Method and system for protecting an operator of a high automotive elevator from pressure and

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for protecting an operator O on a working platform 3 of a high-altitude elevator from extrusion, wherein a console 10 of the high-altitude elevator allows the operator to initiate a movement of the working platform 3. The method provides for whether the movement of the work platform 3 is stopped or at a speed lower than the normal movement speed, depending on whether the movement is ongoing when the detection system B1, B2 detects the occurrence of a high risk condition of the operator, or whether the high risk condition of the operator is detected when the movement is initiated using the console 10. This differentiated process reduces the number of times the movement of the work platform is unnecessarily stopped. The method is automatically executed by a system on the high-altitude elevator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of mobile elevating work platforms (also abbreviated as MEWP, mobile elevating work platform), also known as aerial lifts. More specifically, the present invention proposes a method and system for protecting an operator on the work platform of an aerial lift from being crushed, as well as an aerial lift including such a protection system. Background Art

[0002] An aerial lift is a machine designed to allow one or more individuals to work at height. To this end, these aerial lifts include a work platform designed to accommodate personnel, and may also include loads such as tools or other equipment, and materials such as paint, cement, etc. The work platform includes a platform surrounded by a guardrail. The platform is supported by a lifting mechanism that raises the platform from a lower position on the aerial lift chassis to the desired working height.

[0003] There are a variety of aerial lifts available to meet various required uses. Accordingly, the lifting mechanisms of the work platforms employ different technologies, according to which aerial lifts are generally qualified, for example, scissor lifts, vertical mast lifts, articulated lifts, telescopic lifts. Depending on the situation, the lifting device may include a turntable pivotally mounted about a vertical axis on the chassis to enable the orientation of the lifting mechanism and thus the orientation of the work platform to be changed relative to the chassis. An aerial lift may also be self-propelled, i.e., motorized, enabling these aerial lifts to move autonomously on the ground.

[0004] The work platform is equipped with a control console that enables the operator on the work platform to move the work platform to the desired working position. To this end, the control console is equipped with control members that enable the operator to actuate the lifting mechanism and, in relevant cases, also actuate the pivoting of the turntable and the movement of the aerial lift on the ground.

[0005] The control console is typically fixed to the guardrail or at the level of the guardrail, and is arranged such that when the operator wants to manipulate the control members, the operator can stand in front of the control console.

[0006] Especially in the case of scissor lifts and vertical mast lifts, the control console is sometimes designed to be movable by the operator, such that the control console can be detachably suspended at various points on the guardrail, but preferably suspended at the front corners of the guardrail of the work platform. To this end, the control console is generally more compact and lighter than a fixed control console. The control console can also be designed such that the operator can hold it with one hand and manipulate its control members with the other hand, thereby enabling the aerial lift to be controlled from the ground rather than from the work platform. In this case, the control console is even more compact and lighter.

[0007] When the operator moves the work platform at the console of the work platform, there is a risk that the operator may be hit by an external barrier (such as a part of a building, a large building or a tree branch) from behind or above and squeezed against the console. The same risk may also exist for the guardrail in the case where the operator can stand beside the console to operate its control members, or in the case where some movable consoles are designed such that the operator stands beside the panel rather than in front of the panel when the panel is hooked on the guardrail.

[0008] Protection systems have been proposed to protect the operator from such risks. Currently, two types of solutions are used.

[0009] The first type of protection system includes installing a fixed or movable safety bar in front of the console, which is placed between the console and the operator standing in front of the console to operate its control members. When the bar is mechanically pushed towards the console, the control system of the aerial work platform stops or prevents the movement of the work platform. This type of solution is illustrated in particular by FR 3 007 401 A1, EP 2 190 775A1, JP 64-12100, JP H4-77600 U, GB 2 481 709 A1, WO2017 / 098120 and WO 2020 / 144601.

[0010] The second type of protection system uses a non-contact detection system to detect an abnormal position of the operator relative to the control console or another type of risk situation for the operator. A typical example is detecting that the operator is too close to the control console, or may also be too close to the guardrail on one side of the control console. As with the first type of solution, when the detection system detects that the operator is in an abnormal position, the operator protection system stops or prevents the movement of the work platform to avoid the risk of crushing the operator. For example, JP 5-124800A teaches placing light barriers in front of and above the control console. If the operator is pushed towards the control console by an external barrier, his body will cut off one and / or the other light beam, in which case the corresponding receiver(s) no longer receive the light from the corresponding light beam, and thus the device stops the movement of the aerial lift. WO2017 / 178737 proposes an improvement to this system, which is based on detecting the light beam reflected by the operator, rather than not receiving the emitted light beam, which also enables it to be used to detect the situation where the operator is close to the guardrail when standing on the side of the control console. In another approach, US10,358,331B2 proposes using a stereo camera with real-time image analysis. This document also proposes using an override button to allow slow movement after being stopped or blocked by the protection system. WO 2021 / 026585 proposes using a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) system to detect the abnormal position of the operator and the abnormal acceleration of the operator's body.

[0011] In addition to these two types of protection systems, there are other protection systems that use other methods to detect the risk of the operator being crushed to inhibit the movement of the work platform, but they are less commonly used.

[0012] A common drawback of existing protection systems is that if the operator is not vigilant enough and inadvertently triggers the protection system, the movement of the work platform will be stopped or blocked. This is especially true for the second type of protection system that uses a non-contact detection system, because it is not easy for the operator to notice that he may inadvertently trigger the detection. These untimely stops result in a loss of productivity. In addition, they irritate the operator, leading to a corresponding decrease in tension and vigilance, which is not desirable.

[0013] It is also known from FR 2 836 468 A1 an anti-collision system that uses radar or ultrasonic sensors to measure the distance between the chassis or the work platform and an external barrier. If the measured distance drops below a first threshold, the anti-collision system slows down the displacement speed of the work platform or the chassis, and then prohibits displacement if the measured distance drops below a second threshold that is less than the first threshold. The above-mentioned US 10,358,331B2 also discloses a more complex method for this type of anti-collision protection.

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution for protecting an operator on the working platform of an aerial lift to at least partially alleviate the above-mentioned drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0015] To this end, the present invention proposes a method for protecting an operator on the working platform of an aerial lift from being crushed, which is automatically implemented. The aerial lift includes a control console that is arranged to be used on the working platform and is designed to enable the operator to initiate the movement of the working platform. The aerial lift further includes a detection system for detecting the risk situation of the operator on the working platform.

[0016] The protection method includes: implementing a first rule, according to which, if the movement of the working platform is in progress when the detection system detects the occurrence of the risk situation of the operator, the movement of the working platform is stopped; and implementing a second rule, according to which, if the detection system detects the risk situation of the operator when the movement is initiated at the control console, the movement of the working platform is performed at a speed reduced relative to the normal movement speed.

[0017] Therefore, in the method of the present invention, the management of the risk situation of the operator is different according to the detected situation. More specifically, the method involves implementing different management of the risk situation of the operator according to whether the movement of the working platform is in progress when the detection system detects the occurrence of the risk situation of the operator, or whether the detection system detects the risk situation of the operator when the movement is initiated at the control console. This different management includes or consists in implementing different restrictive measures on the operation of the aerial lift according to the above two detection situations. These different measures are intended to protect the operator, but are applicable to the above two detection situations. In short, according to whether the conditions of the first rule or the second rule are met, the same risk situation of the operator is managed according to the first rule or the second rule.

[0018] The condition of the first rule, that is, whether the movement of the working platform is in progress when the detection system detects the occurrence of the risk situation of the operator, generally corresponds to a significant risk for the operator. This is why the result implied by the first rule is to stop the movement of the working platform to prevent the operator from being crushed. For this reason, preferably, once the detection system detects the occurrence of the risk situation of the operator, the movement is stopped immediately without delay.

[0019] On the other hand, in the context of the present invention, it has been noted that the condition of the second rule, i.e., if the risk situation of the operator is detected by the detection system when starting the movement at the console, corresponds to a low risk for the operator. In fact, in such a case, the risk situation of the operator exists at the moment when he starts the movement of the working platform. In other words, the movement of the working platform started by the operator is not the cause of the risk situation. In particular, the operator may voluntarily place himself in a risk situation before starting the movement of the working platform. For example, he may approach the console or the guardrail of the working platform at an unusually small distance in order to better observe the aerial lifting environment before starting the movement of the working platform.

