SHOVEL, ESPECIALLY AIR SHOVEL

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a platform, in particular an elevating platform.

[0002] It specifically concerns a gondola comprising: a platform having a reception location for at least one operator, a platform movement drive system, a control panel mounted on the platform and equipped with at least one manually operable control for the platform movement drive system, an activation / deactivation device for at least one control for the platform movement drive system, said activation / deactivation device, mounted on the platform, being configured so that, when requested by an operator, it changes from an inactive state in which at least one control for the platform movement drive system is deactivated and the platform is said to be in static operating mode, to an active state in which at least one control for the platform movement drive system is activated and the platform is said to be in dynamic operating mode, a piloting unit,a communication device providing a closable bidirectional communication channel between two transmitters / receivers, one of which is located on the platform, and an anti-crushing safety device positioned at least partially in front of the control panel between the control panel and the reception location of at least one operator, said safety device being sensitive to the pressure exerted on said safety device.

[0003] A gondola such as described above is known as illustrated by international application WO 2017 / 198707.

[0004] Aerial work platforms, particularly elevating work platforms, are well known to those skilled in this field, as illustrated by French patent FR 2,909,084. In such a platform, there is a risk of injury to the operator if, while controlling the platform's drive system, the operator strikes an obstacle, such as a beam, at the back of their head or back. This obstacle tends to pull the operator towards the control panel, trapping them between the obstacle and the panel, with a risk of being crushed against it. This problem is well-known, and solutions using a safety cable or bar have already been devised to address it, as illustrated, for example, by patents EP 2,794,461 and EP 2,096,078.In practice, such solutions allow the platform's movements to be stopped when the operator becomes trapped between an obstacle and the control panel. In the aforementioned documents, a cable or bar, positioned in front of the control panel, allows the operator, when activated, to stop the platform's movement, generally by deactivating the controls of the platform's drive system. Activation of the cable or bar can occur, for example, when the operator, standing in front of the control panel, is forced to lean towards it, exerting pressure on the cable.

[0005] Furthermore, for aerial work platforms, particularly those with platforms that can reach significant heights, communication between the operator in the platform basket and another person on the ground is difficult without appropriate communication equipment. Such communication equipment is, in fact, mandated by standards for Type 2 truck-mounted aerial work platforms.

[0006] The rolling of the chassis supporting the platform into the working position cannot usually be controlled from the control panel on the platform. Communication with a ground operator is therefore essential.

[0007] To meet this communication requirement between the platform and the ground, most manufacturers equip the platform's control panel with an intercom that includes a button to activate communication with the ground. Communication is also possible via mobile phone, but only if a network is available and requires the use of a mobile phone.

[0008] However, it turns out that in certain situations, activating the intercom via a push button or using a mobile phone from the platform is impossible. This is the case, for example, if the operator is obstructed, preventing them from reaching the push button or using their phone.

[0009] One aim of the invention is to provide a platform whose design allows communication with the ground from the platform, even when the operator is in difficulty.

[0010] Another aim of the invention is to provide a gondola with a simplified design.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a gondola comprising: a platform having a reception location for at least one operator, a platform movement drive system, a control panel carried by the platform and equipped with at least one control for the platform movement drive system, manually operable, an activation / deactivation device for at least one control for the platform movement drive system, said activation / deactivation device, carried by the platform, being configured so that, when requested by an operator, it changes from an inactive state in which at least one control for the platform movement drive system is deactivated and the platform is said to be in static operating mode, to an active state in which at least one control for the platform movement drive system is activated and the platform is said to be in dynamic operating mode, a piloting unit,a communication device providing a closable bidirectional communication channel between two transmitters / receivers, one of which is located on the platform, and an anti-crushing safety device positioned at least partially in front of the control panel between the control panel and the reception location of at least one operator, said safety device being sensitive to the pressure exerted on said safety device, characterized in that said control unit is configured to acquire data from the safety device as a function of the pressure exerted on said safety device and to control at least a part of the platform's drive system in motion based on said data, in that said control unit is configured to, in dynamic operating mode,to prevent the control of at least part of the platform's moving drive system from the control(s) of said drive system when the duration and / or value of the pressure exerted on said safety device exceed a first threshold value, in that said control unit is further configured to control the opening or closing of the communication channel, and in that the control unit is configured at least to, in each operating mode, control the opening of the communication channel at least as a function of the pressure exerted on the safety device, said control unit being configured to control the opening of the communication channel when the duration and / or value of the pressure exerted on said safety device is, in the dynamic operating mode, greater than a threshold value called the second threshold value and,In static operating mode, above a threshold value called the third threshold value.

