STAIRLIFT REMOTE CONTROL UNIT

Abstract

The present disclosure refers to a remote control unit adapted to control a stairlift, wherein the stairlift comprises, a rail, a drive unit having a platform, such as a chair or a lifting ramp for a wheelchair, for driving along the rail, a first control unit arranged at and connected to the drive unit. The remote control unit is arranged separately from the drive unit and is wirelessly connected to the drive unit. The first control unit and the remote control unit are adapted to control the drive unit independently of each other. The remote control unit is adapted to instruct the drive unit to perform multiple functions (A-J) via wireless transmission. The present disclosure also relates to a method of controlling a stairlift.

Claims

1. A remote control unit adapted to control a stairlift, the remote control unit comprises: a stairlift having: a rail; a drive unit having comprising a platform for driving along the rail; and a first control unit arranged at the drive unit; wherein: the remote control unit is arranged separately from the drive unit; the first control unit and the remote control unit are adapted to control the drive unit independently of each other; and the remote control unit is adapted to instruct the drive unit to perform multiple functions A-J via wireless transmission.

2. The remote control unit according to claim 1, wherein the multiple functions A-J further comprise: pairing; and at least one further function selected from the group comprising attendant control, repeater, and call and park.

3. The remote control unit according to claim 2, wherein the multiple functions further comprise any one or more of: call device; key lock; chair-user up/down control; stairlift lock; and service unit.

4. The remote control unit according to claim 1, wherein: the platform has a chair having a footrest, and at least one of the multiple functions B-J is adapted to control the folding and unfolding of the footrest.

5. The remote control unit according to claim 1, wherein: the platform includes a lifting ramp for a wheelchair, the remote control unit is adapted to control the lifting ramp.

6. The remote control unit according to claim 5, wherein the lifting ramp further includes a guard.

7. The remote control unit according to claim 6, wherein the lifting ramp, including the guard are adapted to be operated by the remote control device.

8. The remote control unit according to claim 1, wherein the remote control unit is adapted to control the drive unit from a distance in a range of up to 45 meters.

9. The remote control unit according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one of a mobile remote control, a fixed device, and a smartphone.

10. The remote control unit according to claim 1 wherein the remote control unit is adapted to replace the first control unit.

11. A method of controlling a stairlift the method comprising the steps of: providing a remote control unit having a rail; a drive unit having a platform for driving along the rail; and a first control unit arranged at the drive unit; wherein: the remote control unit is arranged separately from the drive unit; the first control unit and the remote control unit are adapted to control the drive unit independently of each other; and the remote control unit is adapted to instruct the drive unit to perform multiple functions A-J via wireless transmission; selecting function A at the remote control unit to pair the remote control unit with the drive unit; and selecting at least one first further function B-J at the remote control unit.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: selecting at least one second further function B-J at the remote unit or the platform.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein selecting function (B) at the remote control unit is within a distance of up to 5 meters of the platform.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein selecting function (D) at the remote control unit (20) is within a distance in a range of up to 45 meters from the platform.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

[0036] FIG. 1a shows a schematic representation of a stairlift in the art;

[0037] FIG. 1b shows a schematic representation of an alternative stairlift in the art;

[0038] FIG. 1c shows a schematic representation of a stairlift according to one or more embodiments shown and described in the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 2a shows a schematic representation of a control unit according to one or more embodiments shown and described in the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 2b shows a schematic representation of a control unit according to one or more embodiments shown and described in the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 2c shows a schematic representation of a control unit according to one or more embodiments shown and described in the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a control unit according to one or more embodiments shown and described in the present disclosure; and

[0043] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a control unit according to one or more embodiments shown and described in the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] FIG. 1a shows a stairlift 1 for use with a wheelchair. The platform 8 includes a lifting ramp which can travel along a direction of travel D from a first landing area 4 to a second landing area 5. The direction of travel D is defined by a rail 2 and can be limited by the course of an existing stairway 3 in a house.

[0045] In this example, the rail 2 has a curved shape, which deviates from a straight line; thus the direction of travel will change at least once during the course of the rail 2.

[0046] The platform 8 is comprised in a drive unit 6, wherein said drive unit 6 further includes a carrier 7. The carrier 7 has non-shown rollers, which roll along the rail 2. For driving the carrier 7 positive engagements component (shown in detail in FIG. 1b) are provided on the rail 2, which cooperates with a driving member, such as a driven pinion (not shown), of the drive unit 6. A leveling mechanism 9 is provided on the drive unit 6, to keep the platform 8 in a horizontal orientation, even if the inclination of the rail 2 varies during its course.

