FR3110565A1 - Set with mobile platform for passengers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates in one aspect to an assembly (100) comprising a platform (110) with a plurality of seats (115) arranged on an upper face (111) of the platform; at least a first base (120) configured to remain attached to the ground, in use; at least a first scissor lift (130) comprising one or more structures (131), each structure comprising two arms (141, 151) hinged at their centres. The scissor lift includes a lower frame (131) of which one end of one arm is integrally fixed to the first base, and one end of the other arm is slidably fixed to the first base and a tall frame one end of one arm of which is fixed integrally on a lower face of the platform, and one end of the other arm is slidably fixed on said lower face. The assembly further comprises at least a first deployment device (190) of said at least a first scissor lift, configured to cause the platform to rise from a low position to a high position, by unfolding the said structure or structures . Figure 1B

Description

Package with mobile passenger platform

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to an assembly with a mobile platform configured to receive passengers and to rise above the ground, typically about a few meters to a few tens of meters. Such a set is intended to be installed, for example, in amusement parks and tourist sites.

State of the art

Different systems are known to allow passengers to rise in altitude and enjoy a clear view of a landscape of interest or simply for attraction purposes.

The American patent US 7,926,787 [Ref.1] describes for example a platform designed to receive passengers and a mechanism for raising the platform by means of inflatable pockets allowing the platform to be raised and lowered.

Other systems are known in which the platform intended to receive the passengers is suspended. These systems are more impressive for passengers because of the feeling of emptiness under their feet. A platform suspended by a cable from the boom of a crane is for example used to receive guests and organize a dinner or an event at altitude combining catering and attraction (see the description on the website www.dinnerinthesky.com [Ref.2]). The granted patent FR 2882986 [Ref. 3] in the name of the applicant describes a nacelle system suspended from a balloon itself mobile in a tower, the nacelle being able to receive passengers.

The suspended systems mentioned however present a difficulty in balancing the platform or the nacelle once the passengers have been boarded and the disadvantage of presenting elements above the passengers.

Granted patent EP 2745895 [ref. 4] in the name of the applicant describes an assembly comprising a platform intended to receive passengers and a cylindrical structure, the platform being movable in the cylindrical structure. With nothing below or above them, passengers enjoy the thrill of riding the attraction while enjoying an unobstructed view. The stability of such a structure allows an elevation of several tens of meters, or even more. Although enjoying great success, this set has the disadvantage of offering a permanent metal structure to view even when the attraction is not in use, and requires permanent installation with foundations, which requires authorizations sometimes difficult to obtain.

The present description presents an assembly also comprising a platform intended to receive passengers and to rise in a perfectly stable manner, to offer the passengers an unobstructed view, but whose structure has the advantage of being more easily reversible, temporary and mobile.

In this description, the term "include" means the same as "include", "contain", and is inclusive or open and does not exclude other elements not described or represented. Furthermore, in the present description, the term "about" or "substantially" is synonymous with (means the same as) a lower and/or upper margin of 10%, for example 5%, of the respective value.

According to a first aspect, the present description relates to an assembly comprising:
- A platform comprising an upper face and a plurality of seats configured to receive passengers in a secure manner and arranged integrally on said upper face of the platform;
- At least a first base configured to remain fixed to the ground, in use;
- at least one first scissor lift comprising one or more articulated cross-type structures, each structure comprising two arms articulated at their centres, said at least one first scissor lift comprising:
- A low structure of which one end of an arm is fixed integrally on the first base, and one end of the other arm is slidably fixed on the first base;
- a high structure of which one end of an arm is fixed in a fixed manner on a lower face of the platform, opposite to the upper face, and one end of the other arm is fixed in a sliding manner on said lower face of the platform ; And
- At least one first deployment device of said at least one first scissor lift, configured to cause the platform to rise from a low position to a high position, by unfolding the said structure or structures.

The assembly thus formed does not require authorization for installation on site, or requires less restrictive authorizations, on the one hand because it is less cumbersome when not in use and on the other hand because it can be more easily removed from the site.

It is understood in the present description that the assembly is "in use" when the platform is in the raised position, that is to say that said at least one scissor lift is unfolded, or that the platform is in motion, due to the unfolding of said at least one scissor lift.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, said at least one first scissor lift comprises a plurality of articulated cross-type structures, including at least said low structure and said high structure which form distinct structures, said structures being connected two by two to the means of two axial joints along an axis, each axial joint connecting the ends of two respective arms of said structures.