[0012] Thanks to this design, where at least part of the safety device is used, under certain conditions, as a means of controlling the opening of the communication channel, it is possible to control the channel opening even when the operator is in a dangerous situation where their movements are restricted, for example, by being caught between the control panel and an obstacle, without triggering an unintended opening of the communication channel. The ability to use at least part of the safety device as a means of controlling the opening of the communication channel in all operating modes of the platform allows for a simplified design and easier use of the platform. It should be noted that the values ​​of the first and second threshold values ​​may be the same or different.Thus, in dynamic operating mode, disabling the control of at least part of the platform's moving drive system to prevent further danger to the operator can occur simultaneously with or independently of the communication channel opening. Similarly, the second and third threshold values ​​can be identical or different.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gondola includes a device for emitting an audible and / or visual signal and the control unit is configured to, in static operating mode, control the emission of an audible and / or visual signal when the duration of the pressure and / or the value of the pressure exerted on said safety device is, in static operating mode, greater than a threshold value called the fourth threshold value greater than the third threshold value.Similarly, the nacelle including a device for emitting an audible and / or visual signal, the control unit is configured to, in dynamic operating mode, control the emission of an audible and / or visual signal when the duration of the pressure and / or the value of the pressure exerted on said safety device is, in dynamic operating mode, greater than a threshold value called the fifth threshold value, the value of this fifth threshold value being the same as or different from the first and second threshold values.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the anti-crushing safety device comprises a flexible safety link, two link retention systems, one at one end of the link and the other at the other end of the link, for holding the link in at least one position in which the link extends across the platform and forms a line of demarcation between a part of the receiving location of at least one platform operator and the control console, a link deformation detection device comprising at least one link deformation detection element, the control unit which is configured to acquire data from the anti-crushing safety device being configured to acquire data from said link deformation detection element of the anti-crushing safety device.

[0015] This device for detecting deformation of a link can take many forms. Thus, in the case where one of the link support systems is a winder, the link deformation detection device could be a strain gauge or a sensor for detecting the angular position of the rotating link winding element, or something similar.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit, which is configured to, in dynamic operating mode, prevent the control of at least a part of the platform moving drive system from the control(s) of said drive system when the duration of the pressure and / or the value of the pressure exerted on said safety device are greater than a first threshold value, is configured to emit a control signal to stop the operation of the controls of the platform moving drive system based on data received from said detection device of a deformation of the link of the anti-crushing safety device.

[0017] Thus, under these conditions, the commands of the platform's moving drive system can be neutralized so that even if the operator activates the command(s), no command signal is transmitted.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit, which is configured to, in each operating mode, control the opening of the communication channel at least as a function of the pressure exerted on the safety device, is configured to control the opening of the communication channel as a function of the data received from said detection device of a deformation of the link of the anti-crushing safety device.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the platform is an elevating platform and the platform movement drive system is at least a movement drive system for raising and lowering said platform.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, said nacelle includes at least one communication channel closure device carried by the platform. Generally, the nacelle also includes at least one control console carried by the chassis, and a communication channel closure device equipping said control console.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the anti-crushing safety device is a resettable system, in that the anti-crushing safety device is configured to, in dynamic operating mode of the gondola, switch to the disarmed state when the duration of the pressure and / or the value of the pressure exerted on said safety device are greater than the first threshold value and the gondola includes at least one anti-crushing safety device reset element carried by the platform.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the or at least one of the communication channel closure members carried by the platform and the reset member of the anti-crushing safety device carried by the platform are common and formed by one and the same member.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to, in static operating mode, command the closure of the communication channel at least as a function of the pressure exerted on the safety device. It is thus possible to close the communication channel simply by releasing the safety device's link.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, said gondola comprises a rolling chassis supporting the platform and the platform movement drive system is a platform movement drive system relative to the chassis.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive system for moving the platform relative to the chassis comprises a pivoting arm coupled at one of its pivoting ends to the chassis or to a rotating turret carried by the chassis, said arm being equipped at its opposite end with the platform.

