion 3 may interfere with each other when the slope portion 3 is in a generally horizontal position relative to the base portion 2 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). In this case, the front frame member 21 of the base portion 2 may be provided with a groove (in other words, a recess) into which the reinforcing member 35 of the slope portion 3 fits, so as to prevent interference with the base portion 2 when the slope portion 3 is in a generally horizontal position. Even in this case, the strength of the front frame member 21 is ensured by the connecting frame 41 fixedly attached to the underside of the front frame member 21 of the base portion 2 and the undersides of the front end portions of each of the pair of left and right side frame members 23.

[0067] (Tilt adjustment mechanism) Fig. 5 is a rear front perspective view showing the configuration of the inclination adjustment mechanism 5 of the slope device 1 according to the embodiment. Note that Fig. 5 illustrates only the configuration particularly related to the inclination adjustment mechanism 5, and does not illustrate, for example, the rear frame member 22 of the base portion 2, the rear frame member 32 and slope plate 34 of the slope portion 3, the upper approach 6, etc.

[0068] The inclination adjustment mechanism 5 is a mechanism for changing the height of the upper end 3c (ie, the rear end) of the slope portion 3 relative to the base portion 2, and ultimately for changing the degree of inclination of the slope portion 3 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0069] The inclination adjustment mechanism 5 mainly comprises a guide shaft 51 and a pair of left and right slide blocks 52L, 52R arranged on the base portion 2 side, a feed screw shaft 53 and a pair of left and right feed nuts 54L, 54R arranged on the slope portion 3 side, and a cross-connected four-section cross link mechanism 55 arranged so as to be interposed between the base portion 2 and the slope portion 3.

[0070] The guide shaft 51 is formed as a metal rod-shaped body, and is disposed with its axis aligned along the left-right direction, on the upper step side of the base portion 2 (that is, the rear end portion).

[0071] Specifically, the guide shaft 51 is attached to the pair of left and right side frame members 23 of the base portion 2 at a position near the rear end of each of the pair of left and right side frame members 23 so as to span between the pair of left and right side frame members 23.

[0072] The guide shaft 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a smooth surface (i.e., a smooth surface) except for both ends for fixing the base portion 2 to the pair of left and right side frame members 23 (specifically, in the example shown in the figure, the male thread portions protruding outward from the outer surfaces in the left-right direction of each of the pair of left and right side frame members 23).

[0073] The pair of left and right slide blocks 52L, 52R each have a through hole 521, and the guide shaft 51 is passed through the through hole 521 so as to be slidable relative to the guide shaft 51.

[0074] Each of the pair of left and right slide blocks 52L, 52R is capable of moving linearly along the axial direction of the guide shaft 51 (i.e., the left-right direction) while the guide shaft 51 passes through the through hole 521, and is also capable of rotating around the axial direction of the guide shaft 51.

[0075] The feed screw shaft 53 is formed as a metal rod-shaped body, and is arranged with its axis aligned in the left-right direction, and is provided on the upper step side of the slope section 3 (i.e., the upper end 3c, the rear end).

[0076] Specifically, the feed screw shaft 53 is mounted at a position near the rear end of each of the pair of left and right side frame members 33 of the slope section 3, spanning between the pair of left and right side frame members 33, and is axially rotatable relative to the side frame members 33 (and therefore the slope section 3).

[0077] Male threads (e.g., trapezoidal threads) 531R, 531L are formed on the surface of each of the right and left portions of the feed screw shaft 53 from the center in the axial direction (i.e., left-right direction). As in the example shown in the figure, no male thread may be formed in (a certain range of) the intermediate portion of the feed screw shaft 53 in the axial direction (i.e., left-right direction).

[0078] The male thread 531R formed on the right side portion and the male thread 531L formed on the left side portion in the axial direction (i.e., left-right direction) of the feed screw shaft 53 are formed to be threads in opposite directions to each other. For example, the male thread 531R formed on the right side portion is formed as a right-handed thread when viewed from the right end of the feed screw shaft 53, and the male thread 531L formed on the left side portion is formed as a left-handed thread when viewed from the left end of the feed screw shaft 53.

[0079] The left and right ends (i.e., both ends in the axial direction) of the feed screw shaft 53 pass through a pair of left and right side frame members 33 of the slope section 3 and protrude outward in the left-right direction, and an operating section 56 is provided on each of the protruding left and right ends.