[0020] Therefore, when the conditions of the second rule are met, it is acceptable to authorize the operator to start the movement of the working platform. However, as provided by the implicit result of the second rule, it is prudent to authorize the movement only at a speed reduced with respect to the normal movement speed applied in normal operation, i.e., when no risk situation of the operator is detected. In this way, if the operator still faces a real risk after starting the movement of the working platform, the operator can easily react and manage the risk. The reduced speed is preferably less than or equal to half of the normal speed of the relevant movement, and even more preferably less than or equal to a quarter or even a fifth of the latter. In the case where the operator can change the speed of the relevant movement at the console, the maximum normal speed of the movement and the maximum reduced speed of the movement will be used as a reference for applying the relationship between the reduced speed and the normal movement speed.

[0021] Since the method is implemented automatically, it is understood that the first rule and the second rule are automatically enforced. In other words, when the aerial lift is operating, they are automatically applied by the aerial lift without human intervention, thus ensuring the effectiveness of the protection method. This also means that, in the second rule, the reduced speed is automatically applied by the aerial lift without the operator having to activate a dedicated control for this purpose, such as pressing an override button.

[0022] The fact of authorizing the start of the movement at the console according to the second rule, despite the detected risk situation, advantageously makes it possible to significantly reduce the number of stops and the downtime of the working platform due to the intervention of the anti-pinch protection of the operator, while maintaining a good level of anti-pinch protection for the operator. The result is an increase in productivity. In addition, since the implementation of the second rule is automatic, it does not cause any particular annoyance to the operator, because the movement he starts at the console is executed immediately without him having to take any additional specific actions.

[0023] A detection system for detecting the risk situation of an operator on a work platform can be any type of system for detecting potential dangerous situations of the operator on the work platform due to the movement of the work platform. Therefore, the detection system is preferably designed to detect the risk situation of the operator on the work platform due to the movement of the work platform. Advantageously, the detection system can be designed to detect the risk situation of the operator being pinched on the work platform. In the latter case, the detection is preferably performed relative to the operator's body. In particular, the detection system can be any type of operator anti-pinch protection system used in prior art for aerial work platforms. As mentioned above, the detection can typically be performed relative to the operator's body. Multiple non-limiting embodiments of the detection system are mentioned below.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the risk situation detected by the detection system is the position of the operator relative to the console. Generally, this may involve detecting the proximity of the operator to the front and / or top of the console. In other words, the aim is to detect the situation where the operator is abnormally close to the console relative to the position he usually occupies when using the console. For this purpose, prior art systems consisting of a fixed or movable safety bar installed in front of the console can be used to detect the pushing against it. However, the protection system of the present invention is even more attractive in the case of including a non-contact detection system, because in this case the risk of unintentional triggering is greater.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, it may involve detecting the operator's approach to the console. In other words, in this case, the aim is to detect the situation where the operator is abnormally far from the console relative to the position he usually occupies when using the console.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, the risk situation detected by the detection system may be the operator's approach to the part of the guardrail that is laterally adjacent to the console. In other words, in this case, the aim is to detect the situation where the operator is not standing in front of the console but is abnormally close to the part of the guardrail that is adjacent to the console.

[0027] According to another preferred embodiment, the risk situation detected by the detection system is the absence of the operator in a given area on the work platform relative to the console. In other words, the aim is to detect the situation outside the area where the operator usually is when using the console.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, on the contrary, it involves detecting the presence of the operator in a specific area on the work platform relative to the console. In other words, the aim is to detect the situation in an area where the operator usually does not stay when using the console.

[0029] Preferably, the detection of the presence or absence of the operator in a given area is achieved by non-contact detection.

[0030] Although advantageously, detecting based on the operator's position on the work platform or based on the presence or absence of the operator in an area on the work platform is simple and effective, in other embodiments, the detection of the risk situation detection system can be based on other physical parameters, such as, for example, the acceleration of the operator's body. In particular, it can detect a body acceleration exceeding a given threshold. This detection can indicate a collision between a barrier outside the aerial lift and the operator.

[0031] In another embodiment, the risk situation detected by the detection system can be that a barrier outside the aerial lift is approaching the operator on the work platform. This detection can also be achieved using non-contact detection.

[0032] Generally, the detection system preferably uses non-contact detection, which can be implemented by any suitable technology, for example, one or more photoelectric sensors, one or more LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors, one or more LADAR (Laser Detection and Ranging) sensors, one or more RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) sensors, one or more ultrasonic sensors, and / or one or more cameras or one or more 3D vision devices with image analysis. However, the detection system can also use contact detection.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the method includes: after triggering the second rule, even if the detection system stops detecting the operator's risk situation, as long as the movement of the work platform is kept started at the console, the movement of the work platform is performed at a reduced speed. The triggering of the second rule means that when applying the second rule, the movement of the work platform is performed at a speed lower than the normal movement speed because when starting the movement at the console, the detection system has detected the operator's risk situation. Although the detection of the operator's risk situation is stopped, the ongoing movement is still maintained at a reduced speed, avoiding the risk of the operator losing balance. In fact, if the movement speed of the work platform changes from the reduced speed to the normal speed, the operator may become unbalanced due to the acceleration experienced by the body.

[0034] According to another preferred embodiment, the method includes: excluding the application of the first rule when moving at a reduced speed; and after triggering the second rule, performing the movement at a reduced speed as long as the movement is initiated at the console, regardless of the detection system. Advantageously, this embodiment improves productivity when moving at a reduced speed due to the triggering of the second rule. In fact, if the detection of the operator's risk situation is stopped and then detected again during the movement at a reduced speed, the ongoing movement of the work platform will not stop but will continue at a reduced speed as long as the movement is initiated at the console. From the perspective of operator safety, this is acceptable because if the risk is real, the operator can easily react and manage the risk provided that the movement is performed at a reduced speed.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the method is applied to the ascending movement of the work platform. In other words, the console is designed to enable the operator to initiate the ascending movement of the work platform, and the method includes: implementing a first rule according to which, if the ascending movement of the work platform is in progress when the detection system detects a risk situation of the operator, the ascending movement of the work platform is stopped; and implementing a second rule according to which, if the detection system detects a risk situation of the operator when the ascending movement of the work platform is initiated at the console, the ascending movement of the work platform is performed at a speed reduced relative to the normal movement speed.

[0036] In another preferred embodiment, the method is applied to the movement of the work platform parallel to the ground, which is achieved by the translation of an aerial work platform on the ground. In this case, the aerial work platform is self-propelled to be able to translate on the ground, and the console is designed to enable the operator to initiate the translation of the aerial work platform on the ground. And the method includes: implementing a first rule according to which, if the translation of the aerial work platform on the ground is in progress when the detection system detects a risk situation of the operator, the translation of the aerial work platform on the ground is stopped; and implementing a second rule according to which, if the detection system detects a risk situation of the operator when the translation of the aerial work platform on the ground is initiated at the console, the translation of the aerial work platform on the ground is performed at a speed reduced relative to the normal speed of the translation of the aerial work platform on the ground.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the method may also advantageously include: implementing the first rule and the second rule only when the working platform is at least partially raised; and implementing a third rule according to which, under the condition that the working platform is in the fully lowered position, the aerial lift is allowed to translate on the ground without considering the detection system. Implementing this third rule is advantageous in terms of productivity because it avoids the possibility of the aerial lift being stopped on the ground by the protection system. This is acceptable because, since the working platform is fully lowered, the operator is in the situation of a simple motor vehicle driver, and in this case, it is generally foreseeable that when the working platform is raised, the aerial lift can be driven at a high speed compared to the normal translation speed on the ground.

[0038] According to another preferred embodiment, in which the console is designed to enable the operator to selectively initiate any one of several different movements of the working platform, the method includes: excluding at least one movement of the working platform from the implementation of the first rule and the second rule so as to allow this movement of the working platform without considering the detection system. In other words, if this movement is initiated at the console, the movement will be executed at a normal speed regardless of any risk status detection of the operator. This embodiment advantageously applies to any movement that is considered not to increase the risk to the operator, or even to reduce or eliminate the risk to the operator. The fact of not prohibiting such a movement also results in an increase in productivity.

[0039] This embodiment can advantageously be applied to the lowering movement of the working platform. In other words, the console is designed to enable the operator to initiate the lowering movement of the working platform, and the method includes excluding the lowering movement of the working platform from the implementation of the first rule and the second rule so as to authorize the lowering movement of the working platform without considering the detection system.

