Method for loading a cherry picker onto a trailer or a transport platform, and cherry picker able to carry out the method

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for loading a cherry picker (1) onto a trailer (20), said cherry picker (1) comprising a travelling chassis, a basket (4), a lifting structure (7), a remote control (10) and a control unit (11) configured to control a movement of the lifting structure (7), the basket (4) and the travelling chassis (2) on the basis of data provided by the remote control (10), said lifting structure (7) comprising a raising arm (8) and a rocking arm (9) for coupling the basket (4) to the raising arm (8). Said cherry picker (1) has, in addition to a working position, a loading position and a compact folded transport position, in which the rocking arm (9) is folded under the raising arm (9). The method comprises, for loading said cherry picker (1) onto a trailer (20), a step of controlling a movement of the lifting structure (7) and the basket (4) into said loading position, and a step of controlling, by means of the remote control (10), a movement of the chassis (2) for positioning the cherry picker (1), which is in the loading position, on the trailer (20).

Description

Description Title of the invention: Method for loading a lifting platform onto a trailer or transport platform and lifting platform adapted to implement the method

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of loading a lifting platform onto a trailer or transport platform and a lifting platform capable of implementing said method.

[0002] It relates in particular to a method of loading a lifting platform onto a trailer or transport platform, said platform comprising a chassis equipped with ground movement devices defining a ground support plane of the chassis when the chassis is positioned on a horizontal flat surface, a basket comprising a floor and a guardrail, a lifting structure, a remote control also called a remote control and a control unit configured to control the movement of at least the lifting structure and the basket according to at least data provided by the remote control, said lifting structure comprising at least one lifting arm and a pendulum arm coupled at one end to the lifting arm and at the opposite end to the basket, said lifting arm being a pivoting arm between an extreme high position and an extreme low position,This extremely low position corresponds to the position in which the lifting arm is lowered to its maximum and / or in the position in which at least part of the basket touches the ground, and said platform having, in addition to a working position, a compact folded transport position in which the pendulum arm is folded under the lifting arm and the lifting arm is in its extremely low position.

[0003] Such lifting platforms with a working position in which the pendulum arm does not extend under the lifting arm to allow the use of the basket and a compact folded transport position in which the pendulum arm is folded under the lifting arm making the basket unusable are known as illustrated by international application WO 2018 / 229381 where the change from one position to another can be made using a remote control.

[0004] The ground movement of such a platform is controlled from the basket or a control panel mounted on the chassis. Such a platform allows The operator can control the transition of the platform from the working position to the compact folded transport position without having to climb onto the trailer or flatbed used to transport the platform from one point to another. This transport must be carried out in the platform's compact folded transport position due to space constraints. The practice is therefore to move the platform using an operator positioned in the basket to bring it onto the flatbed or trailer, and then, using the remote control, to command the transition of the platform from the working position to the compact folded transport position.

[0005] This solution is not entirely satisfactory because, although it eliminates the maneuvers described in US patent 2019 / 0233270, it does not prevent injury to the operator, particularly when descending from the basket after positioning the platform chassis on the loading platform or trailer.

[0006] One aim of the invention is to provide a method for loading a lifting platform onto a trailer or transport platform, and a lifting platform capable of implementing the method whose designs limit the risks of accidents without compromising the simplicity of the lifting platform.

[0007] Another objective of the invention is to provide a method for loading a lifting platform onto a trailer or transport platform, and a lifting platform capable of implementing the method whose designs make it possible to discourage or even prevent the operator from acting from the basket to load the lifting platform onto a trailer or transport platform.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a method for loading a lifting platform onto a trailer or transport platform, said platform comprising a chassis equipped with ground-mounted movement devices defining a ground support plane for the chassis when the chassis is positioned on a horizontal flat surface, a basket comprising a floor and a guardrail, a lifting structure, a remote control, and a control unit configured to control the movement of at least the lifting structure and the basket based on at least data provided by the remote control, said lifting structure comprising at least one arm of lifting and a pendulum arm coupled at one end to the lifting arm and at the opposite end to the basket, said lifting arm being a pivoting arm between an extremely high position and an extremely low position, this extremely low position corresponding to the position in which the lifting arm is lowered to the maximum and / or in the position in which at least part of the basket touches the ground, and said platform having in addition to a working position, a compact folded transport position in which the pendulum arm is folded under the lifting arm and the lifting arm is in the extremely low position,characterized in that the control unit is configured to control the ground movement components based on at least data provided by the remote control, and the platform is in an intermediate folded position, referred to as the loading position, in which the pendulum arm is folded under the lifting arm and the lifting arm is not in its lowest position. The method comprises, for loading said lifting platform onto a trailer or transport platform, a step of controlling the movement of the lifting structure and the basket to said loading position and a step of controlling, using the remote control, the movement of the ground movement components of the chassis to position the platform, which is in the loading position, on the transport platform or trailer.

