Bogie for moving a chair along a stairlift rail, and stairlift provided therewith

Abstract

The invention relates to a bogie (1) for moving a chair (120) along a stairlift rail (180), and to an assembly comprising such a bogie. The bogie comprises: a frame (2); a differential mechanism (10) comprising a first connector block (70; 570) and a second connector block (80; 580) which are rotatable relative to each other around a first common axis (A) and opposite to each other in accordance with a bar differential mechanism or in accordance with a gear differential mechanism; a wheel drive (20), attached to the frame (2) and comprising a drive wheel (23) for contacting the stairlift rail, wherein the wheel drive (20) is adapted for rotating the drive wheel (23) around a drive axis (D) to drive movement of the bogie (1) along the stairlift rail (180); a first bracket (30) rotatably mounted to the first connector block (70; 570) to be rotatable relative to the first connector block (70; 570) around a third axis (E) and provided with a first set of guide wheels (31a – 36a, 31b -36b) adapted for contacting the rail; and a second bracket (50) rotatably mounted to the second connector block to be rotatable relative to the second connector block around a fourth axis (F) and provided with a second set of guide wheels (51a-56a, 51b-56b) adapted for contacting the rail.

Description

[0001] Bogie for moving a chair along a stairlift rail, and stairlift provided therewith

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a bogie adapted for moving a chair along a stairlift rail. The present invention further relates to an assembly comprising such a bogie.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] From WO 97 / 12830 a running gear for a drive mechanism of a rail-guided displacement device, such as a stairlift is known. The known running gear comprises a base part, drive means and at least two sets of guide wheels, arranged behind each other, viewed in direction of travel of the running gear, so that, during use, the running gear is guided along the rail in a desired position by the guide wheels. The base part comprises at least a bridge piece, a first and a second frame part, wherein the frame parts are each connected to the bridge piece by means of a cardan suspension so as to be movable about at least one pivotal axis, each frame part carrying a set of guide wheels and the frame parts being mutually coupled by coupling means which form a mechanical mirror, so that the movements of the first and the second part are always each other's mirror image in a first plane of symmetry extending at right angles to the driving direction of the running gear between the first and the second frame part, and viewed relative to the bridge piece. The coupling means may be constructed such that the mechanical mirror functions three-dimensionally, to allow the running gear to be guided over for instance a rail which runs along the inside of a curve in a stair, with the stair direction changing and with the stair sloping.

[0006] A drawback of the known running gear is that, when it traverses such a 3D curve, contact between the rail and at least one of the first set of guide wheels and the second set of guide wheels is reduced.

[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide a bogie adapted for moving a chair along a stairlift rail, a stairlift provided therewith, and a stairlift assembly comprising such a bogie, which are adapted for providing good contact between wheels of the bogie, even if the bogie is moved across a helical portion of a stairlift rail, e.g. a helical portion of a rail which runs along the inside of a curve in a stairlift rail, with the stairlift rail direction changing and with the stairlift rail sloping.

[0008] Summary of the invention

[0009] To this end, according to a first aspect the invention provides a bogie for moving a chair along a stairlift rail, the bogie comprising: a frame; a differential mechanism comprising: - asupport block connected to the frame; - a first connector block and a second connector block which are rotatably mounted on the support block to be rotatable relative to the support block around a first common axis, and - one or more engagement elements which are rotatably mounted on the support block to be rotatable around a second common axis which is normal to the first common axis and adapted for engaging the first and second connector block in such a manner that rotation of the one or more engagement elements relative to the support block around the second common axis results in rotation of the first and second connector block relative to the support block in opposite directions around the first common axis; wherein the bogie further comprises: a wheel drive, attached to the frame and comprising a drive wheel for contacting the stairlift rail, wherein the wheel drive is adapted for rotating the drive wheel around a drive axis to drive movement of the bogie along the stairlift rail; a first bracket rotatably mounted to the first connector block to be rotatable relative to the first connector block around a third axis and provided with a first set of guide wheels adapted for contacting the rail; and a second bracket rotatably mounted to the second connector block to be rotatable relative to the second connector block around a fourth axis and provided with a second set of guide wheels adapted for contacting the rail.

