EP3386901B1 - Control station for work platform of an aerial lift - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the field of mobile lifting platforms for personnel (also known by the acronym PEMP) also commonly called lifting platforms. It relates more particularly to the control station arranged on the working platform of the lifting lifts.

Lifting cradles are machines designed to allow one or more people to work at height. For this, they include a work platform designed to receive people. The working platform is supported by a lifting mechanism which allows it to be raised from a lowered position on the chassis of the lifting platform to the desired working position in height. In particular, the lifting mechanism may include an articulated and / or telescopic mast at the end of which is mounted the platform and hydraulic jacks to deploy it relative to the chassis.

The lifting mechanism is often arranged on a turret which is pivotally mounted on the chassis, which makes it possible to change the orientation of the lifting mechanism - and therefore of the platform - relative to the chassis. Finally, the chassis is generally equipped with wheels or tracks making it possible to move the lifting platform to the ground. It is most often motorized to allow an autonomous movement on the ground of the lifting platform.

The platform is equipped with a control station allowing an operator on board the platform to cause the movement of the platform to reach the desired working position. It includes for this a console provided with control members allowing the operator to actuate the lifting mechanism, even the pivoting of the turret and possibly also the movement of the nacelle on the ground.

When the platform is moved by an operator to the platform console, there is a risk that the operator will be crushed against the console by an external obstacle - for example part of a building, structure or tree branch - hitting it from behind.

To protect the operator from this risk, WO 2011/015815 A1 teaches to mount the control console to the railing with a possibility of pivoting against return springs. The crushing of the operator against the console causes it to pivot against the return springs and a proximity sensor detects the pivoting to stop the movement of the platform. A disadvantage of this solution is related to the fact that the operator can exert in normal times significant forces on the console for example by retaining the control members to avoid being unbalanced by the movements of the platform. To avoid inadvertent triggering of the crushing detection system, the return springs must have a high stiffness. Consequently, the crushing is detected only if the force of crushing of the operator against the desk is very important which risks thereby being injured.

It is also known to have a safety bar at the level of the control console so as to be interposed between the operator standing in front of the control console and the latter. In the event that an external obstacle strikes it from behind during the movement of the platform, the operator, pushed by the obstacle towards the control console, comes to press against the safety bar which then causes the movement to stop of the platform. An example of such a security bar is disclosed by FR 3 007 401 A1 where the bar is tiltably mounted on either side of the control console.

Furthermore, the control station generally includes a protective cover which can be folded down on the control console. When open, it allows the operator to access the control elements of the control console. When closed, it covers the control panel to protect the control elements as well as any signaling devices and the instructions affixed to the control panel against dirt and shocks during work carried out by persons on board the platform. An example of a control station comprising a protective cover is disclosed by JP H05 124800 A which corresponds to the preamble of claim 1.

However, such control stations equipped with a safety bar and a folding protective cover have a certain number of drawbacks.

Thus, when the cover is closed, it generally does not cover the safety bar which extends above the protective cover and remains exposed to shocks during work on board the platform.

In addition, the fact that both the safety bar and the cover are movable relative to the console complicates the design of the control station, taking into account the fact that each has its own mounting means which should be accommodated in limited space on or around the control console.

Furthermore, the presence of the safety bar above the protective cover generally hinders the handling of the protective cover to move it between the open and closed position.

The object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

In one aspect, the invention aims more particularly to ensure that the safety bar, or other element fulfilling the same function, is less hindering the handling of the protective cover of the control console when it is opened or closed, and is less exposed to shocks during work carried out by people on board the work platform.

• un pupitre de commande sur lequel sont agencés des organes de commande ;
• un capot de protection du pupitre de commande monté de manière déplaçable entre :
  • ∘ une première position dans laquelle le capot est fermé pour recouvrir le pupitre de commande, et
  • ∘ une deuxième position dans laquelle le capot est ouvert pour permettre la manipulation des organes de commande depuis le côté avant du pupitre ;
• un élément longitudinal lié au capot pour se déplacer conjointement entre la première position et la deuxième position lequel élément longitudinal, lorsque le capot est dans la deuxième position, s'étend à distance le long du côté avant du pupitre en faisant saillie par rapport au côté avant du pupitre ; et
• des moyens de détection d'une sollicitation extérieure de poussée de l'élément longitudinal vers le pupitre lorsque le capot est dans la deuxième position.

To this end, the present invention provides a control station for a lifting platform work platform, comprising:

• a control desk on which control members are arranged;
• a protective cover for the control console which can be moved between:
  • ∘ a first position in which the cover is closed to cover the control console, and
  • ∘ a second position in which the cover is open to allow manipulation of the control members from the front side of the console;
• a longitudinal element linked to the cover to move jointly between the first position and the second position which longitudinal element, when the cover is in the second position, extends at a distance along the front side of the console projecting from the side front of the desk; and
• means for detecting an external urging urge from the longitudinal element towards the console when the cover is in the second position.

