EP3095952A1 - Step plate with height-adjustable step - Google Patents

Abstract

Step (1) comprising:
- a front plane (2) comprising a pair of uprights (3) before and at least one step (4) connecting the uprights (3) before,
a rear plane (9) hinged on the front plane (2) ,
a floor (16) which straddles between the front plane (2) and the rear plane (9) in unfolded configuration of the step (1),
- a shelf (21) extending transversely between the uprights (3) before, at an upper end thereof, by means of two fittings (22),
the uprights (3) being provided, at the top end, with a first lower axis and a second upper axis, the first axis passing through a first light of a fitting (22), the second axis passing through a second light the fitting (22), the first light and the second light guiding the moving tablet (21) between an extreme high position and a low extreme position.

Description

The invention relates to running boards, in particular of the individual rolling platform type (PIR) as defined by the French standards NF P 93-352, NF P 93-353 and the secured platforms EMER (Radiation Equipment) such as as defined by the French standard FD E 85-301.

A step conventionally comprises a front plane having two front uprights and at least one step connecting the front uprights, and a rear plane having two rear uprights and at least one bar connecting the rear uprights, hinged mounted relative to the front plane. The footboards of the PIR type further include a floor mounted between the front plane and the rear plane to allow an operator to work at height without fatigue, his two feet resting flat on the floor, and wheels facilitating the movement of the footboard .

The steps of this type are folding, the rear plane tilting on the front plane to allow easy storage and relatively compact footboard.

It is not intended to bend the step to simply move it on site between two working positions nearby. Such handling would be too tiring and tedious. This is why the step is equipped with wheels. More specifically, on a large number of models, the rear plane is provided with wheels fixed to the rear uprights, and which, when the step is unfolded and rests on the ground in the normal working position, are raised above the ground. When the user wishes to move the step, he grasps it by the front upright, tilts it back until the wheels touch the ground, allowing it to be maneuvered and rolled.

Traditionally, the steps are provided with a shelf, about 1m from the floor, to meet the security requirements, the tablet serving as a railing.

This arrangement has disadvantages.

The height of the floor being generally 50 cm from the ground, the tablet is too high for the ergonomics of the workstation, the operator must load the packages on the footboard from the ground at a height of 1.50 m.

The invention aims to provide a step with improved ergonomics, and to significantly reduce the risk of MSD (musculoskeletal disorders).

• un plan avant comprenant une paire de montants avant et au moins une marche reliant les montants avant,
• un plan arrière monté articulé sur le plan avant et comprenant une paire de montants arrière et au moins un barreau reliant les montants arrière, les montants arrière se terminant par des extrémités qui, avec des extrémités des montants avant, définissent un plan de pose pour le marchepied dans une position dépliée de celui-ci, où le plan arrière forme un angle avec le plan avant,
• un plancher qui s'étend à cheval entre le plan avant et le plan arrière en configuration dépliée du marchepied,
• une tablette qui s'étend transversalement entre les montants avant, à une extrémité supérieure de ceux-ci, par l'intermédiaire de deux ferrures,

les montants avant étant pourvus, en partie extrême haute, d'un premier axe inférieur et d'un deuxième axe supérieur, le premier axe traversant une première lumière d'une ferrure, le deuxième axe traversant une deuxième lumière de la ferrure, la première lumière et la deuxième lumière assurant le guidage en déplacement de la tablette entre une position extrême haute et une position extrême basse.For these purposes, it is proposed, in the first place, a step comprising:

• a front plane comprising a pair of front uprights and at least one step connecting the front uprights,
• a rear plane mounted articulated on the front plane and comprising a pair of rear uprights and at least one bar connecting the rear uprights, the rear uprights ending in ends which, with ends of the front uprights, define a laying plane for the footboard in an unfolded position thereof, where the rear plane forms an angle with the front plane,
• a floor that straddles between the front plane and the rear plane in unfolded configuration of the step,
• a shelf which extends transversely between the front uprights, at an upper end thereof, by means of two fittings,

the front uprights being provided, in the upper extreme part, with a first lower axis and a second upper axis, the first axis passing through a first light of a fitting, the second axis passing through a second slot of the fitting, the first light and the second light guiding the movement of the tablet between an extreme high position and a low extreme position.