[0026] The invention also relates to a method for controlling a gondola comprising: a platform having at least one operator reception location, a platform movement drive system, a control console carried by the platform and equipped with at least one control for the platform movement drive system, manually operable, an activation / deactivation device for at least one control for the platform movement drive system, said activation / deactivation device, carried by the platform, being configured so that, when requested by an operator, it changes from an inactive state in which at least one control for the platform movement drive system is deactivated and the platform is said to be in static operating mode, to an active state in which at least one control for the platform movement drive system is activated and the platform is said to be in dynamic operating mode, characterized in that the platform includes a piloting unit,a communication device providing a closable bidirectional communication channel between two transmitters / receivers, one of which is located on the platform, and an anti-crushing safety device positioned at least partially in front of the control console between the control console and the reception location of at least one operator, said safety device being a pressure-sensitive device, in that said control unit is configured to acquire data from the safety device as a function of the pressure exerted on said safety device and to control at least part of the platform's movement drive system based on said data,in that said control unit is configured to prevent the control of at least a part of the platform's moving drive system from the control(s) of said drive system when the duration of the pressure and / or the value of the pressure exerted on said safety device exceed a first threshold value, in that said control unit is further configured to control the opening or closing of the communication channel, and in that the method includes at least one step of opening the communication channel as a function of the pressure exerted on the safety device, the opening of the communication channel being controlled when the duration of the pressure and / or the value of the pressure exerted on said safety device is, in the dynamic operating mode, greater than a threshold value called the second threshold value and, in the static operating mode,greater than a threshold value called the third threshold value. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings in which: [ Fig. 1 ] represents a schematic perspective view of a gondola according to the invention; [ Fig. 2 ] represents a schematic perspective view of a gondola platform; [ Fig. 3 ] represents, in block form, the control steps of a gondola, particularly for establishing communication between the platform and the ground in dynamic mode; Fig. 4 ] represents, in block form, the control steps of a gondola, particularly for establishing communication between the platform and the ground in static mode; Fig. 5 ] represents a schematic view of the control unit.

[0028] As mentioned above, the invention relates to a work platform 1 comprising a platform 7 with a reception area 71 for at least one operator. This work platform 7 is formed by a floor and guardrails surrounding the floor while allowing access to the interior of said platform. The platform 7 can also be called the basket of the work platform. Each operator is generally standing inside the reception area 71 of the platform 7, formed by a portion of the volume delimited by the guardrails of the platform 7. The operator, or at least one of the operators, faces a control panel 3 mounted on the platform 7. This control panel 3 is generally positioned at a distance from the floor of the platform 7 along the guardrail of the platform 7, as illustrated in the figure. figure 2 This control panel 3 is equipped with at least one, preferably several, controls 4 such as buttons, levers, or the like. These controls 4 are manually operable, i.e., by the operator. These controls 4 allow the operation of a drive system 2 for the movement of the platform 7.

[0029] This platform 7 movement drive system 2 can take many forms depending on the type of platform: scissor lift, boom lift, or other. Generally, platform 1 is a lifting platform, and platform 7 movement drive system 2 is at least a system for raising and lowering said platform 7.

[0030] This platform 1 comprises a rolling chassis 10 supporting the platform 7, and the drive system 2 for moving the platform 7 is a drive system 2 for moving the platform 7 relative to the chassis 10 shown in the figure 1 .

[0031] The chassis 10 is therefore a motorized chassis equipped with wheels or tracks. The platform 7 is connected to the chassis 10 by a lifting structure. At least one actuator for the lifting structure is provided. The actuator and the lifting structure together form at least one part of the drive system 2 for moving the platform 7. The lifting structure here comprises at least one arm 21 pivoting about a horizontal axis, and the actuator is a cylinder for actuating said arm extending between the arm and the chassis 10. This arm 21 is preferably a telescopic arm. This pivoting arm 21 is therefore coupled at one of its pivoting ends to the chassis 10 and equipped at its opposite end with the platform 7. A rotating turret could have been interposed between the arm and the chassis without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0032] The controls 4 on the control panel 3 allow the platform 7's movement drive system 2 to be controlled, at least by actuating the lifting structure's actuator, thus enabling platform 7 to move at least up and down by moving arm 21. For some platforms, it is also possible to control the ground movement of the chassis 10 from the controls 4 on the control panel 3 on the platform 7. It should be noted that the chassis 10 is generally also equipped with a control for the platform 7's movement drive system 2, so that the platform 7's movement can also be controlled from the ground. The platform 7's movement drive system 2 will not be described in further detail, as it is well known to those versed in this field.