Alternatively, said at least one first scissor lift could comprise only one articulated cross-type structure, in which case the high structure and the low structure form only one structure. With a plurality of structures, said at least a first scissor lift makes it possible to raise the platform higher.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, said at least one first scissor lift comprises between 4 and 6 articulated cross-type structures.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, each articulated cross-type structure of said at least one first scissor lift comprises two arms of length between approximately 3 m and approximately 12 m, advantageously between approximately 5 m and approximately 8 m, for example approximately 6m.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the arms of the structure or structures of the articulated cross type are formed of simple beams.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, at least one arm of each of the articulated cross-type structures is formed of two beams connected together to form a quadrilateral. This arrangement makes it possible to gain even more stability.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, a width of the folded scissor lift is between approximately 1 m and approximately 3 m, advantageously between approximately 2 m and approximately 3 m, for example around 2.5 m. A width between approximately 2 m and approximately 3 m makes it possible to gain stability and remains compatible with transport by conventional road carrier. Such a width of the scissor lift is obtained for example with arms each formed of two beams connected to each other to form a quadrilateral.

With the dimensions mentioned above, the applicant has shown that it is possible to design an assembly with a platform that can rise up to typically 15 m to 20 m in use. When not in use, when said at least one scissor lift is folded, the size of said at least one lift can be compatible with transport according to a conventional road gauge, that is to say having a width strictly less than 3 m, a length strictly less than 12 m (or 6 m for a small carrier) and a height strictly less than 4 m.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, said at least one first base is mobile and the assembly comprises stabilizing means configured to keep the base fixed to the ground, in use. Thus, said at least one first base can only be moved when not in use, that is to say when the platform is in the low position, stationary.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the first deployment device comprises one or more jack(s), for example a hydraulic jack or an electric jack.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, at least one cylinder is arranged between an arm of said lower structure and said at least one first base and/or between two arms of two structures connected to each other in the case where said at least one first elevator scissor comprises a plurality of structures and / or between two arms of the same structure.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the assembly according to the first aspect further comprises at least one second base, at least one second scissor lift comprising one or more articulated cross-type structures and at least one second deployment device. Furthermore, said at least one second scissor lift comprises a low structure with an arm, one end of which is integrally fixed to the second base, and an arm, one end of which is slidably fixed to the second base, and a high structure with an arm, one end of which is integrally fixed to the underside of the platform and an arm, one end of which is slidably fixed to said underside of the platform. The second deployment device of said at least one second scissor lift is configured to cause the platform to rise from a low position to a high position, by unfolding the said structure or structures.

Such a set makes it possible to gain even more stability, especially when the platform is intended to rise to higher altitudes or to resist stronger winds.

In practice, such a set may include 2 or 3 bases, each associated with a scissor lift fixed to the same platform, to gain even more stability.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, said at least one second scissor lift is identical to the first scissor lift.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, said at least one second deployment device of said at least one second scissor lift is configured to cause the platform to rise from a low position to a high position, synchronously with the deployment of said first scissor lift. It is then possible to perfectly control the attitude of the platform, for example to control it so that the platform remains substantially horizontal.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the assembly according to the first aspect further comprises a platform configured to provide access to the platform, in the low position.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, said platform comprises at least one access to said platform, configured to open only when passengers board the platform, in the low position.

For example, each access includes guardrails and a door or gate configured to open when passengers board.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, said platform further comprises, for each access, a detector configured to detect the opening and closing of said at least one access. According to one or more exemplary embodiments, said detector is configured to control the immobilization of the platform when access is open, for security reasons.

According to a second aspect, the present description relates to an installation comprising a plurality of sets according to the first aspect and a platform configured to give access to each platform of each set, in the low position.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the bases of the plurality of sets of the installation are interconnected to ensure, in use, stabilization of each set.

Brief description of figures

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the description, illustrated by the following figures:

, a diagram illustrating an example of an assembly with a mobile platform for receiving passengers, according to the present description, the platform being in the low position;

, a diagram illustrating the same example as that shown in FIG. 1A, the platform being in the high position;

, a diagram illustrating another example of an assembly with a mobile platform for receiving passengers, according to the present description, the platform being in the low position;

, a diagram illustrating the same example as that shown in FIG. 2A, the platform being in the high position;

, a diagram illustrating an example of an installation according to the present description, said installation comprising a plurality of sets with a mobile platform for receiving passengers, according to the present description.