[0010] As the first bracket with guide wheels and the second bracket with guide wheels are connected to each other via the differential mechanism, when the bogie is moved on a rail, the guide wheels of the first bracket and the guide wheels of the second bracket maintain good contact with the rail, and the force exerted by the bogie on the rail is distributed over the guide wheels of the first bracket, the guide wheels of the second bracket, and the drive wheel. Thus, in particular when the bogie traverses a 3D curve in the rail, i.e. a curve which, when projected onto a horizontal plane is a curve, and which, when projected onto a vertical plane, has a begin point that is vertically spaced apart from its end point, good contact between the rail and the drive wheel and the guide wheels of the first and second bracket may be maintained. Moreover, due to the distribution of force over the guide wheels of the first and second bracket and the drive wheel, small imperfections in smoothness of the rail will be less noticeable to a person that is carried on a chair that is supported on the bogie. This is particularly advantageous when the stairlift rail is composed of separate sections and / or segments, e.g. is composed of one or more straight segments and one or more curved segments attached to each other.

[0011] In an embodiment, the third axis and the fourth axis are rotatable relative to the support block around the first common axis.

[0012] In an embodiment the differential mechanism further comprises a third connector block via which the support block is connected to the frame, wherein the third connector block is rotatably mounted to the support block to be rotatable relative to the support block around afifth axis normal to the first common axis and the second common axis. When a chair is supported by the third connector block, the chair can thus rotate relative to the support block around the fifth axis. For instance, rotation of the chair around the fifth axis may be driven by an electromotor.

[0013] In an embodiment the third connector block engages the one or more engagement elements in such a manner that rotation of the one or more engagement elements relative to the support block around the second common axis results in rotation of the third connector block relative to the support block around the fifth axis. Thus, when the bogie supports a chair on the third connector block, the chair will rotate together with the third connector block when the bogie traverses a path which, when seen in projection onto a horizontal plane, follows a curve.

[0014] In an embodiment the differential mechanism is a gear differential mechanism.

[0015] In an embodiment the first connector block comprises a first side gear, the second connector block comprises a second side gear, and wherein the one or more engagement elements comprise one or more pinion gears engaging the first and second side gear. For instance, the support block may comprise a number of outwardly extending shafts on and / or around which one or more of the side gears or pinion gears are arranged.

[0016] In an embodiment the third connector block comprises a gear which engages the at least one pinion gear. Thus, rotation of the at least one pinion gear relative to the support block will cause the third connector block to rotate relative to the support block as well.

[0017] In an embodiment the gear of the third connector block is truncated at a side proximate to the first side gear and spaced apart from the first side gear, and wherein the gear of the third connector block is truncated at a side proximate to the second side gear and spaced apart from the second side gear. Thus, the gear of the third connector block engages one or both pinion gears, without engaging the first or second side gear. In this manner, a particularly compact construction comprising the gear of the third connector, the pinion gear and the side gears may be provided.

[0018] In an embodiment the one or more engagement elements comprise two pinion gears, and the pinion gears and side gears substantially surround the support block on four sides. This embodiment allows for a particularly compact construction of the differential mechanism. In case the third connector block of the differential mechanism comprises a gear, the support block preferably is substantially surrounded by the pinion gears, side gears and the gear of the third connector block.In an embodiment each of the pinion gears is truncated at a side proximate to the drive wheel. This allows the pinion gears to be arranged close to the drive wheel without the risk of the pinion gears contacting the drive wheel, allowing a compact construction.

[0019] In an embodiment each of the side gears is truncated at a side proximate to the drive wheel. This allows the side gears to be arranged close to the drive wheel without the risk of the side gears contacting the drive wheel, allowing a compact construction.

[0020] In an embodiment each of the side gears is truncated at a side proximate to the gear of the third connector block. This allows the side gears to be arranged close to the gear of the third connector block, without the risk of the side gears contacting the gear of the third connector block.

[0021] In an embodiment the differential mechanism comprises a support block, and the side gears and the pinion gears of the differential mechanism are rotatably supported by the support block. For instance, the support block may comprise orthogonal shafts on which the side gears and pinion gears are rotatably mounted.

[0022] In an embodiment the differential mechanism is a bar differential mechanism.

[0023] In an embodiment the first connector block and second connector block each comprise one or more first protrusions which each extend partially into a corresponding recess of the at least one engagement element, or wherein at least one engagement element each comprises one or more first protrusions which each extend partially into a corresponding recess of the first connector block and second connector block. In this manner a specific type of bar differential mechanism is formed.

