EP2868859B1 - Adjustable device for access at height - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an adjustable height access device intended in particular, but not exclusively, to construction workshops or construction sites in the building field.

Known adjustable access devices of the work platform or stepladder type usually comprise at least two ladder elements slidably mounted on one another. Each ladder element then comprises two parallel uprights and a series of steps spaced successively from each other by a determined distance, and each connecting the two parallel uprights. The number of steps for each scale element is variable, between a first step and a last step.

The document FR-A-2,957,967 discloses a height access device according to the preamble of claim 1.

When the access device comprises two scale elements, a first ladder element joins a platform, while the second is intended to bear against a floor wall. The two ladder elements are mutually connected to each other by stirrups forming rails mounted on the uprights so as not only to keep them superimposed, but also to allow them to slide relative to one another. In addition, the second is equipped with two locking members mounted respectively pivotally on the uprights and beyond the last step in the extension of the series of steps, to be able to come into engagement with a step of the first scale element by forming crutch. The two locking members are mounted facing one another and they are interconnected by a rod so as to be simultaneously driven in pivoting. Thanks to the two locking members, the two superimposed scale elements can be locked in translation in a direction intended to drive them sliding towards one another.

The access device also comprises two other telescopic uprights connecting the first ladder element and the platform to be able to rest on the floor wall and to keep the two ladder elements integral with one another, inclined according to the same direction relative to the floor wall at an angle of between 60 ° and 75 °. Thus, a user accesses the platform by pressing with the feet successively on the steps of the series of steps of the first scale element and the second scale element.

The steps of the two steps corresponding to the two scale elements are regularly spaced from each other by a constant distance corresponding to the determined distance. However, the two ladder elements being superimposed and spaced from each other, when the two locking members are installed relative to the last step, so that a step height is obtained, according to a vertical direction, constant passing from one to the other scale elements, the distance determined between the steps in a direction parallel to the amounts is more constant. Conversely, when the two locking members are installed so as to obtain the determined distance between the steps, constant in the direction parallel to the uprights, the walking height in a vertical direction is, in turn, more constant.

Also, a problem that arises and that aims to solve the present invention is to provide an adjustable height access device that allows to obtain both a substantially constant operating height in a vertical direction and a distance between the steps substantially constant in the direction parallel to the uprights when moving from one ladder element to another.

In order to solve this problem, the present invention proposes an adjustable height access device according to claim 1 comprising two ladder elements slidably mounted on each other, said two ladder elements each comprising two uprights. and a series of crosspieces successively spaced apart from each other by a given distance, between a first and a last cross-member, one of said two ladder elements comprising locking members mounted on said two posts in the extension of said series cross members, said locking members being movable between a retracted position and a locking position in which they engage with one of the cross members of the other of said two ladder elements of so as to be able to prohibit the sliding of said two ladder elements towards each other. The adjustable height access device further comprises an intermediate step mounted on said locking members, and when said locking members are in said locking position, said intermediate step extends at said one of the sleepers of said other said two scale elements, and at a distance from said last crossbar of said one of said two scale elements equal to said given distance.

Thus, a feature of the invention lies in the implementation of an intermediate step on the locking device and which then extends, in a direction parallel to the uprights, in the extension of the crosspieces of said series of sleepers said one of said two scale elements, and at said given distance from said last traverse. In addition, the intermediate step defines a plane adapted to extend tangentially to the first crosspiece of said other of said two scale elements. In this, it comes to extend at the cross. In this way, when passing from the last crossbar of said one of said two ladder elements to said other of said two ladder elements, on the intermediate step, not only is the step height in the vertical direction equal to the height. of said series of sleepers, but moreover, the distance between the last cross and the intermediate step is identical to the distance between two crosses of the series of sleepers.

In addition, when the locking members engage with the first cross member of said other of said two scale elements, it will be observed that the other crosspieces of the two scale elements respectively define a same substantially horizontal tangent plane. In addition, in the latter relative position of the two scale elements, the operating heights and distance between the last crossbar and the intermediate step are also respectively identical to the running heights and distance between the crosses of the series of sleepers.

According to the invention, said locking members comprise two opposite cheeks respectively pivotally mounted on said two uprights of said one of said two scale elements. In this way, the locking members act respectively directly on the matched amounts of the two scale elements. Therefore, a better resistance to sliding of the two scale elements in a service situation is obtained, as will be explained in more detail in the detailed description, and in particular when the user is supported on the crosspieces of the other of said two elements. scale.

