Device for influencing a folding process of a foldable platform, foldable platform comprising the device

Abstract

A device (106) for influencing a folding process of a foldable platform (100), wherein the foldable platform (100) comprises a fixed part (102) and a folding part (104), wherein the device (106): - comprising a double joint (112), wherein the double joint (112) can be arranged or is arranged with a first end on the fixed part (102) and with a second end on the folding part (104), and - a synchronization device (114) comprising a first synchronization element (116) and a second synchronization element (118), wherein the synchronization device (114) is configured to influence the folding process of the platform (100) by means of the first synchronization element (116), which interacts with the second synchronization element (118), such that movements of the fixed part (102), the folding part (104) and the double joint (112) are synchronized relative to each other, that the device (106) comprises a drive device (200), wherein the drive device (200) comprises a drive (202) and a coupling device (204) for coupling the drive device (200) to the double joint (112), and the drive device (200) is configured to drive the double joint (112) by means of the drive (202) via the coupling device (204),wherein the fixed part (102) comprises a first shaft (108) and the folding part (104) comprises a second shaft (110), wherein the double joint (112) can be arranged or is arranged with its first end on the first shaft (108) and with its second end on the second shaft (110), and the coupling device (204) or the double joint (112) comprises a coupling section (206) which is arranged eccentrically with respect to the first shaft (108), in particular oriented away from a working surface of the platform (100) in an open state of the platform (100), wherein the drive device (200) is configured to drive the double joint (112) rotationally around the first shaft (108) by means of the drive (202) via the coupling section (206).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for influencing a folding process of a foldable platform and a foldable platform which comprises the device and which is provided, for example, on a truck and can be used for lifting and lowering loads.

[0002] DE 30 26 630 A1 discloses a hinge joint for flaps or the like pivotable about horizontal axes, comprising a hinge part forming a supporting wall stop part and a pivotable hinge part.

[0003] DE 33 18 118 A1 discloses a folding ramp consisting of two segments and a base. In the area where the segments are connected, it is suspended by a traction mechanism of variable length. It is also equipped with a lever mechanism with a hydraulic cylinder. The second segment of the ramp is provided with rollers arranged on its side walls in the plane of the traction mechanism. The base is attached to the second segment with a double-joint connector with stops. The base is connected to the weight via a tension strap and a winch mechanism.

[0004] DE 44 30 437 A1 discloses a loading device for truck bodies. A base platform unit is articulated to a folding tip unit by means of a double joint. Furthermore, a lever mechanism is provided, which has a reversing lever articulated to a base platform unit and a piston rod, and a coupling bracket articulated to the piston rod and a bracket of a folding platform tip. This articulated mechanism enables the folding tip unit to perform a complete 180-degree rotation when the piston rod is extended and to rest on the base platform unit.

[0005] DE 10 2008 000 005 A1 discloses a wind deflector device for a passenger vehicle. A wind deflector frame (2) and a cover frame are connected to each other via a pivot joint.

[0006] DE 10 2006 026 089 A1 discloses a heavy-duty lifting device for electric monorail systems, which comprises an upper transport frame and a lower lifting frame for receiving a load.

[0007] WO 2019 / 143 279 A1 discloses an arrangement for charging an electric vehicle. The arrangement comprises a base part and a first arm part and a second arm part. The first arm part is pivotally attached to the base part at a first end. A second end of the first arm part is pivotally attached to a first end of the second arm part. The arrangement can be in a closed position in which the first arm part is oriented more or less vertically and the second arm part is pivoted downwards parallel to the first arm part.

[0008] DE 20 2012 102 225 U1 discloses a swiveling device for removing objects from a vehicle, comprising a vehicle-side support frame, a load-carrying means for receiving the objects and a swivel arm movably connected in its first end region to the support frame and in its second end region to the load-carrying means, each via a swivel joint.

[0009] In foldable platforms that operate with double joints, the individual elements of the platform to be folded and the double joint can be moved independently of each other. This leads to undefined positions of the joint and the elements. Depending on the friction or load situation, different states of the platform arise. This makes it difficult to automate the folding process or compensate for weight.

[0010] Consequently, a foldable platform is desirable that has a defined folding process and allows automation and weight compensation.