[0024] In an embodiment the third connector block comprises one or more protrusions which each extend at least partially into a corresponding recess of the at least one engagement element. Thus, rotation of the at least one engagement element results in rotation of the third connector block.

[0025] In an embodiment the first and / or second set of guide wheels comprises wheels for engaging the rail on two opposite sides of the rail. During movement of the bogie along the rail, the guide wheels of each bracket may thus engage the rail on the two opposite sides of the rail. For instance, the first and / or second bracket may be provided with at least three guide wheels, each of these guide wheels adapted for engaging a different longitudinal side of a guide rail. For example, each bracket may comprise one or more first guide wheels and one or more second guide wheels, wherein the first and second guide wheels are respectively arranged for contacting a first longitudinal side of the rail and an oppositely facing second longitudinal sideof the rail, optionally wherein the first and a second guide wheels have substantially parallel axes of rotation.

[0026] In an embodiment, each of the first and second bracket is further provided with one or more third guide wheels for contacting a third longitudinal side of the rail which faces substantially in a direction normal to the direction in which the first and / or second longitudinal sides of the rail are facing. Such third guide wheels may be arranged for being at least partially inserted into a longitudinal groove that is provided in the guide rail.

[0027] In an embodiment the axis of rotation of the drive wheel is arranged between the first and second bracket. Thus, a change in orientation of the first and / or second bracket relative to the axis of rotation of the drive wheel, typically causes only a relatively small change in position of the drive wheel relative to the rail. Typically, the drive wheel is arranged such that those guide wheels of the first and second bracket which lie on one side of the plane of rotation are arranged for contacting a first longitudinal side of the rail, and such that those guide wheels of the first and second bracket which lie on the other side of the drive wheel's plane of rotation are arranged for contacting a second longitudinal side of the rail which faces away from the first longitudinal side. Preferably, the axis of rotation of the drive wheel, i.e. the drive axis, is arranged between the first and second bracket when seen in projection onto a plane normal to the plane of rotation of the drive wheel.

[0028] In an embodiment the drive wheel is a toothed drive wheel or is a wheel comprising pins arranged around the circumference of the wheel with the longitudinal axis normal to the axis of rotation of the drive wheel. Thus, the risk of the drive wheel slipping on the rail is substantially reduced.

[0029] In an embodiment the drive wheel is arranged for at least partially extending into a groove of the guide rail, such as a groove in a top side of the guide rail.

[0030] According to a second aspect, the invention provides a bogie for moving a chair along a stairlift rail, comprising: a frame; a differential mechanism comprising a first connector block and a second connector block which are rotatable relative to each other around a first common axis and opposite to each other in accordance with a bar differential mechanism or in accordance with a gear differential mechanism; a wheel drive, attached to the frame and comprising a drive wheel for contacting the stairlift rail, wherein the wheel drive is adapted for rotating the drive wheel around a drive axis to drive movement of the bogie along the stairlift rail; a first bracket rotatably mounted to the first connector block to be rotatable relative to the first connector block around a third axis and provided with a first set of guide wheels adapted for contacting the rail; and a second bracket rotatably mounted to the second connector block to be rotatable relative to the second connector block around a fourth axis and provided with asecond set of guide wheels adapted for contacting the rail. It will be appreciated that the bogie according to the second aspect of the invention may have features of the bogie of the first aspect of the invention.

[0031] According to a third aspect, the invention provides an assembly comprising a bogie according to the first or second aspect of the invention, and a chair supported on the bogie.

[0032] In an embodiment, the assembly further comprises a stairlift rail, wherein the stairlift rail comprises a curved section which, when seen in projection onto a horizontal plane, defines a curve, and wherein said curved section, when seen in projection onto a vertical plane, has a begin point and an end point, wherein said begin point is vertically spaced apart from said end point.

[0033] In an embodiment, the rail comprises a first groove, a second groove and a third groove, which grooves are spaced apart from each other and extend substantially along the entire length of the rail. Typically, the first and second grooves are side grooves, and the third groove is a top groove, arranged between the first and second grooves. The rail may be at least partially formed from segments described in EP 3 153453 Al which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0034] In an embodiment the drive wheel is arranged for partially extending into the third groove with its axis of rotation arranged outside of the third groove and substantially normal to the longitudinal direction of the first groove and / or second groove. Thus, the drive wheel is substantially shielded by the third groove and the bogie, so that the risk of clothing or the like getting caught by the drive wheel is reduced.