When installed on board the working platform of an aerial work platform, the control station is provided to order the movement of the working platform. More precisely, when the cover is in the open position, it allows an operator standing in front of the control desk - that is to say in front of the front side thereof - to manipulate the control members to move the platform -work form. The longitudinal element is then positioned between it and the control desk without preventing the operator from handling and seeing the control members. In this way, if the operator is struck from behind by an obstacle to which he did not pay attention when moving the work platform, he will be pushed towards the desk and therefore come to press on the longitudinal element which it then urges towards the console. The thrust exerted by the operator on the longitudinal element is detected by the detection means. In cooperation with the control circuit of the various means of moving the platform, they can then cause, for example, the stopping of the movement in progress of the platform in order to avoid crushing of the operator against the desk. and possibly trigger a light and / or audible alarm signal. Those skilled in the art choose the detection threshold appropriately to usefully protect the operator from being overwritten. It is preferable that the control station is designed so that the external thrust of the longitudinal element towards the console - which is detected by the means of detection to protect the operator against the risk of crushing - does not cause the cover to close. It suffices for this that the closing of the cover is done by an external stress in a different direction.

On the contrary, when the cover is in the closed position, it protects the control panel against dirt and shocks. Since it moves together with the protective cover between the first and second positions, the longitudinal element is no longer in the projecting position relative to the front side of the control console when the cover is closed, but in a position away. This is acceptable because it is not useful that the operator's crush protection against the desk is active in this case. In fact, when the cover is closed, the operator generally does not have access to the console control members. This situation therefore does not correspond to a phase of maneuvering of the platform by an operator on board it. However, this situation may correspond to a phase of work carried out by the people on board the platform which is stopped. Due to its positioning away, the longitudinal element is less exposed to shocks during work carried out by people on board the platform. Furthermore, the manipulation of the cover to move it from the open position to the closed position and vice versa is no longer hampered or less due to their joint movement.

The longitudinal member can be rigid. In this case, it can advantageously serve as a means of gripping the cover to move it between the open and closed positions. It is preferably straight, but it can have a different shape, for example arched. The longitudinal element can also be flexible, for example in the form of a cord stretched between two side bars fixedly arranged on the protective cover, the detection means operating with respect to the tension applied to the cord similar to the technology disclosed in EP 2,096,078 A1 .

The control station is preferably designed and intended to be installed on board the working platform of a lifting platform so that an operator can manipulate and see the controls of the control console when standing upright standing in front of the control console and the protective cover is open. It will also be understood that the control station is preferably designed so that in the aforementioned position of the cover and of the operator in front of the desk, it is with the bust or the waist that the operator pushes on the longitudinal element when it is pushed towards the desk by an obstacle striking it from the rear. The operator is understood to be a normally proportioned reference person with a height chosen between 1.70 m and 1.90 m.

According to a preferred embodiment, when the cover is in the second position, the longitudinal element is arranged to move towards the rear side of the console when subjected to an external urge to push towards the console, the detection means operating by detecting the displacement of the longitudinal element towards the rear side of the console. This displacement of the longitudinal element makes it possible to limit or eliminate the crushing force applied to the operator when it is struck from behind by an obstacle during the movement of the platform. In addition, the detection of the displacement of the longitudinal element is simple to implement, for example using a position sensor of any suitable technology: roller contactor, inductive sensor, optical sensor, etc.

In this embodiment, it can advantageously be provided that the detection means operate by detecting the displacement of the longitudinal element beyond a predetermined position towards the rear side of the desk, the longitudinal element being able to move towards the rear side of the desk beyond this predetermined position. In fact, the over-displacement of the longitudinal element beyond this predetermined position limits the force applied to the operator in the event that despite the stop command caused by the detection means, the platform continues to move by inertia effect.

According to another preferred embodiment which can be implemented independently or in combination with the previous one, the detection means operate by detection of exceeding the threshold of the external urging force from the longitudinal element towards the console. Those skilled in the art choose the detection threshold appropriately to usefully protect the operator from being overwritten. It is preferably fixed at a value less than or equal to 40 daN and even more preferably less than or equal to 20 daN. However, it is preferable that the detection threshold is high enough to avoid inadvertent triggering of the detection means in the event of the operator's involuntary action on the longitudinal element in the absence of risk of crushing. It is chosen in consideration in particular of the fact that the detection means operate with respect to a displacement of the longitudinal element or not, as well as the importance and the methods of its displacement if necessary. If they do not operate relative to a displacement of the longitudinal element, the detection threshold is preferably fixed at least 10 daN.