[0011] This object is achieved by a device for influencing a folding process of a foldable platform, wherein the foldable platform comprises a fixed part and a folding part, wherein the device comprises a double joint, wherein the double joint can be arranged or is arranged with a first end on the fixed part and with a second end on the folding part, and comprises a synchronization device which comprises a first synchronization element and a second synchronization element, wherein the synchronization device is designed to influence the folding process of the platform by means of the first synchronization element, which interacts with the second synchronization element, in such a way that movements of the fixed part, the folding part and the double joint are synchronized relative to one another. This enables a defined folding process between the fixed part, the folding part and the double joint. This is guaranteed in particular even under load.It also makes it possible to arrange a linear actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, between the fixed part and the double joint without reaching a dead center position of the linear actuator. Furthermore, it is possible to implement weight compensation for the folding part.

[0012] According to the invention, the device comprises a drive device, wherein the drive device comprises a drive and a coupling device for coupling the drive device to the double joint, and the drive device is designed to drive the double joint through the drive by means of the coupling device. This enables an automated folding process of the platform.

[0013] According to the invention, the fixed part comprises a first shaft and the folding part comprises a second shaft, wherein the double joint can be arranged or is arranged with a first end on the first shaft and with a second end on the second shaft, and the coupling device or the double joint comprises a coupling section which is arranged eccentrically with respect to the first shaft, in particular oriented away from a working surface of the platform in an open state of the platform, wherein the drive device is designed to drive the double joint in rotation about the first shaft by means of the coupling section. This arrangement of the coupling section results in a short travel path for the drive device which must be covered during the folding process, and the coupling device is protected from being driven over.

[0014] Preferably, the first synchronization element is rigidly arranged on the fixed part and the second synchronization element is rigidly arranged on the folding part.

[0015] Preferably, the first synchronization element and the second synchronization element are configured to interact such that the folding part moves relative to the fixed part by a folding angle, with the double joint moving by an angle that is half the folding angle. This ensures that, during the folding process of the platform, a working surface of the fixed part and a working surface of the folding part reach a state in which the working surface of the fixed part and the working surface of the folding part lie on the same plane. Thus, a composite working surface is created from the working surface of the fixed part and the working surface of the folding part without any offset, which makes working on the platform safer for an operator.

[0016] Preferably, the device comprises at least one means for weight compensation of the folding part, in particular a gas spring. This reduces the driving force required for the folding process of the platform.

[0017] Preferably, the means for weight compensation can be arranged or arranged with a first end on the fixed part or is arranged on the first synchronization element and can be arranged or arranged with a second end on the folding part or is arranged on the second synchronization element.

[0018] Preferably, the device comprises a chain drive, wherein the chain drive comprises a first sprocket and a second sprocket, as well as a chain that couples the first and second sprockets. The first sprocket is arranged on the fixed part or the first synchronization element so as to be rotatable about a shaft that extends substantially parallel to the first shaft, and the second sprocket is arranged rigidly on the folding part or the second synchronization element. Thus, it is possible to fully compensate for a weight moment of the folding part, since a folding movement of the folding part is converted into a rotation of the first sprocket.

[0019] Preferably, the means for weight compensation is arranged with the first end on the fixed part and with the second end on the first sprocket.

[0020] Preferably, the device comprises a pair of gears, wherein a first gear of the pair is rotatably mounted on the fixed part and a second gear of the pair is rigidly mounted on the folding part, the first and second gears being in mesh. This makes it possible to fully compensate for a weight moment of the folding part.

[0021] Preferably, the means for weight compensation is arranged with the first end on the fixed part and the second end on the first gear.

[0022] The device preferably comprises a coupling, in particular two coupling rods, and a coupling plate, wherein the coupling is arranged at one end on the coupling plate and at a second end on the second synchronization element, wherein the coupling plate is arranged rotatably about a rotational axis oriented parallel to the first shaft. This makes it possible to compensate for a weight moment of the folding part cost-effectively and completely.

[0023] Preferably, the means for weight compensation is arranged with the first end on the fixed part and with the second end on the coupling plate.

[0024] Preferably, the means for weight compensation of the folding part comprises a drive, in particular a spindle drive, which is designed to drive the double joint by means of the coupling

[0025] Preferably, the coupling plate is designed as a curve segment.

[0026] Preferably, the means for weight compensation is arranged with the first end on the fixed part and the second end guided along a curve of the curve segment.

[0027] The foldable platform includes the fixed part and the folding part and the device.

[0028] Preferably, the foldable platform comprises at least one further folding part and at least one further device according to the previous embodiments.