[0080] The operating part 56 is an engagement part used to rotate the lead screw shaft 53. The operating part 56 may be formed so as to be able to engage with a socket attachment attached to a power tool such as an impact driver. In this case, the lead screw shaft 53 is rotated axially via the operating part 56 using the power tool.

[0081] Alternatively, a handle (such as a handle of a detachable handle valve used to operate a water faucet) that is detachably attached to the operating unit 56 may be engaged with the operating unit 56. In this case, the lead screw shaft 53 is rotated about its axis via the operating unit 56 using the handle.

[0082] The operating portion 56 may be provided on only one of the left and right ends of the feed screw shaft 53 (that is, both ends in the axial direction).

[0083] The pair of left and right feed nuts 54L, 54R each have a threaded hole 541, and are disposed by being threadedly fitted onto the feed screw shaft 53 with the feed screw shaft 53 passing through the threaded hole 541.

[0084] The feed nut 54R, which is disposed on the right side of the pair of left and right feed nuts, has a threaded hole 541 formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof with a female thread (for example, a trapezoidal thread) that is threadably engaged with the male thread 531R formed on the right portion of the feed screw shaft 53. The feed nut 54L, which is disposed on the left side of the pair of left and right feed nuts, has a threaded hole 541 formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof with a female thread (for example, a trapezoidal thread) that is threadably engaged with the male thread 531L formed on the left portion of the feed screw shaft 53.

[0085] Each of the pair of left and right feed nuts 54L, 54R is threadedly fitted onto the male threads 531R, 531L of the feed screw shaft 53, and is capable of rotating relative to the feed screw shaft 53 around the axis of the feed screw shaft 53, and is capable of moving linearly along the axial direction of the feed screw shaft 53 (i.e., the left-right direction) in accordance with the pitch of the male threads 531R, 531L of the feed screw shaft 53 as it rotates relative to the feed screw shaft 53.

[0086] Here, the male thread 531R formed on the right side of the feed screw shaft 53 and the male thread 531L formed on the left side are formed to be threads in opposite directions to each other, so that as the feed screw shaft 53 rotates axially in one direction, the pair of left and right feed nuts 54L, 54R move toward each other in the left-right direction, and as the feed screw shaft 53 rotates axially in the other direction, the pair of left and right feed nuts 54L, 54R move away from each other in the left-right direction.

[0087] The four-bar cross-connected link mechanism 55 includes a pair of support links 551A, 551B that cross each other (in other words, form an X shape) in rear view.

[0088] The support links 551A, 551B have their lower ends rotatably (in other words, swingably) connected to the slide blocks 52L, 52R by connecting bolts 552, and their upper ends rotatably (in other words, swingably) connected to the feed nuts 54L, 54R by connecting bolts 553.

[0089] The four-bar cross-connected link mechanism 55 is configured by a pair of support links 551A, 551B arranged in a cross-body configuration.

[0090] Specifically, the intersection-connected four-section cross link mechanism 55 includes, when viewed from the rear, a support link 551A that slopes upward to the right and is hung between the left slide block 52L of the pair of left and right slide blocks and the right feed nut 54R of the pair of left and right feed nuts, and a support link 551B that slopes upward to the left and is hung between the right slide block 52R of the pair of left and right slide blocks and the left feed nut 54L of the pair of left and right feed nuts.

[0091] The support link 551A with an upward tilt to the right and the support link 551B with an upward tilt to the left are rotatably connected to each other at the center of their respective axial directions (or approximately at the center; in other words, the cross-sectional / intersecting point) via a connecting shaft 554 arranged with its axial direction aligned along the front-to-rear direction.

[0092] With the above-described configuration, a pair of support links 551A, 551B are spanned across a pair of lower left and right pivotal connection points (specifically, connecting bolts 552) and a pair of upper left and right pivotal connection points (specifically, connecting bolts 553), and are rotatably connected to each other via connecting shaft 554 at the cross-section of the cross-section, thereby forming an intersection-connected four-section cross-link mechanism 55.

