Running board

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a running board, in particular for a refuse collection vehicle, comprising a platform and a frame, wherein the platform is pivotably mounted on the frame about a rotation axis so that it can assume a rest position and a working position, wherein the platform can be brought from the rest position into the working position and vice versa by a drive.

[0002] It is known from the prior art that running boards on vehicles, particularly refuse collection vehicles, are pivotably mounted by a drive. They are moved from a working position, where they can be occupied by people, to a rest position, and back again. This is due to safety regulations that stipulate that the running board should not be accessible in certain driving situations.

[0003] One option is to move the step or its platform manually, as proposed in DE 10 2010 025 692 A1. However, this is ergonomically unsound and results in physical strain on the waste collectors, which should be avoided.

[0004] The drive can be activated automatically when reverse gear is engaged, as described in DE 37 29 107 C2. This can lead to accidents if the running board is still occupied.

[0005] Alternatively, the drive can be activated by pressing a switch. The switch is located in a position that's easily accessible for the garbage collector when standing next to the vehicle. However, if the garbage collector is moving a heavy waste container with both hands, a manual switch is difficult to use.

[0006] US 2019 / 0315278 A1 discloses a footboard whose platform is pivotably mounted, wherein a brief deflection of the platform from a rest position or working position activates a drive that moves the platform into the working position or rest position, respectively. US2019 / 315278A1 discloses the subject matter of the preamble of claim 1.

[0007] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a footboard that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. This object is achieved by a footboard having the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of dependent claims 2 to 13.

[0008] The invention relates to a running board, in particular for a refuse collection vehicle, comprising a platform and a frame, wherein the platform is pivotably mounted on the frame about a pivot axis so that it can assume a rest position and a working position, wherein the platform can be moved from the rest position to the working position and vice versa by a drive, characterized in that the drive can be automatically activated by briefly deflecting the platform from its rest position or working position, wherein an actuator with a gear transmission is provided as the drive, and the gear transmission has at least one gear element that is connected to a rotary shaft for pivoting the platform in order to move it, wherein the gear element has an opening through which a pin extends and which engages in a corresponding pocket in a platform holder,wherein the opening and / or the pocket has a circular arc shape.,

[0009] The running board has two basic positions. In a resting position, the platform is not accessible to people. For example, the platform is then essentially vertically upwards. In a working position, the platform can be accessed by people. The platform is attached to a frame by means of a platform bracket, which in turn is connected to the vehicle.

[0010] The platform is mounted on the frame so that it can pivot about a pivot axis, for example, on a pivot shaft, via a hinged connection, or in another way. A drive is provided that pivots the platform into the required position. This eliminates the need for manual operation of the footboard platform.

[0011] The platform can be briefly deflected from its resting or working position, for example, by tapping it with your foot. This brief deflection is registered, and the drive then activates, moving the platform. The platform itself acts like a switch. This is particularly advantageous when the operator does not have a free hand to operate a handset, for example, when maneuvering a heavy waste container with both hands. The platform can also be briefly deflected from almost any location at the rear of the vehicle, unlike activation via a handset, which must be accessed each time. This makes the task easier.

[0012] However, hand switches or manual movement of the running boards can still be provided.

[0013] The drive system is an actuator, specifically an electric motor, with a gear transmission. A gear transmission enables simple power transmission from the drive to the platform. An electric motor can be easily integrated into the on-board electrical system and can also be controlled very precisely.

[0014] The rotating shaft is connected to the platform and allows the platform to perform the pivoting movement. A gear element is connected to the rotating shaft. The gear element is preferably a circular segment, the dimensions of which depend on the technical and structural constraints. Another gear element, gear, or rack, driven by the actuator, meshes with this gear element.

[0015] According to the invention, the gear element has an opening through which a pin passes and which engages in a corresponding pocket in a platform holder, wherein the opening and / or the pocket has a circular arc shape.