[0040] Similarly, when the aerial lift is self-propelled, this embodiment can also advantageously be applied to the forward movement translation of the aerial lift on the ground. In this case, the console is designed to allow the operator to initiate the forward movement translation of the aerial lift on the ground, and the method includes excluding the forward movement translation of the aerial lift on the ground from the implementation of the first rule and the second rule so as to authorize the forward movement translation of the aerial lift on the ground without considering the detection system. In fact, the risk of squeezing the operator during the forward movement translation on the ground is very low because in this case, the operator will naturally look ahead of the aerial lift and can thus see any possible external barriers approaching him. This is even more the case when the console is fixedly mounted on the working platform because the mounting position of the console requires the operator to naturally position himself in front of it and look ahead of the aerial lift.

[0041] According to another preferred embodiment, at least one reset program is provided, which is executable at the console. The method includes: in the case of triggering a first rule, applying a first restricted operation mode until the reset program is executed; and prohibiting movement throughout the time of applying the first restricted operation mode. The triggering of the first rule is understood to mean the situation where the movement of the working platform stops when the first rule is applied, because the movement is in progress when the detection system detects a risk situation of the operator. This prevents the operator from becoming unbalanced due to the automatic restart of the movement if the detection of the operator's risk situation stops after the first rule is applied.

[0042] According to an advantageous embodiment, the console is designed to allow the operator to selectively initiate any one of several different movements of the working platform, and the method includes, for each movement of the working platform, prohibiting the movement of the working platform to be executed throughout the time of applying the first restricted operation mode, or authorizing the movement of the working platform to be executed only at a speed reduced relative to the normal movement speed throughout the time of applying the first restricted operation mode, preferably regardless of the detection system.

[0043] Thus, if during the application of the first restricted operation mode, the operator initiates a movement of the working platform that is prohibited from being executed, the movement will not be performed by the aerial work platform. This prohibition is preferably applied to any movement of the working platform that is considered likely to increase the risk of the operator being crushed when the movement in progress of the working platform has just stopped in the case of applying the first rule. This can prevent the operator from increasing the risk of crushing due to accidentally initiating such a movement at the console.

[0044] Conversely, when the movement in progress of the working platform has just stopped in the case of applying the first rule, the working platform is authorized to execute the movement only at a reduced speed, preferably applied to any movement of the working platform that is considered likely to reduce or eliminate the risk of the operator being crushed. In this way, the operator can initiate such an authorized movement by starting such a movement at the console to get himself out of the risk situation. Executing such a movement at a reduced speed enables the operator to more effectively control the movement, thus safely managing such a movement of the working platform. For this reason, authorizing the execution of the movement of the working platform is satisfactory regardless of the detection system, which avoids the operator being hindered by the stop of the movement of the working platform due to, for example, a new detection of the risk situation of the operator, because executing the movement at a lower speed enables him to manage the authorized movement of the working platform in a sufficiently safe manner.

[0045] During the entire time the first restrictive operating mode is applied, movement of the work platform is prohibited, preferably always applied to the upward movement of the work platform, because this is almost always dangerous when there is a risk of crushing situation for the operator. In other words, in this case, the console is designed to allow the operator to initiate the upward movement of the work platform, and the method includes prohibiting the upward movement of the work platform during the entire time the first restrictive operating mode is applied, regardless of the movement of the work platform that is in progress when the first rule is triggered.

[0046] According to one embodiment, wherein the aerial lift is self-propelled so as to be able to translate on the ground, and the console is designed to enable the operator to selectively initiate the translation of the aerial lift moving forward on the ground, the translation of the aerial lift moving backward on the ground, the upward movement of the work platform, and the downward movement of the work platform. The method includes, during the application of the first restrictive operating mode, authorizing the execution of any one of the translation of the aerial lift moving forward on the ground, the translation of the aerial lift moving backward on the ground, and the downward movement of the work platform only at a speed reduced relative to the normal moving speed, since the first rule is triggered when the work platform only experiences an upward movement. In this case, these three movements may be useful to the operator to enable him to get out of the risk of crushing situation.

[0047] According to another embodiment, wherein the aerial lift is self-propelled so as to be able to translate on the ground, and the console is designed to enable the operator to selectively initiate the translation of the aerial lift moving forward on the ground, the translation of the aerial lift moving backward on the ground, the upward movement of the work platform, and the downward movement of the work platform. The method includes, during the application of the first restrictive operating mode, authorizing the execution of the translation of the aerial lift moving forward on the ground and the downward movement of the work platform only at a speed reduced relative to the normal moving speed, since the first rule is triggered when the work platform only experiences the translation of the aerial lift moving backward on the ground. In this case, these two movements may be useful to the operator to enable him to get out of the risk of crushing situation.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, wherein the console is designed to enable an operator to selectively initiate any one of a variety of different movements of the work platform, and wherein at least one reset procedure is provided that can be executed at the console, the method includes: in the case of triggering a second rule, applying a second restricted operation mode until the reset procedure is executed; and throughout the time of applying the second restricted operation mode, authorizing any movement of the work platform to be executed only at a speed reduced relative to the normal movement speed. This enables the operator to move the work platform freely, although the operator's risk profile has led to the application of the second restricted operation mode. This improves productivity and is acceptable in terms of the operator's safety, since, as described above, the movement of the work platform initiated by the operator is not the cause of the risk profile, and the reduction in the movement speed of the work platform enables him to adequately manage the risk of pinch that he may face.

[0049] Throughout the entire time of applying the second operation mode, it is advantageous to exclude the application of the first rule and allow any movement of the work platform to be executed at a reduced speed, regardless of the detection system. Since the first rule is not applied and the detection system is not considered during the second restricted operation mode, any unexpected stops in the movement of the work platform that might occur due to the application of the first rule are avoided. This improves productivity and avoids irritating the operator when applying the second restricted operation mode.

[0050] According to another preferred embodiment, the method includes: when the first restricted operation mode is being applied, deactivating the first restricted operation mode in the case of executing a reset procedure when the detection system has stopped detecting the operator's risk profile; and / or when the second restricted operation mode is being applied, deactivating the second restricted operation mode in the case of executing a reset procedure when the detection system has stopped detecting the operator's risk profile. Deactivating the first restricted operation mode and the second restricted operation mode respectively results in a return to the normal operation mode. The fact that the restricted operation mode is terminated only when the detection system stops detecting the operator's risk profile advantageously ensures the resumption of the normal operation mode under safe conditions for the operator.

[0051] According to another preferred embodiment, the reset procedure includes or consists of releasing any movement of the work platform at the console, and the method includes deactivating the first restricted operation mode and / or the second operation mode in the case of executing the reset procedure under the condition that any movement of the work platform is released at the console and the detection system has stopped detecting the operator's risk profile. In other words, if at the same time all movements of the work platform are released at the console and the detection system has stopped detecting the operator's risk profile, the reset procedure only allows the deactivation of the first restricted operation mode and / or the second operation mode.

[0052] According to another preferred embodiment, an aerial lift includes a turntable pivotally mounted on a frame, the turntable supporting a lifting device for a working platform, the console being designed to enable an operator to initiate rotation of the turntable, and the method includes: implementing a first rule according to which, if the rotation of the turntable is in progress when a risk condition of the operator is detected by a detection system, the rotation of the turntable is stopped; and implementing a second rule according to which, if a risk condition of the operator is detected by the detection system when the rotation of the turntable is initiated at the console, the rotation of the turntable is performed at a speed reduced relative to the normal rotation speed of the turntable.

[0053] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a protection system for an operator of an aerial lift, the protection system including a working platform and a console, the console being arranged to be used on the working platform and being designed to enable the operator to initiate at least one movement of the working platform, the protection system including: a detection system for detecting a risk condition of the operator on the working platform; and a management system for the movement of the working platform, the management system being operably connected to the detection system, the detection system being configured to implement a method for protecting the operator from pinching according to the present invention. In practice, the working platform can at least move in height.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment of the protection system, the detection system is designed to detect a risk condition of the operator on the working platform due to the movement of the working platform. More preferably, the detection system is adapted to detect a risk condition of pinching of the operator on the working platform. The detection is preferably performed relative to the body of the operator. The above description of the detection system in the context of a method for protecting an operator on a working platform of an aerial lift according to the present invention applies to the context of the protection system according to the present embodiment.

