FR2561036A1 - SAFETY SWITCHING DEVICE FOR WORKING PLATFORMS OF FORK LIFT VEHICLES - Google Patents

Abstract

TO EQUIP A PLATFORM 4 INTENDED TO BE REMOVABLE FIXED TO AT LEAST ONE FORK OF A LIFT VEHICLE INCLUDING AN IGNITION CIRCUIT AND A HANDBRAKE, THE SWITCH DEVICE INCLUDES AT LEAST ONE SWITCH 30, SENSITIVE TO THE LESS ONE TILT SO AS TO INTERRUPT THE IGNITION CIRCUIT, AND AT LEAST ONE SECOND SWITCH 31, SENSITIVE TO THE OPENING OF THE LOCK ATTACHING THE PLATFORM ON THE LIFT FORK, SO AS TO INTERRUPT THE IGNITION CIRCUIT. OTHER OPTIONAL SWITCHES, FOR EXAMPLE 60, MAY INTERRUPT THE IGNITION CIRCUIT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TOO LIFT.

Description

The invention relates to a safety switch device for

  especially to equip platforms

  fork lift vehicles ,.

  We know that at least one load can be raised or lowered using a platform (which can be called a working platform) that can be lifted using forks housed in cavities spared to the party

  bottom of the platform. See descriptions of

  Patent applications GB-A-2,060,555 and GB-B-2,060,555 corresponding

  from Applicant's British Patent No. 2,060,555,

  and description No. GB-A-2,075,261 to the patent application

GB-80 13 621 of the Applicant.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, it provides a device for switches for a

  platform, device intended to be fixed loosely

  visible on at least one fork of a fork-lift vehicle (s), said vehicle comprising an ignition circuit and a hand brake, said platform comprising: (a) a load support surface;

  (b) a cavity formed below said platform

  shape and intended to receive or accommodate a fork; and (c) a lock for removably fixing said platform to a fork or a fork leg, the safety switch device comprising: (i) at least one first switch, sensitive to at least one inclination ( possibly to a minimum value of inclination of said platform), so as to interrupt the ignition circuit, this first switch possibly prohibiting this interruption when the inclination is 3n less, possibly by a determined quantity, to a value minimum inclination;

  (ii) at least one second switch, sensitive to the

  verture of the lock, so as to interrupt the ignition circuit, this second switch possibly prohibiting said interruption M when the lock is closed, and this second switch being possibly coupled (possibly by a series link passing through an optional relay) with the circuit for mounting the first switch (iii) possibly at least a third switch, when said platform comprises, to at least partially surround said load surface, a barrier of which at least part can be opened or closed, said third switch being sensitive to the opening of this part so as to interrupt the ignition circuit, and this third switch possibly prohibiting said interruption when the barrier part is closed, this third switch being possibly coupled with the mounting circuit of the first switch and / or the second switch, (iv) at least a fourth switch, sensitive to the level water from the load carrying surface above the ground on which said vehicle is to be driven, so as to interrupt the ignition circuit when this level reaches a maximum value (possibly a value corresponding substantially to 150 mm, or approximately 6 inches) above the ground, this fourth switch prohibiting

  possibly this interruption when the lifting level

  The load carrying surface is less, possibly by a predetermined amount, than said maximum value, this fourth switch being possibly coupled with the mounting circuit of at least one switch.

  chosen from the first, second and third interrup-

  tor, this fourth switch being possibly coupled (possibly by a series connection) with at least one other switch, the handbrake possibly being equipped with at least this other switch so as to

  interrupt the ignition circuit when the third inter-

  breaker and the additional switch are both open; cul. The interruption being possibly prohibited when both the third switch and the additional switch are closed; (V) optionally at least one actuating or maneuvering member sensitive to the surface characteristics of the ground, so as to ensure at least one opening of the fourth or other switch, this opening being

  possibly prohibited by a suitable mode of function-

  of the actuating or operating member.

  A second aspect of the present invention provides a platform, corresponding to the first aspect of the present

  invention and which is intended to be fixed in an amo-

  at least one fork of a forklift vehicle

  che. A third aspect of the present invention provides a forklift vehicle, comprising a platform

  according to the second aspect of the present invention.