Also, each of said cheeks comprises a connecting end connected to the upright and an opposite receiving end having a notch. In this way, the two opposite cheeks are adapted to pivot respectively on the two uprights, around their connecting end. Thus, in a retracted position, the cheeks are pivoted so as to cause their receiving end between the amounts of said one of said two scale elements. Under these conditions, the two ladder elements can slide relative to each other. In a locking position, the receiving end of the cheeks is driven between the two uprights of said other of said two ladder elements to engage a cross member of the other of said two ladder members as a crutch. The sliding of the two scale elements is then prohibited in a direction intended to drive them towards each other and corresponding to conditions of service.

Also, the connecting end is connected to the upright, while the opposite receiving end having a notch, is located opposite said last one crosses relative to said connecting end. It is thanks to this mode of implementation that the locking mode by forming crutch is made possible. Such locking mode, where the pivot point of the cheeks is located below the receiving end, allows the locking members to remain in the equilibrium position in the retracted position.

In addition, each of said cheeks preferably has a side edge opposite said connecting end and extending towards said receiving end, and the side edges facing said cheeks are connected together by said intermediate step. In this way, when one comes to exert a vertical force directed from top to bottom on the intermediate step, in particular under the conditions of service, this effort is both taken up by the amounts of said one of said two ladder elements at the connection ends of the cheeks, and by the crosspieces of said other of said two ladder elements against which press the intermediate step. It will be observed that under these conditions, the locking members are not likely to be accidentally driven into a retracted position.

According to a particularly advantageous preferential characteristic of the invention, each of said cheeks has an arcuate light around said connecting end, whereas said upright has a stop finger extending inside said arcuate light. In this way, it comes to limit the pivotal movement of the cheeks relative to the amount, between the retracted position and the locking position. The stop finger thus abuts in the two opposite ends of the arcuate light.

In addition, the crosses of the series of sleepers preferably comprise steps having a constant inclination relative to said amounts. The inclination of the steps relative to the amount is, for example, between 60 ° and 75 °, so that the steps remain substantially horizontal when the two ladder elements are held together at an inclination of between 60 ° and 60 °. 75 ° to the horizontal. It is understood that the user maintains a better balance when supported on substantially horizontal steps.

In addition, each of said ladder elements preferably has two stirrups forming slides respectively mounted on said two uprights. In this way, the two ladder elements are mutually connected to one another, and they can slide relative to one another at four connection points which allows better guidance in translation.

Preferably, according to an alternative embodiment, the height access device further comprises a platform adapted to bear on said last crosspiece of said other of said two scale elements. The user or the operator can come to bear on the platform with both feet for better stability. Advantageously, the access device further comprises an adjustable telescopic support connected to said other of said two scale elements, and said adjustable telescopic support is intended to be maintained in an inclined position with respect to said other of said two scale elements. Also, the two scale elements, integral with each other, are held in a fixed position, inclined relative to the floor wall, without another support is necessary. For example, said adjustable telescopic support comprises two support elements slidably mounted on one another, and a locking device in translation of one of said two support elements relative to the other. In this way, when the floor wall is uniform, and when it is desired to raise said platform, not only the adjustment of said two scale elements but also of said two support elements, so that it remains substantially horizontal .

• la Figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective de trois quarts arrière d'un dispositif d'accès en hauteur réglable conforme à l'invention dans une première position ;
• la Figure 2 est une vue schématique de détail en coupe du dispositif d'accès en hauteur réglable représenté sur la Figure 1 ;
• la Figure 3 est une vue schématique en perspective de trois quarts avant du dispositif d'accès en hauteur réglable tel que représenté sur la Figure 1, dans une deuxième position ;
• la Figure 4 est une vue schématique de détail en coupe selon la flèche IV du dispositif d'accès en hauteur réglable représenté sur la Figure 3 ;
• la Figure 5 est une vue schématique de détail en perspective d'un élément du dispositif d'accès en hauteur réglable selon l'invention.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given by way of indication but not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• the Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of three quarters rear of an adjustable height access device according to the invention in a first position;
• the Figure 2 is a schematic sectional detail view of the adjustable height access device shown in FIG. Figure 1 ;
• the Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of three quarters front of the adjustable height access device as shown in FIG. Figure 1 in a second position;
• the Figure 4 is a schematic detail view in section along arrow IV of the adjustable height access device shown in FIG. Figure 3 ;
• the Figure 5 is a schematic perspective detail view of an element of the adjustable height access device according to the invention.