[0055] The management system can be implemented by on-board electronics of the aerial lift, the on-board electronics being designed to control the movement of the working platform and, more generally, the movement of the aerial lift. The management system can also be a dedicated electronic circuit designed to interface with the on-board electronics of the aerial lift, the on-board electronics controlling the movement of the working platform and the movement of the aerial lift. The electronic circuit can be housed, for example, in the console or in a box dedicated to the protection system (i.e., housing the detection system and the management system of the protection system).

[0056] According to another aspect, the present invention provides an aerial lift including a working platform movable at least in height and a console, the console being arranged to be used on the working platform and being designed to enable the operator to initiate at least an upward movement and a downward movement of the working platform, the aerial lift further including a protection system for an operator of the aerial lift according to the present invention.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the aerial lift is self-propelled and is used for translational movement forward and backward on the ground. The console is also designed to enable the operator to initiate the translational movement forward and backward of the aerial lift on the ground.

[0058] In another preferred embodiment, the aerial lift is a scissor lift or an aerial lift with a fixed vertical mast. An aerial lift with a vertical mast refers to an aerial lift having a vertical mast and no pivoting turntable, and the orientation of the mast is fixed relative to the aerial lift chassis on which it is mounted.

[0059] In another embodiment, the aerial lift includes a turntable pivotally mounted on the chassis. The turntable supports a lifting device for the work platform. The console is also designed to enable the operator to initiate the rotation of the turntable. In this case, the aerial lift is preferably an aerial lift with a telescopic mast or an aerial lift with an articulated mast or an aerial lift with a vertical mast and a rotating turntable. Description of the Drawings

[0060] The following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention given by way of example and with reference to the drawings will make other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention apparent.

[0061] Figure 1 shows a scissor lift according to a first preferred embodiment, with its work platform in a lowered position on the chassis.

[0062] Figure 2 shows the same aerial lift, but with its work platform in a raised position.

[0063] Figure 3 shows a separate view of the aerial lift console, which is equipped with a detection system including two non-physical barriers.

[0064] Figure 4 shows a partial view of the aerial lift, which shows the end of the work platform and the console attached to the guardrail.

[0065] Figure 5 shows a partial schematic perspective view of the work platform of the aerial work platform, where the operator stands at the console.

[0066] Figure 6 shows a schematic top view of the situation of the previous figure.

[0067] Figure 7 ​​​​​​​Shows a block diagram of an apparatus consisting of a console, a protection system for an operator, and on-board electronics of an aerial work platform according to a first embodiment.

[0068] Figure 8 Shows a separate view of the console of another aerial work platform, which is equipped with a detection system including three non-physical barriers.

[0069] Figure 9 Is a partial view of the aerial work platform, which shows the end of the work platform of the aerial work platform and the console attached to the guardrail of the aerial work platform in the previous figure.

[0070] Figure 10 Is similar to Figure 4 and relates to an embodiment identical to the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 7 except for the detection system of the protection system for the operator.

[0071] Figure 11 Shows a partial perspective view of the work platform of the aerial work platform in this embodiment, where the operator stands upright at the console.

[0072] Figure 12 Schematically represents a top view of this embodiment, which shows the measurement beam of a LIDAR or LADAR detector mounted on the detection system of the protection system for the operator, and the normal position of the operator standing at the console.

[0073] Figure 13 Shows an aerial work platform according to another embodiment, which is articulated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] Now, an aerial work platform according to a first preferred embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7 As can be seen from Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the aerial work platform is a scissor lift. It includes a chassis 1, a scissor lift mechanism 2 mounted on the chassis 1, and a work platform 3 mounted on the scissor lift mechanism 2. The work platform 3 has a horizontal platform 7 surrounded by a guardrail 8 to prevent personnel from falling. The guardrail 8 includes four parts 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, each corresponding to a different side of the platform 7. The platform 7 and the guardrail 8 may include sliding members at one or both ends of the work platform 3 to enable the user to change the available working surface on the work platform 3.

[0075] ​​​​​​The scissor lift mechanism 2 includes beams articulated in a scissor-like manner at its center, these scissor mechanisms being mounted on top of each other by their ends, these ends being pivotally connected so that they can unfold. A hydraulic cylinder 4 (or alternatively several hydraulic cylinders) allows the actuation of the scissor lift mechanism 2 to lower and raise the work platform 3 to the desired working height.

[0076] The chassis 1 is equipped with front wheels 5 and rear wheels 6, the chassis 1 resting on the ground by means of these front and rear wheels and enabling the aerial work platform to move horizontally on the ground. The front side of the aerial work platform is marked AV and the rear side is marked AR. The aerial work platform is motorized to move autonomously on the ground. The motorization means are generally mounted directly on the chassis 1.

[0077] Alternatively, the present invention also covers an aerial work platform with a vertical mast. In the case of an aerial work platform with a vertical mast, the lifting mechanism is designed in the form of an extensible mast, which includes vertical sections that slide relative to each other to extend vertically to the desired working height. Sometimes, their lifting mechanism includes a turntable on which the extensible mast is mounted, the turntable being pivotally mounted on the chassis about a vertical axis to change the orientation of the work platform relative to the chassis. Sometimes, the work platform is mounted on the upper vertical section by means of a swing arm (i.e., an arm hinged to the vertical mast about a horizontal axis), giving the user greater flexibility when reaching the working position.

[0078] More generally, the present invention relates to any other type of aerial work platform, regardless of the type of lifting mechanism of the platform, in particular telescopic or articulated aerial work platforms. The present invention also applies to non-motorized aerial work platforms for autonomous ground travel but towed or pushed for this purpose.

[0079] The work platform 3 is equipped with Figure 3 and Figure 4The console 10 shown. The console 10 is equipped with control members enabling the operator to move the work platform 3 to a desired working position. In this example, the button 14 is used to select the type of movement that can be initiated with the control handle 13 between the translation of the aerial work platform on the ground and the vertical displacement of the work platform 3. The control handle 13 is used to perform the selected type of movement: depending on the situation, this control handle 13 can be tilted forwards and backwards in sequence to raise or lower the work platform 3, or move the aerial work platform forwards or backwards. In other words, the operator makes the desired movement by tilting the control handle 13. During normal operation, the initiated movement is carried out as long as the control handle 13 remains tilted, and the initiated movement stops when the operator returns the control handle 13 to its neutral position. The control handle 13 allows the speed of the selected movement to be changed according to its degree of tilt, preferably proportionally. A button (not shown) on the top of the control handle 13 can be used to change the orientation of the steering wheel and, in this case, the orientation of the front wheels 5 (alternatively, the rear wheels 6). The console 10 has a wired connection (not shown), or alternatively a wireless connection to the on-board electronics 50 (see Figure 7 ), for example mounted below the chassis 1. The on-board electronics 50 control the power members of the aerial work platform, in particular the (multiple) motorized and hydraulic cylinders 4, depending on the commands issued by the operator at the console 10.

[0080] The console 10 is detachable and is designed to be suspended at various points on the guardrail 8 for easy manipulation of the aerial work platform by the operator on the work platform 3. To this end, the console 10 has a side plate 11 extending vertically relative to the housing of the console 10 on its right side 21. At the upper end of the plate 11, the plate 11 has a suitable shape 12, for example, an inverted U-shaped cross-section, enabling the console 10 to be hooked onto the correspondingly sized horizontal bar of the guardrail 8. The hooking system can be different and can be manufactured in any suitable way, allowing the operator to manually unhook or hook the console 10 to the guardrail 8 without the need for tools. There can also be a system for manually locking the console 10 to the guardrail 8, or a system for fixing the console 10 to the guardrail 8 with, for example, pins, to prevent the console 10 from sliding on the guardrail 8 under the action of, for example, vibrations.

[0081] The console 10 is also designed to be held with one hand so that the operator can manipulate the control members 13, 14 with the other hand. This enables the operator to control the aerial work platform from the ground. To this end, the console 10 is fitted with a handle 15, in this example in the form of an opening in the side plate 11. In addition, the console 10 is sufficiently compact, preferably less than 30 cm wide, even less than 25 cm, and has a suitably low weight.

[0082] When on the work platform 3, the operator manipulates the control members 13, 14 of the console 10 while the console is hooked to the guardrail 8. The operator suspends the console 10 towards the front end of the long portion 8b of the guardrail 8, as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown.

