Electric-powered aerial work platform

Abstract

Electrically powered aerial work platform. The platform comprises a chassis (10), a platform, and an elevating structure including a turret (21) resting on the chassis and rotating about an axis of rotation (Z21), and a deployable arm connecting the turret to the platform by cantilevering from one rear side of the turret. An electric motor drives the turret and / or the arm. The turret includes a counterweight (100) that balances the cantilever of the arm, arranged on one front side of the turret, opposite the rear side along an anteroposterior axis (X21). The counterweight includes batteries (111, 112) connected to the motor, and a frame (120) representing at least 50% of the total weight of the counterweight and designed to support and protect the batteries from impacts.This frame includes two lateral frame sections (121, 122) defining two compartments (C1, C2) within which the batteries are distributed, supported, and protected from impacts. These compartments open onto the front side and are arranged on either side of, and at a distance from, a geometric plane containing the axis of rotation and the anteroposterior axis. The frame also includes a central frame section (123) connecting the two lateral frame sections transversely to the geometric plane. (See Figure 5 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: Electrically powered lifting platform

[0001] The present invention relates to a lifting platform.

[0002] The invention relates more specifically to lifting platforms whose platform, on which an operator can stand, is movable relative to the ground support frame by a lifting structure including a rotating turret and a deployable arm, such as an articulated and / or telescopic arm. As this arm extends cantilevered relative to one side of the turret, typically considered to be the rear side of the turret, the latter includes, on its side opposite the arm, in other words on its front side, a counterweight which stabilizes the lifting platform by balancing the cantilever of the arm. This type of lifting platform may in particular have a self-propelled chassis.

[0003] Such lifting platforms are now available with electric motors, in the sense that the turret and / or the arm are driven in movement relative to the chassis under the effect of one or more electric motors. In practice, this drive is generally indirect, that is to say that the electric motor drives hydraulic motor members which themselves act in movement on the turret and / or the arm. When the chassis of the lifting platform is self-propelled, the electric motor is generally designed to also drive, again directly or indirectly, the chassis in movement on the ground. In all cases, it is necessary for the lifting platform to have one or more batteries which, in service, supply electricity to the electric motor. The presence of these batteries induces design constraints, in particular linked to the space occupied by these batteries within the lifting platform.

[0004] The aim of the present invention is to propose a lifting platform with an improved battery arrangement.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a lifting platform, comprising:

[0006] - a frame adapted to rest on the ground,

[0007] - a platform suitable for an operator to stand on,

[0008] - a lifting structure, which supports the platform and which is arranged on the chassis so as to move the platform relative to the chassis, which lifting structure comprises:

[0009] - a turret which rests on the chassis while being rotatable relative to the chassis around of an axis of rotation which extends perpendicular to the ground, and

[0010] - an arm, which is deployable and which connects the turret to the platform by extending in overhanging from a rear side of the turret, and

[0011] - an electric motor which drives, directly or indirectly, the turret in rotation and / or the arm in deployment,

[0012] lifting platform in which the turret includes a counterweight which balances the overhang of the arm, being arranged at least partly on a front side of the turret, which is opposite the rear side along an anteroposterior axis of the turret, which counterweight comprises:

[0013] - batteries, which are connected to the electric motor, and

[0014] - a frame, which represents at least 50% of the total weight of the counterweight and which is designed to both support and protect from shock the batteries on the front side of the turret, which frame includes:

[0015] - two lateral frame parts, respectively right and left, which define respectively two compartments, respectively right and left, inside which the batteries are distributed while being supported and protected from shocks by the lateral reinforcement parts, these two compartments opening onto the front side of the turret and being arranged on either side and at a distance from a geometric plane containing the axis of rotation and the anteroposterior axis, and

[0016] - a central frame part, which connects the two frame parts to each other lateral transversely to the geometric plane.

[0017] One of the ideas underlying the invention is to integrate the batteries powering the electric motor of the lifting platform into the counterweight, proposing a particularly clever integration from a practical and ergonomic point of view. To do this, the counterweight of the lifting platform according to the invention combines the batteries, which are not sufficiently “massive” to, on their own, represent the majority of the total weight of the counterweight, and a frame, which represents at least 50% of the total weight of the counterweight and which is designed to both support and protect the batteries from impacts while allowing easy access to the latter for purposes, for example, of control, maintenance or replacement. The invention provides for this purpose that the batteries are distributed in two compartments, respectively right and left, which are respectively defined by two lateral frame parts, respectively right and left, of the frame.These compartments open onto the front side of the turret, to allow access to the batteries housed in these compartments from the front side of the turret, which is very practical. In addition, these compartments are arranged on either side of a median anteroposterior vertical plane of the turret: apart from its front side where a central part of the frame connects the two lateral frame parts transversely to the aforementioned plane, the turret can advantageously provide, between the two compartments, a useful space where all or part of the components other than a battery but essential to the operation of the lifting platform can be easily integrated, such as its arm and / or a mechanism for rotating its turret, which simplifies the constraints of . design. Furthermore, as explained in more detail below, the arrangement of these two compartments advantageously makes it possible to optimize the arrangement of the batteries in order, among other things, to limit the rotational space requirement of the turret, while guaranteeing the safety of the batteries against impacts thanks to the frame which interferes, instead of the batteries, with any possible obstacle during the movement of the turret. Also as detailed below, the design constraints relating to the frame are also mastered, in particular by providing that the frame, the overall shape of which can be similar to that of a pair of glasses without its temples, is advantageously made from a single piece, in particular from a molded part, for example made of cast iron, steel or concrete.

