EP1679408A2 - Articulation device for foldable platform as well as platform with such a device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has two parts defining a cross hole in which a clasp unit of a platform is housed, and a passage aperture for another clasp unit of the platform. Integrated bars (9a, 9b) of the platform are mounted movable in rotation between an end position in which the bars extend parallel to a plane defined by the clasp units and another end position in which the bars perpendicular to the plane. An independent claim is also included for a work platform including an articulation device.

Description

The present invention relates to the technical field of foldable work platforms.

These platforms belong to the field of scaffolding.

The small foldable platforms have been known for a long time: see for example US Patent 2,599,670 published in 1952.

• un plancher de travail, typiquement situé à une hauteur maximum de l'ordre d'un mètre,
• deux paires de pieds parfois réglables en hauteur, l'une des paires de pieds étant pourvue de roues ;
• des gardes corps.

Conventionally, these platforms are rolling and light and include.

• a working floor, typically located at a maximum height of the order of one meter,
• two pairs of feet sometimes adjustable in height, one of the pairs of feet being provided with wheels;
• bodyguards.

These platforms are particularly used for the work, for example painting, inside buildings.

As an indication, there are currently known on the market such platforms made of aluminum tubes (called folding folding scaffolds) having the following dimensions: length 1.9 m, width 0.8 m, maximum working height 2.8 m, for a maximum load of 200 kg per meter, these platforms once folded, passing through the doors. These dimensions are only indicative.

For these products of rather traditional general design, and subject to strong normative constraints, the skilled person is not encouraged to change his habits. This is undoubtedly one of the reasons why the platforms proposed for example by Altrex, APW, Bronson, Daye industries, Fortal, Indupro, Krause, Scaffold Service, Tubesca, Ultral are very similar structures and features.

Such platforms are conventionally at least partly foldable and / or removable, so as to reduce their size and to facilitate their storage and transport.

In a first design, braces are removably mounted on two side ladders. Such an old design is for example illustrated by the French patent of 1961 published under the number FR 1 298 470 which describes the mounting braces spacers on two side scales both provided with guide wheels. In the transport or storage position of the scaffolding, the braces are disconnected from one of the two frames, thus allowing the folding of the platform. On such a platform, it is possible to place body guards. However, an assembly without guard rail is possible, so without security means to limit the risk of falling from the person on the floor. The French patent published under the number 2,619,874, of 1988, illustrates the establishment of tubular guard, presumably by interlocking on the assembly formed by the floor, the lateral amounts in ladders and braces. Reference may also be made to the US patent published in 1969 under number 3 463 265.

Another known type of light rolling platform is described in the French patent application published under number 2,717,847. In this design, the platform consists of two opposite rigid vertical frames in the form of ladders, one of the side racks. carrying at its base wheels, these side frames being connected by a third vertical frame foldable in its middle along a vertical axis. The third frame is itself hinged at its lateral ends on the first two frames, around vertical axes, and this third frame constitutes an element. back, while the front part of the platform is open. When the plateau of the platform is quite low, the third frame, tubular, forms guard body. The platform comprises arched elements forming a balustrade, whose ends are introduced into the open ends of the uprights of the side frames. Only these balustrade elements form guard body as soon as the plateau is placed at some useful height. The assembly described in document FR 2 717 847 does not make it possible to ascertain the presence of a guardrail at any height of plate. The location of the third foldable frame is fixed by construction, the articulation on the two vertical frames of the two parts of the foldable frame being provided by means of sleeves blocked in vertical sliding between the bars of the lateral uprights. Structures similar to that described in the document FR 2 717 847 of 1995 can be found in the US patents published under Nos. 4,534,447 (of 1985), 5,086,875 (of 1992), 5,555,954 (of 1996) or in British Patent 1,311,569 published in 1973.

The applicant has endeavored to solve the above problems by providing a radically new design platform structure, while remaining simple, inexpensive, easy and safe to assemble.

For these purposes, the invention relates, in a first aspect, to a folding work platform articulation device, this device comprising at least two parts defining, by their assembly, a hole in which a first slender member of the platform can be accommodated, these two assembled parts further defining a passage lumen for a second elements of the platform, the first and second elements defining a first plane, this device comprising means for securing a third platform element, such that this third element is mounted movably in rotation, with respect to said first plane, between at least two extreme positions, namely a first extreme position, of withdrawal, in which the third element extends substantially parallel to said first plane, and a second position in which this third element is substantially perpendicular to said first plane.

According to various embodiments, the device has the following characters, if necessary combined.

The hole in which a first slender member of the platform can be rotatably mounted is a through hole. It is thus possible to mount the hinge device around the junction of a cross member and an amount at any height of the platform.

The passage of light of a second element of the platform extends over an angular sector of approximately 180 ° substantially perpendicular to the axis of the hole in which a first element of the platform can be accommodated. By this arrangement, the third element is articulated in rotation along a path of about 180 ° in rotation relative to the axis of the first slender element.

