Stairlifts and buildings

Abstract

This device prevents wheelchair users from sliding off the seat when moving their wheelchairs from the ramp, thereby improving the safety of wheelchair users using the ramp. [Solution] A step-raising device 20 for a wheelchair W used when transferring from a building 1 to a vehicle V, comprising a table 25 on which the wheelchair is placed, a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the table relative to the installation surface 7, a ramp plate 27 whose upper part when upright is attached via a rotating shaft to the upper end of the table at the vehicle-side end, and a bridge 29 which is stored in the space below the table and is provided to move toward the vehicle, and when the bridge is moved toward the vehicle, the bridge is positioned at an incline so as to rise toward the vehicle, and the ramp plate is supported from below by the bridge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a step eliminating device and a building.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a step eliminating elevator that can lower a wheelchair from a building floor to the ground by being provided with a table on which the wheelchair can be placed, an elevating mechanism that can raise and lower the table from the height of the building floor to the ground, and a moving mechanism that can move the table horizontally at the height of the building floor. Further, for example, in order to make it easier for a wheelchair to get over a location with uneven parts onto the table or get off the table, slopes are formed at the front and rear end portions of the table.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When slopes are formed at the front and rear end portions of the table as in the conventional art, depending on the angle of the slopes, for example, in the case of a user with reduced muscle strength, there is a concern that the wheelchair may slip down from the seat when tilted on the slope, and improvement in safety is required.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to suppress slipping of a wheelchair user from the seat when moving the wheelchair from the step eliminating device, and to improve the safety of the wheelchair user using the step eliminating device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is a step-raising device 20 for a wheelchair W used when transferring from a building 1 to a vehicle V, as shown in Figures 1 to 10, The aforementioned wheelchair W is placed on a table 25, A lifting mechanism (link mechanism 23 and actuator 24) for raising and lowering the table 25 relative to the installation surface 7, When in an upright position, the upper part consists of a ramp plate 27 attached via a rotating shaft to the upper end of the table 25 at the end on the vehicle V side, The system includes a bridge 29 housed in the space below the table 25 and provided to be movable toward the vehicle V, When the bridge 29 is moved toward the vehicle V, the bridge 29 is positioned at an angle so as to rise toward the vehicle V, and the ramp plate 27 is supported from below by the bridge 29.

[0007] According to the invention described in claim 1, the upper part of the ramp plate 27 when it is upright is attached via a pivot axis to the upper end of the end of the table 25 on the vehicle V side, and the bridge 29 is stored in the space below the table 25 and is provided to be movable toward the vehicle V, so the mounting position of the ramp plate 27 is located above the position where the bridge 29 is stored. When the bridge 29 is moved toward the vehicle V side, the bridge 29 is positioned at an inclination so as to rise toward the vehicle V, and the ramp plate 27 is supported from below by the bridge 29, so the upward diagonal inclination of the bridge 29 can prevent the ramp plate 27 from tilting at a steep angle. This prevents the wheelchair user from sliding off the seat when moving the wheelchair W from the ramp 20, and improves the safety of the wheelchair user using the ramp 20.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is, for example, as shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the step-raising machine 20 described in claim 1, The ramp plate 27, which is supported from below by the bridge 29, is positioned horizontally when the bridge 29 is moved toward the vehicle V.

[0009] According to the invention described in claim 2, when the bridge 29 is moved toward the vehicle V side, the ramp plate 27, which is supported from below by the bridge 29, is positioned horizontally, so the ramp plate 27 does not tilt at a steep angle, making it easier for the wheelchair W to pass over the ramp plate 27. This suppresses the wheelchair user from sliding off the seat when moving the wheelchair W away from the ramp 20, and improves the safety of the wheelchair user using the ramp 20.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is, for example, as shown in Figures 4 to 10, in the step-raising machine 20 described in claim 1, The bridge 29 has rib walls 29b formed integrally on both side edges to prevent detachment, A key feature is that slits 26 are formed on both side edges of the end of the table 25 on the vehicle V side, through which the rib wall 29b of the bridge 29 passes.

[0011] According to the invention described in claim 3, the bridge 29 has rib walls 29b for preventing detachment that are integrally formed on both side edges, so that it can prevent the wheelchair W from falling off when passing over it, and the safety of wheelchair users using the step-climbing device 20 can be improved. Furthermore, since slits 26 are formed on both sides of the end of the table 25 on the vehicle V side, through which the rib walls 29b of the bridge 29 pass, the rib walls 29b of the bridge 29 are less likely to interfere with the end of the table 25 on the vehicle V side. In other words, the bridge 29 can be positioned closer to the table 25 as long as the rib walls 29b do not interfere with the end of the table 25 on the vehicle V side. As a result, the height difference between the table 25 and the bridge 29 can be kept to a minimum, and consequently, the slope plate 27, which is supported from below by the bridge 29, can be prevented from tilting at a steep angle. This prevents the wheelchair user from sliding off the seat when moving the wheelchair W from the ramp 20, and improves the safety of the wheelchair user using the ramp 20.

[0012] The invention described in claim 4 is, for example, as shown in the figure, in the step-raising machine 20 described in claim 3, The width of the ramp plate 27 is set to be shorter than the distance between the slits 26 formed on both side edges of the table 25.

[0013] According to the invention described in claim 4, the width of the ramp plate 27 is set to be shorter than the distance between the slits 26 formed on both side edges of the table 25, so that the movement of the ramp plate 27 can be prevented from contacting the rib wall 29b of the bridge 29, and the ramp plate 27 can be prevented from interfering with the movement of the bridge 29.