[0018] Thus, according to additional advantageous characteristics of the lifting platform according to the invention, taken in isolation or in all technically possible combinations:

[0019] - Batteries represent at least 20% of the total weight of the counterweight.

[0020] - Each of the lateral frame parts comprises (i) a base, which supports the batteries housed in the corresponding compartment, and (ii) a hoop, which extends from the base and which, on the front side of the turret, surrounds the batteries housed in the corresponding compartment, and the central frame part directly connects to each other respective portions of the hoops, facing the geometric plane.

[0021] - The frame is made from a single piece, in particular cast.

[0022] - The central frame part is provided with a cable passage to receive at at least one electrical conductor connecting the batteries housed in the right compartment and the batteries housed in the left compartment.

[0023] - The counterweight is equipped with both a straight plate, on which rest fixedly the batteries housed in the right compartment, and a left tray, on which the batteries housed in the left compartment rest fixedly, and each of the right and left trays is removable relative to the frame and is designed to (i) cooperate by form-fitting with the frame so as to fix the tray in position on the frame and (ii) cooperate by form-fitting with gripping equipment, such as a forklift.

[0024] - The counterweight is equipped with a front cover which is carried by the frame on the side front of the turret in a removable or movable manner between a covering configuration, in which the front cover closes the compartments and thus protects the batteries housed in the compartments, and a clearing configuration, in which the front cover allows free access to the compartments from the front side of the turret.

[0025] - The turret is equipped with side covers, respectively right and left, which are arranged on the lateral sides, respectively right and left of the turret, between a closed configuration, in which the right side cover covers a rear region of the right compartment and the left side cover covers a rear region of the left compartment, and an open configuration, in which the right and left side covers allow free access to the respective rear regions of the compartments through the right and left lateral sides of the turret, respectively.

[0026] - The frame is designed so that, at the respective rear regions of the compartments, the batteries extend, following the anteroposterior axis of the turret, beyond the frame towards the rear side of the turret.

[0027] - The chassis is equipped with ground translation members which are drivable, di directly or indirectly, by electric motorization to move the chassis relative to the ground.

[0028] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the drawings in which: - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is an elevation view of a lifting platform according to the invention; - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a view along arrow II of [Fig.l], showing a only part of the lifting platform; - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a section along plane III of [Fig.2]; - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a section along plane IV of [Fig.2]; - [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a view similar to [Fig.2], in which some components have been removed compared to [Fig.2]; - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a view similar to [Fig.5], which is however from a different viewing direction and in which components have been removed compared to [Fig.5]; - [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of batteries, shown alone, ap starting from the lifting platform of the previous figures; and - [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a view similar to [Fig.2], but from a different viewing direction and illustrating a different usage configuration from that illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0029] In [Fig.l] is shown a lifting platform 1 allowing an operator to reach an area located at height in order, for example, to carry out work there.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 6 and 8, the lifting platform 1 comprises a chassis 10 resting on the ground. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the chassis 10 is provided with wheels 11 for its translation on the ground. These wheels 11 are for example distributed into a pair of rear wheels and a pair of front wheels, the wheels of at least one of these two pairs being steered, that is to say steerable to the right and to the left relative to an anteroposterior geometric axis of the chassis 10, extending parallel to the ground. In a variant not shown, all or part of the wheels 11 can be replaced by tracks for the purpose of translating the chassis 10 on the ground. More generally, the wheels 11 are only examples of ground translation members, possibly steering members, which equip the chassis 10.

[0031] Whatever the specificities of the ground translation members, such as the wheels 11, as well as the other elements of the chassis 10, the latter is advantageously designed to be self-propelled so as to be able to move by itself on the ground following a trajectory controlled by an operator using the lifting platform 1.