The hinge device comprises three parts, namely a first part, provided with a passage reservation of said first platform member and two other parts whose assembly with the first part defines the passage of said second platform element . Advantageously, said two other parts are substantially identical. In equally advantageous embodiments, the device, once assembled, has two substantially perpendicular planes of symmetry, namely a first plane, equatorial, on either side of which the passageway of the second platform element extends, and a second plane, axial, containing the axis of the hole housing the first slender platform element.

In one embodiment, the device presents, once assembled, a substantially spherical envelope, devoid of asperities. This configuration limits the risk of injury to people using the device, especially during the assembly / disassembly of the platform, or during its withdrawal / deployment. This configuration is also good ergonomics and taken in hand during assembly.

The parts of the device may or may not be hinged together, their assembly being ensured, reversibly, for example by screwing or any other equivalent means.

In one design, the securing means of said third platform member comprise an outer groove forming a bearing surface for said third element. In a variant, in the articulation device, a blind or through hole serves as a housing for an end part of this third element.

The invention relates, according to a second aspect, to a work platform comprising at least one articulation device as presented above, in which the third element is a screen, and / or in which the first element is a side jamb member, the second member being a cross member of this side jamb.

In one embodiment, the platform comprises two lateral uprights in the form of a scale on each of which is mounted a third element, means for securing between them of these third elements, in a plane substantially perpendicular to those of the lateral uprights.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une plateforme pourvue de moyens d'articulation selon une réalisation ;
• la figure 2 est une vue analogue à la figure 1, prise selon un autre angle ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective de la plateforme représentée en figures 1 et 2, cette plateforme étant vue en position pliée dans cette figure 3 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective éclatée des moyens d'articulation mis en oeuvre pour la plateforme représentée en figures 1 à 3, ces moyens d'articulation étant représentés seuls sur cette figure 4 ;
• la figure 5 est une vue analogue à la figure 4, prise selon un autre angle ;
• la figure 6 est une vue en perspective en partie éclatée des moyens d'articulation mis en oeuvre pour la plateforme représentée en figures 1 à 3, ces moyens d'articulation étant représentés seuls sur cette figure 6.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments, which description will be made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a platform provided with articulation means according to one embodiment;
• Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 taken at another angle;
• Figure 3 is a perspective view of the platform shown in Figures 1 and 2, the platform being viewed in the folded position in Figure 3;
• Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge means used for the platform shown in Figures 1 to 3, these hinge means being shown alone in this figure 4;
• Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, taken at another angle;
• FIG. 6 is a partly exploded perspective view of the hinge means used for the platform shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, these hinge means being represented alone in this FIG.

The platform 1 visible in FIGS. 1 to 3 comprises two rigid lateral uprights, for example made of aluminum or steel tube, these two lateral uprights being substantially identical.

Each of these lateral uprights 2, 3 comprises, in a manner known per se, two longitudinal members 4a, 4b on which cross members 5 are mounted. In the embodiment shown, the longitudinal members 4a, 4b are substantially vertical and parallel and the cross members 5 are substantially identical and equidistant, the amounts 2, 3 thus defining two vertical straight vertical ladders whose sleepers are the bars.

The term scale is used here to signal both the analogy of form with a scale in the strict sense, and also to indicate that sleepers may not only serve as support for trays 6, but can also allow to mount laterally in the platform, using the amounts as a ladder.

It is understood that the amounts could be of different shape from one another. It is also understood that at least one of the amounts may be provided with non-parallel spars, for example more spaced apart at their base than at their top, so as to confer greater stability to the platform. The sleepers may be equidistant or not, and be identical or not. Thus, for example, some sleepers may be of large section and serve as support for one or more trays 6, and others may be of smaller section and serve as a ladder bar or fixing points or hooking for accessories or tools.

The tray or trays 6 are advantageously mounted in rotation around a cross member 5a of a post and placed, for example snapped onto the crosspiece 5b of the other post placed opposite.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the two trays are each mounted in rotation relative to a cross member of a lateral upright, and simply placed or hooked, snapped onto a cross member of the amount placed opposite. Thus, as seen in FIG. 3, when the platform is folded, each of the two plates 6a, 6b can be pressed against a lateral upright 2, 3.

The platform 1 comprises, in a manner known per se, two wheels 7, 8 on one of its lateral uprights 2, 3. The other upright, not provided with wheels, will advantageously be provided with friction means such as rubber pads. In various embodiments, not shown, each of the two uprights is provided with wheels, where appropriate and / or means of blocking the movement of these wheels.

The platform is provided with two bars 9a, 9b substantially identical, these two bars being each rotatably mounted around a spar 4b of a post 2, 3. This articulated assembly is obtained by the means shown in Figures 4 to 6.

These articulation means 10 comprise three parts 11, 12, 13 which, when they are assembled together, define a substantially spherical body, devoid of projections, this body comprising an axial through hole 14.

When the body is in the mounted position, it engages a spar of a lateral amount, this spar passing through the axial hole 14.

At the same time, a cross member of the upright passes through an annular slot 15 of the hinge body. This light extends substantially 180 ° on either side of a plane perpendicular to the through hole 14, this plane being substantially equatorial to the spherical articulation body.