[0014] The invention described in claim 5 is, for example, as shown in Figure 7, in the step-raising machine 20 described in claim 1, When the bridge 29 is stored in the lower space, the lower end of the ramp plate 27 protrudes below the table 25, thereby shielding the lower space.

[0015] According to the invention recited in claim 5, when the bridge 29 is stored in the lower space, the lower end portion of the slope plate 27 protrudes downward beyond the table 25 to shield the lower space, so that the appearance is improved, and it is possible to prevent a person from putting a hand or finger into the lower space of the table 25, whereby the safety of people including wheelchair users using the step eliminator 20 can be enhanced.

[0016] The invention recited in claim 6 is, for example, as shown in the drawings, the step eliminator 20 according to claim 5, in which an upper end portion of the slope plate 27 protrudes upward beyond the table 25.

[0017] According to the invention recited in claim 6, since the upper end portion of the slope plate 27 protrudes upward beyond the table 25, the upper end portion of the slope plate 27 functions as a wall for preventing the wheelchair W from falling off when the table 25 is in a normal state or during lifting. Thereby, the safety of the wheelchair user using the step eliminator 20 can be improved.

[0018] The invention recited in claim 7, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 1 to 10, includes an outer wall 2 provided with an entrance 4, a building 1 in which the step eliminator 20 according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is arranged close to the outer wall 2 at a position facing the entrance 4, a terrace 6 is provided on the outer side of the outer wall 2, the terrace 6 comprises a floor 9 extending outdoors from the outer wall 2, and a recess 6a that is recessed from the floor 9 to the ground at a position facing the entrance 4 and is open toward the side opposite to the outer wall 4,[ which is provided, the step eliminator 20 is installed at the bottom of the recess 6a, the upper surface of the table 25, which is in a state of being lifted by the lifting means 23, 24, is flush with the floor 9.

[0019] According to the invention recited in claim 7, the step eliminating machine can be installed at the bottom of the recess formed in the terrace, and the upper surface of the table of the step eliminating machine, which is raised by the lifting means, is flush with the floor. Therefore, the step eliminating machine can normally be used as part of the terrace, and when transferring to a vehicle, the transfer can be performed from the outdoor terrace, which provides excellent convenience. Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the wheelchair user from slipping off the seat when moving the wheelchair from the step eliminating machine, and to improve the safety of the wheelchair user using the step eliminating machine. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a terrace provided on the outer side of the outer wall of a building. [Figure 2] It is a top view showing the step eliminating machine and the building. [Figure 3] It is a side view showing the step eliminating machine. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing a table of the step eliminating machine. [Figure 5] It is a plan view, a side view, and a rear view showing the table of the step eliminating machine. [Figure 6] It is a side sectional view showing the table of the step eliminating machine. [Figure 7] It is a side view showing an outline of a state before a bridge of the step eliminating machine protrudes. [Figure 8] It is a side view showing an outline of a state in which the bridge of the step eliminating machine has protruded. [Figure 9] It is a plan view and a front view showing a state in which the bridge protrudes through a slit in the table of the step eliminating machine. [Figure 10] It is a side view showing a modified example of the state in which the bridge of the step eliminating machine has protruded. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are subject to various technically preferred limitations for carrying out the present invention, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0023] Note that the directions in the following embodiments and illustrated examples are set solely for the purpose of explanation, with the step-raising device 20, which is the main component, serving as the starting point. Arrow X indicates the front (direction of travel) of vehicle V, arrow X' indicates the rear of vehicle V, arrow Y indicates the side of vehicle V, arrow Y' indicates the side of building 1, arrow Z indicates upward, and arrow Z' indicates downward. Furthermore, arrows X and X' are the same as the front-to-back direction of building 1, with arrow X indicating the right side of the front-to-back direction of building 1 and arrow X' indicating the left side of the front-to-back direction of building 1. In addition, arrows Y and Y' are the same as the front-to-back direction (front-to-back direction) of terrace 6 including the step-raising device 20, with arrow Y indicating the front (front side) and arrow Y' indicating the rear (back side).

[0024] <1. Building Overview> In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a building. This building 1 is equipped with a structure that resists external forces such as earthquakes and the load of the building 1 itself, and the type, material, and construction method of the structure may be any. For example, building 1 may be made of wood, light steel frame, heavy steel frame, reinforced concrete, or steel-reinforced concrete. Building 1 may have a wall structure, a rigid frame structure, or both as its structure. Building 1 may be constructed using a panel method, a wooden frame method, a frame panel method, a frame wall method, a unit method, a steel frame method, a reinforced concrete method, or a steel-reinforced concrete method, or a combination of two or more of these. In one example, building 1 is a wooden house with a wall structure constructed using a wood panel bonding method. It may also be a building for purposes other than residential use.

[0025] Building 1 has an exterior wall 2 on the outer perimeter of its first floor that separates the interior from the exterior. The exterior wall 2 is provided with an entrance 4 through which residents can pass. Specifically, an opening 3 is formed in the exterior wall 2 so as to extend from the floor surface of the first floor to near the ceiling, and a sash 5 is attached to the opening 3. The sash 5 is a sliding patio door sash. However, the sash 5 may be a single-sliding or pocket-type patio door. In addition, the sash 5 may be a sash other than a patio door sash, such as an opening and closing door sash such as a back door sash.

[0026] Building 1 has a terrace 6 installed on the outside of the outer wall 2. Terrace 6 is constructed outdoors on a concrete foundation 7 built on the ground near the exterior wall 2.