• la première lumière et la deuxième lumière définissent, dans la ferrure, deux passages à contour fermé. Par cette disposition, la tablette ne peut se détacher accidentellement du marchepied, et le guidage de son mouvement peut être assuré sur toute sa course de déplacement ;
• la première lumière est oblongue et s'étend suivant une première direction, la deuxième lumière comprenant une première section extrême, supérieure, et une seconde section extrême, inférieure, sensiblement alignées et parallèles à la première direction ;
• en position extrême haute de la tablette, le deuxième axe est en appui contre le contour de la seconde section extrême, le premier axe étant à distance de la partie extrême inférieure de la première lumière. Par cette disposition, un poids appliqué sur la tablette interdit son retour en position basse ;
• la ferrure comprend une plaque plane dans laquelle sont ménagées les lumières et un repli supérieur d'appui et fixation d'un plateau. Cette plaque plane est par exemple réalisée en matériau polymère moulé, ou bien en matériau métallique embouti ;
• les deux axes portés par chaque montant du plan avant comportent une bague épaulée ;
• les deux lumières ont une largeur sensiblement constante ;
• les deux lumières ont sensiblement la même largeur, les deux axes étant avantageusement de même structure ;
• la deuxième lumière comporte une première section, sensiblement parallèle à la première lumière de guidage ; une deuxième section, formant un angle avec la première section, et se rapprochant de la première lumière de guidage ; une troisième section, sensiblement parallèle à la première lumière de guidage ; une quatrième section, sensiblement perpendiculaire à la troisième section; une cinquième section, sensiblement parallèle à la première lumière de guidage et formant butée d'appui pour le deuxième axe, supérieur, en position extrême haute de la tablette.

The running board has, according to various embodiments, the following characteristics, if necessary combined:

• the first light and the second light define, in the fitting, two passages with closed contour. By this arrangement, the tablet can not accidentally detach from the step, and the guidance of its movement can be ensured over its entire travel path;
• the first light is oblong and extends in a first direction, the second light comprising a first section extreme, upper, and a second extreme, lower section substantially aligned and parallel to the first direction;
• in the extreme high position of the tablet, the second axis bears against the contour of the second end section, the first axis being at a distance from the lower end of the first light. By this arrangement, a weight applied to the tablet prohibits its return to the low position;
• the fitting comprises a flat plate in which are formed the lights and an upper folding support and fixing a tray. This flat plate is for example made of molded polymer material, or of stamped metal material;
• the two axes carried by each amount of the front plane comprise a shoulder ring;
• the two lights have a substantially constant width;
• the two lights have substantially the same width, the two axes being advantageously of the same structure;
• the second lumen comprises a first section, substantially parallel to the first guiding light; a second section, forming an angle with the first section, and approaching the first guide light; a third section, substantially parallel to the first guide light; a fourth section, substantially perpendicular to the third section; a fifth section, substantially parallel to the first guiding light and forming a bearing stop for the second axis, upper, in the extreme high position of the tablet.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective montrant un marchepied;
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective d'une ferrure de montage d'une tablette de marchepied;
• la figure 3 est une vue de détail des axes de guidage placés en partie extrême supérieure des montants d'un plan avant de marchepied;
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective de la partie supérieure d'un marchepied pourvue d'une tablette, en position extrême basse;
• la figure 5 est une vue analogue à la figure 4, la tablette étant en position extrême haute.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the light of the description of an embodiment, given hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view showing a step;
• the figure 2 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket of a footboard;
• the figure 3 is a detailed view of the guide pins placed at the upper end of the uprights of a front plane of step;
• the figure 4 is a perspective view of the upper part of a step with a shelf, in the extreme low position;
• the figure 5 is a view similar to the figure 4 , the tablet being in extreme extreme position.

On the figure 1 is represented a step 1 intended to allow work at height. In the example illustrated, the step 1 is of the individual rolling platform type.

The step 1 comprises a front plane 2 having a pair of uprights 3 front and at least one step 4 transversely connecting the uprights 3 before. In the example shown, the step 1 comprises a single step 4 . Alternatively, a different number of steps could be provided. The amounts 3 are in this case formed of metal profiles (for example aluminum or aluminum alloy), in particular rectangular section. At lower ends 5, the uprights 3 are provided with pads 6 slip.