[0009] The expression "at least part of the basket touches the ground" means that at least part of the basket extends in a plane coinciding with the ground support plane of the chassis, as defined by the ground-borne components. In other words, it means that at least part of the basket and the ground support plane of the chassis are coplanar.

[0010] By "remote control," we mean a control that can be operated by the operator from a location distant from the chassis or basket. The combination of a remote control that can be operated from a location distant from the chassis or basket with a lifting platform having a working position in which the basket floor extends substantially horizontally, i.e., within approximately 5° of the horizontal, a compact folded transport position, and an intermediate folded position known as the loading position in which the angle of inclination of the lifting arm is greater thanThe angle of inclination of the lifting arm in its compact folded transport position encourages the operator to place the platform in the loading position before loading it onto a trailer or transport platform. Indeed, placing the platform in the loading position allows the operator to have a less bulky and easier-to-maneuver aerial work platform for loading onto a trailer or transport platform. The operator is therefore incentivized to use this loading position. When the platform is in the loading position, with the pendulum arm positioned below the lifting arm and the basket floor inclined relative to the horizontal and / or the basket guardrail extending at least partially below the basket floor, the operator cannot sit in the basket. The operator is then forced to use the remote control to move the chassis via its ground-based movement controls.The idea of ​​placing the platform in a loading position, where the basket is no longer usable due to the folding of the pendulum arm under the lifting arm, allows the operator to use the remote control to move the platform onto the transport platform or trailer before the platform is positioned on the trailer or transport platform. Naturally, the unloading process for the aerial work platform from the trailer or loading platform includes a step where the remote control is used to move the chassis's ground-based movement components to lower the platform from the transport platform or trailer, and a second step where the lifting structure and basket are moved to the platform's working position.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, after the step of controlling, using the remote control, a movement of the chassis's ground-based movement components to position the platform, which is in the loading position on the transport platform or trailer, the method includes, once the platform is positioned on the transport platform or trailer, a step of controlling, using the remote control, a movement of the lifting structure and the basket to position the platform in the compact folded transport position. The transition from the loading position to the compact folded transport position can be achieved by a simple movement to The lifting arm pivots in the direction of a lowering motion. This results in simpler implementation.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, in the compact folded transport position or in the loading position, the basket occupies a so-called "out of service" position in which any standing of an operator inside the basket is prevented. Thus, the operator is encouraged to use the remote control to move the chassis on the ground.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, in the compact folded transport position or in the loading position, the basket is positioned in which the basket floor is inclined relative to the horizontal at an angle greater than 5° and / or the basket guardrail extends at least partially under the basket floor. The compact folded transport position and the loading position are configured to prevent an operator from standing in the basket, due to the folding of the pendulum arm under the lifting arm.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, in the compact folded transport position, the basket can be at least partially interposed between the lifting arm and the pendulum arm. This reduces the risk of the basket striking the surface on which the chassis moves.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method includes, before the step of controlling, using the remote control, a movement of the ground movement members of the chassis for the positioning of the platform which is in the loading position on the transport platform or the trailer, a step of securing the basket to the lifting structure.

[0016] In one embodiment, the method includes, for the securing step, prior to the step of commanding the movement of the lifting structure and the basket to the loading position, a step of commanding the movement of the lifting structure and / or the basket to the compact folded transport position. Thus, in the compact folded transport position, the angle of inclination of the lifting arm is less than the angle of inclination of the lifting arm in the loading position, thereby facilitating securing.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, in the platform's working position, the guardrail extends above the platform, and the platform extends substantially horizontally. The platform's working position is one in which an operator can stand upright inside the basket. The platform's working position is one in which the pendulum arm is deployed and forms an angle greater than 90° with the lifting arm, and the platform's floor extends substantially horizontally, that is, horizontally to within ±5° of the horizontal. In the platform's working position, the pendulum arm is not folded under the lifting arm.