Whatever the aforementioned embodiment, it can be advantageously provided that, when the cover is in the second position, the longitudinal element is held in position vis-à-vis an external urging urge of the latter towards the music rest to a given level of pushing force beyond which the longitudinal member moves to the rear side of the music rest. This displacement of the longitudinal element makes it possible to limit or eliminate the crushing force applied to the operator when it is struck from behind by an obstacle during the movement of the platform. This maintenance in position makes it possible to avoid inadvertent triggering of the detection means in the event of the operator's involuntary action on the longitudinal element in the absence of risk of crushing. A person skilled in the art chooses this given level of pushing force appropriately to usefully protect the operator from being crushed. It is preferably fixed at a value less than or equal to 40 daN, more preferably less than or equal to 20 daN, or even more preferably still less than or equal to 10 daN. In the case where the detection means operate by detection of exceeding the threshold of the external urging force from the longitudinal element towards the console independently of the displacement of the longitudinal element towards the rear of the console, it is preferable to coordinate the detection threshold and the level of thrust force given so as to effectively fulfill the operator's safety role. For this, the detection threshold is chosen to be lower than the given thrust force level so that the detection means trigger and cause the movement of the platform to stop before the movement of the longitudinal element. Consequently, if the platform continues to move by inertia effect, the longitudinal element will move towards the rear side of the desk as soon as the given pushing force level is exceeded in turn, which will advantageously relieve the 'operator. This case may correspond to a longitudinal element produced in the form of a rigid bar sensitive to the force as disclosed in GB 2 481 709 A which can be arranged for example fixedly on the protective cover, the latter being mounted displaceable towards the rear side of the console to provide the ability to move the bar in this direction.

It is advantageous that the longitudinal element is thus held in position by return means developing a return effort, preferably elastic, of the longitudinal element throughout its movement towards the rear side of the desk. Therefore, when the external thrust stress of the longitudinal element ceases, it is returned to its rest position.

In this case, it is also advantageous for the detection means to operate by detecting the displacement of the longitudinal element beyond a predetermined position towards the rear side of the desk and that, on the one hand, the distance measured online. right between the predetermined position of detection of the displacement of the longitudinal element and the position of the longitudinal element in the absence of external urging urge towards the desk on it - i.e. its rest position - when the cover is in the second position, either greater than or equal to 2 cm, and, on the other hand, that the pushing force required to move the longitudinal element to its predetermined detection position is less than or equal to 10 daN. Indeed, these measures provide a very effective protection of the operator against crushing in due to the low actuation force required while avoiding inadvertent triggering of the detection means due to the required distance of movement on the part of the longitudinal element in the case where the operator involuntarily presses it outside d '' a risk of crushing situation. However, it is preferable that the pushing force required to move the longitudinal element to its predetermined detection position is chosen to be greater than or equal to 2 daN to avoid excessive trigger sensitivity, in particular with regard to acceleration of the platform. On the other hand, if the aforementioned distance between the predetermined position for detecting the displacement of the longitudinal element and its rest position when the cover is open is less than 2 cm, then the pushing force required to move the longitudinal element up to at its predetermined detection position is preferably chosen at least 10 daN.

According to one embodiment, the displacement of the cover between the first position and the second position is effected by tilting or even more precisely by pivoting. This allows a separation of the longitudinal element particularly adapted to protect it from shocks and dirt when the cover is in the closed position. In addition, the swivel mounting is particularly reliable and simple to implement.

According to one embodiment, the longitudinal element is fixedly arranged on the cover. This embodiment is particularly advantageous regardless of the advantage of setting aside the longitudinal element to protect it from impacts and dirt when the cover is closed. Indeed, it simplifies the mounting of the cover and of the longitudinal element on or around the control console since it makes it possible to do without mounting elements specific to the longitudinal element for this purpose and its fixed arrangement at the hood is simple to implement. In addition, in the case where the longitudinal element is movable towards the rear side of the desk, it avoids the risk of interference between the longitudinal element or of the elements supporting it - as well as of the operator's fingers if he holds these - with the cover since they then move together. Furthermore, if the detection means operate by detecting the displacement of the longitudinal element towards the rear side of the desk, it will be understood that this detection can be implemented with any suitable sensor cooperating with the cover to detect the displacement of the latter since the two move together, which is advantageously simple to implement.

In this embodiment, it is advantageous that the longitudinal element is the front edge of the cover, or a bar arranged on the cover at a distance from the front edge of the cover to define at least one free space between the bar and the front edge of the cover. cover, it being specified that the front edge of the cover is the edge of the cover located towards the front side of the console when the cover is in the second position. In this case, the cover may have a area adjacent to the front edge which is made of transparent or translucent material through which the console control members are visible when the cover is in the second position. Provision may also be made for the console control members to be visible through the at least one free space between the bar and the front edge of the cover when the cover is in the second position.