[0027] <2. Terraces and step-climbing devices> The concrete base 7 is exposed above the ground surface. The upper surface 7a of the concrete base 7 is level ground, and its upper surface 7a is set one step lower than the lower end of the entrance 4 of the outer wall 2. The concrete base 7 may be installed integrally with the foundation of the building 1, or it may be installed separately from the foundation. The concrete base 7 may also be a walkway.

[0028] A concave pit 8 is formed in the upper surface 7a of the concrete base 7 at a position facing the entrance 4. The inner circumferential surface and bottom of the pit 8 form the surface of the concrete base 7. The pit 8 is a rectangular recess, and its inner circumferential surface is a rectangular prism. The inner circumferential surface slopes vertically down from the edge of the upper surface 7a surrounding the pit 8. A water slope is formed at the bottom of the pit to allow for drainage.

[0029] On both the left and right sides of pit 8 (both sides in the X-X' direction), floor 9 extends outdoors from the lower part of outer wall 2. The floor 9 is in contact with the lower part of the exterior wall 2. The floor 9 may also be fixed to the lower part of the exterior wall 2. The floor 9 consists of floorboards supported from below by a support structure. For example, the support structure has multiple joists and multiple beams, the joists are fixed to the concrete foundation 7 while standing upright on the concrete foundation 7, the beams are horizontally stretched between the upper ends of the joists so as to be parallel to the outer surface of the exterior wall 2, and the floorboards, which constitute the floor 9, are laid on the beams. If necessary, the support structure may have multiple joists perpendicular to the outer surface of the exterior wall 2, these joists may be stretched between the beams, and the floorboards, which constitute the floor 9, may be laid on the joists. The floor 9 is formed by arranging multiple floorboards side by side to form a deck floor.

[0030] The floorboards forming floor 9 may be made of wood or resin. Incidentally, in recent years, there has been a growing demand for the realization of a decarbonized society through the promotion of carbon neutrality, which aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to virtually zero, and for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the construction industry... In addition, efforts are underway to make buildings out of wood, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions. If wood is used as the material for the floor, that floor can contribute to promoting carbon neutrality, realizing a decarbonized society, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

[0031] The floorboards forming the floor 9 may be resin molded products in which wood powder is dispersed in a resin base material. If wood powder is used as a raw material for resin molded products, the amount of resin used can be reduced, and wood powder generated at lumber mills can be effectively utilized. The use of wood powder contributes to the realization of an energy-saving society, the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, the realization of a decarbonized society, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0032] The floorboards forming floor 9 may be made of non-combustible material. Alternatively, tiles made of non-combustible material may be used instead of deck flooring. In other words, floor 9 may be formed by arranging multiple tiles on the upper surface of a tile base.

[0033] The height of the floor 9 is aligned with the height of the lower edge of the doorway 4, or slightly lower than the height of the lower edge of the doorway 4. The height of the floor 9 is aligned with the height of the floor in the area inside the exterior wall 2, for example, a room or corridor, or slightly lower than the height of the floor in that area. In this embodiment, the area inside the exterior wall 2 is defined as room 1a.

[0034] Of the terrace 6, the area between the left and right floors 9,9 and facing the entrance 4 is a recessed area 6a with a pit 8 at its bottom. That is, the recessed area 6a is recessed from the floor 9 down to the upper surface 7a of the concrete base 7. The recessed area 6a is open to the upper side and also to the opposite side of the outer wall 2. Both the left and right sides of the recessed area 6a (both sides in the X-X' direction) are closed off by fall prevention walls 10 to prevent the wheelchair W from falling out.

[0035] A step-leveling device 20 is positioned in such a recess 6a. More specifically, the step-raising device 20 is fitted into the pit 8 and positioned between the left and right floors 9 and the left and right fall-prevention walls 10. Furthermore, the step-raising device 20 is positioned as close to the outer wall 2 as possible without hindering its operation, and is positioned such that when the window of the sash 5 is opened and the opening 3 is opened, it is possible to immediately move from room 1a onto the step-raising device 20.

[0036] The step-climbing device 20 is an electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic lifter, and more specifically, a table lifter. A table lifter is also called a lift table. The stairlift 20 is placed at the bottom of the pit 8 and is detachably fixed to the pit 8. As shown in Figure 2, the stairlift 20 is used to lift and lower a wheelchair W and / or a person on it. When the step-raising device 20 is raised, the top surface of the step-raising device 20 is flush with the floor 9. When the step-raising device 20 is in the lowered position, the top surface of the step-raising device 20 becomes flush with the upper surface 7a of the concrete base 7. Normally, the stairlift 20 is stopped in the raised position, but it operates when a wheelchair W and / or a person is being raised or lowered.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the step-climbing device 20 comprises a base 21, a link mechanism 23, an actuator 24, a table 25, a ramp plate 27, and a bridge 29.

[0038] The base 21 is provided in a rectangular frame shape. The base 21 is placed at the bottom of the pit 8. The base 21 is detachably fixed to the side of the pit 8 by, for example, multiple screw-type braces (not shown). These screw-type braces are arranged along the rectangular frame shape of the base 21.

[0039] The link mechanism 23 is a foldable cross-link mechanism, such as a scissor mechanism. The lower part of the link mechanism 23 is connected to the base 21. The link mechanism 23 unfolds upward and folds downward. Since such a cross-link mechanism is used in the step-lifting device 20, the step-lifting device 20 is also called a scissor lifter.

[0040] The actuator 24 is connected to the link mechanism 23. The actuator 24 drives the link mechanism 23 to fold or unfold it. The actuator 24 consists of a ball screw transmission mechanism and a motor, etc. The actuator 24 may be a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder.

