EP0135452B1 - Lifting device with at least one telescopic mast - Google Patents

Abstract

An elevator has a horizontal chassis, a telescopingly extensible and retractable mast having upper and lower ends, a guide extending along the mast between its ends, and a platform adapted to support a worker and displaceable in the guide along the mast between its ends. The lower end of the mast is pivoted on the chassis for movement of the mast relative to the chassis between an erect position with the upper end above the lower end and a recumbent position with the mast lying on the chassis and the mast ends generally level with each other. This axis is sufficiently above the chassis that in the recumbent position the platform can lie between the chassis and the mast. The chassis has opposite ends, one of which carries the mast and pivot. The center of mass of the mass is horizontally between the pivot axis and the other chassis end so that a drive connected between the chassis and the mast first pivots the mast about the axis from the recumbent to the erect position and then vertically extends the mast and raises the platform. This drive is normally a motor mounted on the chassis and having a drum and a cable connected between the drum and the mast.

Description

The present invention relates to an elevator comprising at least one telescopic mast.

To date, there are several types of elevators comprising a platform or a nacelle making it possible to have one or more operators work at a certain height above the ground, for example for the maintenance or repair of building facades, high-rise lampposts, maintenance of hangars, etc.

A first type of elevator concerns hydraulic elevators comprising a gondola that can accept one or two people. The elevation is obtained by the movement of mechanically welded arms hinged together and generally controlled by hydraulic cylinders. Besides the fact that they are very expensive, these devices are bulky when folded to the ground.

Another type of elevator comprises a working platform animated by a vertical elevation movement obtained by the action of one or more hydraulic cylinders acting on a device of arms articulated together according to the technique known as "of chisel". These devices are heavy and expensive, and have, from a functional point of view, the disadvantage of a significant limitation in height.

A third type of elevator comprises a nacelle or working platform fixed to the end of a telescopic central mast, the vertical elevation movement being obtained by deployment of this mast using hydraulic or mechanical means.

Besides the fact that they are very expensive, these devices are bulky and very heavy.

There are also elevators with a single telescopic mast in which the folded mast occupies a very bulky vertical position above the chassis.

Finally, there are elevators comprising two telescopic masts disposed at two ends of the working platform, the vertical movement of the platform being obtained by simultaneous deployment or telescoping of the two masts from a single manual or electric winch.

However, the implementation of the elevator before the telescoping operation is long and delicate.

It consists in manually pivoting from the horizontal position or close to the horizontal to the vertical position the two masts. After having been manually locked in this position, the two vertical masts are equipped with the working platform. This constitutes a long operation and may present certain risks for the operator.

In the folded position, the two horizontal masts are superimposed, which constitutes a bulky solution, and requires an asymmetrical construction of the chassis mainly at the articulation of the masts.

The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

To this end, in the elevator that it relates to of the type comprising at least one telescopic mast articulated on a substantially horizontal frame near one of its ends around a horizontal axis (FR-E 2 294 980), the axis of articulation of the mast on the chassis is located in a horizontal plane above the upper plane of the chassis, to allow the housing of the platform between the chassis and the mast, when the latter is folded the horizontal, the platform remaining associated with each mast when the latter is horizontal.

This elevator has the advantage of being reduced in size and of constituting a complete device not requiring the addition of additional parts for the passage from the folded position to the unfolded position. In addition, the fact that in the folded position the masts are above the chassis allows, in addition to the housing of the platform, the housing of other members such as the motor for actuating the masts and the platform. form.

This elevator is equipped with means allowing, at first, the pivoting of each mast from its horizontal position to the vertical position, then the deployment of the masts and the displacement of the platform along them.

The automation of the means of actuation of the masts and of the platform allows a single operator to set up and deploy the elevator at the workplace without other operations than controlling the motorization of the masts and the platform.

Insofar as this breeder comprises several masts, associated with two opposite ends of the platform, the different masts are offset with respect to each other so as to pivot in parallel planes sufficiently distant from each other, so that the different masts can be juxtaposed in the same horizontal plane in the folded position.

This solution is very interesting because it ensures a high compactness of the device in the folded position, while simplifying its production by standardizing the parts used for the different masts, since these are articulated at the same distance from the chassis.