The Figure 1 illustrates an adjustable height access device 10 and more precisely a work platform, in a low height position. It comprises, on one side an adjustable telescopic rise plane 12 and on the other side, an adjustable telescopic support 14. In addition, the adjustable height access device 10 comprises between the adjustable telescopic rise plane 12 and the adjustable telescopic support 14, a platform 16 surmounted by a guard 18.

The adjustable telescopic lift plane 12 has two ladder members slidably mounted on each other, a fixed ladder member 20 and a movable ladder member 22. The fixed ladder member 20 comprises two first parallel uprights 24, 26 having two first opposite ends of connection 28, 30, and a series of first three successive steps, a first first step 32, a second first step 34 and a last first step 36 at the platform 16. Also, the first two parallel uprights 24, 26 comprise two first slide-forming stirrups 37, 38 located respectively at the first two opposite ends of connection 28, 30.

The moving ladder element 22 comprises two parallel second uprights 40, 42 mounted precisely sliding, respectively, in the first two stirrups forming slideways 37, 38. It will be observed that the first two stirrups 37, 38 respectively have an internal axial slot which is not visible on the drawing. The two axial internal slots are oriented opposite one another and thus allow to allow sliding around the steps, as will be explained below, since the latter are connected to the amounts on each side.

The two second parallel uprights 40, 42 have two opposite opposite ends of connection 44, 46 and respectively opposite, two bearing ends 48, 50. Also, the two second parallel uprights 40, 42 comprise two second stirrups forming slides 52, 54, respectively located at the two second opposite ends of connection 44, 46. The first two parallel uprights 24, 26 are in turn slidably mounted, respectively, in the two second stirrups forming slides 52, 54. These latter also have a axial slit of the steps. It will be observed that the stirrups forming slides, the first two 37, 38 and the two second 52, 54, allow to maintain superimposed the two second parallel uprights 40, 42 and the first two uprights 24, 26, respectively two by two.

The moving ladder element 22 comprises a series of three successive second steps, a first second step 56, a second second step 58 and a third second step 60, or intermediate step, which will be described in more detail with reference to the Figure 5 in the following description. The second second step 58 is the last step of the series of two second steps, which are mounted in a fixed position on the two second parallel uprights 40, 42. The third second step 60, or intermediate step is movable as it is. will explain below.

Before beginning this description, reference should be made to Figure 3 showing the adjustable height access device 10 in a high height position. In this Figure, there are the first two parallel uprights 24, 26 and the two second parallel uprights 40, 42, respectively connected to each other by the two first stirrups 37, 38 and the two second stirrups 52, 54. Thus, with respect to the state of the adjustable telescopic rise plane 12 illustrated on the Figure 1 it has been lengthened here, and more precisely, the moving ladder element 22 has been driven in translation relative to the fixed ladder element 20 in a plane parallel to the latter. In this Figure we visualize the intermediate step 60 and two opposing cheeks 62, 64 that connects and which form locking members. These, which will be described in more detail with reference to the Figure 4 , are pivotally mounted respectively on the two second parallel uprights 40, 42, and are engaged with the first first step 32 to prohibit the sliding of the fixed ladder element 20 with respect to the movable ladder element 22.