[0033] The platform 1 also includes an activation / deactivation device 41 for at least one control 4 of the platform 7's drive system 2. This activation / deactivation device 41, carried by the platform 7, is configured to transition, when requested by an operator, from an inactive state in which at least one control 4 of the platform 7's drive system 2 is deactivated and the platform is said to be in static operating mode, to an active state in which at least one control 4 of the platform 7's drive system 2 is activated and the platform 1 is said to be in dynamic operating mode. This activation / deactivation device 41 may be equipped with means for returning it to the inactive state and be capable of transitioning from the inactive state to the active state under the action of a force exerted on said activation / deactivation device against the return means. This is the case in the example shown in the figure 2 where the activation / deactivation device is a pedal returned to a position corresponding to the inactive state. This pedal is also called the dead man's pedal. Thus, when this pedal is not activated by the operator, any movement of the platform from the control panel(s) 4 on the control console is prevented. This activation / deactivation device therefore constitutes an operational safety feature. Alternatively, this activation / deactivation device could have been implemented, for example, as a sensor on a control panel 4 to detect the operator's hand. The presence of the hand corresponds to the active state of the activation / deactivation device, i.e., to the dynamic operating mode of the platform 1.

[0034] The nacelle 1 also includes a control unit 5. This control unit 5 is an electronic and computer system that includes, for example, a microprocessor and working memory. In one particular configuration, the control unit 5 can be a programmable logic controller (PLC). In other words, the functions and steps described can be implemented as a computer program or via hardware components (e.g., programmable gate networks).In particular, the functions and steps performed by the control unit or its modules can be carried out by instruction sets or computer modules implemented in a processor or controller, or by dedicated electronic components, or by components such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). It is also possible to combine computer and electronic components.When it is specified that the control unit 5 or means or modules of said unit are configured to perform a given operation, this means that the control unit 5 includes computer instructions and the corresponding means of execution which enable said operation to be performed and / or that the control unit 5 includes corresponding electronic components.

[0035] The nacelle 1 also includes a communication device 6 providing a closable bidirectional communication channel 63 between two transmitters / receivers, one of which, represented in 61, is located on the platform 7, and the other, represented in 62, on the ground, in particular on the chassis 10 of the nacelle carrying the platform 7.

[0036] Preferably, the connection between the transmitters / receivers is a wired connection. The transmitter / receiver 62 that is not located on the platform 7 is generally located on the chassis 10 or on the turret, if present, to allow communication between the platform 7 and the ground. These transmitters / receivers can form the components of an intercom system. Thus, each transmitter / receiver includes, for example, at least one loudspeaker and one microphone.

[0037] Each transceiver constitutes a telephone communication device using an internal network established between chassis 10 and platform 7. Alternatively, each transceiver can be a short-range wireless radio transmitter. However, this solution is not preferred.

[0038] To enable communication between the transmitters / receivers, the communication channel 63 must be open. By "open communication channel" we mean that the operator on the platform can communicate via the transmitter / receiver 61, in particular speaking into the microphone and listening via the speaker, with an operator on the ground also communicating through the microphone and listening through the speaker of the transmitter / receiver 62 located on the ground.

[0039] The control unit 5 is configured to control the opening or closing of communication channel 63. The nacelle 1 therefore includes means for opening / closing communication channel 63, which will be described below.

[0040] The platform 1 also includes an anti-crushing safety device 8 positioned at least partially in front of the control panel 3, between the control panel 3 and the operator's reception position 71. The safety device 8 is pressure-sensitive, and the control unit 5 is configured to acquire data from the safety device 8 based on the pressure exerted on it and to control at least part of the platform 7's drive system 2 based on this data. The control unit 5 is thus configured to prevent the control of at least part of the platform 7's drive system 2 from the drive system 2's control(s) 4 when the duration and / or the pressure exerted on the safety device 8 exceed a first threshold value.

[0041] In practice, the anti-crushing safety device 8 includes a flexible safety link 81, two link 81 retention systems 82, one at one end of the link 81, the other at the other end of the link 81, for holding the link 81 in at least one position in which the link 81 extends through the platform 7 and forms a demarcation line between a part of the operator reception location 71 of the platform 7 and the control console 3, and a link 81 deformation detection device 83 comprising at least one link 81 deformation detection element 831. The control unit 5, which is configured to acquire data from the anti-crushing safety device 8, is in particular configured to acquire data from said link 81 deformation detection element 831 of the anti-crushing safety device 8.Alternatively, the safety link could have been replaced by a bar, and the control unit could have been configured to acquire data from a bar position detection device.

[0042] The flexible safety link 81 can be made in the form of a cable, belt, chain, or other material. In the example shown in the figure 2 The flexible safety link 81 is a cable. This link 81 has two ends 81. The platform 1 further includes two link 81 retention systems 82 supported by the platform 7. These link retention systems 82 are arranged opposite each other. These retention systems 82 are supported here by two guardrails, each delimiting one vertical side around the control panel, said sides being opposite each other.