Detailed description of the invention

In the figures, the elements are not shown to scale for better visibility.

Figs. 1A and 1B represent diagrams illustrating an example of an assembly 100 according to the present description, said assembly being equipped with a mobile platform 110 to receive passengers, the platform being illustrated respectively in the low position (FIG. 1A) and in the high (Fig. 1B).

The platform 110, also called a nacelle, comprises an upper face 111 and a plurality of seats 115 configured to receive passengers in a secure manner and arranged integrally on the upper face of the platform. The platform 110 which carries the passengers can also be rotatable, motorized or free-rotating by hand, like a turnstile. The seats themselves can be rotatable. You can also group them in pairs or make benches for several passengers. The platform can also be equipped with a cover to shelter the passengers from the rain and/or the sun, of the shade or parasol type.

The assembly 100 further includes a base 120, or frame, configured to remain fixed to the ground, in use and a scissor lift 130 comprising for example between four and six articulated cross-type structures, in this example six structures 131 - 136 articulated cross type.

The structures 131 - 136 each comprise a first arm 141 - 146 and a second arm 151 - 156. As can be seen in FIG. 1B, the two arms of a structure are articulated in their centers, the centers of the structures being referenced 161 – 166 in FIG. 1B. Furthermore, the structures are connected in pairs by means of two axial joints along an axis, each axial joint connecting two respective arms of said structures. Thus, in Fig. 1B, are referenced by way of example the axial joints 171, 181 respectively connecting on the one hand the arms 151 and 142 of the structures 131 and 132 and on the other hand the arms 141 and 152 of the same structures 131 and 132.

In the example of Figs. 1A, 1B, structure 131 forms the lower structure, with one end of one arm (151) integrally fixed to base 120 and one end of the other arm (141) slidably fixed to base 120. Furthermore, the structure 136 forms the upper structure, with one end of an arm (146) integrally fixed on a lower face 112 of the platform, opposite the upper face 111, and one end of the other arm ( 156) slidably attached to the underside of the platform. For example, the sliding end of the arms 141, 156 can be placed on a pad so as to slide as freely as possible horizontally with respect to the base or the platform.

The assembly 100 further comprises a deployment device 190 of the scissor lift 130, configured to cause an elevation of the platform 110 from the low position (Fig. 1A) to the high position (Fig. 1B), by unfolding of the scissor lift 130. The deployment device may comprise one or more jacks, for example hydraulic or electric jacks. In the example of Figs 1A, 1B, the deployment device thus comprises 2 jacks arranged between two arms of two structures connected to each other, respectively between the arms of the structures 131, 132 and of the structures 134, 135. other arrangements. For example, and without limitation, between an arm of the lower structure 131 and the base 120 and/or between two arms of the same structure. In practice, one of said cylinders can be installed in the lower part, which is easier to reach.

As shown in Fig. 1A, in its longest and lowest position, the 130 scissor lift is folded. When it unfolds, its ends come together and rise. By moving only one of the articulated cross-type structures by means of the deployment device or devices, all the structures are driven mechanically. This multiplies the total elevation of the platform by the number of articulated cross-type structures.

Thus, with a scissor lift with six structures as shown in Figs 1A, 1B, each structure having arms approximately 6 m long each, an elevation of the platform 110 between 15 m and 20 m is possible.

The arms of the articulated cross type structures of the scissor lift can be formed from simple beams. Alternatively, at least a first arm of each of the structures can be formed from two beams connected together to form a quadrilateral. If the second arm of each structure is made up of a single beam, it can slide between the two beams of the first arm when folding or unfolding the structure. This arrangement makes it possible to gain even more stability. The two arms of each structure can also be each formed of two beams forming a quadrilateral, the beams sliding relative to each other when the structure is folded or unfolded.

When not in use, when the scissor lift is folded (Fig. 1A), the size of the assembly comprising the lift and the platform can be compatible with transport according to a conventional road gauge, i.e. say having a width strictly less than 3 m, for example about 2.5 m, a length strictly less than 12 m (or 6 m for a small carrier) and a height strictly less than 4 m.

As illustrated in Figs. 1A, 1B, the base 120 can be mobile, thus facilitating the removal of the attraction from its site. The assembly then comprises stabilizing means configured to keep the base fixed to the ground, in use.