In accordance with another embodiment of this elevator, each mast is constituted by several telescopic tubular profiles fitted into one another, of which that of larger section comprises, on its face facing the middle of the apparatus, two profiles longitudinal forming guide rails for a carriage of the platform and of which that of smaller section, of length greater than that of the other profiles, is equipped, in its projecting portion thereof in the nested position of the different profiles, of two rails arranged in the extension of the previous ones, the means for driving the platform and for sliding the elements of each mast being such that, starting from the low position of the platform form, it is moved upwards until each carriage is engaged in the rails of the sections of smaller section, before the start of the sliding towards the outside of the different sections constituting the masts.

This solution is interesting, from an implementation point of view, since it allows the use of simple elements such as tubular sections, while making it possible to produce masts having excellent rigidity. In addition, from a practical point of view, it is advantageous that the platform is always in the high position of the masts because allowing the operator to be as close as possible to the area where an intervention must be carried out.

• Figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un premier élevateur à deux mâts, les mâts étant déployés et la plate-forme étant en position haute;
• Figure 2 en est une vue en perspective, les mâts étant basculés en position verticale et la plate-forme étant en position basse;
• Figure 3 en est une vue en perspective, les mâts étant en position repliée;
• Figure 4 est une vue en perspective d'une extrémité de la plate-forme et du chariot sur lequel elle est montée,;
• Figure 5 est une vue en coupe verticale et à échelle agrandie selon la ligne 5-5 de figure 2 de la partie inférieure d'un mât,;
• Figure 6 est une vue en coupe horizontale de la partie inférieure d'un mât selon la ligne 6-6 de figure 5;
• Figure 7 est une vue similaire à celle de figure 5 en position déverrouillée du mât,;
• Figure 8 est une vue de la partie inférieure d'un mât en position horizontale;
• Figure 9 est une vue très schématique du système d'entraînement des différents éléments de mâts;
• Figure 10 est une vue en coupe transversale passant par les extrémités superieures des différents élements d'un mât;
• Figure 11 est une vue en perspective d'une variante d'exécution d'un mât réalisé à partir de profilés tubulaires;
• Figure 12 est une vue très schématique du système d'entraînement des éléments du mât de figure 11;
• Figure 13 est une vue en perspective d'un premier chariot destiné à être guidé dans le mât de figure 11;
• Figures 14 et 15 sont deux vues partielles en coupe longitudinale. d'un mât equipé du chariot de figure 13, respectivement en position verticale et en position horizontale;
• Figures 16 et 17 sont deux vues partielles en coupe longitudinale d'un mât équipé d'un chariot constituant une variante d'exécution de celui de figure 13, respectivement en position verticale et en position horizontale;
• Figures 18 et 19 sont deux vues partielles, en coupe longitudinale, d'un mât equipe d'un chariot constituant une autre variante de celui de figure 13, respectivement en position verticale et en position horizontale;
• Figure 20 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un élévateur a deux mâts équipés d'une embase de surélévation du châssis;
• Figure 21 est une vue de côte de l'élévateur de figure 20 au cours du mouvement de pivotement des mâts de la position horizontale à la position verticale;
• Figure 22 est une vue de cêté de l'élévateur de figure 20, les mâts étant en position verticale;
• Figure 23 est une vue de côte de l'élévateur de figure 20, le châssis reposant sur l'embase de surélévation, et les mâts étant repliés en position horizontale, ;
• Figure 24 est une vue de côté d'un élévateur a un mât, celui-ci étant en position verticale;
• Figure 25 est une vue en coupe transversale de cet élévateur suivant la ligne 25-25 de figure 24;
• Figure 26 est une vue de cêté de cet élévateur, le mât étant déployé;
• Figure 27 est une vue de cêté de cet élévateur, le mât etant replié en position horizontale;
• Figure 28 est une vue en perspective et à échelle agrandie des moyens de verrouillage du mât.

Anyway, the invention will be well understood with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawing representing, by way of nonlimiting examples, several forms of execution of this lift :.