[0043] The link 81 retaining systems 82 are arranged, one at one end and the other at the other end of the link 81, to hold the link 81 in at least one position in which the link 81 extends horizontally or substantially horizontally, i.e., within ± 20°, when taut. When taut, the link 81 thus extends substantially parallel, within ± 20°, to the support plane of the platform 7 floor. The link 81 extends across the platform 7, connecting, for example, as in the example shown, two opposite vertical sides of the guardrail surrounding the control panel. This link 81 extends in front of control console 3 near control console 3 along the path that can be followed by a part of the body, in particular the upper part of the body of an operator standing in front of control console 3 and leaning towards control console 3.This link 81 thus forms a demarcation line between a part of the reception location 71 of at least one operator of the platform 7 and the control console 3 so that it can be called upon by the operator as soon as the latter is unbalanced forward, for example under the effect of a push in the back by an obstacle.

[0044] The deformation of link 81 under the effect of pressure exerted by the operator on link 81 results in an increase in the volume of location 71 that can be occupied by the operator on platform 7.

[0045] The link retention systems 82 may be identical or different from one retention system to another. At least one of the retention systems 82 may include a rotating element, such as a wheel, for winding the link 81 around which the link 81 coupled to said rotating element partially winds. Said rotating element is equipped with at least one elastic return element for said rotating element configured to exert a driving force on said rotating element, causing angular displacement of the rotating element in the direction of winding the link 81 around said rotating element to ensure tension on the link 81.

[0046] The organ 831 for detecting a deformation of link 81 can also have a large number of forms.

[0047] In the examples shown, the deformation detection element 831 of the link 81 is a detection element for the angular position of the link winding rotary element 81 of one of the holding systems 82. This angular position detection element 831 of the link winding rotary element 81 can take many forms. This angular position detection element 831 of the link winding rotary element 81 can be a sensor for detecting the angular position of the link winding rotary element 81 by contact with said link winding rotary element 81 or, for example, be in the form of an encoder integrated into the wheel constituting the link winding rotary element to form an encoder wheel.

[0048] Regardless of its design, this sensor for detecting the angular position of the rotating winding member of the link 81 is electrically connected to the pilot unit 5 and is configured to address electrical signals to the control unit 5 as a function of at least the angular position of the rotating winding member of the link 81 around said holding system 82.

[0049] Such an angular sensor can determine at least one value of the pressure exerted on the link or the duration for which pressure is exerted on said link. To this end, the control unit 5 may include a clock to assist in calculating the duration of the pressure exerted on the link 81. Threshold values ​​for duration and / or pressure are stored in a memory unit on the nacelle 1. In the examples illustrated below, up to five threshold values ​​can be stored. The control unit 5 specifically controls the opening of the communication channel 63, that is, the transmission of control signals to the transmitters / receivers 61 and 62 based on the duration and / or pressure exerted on the link 81, compared to one or more stored threshold values.In particular, the control unit 5 is configured, at least in each operating mode (i.e., dynamic and static operating modes), to control the opening of the communication channel 63 based on the pressure exerted on the safety device 8. Thus, the control unit 5 is configured, in static operating mode, to control the opening of the communication channel 63 when the duration and / or the pressure value exerted on said safety device 8 exceeds a threshold value called the third threshold value, and, in dynamic operating mode, to control the opening of the communication channel 63 when the duration and / or the pressure value exerted on said safety device 8 exceeds a threshold value called the second threshold value.

[0050] This same control unit 5 is configured to, in dynamic operating mode—that is, when the activation / deactivation device 41 is active—emit a command signal to stop the operation of the controls 4 of the drive system 2 for the platform 7 when the duration and / or pressure exerted on the link 81 exceeds a stored threshold value called the first threshold value. The values ​​of the first and second threshold values ​​can be identical and equal, for example, to 2 seconds when the duration of the pressure exerted on the safety device 8 is measured. In this case, the communication channel is opened simultaneously with the deactivation of the control panel control(s) 4.When these first and second threshold values ​​are different, they allow either the communication channel to be opened before the control panel's command(s) 4 are deactivated, or vice versa. Similarly, the value of the third threshold value may or may not be the same as the first and second threshold values. In each case, the data sent to the control unit by the safety device 8 corresponds, in the examples shown, to the data transmitted by the deformation detection device 831 for the link 81 of the safety device 8.