[0029] Further advantageous embodiments are apparent from the drawing and the following description. The drawing shows: Fig. 1A-1C a schematic representation of a foldable platform with a device for influencing a folding process in different states of the folding process, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the foldable platform with a drive device, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the foldable platform with an embodiment of the drive device, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the foldable platform with an embodiment of the drive device, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the foldable platform with a means for weight compensation according to a first embodiment, Fig. 6 a schematic representation of the foldable platform with the means for weight compensation according to a second embodiment, Fig. 7 a schematic representation of the foldable platform with the means for weight compensation according to a third embodiment.

[0030] The Fig. 1A-1C show a foldable platform 100 comprising a fixed part 102, a folding part 104, and a device 106 for influencing a folding process of the platform 100. The device 106 comprises at least one first shaft 108, at least one second shaft 110, at least one double joint 112, and at least one synchronization device 114.

[0031] During the folding process of the platform 100, in the example, the folding part 104 moves relative to the fixed part 102, wherein the fixed part 102 of the platform 100 is, for example, attached to a commercial vehicle. It can be provided that the platform 100 is used as a lifting platform. The platform 100 is designed to perform a folding movement over a folding angle range, in the example, from 0° to 180°. This is shown in the Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B and Fig. 1C is shown schematically. Fig. 1A shows a folding angle of 0° and a state of a closed platform 100, which Fig. 1B represents a folding angle of 90° and the Fig. 1C represents a folding angle of 180°. Fig. In the example, Figure 1C shows an open state of the platform 100. However, other folding angle ranges in the range from 0° to 360° can also be provided.

[0032] The synchronization device 114 comprises a first synchronization element 116 and a second synchronization element 118, which are particularly designed as gears. The synchronization elements 116 and 118 can alternatively be designed as cams, friction wheels, sprockets, or gear segments. The first synchronization element 116 and the second synchronization element 118 interact during the folding process. It can be provided that the first synchronization element 116 and the second synchronization element 118 are designed as sprockets, wherein the synchronization elements 116 and 118 interact with each other via a chain.

[0033] The first shaft 108 is at least partially arranged within the fixed part 102 and runs along an outer side of the folding part 104.

[0034] The second shaft 110 is arranged at least partially within the folding part 104 and runs along an outer side of the folding part 104. The outer side of the fixed part 102 and the outer side of the folding part 104 are oriented the same for a folding angle of 0°, ie arranged in the same plane, and face each other for a folding angle of 180°.

[0035] In the example, the first shaft 108 is arranged in the fixed part 102 so as to be rotationally fixed about a rotation axis that extends in the axial direction of the first shaft 108. In addition, in the example, the second shaft 110 is arranged in the folding part 104 so as to be rotationally fixed about a rotation axis that extends in the axial direction of the second shaft 110. The first shaft 108 and the second shaft 110 are fixed in the fixed part 102 and the folding part 104, for example, by means of dowel pins or keys. It can be provided that the first shaft 108 and the second shaft 110 are designed as polygonal shafts or splined shafts and are arranged in the fixed part 102 and the folding part 104 so as to be rotationally fixed. In addition, a translational movement of the first shaft 108 and the second shaft 110 along the rotation axis is limited, for example by means of dowel pins or screw connections.

[0036] It can be provided that the first shaft 108 and the second shaft 110 are arranged in the fixed part 102 and the folding part 104, respectively, so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis.

[0037] The double joint 112 is arranged with a first end on the first shaft 108 so as to be rotatable about the rotational axis of the first shaft 108, and with a second end on the second shaft 110 so as to be rotatable about the rotational axis of the second shaft 110. In the example, the double joint 112 is connected to the first shaft 108 and the second shaft 110 via a bore in the double joint 112 through which the first shaft 108 passes, and a bore in the double joint 112 through which the second shaft 110 passes.

[0038] If the first shaft 108 is arranged rotatably about the rotational axis of the first shaft 108 in the fixed part 102 and the second shaft 110 is arranged rotatably about the rotational axis of the second shaft 110 in the folding part 104, the double joint 112 is arranged on the first shaft 108 and the second shaft 110 in a rotationally fixed manner about the rotational axes of the first shaft 108 and the second shaft 110. This can be implemented, for example, by means of a shaft-hub connection, a splined shaft connection, by means of dowel pins, keys, or a polygon connection.