Furthermore, provision may be made for the cover to be mounted relative to the console by a pivoting and sliding connection for moving the cover, on the one hand, by pure pivoting between the first position and the second position, and, on the other hand , by sliding towards the rear side of the console from the second position of the cover when the longitudinal element is subjected to an external urging urge towards the console. The fact of using different links for opening and crushing detection makes it possible to develop these two functions separately to optimize their operation.

• une plate-forme de travail ;
• un mécanisme de levage de la plate-forme de travail ; et
• un poste de commande selon l'invention telle que décrit précédemment lequel est agencé sur la plate-forme de travail ;

dans lequel :

• le poste de commande permet à un opérateur de provoquer le déplacement de la plate-forme de travail ; et
• les moyens de détection du poste de commande provoquent l'arrêt du déplacement en cours de la plate-forme de travail en cas de détection d'une sollicitation extérieure de poussée de l'élément longitudinal en direction du pupitre de commande lorsque le capot est dans la deuxième position.

The invention also relates to a lifting platform, comprising:

• a work platform;
• a lifting mechanism for the working platform; and
• a control station according to the invention as described above which is arranged on the work platform;

in which :

• the control station allows an operator to cause the movement of the work platform; and
• the detection means of the control station cause the movement of the working platform to stop in the event of detection of an external thrust of the longitudinal element in the direction of the control console when the cover is in the second position.

• La figure 1 représente une vue en perspective d'une nacelle élévatrice dont la plate-forme de travail est équipée d'un poste de commande selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• Les figure 2 et 4 représentent chacune une vue en perspective de la plate-forme de travail de la nacelle élévatrice de la figure 1, le capot de protection du poste de commande étant respectivement en position fermée et en position ouverte.
• Les figures 3 et 5 représentent un agrandissement local de la figure 2, respectivement de la figure 4, au niveau du poste de commande.
• Les figures 6 et 7 représentent respectivement une vue de face et une vue de côté de la plate-forme de travail de la figure 1 avec un opérateur debout devant le poste de commande.
• La figure 8 représente une vue de côté de la plate-forme de travail de la figure 1 avec l'opérateur debout devant le poste de commande et poussé contre celui-ci par un obstacle extérieur.
• Les figures 9, 10 et 11 représentent à chaque fois une vue de côté du poste de commande de la figure 1 montrant la façon de monter le capot de protection à des supports de montage, le capot de protection étant respectivement en position fermée, en position ouverte au repos et en position ouverte, repoussée par l'opérateur vers le côté arrière du pupitre de commande.
• La figure 12 représente une vue en perspective du poste de commande de la figure 1 observé depuis l'arrière de celui-ci, le capot de protection étant en position ouverte au repos.
• La figure 13 est un agrandissement local de la figure 12 au niveau du côté latéral du poste de commande.
• La figure 14 représente une vue en perspective d'un poste de commande selon une variante à celui des figures 1 à 13, le capot de protection étant en position ouverte au repos.
• Les figure 15 et 17 représentent chacune une vue en perspective d'une plate-forme de travail similaire à celle de la figure 1, mais équipée d'un poste de commande selon un autre mode de réalisation, son capot de protection étant respectivement en position fermée et en position ouverte.
• Les figures 16 et 18 représentent chacune une vue de côté du poste de commande des figures 15 et 17, le capot de protection étant respectivement en position fermée et en position ouverte au repos.

Other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of example and with reference to the attached drawing.

• The figure 1 shows a perspective view of a lifting platform whose working platform is equipped with a control station according to a first embodiment of the invention.
• The figure 2 and 4 each represent a perspective view of the working platform of the lifting platform of the figure 1 , the protective cover of the control station being respectively in the closed position and in the open position.
• The figures 3 and 5 represent a local enlargement of the figure 2 , respectively from the figure 4 , at the command post.
• The Figures 6 and 7 respectively represent a front view and a side view of the work platform of the figure 1 with an operator standing in front of the control station.
• The figure 8 represents a side view of the work platform of the figure 1 with the operator standing in front of the control station and pushed against it by an external obstacle.
• The Figures 9, 10 and 11 each time represent a side view of the control station of the figure 1 showing how to mount the protective cover to mounting brackets, the protective cover being respectively in the closed position, in the open position at rest and in the open position, pushed by the operator towards the rear side of the control console.
• The figure 12 represents a perspective view of the command post of the figure 1 observed from the rear of the latter, the protective cover being in the open position at rest.
• The figure 13 is a local extension of the figure 12 at the side of the control station.
• The figure 14 represents a perspective view of a control station according to a variant to that of Figures 1 to 13 , the protective cover being in the open position at rest.
• The figure 15 and 17 each represent a perspective view of a work platform similar to that of the figure 1 , but equipped with a control station according to another embodiment, its protective cover being respectively in the closed position and in the open position.
• The figures 16 and 18 each represents a side view of the figures 15 and 17 , the protective cover being respectively in the closed position and in the open position at rest.