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first two-mast elevator, the masts being deployed and the platform being in the high position;
• Figure 2 is a perspective view, the masts being tilted in the vertical position and the platform being in the low position;
• Figure 3 is a perspective view, the masts being in the folded position;
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of one end of the platform and the carriage on which it is mounted;
• Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view on an enlarged scale along line 5-5 of Figure 2 of the lower part of a mast;
• Figure 6 is a horizontal sectional view of the lower part of a mast along line 6-6 of Figure 5;
• Figure 7 is a view similar to that of Figure 5 in the unlocked position of the mast;
• Figure 8 is a view of the lower part of a mast in a horizontal position;
• Figure 9 is a very schematic view of the drive system of the different mast elements;
• Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view passing through the upper ends of the different elements of a mast;
• Figure 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a mast made from tubular profiles;
• Figure 12 is a very schematic view of the drive system of the elements of the mast of Figure 11;
• Figure 13 is a perspective view of a first carriage intended to be guided in the mast of Figure 11;
• Figures 14 and 15 are two partial views in longitudinal section. a mast fitted with the carriage of Figure 13, respectively in vertical position and in horizontal position;
• Figures 16 and 17 are two partial views in longitudinal section of a mast equipped with a carriage constituting an alternative embodiment of that of Figure 13, respectively in vertical position and in horizontal position;
• Figures 18 and 19 are two partial views, in longitudinal section, of a mast fitted with a carriage constituting another variant of that of Figure 13, respectively in vertical position and in horizontal position;
• Figure 20 is a schematic perspective view of a two-mast elevator equipped with a base for raising the chassis;
• Figure 21 is a side view of the elevator of Figure 20 during the pivoting movement of the masts from the horizontal position to the vertical position;
• Figure 22 is a side view of the elevator of Figure 20, the masts being in vertical position;
• Figure 23 is a side view of the elevator of Figure 20, the frame resting on the raised base, and the masts being folded in a horizontal position;
• Figure 24 is a side view of a lift with a mast, the latter being in a vertical position;
• Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of this elevator along line 25-25 of Figure 24;
• Figure 26 is a side view of this elevator, the mast being deployed;
• Figure 27 is a side view of this elevator, the mast being folded in a horizontal position;
• Figure 28 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of the mast locking means.

The elevator, shown in Figures 1 to 10, comprises a horizontal frame (2) formed by a frame mounted on casters (3). However, it should be noted that this chassis could be placed on the platform of a vehicle, on a trailer, or be self-propelled depending on the desired use.

This chassis carries, at each of its ends, two series of supports (4) offset laterally with respect to each other, each series of supports (4) carrying, at its upper end, an axis (5) serving to the articulation of a mast (6). The axes of articulation (5) of the masts (6) are parallel and arranged in a horizontal plane situated above the chassis (2).

The axis of articulation (5) of each mast is arranged so that when it is in the vertical position, the vertical line passing through its center of gravity is located between the axis of articulation and the center of the 'apparatus, thus facilitating the tilting of the masts towards the horizontal position.

Each mast (6) comprises three telescopic parts, each of which consists of two spacer elements. Each element (7) has a double U shape, a groove (8) for housing and fixing spacers (9) ensuring its connection with the other element (7), and a groove (10) for guiding an element (7) of immediately lower section, or rollers (12) for the element of smaller section.

The rollers (12) belong to a carriage (13) associated with each mast. For this purpose, this carriage includes four braced rollers. One of the carriage spacers (13) has two vertical and parallel yokes (14) used for articulation about an axis parallel to the articulation axes (5) masts, a frame (15) carrying the platform (16). As shown in the drawing, this is fitted, in a known manner, with a railing (17), in the areas which are not located opposite the masts.

This mounting method of the platform and articulation of the masts makes it possible, when folding them horizontally, to accommodate the platform (16) under them, as shown in FIG. 3, which leads to a very compact design.

As shown in the drawing, each mast (6) is equipped with a system ensuring its locking in the vertical position. This system comprises two douiiles (18) integral with the chassis (2) forming strikes into which penetrate two bolts constituted by two rods (19) slidably mounted longitudinally to the mast in sleeves (20) and each subjected to the action of a spring (22) tending to cause the rod (19) to protrude from the lower end of the mast. During the passage of the mast from the horizontal position to the vertical position, each bolt (19) enters a keeper (18) at the end of the pivoting movement. This locking can only be released manually, for example using a stop (23) holding the bolts in the extended position, as shown in FIG. 7, requiring the operator to descend from the platform to unlock manually the two masts. This avoids that, as a result of a false maneuver, the operator causes the folding of the masts, while he is still on the platform.