[0051] Generally, the platform 1 includes a device for emitting an audible signal, such as an alarm, and / or a visual signal, such as a rotating beacon, shown in Figure 11. The control unit 5 is configured, in static operating mode, to trigger the emission of an audible and / or visual signal when the duration and / or the pressure exerted on said safety device 8 exceeds a threshold value, called the fourth threshold value, which is higher than the third threshold value. Thus, in static mode, depending on the pressure exerted on the safety device 8, the operator can either control only the opening of the communication channel or the opening of the communication channel and the emission of an audible and / or visual signal in case of any problem or simply to alert a person on the ground whom they wish to communicate.

[0052] The nacelle 1 includes at least one communication channel closure device 9 carried by the platform 7. This communication channel closure device 9 carried by the platform 7 may be in the form of a simple button located near the microphone or speaker of the transmitter / receiver 61 carried by the platform 7. In the examples shown, the anti-crushing safety device 8 is a resettable system. The anti-crushing safety device 8 is configured so that, in the dynamic operating mode of the nacelle 1, it switches to the disarmed state when the duration and / or the pressure value exerted on said safety device 8 exceeds the first threshold value, and the nacelle 1 includes at least one reset device 84 for the anti-crushing safety device 8 carried by the platform 7.In the example shown, one of the communication channel 63 closure elements 9, carried by the platform 7, and the reset element 84 of the anti-crushing safety device 8, carried by the platform 7, are common and formed by a single element. The communication channel can also be closed in static operating mode by simply releasing the pressure exerted on the safety device 8.

[0053] Thus, the operation of a platform 1 as described above is as follows: the support systems 82 are fixed to the platform 7 in a position in which the link 81 is taut between the support systems 82 and forms a substantially horizontal line separating the space above the control console 3 and the reception location 71 for at least one operator as illustrated in the figure 2 In this position, the link 81 is kept taut by the action of the elastic return mechanisms. It is assumed that the communication channel 63 between the transmitters / receivers is closed and that the nacelle is in dynamic operating mode, i.e., that the activation / deactivation mechanism 41 is in the active state as illustrated in step S1 of the figure 3 .

[0054] At stage S2 of the figure 3 , it is tested whether the pressure information detected by the link deformation detection organ 81 by detecting the angular position of the link winding rotary organ is after processing by the pilot unit less than the first threshold value which here also corresponds to the second threshold value.

[0055] Indeed, under the effect of pressure applied to link 81, resulting from the operator's movement towards the control panel 3, link 81 is deformed, generally increasing the volume of the operator's receiving position 71. This deformation of the link, caused by pressure on link 81, results in an angular displacement of the rotating winding elements of link 81, contrary to the action of the elastic return elements, in the direction of unwinding the link 81.

[0056] At each end, the link 81 pulls, under the pressure exerted upon it, on the rotating winding member of the link to which it is coupled at its end. This angular displacement of the rotating winding member of the link is detected by the link deformation detection device 831. The anti-crushing safety device 8, as described above, has the advantage of allowing the detection of link deformation regardless of the action exerted on the link, namely a pull or a push, and regardless of the direction of the action.

[0057] When the signal sent by the deformation detection device 831 to the control unit 5 corresponds to the fact that the pressure exerted on the link 81 is greater than the first threshold value, which here is equal to the second threshold value, the communication channel is opened, allowing communication between the platform and the ground, and the control(s) 4 of the platform's drive system 2, equipping the platform 7, are neutralized, i.e., they no longer function in the state activated by the operator. These steps are represented as S3 and S4 in the diagram. figure 3 In step S4, the activation of the audible and / or visual signal emission device can be commanded. Obviously, if the first and second threshold values ​​are not identical, two successive pressure comparison tests are performed to generate steps S3 and S4 successively. In summary, in the example shown, step S2 is a test step determining whether the pressure value is greater than the first threshold value, itself equal to the second threshold value; step S3 is a step opening the communication channel when the pressure exerted on the link is greater than the second threshold value; and step S4 is a step commanding the shutdown of the controls 4 of the platform drive system 2 equipping platform 7. Steps S3 and S4 can be synchronous. In step S5, it is tested whether the reset device 84 is activated.If this is the case, the control unit commands the closure of the communication channel. A new cycle can then begin at step S1.