[0083] Taking into account the narrow width of the console 10 and the fact that its attachment to the guardrail 8 is arranged on the right side 21, the operator usually stands on the left side 22 of the console 10 when manipulating the control members 13, 14, and in this case uses the right hand. This position is as Figure 5 shown, where the operator is represented by the letter O. The operator is also symbolically represented by O in Figure 6 . Thus, the risk of the operator being crushed is mainly due to the barrier outside the aerial work platform hitting him from behind when the aerial work platform moves backward, or hitting him from above when the work platform 3 rises.

[0084] However, the operator may also approach the portion 8b of the guardrail 8 and lean over it, for example, to observe the orientation of the wheels of the aerial work platform. The operator may even position himself in front of the front side 20 of the console 10 by facing the portion 8b of the guardrail 8, while manipulating the control members 13, 14 with the left hand and leaning over the portion 8b of the guardrail 8. If he activates the upward movement of the work platform 3, the risk of being crushed against the portion 8b of the guardrail mainly comes from the external barrier above him.

[0085] To ensure the safety of the operator, the console 10 is equipped with a system to protect the operator from being crushed on the work platform 3: this protection system is marked as 60 in Figure 7 . The protection system 60 is designed to protect the operator from the risk of being crushed by external barriers (such as a part of a building or structure, or a tree branch) from behind or above. The protection system 60 includes a detection system 61, which includes Figures 3 to 6 the two non-physical barriers shown.

[0086] The first non-physical barrier B1 stands in front of the portion of the guardrail 8a adjacent to the left side 22 of the console 10. The second non-physical barrier B2 stands above the portion of the guardrail 8b adjacent to the right side of the console 10 and extends beyond the front side 20 of the console 10 in the direction towards the rear of the work platform 3. For more details on the implementation of the non-physical barriers B1 and B2, reference can be made to WO 2017 / 178737.

[0087] In this embodiment, once interference with any one of the two non-physical barriers B1, B2 is detected, a situation that may pose a risk of pinching to the operator is considered to exist. In the remainder of the description of this embodiment, referring to the detection system 61 detecting a risk situation of the operator means that the detection system 61 detects interference with any one of the two non-physical barriers B1, B2. Conversely, referring to the detection system 61 not detecting a risk situation of the operator means that the detection system 61 does not detect any interference with any one of the two non-physical barriers B1, B2.

[0088] As Figure 7 shown, the protection system 60 further includes a management system 62 for the movement of the work platform 3. The detection system 61 is functionally connected to the management system 62, and the management system 62 is designed to manage the movement of the work platform 3 according to the detection signal provided to it by the detection system 61. For this purpose, the management system 62 may consist of its own electronic circuit interfacing with the on-board electronic device 50 of the aerial lift. Alternatively, the management system 62 may be entirely implemented by the on-board electronic device 50 of the aerial lift.

[0089] Now, how the protection system 60 collaborates with the detection system 61 through the management system 62 to manage the movement of the work platform 3 will be described.

[0090] The management system 62 authorizes normal operation when the detection system 61 does not detect a risk situation for the operator, that is, when neither of the non-physical barriers B1, B2 is interfered with. In this case, the management system 62 authorizes the unrestricted execution of the movement of the work platform 3. In other words, when the operator starts any movement of the work platform 3 (including translation via the ground) at the console 10, the management system 62 authorizes it to be executed without restriction, and thus the on-board electronic device 50 executes at the normal movement speed.

[0091] In the normal operation mode, the protection system 60 is preferably designed not to affect the translation of the aerial lift on the ground when the work platform 3 is in the fully lowered position, because the operator is in the situation of an ordinary motor vehicle driver at this time. In other words, according to the above third rule, as long as the work platform 3 is in the fully lowered position, the translation of the aerial lift on the ground is authorized regardless of the detection system 61. In other words, only when the work platform 3 is at least partially raised are the first rule and the second rule implemented.

[0092] Furthermore, in the normal operating mode, the protection system 60 is preferably designed not to affect the execution of the movement of the work platform 3 when the relevant movement is considered to be essentially risk-free for the operator. In this way, the protection system 60 can be designed to always authorize the lowering movement of the work platform 3, independently of the detection system 61. In other words, as long as the lowering movement of the platform is initiated at the control console 10, the platform executes the lowering movement at its normal speed, independently of whether there is any interference with any non-physical barriers B1, B2. In fact, during the lowering movement of the work platform 3, there is no risk of the operator being crushed.

[0093] Similarly, the management system 62 can be designed to always authorize the translation of the aerial work platform moving forward on the ground, independently of the detection system 61. In other words, as long as the translation of the aerial work platform moving forward on the ground is initiated at the control console 10, it will be executed at the normal speed, independently of whether there is any interference with any non-physical barriers B1, B2. In this case, the risk of the operator being crushed is still very low. This is even more the case if the control console is fixedly mounted on the work platform 3 facing the front of the work platform 3, because in this case, the operator at the control console will usually look towards the front of the aerial work platform.

[0094] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the management system 62 authorizes the change of the orientation of the wheels, independently of any detection by the detection system 61 of the risk situation of the operator. This is because changing the orientation of the wheels does not involve any movement of the work platform 3 and thus does not pose a risk to the operator. This allows the operator to lean over the guardrail 8 to see the orientation of the steering wheels 5 or 6 during the change of the wheel orientation that he operates at the control console 10.

[0095] However, in the normal operating mode, the protection system 60 is designed to affect the execution of the movement of the work platform 3 if the risk situation of the operator is detected when the relevant movement is considered to pose a risk to the operator. This is usually the case for the raising movement of the work platform 3. In the present embodiment, this is also the case for the translation when the aerial work platform moves backward on the ground. These movements will be referred to as risk movements hereinafter.

[0096] However, alternatively, the translation movement of the aerial work platform moving forward on the ground and / or the lowering movement of the work platform 3 can be regarded as dangerous movements in the same way as the translation movement of the aerial work platform moving backward on the ground and the raising movement of the work platform 3, and thus can be affected in a similar way if the dangerous situation of the operator is detected.

[0097] In the case where the risk situation of the operator is detected, the manner in which the management system 62 affects the risk movement of the work platform 3 started at the console 10 is different according to the chronological order between the moment when the movement of the work platform 3 is started at the console 10 and the moment when the detection system 61 detects the risk situation of the operator.

[0098] If, when the detection system 61 detects the occurrence of the risk situation of the operator, the work platform 3 is performing a dangerous movement, the management system 62 applies the first rule to stop the movement. This is the situation where the detection system 61 does not detect the risk situation of the operator, but then detects the risk situation during the risk movement of the work platform 3: then the first rule is triggered. Once the detection system 61 signals to the management system 62 that there is a risk situation of the operator, the management system 62 immediately stops the dangerous movement of the work platform 3.

[0099] In other words, in this embodiment, if during normal operation, the operator starts the upward movement of the work platform 3 at the console 10 or the translation of the aerial lift moving backward on the ground, and at this time neither of the non-physical barriers B1, B2 interferes, but such interference occurs during the execution of one or the other of these movements, the management system 62 will immediately stop the movement. On the other hand, as described above, advantageously, the first rule does not apply to the downward movement of the work platform 3 nor to the translation of the aerial lift moving forward on the ground.

[0100] When the first rule is triggered, the management system 62 also immediately applies the first restricted operation mode to replace the normal operation mode. This first restricted operation mode is applied at least until the reset procedure is executed.

[0101] Even if the detection system 61 stops detecting the risk situation, during the entire time when the first restricted operation mode is applied, the risk movement stopped by the management system 62 when applying the first rule is still prohibited. This prevents the risk movement from automatically restarting after the risk situation of the operator is eliminated.

[0102] During the first restricted operation mode, if the movement of the work platform 3 is started at the console 3 after the first restricted operation mode is activated, the management system 62 also imposes restrictions on the execution of the movement of the work platform 3, rather than stopping the movement by applying the first rule. The nature of the restrictions again depends on whether the relevant movement of the work platform 3 is considered risky to the operator. More precisely, depending on the relevant movement of the work platform 3, the management system 62 either prohibits the execution of the movement or authorizes the execution of the movement, but only at a speed reduced relative to the normal movement speed.

[0103] During the first restricted operating mode, any movement of the work platform 3 that is considered risky is preferably prohibited. In particular, it is preferred that the execution of the upward movement of the work platform 3 is always prohibited, regardless of whether the movement of the work platform 3 that has been stopped when applying the first rule is in progress.