[0093] In the example shown in the figures, a pair of front and rear elongated plate-like members facing each other in the front-to-rear direction are arranged as support link 551A slanting upward to the right, and a pair of front and rear elongated plate-like members facing each other in the front-to-rear direction are arranged as support link 551B slanting upward to the left, but support link 551A slanting upward to the right and support link 551B slanting upward to the left may each be composed of a single member. For example, support link 551A slanting upward to the right may be composed of only one of the pair of front and rear elongated plate-like members in the example shown in the figures, and support link 551B slanting upward to the left may be composed of only one of the pair of front and rear elongated plate-like members in the example shown in the figures.

[0094] The support links 551A, 551B are connected to the slide blocks 52L, 52R and the feed nuts 54L, 54R in front of or behind the slide blocks 52L, 52R and the feed nuts 54L, 54R, and ultimately the guide shaft 51 and the feed screw shaft 53. That is, the support links 551A, 551B are disposed at positions that do not overlap the guide shaft 51, the slide blocks 52L, 52R, the feed screw shaft 53, and the feed nuts 54L, 54R in a plan view (and a bottom view).

[0095] The inclination adjustment mechanism 5 may be configured such that a feed screw shaft 53 and a pair of feed nuts 54L, 54R are arranged on the base portion 2 side, and a guide shaft 51 and a pair of slide blocks 52L, 52R are arranged on the slope portion 3 side.

[0096] (operation) First, the slope device 1 (for example, the slope device 1 in a state in which the slope portion 3 is not generally inclined relative to the base portion 2; see Figures 3 and 4) is installed at the step location, with the base portion 2 being positioned on the lower surface of the step location, close to the upper portion of the step location in a planar view.

[0097] Next, the height of the upper end 3c of the slope portion 3 is changed so that the position (in other words, the height) of the upper surface of the step portion and the height of the upper end 3c of the slope portion 3 match or are approximately the same.

[0098] Specifically, for example, an electric tool or a handle is used to rotate the feed screw shaft 53 axially via the operation unit 56. At this time, the direction of the axial rotation of the feed screw shaft 53 is adjusted (in other words, selected) so that the pair of left and right feed nuts 54L, 54R move in directions approaching each other in the left-right direction.

[0099] That is, as the feed screw shaft 53 rotates in one direction, the male threads 531R formed on the right side and the male threads 531L formed on the left side of the feed screw shaft 53 are threaded in opposite directions, so that the pair of left and right feed nuts 54L, 54R move toward each other in the left-right direction. Then, the pair of cross-shaped support links 551A, 551B rotate about the intersection connection point (specifically, the connection shaft 554), moving the pair of left and right slide blocks 52L, 52R toward each other in the left-right direction, while increasing the degree of inclination of each with respect to the horizontal. As a result (i.e., as the support links 551A, 551B rise), the degree of inclination of the slope portion 3 with respect to the base portion 2 increases (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0100] With the position (in other words, the height) of the upper surface of the step area and the height of the upper end 3c of the slope section 3 (roughly) aligned, the upper end 3c of the slope section 3 (and therefore the slope device 1) is brought as close as possible to the edge of the upper part of the step area in a plan view, and the upper approach 6 is bridged over the upper surface of the step area. As a result, a smooth, inclined surface without steps is formed between the upper and lower surfaces of the step area by the upper approach 6, slope section 3, and lower approach 7.

[0101] Next, when the slope device 1 is moved or when use of the slope device 1 is finished, the slope portion 3 and the base portion 2 are closed together, and the slope portion 3 is placed in a generally horizontal position (Figures 3 and 4).

[0102] Specifically, for example, an electric tool or a handle is used to rotate the feed screw shaft 53 axially via the operating unit 56. At this time, the direction of the axial rotation of the feed screw shaft 53 is adjusted (in other words, selected) so that the pair of left and right feed nuts 54L, 54R move in directions away from each other in the left-right direction.

[0103] That is, as the feed screw shaft 53 rotates in the other direction, the male threads 531R and 531L formed on the right and left portions of the feed screw shaft 53 are threaded in opposite directions, so that the pair of left and right feed nuts 54L and 54R move away from each other in the left-right direction. Then, the pair of cross-shaped support links 551A and 551B rotate about the cross connection point (specifically, the connecting shaft 554), moving the pair of left and right slide blocks 52L and 52R away from each other in the left-right direction, while reducing the degree of inclination of each with respect to the horizontal. This (i.e., the support links 551A and 551B become horizontal) reduces the degree of inclination of the slope portion 3 with respect to the base portion 2 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0104] At this time, the support links 551A, 551B are disposed at positions that do not overlap the guide shaft 51 and the slide blocks 52L, 52R, the feed screw shaft 53, and the feed nuts 54L, 54R in a plan view (and a bottom view). Therefore, the vertical dimension of the inclination adjustment mechanism 5 is reduced, and the inclination adjustment mechanism 5 is accommodated within a space surrounded by the pair of left and right side frame members 23 and rear frame member 22 of the base portion 2 and the pair of left and right side frame members 33 and rear frame member 32 of the slope portion 3.