As will be described in more detail in connection with FIG. 3, the assembly 100 may further comprise a platform (not shown in Figs. 1A, 1B), configured to provide access to the platform, in the low position. The platform comprises for example one or more accesses to the platform 110, with for example an access configured to open only when passengers board the platform, in the low position. A detector can be used to detect the opening and closing of the access.

Figs. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating another example of an assembly 200 according to the present description. As in the previous example, the assembly 200 includes a mobile platform 210 for receiving passengers, the platform being illustrated respectively in the low position (Fig. 2A) and in the high position (Fig. 2B). The platform 210, as before, comprises an upper face 211 and a lower face 212 opposite the lower face and a plurality of seats 115 configured to receive passengers in a secure manner and arranged integrally on the upper face 211 of the platform.

In this example, the assembly 200 comprises a first base 221, a first scissor lift 231 and at least one deployment device 291, these elements being for example comparable to those described in relation to Figs 1A, 1B. the assembly 200 also comprises at least a second base 222, at least a second scissor lift 232 and one or more deployment devices 292. Here again, these elements are for example comparable to those described in relation to Figs 1A, 1B. In particular, each scissor lift comprises one or more articulated cross-type structures, including a low structure with an arm, one end of which is firmly fixed to the corresponding base, and an arm, one end of which is slidably fixed to said base. Each scissor lift also comprises a high structure with an arm, one end of which is firmly attached to the lower face 212 of the platform and an arm, one end of which is slidably fixed to said lower face. The deployment devices 291, 292 of each of the scissor lifts 231, 232 make it possible to raise the platform 210 from a low position (Fig. 2A) to a high position (Fig. 2B), by unfolding the structures , as described in connection with Figs. 1A, 1B.

In this example, however, two or more scissor lifts are used to raise a single 220 platform, which can provide greater stability or better wind resistance. It will even be possible to envisage a similar configuration but with three scissor lifts, respectively connected to three bases and configured to cause the elevation of the same platform. In these sets, the scissor lifts are advantageously identical. In addition, the deployment devices of each of the scissor lifts can be configured to cause the platform to rise from a low position to a high position, synchronously. It is then possible to perfectly control the attitude of the platform, for example to control it so that the platform remains substantially horizontal.

As previously described in relation to the example of Figs 1A, 1B, the assembly 200 may further comprise a platform (not shown in Figs. 2A, 2B), configured to give access to the platform, in the low position. The platform comprises for example one or more accesses to the platform 210, with for example an access configured to open only when passengers board the platform, in the low position. A detector can be used to detect the opening and closing of the access.

Fig. 3shows an example of a 300 installation according to this description.

The installation 300 comprises a plurality of sets 301 - 305 according to the present description, for example sets as described in relation to Figs 1A, 1B or 2A, 2B. Advantageously, the bases of the plurality of sets 301 - 305 are interconnected to ensure, in use, stabilization of each set.

The installation 300 further comprises, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a platform 310 configured to provide access to each platform of each set, in the low position. Such a platform aims to facilitate the boarding of passengers and to respect the standards applicable to rides.

As shown in Fig. 3, the platform can comprise a single reception area and, for each set 301 - 305, at least one access to the platform of said set, the access being configured to open only when passengers board on the platform, in the low position. For example, each access includes guardrails (referenced 311 for set 301 for example) and a door or gate (referenced 321 for set 301) configured to open when passengers board. A detector can be provided to detect the opening and closing of the gate and control the immobilization of the platform when access is open, for safety reasons.

In addition, it is possible to leave all or part of the controls on board the platform (nacelle), available to passengers. In this case, for example, they can themselves control the ascents, descents or rotation of the nacelle, if such rotation is possible.

On the ground, a single person is enough to operate. You can have an operator, guide or bartender who stays on board the basket with the passengers, to accompany them, serve drinks, or comment on the landscape. But you can also leave the passengers alone, secured by means of a belt and a locking system for this belt which prevents it from opening during the cycle. For example, the locking is coupled to a proximity detector with the ground or the platform.

To reinforce safety on board, in the case where the passengers are alone in the nacelle, it is also possible to install a camera system, loudspeakers and possibly a microphone to allow communication between the ground and the passengers in the nacelle.