[0104] On the other hand, during the first restricted operating mode, when the movement of the work platform 3 has stopped when applying the first rule, any movement of the work platform 3 that is considered likely to reduce or eliminate the risk of the operator being pinched is preferably authorized at a reduced speed. In this sense, if the ongoing movement of the work platform 3 that has stopped when applying the first rule is an upward movement, the management system 62 preferably authorizes the execution of the translation of the aerial work platform moving forward on the ground, the translation of the aerial work platform moving backward on the ground, and the downward movement of the work platform 3 at a reduced speed. If the ongoing movement of the work platform 3 that has stopped when applying the first rule is the translation of the aerial work platform moving backward on the ground, the management system 62 preferably authorizes the execution of the translation of the aerial work platform moving forward on the ground and the downward movement of the work platform 3 at a reduced speed. On the contrary, as described above, the management system 62 prohibits the upward movement of the work platform 3.

[0105] If, during the normal operating mode, the detection system 61 detects a dangerous situation of the operator when the operator initiates a dangerous movement of the work platform 3 at the console 10, the second rule is triggered. In other words, the management system 62 authorizes the execution of such a dangerous movement of the work platform 3, but only at a speed reduced relative to the normal movement speed. This is the case where the risk situation of the operator detected by the detection system 61 pre-exists or occurs simultaneously with the operator initiating such a movement of the work platform 3 at the console 10.

[0106] In other words, in this embodiment, if, during the normal operating mode, the operator initiates an upward movement of the work platform 3 or the translation of the aerial work platform moving backward on the ground at the console 10 while any one of the non-physical barriers B1, B2 is disturbed, the management system 62 authorizes the execution of this movement, but only at a reduced speed. On the contrary, as described above, it is preferred that the second rule does not apply to the downward movement of the work platform 3 nor to the translation of the aerial work platform moving forward on the ground.

[0107] Even if the detection system stops detecting the risk situation of the operator, under the conditions of the second rule, as long as the dangerous movement of the work platform 3 is kept initiated at the console 10, the dangerous movement of the work platform 3 is preferably executed at a reduced speed. This avoids any change in the movement speed that may destabilize the operator.

[0108] More preferably, when the movement is carried out at a reduced speed, the application of the first rule is excluded, and when applying the second rule, as long as the movement of the working platform 3 is initiated at the console, the movement of the working platform 3 is carried out at a reduced speed regardless of the detection system. In this way, productivity is increased by avoiding the stoppage of the movement of the working platform 3, which would otherwise be caused by the application of the first rule. However, the safety of the operator is fully ensured by reducing the movement speed, enabling him to react in case of danger.

[0109] More advantageously, it can be provided that as long as the second rule is triggered, the management system 62 immediately applies the second restricted operation mode instead of the normal operation mode. This second restricted operation mode is applied until a reset procedure is executed. Preferably, the management system 62 authorizes any movement of the working platform 3 initiated by the operator at the console 10 during the second restricted operation mode, but only at a speed reduced with respect to the normal movement speed. In other words, during the second restricted operation mode, the movement of the working platform 3 is not carried out at the normal operation speed. More advantageously, the management system 62 does not apply the first rule during the second restricted operation mode and allows any movement of the working platform 3 to be carried out at a reduced speed, regardless of the detection system 61. In this way, the protection system 60 does not cause the stoppage of the working platform 3 during the second restricted operation mode. These measures are all aimed at increasing productivity while satisfactorily ensuring the safety of the operator due to the reduced movement speed of the working platform 3 during the second restricted operation mode.

[0110] In this embodiment, during the application of the first restricted operation mode and during the application of the second restricted operation mode, the operation of the control handle 13 is preferably similar to the normal operation mode. In other words, as long as the control handle 13 remains tilted, any movement of the working platform 3 authorized only at a reduced speed in the first restricted operation mode or the second restricted operation mode initiated at the control handle 13 is carried out and stops when the operator returns the control handle 13 to its neutral position. And the speed of the selected movement also varies with the degree of tilt of the control handle 13, preferably proportionally. Simply put, during the application of one or the other restricted operation mode, the maximum value of the speed of the relevant movement is reduced with respect to the maximum value of the speed of that movement during the normal operation mode. This prevents the operator from being disturbed by the different functions of the control handle 13 when applying the restricted operation mode.

[0111] Whether during the first restricted operation mode or during the second restricted operation mode, preferably, the maximum value of the reduced movement speed of the working platform 3 is less than or equal to half of the maximum value of the normal speed of the same movement, and even more preferably less than or equal to a quarter or even a fifth of the latter.

[0112] As described above, the first and second restricted operating modes can be deactivated to return to the normal operating mode by means of a reset procedure. At least one reset procedure is provided, which can be executed by the operator at the console 10, thus avoiding the need for third-party intervention. The reset procedure is preferably the same for both restricted operating modes. Preferably, each restricted operating mode is deactivated by executing the reset procedure only when the detection system 61 stops detecting the risk situation of the operator, so that the operator can transition to the normal operating mode particularly safely.

[0113] For example, the reset procedure includes releasing any movement of the work platform 3 at the console 10. In other words, in this embodiment, the operator must return the control handle 13 to the neutral position. In addition, the operator O must reposition himself so that he no longer interferes with the non-physical barriers B1 and B2 in order to deactivate the current restricted operating mode and reactivate the normal operating mode. In other words, when these two conditions are met simultaneously, the operator O can restart the relevant movement by restarting the relevant movement at the console 10 or by initiating another movement of the work platform 3 at the console 10, and then execute the movement at the normal speed according to the normal operating mode. The simplicity of this reset procedure has the advantage of increasing productivity while facilitating a safe transition to the normal operating mode, because no movement is initiated at the console 10 when transitioning to the normal operating mode.

[0114] Alternatively, the reset procedure can also include pressing a reset button on the console 10.

[0115] Optionally, a button 40 or another type of manual operating member can be arranged on the control member 10 to enable the operator to override the protection system 60, that is, to prevent the protection system 60 from stopping the movement of the work platform 3 (including translation on the ground by an aerial lift), or from reducing the speed of the work platform 3. This prevents the accidental triggering of the protection system 60 when the console 10 is not attached to the guardrail 8 but the operator holds the console 10 by hand. Preferably, the override is only effective if the operator keeps the button 40 or the member in question actuated. It is also preferred that the operator is notified that the protection system 60 has been overridden by a signal from the console 10 or other means. Preferably, this member for overriding the protection system 60 is provided only for detachable consoles that are designed to be used by the operator with one hand while he holds it with the other hand.

[0116] Figure 8 and Figure 9Shows a second preferred embodiment using another console (reference numeral 100), which is equipped with manual control members 113, 114 similar to those of console 10. The elements corresponding to the elements of console 10 are denoted by reference numerals increased by 100.

[0117] Except for the differences discussed below, the entire description of the first preferred embodiment applies to this second preferred embodiment.

[0118] Console 100 is also detachable and is designed to be hooked at various points on guardrail 8 by the operator without using tools. However, in this case, the attachment system 112 of console 100 is located on the rear side 123 of console 100. Console 100 is wider and heavier than console 10 and is not designed to be held with one hand while operating control members 113, 114 with the other hand.

[0119] Console 100 includes a protection system for the operator, which includes a detection system having two non-physical barriers B101, B102 that respectively perform the same functions as non-physical barriers B1, B2 of console 10. Note that the photoelectric sensor D102 of non-physical barrier B102 is horizontally accommodated in the lower part of the front side of console 100. The photoelectric sensor D101 of non-physical barrier B101 is accommodated in a support member 130 that is forward relative to the rear plate 111 for mounting on guardrail 8. This allows non-physical barrier B101 to be positioned at an appropriate distance from part 8a of guardrail 8.

[0120] Finally, since console 100 is wider than console 10, it is desirable to protect the operator from the risk of being squeezed against console 100. For this purpose, the detection system includes a third non-physical barrier B103. Non-physical barrier B103 extends above console 100, preferably from its rear side 123, such that it will not be disturbed when the operator stands upright at console 100, but will be disturbed when the operator tilts more than a certain angle above console 100. For this purpose, it is advantageous that non-physical barrier B103 extends from the rear side 123 of console 100 and points upward towards the front part 120 of console 100, as shown. For further details on implementing non-physical barriers B101, B102, and B103, reference can be made to WO 2017 / 178737.