[0018] The invention also relates to a lifting platform capable of being loaded onto a trailer or transport platform, said lifting platform comprising a chassis equipped with ground movement elements defining a ground support plane of the chassis when the chassis is positioned on a horizontal flat surface, a basket comprising a floor and a guardrail, a lifting structure, a remote control also called a remote control and a control unit configured to control the movement of the lifting structure and the basket according to at least the data provided by the remote control, said lifting structure comprising a lifting arm and a pendulum arm coupled at one end to the lifting arm and at the opposite end to the basket, said lifting arm being a pivoting arm between an extremely high position and an extremely low position,this extreme low position corresponding to the position in which the lifting arm is lowered to its maximum and / or in the position in which at least part of the basket touches the ground, and said platform having, in addition to a working position, a compact folded transport position in which the pendulum arm is folded under the lifting arm and the lifting arm is in its extreme low position, characterized in that the platform has an intermediate folded position, known as the loading position, in which the pendulum arm is folded under the lifting arm and the lifting arm is not in its extreme low position, in that the control unit is configured to control the ground movement components while moving, based at least on data provided by the remote control, and in that the control unit is configured for loading said aerial work platform onto a trailer or a flatbed, transport, command, in the unpositioned state of the platform on said trailer or transport platform, a movement of the lifting structure and the basket to said loading position and command, using the remote control, a movement of the ground movement elements of the chassis for the positioning of the platform which is in loading position on the transport platform or trailer.

[0019] The loading position of the platform, in which the platform's pendulum arm is folded under the lifting arm, prevents an operator from standing upright in the basket. This loading position therefore ultimately encourages the operator to use the remote control to maneuver the aerial work platform for ground movement of the chassis.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit, which is configured to control a movement of the ground movement elements of the chassis for positioning the platform, which is in the loading position, on the transport platform or trailer, is also configured to, in the positioned state of the platform on the transport platform or trailer, control, using the remote control, a movement of the lifting structure and the basket for positioning the platform in the compact folded transport position.

[0021] The transition from the loading position to the compact folded transport position is achieved by simply pivoting the lifting arm in the direction it is lowered. This results in ease of use. The regular operator of the aerial work platform can thus leave it in the loading position at the site where it needs to be loaded onto a transport platform or trailer. The operator of the transport platform or trailer, using the remote control, simply commands the movement of the chassis's ground-based movement components and the lowering of the lifting arm to load the platform onto the transport platform or trailer and lower it into the compact folded transport position.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, said gondola comprises a device (13) for detecting a presence in the basket and the control unit The system is configured to command the movement of the lifting structure and basket to the designated loading position based on data provided by the basket presence detection device. The control unit is configured to prevent the movement of the lifting structure and basket to the designated loading position when the presence detection device detects someone in the basket. This arrangement ensures the safe operation of the aerial work platform. This design prevents the platform from being folded into its compact transport position or into its loading position if an operator is present in the basket.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pendulum arm is coupled at one end to the lifting arm so that it can be lowered and raised relative to the lifting arm by pivoting.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, in the loading position or in the compact folded transport position, the basket occupies a position in which the floor of the basket is inclined relative to the horizontal at an angle greater than 5° and / or the guardrail of the basket extends at least partially under the floor of the basket.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, in the loading position or in the compact folded transport position, the basket is interposable at least partially between the lifting arm and the pendulum arm.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, in the working position, the guardrail extends above the floor and the floor extends substantially horizontally.

[0027] The platform is configured to allow the implementation of a loading process of the lifting platform onto a trailer or transport platform in accordance with that described above.