[0058] There figure 4This illustrates the operation of the nacelle in static mode, i.e., in the inactive state of the activation / deactivation device 41. It is assumed that the communication channel is closed. In step S11, it is tested whether the signal sent by the deformation detection device 831 of link 81 to the control unit 5 corresponds to the fact that the pressure exerted on link 81 is greater than the third threshold value. If so, in step S12, it is tested whether the signal sent by the deformation detection device 831 of link 81 to the control unit 5 corresponds to the fact that the pressure exerted on link 81 is less than the fourth threshold value. If the answer is yes, in step S13, the control unit commands the opening of the communication channel 63. In step S14, it is tested whether a communication channel closure device is activated. If that is the case, a new cycle can begin.At step S12, if the signal sent by the deformation detection device 831 to the control unit 5 indicates that the pressure exerted on the link 81 exceeds the fourth threshold value, which is itself greater than the third threshold value, then at step S15, the control unit opens the communication channel 63. At step S16, the control unit triggers the emission of an audible and / or visual signal by the audible and / or visual signal emission device. At step S17, it is tested whether the signal sent by the deformation detection device 831 to the control unit 5 indicates that the pressure exerted on the link 81 is less than the third threshold value. If so, the communication channel is closed and a new cycle can begin.Of course, the cycles described above are only examples of implementation of the invention, and steps can be added or removed without departing from the scope of the invention. The examples above show that in all circumstances, that is, in static and dynamic operating modes, the operator can use the anti-crushing safety device 8 as a control element, particularly for opening the communication channel.

Claims

1. Aerial work platform (1) comprising: - a platform (7) having a location (71) for receiving at least one operator, - a system (2) for driving the movement of the platform (7), - a control console (3) borne by the platform (7) and equipped with at least one control (4) for the system (2) for driving the movement of the platform (7), which can be actuated manually, - a member (41) for activating / deactivating at least the control (4) for the system (2) for driving the movement of the platform (7), said activating / deactivating member (41), borne by the platform (7), being configured to, when stressed by an operator, pass from what is referred to as an inactive state, in which at least the control (4) for the system (2) for driving the movement of the platform (7) is deactivated and the aerial work platform is in what is referred to as a static operating mode, to an active state, in which at least the control (4) for the system (2) for driving the movement of the platform (7) is activated and the aerial work platform (1) is in what is referred to as a dynamic operating mode, - a control unit (5), - a communication device (6) providing a closable bidirectional communication channel (63) between two transceivers (61, 62), one (61) of which is disposed on the platform (7), and - an anti-crush safety device (8) positioned at least partially in front of the control console (3) between the control console (3) and the location (71) for receiving at least one operator, said safety device (8) being a device sensitive to the pressure exerted on said safety device (8), characterized in that said control unit (5) is configured to acquire data from the safety device (8) in dependence on the pressure exerted on said safety device (8) and to control at least part of the system (2) for driving the movement of the platform (7) in dependence on said data, in that said control unit (5) is configured to, in the dynamic operating mode, prevent the control of at least part of the system (2) for driving the movement of the platform (7) using the control or controls (4) for said drive system (2) when the duration of the pressure and / or the value of the pressure exerted on said safety device (8) are / is greater than a first threshold value, in that said control unit (5) is further configured to control the opening or the closing of the communication channel (63), and in that the control unit (5) is configured at least to, in each operating mode, control the opening of the communication channel (63) at least in dependence on the pressure exerted on the safety device (8), said control unit (5) being configured to control the opening of the communication channel (63) when the duration of the pressure and / or the value of the pressure exerted on said safety device (8) are / is, in the dynamic operating mode, greater than a threshold value called the second threshold value and, in the static operating mode, greater than a threshold value called the third threshold value.

2. Aerial work platform (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the aerial work platform (1) comprises a device for emitting an audible and / or luminous signal (11) and the control unit (5) is configured to, in the static operating mode, control the emission of an audible and / or luminous signal when the duration of the pressure and / or the value of the pressure exerted on said safety device (8) is, in the static operating mode, greater than a threshold value called the fourth threshold value which is greater than the third threshold value.

3. Aerial work platform (1) according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the anti-crush safety device (8) comprises a flexible safety link (81), - two systems (82) for holding the link (81), one disposed at one of the ends of the link (81), the other disposed at the other of the ends of the link (81), in order to hold the link (81) in at least one position in which the link (81) extends through the platform (7) and forms a demarcation line between a part of the location (71) for receiving at least one operator of the platform (7) and the control console (3), - a device (83) for detecting a deformation of the link (81) comprising at least one member (831) for detecting a deformation of the link (81), the control unit (5) which is configured to acquire data from the anti-crush safety device (8) being configured to acquire data from said member (831) for detecting a deformation of the link (81) of the anti-crush safety device (8).