[0121] In this second embodiment, a protection system similar to the protection system 60 of the first embodiment is provided: The management system of this protection system implements mobile management of the same working platform as the management system 62 in the first embodiment. The only difference is that this time, the risk status of the operator O being pinched is determined by detecting interference with any one of the non-physical barriers B101, B102, and B103.

[0122] Preferably, similar to the non-physical barriers B1 and B2 of the first embodiment, the maximum detection distances of the non-physical barriers B101, B102, and B103 should be appropriately limited to avoid accidentally triggering the protection system when the working environment at high altitude is chaotic. From this perspective, preferably, the maximum detection distance of each non-physical barrier measured from the consoles 10, 100 is less than or equal to 100 cm, and more preferably less than or equal to 60 cm. For the non-physical barriers B1 and B2 of the console 10, these maximum detection distances are denoted by l1 and l2 respectively (see Figure 3 ), and for the non-physical barriers B101, B102, and B103 of the console 100, these maximum detection distances are denoted by l101, l102, and l103 respectively.

[0123] Figures 10 to 12 Shows a third preferred embodiment based on the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 7 . The only difference between this third embodiment and the first embodiment lies in the detection system of the operator protection system 60. Therefore, all descriptions of the first embodiment apply to the third embodiment, and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements, except for the detection system (hereinafter referred to as 61') and its components. As in the first embodiment, the detection system 61' is functionally connected to the management system 62. The detection system 61' is based on one or more LIDAR or LADAR sensors. It will now be described in more detail.

[0124] The detection system 61' includes a first LIDAR or LADAR sensor labeled D201. The sensor D201 is arranged on the console 10 so as to point forward from the console 10 to the position where the operator O usually stands in front of the operation panel 10 when using the console 10 to control the movement of the working platform 3. The measurement beam of the sensor D201 is represented by a dashed line, with the reference numeral F1. Therefore, the sensor D201 is used to measure the distance between the operator O and the console 10 when the operator O stands in front of the console 10.

[0125] As Figure 12As shown, the sensor D201 is used to define a protected driving area marked as Z2, within which the operator O should stand when using the console 10. The protected driving area Z2 corresponds to a defined distance interval relative to the sensor D201. The protected driving area Z2 is defined as extending from a distance L1 to a distance L2 greater than L1, both distances being defined relative to the sensor D201. This distance interval is defined to correspond to the position of the operator O relative to the console 10, which is neither too close nor too far from the console 10.

[0126] During operation, as long as the distance of the operator O measured by the sensor D201 is outside this distance range, it is considered that the operator O may be in a dangerous situation. This occurs if the operator O stands in the area Z1 corresponding to a distance less than L1 relative to the sensor D201. The same is true if the operator O stands in the area Z3 corresponding to a distance greater than L2 relative to the sensor D201.

[0127] Considering that in the case where the sensor D201 fails to report a distance measurement, there is also a potential risk situation for the operator O, because the operator O stands outside the measurement beam F1 or beyond the measurement range of the sensor D201, in which case the distance L3 is greater than L2.

[0128] In short, during operation, if the detection system 61′ determines, by means of the sensor D201, that the operator O is outside the area Z2, a risk situation is considered possible.

[0129] The detection system 61′ can be supplemented by a second LIDAR or LADAR sensor marked as D202. The measurement beam of this second LIDAR or LADAR sensor D202 is in Figure 10 and Figure 11 marked as F2. When the console 10 is hooked to a dedicated part of the guardrail 8, the sensor D202 is dedicated to detecting the risk that the operator O is squeezed against the part 8b of the guardrail 8 beside the console 10. Due to the small size of the console 10, the second sensor D202 is useful. In fact, it is possible for the detection system 61′ to determine that the operator O is within the distance interval relative to the first sensor D201 corresponding to the area Z2, while he may be tilted towards the part 8b at the same time, which may correspond to a risk situation of the operator O being squeezed.

[0130] The sensor D202 is arranged on the console 10 in such a way that, on the one hand, when the operator O stands upright normally at the console, i.e., without tilting towards the part 8b of the guardrail 8, the measuring beam F2 of the sensor D202 does not encounter the operator O. On the other hand, the sensor D202 is arranged on the console 10 such that when the operator O is within the distance range relative to the first sensor D201 corresponding to the area Z2, when the operator O tilts towards the part 8b, the measuring beam F2 of the sensor D202 will encounter the operator O. As Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown, the sensor D202 is located on the side of the console 10 close to the part 8b. The measuring range of the sensor D202 may be more limited than that of the sensor D201.

[0131] Therefore, when the sensor D202 provides a distance measurement, due to the fact that the operator O cuts the measuring beam F2, it is considered that the operator O is in a potential risk situation.

[0132] Therefore, the sensor D202 makes it possible to laterally delimit the protected driving area Z2 on the side corresponding to the part 8b of the guardrail 8.

[0133] It should be understood that the sensor D202 provides the same protection function as the non - physical barrier B2 in the first embodiment. Alternatively, the sensor D202 is replaced by the non - physical barrier B2 of the first embodiment.

[0134] In summary, in this third embodiment, when the detection system 61′ determines, by means of the sensors D201 and D202, that the operator O is outside the protected driving area Z2, the detection system 61′ detects the potential risk situation of the operator O. The management system 62 of the operator protection system cooperates with the detection system 61′ to implement the same management of the movement of the work platform 3 as in the above - mentioned first embodiment.

[0135] Figure 13 There is shown a self - propelled aerial work platform according to another embodiment, which is articulated. It includes a frame 301 that supports a lifting device 302 for the work platform 303. The lifting device 302 includes, in a known manner, two articulated arms, the upper ends of which support a telescopic arm, and the work platform 303 may be supported at the end of the telescopic arm by a small swing arm. The lifting device 302 is mounted on the frame 301 by means of a turntable 304. The turntable 304 can rotate relative to the frame 301 about a vertical axis, which makes it possible to change the angular orientation of the lifting device 302 relative to the frame.

[0136] The control console 300 is fixedly mounted on or near the guardrail of the working platform 303. The control console 300 enables the operator to initiate various movements of the working platform 303, and these movements include the translation of the chassis 301 on the ground. Therefore, it allows the aerial lift to translate forward and backward on the ground, raise or lower the working platform 303, and rotate the turntable 304 relative to the chassis 301.

[0137] The control console 300 is equipped with a protection system for the operator on the aerial lift, and its operation mode is similar to the mode described so far. In other words, the control console 300 includes a detection system for detecting the risk status of the operator on the working platform 303. The detection system can be similar to any of the embodiments described previously.

[0138] The detection system is operably linked to a management system that manages the movements of the working platform 303, especially based on the detection signals provided by the detection system.

[0139] The management system manages the movements of the working platform 303 in the same way as the previous embodiments, but also manages the rotational movement of the turntable 304. From this perspective, the rotational movement of the turntable 304 is considered a dangerous movement in both rotational directions. In other words, the first rule also applies to the rotation of the turntable 304, that is, if the turntable 304 is rotating when the risk status of the operator is detected, its rotation is stopped. In this case, the first restricted operation mode will authorize the turntable 304 to rotate in the direction opposite to the rotation direction that has stopped when the first rule is applied at a reduced speed. If the second rule is triggered, the rotation of the turntable 304 will also be authorized, but only at a reduced speed relative to the normal rotation speed, regardless of the rotation direction. By considering that the rotational movement of the turntable 304 is a dangerous movement in both rotational directions, the first restricted operation mode and the second restricted operation mode described for other embodiments can be applied in the same way.

[0140] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the examples and embodiments described and illustrated, but those skilled in the art can also make many variations to it.