[0028] Brief description of the drawings

[0029] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0030] [Fig. 1] represents a side view of a lifting platform according to the invention in working position;

[0031] [Fig. 1 bis] represents a side view of a lifting platform according to the invention in a compact folded transport position;

[0032] [Fig. 2] represents a side view of a lifting platform according to the invention in the loading position during its movement on the ground using a remote control for loading onto a trailer or a load transport platform;

[0033] [Fig. 3] represents a side view of a lifting platform according to the invention in the loading position during its movement by means of a remote control on a trailer or a load transport platform;

[0034] [Fig. 4] represents a side view of a lifting platform according to the invention in the loading position and in the state positioned on a trailer or a load transport platform;

[0035] [Fig. 5] represents a side view of a lifting platform according to the invention in compact folded transport position and in the state positioned on a trailer or load transport platform;

[0036] [Fig. 6] represents a side view of a lifting platform according to the invention in compact folded transport position and in the state positioned on a trailer or load transport platform.

[0037] The invention relates to a platform 1 capable, as illustrated in figure 2, of being loaded onto a trailer 20 or a transport platform for transport or of being, as illustrated in figures 5 and 6, unloaded from said trailer, the method of loading said platform 1 onto the trailer 20 or a transport platform, as well as the resulting unloading method.

[0038] The platform 1 comprises a chassis 2 equipped with ground-tracking elements 3 in the form of wheels, as in the example shown, where at least two of the wheels are preferably steerable. Alternatively or in addition, these ground-tracking elements 3 may include tracks. These ground-tracking elements 3 define a support plane for the chassis floor in the position of the chassis on a flat horizontal surface. This plane corresponds, for example, to the ground line in Figure 1.

[0039] Chassis 2 is equipped with a motorization unit not shown to ensure in particular the operation of the ground movement components 3 of chassis 2 and consequently the movement of chassis 2.

[0040] This chassis 2 includes a base alone or a base surmounted by a turret, as in the examples shown.

[0041] Details of this self-propelled chassis 2 will not be provided, as it is well known to those versed in this art.

[0042] Regardless of the design of the chassis 2, the lifting platform 1 comprises a lifting structure 7 carried by the chassis 2, and a basket 4 inside which an operator 21 is able to take a seat to control the lifting platform 1 from said basket 4.

[0043] The presence of this basket 4 allows work to be carried out at height.

[0044] Basket 4 classically includes a floor 5 and a guardrail 6 surrounding the floor 5.

[0045] This basket 4 is also equipped with a control panel 14 mounted fixed or removable inside the basket 4. Such a control panel 14 allows control of a movement of the lifting structure 7 of the basket 4 and of the drive elements 3 in ground movement of the chassis 2. Thus, such a control panel 14 allows the basket 4 to be moved up and down, according to the desired position, and the chassis 2 to be moved on the ground.

[0046] To enable such control, the lifting platform 1 includes a piloting unit 11 capable of acquiring the control data provided by the control console 14 and of controlling the movements of the lifting structure 7, the ground movement components 3 of the chassis and the basket 4 according to said data.

[0047] Generally, the control unit 11 takes the form of an electronic and computer system that includes, for example, a microprocessor and working memory. In a particular case, the control unit may take the form of a programmable logic controller (PLC). In other words, the The functions and steps described can be implemented as a computer program or via hardware components (for example, programmable gate arrays). Specifically, the functions and steps performed by the control unit or its modules can be implemented 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 unit or means or modules of said unit are configured to perform a given operation, this means that the unit includes computer instructions and the corresponding means of execution which enable said operation to be performed and / or that the unit includes corresponding electronic components.

[0048] This piloting unit 11 is preferably mounted on chassis 2.

[0049] The lifting structure 7 includes a lifting arm 8 and a pendulum arm 9.

[0050] The lifting arm 8 can be a telescopic arm or not.

[0051] The pendulum arm 9 is coupled at one end to the lifting arm 8 so that it can be lowered and raised relative to the lifting arm 8 by pivoting and at the opposite end to the basket 4.