Each mast is also equipped with a locking system for the various parts constituting it, when they are in the retracted position one inside the other. This system comprises a plate (24) integral with the second part of telescopic elements, comprising a central orifice (25) into which is intended to penetrate a rod (26) integral with the external part of the mast. This rod (26) is integral with a plate (27) connected by two columns (28), parallel to the rod (26), to another plate (29) located on the other side of the plate (24) by relative to the rod (26).

Springs (30) normally hold the rod (26) in the pushed position toward the locking plate (24). A stop (32), associated with each mast, is mounted on the chassis (2), against which the plate (29) comes to bear. When the mast arrives in a vertical position. The action exerted on the plate (29), transmitted by the columns (28), causes the withdrawal of the rod (26) out of the orifice (25) of the plate (24).

The different parts of the mast can then slide freely. During the folding period of the elevator, this locking occurs from the start of the pivoting of each mast, when the plate (29) escapes the stop (32).

Such an arrangement is advantageous because allowing the drive system, the operation of which is described below, to act only for the pivoting of the mast, as long as the latter is not in the vertical position.

The elevator drive means are constituted by an electric motor (33) located at the lower part of the chassis, comprising an output shaft on which two drums (34) are wedged on which two cables (35) are wound, according to reverse windings, each cable being associated with a mast.

Each cable (35) first passes over a pulley (36a) secured to the chassis. The axis of this pulley, like the axis of all the other pulleys described below, is parallel to the pivot axis of the mast in question. The cable (35) then passes over two pulleys (36b) and (37) mounted respectively at the lower and upper ends of the part of the largest section of the mast. The free end of the cable (35) is fixed at (38) to the lower end of the second part of the mast. A second cable (39) passing over a pulley (40) disposed at the upper end of the second part of the mast is fixed by its ends, respectively, at (42) at the high end of the part of larger section of the mast and in (43) in the lower part of the third part of the mast. Finally, a cable (44) passing over a pulley (45) in the upper part of the mast is fixed at its ends, at (46) at the upper end of the second part of the mast and at (47) on the platform. form.

From a practical point of view, the operation of this elevator from its folded position shown in FIG. 3 is as follows:

The actuation of the motor (33) causing a winding of the cables (35) on the drums (34) results, as shown in FIG. 8, by a tilting torque on the two masts (6) causing the passage of these- ci from the horizontal position to the vertical position. During this movement, the different parts of the two masts can not deploy, being kept locked relative to each other, thanks to the lock (26) - (30). When the masts arrive in a vertical position, pressing on the stops (32) causes the different parts of the masts to be unlocked relative to one another, thus enabling them to be deployed. In addition, when the masts arrive in a vertical position, they lock in the latter by engagement of the bolts (19) in the strikes (18).

The operator can then take place on the platform and control the continuation of the winding of the cables (35) on the drums (34). This operation is reflected by the cable circuit described above by the deployment of the telescopic parts of the two masts and the movement up the platform in the elements of the third telescopic part to reach the position shown in the figure 1.

To replicate the elevator, simply activate the electric motor (33) in the reverse position. The different parts of the two masts then penetrate into one another and the platform lowers until it comes to the position shown in Figure 2. The operator must then leave the platform to manually unlock the bolts ( 19) and keep them in the unlocked position using the stops (23). The further actuation of the motor (33) then allows pivoting of the two masts over the platform, with automatic locking of the telescopic elements of the two masts as soon as they escape the stops (32).

As soon as the masts tilt, each rod (26) engages in the plate (24), releasing the corresponding stop (23) and allowing the bolts (19) to exit under the action of the springs (22).

The mast (50), shown in FIG. 11, is made from three tubular profiles capable of fitting into each other, respectively a profile (52) of large section, a profile (53) of intermediate section, and a profile (54) of small section. On the face of the profile (52) turned towards the middle side of the device, are fixed two U-shaped profiles (55) forming guide rails for a carriage. The section (54) of smaller section is of greater length than that of the sections (52) and (53) so as to protrude therefrom when the three mast elements are in the nested position. On the part of the profile (54) projecting from the other two profiles are fixed two rails (56) arranged in the extension of the rails (55). The length of the rails (56) is sufficient to receive a support carriage for the platform (16).