[0041] The table 25 maintains a horizontal position and is connected to the top of the link mechanism 23. When the link mechanism 23 is extended, the table 25 rises, and when the link mechanism 23 is folded, the table 25 lowers. When table 25 is raised and stopped, it is adjacent to the lower edge of doorway 4, and the height of table 25 is either the same as the height of the lower edge of doorway 4 or slightly lower than the height of the lower edge of doorway 4. When table 25 is raised and stopped, the top surface of table 25 is flush with the floor 9. When table 25 is lowered and stopped, the top surface of table 25 is flush with the top surface 7a of concrete base 7.

[0042] As shown in Figure 7, the top of the ramp plate 27, when in a vertically upright position, is rotatably attached to the upper end of the vehicle V-side end (arrow Y-side end) of the table 25, and as shown in Figures 8 and 9, it rotates so as to swing upward as the bridge 29 moves toward the vehicle V-side (arrow Y-side). The upper surface of the ramp board 27, which is swung upward, is the surface through which the wheelchair W passes.

[0043] As shown in Figures 2 to 9, the bridge 29 can move by projecting diagonally upward when moving from the underside of the table 25 towards the vehicle V. When stored on the underside of the table 25, as shown in Figure 7, it may be positioned in an inclined position in a side view, or it may protrude diagonally upward when moving from a horizontal position toward the vehicle V. The upper surface of Bridge 29, which juts out diagonally upward, is the surface through which wheelchairs W pass.

[0044] The area around the step-raising device 20 may be covered with a cover such as a bellows. For example, the upper end of the cover is attached to the perimeter of the table 25, and the cover hangs down from the table 25. The cover deforms vertically in accordance with the raising and lowering of the table 25.

[0045] The step-climbing device 20 can be operated by a remote controller or control panel (not shown) to operate the actuator 24 and the linear actuator 28. The remote controller may be an information and communication terminal such as a smartphone with dedicated application software installed.

[0046] <3. Detailed information on key components of the step-climbing device> The table 25 has a table body 25a and three side walls 25b.

[0047] The table body 25a refers to the part on which the wheelchair W is placed, and its top surface has the same design as the floor 9. That is, since the floor 9 is a deck floor as described above, the top surface of the table body 25a is also made up of multiple floorboards arranged to form a deck floor. As a result, when the table 25 is raised and stopped, the left and right floors 9 and the table body 25a are arranged side by side, forming what appears to be a continuous deck floor.

[0048] The three side walls 25b are fixed to the end face of the table body 25a on the building 1 side (Y' side) and to the end faces on one side and the other side (X side and X' side) in the frontage direction of the building 1. More specifically, the upper ends of these three side walls 25b are fixed to the three side end faces of the table body 25a and do not protrude above the upper surface of the table body 25a. As a result, unevenness caused by the three side walls 25b is less likely to occur between the left and right floors 9 and the table body 25a.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the lower ends of the three side walls 25b protrude below the lower surface of the table body 25a. This allows the space below the table body 25a to be shielded by the three side walls 25b. Furthermore, the height of the lower ends of the three side walls 25b relative to the table body 25a is set to be approximately equal to the height of the lower end of the ramp body 27a relative to the table body 25a when the ramp body 27a, described later, is standing vertically. Therefore, the space below the table body 25a is shielded on all four sides by the three side walls 25b and the ramp body 27a when it is standing vertically.

[0050] Furthermore, the edge of the table body 25a on the vehicle V side does not have a side wall 25b because a wheelchair W will pass over it. In addition, the upper end of the vehicle V side end (front end: tip) of the table body 25a is provided with a mounting part for the ramp body 27a of the ramp plate 27 to be rotatably attached. For this reason, the end face of the table body 25a on the vehicle V side (arrow Y side) does not have a side wall 25b.

[0051] Furthermore, slits 26 are formed at both the left and right ends (both sides in the X-X' direction) of the front end of the table body 25a (the tip on the Y side of the arrow, i.e., the end on the V side of the vehicle). The slits 26 on both sides are gaps through which the second rib walls 29b, formed on both sides of the bridge 29, pass, and are formed on the movement path of the second rib wall 29a. As shown in Figure 9, such a slit 26 is formed in a concave shape in plan view by a recess formed by cutting out L-shaped notches on both the left and right sides of the front end of the table body 25a, and by the left and right side walls 25b.

[0052] The ramp plate 27 has a ramp body 27a. The ramp plate 27 in this embodiment may also have a first rib wall 27b. Note that some of the figures representing this embodiment show the first rib wall 27b while others do not; however, this does not affect the understanding of the figures.

[0053] The ramp body 27a is a rectangular plate in plan view. Although not shown in the diagram, a mounting portion is provided on the upper part of the ramp body 27a, on the side of the table body 25a. This mounting portion is attached to the mounting portion on the vehicle V side end of the table body 25a via a pivot shaft, thereby allowing the upper part of the ramp plate 27 (ramp body 27a) to rotatably attach to the upper end of the vehicle V side end of the table 25 (table body 25a).

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, when the ramp body 27a is in the normal state where the step-raising device 20 is raised and stopped, and when the step-raising device 20 is moving up and down, its upper end is located above the top surface of the table 25, and its lower end is located below the top surface of the table 25. In other words, the ramp body 27a is in a vertical position in the normal state and when it is moving up and down, and its upper part functions as a wall to prevent the wheelchair W from falling off.