[0052] The lifting arm 8 is a pivoting arm mounted around a horizontal axis extending parallel to the ground surface when the chassis 2 is positioned on a horizontal flat surface. This pivoting movement of the lifting arm 8 allows the arm to move from an extremely low position to an extremely high position by varying its inclination relative to the ground support plane of the chassis 2. The extremely low position can correspond to the position in which the lifting arm 8 is lowered to its maximum, as illustrated, for example, in Figures 1, 1 bis, 5, and 6. This maximum lowering of the The lifting arm 8 is defined by design and generally corresponds to a position in which the lifting arm 8 bears against a mechanical stop formed here by the chassis 2, so that any lowering of the lifting arm 8 beyond this position is prevented. The lowest extreme position can also correspond to the position in which at least part of the basket 4 touches the ground, i.e., extends in the same plane as the ground support plane of the chassis 2, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 6. In this case, further lowering of the arm, when possible, would result in damage to the basket.

[0053] The extremely low position can also correspond to a combination of the two positions described above. This is the situation illustrated in Figure 6.

[0054] In the examples shown, the lifting arm 8 is pivotally coupled to the chassis 2, and the movement is carried out using at least one actuator, such as a cylinder, arranged between the chassis 2 and the lifting arm 8. Alternatively, the lifting arm can be pivotally coupled to an intermediate structure itself coupled to the chassis 2.

[0055] Similarly, one or more actuators, such as jacks, extend between the lifting arm 8 and the pendulum arm 9 to allow the platform to move from a working position as illustrated in Figure 1 in which the pendulum arm 9 does not extend under the lifting arm 8 and the guardrail 6 extends over the floor 5 and the floor 5 extends horizontally, so that an operator can stand in the basket, leaning on the floor 5 of the basket 4, to a folded position as illustrated in Figures 1 bis to 6, in which the pendulum arm 9 is folded under the lifting arm 8 and forms with said pendulum arm 9 an angle of less than 90°.

[0056] In the folded state of the pendulum arm 9, that is to say in the position in which the pendulum arm 9 forms an angle of less than 90° with the lifting arm 8 and the pendulum arm 9 extends at least partially under the lifting arm 8, the platform 1 can be in several positions, namely at least one compact folded transport position, as illustrated in Figures 1 bis, 5 and 6, in which the lifting arm 8 is in its lowest position, and at least one The intermediate folded position, referred to as the loading position, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, in which the lifting arm 8 is not in its lowest position. The loading position corresponds in the figures to a position in which the lifting arm 8 is not lowered to its maximum, that is to say, the angle of inclination formed by the lifting arm 8 with respect to the ground support plane of the chassis 2 is, in the loading position, greater than the angle of inclination formed by the lifting arm with the ground support plane of the chassis 2 in the compact folded transport position.

[0057] In practice, it is necessary at least to lower the lifting arm 8 to allow the lifting arm 8 to move from the loading position to the compact folded transport position when the pendulum arm 9 is folded. This lowering of the lifting arm 8 may be sufficient, as illustrated by the transition from Figure 2 to Figure 5. Alternatively, this lowering of the lifting arm 8 can be supplemented by a change in the position of the basket 4, as illustrated by the transition from Figure 2 to Figure 6. In practice, therefore, in the loading position, the angle of inclination formed by the lifting arm 8 with the ground support plane of the chassis 2 is greater than the angle of inclination formed by the lifting arm 8 with the ground support plane of the chassis 2 in the compact folded transport position.

[0058] In the loading position or the compact folded transport position, the basket 4 occupies a so-called out-of-service position in which any standing of an operator 21 in the basket 4 is prevented. In particular, in the loading position or the compact folded transport position, the basket 4 occupies a position in which the floor 5 of the basket 4 is inclined relative to the horizontal and / or the guardrail of the basket 4 extends at least partially under the floor 5 of the basket 4, as illustrated in Figure 2 where the basket is upside down, with its opening delimited by the guardrail 6 directed towards the ground and not towards the sky as in Figure 1.

[0059] It is noted that in the loading position or in the compact folded transport position, the basket 4 can be interposed at least partially between the lifting arm 8 and the pendulum arm 9, as illustrated in figures 3 to 5, which helps to avoid damage to the basket 4.

[0060] At least in the compact folded transport position, the basket 4 can be lashed to the lifting structure 7, in particular to the lifting arm 8 by ropes 12 or similar as illustrated in figure 1 bis.

[0061] In the working position, the pendulum arm 9 forms an angle greater than 90° with the lifting arm 8. The connection between the pendulum arm 9 and the basket 4 is also at least a pivoting connection, the details of which are provided in Figure 3.