On the Figure 4 , showing, according to the arrow IV shown on the Figure 3 , a sectional plane orthogonal to the two ladder elements 20, 22, there are the two superposed uprights, one of the second uprights 40 on one of the first uprights 24, connected together by one of the first stirrups 37 and one of the second stirrups 52, and inclined relative to the horizontal H by an angle of between 60 ° and 75 ° and for example 68 °. The Figure 4 illustrates more clearly one of the two cheeks 64 forming the locking member. This is of generally triangular general shape, and it has an end of link 66, corresponding to one of the vertices of the cheek 64, and rotatably mounted about an axis 68 anchored in the second upright 40, substantially perpendicularly. It has an opposite receiving end 70, corresponding to another vertex and in which is formed a notch 72 receiving the first first step 32. The latter has a first first bearing surface 73 substantially horizontal. In addition, it has an opposite side 74 at the connecting end 66. This opposite side 74 has a side edge 76 in which is anchored the intermediate step 60. The side edge 76 extends parallel to the opposite side 74 of the last vertex towards the receiving end 70. The intermediate step 60 thus has a bearing surface 77 which extends substantially horizontally at the opposite side 74 of the cheek 64 and also at the level of the first first bearing surface 73 of the first first step 32. In addition, the flange 64 has an arcuate lumen 78 centered around the axis 68 and inside which extends a stop finger 80 so as to be able to limit the amplitude of pivoting the cheek 64. The other of the two cheeks 62 is identical and the two cheeks 62, 64 extend opposite one another.

As represented on the Figure 4 it is understood that the second upright 40 and the first upright 24 are locked in translation towards one another, in a direction parallel to the two uprights 40, 24, since the cheek 64 comes into this locking position, forming crutch.

Before coming back to the Figure 4 to explain the advantages of such a configuration, we will refer to the Figure 5 to describe the mode of operation of the locking members comprising the cheeks 62, 64. Figure 5 , the first two parallel uprights 24, 26 and the two second parallel uprights 40, 40 respectively connected to one another by the two first stirrups 37, 38 and the two second stirrups 52, 54. There are also two opposite cheeks 62, 64 and the intermediate step 60 which connects them, in a retracted position. In this position, the receiving ends 70 of the cheeks 62, 64 are driven between the two parallel second legs 40, 42 while the cheeks 62, 64 are pivoted in a direction opposite to the first first step 32 which they then release. In this retracted position, the two ladder elements 20 can be slid towards each other so as to be able to leave the high height position.

We also observe that one of the cheeks 64 is equipped with a locking member 82 biased by not shown elastic means and which secures the cheek 64 and the first first step 32 in the locking position. This locking member 82 thus makes it possible to avoid inadvertent pivoting of the cheeks 64, 62, since the two cheeks 62, 64 are integral with each other by virtue of the intermediate step 60.

We will refer again to the Figure 4 on which are also represented the first second step 56 and the second first step 58 of the movable ladder element 22, on the one hand, and the second first step 34 and the last first step 36 on which is supported tangentially the platform 16.

Thus, thanks to the intermediate step 60, the relative position of the different steps and especially at the transition between the two scale elements 20, 22, respect constant differences. Indeed, when the cheeks 62, 64 are in a locking position, the bearing surface 77 of the intermediate step 60 extends substantially horizontally and at the first first bearing surface 73 of the first first step 32 In this way, a single walking height h , for example between 200 mm and 250 mm, extends vertically between the bearing surfaces of the steps, and in particular between the first step 58 and the first step 58. the intermediate step 60 and secondly between the intermediate step 60 and the second first step 34.

In addition, the two second parallel uprights 40, 42 define a second middle plane which cuts not only the first second step 56 and the second second step 58, the last step of the march series, but also the intermediate step 60. According to this second average plane, and a direction parallel to the two second uprights 40, 42, the steps 56, 58, 60 are regularly and successively spaced some other substantially the same distance between 230 mm and 300 mm, eg 250 mm. In addition, the first two parallel uprights 24, 26 define a first middle plane which intersects the first first step 32, the second first step 34 and the last first step 36, and according to this first average plane, and a direction parallel to both second amounts 24, 26, the steps 32, 34, 60 are regularly and successively spaced from each other substantially the same distance l .

Thus, thanks to the intermediate step 60, a continuity in the relative position of the steps is obtained while passing from the first scale element 20 to the second scale element 22 or vice versa.

We will now refer to the Figure 2 , illustrating the elements represented on the Figure 4 in a configuration of the adjustable height access device 10 as shown in FIG. Figure 1 . Thus, he is in a low height position. There are the two superimposed uprights, 40, 24, interconnected by the first 37 and the second yoke 52, and inclined relative to the horizontal H by an angle of 68 °. It includes the cheek 64 whose notch 72 receives the last first step 36. The bearing surface 77 of the intermediate step 60 then extends substantially horizontally and at the bearing surface of the last first step 36 It is also understood that the second upright 40 and the first upright 24 are locked in translation towards each other in a direction parallel to these uprights, since the cheek 64 comes into this locking position, forming a crutch.