[0055] On the other hand, when wheelchair W is passing through, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the ramp body 27a rotates so that its lower end swings upward as the bridge 29 moves toward the vehicle V, and the entire ramp becomes horizontal. When the entire structure is horizontal, the parts that were located above the top surface of the table 25 when it was in a vertical position (both during normal operation and during raising / lowering) will now be in contact with the top surface of the table 25. Furthermore, all parts that were located below the top surface of the table 25 will now be positioned above the top surface of the table 25.

[0056] The tip of the ramp body 27a, which is now in a horizontal position, (the end on the vehicle V side) comes into contact with the bridge body 29a of the bridge 29, which has moved towards the vehicle V side.

[0057] The first rib wall 27b is integrally formed on both the left and right edges (both sides in the X-X' direction) of the slope body 27a when the entire structure is horizontal. In other words, when the slope plate 27 has both the slope body 27a and the first rib wall 27b, it is formed in a U-shape in cross-section. The first rib wall 27b functions as a rib to prevent the wheelchair W from falling off in the X or X' direction, and only exhibits its effect of preventing the wheelchair W from falling off when the entire structure is in a horizontal position.

[0058] Furthermore, if the ramp plate 27 has a first rib wall 27b, although not shown in the figures, grooves are formed in the side wall of the pit 8 on the vehicle V side to accommodate the first rib walls 27b on both side edges which are integrally formed with the ramp body 27a.

[0059] The X-X' dimension of the slope plate 27 is set to be slightly shorter than the spacing between the slits 26 on both sides of the table 25. In other words, the slope plate 27 is set so as not to interfere with the movement of the second rib wall 29b that passes through the slits 26.

[0060] The bridge 29 comprises a bridge body 29a and a second rib wall 29b.

[0061] The bridge body 29a is a rectangular plate in plan view. This bridge body 29a is moved from a state where it is stored in the space below the table body 25a by being pushed out toward the vehicle V by a linear actuator 28, and is placed between it and the vehicle-side bridge VB, thereby functioning as a means of assisting wheelchair W from getting on and off.

[0062] The linear actuator 28 is held by a retaining part (not shown) attached to the lower surface of the table body 25a and is housed in the space below the table body 25a. This linear actuator 28 has, for example, a slider that slides along the length of a ball screw, and the slider is connected to a bridge body 29a. The bridge body 29a is configured to operate in conjunction with the sliding movement of the slider.

[0063] The bridge body 29a is positioned such that, when it is spanned between the bridge and the vehicle-side bridge VB, it protrudes diagonally upward in a side view. If the bridge body 29a were inclined diagonally downward, the rotatably mounted ramp plate 27 would also tilt in accordance with the downward slope of the bridge body 29a. Furthermore, even if the bridge body 29a extends horizontally, since it is located below the ramp plate 27, the ramp plate 27 would slope downward toward the horizontal bridge body 29a. Therefore, the bridge body 29a, being located below the ramp plate 27, is positioned so that it protrudes diagonally upward.

[0064] Furthermore, when the bridge body 29a is stored in the space below the table body 25a, it may be positioned in an inclined state in a side view, as shown in Figure 7, or it may be positioned horizontally and gradually protrude diagonally upward when moving toward the vehicle V.

[0065] The second rib wall 29b is integrally formed on both the left and right edges (both sides in the X-X' direction) of the bridge body 29a. In other words, the bridge 29 has the bridge body 29a and the second rib wall 29b, and is formed in a U-shape in cross-section. The second rib wall 29b functions as a rib to prevent the wheelchair W from falling off in the X or X' direction, and only exhibits its effect of preventing the wheelchair W from falling off when the wheelchair W has moved closer to the vehicle V side than the ramp plate 27.

[0066] The second rib walls 29b on both sides are passed through slits 26 formed at the left and right ends of the table 25, respectively. That is, as shown in Figures 7 and 9, when the second rib walls 29b on both sides of the bridge 29 are housed in the space below the table body 25a, they do not protrude above the upper surface of the table body 25a. However, when the bridge 29 is positioned on the vehicle V side of the ramp plate 27, it protrudes diagonally upward. Therefore, when it is placed over the vehicle-side bridge VB, most of the second rib walls 29b on both sides protrude above the upper surface of the table body 25a. In other words, as the bridge 29 moves from the state where it is housed in the space below the table body 25a to the position where it is placed over the vehicle-side bridge VB, the height position of the second rib walls 29b on both sides also gradually shifts upward. The slits 26 are formed along the movement path of these second rib walls 29b on both sides. As a result, the bridge 29 can move toward the vehicle V side without the second rib walls 29b formed on both sides interfering with the tip of the table body 25a.

[0067] When the bridge 29 moves from its stored position in the space below the table body 25a to the position where it is placed across the vehicle-side bridge VB, its tip (the end on the vehicle V side) pushes the ramp plate 27 upward. After the tip moves beyond the lower end of the ramp plate 27 towards the vehicle V side, the upper surface of the bridge body 29a comes into contact with the lower end of the ramp plate 27, pushing the ramp plate 27 upward.

[0068] When the tip of the bridge body 29a (the end on the vehicle side V) is placed on the tip of the vehicle-side bridge VB, the height of the tip of the bridge body 29a is slightly higher than the height of the tip of the vehicle-side bridge VB. If the tip of the bridge body 29a (the end on the vehicle side V) is placed too deeply on the tip of the vehicle-side bridge VB, the height difference between the tip of the bridge body 29a and the tip of the vehicle-side bridge VB will become large. Therefore, it is desirable that the tip of the bridge body 29a rests only slightly (a few centimeters) on the tip of the vehicle-side bridge VB. If the height difference between the tip of the bridge body 29a and the tip of the vehicle-side bridge VB becomes too large, the movement dimension of the bridge body 29a (adjustment of movement dimension in the Y-Y' direction) or the movement dimension of the vehicle-side bridge VB (adjustment of movement dimension in the Y-Y' direction) is adjusted as appropriate.