From a practical point of view, the tilting movement of each mast and relative movement of the different elements of it, is obtained from an electric motor (57) integral with the chassis, the output shaft of which drives as many drums (58) as the elevator has masts. On the drum (58) is wound a cable (59) passing successively on pulleys (60) and (62) arranged in the lower part and in the upper part of the element (52), (63 and 64) arranged in the lower part and in the upper part of the element (53) and (65 and 66) disposed, respectively, in the lower part and in the upper part of the element (54), the free end of the cable being fixed at (67) on the platform (16) or the drive means thereof.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the carriage (13) having the structure described above is mounted on a plate (68) with the possibility of a slight axial displacement. This plate (68) has a hole (69) near its upper end for hanging the cable (59) and a hole (70) near its lower end for engaging a locking finger (72 ).

Indeed, in such a case, it is imperative to block the platform in the low position, in order to avoid the displacement of the latter along the masts before the latter have reached the vertical position. The finger (72) fulfills a function similar to that of the finger (26) described above and the means used identical to those which have been described bear the same reference.

As shown in Figure 14, when the platform (16) is in the down position, the finger (72) is released from the hole (70). When the masts are tilted horizontally, the finger (72) locks the plate (68), the carriage (13) being capable of sliding slightly along the plate (68), as shown in FIG. 15, to take into account the distance between the respective articulation axes of the mast on the chassis and the platform on the carriage.

Figures 16 and 17 show an alternative embodiment of the device shown in Figures 13 to 15. In this variant, where the same elements are designated by the same references as above, the carriage is rigidly mounted on a plate (68a) allowing a locking relative to the mast and the hanging of the cable (59). Under these conditions, the mounting of the platform (16) on the carriage is carried out by means of a rod (73) engaged in open rings (74) integral with the carriage (13), and closed by the intermediate locks (75) when the masts are in vertical position. When, starting from the position shown in FIG. 16, each mast swings towards its horizontal position, the latches (75) are actuated in the open position by pressing which they take on fingers (76) integral with the chassis. The platform (16) can thus escape the rings (74) and is disconnected from the carriages (1 3) resting directly on the chassis, as shown in Figure 17. When the masts (50) pass again vertical position, the rods (73) of the platform (16) automatically lock into the rings (74).

Figures 18 and 19 show another alternative embodiment in which the platform (16) is rigidly mounted on a carriage (76).

In addition, the carriage guide means (76) are constituted not only by the rails (55 and 56) of the masts, but also by rails (77) integral with the chassis which, in the vertical position of the masts, extend the integral rails. of these.

From a practical point of view, when the carriage (76) is in the low position, its guide rollers are located exclusively inside the rails (77). Therefore, the carriage (76) does not tilt with the mast with which it is associated, during the passage of the latter to the horizontal position, as shown in Figure 19. In this case, there is provided a locking system of the carriage by means of a finger (78) integral with the chassis, having the same mode of actuation as the locking fingers described above, capable of being retracted in the vertical position of the mast by the action of a stop (79 ) in solidarity with the latter. In the latter case, it is necessary to provide an additional pulley (80) for guiding the cable (59), in the junction zone between the rails (55) and (77).

Figures 20 to 23 of the drawing show an elevator equipped with a base for raising the chassis. Indeed, elevators of this type are often used for maintenance and repair work in factories, warehouses or department stores to carry out work at height on ventilation and heating ducts, electric cables, devices lifting, etc .... However, the premises being most often congested with machines or other fixed elements, it is not possible to position anywhere at ground level, the chassis of an elevator. To overcome these drawbacks, the elevator according to the invention can be equipped with an elevation base comprising two pairs of crutches (82), each of which has, on the one hand, means of attachment to a mast (6) and, on the other hand, fixing means on the chassis (2). To this end, each stand (83) has, in its upper part, two series of holes (84, 85) intended to cooperate with a series of holes (86, 87) formed, respectively, in a mast (6) or in the frame (2) for attachment to one or the other of these two elements. In addition, each stand (83) is equipped, at its lower end, on the one hand, with a wheel (88) and, on the other hand, a support pad (89) mounted at the end of a screw jack (90) with a longitudinal axis to the stand.