[0047] At the landing areas 4, 5 a call button device 10 is provided. By pressing a button of the call button device 10 a user located at the respective landing area 4, 5 can request that the platform 8 to move in a certain direction e.g. up or down or in direction of one of the landing areas 4, 5; this is known as a ‘Call-and-Park’-function.

[0048] FIG. 1b shows a stairlift 1 similar to the one shown in FIG. 1a, only instead of the platform 8 including a lifting ramp for a wheelchair, it now includes a chair for a user to sit on. A control unit 12 is arranged at the drive unit 6 as well as a control interface 11. The control interface enables the user on the chair 8 to give instructions to the drive unit 6 on the intended driving direction. As an example, the control interface 11 can be a button 11 or a joystick 11. In the example shown, the control interface 11 is a joystick.

[0049] The inventive stairlift 1 is now described in more detail with the help of FIGS. 1c to 6. FIG. 1c shows a stairlift 1 similar to the one shown in FIG. 1b, only now it includes a remote control unit 20 according to the present disclosure. The remote control unit 20 is separate from the drive unit 6 and does not need to be in the immediate vicinity of the stairlift 1. This will be explained in further detail below in relation to the specific functionalities.

[0050] FIGS. 2a to 3 detail various embodiments of the inventive control unit 20. For ease of reference only the drive unit 6 of the stairlift 1 is illustrated. The first control unit 12 is connected, wirelessly or otherwise, to the drive unit 6. The remote control unit 20 is adapted to be wirelessly connected to i.e., “paired” with the drive unit 6 and is programmed to perform various functions i.e., functions A, to K, which removes the need to perform the same functions at the chair 8 via the control unit 12. The control unit 12 however, is still fully functioning.

[0051] Function A relates to “Pairing”, i.e., the process of wirelessly connecting the remote control unit 20 with the drive unit 6—this ensures that any other functionality can be carried out. Without pairing, the remote control unit 20 cannot work, therefore in FIG. 2a, function A is the first basic function that the remote control unit 20 is adapted to perform. In this example, the remote control unit 20 is a hand held remote control.

[0052] During the pairing procedure, a frequency band is set in the control board of the drive unit 6, wherein said frequency band is based on a country specific setting. This is explained in further detail in the Applicant's patent application WO 2020/038794 A1.

[0053] The remote control unit 20 may also include any one or combination of functions B to K:

[0054] Function B relates to “Attendant Control” where an attendant person can use the remote control unit 20 to move the drive unit 6 over the entire rail 2, whilst walking up or down the stairs. This function can also be combined with the operation of an automatic folding functionality e.g., when the chair 8 includes a folding footrest. When using the “Attendant Control” functionality, the remote control unit 20 is adapted to function only within a range between approximately 1-3 m from the chair 8, in order for the attendant person to stay close to the person sitting on the chair. In this example, the range is up to 3 m. Therefore, if an attendant person is further than 3 m away from the person sitting on the chair 8, they cannot activate function B. However, this range is non-limiting and may be greater than 3 m or less than 1 m.

[0055] Function C relates to a “Repeater” (range extender). The purpose of this function comes into play when there are multiple floors over which the stairlift 1 travels. In these situations, the wireless signals involved may not be strong enough to reach the chair 8 and vice versa for example, when the chair 8 is several floors above or below the location of the remote control unit 20. By having the remote control unit 20 function as a repeater, it enables the stairlift 1 to be activated regardless of its position on the rail 2.

[0056] Function D relates to “Call & Park” as described earlier in relation to FIG. 1a. This function allows for the moving (“calling”) of the stairlift to a dedicated boarding position or to a dedicated parking position. This function can also be combined with the operation of an automatic folding functionality e.g., when the chair 8 includes a folding footrest. Therefore not only can the stairlift be called to a certain location, but it can be adjusted accordingly to allow a user to enter it directly without having to further manipulate the controls at the chair 8. This improves user comfort and safety.

[0057] When using “Call & Park”, the remote control unit 20 is adapted to function within a long range since it has to be able to call a stairlift 1 which is sitting at a terminal end of the rail from the opposite terminal end of the rail. In this example, the rail has a length of 35 m, therefore this function is designed to be activated within a range of up to 35 m from the chair 8.

[0058] Function E relates to a “Call device base station” which allows a user to make a phone call, for example by a DECT-based module, or a wi-fi based connection, which can optionally be incorporated into the remote control unit 20. A DECT module can be connected with for example, a microphone, a speaker or a command button. When a DECT module is used, a base station is needed to connect the DECT signals to a landline (see Applicant's application WO 2018/215238 which is herein incorporated by reference). By incorporating function E into the remote control unit 20, the holder of the remote control unit 20 e.g., a user or an attendant person, can implement this function and improve user safety.