[0069] <4. Vehicle-side bridge> The vehicle-side bridge VB is provided on vehicle V. More specifically, with the sliding door on the side of vehicle V open, it can be extended toward building 1 (Y' side) from the opening of the sliding door by sliding horizontally from a predetermined storage position in the floor section. The vehicle-side bridge VB has a width that allows wheelchair W to pass through. A drive unit (e.g., a linear actuator) for sliding the vehicle-side bridge VB is provided at a predetermined storage position in the floor section.

[0070] In this embodiment, the vehicle-side bridge VB slides horizontally to move toward the building 1 side (Y' side), but it is not limited to this, and may also be a structure that extends toward the building 1 side by rotating one end around a pivot axis. In this case, since it becomes difficult to adjust the movement dimension of the vehicle-side bridge VB in the Y-Y' direction, only the bridge body 29a is adjusted for movement in the Y-Y' direction.

[0071] The vehicle-side bridge VB can be operated by a remote controller (not shown) or by an operation panel mounted on the vehicle V. The remote controller may be an information and communication terminal such as a smartphone with dedicated application software installed. The information and communication terminal may be the same as the information and communication terminal used to operate the step-lifting device 20.

[0072] <5. How to use the terrace and the step-climbing device> Normally, the stair lift 20 is stopped in the raised position. Therefore, wheelchair users W and other residents can go outside from room 1a through the doorway 4 and spend time on the table 25 and the floor 9.

[0073] When a wheelchair user W boards vehicle V from terrace 6, first, vehicle V is parked with a predetermined distance between it and terrace 6, and the sliding door of the seat where the wheelchair user W will sit is opened. After opening the sliding door, the wheelchair user W or their caregiver operates the remote controller to activate the vehicle-side bridge VB. The vehicle-side bridge VB then slides horizontally from a predetermined storage position in the floor portion of vehicle V and extends from the opening on the side of vehicle V toward the building 1 side (Y' side).

[0074] When a wheelchair user W moves to vehicle V, the user remains in their wheelchair W and exits through the doorway 4 to the table 25 of the stairlift 20. The user or their caregiver operates the remote controller of the stairlift 20 to activate it. The actuator 24 then drives the link mechanism 23 to fold it, causing the table 25 to lower. At this time, the user can support themselves by placing their hands on the floor 9 while remaining in their wheelchair W. Once the table 25 has lowered to the target height for the vehicle-side bridge VB, the user operates the remote controller to stop the table 25 from lowering.

[0075] Next, the wheelchair user or caregiver operates the remote controller to move the bridge 29 so that it extends toward the vehicle V side. At this time, the ramp plate 27 is pushed up by the bridge 29 and rotates upward. After the tip of the bridge 29 has moved toward the vehicle V side beyond the lower end of the ramp plate 27, the upper surface of the bridge body 29a comes into contact with the lower end of the ramp plate 27, causing it to push upward. As the bridge 29 continues to move toward the vehicle V side, the entire ramp plate 27 becomes horizontal. Furthermore, when moving the bridge 29 toward the vehicle V side, the second rib wall 29b of the bridge 29 passes through the slits 26 formed on both the left and right sides of the table 25. This allows the bridge 29 to move toward the vehicle V side without the second rib walls 29b formed on both sides interfering with the front end of the table body 25a.

[0076] When bridge 29 is moved so that its tip overlaps the tip of vehicle-side bridge VB, which extends from the vehicle V side, the step-climbing device 20 and vehicle V are connected by both bridges 29 and VB. At this time, the wheelchair user or caregiver operates the remote controller to operate the actuator 24 and drive the link mechanism 23 to adjust the height of the table 25 as appropriate, so that the tip of bridge 29 overlaps the tip of vehicle-side bridge VB, which extends from the vehicle V side. When this situation occurs, the user of wheelchair W moves along the ramp 27, and also along the bridge 29 and the vehicle-side bridge VB to approach the seat of vehicle V. Then, with wheelchair W close to the seat of vehicle V, the user of wheelchair W uses their own strength or the help of an assistant to transfer from wheelchair W to the seat of vehicle V. This allows the user of wheelchair W to board vehicle V from terrace 6.

[0077] Wheelchair W will be loaded onto vehicle V or stored in building 1.

[0078] Conversely, when a wheelchair user W moves from vehicle V to terrace 6, first, vehicle V is parked with a predetermined distance between it and terrace 6, and the sliding door of the seat where the wheelchair user W will sit is opened. After opening the sliding door, the wheelchair user W or their caregiver operates the remote controller to move the vehicle-side bridge VB, extending the vehicle-side bridge VB from the opening on the side of vehicle V toward the building 1 side (Y' side).

[0079] Next, the wheelchair user or caregiver operates the remote controller to lower the table 25 of the ramp lift 20 to the target height position on the vehicle-side bridge VB. Once it reaches that height, they operate the remote controller to stop the table 25 from lowering.

[0080] Next, the wheelchair user or caregiver operates the remote controller to move the bridge 29 so that it extends toward the vehicle V side. Then, the bridge 29 is moved toward the vehicle V side until its tip overlaps with the tip of the vehicle-side bridge VB that has extended toward the vehicle V side. When this situation occurs, a wheelchair W is placed on the bridge 29 and the vehicle-side bridge VB. The user of the wheelchair W then transfers from the seat to the wheelchair W using their own strength or with the help of a caregiver. After that, the user of the wheelchair W moves across the bridge 29 and the vehicle-side bridge VB, and also across the ramp board 27, to reach the table 25. At this time, the bridge 29 is slid back towards the building 1 to return to its original position. As the bridge 29 returns, the ramp board 27 also rotates back to its original position.