[0035] In an embodiment one or more wheels of both the first set of guide wheels and the second set of guide wheels are arranged for partially extending into the first groove with each axis of rotation of said one or more guide wheels arranged substantially within the first groove and normal to the longitudinal direction of the third groove.

[0036] In an embodiment one or more wheels of both the first set of guide wheels and the second set of guide wheels is adapted for partially extending into the second groove with its axis of rotation arranged substantially within the second groove and normal to the longitudinal direction of the third groove.

[0037] Brief description of the drawings

[0038] Embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated in the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like structures, and in which:

[0039] Fig. 1 schematically shows an isometric side view of an assembly comprising a bogie according to the present invention arranged on a stairlift rail, and a chair supported on the bogie;Figs. 2A and 2B respectively show a top view and a bottom view of an embodiment of a bogie of the invention;

[0040] Figs. 3A and 3B respectively show a detail of the bogie of Fig. 2A, and an exploded view thereof;

[0041] Figs. 4A and 4B show a front view of the bogie of Fig. 2A on a stairlift rail, with Fig. 4A showing the first bracket, and with Fig. 4B showing the second bracket of the bogie; and Figs. 5A and 5B respectively show an alternative differential mechanism as may be used in a bogie according to the present invention, and an exploded view thereof.

[0042] Detailed description of the invention

[0043] Fig. 1 schematically shows an isometric view of an embodiment of an assembly 100 according to the present invention. Axis Z indicates an axis along the vertical, and axis X indicates an axis which is normal to axis Z and which extends along the horizontal, so that a horizontal plane is spanned by axis X and another axis Y (not shown), which axis Y is orthogonal to axes X and Z.

[0044] The assembly 100 comprises a stairlift rail 180 which has straight sections 181, 183 interconnected by a curved section 182. The longitudinal axis of the curved section 182 follows such a path, that, when seen in projection onto the horizontal plane, the longitudinal axis of the curved section follows a curve, and such that, when seen in projection onto the vertical plane, said curve has a begin point and an end point which are vertically spaced apart from each other. In the example shown, the longitudinal axis of the curved section 182 follows a path which is part of a helix. The assembly further comprises a chair 120 and a bogie 1 which is supported on the rail 180, a frame 2 of the bogie 1 in turn supporting the chair 120. The bogie and chair supported thereon may turn a corner while at the same time they may be moved to a higher or lower position relative to a distal end of section 182. The rail 180 is provided with two side grooves 180a, 180b as well as a top groove 180c, all of which extend along the longitudinal direction of the stairlift rail 180. That is, the curved section 182 and straight sections 181, 183 are each provided with a top groove and two side grooves, all of which extend along the longitudinal axis of the rail 180 to allow wheels of the bogie 1 to extend at least partially into the grooves as the bogie is moved across the rail 180.

[0045] The chair 120 comprises a seat 121, a backrest 122 as well as a footrest 123. The bogie 1 is provided with a leveling mechanism 130 which is attached to the chair and is adapted for maintaining the seat 121 in a position in which it extends substantially horizontally during travel of the bogie along the rail 180. The bogie further comprises a first bracket 30 which is provided with a first set of guide wheels, and a second bracket 50 which is provided with a second set ofguide wheels. The first bracket 30 and second bracket 50 are interconnected by a differential mechanism 10, which allows the guide wheels of the brackets 30,50 to maintain good contact with the rail 180, even when the guide wheels of both brackets 30,50 are in contact with the curved section 182, or when the guide wheels of one of the brackets are in contact with the curved section 182, while the guide wheels of the other of the brackets are in contact with one of the straight sections 181, 183. Figs. 2A and 2B show in more detail how the brackets 30,50 are interconnected by the differential mechanism 10, and Figs. 3A and 3B show a detail of the differential mechanism 10 and an exploded view thereof.

[0046] Reference is made to Fig. 2A, which shows a top view of the bogie 1 of Fig. 1 in isolation, i.e. without the chair and the rail of Fig. 1, and Fig. 2B which shows a bottom view of the bogie 1.