[0016] The center of the circular arc formed by the opening and / or pocket coincides with the axis of rotation of the rotating shaft. The pin that passes through the opening is connected to the platform and is operatively connected to the gear element, transmitting its movement to the platform. However, because the opening and / or pocket is circular in shape, it allows the platform freedom of movement independent of the actuator. It is possible to move the platform within certain limits without using or loading the motor. This play is used to deflect the platform briefly. Advantageously, elastic means are provided which, after deflection from the rest position and / or working position, return the platform to the rest position and / or working position using spring force.

[0017] Preferably, at least one spring element is provided as elastic means, which acts as a stop in the rest position and / or working position and is tensioned during brief deflection, so that the platform can be moved back into the rest position and / or working position by the restoring force as soon as the platform is relieved of load.

[0018] The working position and the resting position are defined positions of the platform relative to the frame. Depending on the position, the refuse collection vehicle is subject to certain restrictions. For example, travel without speed restrictions or restrictions on reversing is only possible in the resting position, as the operator should not stand on the running board for safety reasons. Different restrictions apply depending on whether the running board is occupied or unoccupied in the working position. If the platform is occupied in the working position, this represents a third defined position. At the same time, this is a deflection from the working position, but this does not occur briefly.

[0019] If the vehicle accidentally hits an obstacle with the running board in the rest position, the impact can cause a deflection from the rest position, which, however, is not desired when the drive is activated.

[0020] In order to allow a short-term deflection from the working or rest position and at the same time not to affect the predefined positions for the proper operation of the vehicle, it is advantageous to return the platform to its initial position by means of elastic means.

[0021] Alternatively, or in conjunction with this, the platform can be arranged on the frame in such a way that, after being deflected from the rest position and / or working position, it is returned to the rest position and / or working position by the force of gravity. The advantage of this design lies in its simplicity.

[0022] Both return mechanisms can also be combined. Taking the example of a deflection from the working position, a deflection caused by a tap from above could be returned by an elastic means, and a deflection caused by a tap from below could be returned by the force of gravity.

[0023] In particular, the footboard is designed so that the drive can be activated as soon as the platform reaches a specified activation position. The drive should not be triggered every time the footboard is shaken. Likewise, the necessary deflection should not be too large to enable user-friendly operation. Therefore, it is useful to determine a deflection value at which the drive is activated.

[0024] Particularly preferably, the activation position is a deflection of 5° to 15° from the rest position or the working position. Further preferably, the activation position is a deflection of 5° to 8° from the rest position or the working position. This ensures that even minor impacts do not trigger activation of the drive. At the same time, the operator does not have to move the platform excessively far to activate the automated pivoting.

[0025] A further embodiment of the invention provides for an angle sensor that determines the relative position of the platform to the frame when pivoting around the axis of rotation. This allows the movement and positioning of the platform to be determined easily and precisely, and thus also the deflection of the platform from the rest or working position.

[0026] It is preferably provided that the relative position of the platform to the frame can be determined via the actuator, and the drive can be activated as soon as the relative positions determined by the actuator and the angle sensor are no longer identical.

[0027] The rest position and the working position of the platform are predetermined settings for the drive. Any position in between can also be determined by the drive, particularly in an electric motor configuration, since the movement of the actuator is at least indirectly transmitted to the platform in order to pivot it. If the platform is briefly deflected from the rest position or the working position, the drive remains stationary and no movement of the platform is registered. However, within the scope of the platform's freedom of movement mentioned above, it can be moved independently of the drive, which is in turn detected by the angle sensor. The comparison of the two measured values therefore shows a deviation, which is interpreted as an activation signal, whereupon the drive is activated.

[0028] Furthermore, it can be provided that means are provided to determine the speed of the platform's deflection, whereby the drive can be activated from a specified minimum speed. This can be, for example, a speed sensor. Alternatively, it can also be a position sensor or angle sensor, whereby the speed is determined by derivative over time from its measured values. Tapping the platform to briefly deflect it in order to activate the drive is characterized by a relatively rapid movement of the platform. Therefore, a corresponding measured value can also be used as an activation signal for the drive.