From a practical point of view, the two pairs of crutches (82) are fixed on the two masts (6) when these are in a horizontal position, with location of the holes (84, 86) according to the desired heightening of the chassis (2). Then, as shown in FIG. 21, the masts (6) are tilted, movement during which the wheels (88) are supported on the ground. The elevator is then positioned at the place of use, for example above a machine (92) after which, by using the jacks (90), it is placed in stable support on the pads (89), as shown in figure 22. If the device must be moved inside the same room, it is possible to fix by the holes (85, 87) the two pairs of crutches (82) on the frame (2) before fold the masts (6) horizontally, as described above, the device occupying the position shown in Figure 23.

FIGS. 24 to 28 represent a single mast elevator, comprising, like the elevator described above, a frame (2) near one end of which is arranged a pair of supports (4) at the upper part of which is articulated around a horizontal axis (5), the mast (93). In this case, the mast is formed not by open sections, but by a lower section (94) of larger tubular section, the following elements (95, 96) being tubular sections of which the one (95) is slidably mounted in that (94) and of which that (96) is slidably mounted in that (95). The internal profile (96) is equipped, at its upper end, with a tubular part (97) of the same section as the element (94), and coming to extend the latter when the different elements of the mast are fitted one in others. This elevator is equipped with a nacelle (98), the guidance of which on the mast (93) is achieved by means of a belt (99) bearing on the periphery of the mast by means of rollers (100) . From a practical point of view, when the device is in the position shown in FIG. 24, the nacelle is firstly moved along the element (94), then along the extension (97) of the profile interior (96); it is only afterwards that the sections (94, 95, 96) are removed from each other to continue the elevation of the nacelle. When lowering the platform, the operations are carried out in reverse order. This solution makes it possible to have a peripheral guide path on the mast, of constant section, while benefiting from the advantages of the telescopic elements.

As shown in Figure 26, it is possible to equip the guide belt (99) with one or two nacelles (98).

Each basket presents, in side view. a deformable parallelogram-like structure. During the tilting of the mast (93) from the vertical position to the horizontal position, the edge (102) of the floor of the nacelle bears against the frame (2) of the elevator, which results in the pursuit of the movement by the deformation of the parallelogram which takes the form of a flattened diamond. The diagonal (102, 103) ensures the holding of the nacelle, in the position of use thereof.

Figure 28 shows the mast locking means. On the mast is fixed a part (104) inside which slides longitudinally to the mast a spindle (105) whose lower end forms a cylindrical bolt (106) intended to come to engage in a part (107) integral of the striker frame. This device also comprises a spindle (108) sliding transversely to the mast, intended to penetrate into a plate (109) secured to the carriage carrying the nacelle. The spindle (108) can only pass through an enlarged part (110) of an opening formed in the spindle (105) only when the latter is in the low position. Springs (112, 113) are associated with pins (105) and (108) respectively, which tend to move the latter towards their unlocked position.

From a practical point of view, when the mast arrives in a vertical position the spindle (105) is moved down against the action of the spring (112) until the widened part (110) of the opening arrives opposite the spindle (108). The latter then unlocks the plate (109) and by engagement in the opening (110), locks the spindle (105,106) in the low position. To fold the elevator, the procedure is the reverse.

Claims (26)

1. Elevator of a type comprising at least one telescopic pillar [6], which is hinge-mounted about a horizontal axis at a point near one of its ends on a virtually horizontal chassis [2] with the distinguishing feature that axis of articulation [5] of pillar [6] on chassis [2] is located in a horizontal plane above the upper level of the chassis in order to enable platform [16] to be housed between the chassis and the pillar when the pillar is retracted to the horizontal position; with the platform remaining in connection with each pillar when horizontal.

2. - Elevator according to claim 1, with the distinguishing feature that axis of articulation (5) of each pillar (6) is arranged such that when the pillar is in a vertical position the vertical line intersecting its centre of gravity is located between the axis of articulation and the centre of the machine.

3. - Elevator according to either one of claims 1 and 2, with the distinguishing feature that it is equipped with devices by which it is initially possible for each pillar [6] to be pivoted from its horizontal position to a vertical position, next for the pillars to be extended and for platform [16] to be moved along them.

4. - Elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, with the distinguishing feature that in as much as it consists of several pillars (6) which are connected to the two opposite ends of platform (16), the various pillars are offset from each other such as to pivot in parallel planes which are sufficiently far from each other for it to be possible for the various pillars to be placed adjacent to each other in the retracted position, in the same horizontal plane.

5. - Elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, with the distinguishing feature that it comprises devices (24,25,26) which enable automatic locking of the various parts of each pillar (6) in the retracted position when the pillar is not in the verticalposition, followed by release of the various sections of the pillar when it is in the vertical position.

6. - Elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, with the distinguishing feature that it comprises devices (18,19,20) which enable each pillar to be locked automatically in the vertical position, with no possibility for automatic unlocking.

7. - Elevator according to claim 6, with the distinguishing feature that the lower end of each pillar (6) in the vertical position is located virtually on the level of chassis (2), i.e. above axis of articulation (5) of the said pillar.

8. - Elevator according to either one of claims 6 and 7, with the distinguishing feature that each pillar (6) has fitted in the region of its lower end at least one dowel pin (19) which is continually sprung such that it protrudes from the said pillar and penetrates a socket (18) which is fixed in relation to chassis (2) and forms a catch when the pillar is in the horizontal position.

9. - Elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, with the distinguishing feature that platform (16) comprises a framework (15) at least one of whose ends is pivot-mounted about an axis which is parallel to axis of articulation (5) of a pillar (6) on a trolley (13) which can be moved along the said pillar.

10. - Elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, with the distinguishing feature that each pillar (6) is made up of two series of braced parts (7) which form a double U whose channel (8) fulfils the function of housing and stabilising the struts which link it to a corresponding item and whose channel (10) fulfils the function of guiding part of the lower section or rollers (12) for guiding the platform, for the smallest section.

11. - Elevator according to both of claims 5 and 10, with the distinguishing feature that the locking devices of the various telescopic sections of each pillar (6) are made up of a dowel pin (26) which is mounted on the widest pillar section and is springloaded such as to enter an aperture (25) which is set into a plate (24) mounted on the next smaller section; there is also a stop (32) which is fixed in relation to the chassis and which - when the pillar is in the vertical position - rests on the butt (29) of the pin and disengages the pin from the plate which is integral with the second section, thus enabling the telescopic sections to slide freely.

12. - Elevator according to claim 11, with the distinguishing feature that the devices enabling each pillar (6) to pivot between the horizontal and vertical positions and to be extended and manoeuvred telescopically are equipped with an electric motor (33) which is arranged within chassis (2) and drives a drum (34) on which a cable (35) is wound and passes over a pulley (36b) which is arranged at the lower end of the widest section of pillar (6), over a pulley (37) arranged at the upper end of the same section, the free end of this cable being fixed at the lower end of the telescopic part of the next smaller section; a second cable (39) which passes over a pulley (40) which is attached at the upper end of the second section which is attached to the upper end of the first part and at the lower end of the third part, another cable (44) which runs over a pulley (45) arranged at the upper end of the third part which is attached to the upper end of the second part and to the lower end of the fourth part or to the platform if the pillar possesses three telescopic sections.

13. - Elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, with the distinguishing feature that each pillar (50) is made up of several telescopic tubular sections (52 - 54) which slide into each other to form a nest. Its widest section (52), on the surface which faces the centre of the machine, is equipped with two longitudinal lengths of section (55) which constitute guide rails for a trolley (13) on platform (16); the narrowest section (54), which is longer than the other sections, is fitted, over that part of its length which is always raised above the other sections, with two rails (56) which are arranged parallel with the preceding rails; the devices for the driving of the platform and for the sliding of the sections of each pillar being such that the platform, starting from its lowest position, can be raised until each trolley is engaged in the rails of the narrowest lengths of section before the various sections of which the pillars are made start to slide outwards.

14. - Elevator according to claim 13, with the distinguishing feature that the devices by which it is made possible for each pillar to pivot between the horizontal and the vertical positions, for platform (16) to be moved and for pillar sections (52-54) to slide include a motor (57) which is arranged inside the chassis and drives a drum (58) over which there is wound a cable (59) which passes, in the following sequence, over pulleys arranged at the lower and upper ends of each pillar section, starting at the widest pillar section and culminating at the narrowest pillar section, with the free end of the cable being attached to the platform or to its drive gear.