As illustrated on the figure 1 , the step 4 is formed of a folded cut sheet. The step 4 has a nose 7 of step formed by a fold which extends projecting from the front plane 2 , extended downwards by a lower edge 8 by which the step 4 is fixed on the uprights 3, in particular by riveting.

The step 1 further comprises a rear plane 9 mounted hinged to the front plane 2 and having a pair of rear uprights 10 and at least one bar 11 connecting the rear uprights 10 .

In the example illustrated, the rear uprights 10 are, like before uprights 3, formed of metal profiles (e.g. aluminum or aluminum alloy), in particular a rectangular section. At lower ends 12, the rear uprights 10 are provided with pads 6 slip. When the step 1 is unfolded (configuration shown on the figure 1 ), The background 9 forms an angle with the plane 2 before, and 12 lower ends of the posts back 10 form, with the 5 lower ends of the uprights 3 before, a laying plan for the step 1, corresponding to a soil ideally plan on which the step 1 would rest .

In the example shown, the rear plane 9 comprises three bars 11. Depending on the height of the step 1, the number of bars 11 could be different (especially higher). Fixation Bars 11 to the rear uprights 10 is for example made by bouterollage.

9 the rear plane is mounted articulated with respect to the plane of the two front ends 13 of the upper rear uprights 10, which are shorter than the uprights 3 before. The pivot axis of the rear plane is formed by screws 14 secured to fixed plates 15 (in this case by bolting) on external lateral faces of the uprights 3 before.

The step 1 further comprises a floor 16 which extends astride between the front plane 2 and the rear plane 9 in unfolded configuration of the step 1. This floor 16 is hingedly mounted relative to the front plane 2 via of a cylindrical lintel 17 fitted on a bar 18 connecting the uprights 3 before.

The floor 16 is also articulated relative to the rear plane 9 by means of connecting rods 19, the floor 16 resting in the deployed configuration, a rod 11 connecting the struts 10 back.

According to a preferred embodiment illustrated, the floor 16 may be provided with a baseboard 20 covering three sides of the floor 16, with the exception of a front edge to facilitate the access of the user to the floor 16 by the plane 2 before. This baseboard 20 forms a stop for the feet of the user and thus prevents it from tripping, limiting the risk of falling.

The step 1 is also equipped with a shelf 21 tool holder (or package carrier), which extends transversely between the uprights 3 before, at an upper end thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the shelf 21 is fixed to the uprights 3 before by means of fittings 22.

The step 1 is also equipped with a railing 23, mounted on the front plane 2 in line with the floor 16 in unfolded configuration of the step 1, and intended to retain the user in case of imbalance, so as to minimize the risk of falling.

This railing 23 is collapsible. It comprises a pair of side rails, namely a barrier 24 left and 25 right barrier, each pivotally mounted on a front upright 3 between an extended position (shown in figure 1 ) in which each Barrier 24, 25 extends substantially perpendicular to the front plane 2 , and a folded position in which each barrier 24, 25 extends against the front plane 2 . Each barrier 24, 25 has a U-shaped profile and is preferably formed of a metal tube (for example aluminum or aluminum alloy) folded. Each barrier 24, 25 has an upper section or ramp 26, intended to extend at the height of the trunk of the user (between the belt and the bust), an intermediate section or main 27 current, vertical in the deployed position of the barrier 24, 25 and unfolded configuration of the step 1, and a lower section 28 .

Each barrier 24, 25 is hinged relative to the upright 3 before by its ramp 26 and its lower section 28 , both mounted on coaxial pivots 29 (formed for example by screws) secured to clevises 30 in which are housed, deployed position, respective ends of the ramp 26 and the lower section 28 , as shown in FIG. figure 1 .

Latches 31, for example in the form of son folded to the bracket pivotally mounted relative to the uprights 3 before, ensure the reversible maintenance of the barriers 24, 25 in the deployed position.

The railing 23 further comprises a movable gate 32 for retaining the unbalanced user forward of the step, while delimiting the work area so that a single user can move with ease on the floor 16 .