[0039] The double joint 112 thus represents a mechanical connection between the fixed part 102 and the folding part 104 of the platform 100, which enables the folding process of the platform 100 and allows relative movements between the fixed part 102, the folding part 104 and the double joint 112.

[0040] In addition, a plurality of double joints may be arranged on the first shaft 108 or the second shaft 110, respectively, and implement the mechanical connection between the fixed part 102 and the folding part 104. Furthermore, a plurality of shafts may also be provided in the fixed part 102 and the folding part 104, on which the plurality of double joints are arranged.

[0041] The first synchronization element 116 is rigidly mounted on the fixed part 102. In the example, the first synchronization element 116 is rigidly mounted on the first shaft 108, which, in the example, is arranged in the fixed part 102 in a rotationally fixed manner and with limited translational movement. In the example, a center point of the first synchronization element 116 is aligned with the rotational axis of the first shaft 108.

[0042] The second synchronization element 118 is rigidly mounted on the folding part 104. In the example, the second synchronization element 118 is rigidly mounted on the first shaft 108, which, in the example, is arranged in the folding part 104 in a rotationally fixed manner and with limited translational movement. In the example, a center point of the second synchronization element 118 is aligned with the rotational axis of the second shaft 110.

[0043] The first synchronization element 116 is arranged on the first shaft 108, for example, by means of a shaft-hub connection, a splined shaft connection, by means of dowel pins, keys, or a polygonal connection. The second synchronization element 118 is arranged on the second shaft 110, for example, by means of a shaft-hub connection, a splined shaft connection, by means of dowel pins, keys, or a polygonal connection.

[0044] It can be provided that the first synchronization element 116 and the second synchronization element 118 are arranged directly on the fixed part 102 and the folding part 104, respectively.

[0045] It can be provided that the first synchronization element 116 is arranged with a first separate shaft on the fixed part 102 and the second synchronization element 118 is arranged with a second separate shaft on the folding part 104.

[0046] Due to the first synchronization element 116 and the second synchronization element 118, which are rigidly arranged on the fixed part 102 and the folding part 104 and interact with each other, the folding process is influenced in such a way that the relative movement of the fixed part 102, the folding part 104, and the double joint 112 is synchronized. Synchronized in this context means that each folding angle of the folding angle range is assigned a specific angular position of the double joint. This prevents jamming or displacement of the fixed part 102 with respect to the folding part 104 and the double joint 112. When the folding part 104 has traveled a folding angle of, for example, 90°, the double joint has traveled an angle of 45°, as shown in Fig. 1B, at a folding angle of the folding part 104 of 180°, the double joint has covered an angle of 90°, as in Fig. 1C. This relationship between the folding angle and the angular position of the double joint 112 can be influenced by the dimensioning of the interacting synchronization elements 116 and 118. In the example, the synchronization elements 116 and 118 are identically dimensioned, resulting in the relationship between the folding angle and the angular position of the double joint 112 described above. For example, when using gears as synchronization elements 116 and 118, these have a 1:1 ratio in the example.

[0047] The Fig. 2 shows the platform 100 and the device 106 for influencing the folding process of the platform 100 of the Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B and Fig. 1C. In addition, Fig. 2 depicts a drive device 200. The drive device 200 is configured to drive the double joint 112. As a result, the folding process of the platform 100 can be automated by means of the drive device 200. In the example, the drive device 200 is arranged on the fixed part 102. It may be provided to arrange the drive device 200 on the folding part 104.

[0048] The drive device 200 comprises a drive 202 and a coupling device 204. In the Fig. 2, the drive 202 is designed as a drive cylinder. The coupling device 204 is designed as a coupling segment that includes the coupling section 206, on which a first end of the drive cylinder is arranged. A second end of the drive cylinder is arranged on the fixed part 102 in the example. The coupling device 204 is arranged with a first end rotatably on the fixed part 102 by a shaft whose longitudinal axis runs along the rotational axis of the first shaft 108. The coupling device 204 is arranged with a second end rotatably on the folding part 104 by a shaft whose longitudinal axis runs along the rotational axis of the second shaft 110. In the example, the coupling section 206 is designed as a lever that is provided as an eccentric section with respect to the first end of the coupling device 204. This design makes it possible, among other things, to install compact drive cylinders.In the example, the lever is arranged such that, in the open state of the platform 100, it is oriented away from a working surface of the platform 100. This protects the coupling device 204, for example, from damage caused by driving over it. It can be provided that the coupling section 206 is designed as a lever that is eccentrically formed with respect to the second end of the coupling device 204.