  This safety switch device can

  be the operation of a forklift vehicle (event-

  forklift) when said platform is low above the ground (for example, the ground, a floor, or any

  suitable surface on which this vehicle must be driven).

  Likewise, the vehicle cannot be driven when the platform

  form is found at a high, predetermined level, above zo20 from the ground. The absence of dynamic displacement drive minimizes the danger from instability due to dynamic forces created by accelerating or decelerating or even stopping the vehicle. The first switch can be used to ensure that the mast of a forklift is vertical enough (and for example forms an angle of 90 'with the ground) when using said platform. The first switch can guarantee that the vehicle (when equipped with this platform) only serves on a non-inclined ground surface, that is to say a ground surface which will not trigger an interruption operated by the first switch-. The fourth switch (preferably when there is at least a third switch) can prevent dynamic drive or control of the forklift when the surface

  load support is located at a higher sensitive level

  150 mm, for example, or higher, for example,

  only 6 inches in Anglo-Saxon above the ground, but it will allow dynamic drive and piloting of the cart when the load support surface is, relative to the ground, at a level below one or the other

of these values.

  The present invention can be implemented or

  made in any suitable way. Preferably

  rence, the platform, the forklift, the device of the switches or switches correspond

  to the descriptions of the aforementioned patent applications GB-A-2

  îO 060 555, GE-B-2 060 555 and GB-A-2 075 261, which may be referred to for more detail. For example, the third switch may correspond to FIG. 3 of the patent application GB-A-2 075 261. Preferably, the fourth switch comprises, or is constituted by, a microswitch. Preferably, the actuation member of the fourth switch comprises a contact member with

  the soil intended to detect and respond to the profile of the over-

  face of this ground. Preferably, the actuator comprises

  takes at least one articulated arm, a first end of which is articulated on said platform and the second end of which is intended to provide the contact member with the ground, this second end comprising for example a

  element that can roll or slide to come into contact

  tact of the ground surface. Preferably, the element which can

  rolling is or includes at least one roller and / or one wheel.

  The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a safety switch device according to the present invention, FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 correspond respectively

  Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the above descriptions of requests

  GB-A-2,060,555 and GB-B-2,060,555; and FIGS. 5 and 6 correspond respectively to FIGS. 2 and 3 of the aforementioned patent application GB-A-2 075 261.

  In Figures 1 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.

6 1 0 3 6

  run sees a working platform 4, suitably equipped with a switch 30 actuated by a pendulum (see FIG. 6). In FIG. 1, the switch 30 is connected at

  series, via a relay 50, to a micro-inter-

  locking switch 31 (see Figure 4). When the inter-

  switch 30 is open, that is to say in the case of the posi-

  tion A of switch 30 in figure-1), relay 50

  is closed so as to prohibit a corresponding interruption

  dante of the ignition circuit of the forklift 1 forklift

  ] of Figures 1 and 5, this carriage 1 being equipped with the platform

  working form 4. When switch 30 is closed (i.e.

  i.e. in the case of position B of the switch 30 in FIG. 1), the relay 50 is open, which ensures

  the corresponding interruption of the ignition circuit.

  We see in Figure 1 that a microswitch 60.

  as well as a pivoting actuating arm 61 are mounted on the platform 4. The arm 61 is articulated by a first end 62 on the platform 4 and its second end,

  fl3. has a roller or a wheel 64 in contact with the ground.

  When the arm 61 is in position A ′, the switch is closed. When the arm 61 is in position B ', the switch 60 is open. The position A 'of closing the switch 60 prohibits a corresponding interruption

  dThe ignition circuit. Position B 'of opening the inter-

  -5 switch 60 ensures the corresponding interruption which has just been indicated, so that the ignition circuit

  is interrupted unless a switch 33. sensitive to -

  position of a door (see figure 3) is closed and also except

  if a switch 70 fixed on the handbrake (not shown

  felt) of the forklift 1 is closed, i.e. when the handbrake is applied. The switch 60 is connected in

  series with handbrake switch 70 and micro-switch

interlock switch 31.