A first embodiment of the invention is now described with reference to Figures 1 to 13 . The figure 1 illustrates a lifting platform whose working platform 10 is equipped with a control station 20 according to the invention.

The lifting platform comprises a chassis 2 equipped with wheels 6 for moving it on the ground. Alternatively or in combination, the chassis 2 is equipped with tracks for the same purpose. The chassis 2 is preferably motorized to ensure the autonomous movement of the lifting platform on the ground.

The platform 10 is designed to receive one or more people on board, as well as the tools and materials useful for work to be carried out at height. It is supported by a lifting mechanism 8 to raise it from a lowered position on the chassis 2 of the lifting platform to the desired working position in height. In this case, it comprises an articulated and telescopic mast at the end of which is mounted the platform 10 and hydraulic jacks for deploying it relative to the chassis 2. The lifting mechanism 8 is arranged on a motorized turret 4 allowing the rotate about a vertical axis relative to the chassis 2. The turret 4 thus makes it possible to change the orientation of the lifting mechanism 8 - and therefore of the platform 10 - relative to the chassis 2.

The control station 20 allows an operator O on board the platform 10 to cause the movement of the platform 10 to reach the desired working position. It can thus actuate the lifting mechanism 8 and the pivoting of the turret 4. It can be provided that it can also cause the displacement of the lifting platform on the ground.

It will be understood that a control station according to the invention can be mounted on the working platform of lifting lifts having a different constitution, for example which have another type of lifting mechanism 8 or which are devoid of turret 4 in which case the lifting mechanism is mounted directly on the chassis.

The figure 2 shows the working platform 10. It includes a ground 12 surrounded by a body-guard 14. An opening 17 between two uprights 17a, 17b of the body-guard 14 allows people to access the platform 10.

The control station 20 includes a protective cover 40. The cover 40 is shown in the closed position while it is shown in the open position on the figure 4 .

The control station 20 includes a control console 22 visible on the Figures 4 and 5 . It is equipped with control members 24 intended to be manipulated by the operator O to allow him to move the platform 10 to the desired position for working at height. The control desk 22 is preferably mounted fixedly with respect to the railing 14. In this case, it is mounted on support plates 74 welded to a bar 70 which is fixed to two vertical uprights 18a, 18b of the guardrail 14 by means of a respective intermediate piece 70a, 70b.

As we will see in more detail below, the passage between the open and closed positions of the cover 40 is made by pivoting around a fictitious axis parallel to the front edge of the control console 22. The front edge of the console 22, as well as its front side, are conventionally defined as being those corresponding to the side of the console in front of which the operator O stands on board the platform 10 for manipulating the control members 24. On the contrary, the rear side of the console 22 is the opposite side and which is generally towards the outside of the platform 10.

When the cover 40 is closed, it covers the control panel 22 and protects it against dirt and shocks during work carried out by the people on board the platform 10. In this position, the control members 24 are not not accessible to the operator O. Consequently, he does not have the possibility of moving the platform 10.

A bar 42 is fixedly arranged on the cover 40. It can for example be made in one piece with the cover 42 by molding of plastic or composite material or be attached to the cover 40 by any suitable means such as screwing or welding depending on the material of the cover 40. The bar 42 is in this case straight and extends horizontally and at a distance from the front edge of the cover 40 while being parallel to the latter. The bar 42 is continued at its ends by two uprights giving an overall U shape and serving to arrange the bar 42 to the cover 40. But different variants are possible. For example, an upright can be arranged centrally at the bar 42 to give an overall T-shape, the bar 42 being arranged on the cover 40 by means of this upright. According to another variant, the bar 42 may have a generally arcuate shape and be arranged directly on the cover 40 by its two opposite ends.

When the cover 40 is open, the bar 42 acts as a safety bar against the crushing of the operator on the desk 22. It is then parallel to the front edge of the desk 22 and extends all along the front edge the console 22 at a distance therefrom. It projects from the front side of the desk 22 in this case above the desk 22. It is thus positioned between the bust of the operator O and the desk 22 as can be seen on the figure 7 . The space between the front edge of the cover 40 and the bar 42 is free of material, which allows the operator O to see the control members 24 when the cover 40 is open. The operator O accesses the control members 24 by passing their hands below the bar 42.

The figure 8 illustrates the actuation of the bar 42 by the bust of the operator O which is pushed - cf. arrow F ₂ - towards the desk 22 by an obstacle C striking it from the rear when the platform 10 is displaced in accordance with arrow F ₁ . The force exerted on the bar 42, if it exceeds a given level, has the effect of moving the cover 40 towards the rear side of the desk 22 and this movement is detected to automatically stop the movement in progress of the platform 10 in order to protect the operator O from being crushed against the console 22.