[0032] As shown in [Fig.l], the lifting platform 1 also comprises a lifting structure 20 supporting a platform 30 provided so that an operator using the lifting platform 1 can stand thereon. The platform 30 is designed to accommodate the operator on board, as well as, where appropriate, one or more other persons and / or equipment for carrying out work at height. For this purpose, the platform 30 comprises, for example, a floor 31, on which the operator normally stands, and a guardrail 32 which rises from the floor 31 surrounding the platform 30.

[0033] The lifting structure 20 is arranged on the chassis 10 so as to move the platform 30 relative to the chassis 10, in particular in height and laterally relative to the chassis 10. For this purpose, the lifting structure 20 comprises a turret 21, which rests on the chassis 10, and an arm 22, which connects the turret 21 to the platform 30.

[0034] The turret 21 is rotatable relative to the chassis 10 about an axis of rotation Z21, which is fixed relative to the chassis 10 and which extends perpendicular to the ground on which the chassis 10 rests. The axis of rotation Z21 thus extends vertically when the surface of the ground is horizontal. For this purpose, the lifting platform 1 incorporates a drive member 40 capable of driving the turret 21 in rotation around the axis of rotation Z21 relative to the chassis 10. This drive member 40 is partially visible in Figures 3 and 4. The embodiment of the drive member 40 is not limiting, it being noted that this drive member 40 is known per se in the field of lifting platforms, including for example one or more mechanical actuators and / or one or more hydraulic actuators.

[0035] Whatever the specificities of the turret 21, the latter defines an anteroposterior geometric axis X21, which connects two opposite sides of the turret 21 to each other, namely a rear side 21A and a front side 21B, the anteroposterior axis X21 extending in practice parallel to the ground. By means of the rotation of the turret 21 about the axis of rotation Z21, the turret 21 passes between an aligned configuration, which is illustrated in the figures and in which the anteroposterior axis X21 of the turret 21 is parallel to the aforementioned anteroposterior axis of the chassis 10, and a non-aligned configuration, in which the anteroposterior axis X21 of the turret 21 is inclined relative to the anteroposterior axis of the chassis 10.

[0036] In practice, the turret 21 comprises a support structure 23, for example mechanical welded, the embodiment of which is not limiting since the other components of the turret 21 and the arm 22 are mounted, directly or indirectly, on this support structure 23 and the drive member 40 is engaged with this support structure 23 so as to drive the latter in rotation around the axis of rotation Z21 relative to the chassis 10. For this purpose, the support structure 23 extends from one to the other of the rear 21A and front 21B sides of the turret 21 along the anteroposterior axis X21, as well as from one to the other of the right 21C and left 21D lateral sides of the turret 21 along a geometric axis both perpendicular to the anteroposterior axis X21 and parallel to the ground.

[0037] The arm 22 is, for its part, deployable so as to more or less separate the platform 30 from the turret 21. The embodiment of the arm 22 for the purposes of its deployment capacity is not limiting. It is also understood that the term "arm" used here is understood in a broad sense and thus corresponds to an elongated mechanical structure, including several arm elements movable relative to each other for the purposes of deploying this elongated mechanical structure. In the example shown in [Fig. 1], the arm 22 is an articulated arm, the details of the embodiment of which are for example provided in FR 3 067 341 to which the reader can refer. In a variant not shown, the arm 22 is at least partially telescopic, its arm elements being designed to fit into each other. In all cases, the lifting platform 1 incorporates a drive member 50 capable of driving the arm 22 in deployment relative to the turret 21.This drive member 50 is partially visible in [Fig. 1]. The embodiment of this drive member 50 is not limiting, it being noted that this drive member 50 is known per se in the field of lifting platforms and includes for example one or more mechanical actuators and / or one or more hydraulic actuators.

[0038] In order to actuate the drive members 40 and 50, the lifting platform 1 comprises an electric motor 60, which is carried indifferently by the chassis 10 and / or the lifting structure 20 and which, here, is only shown in [Fig. 3] in a purely schematic form. In practice, the electric motor 60 includes one or more electric motors whose respective drive output or outputs are coupled both to the drive member 40 for the purpose of driving the turret 21 in rotation and to the drive member 50 for the purpose of driving the arm 22 in deployment. The specific features of the electric motor 60 are adapted to the drive members 40 and 50, in a manner known per se in the field of lifting platforms.In other words, in the embodiment considered in the figures, the electric motor 60 drives the turret 21 in rotation indirectly, namely via the drive member 40, and drives the arm 22 in deployment indirectly, namely via the member . drive 50. In a variant not shown, the electric motor 60 is designed to directly drive the turret 21 in rotation and / or the arm 22 in deployment. Also in a variant not shown, the electric motor 60 drives, directly or indirectly, either the turret 21 in rotation, in which case the drive in deployment of the arm 22 is operated by an alternative motor, for example thermal, of the lifting platform 1, or the arm 22 in deployment, in which case the drive in rotation of the turret 21 is operated by an alternative motor, for example thermal, of the lifting platform 1.