[0047] The top view of Fig. 2A shows that the bogie 1 comprises a wheel drive 20 which comprises an electromotor 21 for driving rotation of a drive shaft 22 around drive axis D. Fig. 2B shows more clearly that a drive wheel 23 is attached to said shaft 22, so that activation of the motor 21 will cause rotation of the drive wheel which in turn will cause the bogie 1 to be moved along the stairlift rail 180. In the embodiment shown, the drive wheel 23 is provided with a plurality of pins 24 around its circumference, which pins are adapted for engaging corresponding openings in a strip that is arranged in the top groove of the stairlift rail. It will however be appreciated that instead of such a drive wheel 23, a toothed drive wheel may be used wherein teeth of the toothed drive wheel are adapted for meshing with a toothed rack that is mounted on the stairlift rail, e.g. mounted in a groove of the stairlift rail.

[0048] The bogie 1 comprises a first bracket 30 which is provided with a first set of guide wheels 31a - 36a, 31b - 36b, respectively for contacting the rail 180 at the sides of the rail where the rail is provided with the grooves 180a and 180b. The bogie further comprises a second bracket 50 which is provided with a second set of guide wheels 51a - 56a, 51b - 56b, respectively also for contacting the rail 180 at those sides of the rail where the rail is provided with the grooves 180a and 180b. The guide wheels 31a - 36a, 31b - 36b, 51a - 56a, 51b - 56b are not driven, i.e. rotation of the guide wheels is not caused by a motor or power source that is connected to a shaft of any of the guide wheels. Instead, movement of the bogie over a rail is driven by the drive wheel, and the guide wheels merely rotate to follow that movement.

[0049] As can be more clearly seen in Fig. 2B the drive wheel 23 is arranged between the brackets 30, 50. The bracket 30, 50 are connected to each other via the differential mechanism 10, so that, when the bogie traverses a curve, the force exerted by the guide wheels 31a - 36a, 31b -36b, and 51a - 56a, 51b - 56b can be substantially evenly distributed between the guide wheels of the two brackets. Moreover, as the drive wheel 23 is located between the two brackets 30,50,the drive wheel remains substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the rail, even when the bogie traverses a 3-dimensional curve, e.g. such as formed by the curved section 182.

[0050] Fig. 3A schematically shows a detailed view of the differential mechanism 10. Fig. 3B shows an exploded view of Fig. 3A, which more clearly shows that the differential mechanism 10 comprises a support block 16, with 4 shafts 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d for supporting thereon two opposing pinion gears 13, 14 and a first side gear 11 which is opposite to a second side gear 12. The shafts are arranged such that the shaft axes of opposite shafts coincide with each other, and such that all shaft axes intersect in a single point. The first side gear 11 is rotation fixedly attached to a first connector block 70, which first connector block 70 comprises a shaft 71 which extends normal to an axis A around which the first side gear 11 can rotate, and which is adapted for coupling with the first bracket 30 in such a manner that the first bracket is rotatable relative to the gear 11 around the longitudinal axis of the shaft 71. The second side gear 12 is rotation fixedly attached to a second connector block 80, which connector block comprises a shaft 81 which extends normal to the axis A around which the second side gear can rotate as well. The shaft 81 is adapted for coupling with the second bracket 50 in such a manner that the second bracket is rotatable relative to the gear 12 around the longitudinal axis of the shaft 81. The differential mechanism 10 further comprises a third connector block 90 which is rotatably mounted on the support block 16 to rotate relative to the support block around an axis normal to axis A and axis B. The third connector block 90 comprises openings 91a, 91b for attaching it to the frame 2 by means of a shaft. The third connector block 90 comprises a gear 15 that meshes with the pinion gears 13,14, so that rotation of the pinion gears relative to the support block around axis B results in rotation of the third connector block relative to the support block around the axis normal to axes A and B.

[0051] The pinion gears 13 and 14 are provided with teeth along parts 13a, 14a of their circumference, and are truncated at sides 13b, 14b which face away from the gear 15. Thus, during use, the gears 13 and 14 take up less space at their lower side, allowing the differential mechanism 10 to be placed closer to the drive wheel 23 without the gears 13, 14 contacting the drive wheel. The pinion gears 13, 14 mesh with side gears 11, 12 as well as with gear 15 that is rotation fixedly connected to the third connector block 90.