  We see that the switches described above allow the interruption, in various ways, of the ignition circuit of a forklift or another

  fork lift vehicle, to increase safety

  Tee for the operation of this truck or vehicle

  ignition circuit of the vehicle or truck can thus

  take a normal or direct ignition switch and also a safety switch according to the present invention? capable of interrupting the operation of this ignition circuit when the safety of the vehicle trolley

in question requires it.

  It is obvious that. without departing from the scope of the invention,

  many modifications can be made to the

  Safety switch description, described and represented.

REUENDICATIONS

  1. Safety switch device for platforms

  forms (4) intended to be removably attached to at least

  a fork of a forklift vehicle (1), this vehicle

  a cule comprising an ignition circuit and a hand brake, said platform (4) comprising: (a) a load support surface; (b) a cavity formed under the platform and intended to accommodate a fork or fork leg; and

  (c) a lock for removably securing the platform

  shaped like a fork, device characterized in that it comprises: (i) at least one first switch (30), sensitive

  at least one inclination so as to interrupt the circuit

  ignition cooked, this switch possibly being sensitive

  ble to a value equal to or greater than a minimum platform tilt value to interrupt the ignition circuit; and (ii) at least one second switch (31). sensitive to the opening of the lock so as to interrupt the

  ignition circuit, this second switch possibly being

  lement coupled, for example in series using a relay (50), with the mounting circuit of the first switch (30). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized

  in that it includes a means prohibiting the first inter-

  switch (30) to interrupt the ignition circuit when the

  clinching is lower, possibly by a pre-

  determined, at a maximum tolerable tilt value

  constituting the minimum tilt of the system to allow

  be the operation of the first switch.

  i. Device according to claim 1 or 2, character-

  in that the second switch (31) is such that a

  corresponding interruption of the ignition circuit is inter-

said when the lock is closed.

  4. Device according to any one of the claims

  1 to 3, characterized in that it also comprises (iii) at least one third switch (33) when the platform comprises, to surround the load support surface, a barrier of which at least part can be opened or

  closed, this third switch being sensitive to opening

  of said part so as to then interrupt the

  ignition fired, this third switch being possible-

  connected to the mounting circuit of the first switch

  or the second switch or the first and second inter-

  breakers. 5. Device according to claim 4, characterized

  in that the third switch (33) is such that the inter-

  corresponding break in the ignition circuit is prohibited

  when said barrier portion is closed '.

  6. Device according to any one of the claims

  1 to 5, characterized in that it also comprises (iv) at least one fourth switch (60) sensitive at the level of the load support surface above the ground on which the vehicle (1) is to be driven. so as to interrupt the ignition circuit when - this level of elevation reaches

  a maximum tolerable value above this soil, which

  third switch possibly being such that the maximum tolerable value is substantially equal to 150 mm, this fourth switch being optionally coupled to the mounting circuit of at least one of the switches chosen from the first, second and third switches, this fourth

  switch possibly including, or possibly being-

  ment constituted by, at least one microswitch.

  7. Device according to claim 6, characterized

  in that the fourth switch (60) is such that the inter-

  corresponding break in the ignition circuit is prohibited when the level of the load-bearing surface with respect to the ground is lower, possibly by a quantity

  predetermined, to a maximum tolerable level.

  8. Device according to claim 6 or 7, character-

  risé in that the fourth switch (60) is connected to at least one other switch (70), fitted to the handbrake, so that the ignition circuit is interrupted when

256 1 0 3 6

  the third switch (33) and the fourth or other switch (70) are both open, this interrupt

  possibly being prohibited when the third inter-

  breaker (33) and the other switch (70) are both closed, the fourth switch (60) possibly being

  connected in series with the other switch (70).

  9. Device according to any one of claims

  6 to 8, characterized in that it also comprises (v) at least one actuating member sensitive to the surface characteristics of the ground so as to ensure at least one opening of at least one of the fourth switches, this opening being possibly prohibited by a suitable position or mode of operation of the actuating member, this actuating member possibly comprising a contact element with the ground intended to react to the profile

  of this soil, this actuating member possibly comprising-

  LEMENT at least one pivoting arm (61) articulated by a first end (62) to the platform (4) and being intended to ensure by its second end (63) contact with the ground 2ri, obtained for example at using a rolling element

  (6) or sliding, or by a set of elements for

before rolling and sliding.