[0049] In this embodiment, a linear movement of the drive 202 or the drive cylinder causes a rotational movement of the coupling device 204, which has an instantaneous center of rotation located on the rotational axis of the first shaft 108. Due to this rotational movement of the coupling device 204, a rotational movement of the double joint 112 occurs due to the mechanical connection of the double joint 112 to the fixed part 102 and the folding part 104, which generates an angular position of the double joint 112, resulting in a specific folding angle of the folding part 104 due to the movements of the fixed part 102, the double joint 112, and the folding part 104 synchronized by the synchronization device 114.

[0050] It can be provided that the coupling section 206 is provided on the double joint 112 and the first end of the drive 202 is correspondingly arranged on the coupling section 206 of the double joint 112. In this embodiment, the coupling device 204 can be omitted, since the drive 202 directly drives the double joint 112.

[0051] Preferably, the first end of the drive cylinder is arranged in a region of the coupling section 206 that is not penetrated by the second shaft 110 or an imaginary extension of the second shaft 110, in order to avoid a dead-center position of the drive 202. Furthermore, the coupling section 206 is designed in the example such that the first end of the drive cylinder can be arranged thereon such that an imaginary effective direction of the drive cylinder does not cross the rotational axis of the first shaft 108, in order to ensure the proper functioning of the drive device.

[0052] The drive device 200 can be designed to drive at least one double joint 112 of the plurality of double joints and / or at least one coupling device 204.

[0053] The Fig. 3 shows the platform 100 and the device 106 for influencing the folding process of the platform 100 with the drive device 200 of the Fig. 2. In the Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the drive device 200. In this embodiment, the drive 202 is embodied as an electric motor. A lever arm with a pin is arranged on the drive 202, wherein the pin is guided in a guide groove. In the example, the pin and the guide groove form the coupling device 204. The guide groove is arranged on the coupling section 206, which in the example is provided on the double joint 112. The coupling section 206 is rigidly connected to the double joint 112 and is provided at the first end of the double joint 112.

[0054] By means of the coupling device 204 and the coupling section 206, a movement of the drive 200 is converted into a rotational movement of the double joint 112. In the example, the rotational movement of the double joint 112 has an instantaneous center located in the first shaft 108.

[0055] This rotational movement creates an angular position of the double joint 112, resulting in a specific folding angle of the folding part 104 due to the movements of the fixed part 102, the double joint 112 and the folding part 104 synchronized by the synchronizing device 114.

[0056] The Fig. 4 shows the platform 100 and the device 106 for influencing the folding process of the platform 100 with the drive device 200 of the Fig. 3. In Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the drive device 200. In this embodiment, the drive 202 is designed as an electric motor, and the coupling device 204 is designed as gear segments. The coupling section 206 of the double joint 112 accordingly comprises a gear segment.

[0057] The coupling section 206 and the double joint 112 are according to the embodiments described by the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are illustrated, in the example formed in one piece. The coupling section 206 and the coupling device 204 or the double joint 112 are according to the embodiment shown by the Fig. 2 is illustrated, in the example formed in one piece.

[0058] The Fig. 5 shows the platform 100 and the device 106 for influencing the folding process of the platform 100 of the Fig. 1A to 1C with a means for weight compensation in the form of a gas pressure spring 500. For illustration, the drive device 200 of the Fig. 2 to 4 are not shown, but this may also be provided.

[0059] The gas pressure spring 500 serves to compensate for a weight force of the folding part 104, which generates a weight moment with respect to a pivot point of the folding process during the folding process.

[0060] The gas spring 500 is arranged with a first end 502 on the fixed part 102. It may be provided that the first end 502 is arranged on the first synchronization element 116.

[0061] The gas spring 500 is arranged with a second end 504 on the second synchronization element 118. It may be provided that the gas spring 500 is arranged on the folding part 104.

[0062] It can be provided that the second end 504 of the gas spring 500 is arranged on a lever arm, which is rigidly arranged on the second synchronization element 118 or the folding part 104. The lever arm preferably has a length that corresponds to the distance between the first shaft 108 and the second shaft 110. The lever arm is preferably arranged on the second synchronization element 118 at an angle that is 315° when the platform 100 is in the closed state. This angle is specified based on a rotational movement of the folding part 104, or the second synchronization element 118, around the second shaft 110, starting at a contact point of the first and second synchronization elements 116 and 118 in the closed state of the platform 100.