[0062] This pivoting connection with a pivot axis parallel to the pivot axis of the lifting arm 8 to the chassis or of the pendulum arm 9 to the lifting arm 8 allows the basket to pivot on either side of the arm to extend along one side or the other of the arm, as illustrated in figures 1 and 3 for example, where the basket moves from a position with its opening facing the sky to a position with its opening facing the ground in parallel with the folding of the pendulum arm under the lifting arm.

[0063] Basket 4 can also, when positioned horizontally on the floor, pivot around a vertical axis for a lateral movement to the right or to the left of said basket 4.

[0064] To complete the set, the gondola 1 includes a remote control also called remote control 10. This remote control 10 can be connected by a wired or wireless link to the control unit 11.

[0065] This remote control 10 can be formed by the control panel 14 when the latter is removably mounted on the basket 4. This remote control 10 can also consist of a mobile terminal equipped, for example, with a screen running a dedicated application, such as a smartphone. The screen can be touch-sensitive, and a display of specific instructions can enable remote control of the gondola 1. This remote control 10 can initiate a sequence of predetermined movements and / or displacements of the gondola 1.

[0066] Regardless of the design of the remote control 10, the latter allows the operator 21 to control the lifting structure 7, the basket 4 and the ground movement devices 3 of the chassis 2, from a location away from the chassis 2 and the basket 4 for the operator, as illustrated in figure 3.

[0067] Again, the control unit 11, as described above, is configured to acquire data from the remote control 10 and control the movement of the lifting structure 7, the basket 4, and the ground-level movement components 3 of the chassis 2 according to said data. Pre-memorized movement sequences can optionally be stored and launched from the remote control 10 to facilitate the work of the operator 21.

[0068] To complete the lifting platform 1, said platform 1 may include a device 13 for detecting a presence in the basket 4. This detection device 13 may be in the form of a load sensor located in the floor of the basket.

[0069] The control unit 11 is configured to control the transition from the working position to the compact folded transport position of the platform 1 based at least on the data provided by the remote control 10 and by the device 13 for detecting a presence in the basket 4.

[0070] The control unit 11 is thus configured to prevent the command, from the remote control 10, to move the platform 1 from the working position to the compact folded transport position when a presence in the basket 4 is detected by the detection device 13. Similarly, the control unit 11 is configured to command the movement of the lifting structure 7 and the basket 4 to the said loading position based at least on the data provided by the detection device 13 regarding a presence in the basket 4, the control unit 11 being configured to prevent the command to move the lifting structure 7 and the basket 4 to the said loading position when a presence in the basket 4 is detected by the detection device 13.

[0071] With a lifting platform 1 as described above, the loading process of the lifting platform 1 onto a trailer 20 or a transport platform is carried out as illustrated in figures 2 to 4.

[0072] It is assumed that the platform 1 is supported on the ground and in working position as illustrated in Figure 1, and that the operator has left the basket, so that the device 13 for detecting a presence in the basket, when present, no longer detects any presence in the basket.

[0073] The loading process includes in all cases, for loading the lifting platform 1 onto a trailer 20 or a transport platform, a step of controlling a movement of the lifting structure 7 and the basket 4 up to said loading position and a step of controlling, using the remote control 10, a movement of the ground movement elements 3 of the chassis 2 for the positioning of the platform 1 which is in loading position on the transport platform or the trailer 20, as illustrated in figures 2 to 4.Ideally, after the step of controlling, using the remote control 10, a movement of the ground movement components 3 of the chassis 2 to position the platform 1 which is in the loading position on the transport platform or the trailer 20, the method includes, with the platform 1 positioned on the transport platform or the trailer 20, a step of controlling, using the remote control 10, a movement of the lifting structure 7 and the basket 4 to position the platform 1 in the compact folded transport position, as illustrated in figures 5 and 6. This transition from the loading position to the compact folded transport position can be achieved by simply lowering the lifting arm 8, as illustrated in figure 5.

[0074] The loading process may include, before the control step, using the remote control 10, a movement of the ground movement components 3 of the chassis 2 for the positioning of the platform 1, which is in the loading position, on the transport platform or the trailer 20, a step of securing the basket 4 to the lifting structure 7.

