CA-3169699-C - STAIRLIFT SAFETY SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention refers to a stairlift safety system comprising as component parts: - a component adapted to send and receive an electromagnetic signal, wherein said component preferably comprises a light emitting device and a light receiving device, e.g., an LED and a photo resistor, i.e., an opto-coupler; - an electromagnetic signal interrupter, e.g., a movable vane; - a movable activator; - a processor; wherein the signal interrupter is adapted to interrupt a first electromagnetic signal via movement of the activator, wherein the activator is preferably moved by the stairlift user.

Inventors

• Paul Kasbergen
• Cornelis Boxum
• Bert Blokzijl

Assignees

• TK HOME SOLUTIONS B.V.

Dates

Publication Date

20260505

Application Date

20210528

Priority Date

20200529

Claims (12)

1. Claims 1. A stairlift safety system, comprising: a component configured to send an electromagnetic signal and receive the electromagnetic signal; a movable activator configured to be moved by a user; and an electromagnetic signal interrupter operatively coupled to said movable activator that is configured to interrupt a first electromagnetic signal sent by, and received in, said component, upon movement of said activator; and a processor configured to recognize an interruption of the first electromagnetic signal in said component and initiate a safety action in a stairlift in response thereto.
2. 2. The stairlift safety system of claim 1, wherein for said safety action, said processor is configured to trigger an emergency stop operation in the stairlift upon a first interruption of the first electromagnetic signal.
3. 3. The stairlift safety system of claim 2, wherein said activator is configured to return to its original position immediately after having interrupted the first electromagnetic signal.
4. 4. The stairlift safety system of claim 2, wherein said processor is further configured to one of trigger a reset operation or maintain an emergency stop operation upon a second interruption of the first electromagnetic signal.
5. 5. The stairlift safety system of claim 1, wherein said component, said movable activator, and said signal interrupter are operatively coupled to a printed circuit board that has a slot defined therein, wherein said signal interrupter is movable within the slot.
6. 6. The stairlift safety system of claim 1, wherein said component comprises: a device that emits electromagnetic radiation; and a device that can receive electromagnetic radiation. Date re~ue/Date received 2024-01-31 11
7. 7. The stairlift safety system of claim 1, wherein said component, said movable activator, and said signal interrupter are disposed one of in, or on, a chair of a stairlift.
8. 8. The stairlift safety system of claim 1, wherein said component, said movable activator, and said signal interrupter are disposed one of in, or on, an armrest section of a chair of a stairlift.
9. 9. The stairlift safety system of claim 8, wherein a top surface of said activator is aligned with an outermost surface of said armrest.
10. 10. A method of operating a stairlift, comprising: providing a stairlift safety system as described in claim 1; interrupting a first electromagneticsignal; registering an electronic signal at the processor in response to said interrupted first electromagnetic signal; communicating the interruption in signals to a stairlift control unit; and triggering a response in the stairlift.
11. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: interrupting the first electromagnetic signal a second time, at least one second after the first interruption, to trigger a reset operation.
12. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: interrupting the first electromagnetic signal a second time, within one second afterthe first interruption, to maintain an emergency stop operation. Date re~ue/Date received 2024-01-31

Description

1 Stairlift safety system Technical field of invention The invention relates to a stairlift safety system comprising as component parts: s - a component adapted to send and receive an electromagnetic signal, wherein said component preferably comprises a light emitting device and a light receiving device, e.g., an LED and a photo resistor, i.e., an opto-coupler; - an electromagnetic signal interrupter, e.g., a movable vane; - a movable activator; 10 - a processor; wherein the signal interrupter is adapted to interrupt a first electromagnetic signal via movement of the activator, wherein the activator is moved by the stairlift user. Background A stairlift is a product which is typically meant for people with impaired mobility to provide 1s support in travelling up and down a staircase whilst maintaining the functionality of the stairs for persons who are able to climb the stairs themselves. The stairlift is often installed in a person's home and typically comprises a drive unit that is arranged to drive a user carrier, e.g., a chair or a wheelchair platform, along a rail, mounted on or along one or more flights of a staircase. 20 Sate of the art An emergency stop function in a stairlift needs to be reliable and is usually embodied as a button, which is normally placed in the armrest just behind the joystick. A known way for an emergency stop button to function is by using a normally closed contact with direct opening characteristics, which means that the operating force is directly transferred to the electrical 2s contact without having spring-loaded elements in-between. When the button is activated, it is required to maintain its activated state -this is known as "latching"- until the button is reset. The reset function needs to be accomplished in a way that any unintended reset action is prevented, e.g., pulling the button, rotating the button, or pushing a separate reset button. It is CA 03169699 2022- 8- 26 2 common for such a button to be bought directly "off the shelf'. However, in certain cases, these "off the shelf'' solutions are too big, or too expensive, or both to fit into the armrest of the stairlift. WO 2004/083093 A2 relates to improvements in stairlifts, in particular, it relates to a hands operated interface through which a stairlift user can control the operation of the stairlift. The interface is configured for comfortable reception in the palm of the hand and its position may be adjusted along the axis of the armrest of the stairlift chair to best suit the arm length of the user. The interface may also incorporate a power isolation switch which provides both a visual and a tactile indication of whether or not the stairlift controls are activated for use. In this 10 application, the control interface is incorporated into a forward part of the armrest and its position can be adapted according to the preferred ergonomics of the user. It is pivotable about a substantially vertical axis and is shaped for comfortable receipt in the palm of a user. However, the art fails to address the need of having an electronically latching system in a stairlift, in particular an emergency stop button, in particular in the armrest of a stairlift which 1s can not only be easily controlled by a user but which is simple in terms of both its operation and installation, improves safety and is also suitable for any type of stairlift armrest. Summary of invention It is thus an object of the invention, to provide an electronic latching system adapted for the armrest of a stairlift, wherein said system is designed to prevent unintended use of the 20 emergency stop function whilst also providing an emergency stop system that is simpler in its operation and has improved safety. Date re~ue/Date received 2024-01-31 3 Description of invention The invention refers to a stairlift safety system comprising as component parts: - a component adapted to send and receive an electromagnetic signal, wherein said component preferably comprises a light emitting device and a light receiving device, e.g., an LED and a s photo resistor, i.e., an opto-coupler; - an electromagnetic signal interrupter, e.g., a movable vane; - a movable activator; - a processor; wherein the signal interrupter is adapted to interrupt a first electromagnetic signal via 10 movement of the activator, wherein the activator is moved by the stairlift user and wherein the processor is adapted to trigger an emergency stop operation upon a first interruption of the first electromagnetic signal. This advantageously provides a safety system that is simple in both its installation and operation. 1s In an embodiment of the invention, the processor is adapted to trigger any other mechanism upon a first interruption of the first electromagnetic signal. An example of another mechanism can include, but is not limited to, a safety mechanism e.g. a folding and unfolding system. In an embodiment of the invention, the activator is adapted to return to its original position immedia