To allow the mobility of the step 1 in unfolded configuration when the user is lowered, the step 1 is provided with retractable wheels.

More specifically, the step 1 is equipped with a pair of rear wheels 33 and a pair of wheels 34 retractable movable mounted between a retracted position in which they extend above the plane of installation, and a deployed position wherein they extend at least partially below the laying plane. Each rear wheel 33 and each front wheel 34 is permanently biased towards its deployed position by a spring.

The gate 32 comprises a high strap 35 and a low strap 36 . The 35 high strap is attached to the barrier 24 at the junction between the hand 27 and the common rail 26, while the strap 36 low is attached to the barrier 24 at the junction between the current hand 27 and the lower section 28 .

According to one embodiment, each strap 35, 36 is formed by a combination of two straps connected to each other by a male-female snap buckle system, the strap 35 in connection with the barrier 25 being equipped with one half male buckle, the strap 36 in connection with this same barrier being equipped with a female half-loop, which allows them to be engaged with each other during movement or folding of the step, this complementarity of the straps being taken over the barrier 24. In a variant, not shown, each strap is linked at one end to the barrier 24 and at its other end, via a hook, for example metal, to the barrier 25.

In the open position of the door 32, the user can freely access the floor 16, for example by using the common hands 27 during its ascent. In the closed position of the gate 32, the straps 35, 36 thus extend transversely between the barriers 24, 25, themselves in the deployed position.

The structure of the tablet 21 is shown in detail on the Figures 2 to 5 .

The tablet 21 comprises a plate 40, of substantially rectangular shape with 41 beveled front edges. The plate 40 may be made of wood, of polymer material, for example molded, or even of composite material or metal, for example light alloy. The upper surface 42 of the plate 40 may be flat, or include recesses forming a reservation, for example to house tools.

The plate 40 is fixed to the uprights 3 of the front plane 2 by two fittings 22. The fittings may be made of metal material, of polymeric material, for example molded, or even of composite material.

In the embodiment shown, the two fittings 22 are in mirror symmetry with each other.

As it appears more particularly in figure 2 each fitting 22 comprises a flat plate-like main part 43 and an upper fold 44 , substantially perpendicular to the part main. The plate 40 is fixed on the upper fold 44 of each fitting 22. Depending in particular on the materials used for the plate 40 and the fittings 22, this attachment can be provided by screwing, riveting, welding, gluing. In the embodiment shown, the upper fold 44 of each fitting 22 has two through holes 45 for passage of an assembly 46 by screwing.

The flat plate 43 of each fitting 22 comprises a first guiding slot 47 and a second slot 48 for guiding the movement of the fitting 22 around two shafts 49, 50, between a top position of the shelf 21, shown in FIG. figure 5 , and a low position of the tablet 21, represented in figure 4 .

The two axes 49, 50 carried by each upright 3 of the front plane 2 advantageously comprise a shoulder ring, the friction between the axes 49, 50 and the fittings 22 allowing the user to place the tablet 21 in an intermediate position between the position extreme high of the figure 4 and the extreme low position of the figure 5 .

The high position is advantageously used to deposit on the tablet 21 bulky loads. The possibility of one or more intermediate positions allows a good ergonomics of the workstation, including a position less than 1.40 m from the ground to reduce hardship at work.

The position of the two axes 49, 50 along the uprights 3 and the shape of the slots 47, 48 ensure the guiding of the fittings 22, throughout the kinematics and the maintenance in the chosen position.

The two lights 47, 48 are of constant width and substantially equal in the embodiment shown.

The first guiding light 47 is of oblong shape and extends substantially vertically, when the shelf 21 is in the extreme high or low position. A first axis 49, below, passes through this first guide light 47 .

• une première section 51, sensiblement parallèle à la première lumière 47 de guidage ;
• une deuxième section 52, formant un angle avec la première section 51, et se rapprochant de la première lumière 47 de guidage ;
• une troisième section 53, sensiblement parallèle à la première lumière 47 de guidage ;
• une quatrième section 54, sensiblement perpendiculaire à la troisième section 53 ;
• une cinquième section 55, sensiblement parallèle à la première lumière 47 de guidage et formant butée d'appui pour le deuxième axe 50, supérieur, en position extrême haute de la tablette 21.