[0063] The Fig. 6 shows the platform 100 of the Fig. 5 with an embodiment regarding an attachment of the means for weight compensation in the form of the gas pressure spring 500. This embodiment comprises a chain drive 600 with a first sprocket 602, a second sprocket 604 and a chain 606.

[0064] The first sprocket 602 is rotatably mounted on the fixed part 102 or the first synchronization element 116 about the rotational axis of the first shaft 108. The second sprocket 604 is rigidly mounted on the folding part 104 or the second synchronization element 118.

[0065] The chain 606 couples the first sprocket 602 and the second sprocket 604. During the folding process of the platform 100, the first sprocket 606 is accordingly set into a rotational movement by means of the chain 606.

[0066] The gas spring 500 is arranged with its first end 502 on the fixed part 102 and with its second end 504 on the first sprocket 602. Preferably, the second end 504 of the gas spring 500 is not arranged in a rotational axis of the first sprocket 602.

[0067] It can be provided that the chain drive 600 is designed as a gear pair, with the first sprocket 602 being designed as the first gear and the second sprocket 604 being designed as the second gear. Accordingly, the first gear and the second gear are in mesh.

[0068] The Fig. 7 shows the platform of the Fig.6 with a further embodiment regarding the attachment of the means for weight compensation in the form of the gas pressure spring 500. This embodiment comprises a coupling means 700. The coupling means 700 comprises a coupling 702, which in the example comprises a first coupling rod 704 and a second coupling rod 706. A different number of coupling rods can also be provided. Furthermore, the coupling device 700 comprises a coupling plate 708, which is arranged rotatably about the rotation axis of the first shaft 108 on the fixed part 102 or the first synchronization element 116, and a bearing plate 710, which is rigidly arranged on the folding part 104 or on the second synchronization element 118.

[0069] The first coupling rod 704 and the second coupling rod 706 are each arranged with a first end on the bearing plate 710 and with a second end on the coupling plate 708. It can be provided that the first coupling rod 704 and / or the second coupling rod 706 are each arranged with their second end directly on the second synchronization element 118 or directly on the folding part 104. The first and second coupling rods 704 and 706 are designed such that they have the same length. Furthermore, the first coupling rod 704 and the second coupling rod 706 are arranged such that they run parallel to one another.

[0070] It can be provided that the first coupling rod 704 is arranged on a first side wall of the platform 100, which is oriented orthogonally to the first or second rotational axes of the first or second shafts 108 and 110, respectively, and the second coupling rod 706 is arranged on a second side wall of the platform 100, which is oriented parallel to the first side wall.

[0071] During the folding process of the platform 100, the coupling plate 708 of the coupling means 700 is set into a rotational movement about the rotation axis of the first shaft 108.

[0072] In the example, the gas pressure spring 500 is arranged with the first end 502 on the fixed part 102 and with the second end 504 on the coupling plate 708.

[0073] It can be provided that the gas pressure spring 500 is designed as a drive, in particular as a spindle drive, and drives the double joint 112 and accordingly the platform 100 by means of the coupling means 700. It can be provided that, in this example, the drive is also used as a means for weight compensation.

[0074] The platform 100 with the device 106 is designed substantially symmetrically with respect to an axis of symmetry oriented parallel to the first shaft 108 and the second shaft 110 and extending through the double joint 112. Accordingly, it may be provided that the drive device 200 and the means for weight compensation in the form of the gas pressure spring 500, as well as the embodiments of the attachment of the gas pressure spring 500, are mirrored about the axis of symmetry.

[0075] Furthermore, it can be provided that the platform 100 comprises a plurality of synchronization devices, in particular two, which are each arranged on the first side wall and the second side wall of the platform.

[0076] It can also be provided that the drive device 200 is arranged on the first side wall of the platform 100 and the means for weight compensation in the form of the gas pressure spring 500 according to one of the previous embodiments is arranged on the second side wall of the platform 100 or vice versa.