[0052] The side gears 11, 12 are provided with teeth along their respective parts 11a, 11c and 12a and 12c, and are truncated at their sides lib, lid and 12b, 12d. Though the side gears mesh with the pinion gears 13, 14, the side gears do not mesh with the chair support gear. As the side gears are truncated at their sides proximate to the chair support gear, the chair support gear can rotate at least partially while remaining completely spaced apart from the side gears 11, 12.Fig. 4A shows a cross-sectional side view through the straight section 181 of the rail shown in Fig. 1, in a plane normal to the longitudinal direction of the straight section. As can be seen, the first bracket 30 extends substantially normal to the straight section 181.

[0053] Fig. 4B shows a cross-sectional side view through the straight section 181 of the rail shown in Fig. 1, in a plane normal to the longitudinal direction of the straight section, but with the first bracket 30 omitted to more clearly show the second bracket 50. Fig. 4B shows that the second bracket 50 is substantially normal to the curved section 182.

[0054] Fig. 5A shows an example of a bar differential mechanism 510, as may be used as a differential mechanism in a bogie of the invention. Instead of gears, the differential mechanism 510 comprises shafts. In particular, as can be seen in the exploded view of Fig. 5B, the bar mechanism 510 comprises a support block 516, on which first and second connector blocks 570, 580 are mounted so as to be rotatable around first axis A. Engagement elements 520, 530 are rotatably mounted on the support block 516 to be rotatable around second axis B which is perpendicular to axis A. The first and second connector blocks are provided with protrusions, here in the form of cylindrical shafts 571, 572, 581, 582, which extend into recesses 522, 523, 532, 533 of the engagement elements 520, 530 such that rotation of the engagement elements relative to the support block 516 around axis B causes a rotation of the first and second connector blocks 570, 580 relative to the support block around axis A. The differential mechanism 510 further comprises a third connector block 590, which is rotatable relative to the support block 516 around axis C, which is normal to axis A and axis B. The third connector block 590 is provided with protrusions in the form of cylindrical shafts 591, 592 which extend into recesses 521, 531 of the engagement elements 520, 530 such that rotation of the engagement elements relative to the support block 516 around axis B causes a rotation of the third connector block 590 relative to the support block around axis C.

Claims

CLAI MS1. Bogie (1) for moving a chair (120) along a stairlift rail (180), comprising:a frame (2);a wheel drive (20), attached to the frame (2) and comprising a drive wheel (23) for contacting the stairlift rail, wherein the wheel drive (20) is adapted for rotating the drive wheel (23) around a drive axis (D) to drive movement of the bogie (1) along the stairlift rail (180); a first bracket (30) provided with a first set of guide wheels (31a - 36a, 31b -36b) adapted for contacting the stairlift rail; anda second bracket (50) provided with a second set of guide wheels (51a-56a, 51b-56b) adapted for contacting the stairlift rail;a differential mechanism (10) comprising:- a support block (16; 516) connected to the frame (2);- a first connector block (70; 570) and a second connector block (80; 580) which are rotatably mounted on the support block (16; 516) to be rotatable relative to the support block (16; 516) around a first common axis (A), and- one or more engagement elements (13,14; 520, 530) which are rotatably mounted on the support block (16; 516) to be rotatable around a second common axis (B) which is normal to the first common axis (A) and adapted for engaging the first and second connector block (70; 570, 80; 580) in such a manner that rotation of the one or more engagement elements (13,14; 520,530) relative to the support block (16; 516) around the second common axis (B) results in rotation of the first and second connector block (70,80; 570, 580) relative to the support block in opposite directions around the first common axis (A);wherein the first bracket (30) is rotatably mounted to the first connector block (70; 570) to be rotatable relative to the first connector block (70; 570) around a third axis (E), and wherein the second bracket (50) is rotatably mounted to the second connector block to be rotatable relative to the second connector block (80; 580) around a fourth axis (F).

2. Bogie according to claim 1, wherein the differential mechanism (10) further comprises a third connector block (90; 590) via which the support block is connected to the frame (2), wherein the third connector block (90;590) is rotatably mounted to the support block (16; 516) to be rotatable relative to the support block (16; 516) around a fifth axis (C) normal to the first common axis (A) and the second common axis (B).