Also, in this position of low height, where the height access device has only three steps to the platform 16, the walking heights h between the steps are maintained, as the spacing of the steps 56, 58, 60 from each other of the distance l .

Moreover, it will be observed that, the first second step 56 and the first first step 32, the second second step 58 and the second first step 34, as well as the intermediate step 60 and the last first step 36, respectively extend to the same level.

We will refer again to the Figure 3 illustrating the height access device in the position of high height and in equilibrium on a horizontal plane. The telescopic support 14 has two support members, a fixed support member 84 and a movable support member 86. The fixed support member 84 has two first support posts 87, 88, while the movable support member 86 has two second support posts 90 , 92. The first two support posts 87, 88 are respectively connected to the two second support posts 90, 92 in sliding manner by means of two pairs of stirrups 94, 96 forming slides. In addition, the first two support posts 87, 88 are interconnected by a series of first support crosspieces 98, while the two second support posts 90, 92 are interconnected by a series of second support rails 100. Moreover, a locking device comprising two locking pieces 102, 104, similar to the cheeks 62, 64 described above, allow to lock in translation the support amounts respectively, with respect to each other.

In this way, the adjustment of the height of the platform 16, relative to the horizontal plane, is achieved by adjusting both the mobile ladder element 22 relative to the fixed ladder element 26 and the movable support member 86 with respect to the fixed support member 84.

Claims (8)

1. Adjustable device for access at height (10) comprising two ladder elements (20, 22) mounted so as to slide one over the other, said two ladder elements (20, 22) each comprising two uprights (24, 26; 40, 42) and a series of crosspieces (32, 34, 36; 56, 58) spaced apart from one another successively by a given distance l, between a first (32; 56) and a last (36; 58) crosspiece, one of said two ladder elements (22) comprising a blocking members (62, 64) comprising two mutually facing cheeks respectively mounted so as to be able to pivot on said two uprights (42, 40) in line with said series of crosspieces, each of said cheeks (62, 64) comprising a connecting end (66) connected to the upright and an opposite receiving end (70) having a slot (72), said blocking members (62, 64) being able to move between a retracted position and a blocking position in which said receiving end of said cheeks (62, 64) is driven between the two uprights (40, 42) of said other of said two ladder elements (20) in order to engage with a crosspiece of the other of said two ladder elements (20) forming a crutch such that it is possible to prevent said two ladder elements (20, 22) from sliding with respect one another;
   characterized in that it also comprises an intermediate step (60) mounted on said blocking members (62, 64), and in that when said blocking members (62, 64) are in said blocking position, said intermediate step (60) extends at the level of said one of the crosspieces (32, 34, 36) of said other (20) of said two ladder elements, and at a distance, from said last crosspiece (56, 58) of said one of said two ladder elements (22), equal to said given distance l.
2. Device for access at height according to Claim 1, characterized in that each of said cheeks (62, 64) has a lateral border (76) opposite said connecting end (66) and extending towards said receiving end (70), and in that the lateral edges (76) facing said cheeks (62, 64) are connected to one another by said intermediate step (60).
3. Device for access at height according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each of said cheeks (62, 64) has an arcuate opening (78) about said connecting end (66), while said upright has an arresting lug (80) that extends inside said arcuate opening.
4. Device for access at height according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the crosspieces of the series of crosspieces comprise steps (56, 58; 32, 34, 36) of constant inclination with respect to said uprights (40, 42; 24, 26).
5. Device for access at height according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each of said ladder elements (20, 22) has two brackets (37, 38; 44, 46) forming slideways respectively mounted on said two uprights (24, 26; 40, 42).
6. Device for access at height according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it also comprises a platform (16) able to rest on said last crosspiece (36) of said other of said two ladder elements (20).
7. Device for access at height according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it also comprises an adjustable telescopic support (14) connected to said other of said two ladder elements (20), and in that said adjustable telescopic support (14) is designed to be held in position inclined with respect to said other of said two ladder elements (20).
8. Device for access at height according to Claim 7, characterized in that said adjustable telescopic support (14) comprises two support elements (84, 86) mounted so as to slide one over the other, and a device (102, 104) for preventing one of said two support elements from moving in translation with respect to the other.

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