[0081] Subsequently, the user or caregiver operates the remote controller of the stairlift 20 to activate it. The actuator 24 then drives the link mechanism 23 to extend it, causing the table 25 to rise to the height of the floor 9 and move onto the terrace 6. At this point, the user can support themselves by placing their hands on the floor 9 while remaining in the wheelchair W. The user then enters the building through the doorway 4 from the table 25 of the stairlift 20 while still in the wheelchair W.

[0082] <6. Summary> (1) The top of the ramp plate 27, when in a vertical position, is attached via a pivot axis to the upper end of the end of the table 25 on the vehicle V side, and the bridge 29 is stored in the space below the table 25 and is provided to move freely toward the vehicle V, so the mounting position of the ramp plate 27 is located above the position where the bridge 29 is stored. When the bridge 29 is moved toward the vehicle V side, the bridge 29 is positioned at an inclination so as to move upward toward the vehicle V, and the ramp plate 27 is supported from below by the bridge 29, so the upward diagonal inclination of the bridge 29 prevents the ramp plate 27 from tilting at a steep angle. This prevents the wheelchair user from sliding off the seat when moving the wheelchair W from the ramp lift 20, and improves the safety of the wheelchair user using the ramp lift 20.

[0083] (2) When the bridge 29 is moved to the vehicle V side, the ramp plate 27, which is supported from below by the bridge 29, is positioned horizontally, so the ramp plate 27 does not tilt at a steep angle, making it easier for the wheelchair W to pass over the ramp plate 27. This prevents the wheelchair user from sliding off the seat when moving the wheelchair W from the ramp lift 20, and improves the safety of the wheelchair user using the ramp lift 20.

[0084] (3) The bridge 29 has rib walls 29b formed integrally on both side edges to prevent it from falling off, so that it can prevent the wheelchair W from falling off when passing over it, and the safety of wheelchair users using the step-climbing device 20 can be improved. Furthermore, since slits 26 are formed on both sides of the end of the table 25 on the vehicle V side, through which the rib walls 29b of the bridge 29 pass, the rib walls 29b of the bridge 29 are less likely to interfere with the end of the table 25 on the vehicle V side. In other words, the bridge 29 can be positioned closer to the table 25 as long as the rib walls 29b do not interfere with the end of the table 25 on the vehicle V side. As a result, the height difference between the table 25 and the bridge 29 can be kept to a minimum, and consequently, the slope plate 27, which is supported from below by the bridge 29, can be prevented from tilting at a steep angle. This prevents the wheelchair user from sliding off the seat when moving the wheelchair W from the ramp 20, and improves the safety of the wheelchair user using the ramp 20.

[0085] (4) The width of the ramp plate 27 is set to be shorter than the distance between the slits 26 formed on both sides of the table 25, so that the movement of the ramp plate 27 does not come into contact with the rib wall 29b of the bridge 29, and the movement of the ramp plate 27 does not come into contact with the bridge 29.

[0086] (5) When the ridge 29 is stored in the space below, the lower end of the ramp plate 27 protrudes below the table 25 and shields the space below, thereby improving the appearance and preventing fingers from being inserted into the space below, thereby improving the safety of people, including wheelchair users, who use the step-climbing device 20.

[0087] (6) Since the upper end of the ramp plate 27 protrudes above the table 25, the upper end of the ramp plate 27 functions as a wall to prevent the wheelchair W from falling off when the table 25 is in normal use or when it is being raised or lowered. This improves the safety of wheelchair users using the step-climbing device 20.

[0088] (7) The step-raising device 20 can be installed at the bottom of the recess 6a formed in the terrace 6, and when the step-raising device 20 is raised by the lifting means 23, 24 the top surface of the table 25 becomes flush with the floor 9, so the step-raising device 20 can normally be used as part of the terrace 6, and it is convenient to be able to transfer from the outdoor terrace 6 when transferring to the vehicle V.

[0089] <7. Variation> The embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to those described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. Modifications are described below. The following modifications may be combined as much as possible. Furthermore, in each of the following modifications, elements common to the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0090] [Variation 1] Figure 10 is a side view showing a modified example of the step-climbing device 20 with the bridge 29 extended. In this modified example, the bridge 29 has a horizontal extension 29c that further protrudes toward the vehicle V side from the tip of the bridge body 29a.

[0091] The horizontal extension 29c is a plate-like body integrally formed with the tip of the bridge body 29a that protrudes diagonally upward. When moved toward the vehicle V, it is positioned horizontally and overlaps with the tip of the vehicle-side bridge VB so as to make surface contact with it. In other words, the lower surface of the horizontal extension 29c perfectly overlaps with the upper surface of the tip of the vehicle-side bridge VB.

[0092] According to this modified version, the height difference between the tip of the bridge 29 and the tip of the vehicle-side bridge VB can be minimized to reduce the step, thereby reducing the momentum with which the wheelchair W moves from the bridge 29 to the vehicle-side bridge VB. This prevents the wheelchair user from sliding off the seat when the wheelchair W is being transported from the stairlift 20, thereby improving the safety of the wheelchair user using the stairlift 20.