15. - Elevator according to claim 14, with the distinguishing feature that it comprises devices for locking the end of each cable by which platform (16) is driven as soon as pillars (50) depart from the vertical position.

16. - Elevator according to claim 15, with the distinguishing feature that the locking devices at each end of a given cable consist of a dowel pin (72,76) in conjunction with spring devices which activate the pin within a component (68) which is supported by the free end of cable (59), said dowel being attached to the widest section of pillar (50) and constructed such as to be capable of being made to retract, against the loading of the sprung devices, by the action of a stop, once the pillar in question reaches a vertical position.

17. - Elevator according to claims 13 to 16, with the distinguishing feature that each trolley (13) which carries platform (16) is attached - with the facility for easy longitudinal movement to the relevant pillar (50), over a plate (68) at whose upper end there is attached drive cable (59), and whose lower end comprises a hole (70) into which the locking pin may be inserted when the pillar in question is tilted away from the vertical.

18. - Elevator according to all of claims 13 to 16, with the distinguishing feature that each trolley (13) which carries platform (16) is rigidly mounted on a plate at whose upper end there is attached a drive cable (59) and whose lower part comprises a hole (70) for the insertion of the locking pin when the pillar (50) in question tilts away from the vertical; the platform being fixed onto the plate by means of a bolt (74,75) which can be opened when the platform is in the lower position and the pillar in question is tilted away from the vertical.

19. - Elevator according to all of claims 13 to 16, with the distinguishing feature that platform (16) is rigidly mounted on each of trolleys (76) associated with the various pillars; the lower part of each trolley's guidance devices being made up of sections of rail (77) which are fixed in relation to the chassis, remain in the vertical position and are arranged as a parallel extension of rails (55) with which the pillar is equipped when it is in a vertical position; said trolley comprising a hole for the insertion of a locking pin (78) when the pillar in question adopts a position which is tilted away from the vertical.

20. - Elevator according to either one of claims 12 or 14, with the distinguishing feature that - in as much as it comprises several pillars (6) - it is fitted with a single motor (33) on whose drive shaft there is located one drum (34) for each pillar with which the elevator is equipped.

21. - Elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 20, with the distinguishing feature that the width of the chassis can be adjusted such as to enable modification of the distance between the various pillars, i.e. of the distance between said pillars' pivot planes.

22. - Elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 21, fitted with two pillars (6), with the distinguishing feature that it is equipped with a base riser consisting of two pairs of stands (82,83) each of which is equipped with devices (84,87) enabling attachment firstly to a pillar (6) and secondly to chassis (2).

23. - Elevator according to claim 22, with the distinguishing feature that each at the lower end of each stand (83) there is fitted a wheel (88) and a block (89) attached to the end of a screwjack (90) whose centreline is parallel to that of the stand.

24. - Elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a single pillar, with the distinguishing feature that pillar (93) comprises several telescopic sections, the outermost of which (94) is made up of a length of tubular section, and the smallest of which (96) is fitted at its upper end with a length (97) of tubular section of the same diameter as telescopic section (94) and becomes an extension of section (94) when the telescopic sections are retracted into each other; the platform being attached to the pillar by an outer rim (99) which rests on sections (94) and (97) by means of rollers (100). The movement controls primarily make it possible to move the platform along sections (94) and (97) and then enable the relative extension of telescopic sections (94-96).

25. - Elevator according to claim 24, with the distinguishing feature that platform (98) is made up of a cage which is constructed such as to form (in lateral view) a collapsible parallelogram enabling the cage to fold down between pillar (93) and chassis (2) when the pillar is tilted towards the horizontal.

26. - Elevator according to either of claims 24 or 25, with the distinguishing feature that the devices for locking pillar (93) and platform (98) comprise a pin (105) for locking of pillar (93) in a vertical position on chassis (2) and a pin (108) for locking platform (98) in the lowered position on the pillar; pin (108) being capable of unlocking and engagement in an aperture (110) of pin (105) when the latter is in the locked position in chassis (2).

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