[0105] The left-right distance between the pair of left and right side frame members 33 that make up the frame body 3b of the slope section 3 is adjusted to be wider than the left-right distance between the pair of left and right side frame members 23 that make up the base section 2, and with the slope section 3 connected to the base section 2 via the pivot connecting shaft 43, the pair of left and right side frame members 33 of the slope section 3 are disposed adjacent to the outside in the left-right direction of each of the pair of left and right side frame members 23 of the base section 2. Therefore, when the degree of inclination of the slope section 3 relative to the base section 2 decreases, the base section 2 does not hinder the tilting movement of the slope section 3.

[0106] As a result, the surface of the slope portion 3 becomes substantially parallel to the surface of the base portion 2, and the base portion 2 and the slope portion 3 are closed together (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0107] Here, when the slope section 3 rotates along a vertical plane relative to the base section 2, in a side view (in the example shown in the figure), the axial center position of the feed screw shaft 53 arranged on the slope section 3 side moves on an arc centered on the axial center position of the rotary connecting shaft 43 of the rotary connecting section 4. Therefore, depending on the degree of inclination of the slope section 3 relative to the base section 2, in a side view (in the example shown in the figure), the degree of inclination relative to the vertical direction (also horizontal direction) of the line segment connecting the axial center position of the guide shaft 51 arranged on the base section 2 side and the axial center position of the feed screw shaft 53 arranged on the slope section 3 side changes.

[0108] Therefore, if the degree of inclination of the longitudinal direction of the support links 551A, 551B relative to the vertical direction (or horizontal direction) is fixed so as not to change when viewed from the side, the inclination of the slope portion 3 relative to the base portion 2 will be hindered.

[0109] In contrast, in the above-described slope device 1, each of the pair of left and right slide blocks 52L, 52R is slidable relative to the guide shaft 51 (which is cylindrical and has a smooth surface) that passes through the through-hole 521, and is rotatable around the axis of the guide shaft 51. Therefore, the degree of inclination of the longitudinal direction of the support links 551A, 551B relative to the vertical direction (and also the horizontal direction) can be changed in side view depending on the degree of inclination of the slope section 3 relative to the base section 2. Therefore, the inclination of the slope section 3 relative to the base section 2 is not hindered.

[0110] In relation to the above point, the base unit 2 may be configured such that a slide rail whose longitudinal direction is along the left-right direction is provided on the base unit 2, and a slide block that slidably engages with the slide rail is provided (i.e., the slide block is linearly movable along the left-right direction but cannot rotate).The support link may be connected to the slide block by, for example, a universal joint so that the degree of inclination of the longitudinal direction of the support link relative to the vertical direction (or horizontal direction) is variable, i.e., so that the support link is rotatable.

[0111] (Action and effect) According to the slope device 1 of the embodiment, the inclination adjustment mechanism 5 is configured to include a four-section cross link mechanism 55, so that the degree of inclination of the slope section 3 (the height of the upper end 3c of the slope section 3) can be changed by the simple operation of rotating the feed screw shaft 53 about its axis via the operating section 56, thereby reducing the effort and time required to adjust the inclination angle of the slope section 3.