4. Aerial work platform (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the control unit (5), which is configured to, in the dynamic operating mode, prevent the control of at least part of the system (2) for driving the movement of the platform (7) using the control or controls (4) for said drive system (2) when the duration of the pressure and / or the value of the pressure exerted on said safety device (8) are / is greater than a first threshold value, is configured to emit a control signal to stop the operation of the controls (4) for the system (2) for driving the movement of the platform (7) in dependence on the data received from said member (831) for detecting a deformation of the link (81) of the anti-crush safety device (8).

5. Aerial work platform (1) according to either of Claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the control unit (5), which is configured to, in each operating mode, control the opening of the communication channel (63) at least in dependence on the pressure exerted on the safety device (8), is configured to control the opening of the communication channel (63) in dependence on the data received from said member (831) for detecting a deformation of the link (81) of the anti-crush safety device (8).

6. Aerial work platform (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the aerial work platform (1) is an aerial aerial work platform, and in that the system (2) for driving the movement of the platform (7) is at least a system for driving the upward and downward movement of the platform (7).

7. Aerial work platform (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said aerial work platform (1) comprises at least one member (9) for closing the communication channel (63) that is borne by the platform (7).

8. Aerial work platform (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the anti-crush safety device (8) is a rearmable system, in that the anti-crush safety device (8) is configured to, in the dynamic operating mode of the aerial work platform (1), pass to the disarmed state when the duration of the pressure and / or the value of the pressure exerted on said safety device (8) are / is greater than the first threshold value, and in that the aerial work platform (1) comprises at least one member (84) for rearming the anti-crush safety device (8) that is borne by the platform (7).

9. Aerial work platform (1) according to Claim 8 taken in combination with Claim 7, characterized in that the or at least one of the members (9) for closing the communication channel (63) that is borne by the platform (7) and the member (84) for rearming the anti-crush safety device (8) that is borne by the platform (7) are common and formed by one and the same member.

10. Aerial work platform (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the control unit (5) is configured to, in the static operating mode, control the closure of the communication channel (63) at least in dependence on the pressure exerted on the safety device (8).

11. Aerial work platform (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said aerial work platform (1) comprises a rolling chassis (10) supporting the platform (7), and in that the system (2) for driving the movement of the platform (7) is a system (2) for driving the movement of the platform (7) relative to the chassis (10).

12. Aerial work platform (1) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the system (2) for driving the movement of the platform (7) relative to the chassis (10) comprises a pivotable arm (21) pivotably coupled at one of its ends to the chassis (10) or to a rotary turntable borne by the chassis (10), said arm (21) being equipped at its opposite end with the platform (7).

13. Method for controlling a aerial work platform (1) comprising: - a platform (7) having at least one location (71) for receiving an operator, - a system (2) for driving the movement of the platform (7), - a control console (3) borne by the platform (7) and equipped with at least one control (4) for the system (2) for driving the movement of the platform (7), which can be actuated manually, - a member (41) for activating / deactivating at least the control (4) for the system (2) for driving the movement of the platform (7), said activating / deactivating member (41), borne by the platform (7), being configured to, when stressed by an operator, pass from what is referred to as an inactive state, in which at least the control (4) for the system (2) for driving the movement of the platform (7) is deactivated and the aerial work platform is in what is referred to as a static operating mode, to an active state, in which at least the control (4) for the system (2) for driving the movement of the platform (7) is activated and the aerial work platform (1) is in what is referred to as a dynamic operating mode, - a control unit (5), - a communication device (6) providing a closable bidirectional communication channel between two transceivers (61, 62), one of which is disposed on the platform (7), and - an anti-crush safety device (8) positioned at least partially in front of the control console (3) between the control console (3) and the location (71) for receiving at least one operator, said safety device (8) being a device sensitive to the pressure exerted on said safety device (8), characterized in that said control unit (5) is configured to acquire data from the safety device (8) in dependence on the pressure exerted on said safety device (8) and to control at least part of the system (2) for driving the movement of the platform (7) in dependence on said data, in that said control unit (5) is configured to prevent the control of at least part of the system (2) for driving the movement of the platform (7) using the control or controls (4) for said drive system (2) when the duration of the pressure and / or the value of the pressure exerted on said safety device (8) are / is greater than a first threshold value, in that said control unit (5) is further configured to control the opening or the closing of the communication channel (63), and in that the method comprises at least one step of opening the communication channel (63) at least in dependence on the pressure exerted on the safety device (8), the opening of the communication channel (63) being controlled when the duration of the pressure and / or the value of the pressure exerted on said safety device (8) are / is, in the dynamic operating mode, greater than a threshold value called the second threshold value and, in the static operating mode, greater than a threshold value called the third threshold value.