[0059] Function F relates to a “Key-lock”. This is designed to lock the stairlift 1 so that it is not responsive to a driving command initiated at the chair 8, e.g., a joystick command; an emergency lowering command; a folding or unfolding command, but it is responsive to a command initiated at the remote control unit 20. This is useful when multiple users are using the stairlift 1, e.g., when installed in a porch, or in a building with several apartments or in a hotel. In these situations, each user has to be able to call the lift to their desired boarding position on a particular floor before unlocking the user controls, e.g., joystick, emergency brake etc. In this case, the remote control unit 20 must be located somewhere that prevents unauthorized use, e.g., behind a door/desk, in a cabinet, so that only authorized persons can operate the lift 1.

[0060] Alternatively, the stairlift 1 can be locked entirely—including both the chair 8 and the remote control unit 20. Now the location of the remote unit 20 is no longer a concern. In order to unlock the stairlift 1, the user has to log on to the remote control unit 20 using e.g., a personalized RF-ID (see Applicant's patent application WO 2019238736 A1 for further information) which transmits a signal to unlock the stairlift 1 enabling a user to travel on it.

[0061] The functions G to J are normally included in the joystick 11, however, according to the present disclosure, they are also incorporated into the remote control unit 20 so that the joystick 11 and remote control unit 20 become harmonized.

[0062] Function G relates to specific driving commands. For example, to the command “Chair-user up/down”. Such driving commands are usually comprised within a joystick unit at the chair 8, however according to the present disclosure, they can be introduced to the remote control unit 20.

[0063] Function H relates to a “Stairlift lock” wherein instead of using a key or an RF-ID device to unlock the stairlift 1, the control unit 12, is disabled. By introducing such a disabling feature into the remote control unit 20, it ensures no unauthorized access to the stairlift 1 and prevents abuse, thereby improving the lifespan of the lift 1.

[0064] Function J relates to a “Service unit”. A service unit is normally associated with a control unit which is equipped with controls to change the configuration settings of a stairlift 1, e.g., phone numbers for the DECT module (e.g. function E), key-lock settings (e.g. function F), settings of the rail data (e.g., speed; swivel angles; boarding positions); sound or voice signals. Currently a service unit is provided via a dedicated service board in the drive unit of a stairlift. According to the present disclosure however, this function can be incorporated into the remote control device 20.

[0065] The remote control unit 20 is shown in various embodiments in FIGS. 2b to 6.

[0066] In FIG. 2b, the remote control unit 20 is arranged separately from the drive unit 6. In this example the remote control unit 20 is a hand held remote control and is programmed to perform the functions: A, B, C and D. Once the pairing function A is complete, any of functions B to D can be selected and performed. When for example, function B is selected, a wireless signal is sent to the drive unit 6 and the chair 8 responds accordingly. Should the chair 8 also have a foldable footrest, this function can control its folding and unfolding thereby removing the need to select this function on the chair 8 itself via the first control unit 12.

[0067] In FIG. 2c, the remote control unit 20 is arranged separately from the drive unit 6. In this example the remote control unit 20 is a hand held remote control and is programmed to perform the functions: A, B, C, D, E and F. Once the pairing function A is complete, any of functions B to F can be selected and performed, thereby removing the need to select it at the chair 8 via the first control unit.

[0068] In FIG. 3, the remote control unit 20 is arranged separately from the drive unit 6. In this example the remote control unit 20 is a smartphone and is programmed to perform the functions: A, B, E, F and J. In this case, the smartphone 20 is programmed via an application or “app” 21 which is downloaded and installed on the smartphone. As with the previous embodiments, pairing between the smartphone and the drive unit 6 of the stairlift 1 has to take place (function A). Once the pairing is complete, any of functions B, E, F and/or J can be selected and performed, thereby removing the need to select it at the chair 8.

[0069] FIG. 4 shows a stairlift 1 when a malfunction (shown by the “x”) has occurred in the connection between the first control unit 12 and the drive unit 6. In this situation, however, the remote control unit 20 is still capable of controlling the drive unit 6 since it has a separate connection. Therefore, the stairlift 1 is still able to provide service to a user—and can facilitate the user in reporting the malfunction e.g., via activating function E at the remote control unit 20.

[0070] It is to be understood that aspects of the various embodiments described hereinabove may be combined with aspects of other embodiments while still falling within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. The assembly of the present disclosure described hereinabove is defined by the claims, and all changes that fall within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.