3. Bogie according to claim 2, wherein the third connector block (90; 590) engages the one or more engagement elements (13,14; 520, 530) in such a manner that rotation of the one or more engagement elements relative to the support block (16; 516) around the second common axis (B) results in rotation of the third connector block (90; 590) relative to the support block around the fifth axis (C).

4. Bogie according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connector block (70) comprises a first side gear (11), the second connector block comprises a second side gear (12), and wherein the one or more engagement elements (13, 14) comprise one or more pinion gears (13, 14) engaging the first and second side gear (11, 12).

5. Bogie according to claim 4, wherein the third connector block (90) comprises a gear (15) which engages the at least one pinion gear (13,14).

6. Bogie according to claim 5, wherein the gear (15) of the third connector block (90) is truncated at a side (15b) proximate to the first side gear (11) and spaced apart from the first side gear (11), and wherein the gear (15) of the third connector block is truncated at a side (15d) proximate to the second side gear (12) and spaced apart from the second side gear (12).

7. Bogie according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the one or more engagement elements comprise two pinion gears (13,14), and wherein the pinion gears and side gears (11, 12, 13, 14) substantially surround the support block (16) on four sides.

8. Bogie according to any one of claims 4-7, wherein each of the pinion gears (13, 14) is truncated at a side (13b, 14b) proximate to the drive wheel (23).

9. Bogie according to any one of claims 4-8, wherein each of the side gears (11, 12) is truncated at a side (lid, 12d) proximate to the drive wheel (23).

10. Bogie according to any one of claims 4-9, wherein each of the side gears (11, 12) is truncated at a side (lib, 12b) proximate to the gear (15) of the third connector block (90).

11. Bogie according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first connector block (570) and second connector block (580) each comprise one or more first protrusions (571,572, 581,582) whicheach extend partially into a corresponding recess (522, 523, 532, 533) of the at least one engagement element (520, 530), or wherein at least one engagement element each comprises one or more first protrusions which each extend partially into a corresponding recess of the first connector block and second connector block.

12. Bogie according to claim 11, wherein the third connector block (590) comprises one or more protrusions (591, 592) which each extend at least partially into a corresponding recess (521, 531) of the at least one engagement element (520, 530).

13. Bogie according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first set of guide wheels (31a-36a, 31b-36b) and / or second set of guide wheels (51a-56a,51b-56b) comprises wheels for engaging the rail (180) on two opposite sides of the rail.

14. Bogie according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive axis (D) is arranged between the first bracket (30) and second bracket (50).

15. Bogie according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive wheel (23) is a toothed drive wheel or is a wheel comprising pins (24) arranged around the circumference of the wheel with the longitudinal axis normal to the axis of rotation of the drive wheel.

16. Assembly (100) comprising:a bogie (1) according to any one of the preceding claims; anda chair (120) supported on the bogie.

17. Assembly according to claim 16, further comprising a stairlift rail (180; 181, 182, 183), wherein the stairlift rail comprises a curved section (182) which, when seen in projection onto a horizontal plane, defines a curve, and wherein said curved section, when seen in projection onto a vertical plane, has a begin point and an end point, wherein said begin point is vertically spaced apart from said end point.

18. Assembly according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the rail (180) comprises a first groove (180a), a second groove (180b) and a third groove (180c), which grooves are spaced apart from each other and extend substantially along the entire length of the rail.

19. Assembly according to claim 18, wherein the drive wheel (23) is arranged for partiallyextending into the third groove (180c) with its axis of rotation (D) arranged outside of the third groove (180c) and substantially normal to the longitudinal direction of the first groove (180a) and / or second groove (180b).

20. Assembly according to claim 18 or 19, wherein one or more wheels (31a, 32a; 51a, 52a) of both the first set of guide wheels and the second set of guide wheels are arranged for partially extending into the first groove (180a) with each axis of rotation of said one or more wheels arranged substantially within the first groove and normal to the longitudinal direction of the third groove (180c); and / orwherein one or more wheels (31b,32b;51b, 52b) of both the first set of guide wheels and the second set of guide wheels is adapted for partially extending into the second groove (180b) with each axis of rotation of said one or more wheels arranged substantially within the second groove and normal to the longitudinal direction of the third groove (180c).

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