The Figures 9 to 13 illustrate the mounting of the cover 40 relative to the railing 14. More particularly, the cover 40 is mounted on each lateral side to a vertical support 30 arranged fixed with respect to the railing 14. The Figures 9 to 13 show its mounting for a lateral side, it being specified that it is identical for the other lateral side of the cover 40. A cover 38 covering the support 30 has been omitted in these figures in order to show the mounting detail. This cover is preferably screwed onto the support 30, for example at the points 36 and the stud 32 visible on the figure 13 .

The lateral support 30 is in this case welded to the bar 70. The lateral supports 30 are arranged perpendicular to the front edge of the desk 22 and are mutually parallel. The cover 40 has on each lateral side a pin 44. The two pins 44 are coaxial around a fictitious axis which is parallel to the bar 42. Each pin 44 is inserted into a slot 34 formed in the corresponding vertical support 30. The two slots 34 are parallel to each other and extend towards the rear side of the desk 22. Their dimensioning is suitable to allow both the pivoting and the sliding of the pins 44 in the slots 34. The pins 44 are elastically biased towards the 'front end of the slots 34. In this case, the elastic stress is produced by means of a respective tension spring 60, one end of which is linked to the pin 44 and the other is fixed to the stud 32 of the support 30.

In the closed position which is illustrated by the figure 9 , the cover 40 rests by gravity in abutment on a horizontal bar 16 of the railing 14, in this case by grooves 46 formed in the lateral parts of the cover 40. The grooves 46 in cooperation with the bar 16 also exclude that the cover 40 can be accidentally pushed back towards the rear side of the console 22. Furthermore, the bar 42 is positioned downward, at a level below the console 22 and backward with respect to the front edge of the cover 40. The bar 42 is thus protected against dirt and shocks during work carried out by people on board platform 10.

To move the cover 40 from the closed position of the figure 9 at the open position of the figure 10 , the operator O rotates it in the direction indicated by the arrow F3, that is to say by tilting the cover 40 above the console 20 in the front to rear direction. He can carry out this operation by using the bar 42 as a gripping means. The passage from the closed position to the open position is done by pure pivoting because the springs 60 hold the pins against the front end of the slots 34. The springs 60 do not oppose the pivoting, since they stress the pins 44 only sliding. Arrived in the open position, the pivoting of the cover 40 is stopped by its rear edge 48 which abuts against the bar 70. In addition, two elastic blades 72 fixedly arranged on the bar 70 cooperate with the rear edge 48 of the cover 4 to avoid that it cannot accidentally pivot to the closed position. Alternatively, these elastic blades 72 are omitted and the cover 40 is kept in the open position under the effect of its weight.

The passage of the cover 40 from the open position to the closed position is carried out in a similar manner by pure pivoting in the opposite direction after having overcome the effort of elastic retention of the blades 72. Again, the bar 42 can be used as a gripping means to close the cover.

The figures 4, 5 and 10 represent the cover 40 in the open position at rest, that is to say in the absence of an external pushing force on the bar 42 towards the console 22. On the contrary, in the case where the operator O is standing in front the control panel 22 as illustrated in figure 7 and an obstacle C occurs hitting it from behind as illustrated in figure 8 , it will be pushed towards the desk 22 - cf. arrow F ₂ - and will press in this case with its bust against the bar 42. This effort tends to pivot the cover 40 around the pins 44 in the direction of arrow F ₃ shown in the figure 9 , but this pivoting is stopped by the rear edge 48 of the cover 40 which abuts against the vertical wall of the bar 70. Consequently, as soon as the force exerted on the bar 42 - illustrated by the arrow F ₄ on the figure 11 - overcomes the elastic return force developed by the springs 60, the pins 44 slide in the slots 34 - cf. arrow F ₅ - and therefore the cover 40 and the bar 42 move towards the rear side of the desk 22.

A sensor detects the movement of the cover 40 - and therefore of the bar 42 - towards the rear side of the desk 22. In this case, it is an inductive sensor 35 fixedly mounted on the support 30 which cooperates with a disc 45 mounted coaxial with the pin 44. When the pin 44 is at the front end of the slot 34, the sensor 35 faces the disc 45. This is therefore the case in the closed position of the cover 40 illustrated in the figure 9 and in its open position illustrated in the figure 10 and in any intermediate pivoting position between these two positions when the cover 40 is opened or closed. On the other hand, when the pin 44 slides in the slot 34 backwards beyond a given position, the sensor 35 no longer faces disk 45 as can be seen on the figure 11 .

The sensor 35 is connected to the electronic circuit of the control station 20 which stops the movement in progress of the platform 10 at the moment when the exceeding of this position is detected by the sensor 35. By stopping the movement in progress of the platform form 10, it is necessary to understand the stopping of any movement in progress ordered by the operator O from the desk 22 of the lifting mechanism 8 and the turret 4, as well as if necessary the displacement of the lifting platform on the ground. The detection of the exceeding of this position amounts in fact to detecting that the crushing force applied to the bar 42 towards the console 22 has exceeded a given threshold which corresponds to the restoring force developed by the springs 60 at this position of the pawns 44.