Claims

[1] A device (106) for influencing a folding process of a foldable platform (100), wherein the foldable platform (100) comprises a fixed part (102) and a folding part (104), wherein the device (106): - comprises a double joint (112), wherein the double joint (112) can be arranged or is arranged with a first end on the fixed part (102) and with a second end on the folding part (104), and - a synchronization device (114) comprising a first synchronization element (116) and a second synchronization element (118), wherein the synchronization device (114) is designed to influence the folding process of the platform (100) by means of the first synchronization element (116), which interacts with the second synchronization element (118), such that movements of the fixed part (102), the folding part (104), and the double joint (112) are synchronized relative to one another, that the device (106) comprises a drive device (200), wherein the drive device (200) comprises a drive (202) and a coupling device (204) for coupling the drive device (200) to the double joint (112), and the drive device (200) is designed to drive the double joint (112) by the drive (202) by means of the coupling device (204),wherein the fixed part (102) comprises a first shaft (108) and the folding part (104) comprises a second shaft (110), wherein the double joint (112) can be arranged or is arranged with the first end on the first shaft (108) and with the second end on the second shaft (110), and the coupling device (204) or the double joint (112) comprises a coupling section (206) which is arranged eccentrically with respect to the first shaft (108), in particular oriented away from a working surface of the platform (100) in an open state of the platform (100), wherein the drive device (200) is designed to drive the double joint (112) by the drive (202) by means of the coupling section (206) in a rotational manner about the first shaft (108). [2] The device (106) according to claim 1, characterized by that the first synchronization element (116) is rigidly arranged on the fixed part (102) and the second synchronization element (118) is rigidly arranged on the folding part (104). [3] The device (106) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the first synchronization element (116) and the second synchronization element (118) are designed to cooperate in such a way that the folding part (104) moves relative to the fixed part (102) by a folding angle, wherein the double joint (112) moves by an angle which is half as large as the folding angle. [4] The device (106) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device comprises at least one means (500) for weight compensation of the folding part (104), in particular a gas pressure spring. [5] The device (106) according to claim 4, characterized bythat the means (500) for weight compensation can be arranged or is arranged with a first end (502) on the fixed part (102) or is arranged on the first synchronization element (116) and can be arranged or is arranged with a second end (504) on the folding part (104) or is arranged on the second synchronization element (118). [6] The device (106) according to claim 5, characterized by in that the device (106) comprises a chain drive (600), wherein the chain drive (600) comprises a first sprocket (602) and a second sprocket (604) as well as a chain (606) which effects a coupling of the first and second sprockets (602; 604), wherein the first sprocket (602) is rotatably arranged on the fixed part (102) or the first synchronization element (116) and the second sprocket (604) is rigidly arranged on the folding part (104) or the second synchronization element (118). [7] The device (106) according to claim 6, characterized bythat the means (500) for weight compensation is arranged with the first end (502) on the fixed part (102) and with the second end (504) on the first sprocket (602). [8] The device (106) according to claim 4, characterized by that the device (106) comprises a pair of gears, wherein a first gear of the pair of gears is rotatably arranged on the fixed part (102) and a second gear of the pair of gears is rigidly arranged on the folding part (104), wherein the first and the second gear are in engagement. [9] The device (106) according to claim 8, characterized by that the means (500) for weight compensation is arranged with the first end (502) on the fixed part (102) and the second end (504) on the first gear. [10] The device (106) according to claim 4, characterized bythat the device (106) comprises a coupling (702), in particular two coupling rods (702; 704), and a coupling plate (708), wherein the coupling (702) is arranged with a first end on the coupling plate (708) and is arranged with a second end on the second synchronization element (118) or the folding part (104), wherein the coupling plate (708) is rotatably arranged on the fixed part (102) or the first synchronization element (116). [11] The device (106) according to claim 10, characterized by that the means (500) for weight compensation is arranged with the first end (502) on the fixed part (102) and with the second end (504) on the coupling plate (708). [12] The device (106) according to claim 11, characterized by that the means (500) for weight compensation of the folding part (104) comprises a drive, in particular a spindle drive, which is designed to drive the double joint (112) by means of the coupling (702). [13] The device (106) according to claim 10, characterized by that the coupling plate (708) is designed as a curve segment. [14] The device (106) according to claim 13, characterized by that the means (500) for weight compensation is arranged with the first end (502) on the fixed part (102) and the second end (504) is arranged to be movable along a curve of the curve segment. [15] Foldable platform (100), wherein the foldable platform (100) comprises a fixed part (102) and a folding part (104) and a device (106) according to one of claims 1 to 14. [16] Foldable platform (100) according to claim 15, wherein the foldable platform (100) comprises at least one further folding part (104) and at least one further device (106) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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