[0029] Furthermore, at least one, preferably cylindrical, holding element and at least one corresponding, preferably circular-arc-shaped, bulge are preferably provided in the platform holder in such a way that the holding element engages in the bulge in a rest position or working position of the platform, so that the platform is fixed in the respective position.

[0030] On the one hand, the platform should be held firmly in the resting and / or working positions so that it is not torn from its respective position by minor shocks. On the other hand, the corresponding resistance should be easily overcome by the drive. According to the invention, these requirements are achieved by retaining elements in conjunction with a suitable shape of the footboard. The retaining elements are advantageously elastic. This results in a compact design and eliminates the need for manually operated locking mechanisms.

[0031] The following figures illustrate the invention using an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1a footboard Figure 2a sectional view of the footboard in working position Figure 3a sectional view of the footboard in rest position Figure 4an exploded view of the footboard Figure 5another sectional view of the footboard in working position Figure 6another sectional view of the footboard in rest position.

[0032] In Fig. 1 A running board 1 is shown, which is particularly suitable for a refuse collection vehicle. The running board 1 has a platform 2 and a frame 3, wherein the platform 2 is held on the frame 2 by a platform holder 4. The platform 2 is pivotally mounted on the frame 3 about a rotation axis A and can assume a plurality of fixed positions. The relative position of the platform 2 to the frame 3 can be determined when pivoting about the rotation axis A.

[0033] The footboard 1 has two basic positions. In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 the footboard 1 can be seen in the working position. Fig. 3 shows it in the resting position. In the resting position, the platform 2 or its base 5 cannot be accessed by persons, as it is then essentially oriented vertically upwards. In the working position, the platform 2 can be accessed by persons. The platform 2 is attached to a frame 3 by means of a platform bracket 4, which in turn can be connected to the vehicle.

[0034] The platform 2 is mounted on a rotary shaft 6 so that it can pivot about the axis of rotation A. An electric motor 7 is provided as a drive, which pivots the platform 2 into the respective position and in the exploded view in Fig. 4 This eliminates the need for manual operation of platform 2 of running board 1.

[0035] The brief deflection of platform 2 from its resting or working position occurs, for example, by tapping the platform 2 with the foot. This brief deflection is registered by an angle sensor 8, which is attached to an axial end of the rotating shaft 6. The electric motor 7 is then activated, thus moving the platform 2. At the axial end of the rotating shaft 6 facing the angle sensor 8, there is a magnet 9 whose magnetic field also rotates during the pivoting movement of the platform 2. This change in the magnetic field is detected by the angle sensor 8.

[0036] The electric motor drives the gear 10, which in turn engages with the gear element 11. Both form a gear transmission, although the gear 10 could also be a different toothed element. The gear element 11 itself is connected to the rotating shaft 6 in order to move it. Furthermore, the gear element 11 has an opening 12 through which a pin 13 extends. The pin 13 engages with a pocket 14 in the platform holder 4. The pocket 14 has a circular arc-shaped contour. This arrangement is shown in the exploded view of the footboard 1 in Fig. 4 can be seen. In this way, the rotational movement of the gear element 11 is transmitted to the platform holder 4 and thus to the platform 2, moving it. Due to the circular arc-shaped design of the pocket 14, the platform 2 has play in its pivoting ability, so that a garbage collector can step onto the platform 2 and move it into an occupied position without placing a load on the electric motor 7. Likewise, this play in the pivoting ability is used for the brief deflection to trigger the pivoting movement.

[0037] In the working position, the operator can briefly deflect the platform 2 upwards or downwards by briefly stepping on the base 5 or by lifting the platform 2 upwards. In the latter case, gravity ensures that the platform 2 returns to the working position. In order to move the platform 2 back to the working position even when stepping on the base 5, a spring element 15 is provided ( Fig. 5 und 6 ). The spring element 15 serves as a stop for the platform holder 4, which, in the working position, rests against the spring element 15 with a bracket 16, which can be, for example, an elastomer element, a spiral spring or a gas spring.