It will be understood that other sensors can be used in place of inductive sensors 35 such as roller sensors or optical sensors. This hood movement detection system 40 can be implemented only for one of the two pawns 44, but it is better to do it for both for reasons of reliability and security redundancy.

As can be seen on the figure 11 , the pin 44 has the possibility of sliding in the slot 34 towards the rear side of the desk 22 beyond this given position of detection of the displacement of the pin 44. This makes it possible to continue to limit the crushing force undergone by the operator O if the platform 10 continues to move by inertia effect.

When the action on the bar 42 ceases, the return springs 60 pull the pins 44 to the front end of the slots 34 and therefore bring the cover 40 - and the bar 42 - to the rest position in the open position of the figure 10 .

The springs 60 are chosen to develop an adequate return force in order to both effectively protect the operator O and to avoid an untimely triggering of the effort overrun detection system. Preferably, they are chosen so that the external pushing force of the bar 42 required to move the bar 42 to the position of detection of the displacement by the sensor (s) 35 is less than or equal to 10 daN and greater than or equal at 2 daN, while the detection of the displacement of the bar 42 by the sensor or sensors 35 preferably takes place for a displacement of the latter of at least 2 cm measured in a straight line from its rest position when the cover is open.

The figure 14 shows a perspective view of a control station 120 according to a variant of the control station 20 of the Figures 1 to 13 , the protective cover 140 being shown in the open position at rest. Identical elements have the same reference numbers. The bar 142 corresponds to the bar 42 of the control station 20. The only difference with the control station 20 lies in the fact that the window which was defined between the bar 42 and the front edge of the cover 40 is no longer free to material, but provided with a transparent or translucent screen 141. The screen 141 allows the operator to see through the control members 24 when the cover 140 is open while they remain accessible for manipulation by passing the hands under the bar 142 as in the case of the control station 20 In this embodiment, the bar 142 then defines the front edge of the cover 140.

The figures 15 to 18 schematically illustrate an embodiment of the control station 220 which is a variant of the control station 20 of the Figures 1 to 13 . The identical elements have the same references while the modified elements have the same numbers increased by 200. The difference with respect to the control station 20 lies in the fact that the passage between the open and closed positions of the cover 240 is carried out in the opposite direction. relative to the cover 40 of the control station 20. In other words, the passage from the closed position - shown to Figures 15 and 16 - to the open position - shown to Figures 17 and 18 - Is done by pivoting in the direction shown by the arrow F ₆ , that is to say by tilting under the desk 22 from the front of the desk to the rear of the desk. Therefore, when the cover 240 is closed, the safety bar 242, which is fixedly arranged to the cover 240, is positioned on the rear side of the desk 22 and oriented downwards thereof. The safety bar is then protected against dirt and shocks during work carried out by the people on board the platform. To facilitate its opening, the cover 240 may have a relief or an opening forming a grip handle in a zone of the cover which is situated towards the front side of the desk 22 when it is in the closed position. In this case, the cover 240 has a longitudinal rib 280 for this purpose.

When the cover 240 is open, the bar 242 projects from the front side of the desk 22. It is then interposed between the desk 22 and the operator who stands in front of the desk 22. The bar 242 then plays the role of safety bar against crushing of the operator on the console 22 similar to the case of the bar 42 of the control station 20. In this case, the operator - having a stature as already mentioned - comes into contact with the bar 242 rather with the waist than the bust because the bar 242 is located at a lower level than the bar 42 of the control station 20. If it presses hard enough on the bar 242 - cf. arrow F ₇ -, it will cause the cover 240 to slide towards the rear side of the console 22: cf. arrow F ₈ .