Opposite this light 15, the hinge body is provided with a reservation 16 shaped so that a bar 9a, 9b comes to rest and can be fixed, for example by screwing, a radial threaded hole 17 appearing in Figure 5.

More precisely, as it appears in FIGS. 1 and 2, each bar 9a, 9b comprises two parallel end portions 18, 19 that are connected by a substantially vertical tubular portion 20. Each of the two end portions 18, 19 of the two bars 9a, 9b is mounted in a reservation 16 of a hinge body.

By these arrangements, the bars 9a, 9b are movably mounted in a substantially 180 ° stroke, corresponding to the angular opening of the light 15.

In a first extreme position of this race, represented in FIG. 3, the plates 6a, 6b are snapped onto the bars 9a, 9b, this assembly itself. pressed against the uprights 2, 3, and the platform 1 is thus folded very compactly. If necessary, the plates are dismounted and the bars 9a, 9b are directly pressed against the uprights 2, 3.

In an intermediate position of this race, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bars 9a 9b are arranged in such a way that their vertical sections 20 are closest to each other, or even touch each other. A temporary locking means 21 makes it possible to reversibly connect the bars 9a, 9b in this intermediate position.

In the embodiment shown, the assembly of the hinge body is obtained by screwing, through four holes 22, 23, 24, 25 of the first part 11, substantially hemispherical, these holes each facing a through hole 26, 27, 28, 29, the two other parts 12, 13 of the hinge body are provided, this assembly thus obtained being linked by screw + nut.

Advantageously, as shown, the two parts 12, 13 intended to be mounted on the hemispherical part of the hinge body are substantially identical and the hemispherical part has two perpendicular symmetry planes PS1, PS2. By these arrangements, the same hinge body, mounted on the longitudinal members 4b (see Figure 1) could be mounted on the longitudinal members 4a of the uprights 2, 3, this hinge body is not provided with a high orientation / low.

The articulation that has just been presented finds a particularly advantageous application in foldable platforms. It can also be used for scaffolding plans and ladders plans. This articulation encloses the spar and can move, at the discretion of the user, in rotation, while remaining indexed to the right of the spar / cross connection chosen for its removable assembly.

The hinge body can be made of polymer material, composite material, aluminum foundry. The body can be of color and external shape adapted to the different tastes of the buyers. The installation of this joint does not require drilling the rails or sleepers. The joints and thus the bars 9a, 9b screen can be placed at the desired height depending eg on the use of the platform. This platform is not only foldable but completely removable, and its elements can be used in other types of scaffolding. The rotation of the bars 9a, 9b is obtained with low friction and without noise. The introduction of calluses between the parts 11, 12 13 of the hinge body makes it possible to accommodate different sections of longitudinal members or tubes on which the hinge body must be fixed.

Claims (12)

Folding work platform articulation device, characterized in that it comprises at least two parts (11, 12, 13) defining, by their assembly, a hole (14) in which a first slender element of the platform can be housed, these two assembled parts further defining a passage opening (15) for a second element of the platform, the first and second elements defining a first plane, this device comprising means for securing a third element (9a, 9b ) of platform, so that this third element (9a, 9b) is rotatably mounted relative to said first plane, between at least two extreme positions, namely a first extreme position, of withdrawal, in which the third element (9a, 9b) extends substantially parallel to said first plane, and a second position in which the third element (9a, 9b) is substantially perpendicular to said first plane. Foldable work platform articulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the hole (14) in which a first slender member of the platform can be rotatably mounted is a through hole. Foldable working platform articulation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the passageway (15) of a second platform member extends over an angular sector of approximately 180 ° substantially perpendicular to the axis of the hole (14) in which a first element of the platform can be accommodated. Folding work platform articulation device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises three parts (11, 12, 13), namely a first part, provided with a passage reservation of said first platform element and two other parts (12, 13) whose assembly with the first part (11) defines the passageway light (15). second element of the platform. Foldable work platform articulation device according to claim 4, characterized in that said two other parts (11, 12) are substantially identical. Folding work platform articulation device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that , once assembled, it has two substantially perpendicular planes of symmetry, namely a first plane, equatorial, on both sides which extends the passageway (15) of the second platform member, and a second axial plane, containing the axis of the hole (14) housing the first slender platform member. Foldable working platform articulation device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has, once assembled, a substantially spherical envelope, devoid of asperities. Foldable working platform articulation device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that its parts being or not hinged together, their assembly is ensured, reversibly, by screwing. Foldable working platform articulation device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing means of said third platform member comprise a reservation or an external groove (16) forming a bearing surface for said third element . Work platform comprising at least one Articulation device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third element (9a, 9b) is a screen. Work platform comprising a hinge device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first element is a side member beam (4a, 4b), the second element being a cross member (5) of this lateral amount. Work platform according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it comprises two ladder-shaped lateral uprights on each of which is mounted a third element (9a, 9b), means (21) allowing the connection between them of these third elements (9a, 9b), in a plane substantially perpendicular to those of the lateral uprights.

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