[0075] In this case, the method for loading the lifting platform 1 onto a trailer 20 or a transport platform includes a control step, preferably using the remote control 10, to move the lifting structure 7 and the basket 4 from the working position to the compact folded transport position, as illustrated in Figure 1 bis, for the installation of the tie-downs; then a control step to move the lifting structure 7 and the basket 4 to the loading position, at least by raising the lifting arm 8 as illustrated in Figure 2; and finally a control step, using the remote control 10, to move the ground-based movement components 3 of the chassis 2 to position the platform 1, which is in the position of loading onto the transport platform or trailer 20 by movement using the ground movement devices 3, as illustrated in figures 3 and 4.

[0076] In the state positioned on the transport platform or trailer 20, the method includes a control step using the remote control 10 of a movement of the lifting structure 7 and the basket 4 for the positioning of the platform 1 in compact folded transport position by simply lowering the lifting arm 8 as illustrated in figure 5, or by lowering the lifting arm 8 and modifying the position of the basket 4 as illustrated in figure 6.

[0077] To unload the lifting platform 1 from the trailer 20 or a transport platform, the unloading procedure includes a step of controlling the movement of the lifting structure and basket using the remote control 10 to move it into the loading position, a step of controlling the movement of the chassis 2's ground support components 3 to allow the platform, which is in the loading position, to leave the trailer 20 or the transport platform, and a step of controlling the movement of the lifting structure 7 and basket using the remote control to the working position. In this working position, an operator can take their place in the basket and then control the lifting platform 1 from the basket 4.

[0078] It should be noted that an additional control, solely for the lifting structure and the basket, can be provided at chassis 2, this additional control being accessible to an operator from the ground.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for loading an elevating platform (1) onto a trailer (20) or a transport platform, said platform (1) comprising a chassis (2) equipped with ground-displacement elements (3) defining a ground support plane of the chassis (2) when the chassis (2) is positioned on a horizontal flat surface, a basket (4) comprising a floor (5) and a guardrail (6), an elevating structure (7), a remote control (10), and a control unit (11) configured to control the movement of at least the elevating structure (7) and the basket (4) based on at least data provided by the remote control (10), said elevating structure (7) comprising at least one lifting arm (8) and a pendulum arm (9) coupled at one end to the lifting arm (8) and at the opposite end to the basket (4), said lifting arm (8) being an arm pivoting between an extremely high position and a extreme low positionthis extreme low position corresponding to the position in which the lifting arm (8) is lowered to its maximum and / or in the position in which at least part of the basket (4) touches the ground, and said platform (1) having, in addition to a working position, a compact folded transport position in which the pendulum arm (9) is folded under the lifting arm (8) and the lifting arm (8) is in its extreme low position, characterized in that the control unit (11) is configured to control the ground movement components (3) based on at least data provided by the remote control (10) and the platform (1) has an intermediate folded position, referred to as the loading position, in which the pendulum arm (9) is folded under the lifting arm (8) and the lifting arm (8) is not in its extreme low position, the method comprises, for loading said lifting platform (1) onto a trailer (20) or a transport platform,a step of commanding a movement of the lifting structure (7) and the basket (4) to said loading position and a step of commanding, using the remote control (10), a movement of the ground movement components (3) of the chassis (2) for positioning the platform (1) which is in the loading position on the transport platform or the trailer (20).

2. A loading method according to claim 1, characterized in that, after the step of controlling, using the remote control (10), a movement of the ground movement elements (3) of the chassis (2) for positioning the platform (1) which is in the loading position on the transport platform or the trailer (20), the method comprises, in the positioned state of the platform (1) on the transport platform or the trailer (20), a step of controlling using the remote control (10) a movement of the lifting structure (7) and the basket (4) for positioning the platform (1) in the compact folded transport position.

3. A loading method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the compact folded transport position or in the loading position, the basket (4) occupies a so-called out-of-service position in which any standing of an operator (21) in the basket (4) is prevented.

4. A loading method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the compact folded transport position or in the loading position, the basket (4) occupies a position in which the floor (5) of the basket (4) is inclined relative to the horizontal at an angle greater than 5° and / or the guardrail (6) of the basket (4) extends at least partially under the floor (5) of the basket (4).