[0038] If the operator now steps onto platform 2, it pivots downward toward the track. The spring element 15 is tensioned in the process. If the operator removes their foot from platform 2, the platform is returned to its working position by the restoring force of spring element 15. This brief deflection from the working position is detected by angle sensor 8. At the same time, however, electric motor 7 does not register any movement of platform 2 because, as described above, it has a certain amount of play in its pivoting ability. This is interpreted as a trigger signal for electric motor 7. This is activated, and platform 2 pivots into the rest position. The pivoting from the rest position to the working position occurs in a similar manner.

[0039] However, this only occurs when the platform 2 is deflected far enough, i.e., when it reaches a specific activation position. The activation position is intended to be a deflection of 5° to 15°, preferably 5° to 8°, from the rest position or the working position. This ensures that even minor impacts do not trigger the activation of the electric motor 7. At the same time, the operator does not have to move the platform 2 excessively far to activate the automated swiveling.

[0040] Furthermore, the electric motor 7 is only activated when the brief deflection occurs at a specified minimum speed. The speed can be easily determined from the measured values of the angle sensor 8.

[0041] The platform mount 4 also has a recess 17 into which the retaining element 18 engages as soon as the platform 2 is in the working position. This ensures that the platform 2 remains stable in its working position and is not torn from its position by minor vibrations. Reference symbol

[0042] 1Footboard 2Platform 3Frame 4Platform bracket 5Standing surface 6Rotary shaft 7Electric motor 8Angle sensor 9Magnet 10Gear 11Gear element 12Breakthrough 13Pin 14Pocket 15Spring element 16Bracket 17Bump 18Holding element ARotary axis

Claims

1. Footboard (1), in particular for a garbage truck, comprising a platform (2) and a frame (3), the platform (2) being mounted on the frame (3) so as to be pivotable about an axis of rotation so that it can assume a rest position and a working position, the platform (2) being movable from the rest position to the working position and vice versa by a drive, the drive being automatically activable by the platform (2) being briefly deflected from its rest position or working position, an actuator that has a gear transmission being provided as the drive, and the gear transmission having at least one gear element (11) which is connected to a rotary shaft (6) for pivoting the platform (2) in order to move said platform, characterized in that the gear element (11) has an opening (12) through which a pin (13) passes and which engages in a corresponding pocket (14) in a platform holder (4), the opening (12) and / or the pocket (14) having a circular arc shape.

2. Footboard (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that resilient means are provided which return the platform (2) to the rest position and / or working position by means of spring force after the deflection from the rest position and / or working position.

3. Footboard (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one spring element (15) is provided as a resilient means, which acts as a stop in the rest position and / or working position and is tensioned during the brief deflection, so that the platform (2) can be moved back into the rest position and / or working position by the restoring force as soon as the platform (2) is relieved of load.

4. Footboard (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the platform (2) is arranged on the frame (3) in such a way that after being deflected from the rest position and / or working position, it is returned to the rest position and / or working position by the force of weight.

5. Footboard (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive can be activated as soon as the platform (2) has reached a designated activation position.

6. Footboard (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the activation position is a deflection of 5° to 15° from the rest position or the working position.

7. Footboard (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an angle sensor (8) is provided which determines the relative position of the platform (2) to the frame (3) when pivoting about the axis of rotation.

8. Footboard (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the relative position of the platform (2) to the frame (3) can be determined via the drive, and the drive can be activated as soon as the relative positions determined by the drive and the angle sensor (8) are no longer identical.

9. Footboard (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means are provided to determine the speed of the deflection of the platform (2), the drive being activable from a predetermined minimum speed.

10. Footboard (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one preferably cylindrical holding element (18) and at least one corresponding preferably circular-arc-shaped indentation (17) is provided in the platform holder (4) such that the holding element (18) engages in the indentation (17) in a rest position or working position of the platform (2), so that the platform (2) is fixed in the particular position.