Claims

1. A method for protecting an operator (O) on a working platform (3; 303) of an aerial lift from being pinched, the method being automatically implemented, the aerial lift comprising a console (10; 100; 300) which is arranged to be used on the working platform and is designed to enable the operator to initiate movement of the working platform, the aerial lift further comprising a detection system (61; 61′), for detecting a risk situation of the operator on the work platform, and the protection method includes: - Implementing a first rule, according to which, if the movement of the work platform is in progress when the detection system (61; 61′) detects the occurrence of a risk situation of the operator (O), the movement of the work platform is stopped, and - Implementing a second rule, according to which, if the detection system detects a risk situation of the operator (O) when the movement is initiated at the console (10), the movement of the work platform is performed at a speed reduced relative to the normal movement speed.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method includes: - After triggering the second rule, even if the detection system (61; 61′) stops detecting the risk situation of the operator (O), as long as the movement is kept initiated at the console (10; 100; 300), the movement of the work platform is performed at a reduced speed.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The method includes: - When performing the movement at a reduced speed, excluding the application of the first rule, and - After triggering the second rule, as long as the movement is kept initiated at the console (10; 100; 300), the movement is performed at the reduced speed regardless of the detection system.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The console (10; 100; 300) is designed to enable the operator to initiate the upward movement of the work platform, and the method includes: - Implementing the first rule, according to which, if the upward movement of the work platform is in progress when the detection system (61; 61′) detects the occurrence of a risk situation of the operator (O), the upward movement of the work platform is stopped, and - Implementing the second rule, according to which, if the detection system detects a risk situation of the operator (O) when the upward movement of the work platform is initiated at the console (10), the upward movement of the work platform is performed at a speed reduced relative to the normal movement speed.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The aerial work platform is self-propelled so as to be able to translate on the ground, and the console (10; 100; 300) is designed to enable the operator to initiate the translation of the aerial work platform on the ground, and the method includes: - Implementing the first rule, according to which, if the translation of the aerial work platform on the ground is in progress when the detection system (61) detects the occurrence of a risk situation of the operator (O), the translation of the aerial work platform on the ground is stopped, and - Implementing the second rule, according to which, if the detection system detects a risk situation of the operator (O) when the translation of the aerial work platform on the ground is initiated at the console (10), the translation of the aerial work platform on the ground is performed at a speed reduced relative to the normal speed of the translation of the aerial work platform on the ground.

6. The method according to claim 5, includes: - The first rule and the second rule are implemented only when the working platform is at least partially raised, and - A third rule is implemented, wherein, under the condition that the working platform is in the fully lowered position, the aerial lift is allowed to translate on the ground without considering the detection system.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The console (10; 100; 300) is designed to enable the operator to selectively initiate any one of several different movements of the working platform. The method includes: - Excluding at least one movement of the working platform from the implementation of the first rule and the second rule so as to authorize such movement of the working platform without considering the detection system.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein The console (10; 100; 300) is designed to enable the operator to initiate the lowering movement of the working platform. The method includes: - Excluding the lowering movement of the working platform from the implementation of the first rule and the second rule so as to authorize the lowering movement of the working platform without considering the detection system.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein The console (10; 100; 300) is designed to enable the operator to initiate the translation of the aerial lift moving forward on the ground. The method includes: - Excluding the translation of the aerial lift moving forward on the ground from the implementation of the first rule and the second rule so as to authorize the translation of the aerial lift moving forward on the ground without considering the detection system.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein Providing at least one reset procedure executable at the console. The method includes: - Applying a first restricted operation mode when the first rule is triggered until the reset procedure is executed, and - Prohibiting the movement during the entire time the first restricted operation mode is applied.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The console (10; 100; 300) is designed to enable the operator to selectively initiate any one of a plurality of different working platform movements. The method includes: - Prohibiting the movement of the working platform to be executed during the entire time the first restricted operation mode is applied, - Or allowing the movement of the working platform to be executed only at a speed reduced relative to the normal movement speed during the entire time the first restricted operation mode is applied.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The console (10; 100; 300) is designed to enable the operator to selectively initiate any one of a plurality of different working platform movements. For each movement of the working platform, the method includes: - Prohibiting the movement of the working platform to be executed during the entire time the first restricted operation mode is applied, - Or allowing the movement of the working platform to be executed only at a speed reduced relative to the normal movement speed during the entire time the first restricted operation mode is applied without considering the detection system.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The console (10; 100; 300) is designed to allow the operator to initiate the raising movement of the working platform. The method includes: - During the entire time of applying the first restricted operation mode, upward movement of the work platform is prohibited, regardless of the movement of the work platform that is in progress when the first rule is triggered.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The aerial work platform is self-propelled so as to be translatable on the ground, and the control console (10; 100) is designed to enable the operator to selectively initiate translation of the aerial work platform moving forward on the ground, translation of the aerial work platform moving backward on the ground, upward movement of the work platform, and downward movement of the work platform. The method includes, during the application of the first restricted operation mode, since the first rule is triggered when the work platform only experiences upward movement: - Authorize execution of any one of translation of the aerial work platform moving forward on the ground, translation of the aerial work platform moving backward on the ground, and downward movement of the work platform only at a speed reduced relative to the normal movement speed.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, The aerial work platform is self-propelled so as to be able to be translated on the ground, and the control console (10; 100; 300) is designed to enable the operator to selectively initiate translation of the aerial work platform moving forward on the ground, translation of the aerial work platform moving backward on the ground, upward movement of the work platform, and downward movement of the work platform. The method includes, during the application of the first restricted operation mode, since the first rule is triggered when the work platform only experiences translation of the aerial work platform moving backward on the ground: - Authorize execution of translation of the aerial work platform moving forward on the ground and downward movement of the work platform only at a speed reduced relative to the normal movement speed.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein The control console (10; 100; 300) is designed to allow the operator to selectively initiate any one of a variety of different movements of the work platform, and provides at least one reset procedure that is executable at the control console. The method includes: - In the case of triggering the second rule, apply a second restricted operation mode until the reset procedure is executed, and - During the entire time of applying the second restricted operation mode, authorize execution of any movement of the work platform only at a speed reduced relative to the normal movement speed.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The method includes, during the entire time of applying the second operation mode: - Exclude application of the first rule and allow execution of any movement of the work platform at a reduced speed, regardless of the detection system.

18. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 17, includes: - When the first restricted operation mode is being applied, deactivate the first restricted operation mode in the case of executing the reset procedure under the condition that the detection system (61; 61') has stopped detecting the risk situation of the operator (O), and / or: - When the second restricted operation mode is being applied, deactivate the second restricted operation mode when executing the reset procedure, provided that the detection system (61; 61′) has stopped detecting the risk situation of the operator (O).

19. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 18, wherein, The reset procedure consists of or includes releasing any movement of the work platform at the console. The method includes releasing any movement of the work platform at the console and, provided that the detection system (61; 61′) has stopped detecting the risk situation of the operator (O), deactivate the first restricted operation mode and / or the second operation mode when executing the reset procedure.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein The aerial lift includes a turntable (304) pivotally mounted on a frame (301), the turntable supporting a lifting device (302) for the work platform (303), and the console (300) is designed to enable the operator to initiate rotation of the turntable (304). The method includes: - Implementing the first rule, which includes stopping the rotation of the turntable (304) if the rotation of the turntable is in progress when the detection system (61) detects a risk situation of the operator (O), and - Implementing the second rule, which includes rotating the turntable (304) at a speed reduced relative to the normal rotation speed of the turntable if the detection system detects a risk situation of the operator (O) when initiating rotation of the turntable at the console (10).

21. An anti-pinch protection system (60) for an operator (O) of an aerial lift, comprising a work platform (3; 303) and a console (10; 100; 300), the console being arranged to be used on the work platform and designed to enable the operator to initiate at least one movement of the work platform (3). The protection system includes: - A detection system (61; 61′) for detecting the risk situation of the operator (O) on the work platform; And - A management system (62) for the movement of the work platform, the management system being operably connected to the detection system, wherein the management system (62) is configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. An aerial lift, comprising a work platform (3; 303) that is at least movable in height and a console (10; 100; 300), the console being arranged to be used on the work platform (3; 303) and designed to enable an operator (O) to initiate at least the upward movement and the downward movement of the work platform. The aerial lift further includes the protection system according to claim 21, and preferably: - The aerial lift is self-propelled and is used for translational movement forward and backward on the ground. In this case, the console (10; 100; 300) is also designed to enable the operator to initiate the translational movement forward and backward of the aerial lift on the ground, and / or - The aerial lift: o is a scissor lift or an aerial lift with a fixed vertical mast, o or includes a turntable (304) pivotally mounted on a chassis (301). In this case, the turntable supports a lifting device (302) for the work platform (303), and the console (300) is also designed to enable the operator to initiate the rotation of the turntable (304). The aerial lift is preferably an aerial lift with a telescopic mast or an articulated mast or an aerial lift with a vertical mast and a rotating turntable.

Images