[0093] [Variation 2] In this modified example, although not shown in the diagram, when the ramp plate 27 is standing vertically, its upper end is at approximately the same height as the top surface of the table 25, and its lower end is below the top surface of the table 25. When the ramp body 27a is standing vertically, the height of the lower end relative to the table body 25a is set to be approximately the same as the height of the lower ends of the three side walls 25b relative to the table body 25a. Therefore, when the table 25 is lowered to its lowest point by the link mechanism 23, it can be stored in the pit 8. At this time, the top surface of the table 25 is flush with the top surface 7a of the concrete base 7.

[0094] According to this modified example, the step-raising device 20 allows movement between the terrace 6 and the ground. When a wheelchair user W goes outside, the user first exits the building through the entrance 4 while remaining in their wheelchair W and steps onto the table 25 of the stairlift 20. The user or their caregiver operates the remote controller of the stairlift 20 to activate it. The actuator 24 then drives the link mechanism 23 to fold it, causing the table 25 to lower. At this time, the user can support themselves by placing their hands on the floor 20 while remaining in their wheelchair W. Once the table 25 has lowered to the pit 8, the top surface of the table 25 becomes flush with the top surface 7a of the concrete base 7.

[0095] Subsequently, the user moves from the table 25 to the top surface 7a of the concrete base 7 or the ground surface while remaining in the wheelchair W. At this time, the user can place their hands on the floor 9 while remaining in the wheelchair W. Then, the user or caregiver operates the remote controller of the stairlift 20 to activate the stairlift 20. As a result, the actuator 24 drives the link mechanism 23 to deploy it, causing the table 25 to rise.

[0096] When a wheelchair user returns to building 1, the user or their caregiver operates the remote controller of the stairlift 20 to activate it. The actuator 24 then drives the link mechanism 23 to fold, causing the table 25 to lower. The user then moves onto the table 25 while remaining in their wheelchair W. At this time, the user can place their hands on the floor 9 while remaining in the wheelchair W.

[0097] Subsequently, the user or caregiver operates the remote controller of the stairlift 20 to activate it. The actuator 24 then drives the link mechanism 23 to extend it, causing the table 25 to rise to the height of the floor 9. At this point, the user can support themselves by placing their hands on the floor 9 while remaining in the wheelchair W. The user then enters the building through the doorway 4, still in the wheelchair W, from the table 25 of the stairlift 20.

[0098] [Variation 3] In the above embodiment, slits 26 are formed on both side edges of the end of the table 25 on the vehicle V side, through which the second rib wall 29b of the bridge 29 passes. However, in this modified example, although not shown, grooves are formed on the underside of both side edges of the end of the table 25 on the vehicle V side, through which the second rib wall 29b of the bridge 29 passes. That is, grooves are formed on both side edges of the end of the table 25 on the vehicle V side, instead of the slits 26 in the above embodiment, through which the second rib wall 29b passes.

[0099] According to this modified example, by suppressing the angle at which the bridge 29 rises, the second rib wall 29b is less likely to come into contact with the vehicle V-side end of the table 25. As a result, a groove can be used instead of a slit 26, and the strength of the vehicle V-side end of the table 25 can be improved because the slit 26 is not formed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] V Vehicle VB Vehicle-side bridge W Wheelchair 1. Building 2. Exterior walls 3 aperture 4 Entrance / exit 5 sash 6 Terrace 6a Recess 7. Concrete foundation 7a Top side 8 Pit 9 beds 10 Fall prevention wall 20 Step-climbing machine 21 Base 23 Link mechanism 24 Actuators 25 tables 25a Table body 25b side wall 26 slits 27 Slope board 27a Slope body 27b First rib wall 28 Linear Actuator 29 Bridge 29a Bridge body 29b Second rib wall

Claims

1. A wheelchair ramp-climbing device used when transferring from a building to a vehicle, The aforementioned table on which the wheelchair can be placed, A lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the table relative to the installation surface, When in an upright position, the upper part is a ramp plate attached via a rotating shaft to the upper end of the end of the table on the vehicle side, It comprises a bridge housed in the space below the table and provided to be movable toward the vehicle, A step-leveling device characterized in that, when the bridge is moved toward the vehicle, the bridge is positioned at an incline so as to rise toward the vehicle, and the ramp plate is supported from below by the bridge.

2. In the step-raising device according to claim 1, A step-leveling device characterized in that, when the bridge is moved toward the vehicle, the ramp plate, which is supported from below by the bridge, is positioned horizontally.

3. In the step-raising device according to claim 1, The bridge has rib walls formed integrally on both side edges to prevent detachment. A step-leveling device characterized in that slits are formed on both side edges of the end of the table on the vehicle side, through which the rib wall of the bridge passes.

4. In the step-raising device according to claim 3, A step-leveling device characterized in that the width of the ramp plate is set to be shorter than the distance between the slits formed on both side edges of the table.

5. In the step-raising device according to claim 1, A step-leveling device characterized in that, when the bridge is stored in the lower space, the lower end of the ramp plate protrudes below the table and obstructs the lower space.

6. In the step-raising device according to claim 5, A step-leveling device characterized in that the upper end of the ramp plate protrudes above the table.

7. It has an exterior wall with an entrance / exit, A step-raising device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is located in a building where it is positioned close to the outer wall facing the entrance, A terrace is installed on the outside of the aforementioned exterior wall. The aforementioned terrace is The floor extending outdoors from the aforementioned exterior wall, It has a recess that extends from the floor to the ground at a position facing the aforementioned entrance and exit, and opens to the opposite side of the outer wall, The step-leveling device is installed at the bottom of the recess, A building characterized in that the upper surface of the table, when raised by the lifting mechanism, becomes flush with the floor.

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