As with all rides, there is the question of rescuing passengers in the event of a breakdown. The advantage of a set with scissor lift is in particular that the descent can be done, in a very large case of possible breakdown, passively, under the effect of the weight of the passengers, the platform and the structures of the lift. elevator themselves. For example, in the case of motorization by hydraulic cylinders, to climb, pressurized oil must be injected into a cylinder, which deploys to “unfold” the structures of the scissor lift, and therefore raise the platform. To descend, simply release the oil flow in a controlled manner, so that the scissors fold down.

Quite indicatively, the following operation of the installation can be provided. Passengers present themselves in front of boarding platform 310. They order and pay for the drinks they wish to have on board the platform. They are divided into groups according to the capacity of each platform and their affinity. The formed group waits at the foot of the platform for the end of the previous cycle. When the platform lands, the seat belts open automatically, passengers descend and exit the platform. The operator gives access to passengers who settle into the seats of the platform. They secure themselves with belts, one belt per passenger. The operator manually checks that the seat belts of all occupied seats are properly locked. He closes the take-off air access door and validates the start of the cycle.

Although described in connection with FIG. 3, the above elements relating to the platform and the operation of the attraction apply of course to any set equipped with a mobile platform to receive passengers according to the present description.

Although described through a certain number of detailed exemplary embodiments, the assembly comprising the platform comprises various variants, modifications and improvements which will appear obvious to those skilled in the art, it being understood that these various variants, modifications and improvements are within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims which follow.

References

Ref.1: Patent issued US 7926787

Ref.2: website www.dinnerinthesky.com

Ref. 3: Patent issued FR 2882986

Ref. 4: Patent issued EP 2745895

Claims (13)

Set (100, 200) comprising:
- a platform (110, 210) comprising an upper face (111, 211) and a plurality of seats (115) configured to receive passengers in a secure manner and arranged integrally on said upper face of the platform;
- at least a first base (120, 221) configured to remain fixed to the ground, in use;
- at least one first scissor lift (130, 231) comprising one or more structures (131 - 136) of the articulated cross type, each structure comprising two arms (141, 151) articulated at their centres, said at least one first scissor lift scissors including:
- a low structure (131) of which one end of an arm (151) is firmly fixed on the first base, and one end of the other arm (141) is slidably fixed on the first base (120) ;
- a high structure (136) of which one end of an arm (146) is fixed integrally on a lower face (112, 212) of the platform, opposite the upper face, and one end of the other arm ( 156) is slidably attached to said underside of the platform; And
- at least one first deployment device (190, 291) of said at least one first scissor lift (130), configured to cause the platform to rise from a low position to a high position, by unfolding said structure(s) . An assembly according to claim 1, wherein said at least one first scissor lift comprises a plurality of articulated cross-like structures (131-136), including at least said lower structure (131) and said upper structure (136) which form separate structures, said structures being connected in pairs by means of two axial joints along an axis, connecting each of the ends of two respective arms of said structures. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein said at least one first scissor lift comprises between 4 and 6 structures. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein said at least one first base is movable and the assembly includes stabilizing means configured to hold said at least one first base stationary to the ground, in use. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein in each articulated cross-like structure, at least one arm comprises two beams interconnected to form a quadrilateral. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein said first deployment device comprises at least a first actuator. Assembly according to Claim 6, in which the said at least one first cylinder is a hydraulic or electric cylinder. An assembly (200) according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least a second base (222), at least a second scissor lift (232) comprising one or more articulated cross-like structures, a second deployment device (262), wherein said at least one second scissor lift comprises:
- A low structure with an arm, one end of which is integrally fixed to the second base, and an arm, one end of which is slidably fixed to said at least one second base;
- a high structure with an arm, one end of which is firmly attached to the underside (112) of the platform and an arm, one end of which is slidably attached to the underside of the platform; And
- The second deployment device of said at least one second scissor lift is configured to cause the platform to rise from a low position to a high position, by unfolding the said structure or structures. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a platform configured to provide access to the platform, in a low position. Assembly according to claim 9, in which said platform comprises at least one access to said platform, configured to open only when passengers board the platform, in the low position. An assembly according to claim 10, further comprising a detector configured to detect the opening and closing of said at least one port. Installation (300) comprising a plurality of sets (301 - 305) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a platform (310) configured to give access to each platform of each set, in the low position. Installation according to claim 12, in which the bases of the plurality of sets (301 - 305) are interconnected to provide, in use, stabilization of each set.