5. A loading method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, in the compact folded transport position, the basket (4) is at least partially interposable between the lifting arm (8) and the pendulum arm (9).

6. A loading method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the method comprises, before the step of controlling, using the remote control (10), a movement of the ground displacement elements (3) of the chassis (2) for positioning the platform (1) which is in the loading position on the transport platform or the trailer (20), a step of securing the basket (4) to the lifting structure (7).

7. A loading method according to claim 6, characterized in that the method comprises, for the securing step, prior to the step of commanding a movement of the lifting structure (7) and the basket (4) to said loading position, a command step of a movement of the lifting structure (7) and / or the basket (4) up to said compact folded transport position.

8. A loading method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, in the working position of the platform (1), the guardrail (6) extends above the floor (5) and the floor (5) extends substantially horizontally.

9. Lifting platform (1) capable of being loaded onto a trailer (20) or a transport platform, said lifting platform (1) comprising a chassis (2) equipped with ground movement elements (3) defining a ground support plane of the chassis (2) in the positioned state of the chassis (2) on a horizontal flat surface, a basket (4) comprising a floor (5) and a guardrail (6), a lifting structure (7), a remote control also called a remote control (10) and a control unit (11) configured to control the movement of the lifting structure (7) and the basket (4) based at least on the data provided by the remote control (10), said lifting structure comprising a lifting arm (8) and a pendulum arm (9) coupled at one end to the lifting arm (8) and at the opposite end to the basket (4), said lifting arm (8) being an arm pivoting between an extreme high position and an extreme low position,this extreme low position corresponding to the position in which the lifting arm (8) is lowered to its maximum and / or in the position in which at least part of the basket (4) touches the ground, and said platform (1) having, in addition to a working position, a compact folded transport position in which the pendulum arm (9) is folded under the lifting arm (8) and the lifting arm (8) is in its extreme low position, characterized in that the platform (1) has an intermediate folded position called the loading position in which the pendulum arm (9) is folded under the lifting arm (8) and the lifting arm (8) is not in its extreme low position, in that the control unit (11) is configured to control the ground movement components (3) based on at least data provided by the remote control (10), and in that the control unit (11) is configured to,for loading said lifting platform (1) onto a trailer (20) or a transport platform, command, in the unpositioned state of the platform (1) on said trailer (20) or a transport platform, a movement of the lifting structure (7) and of the, basket (4) up to said loading position and control, using the remote control (10), a movement of the ground movement components (3) of the chassis (2) for positioning the platform (1) which is in loading position on the transport platform or trailer (20).

10. Lifting platform (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the control unit (11) which is configured to control a movement of the ground movement elements (3) of the chassis (2) for positioning the platform (1), which is in the loading position, on the transport platform or trailer (20), is also configured to, in the positioned state of the platform (1) on the transport platform or trailer (20), control, using the remote control (10), a movement of the lifting structure (7) and the basket (4) for positioning the platform (1) in the compact folded transport position.

11. Lifting platform (1) according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that said platform (1) includes a device (13) for detecting a presence in the basket (4) and in that the control unit (11) is configured to command a movement of the lifting structure (7) and the basket (4) to said loading position based at least on the data provided by the device (13) for detecting a presence in the basket (4), the control unit (11) being configured to prevent the command of a movement of the lifting structure (7) and the basket (4) to said loading position when a presence in the basket (4) is detected by the detection device (13).

12. Lifting platform (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the pendulum arm (9) is coupled at one end to the lifting arm (8) so that it can be lowered and raised relative to the lifting arm (8) by pivoting.

13. Lifting platform (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, in the loading position or in the compact folded transport position, the basket (4) occupies a position in which the floor (5) of the basket (4) is inclined relative to the horizontal at an angle greater than 5° and / or the guardrail (6) of the basket (4) extends at least partially under the floor (5) of the basket (4).

14. Lifting platform (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that, in the loading position or in the compact folded transport position, the basket (4) is at least partially interposable between the lifting arm (8) and the pendulum arm (9).

15. Lifting platform (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that, in the working position, the guardrail (6) extends above the floor (5) and the floor (5) extends substantially horizontally.

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