The second guiding light 48 has a hook-shaped opening when viewed from the front. More precisely, the second guiding light 48 forms, starting from the fold 44:

• a first section 51, substantially parallel to the first guide slot 47 ;
• a second section 52, forming an angle with the first section 51, and approaching the first guide light 47 ;
• a third section 53, substantially parallel to the first guide slot 47 ;
• a fourth section 54, substantially perpendicular to the third section 53;
• a fifth section 55, substantially parallel to the first guide slot 47 and forming a support abutment for the second axis 50, upper, in the extreme high position of the shelf 21.

Starting from the extreme low position represented in figure 4 , a manual action on the shelf 21 makes it possible to raise it in an intermediate position, the axes 49, 50 sliding in the slots 47, 48.

In the extreme high position, represented in figure 5 the second axis 50 bears in the fifth section 55 of the second lumen 48, the first axis 49 being at a distance from the lower end portion of the first lumen 47.

Starting from the extreme high position represented in figure 5 , an action on the tablet 21 causes the sliding of the first axis 49 towards the lower end of the first lumen 47, and the sliding of the second axis 50 in the fourth section 54 of the second lumen 48. The tablet 21 can then be manipulated to be lowered.

The invention has many advantages.

Each light 47, 48 being closed, the shelf 21 is guided at each moment and can not rock freely.

The presence of a load on the shelf 21 has the effect of keeping the fitting 22 in its locking position, in the extreme high position of the shelf 21, the system offers good security.

It is possible to place the tablet 21 at different heights, depending on the desired use. The safety of the operator is maintained by the presence of a fixed railing system 60, independent of the mobility of the tablet.

Claims (9)

Step (1) comprising: - a front plane (2) comprising a pair of uprights (3) before and at least one step (4) connecting the uprights (3) before, a rear plane (9) hinged on the front plane (2) and comprising a pair of rear uprights (10) and at least one bar (11) connecting the rear uprights (10) , the rear uprights (10) ending by ends (12) which, with ends (5) of the uprights (3) before, define a laying plane for the step (1) in an unfolded position thereof, where the rear plane (9) forms a angle with plane (2) before, a floor (16) which straddles between the front plane (2) and the rear plane (9) in unfolded configuration of the step (1), - a shelf (21) extending transversely between the uprights (3) before, at an upper end thereof, by means of two fittings (22), characterized in that the uprights (3) are provided at the top end of a first lower axis (49) and a second upper axis (50) , the first axis (49) passing through a first lumen (47). ) a fitting (22), the second axis (50) passing through a second slot (48) of the fitting (22), the first slot (47) and the second slot (48) providing the displacement guidance of the shelf (21) between an extreme high position and an extreme low position. Step according to claim 1, characterized in that the first lumen (47) and the second lumen (48) define, in the fitting (22), two closed-contour passages. Step according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first lumen (47) is oblong and extends in a first direction, the second lumen (48) comprising a first end section (51), upper, and a second section extreme (55), lower, substantially aligned and parallel to the first direction. Step according to claim 3, characterized in that , in the extreme high position of the shelf (21), the second axis (50) bears against the contour of the second end section (55), the first axis (49) being away from the lower end of the first lumen (47). Step according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fitting (22) comprises a flat plate (43) in which are formed the slots (47, 48) and an upper folding (44) support and fixing a tray (40). Step according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the two axes (49, 50) carried by each upright (3) of the front plane (2) comprise a shoulder ring Step according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the two lumens (47, 48) have a substantially constant width. Step according to claim 7, characterized in that the two lumens (47, 48) have substantially the same width. Step according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second lumen (48) comprises: a first section (51) substantially parallel to the first guide light (47) ; a second section (52) forming an angle with the first section (51) and approaching the first guide lumen (47) ; a third section (53) substantially parallel to the first guide light (47) ; a fourth section (54) substantially perpendicular to the third section (53); - A fifth section (55), substantially parallel to the first guide slot (47) and forming a bearing abutment for the second axis (50), in the upper extreme position of the shelf (21).

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