The mounting of the cover 240 to the railing can be carried out in a similar manner to the case of the cover 40, that is to say by pins cooperating with slots made in vertical supports fixed to the railing - similar to the supports 30 , but not visible in this case because covered by covers 238 - and biased by return springs to provide the possibilities of pivoting and sliding of the cover 240. Therefore, the assembly is not detailed again. The detection of the sliding of the pins can be carried out in the same way. Adaptations are made to allow tilting of the cover 240 under the console 22. In particular, the bars 16 and 70 are eliminated and the supports of the console 22 - not visible - are adapted and fixed laterally to the uprights 18a, 18b. The stop function of the cover 240 in the closed position of the bar 16 can be exerted by a stop fixed on the supports of the desk 22 or on the above-mentioned vertical supports. Similarly, the stop function stopping the pivoting of the cover 240 in the open position and stopping its pivoting in the event of a push on the bar 242 towards the desk 22 in accordance with the arrow F ₇ is suitable and can be carried out in cooperation with the lateral sides of the cover 240. The elastic blades 72 can be eliminated or replaced by elastic blades arranged on the above-mentioned vertical supports linked to the railing and cooperating with the lateral sides of the cover 240.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the examples and to the embodiments described and shown, but it is susceptible of numerous variants accessible to those skilled in the art. Thus, the bar 42 may not be arranged fixedly to the cover 40, but nevertheless be linked to the cover so as to move jointly between the open and closed positions of the cover. For example, the cover and the bar can be mounted on each lateral side in pure pivoting around the same fictitious axis relative to the railing of the platform and be linked to each other at the level of the pivoting connections by springs of torsion. More specifically, one end of the torsion spring bears on a first stop formed on the lateral side of the cover while the other end of the spring bears on the lateral upright of the U-shaped bar so as to elastically urge this upright against another stop formed on the lateral side of the cover and which is angularly offset relative to the first stop. In this way, the cover and the bar pivot together when passing between the open and closed position. The stiffness of the spring is chosen to be sufficient to avoid or limit the pivoting of the bar relative to the hood during the hood opening operation. In the open position, the cover is in abutment against a fixed stop linked to the railing of the platform preventing it from pivoting beyond this position. On the other hand, the bar can continue to pivot in the same direction - that is to say the direction towards the opening of the cover - by overcoming the elastic force of the torsion spring. This additional pivoting of the bar after the hood is stopped in the open position can be detected by an appropriate sensor to determine a situation of crushing of the operator against the bar.

Claims (13)

1. A control station (20; 120; 220) for a work platform (10) of an aerial work platform, comprising:

   - a control console (22) whereon control members (24) are arranged;

   - a cover (40; 140; 240) for protecting the control console moveably mounted between:

   ∘ a first position in which the cover is closed to cover the control console, and

   ∘ a second position in which the cover is open to make it possible to manipulate the control members from the front side of the console;

   characterized in that the control console further comprises:

   - a longitudinal member (42; 142; 242) linked to the cover to simultaneously move between the first position and the second position, which longitudinal member extends at a distance along the front side of the console and protrudes with respect to the front side of the console when the cover is in the second position; and

   - means (35, 45) for detecting an external action (F₄) pushing the longitudinal member toward the console when the cover is in the second position.
2. A control station according to claim 1, wherein when the cover is in the second position, the longitudinal member (42; 142; 242) is arranged to move toward the rear side of the console when subjected to an external action pushing same toward the console, with the detecting means operating by detecting the movement of the longitudinal member toward the rear side of the console.
3. A control station according to claim 2, wherein the detecting means operate by detecting the movement of the longitudinal member beyond a predetermined position toward the rear side of the console, with the longitudinal member being adapted to move toward the rear side of the console beyond said predetermined position.
4. A control station according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detecting means operate by detecting that a threshold of the force (F₄) of the external pushing action pushing the longitudinal element toward the console has been exceeded.
5. A control station according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when the cover is in the second position, the longitudinal element is held in position against an external action (F₄) pushing the longitudinal element toward the console up to a given level of pushing force beyond which the longitudinal element moves toward the rear side of the console.
6. A control station according to claim 5, wherein the longitudinal element is thus held in position by return means developing a preferably elastic returning force onto the longitudinal element throughout the movement of the longitudinal element toward the rear side of the console.
7. A control station according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cover moves by tilting or pivoting (44) between the first position and the second position.
8. A control station according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the longitudinal element (42; 142; 242) is fixedly arranged on the cover.
9. A control station according to claim 8, wherein the longitudinal element is:

   - either the front edge (142) of the cover,

   - or a bar (42; 242) arranged on the cover at a distance from the front edge of the cover to define at least one free space between the bar and the front edge of the cover,

   with the front edge of the cover being the edge of the cover toward the front side of the console when the cover is in the second position.
10. A control station according to claim 9, wherein the cover (140) has an area adjacent the front edge which is made of transparent or translucent material (141) through which the control members (24) of the console (22) are visible when the cover is in the second position.
11. A control station according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the control members (24) of the console (22) are visible through the at least one free space between the bar (42; 242) and the front edge of the cover (40; 240) when the cover is in the second position.
12. A control station according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the cover (40) is mounted relative to the console through a pivoting (44) and sliding (34) connection for moving the cover:

    - by merely pivoting between the first position and the second position;

    - and by sliding toward the rear side of the console (22) from the second position on of the cover when the longitudinal element is subjected to an external action (F4) pushing the longitudinal element toward the console.
13. An aerial work platform, comprising:

    - a work platform (10);

    - a mechanism (8) for lifting the work platform; and

    - a control station (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 which is arranged on the work platform;

    wherein:

    - the control station makes it possible for an operator to cause the work platform to move; and

    - the detecting means (35, 45) of the control station stop the current movement of the work platform (10) upon detecting an external action (F₄) pushing the longitudinal element (42; 142; 242) toward the control console (22) when the cover (40; 140; 240) is in the second position.

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