[0112] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention, but the specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and the present invention also includes forms in which modifications and changes are made to the above embodiments within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0113] For example, in the above embodiment, the slope portion 3 is formed to have a rectangular shape when viewed in a plane, but the shape of the slope portion 3 when viewed in a plane is not limited to a rectangle, and the slope portion 3 may be formed to have a square shape or a trapezoid shape when viewed in a plane.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the four-section cross-link mechanism 55 of the inclination adjustment mechanism 5 is configured as a cross-connection type, and the pair of support links 551A, 551B are rotatably connected to each other at the cross-point of the cross section via a connecting shaft 554 whose axis extends along the front-to-rear direction. However, the four-section cross-link mechanism 55 is not necessarily configured as a cross-connection type. The pair of support links 551A, 551B, which are arranged cross-connected to each other, may not be rotatably connected to each other at the center (or approximately the center) of their axes via the connecting shaft 554 whose axis extends along the front-to-rear direction. That is, the link mechanism of the inclination adjustment mechanism 5 may be a four-section cross-link mechanism in which the pair of support links 551A, 551B are arranged cross-connected and are not connected to each other (i.e., not a cross-connection type). In this case, the slope device 1 according to the above embodiment can also operate in the same manner.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the inclination adjustment mechanism 5 includes one set of four-section cross-link mechanisms 55 arranged crosswise for one combination of the base portion 2 and the slope portion 3. However, the inclination adjustment mechanism 5 may include multiple sets of four-section cross-link mechanisms 55 arranged crosswise for one combination of the base portion 2 and the slope portion 3. For example, two guide shafts 51 may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction between the base portion 2 and the slope portion 3, and two feed screw shafts 53 may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction, and one set of four-section cross-link mechanisms 55 may be arranged crosswise for one combination of the guide shaft 51 and the feed screw shaft 53, and another set of four-section cross-link mechanisms 55 may be arranged crosswise for the other combination of the guide shaft 51 and the feed screw shaft 53. In this case, the two feed screw shafts 53 may be connected to form a single shaft. In this case, when one feed screw shaft 53 is rotated, two sets of four-bar cross link mechanisms 55 operate simultaneously (in other words, synchronously). [Industrial Applicability]

[0116] The slope device according to the present invention can be temporarily installed at a step to form an inclined surface that eliminates the step, and is therefore useful in, for example, the construction industry and the nursing care industry. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1. Slope device 2 Base 21 Front frame member 22 Rear frame member 23 Side frame member 24 Reinforcement member 25 Reinforcement member 3 Slope section 3a Passage surface 3b Frame 3c Upper end 3d bottom edge 32 Rear frame member 33 Side frame member 34 Slope board 35 Reinforcement member 36 Reinforcement member 4 Rotating connection 41 Connection frame 42 Bearings 43 Rotating connecting shaft 5 Tilt adjustment mechanism 51 Guide shaft 52R right side slide block 52L Left side slide block 521 Through hole 53 Lead screw shaft 531R Male thread formed on the right side 531L Male thread formed on the left side 54R Right feed nut 54L Left feed nut 541 screw hole 55 Four-section cross link mechanism 551A Right-upward tilt support link 551B Left-upward tilt support link 552 Connecting bolt (slide block side) 553 Connecting bolt (feed nut side) 554 Connecting shaft 56 Operation section 6 Upper approach 61 Hinge 7 Lower approach 71 Hinge

Claims

1. A base portion and a slope portion having one end rotatably connected to the base portion; an inclination adjustment mechanism interposed between the base portion and the slope portion, the tilt adjustment mechanism includes a first shaft disposed on the base portion side and a second shaft disposed on the slope portion side, When the slope portion rotates with respect to the base portion, the degree of inclination of a line segment connecting the axial center position of the first shaft and the axial center position of the second shaft with respect to the vertical direction changes. A slope device characterized by:

2. The tilt adjustment mechanism is a guide shaft as the first shaft or the second shaft and a pair of slide blocks; a feed screw shaft as the second shaft or the first shaft, and a pair of feed nuts; a pair of support links, each of whose longitudinal ends is connected to the slide block and the feed nut, and which are arranged cross-hatched, 2. The slope device according to claim 1 .

3. The pair of support links are rotatably connected to each other at the cross-shaped intersection.

3. The slope device according to claim 2.

4. an engaging portion used when axially rotating the feed screw shaft is provided on at least one of both end portions of the feed screw shaft in the axial direction; 3. The slope device according to claim 2.

5. a lower approach portion is attached to the base portion, the lower approach portion being adjacent to the one end of the slope portion and forming an inclined surface between the slope portion and a lower surface of a step portion on which the base portion is installed; 2. The slope device according to claim 1 .

6. An upper approach is attached to the slope portion, extending from the other end of the slope portion and bridging between the slope portion and an upper surface of a step portion on which the base portion is installed.

2. The slope device according to claim 1 .

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