[0039] In all cases, the electric motor 60 and the drive members 40 and 50 are advantageously controlled by the operator using the lifting platform 1, via one or more control consoles, which are for example carried by the turret 21 and / or the platform 30, and which allow the operator on the ground and / or on board the platform 30 to control the movement of the turret 21 and the arm 22. This aspect being well known in the field of lifting platforms, it will not be detailed further.

[0040] Furthermore, the electric motor 60 is preferably provided to also drive, directly or indirectly, the ground translation members of the chassis 10, such as the wheels 11. In this case, the aforementioned control console(s) allow the operator on the ground and / or on board the platform 30 to also control the movement of the chassis 10 on the ground.

[0041] Whatever the specificities of the arm 22, this arm extends in cantilever with respect to the rear side 21A of the turret 21, as clearly visible in [Fig.l]. In order to stabilize the lifting structure 20, the turret 21 includes a counterweight 100, which is arranged at least in part on the front side 21B of the turret and which balances the cantilever of the arm 22, by counterbalancing the forces applied to the turret 21 by the arm 22.

[0042] As clearly visible in Figures 3 to 5, the counterweight 100 mainly includes batteries 110 and a frame 120. The batteries 110 are connected to the electric motor 60 for the purpose of supplying the latter with electricity, the electrical connection between the batteries 110 and the electric motor 60 being made by any suitable means, such as conductive cables, not shown in the figures for reasons of visibility. The frame 120 forms a protective support for the batteries 110 on the front side 21B of the turret 21, as explained in more detail below. The frame 120 is carried by the support structure 23 of the turret 21 and is arranged on the front side 21B of the turret, extending, transversely to the anteroposterior axis X21, from the right lateral side 21C to the left lateral side 21D of the turret 21.

[0043] It is understood that the batteries 110 and the frame 120 participate, in pro respective portions, to give the counterweight 100 its total weight. Thus, in addition to their function of supplying electricity, the batteries 110 are used, by their weight, to partly ensure the function of balancing the cantilever of the arm 22, assigned to the counterweight 100. According to a preferred dimensioning, the batteries 110 represent at least 20%, preferably at least 25%, preferably at least 30%, of the total weight of the counterweight 100. In practice, the type of batteries 110 is not limiting, these batteries 110 being for example indifferently lead, lithium, etc. This being said, in all cases, the batteries 110 are intrinsically less “massive” than the frame 120 which, on its own, represents at least 50% of the total weight of the counterweight 100.

[0044] The frame 120 is designed to both support and protect from impacts the batteries 110 on the front side 21B of the turret 21. For this purpose, as clearly visible in FIGS. 3 to 5, the frame 120 includes both two lateral frame parts, respectively right 121 and left 122, which are arranged on either side of a geometric plane P containing the axis of rotation Z21 and the anteroposterior axis X21, and a central frame part 123, which connects the lateral frame parts 121 and 122 to each other transversely to the geometric plane P. The right lateral frame part 121 defines a right compartment C1 and the left lateral frame part 122 defines a left compartment C2. The right compartment C1 receives one or more batteries 111 from among the batteries 110 while the rest of the batteries 110, which consists of one or more batteries 112, is received in the left compartment C2.Thus, the batteries 110 are distributed inside the compartments C1 and C2. In the embodiment considered in the figures, four batteries 111 are provided, which are also shown in isolation in [Fig.7], and four batteries 112 are also provided; in a variant not shown, a different number of batteries 111 and a different number of batteries 112 are conceivable. The batteries 111, respectively 112, are advantageously arranged inside the compartment C1, respectively C2, optimizing the available volume of the compartment and thus keeping the turret 21 as compact as possible, in particular limiting the rotational size of the turret 21.

[0045] In all cases, the compartments C1 and C2 are arranged on either side and at a distance from the geometric plane P, as clearly visible in Figures 3 and 4. Between the compartments C1 and C2, the turret 21 thus provides a region R in which the central frame part 123 is arranged on the front side 21B of the turret 21. This region R does not contain a battery but is advantageously used to contain one or more components of the lifting platform 1, other than batteries. In particular, at least a part of the arm 22 is advantageously arranged in this region R, thus being housed between the compartments C1 and C2, as shown in [Fig.l]. Thus, the arrangement of compartments C1 and C2 makes it possible to optimize the design constraints of the lifting platform 1.

[0046] Despite the spacing, transversely to the anteroposterior axis X21, between the batteries 111 housed in the compartment C1 and the batteries 112 housed in the compartment C2, the electrical connection between the batteries 111 and 112 remains of course possible by electrical conductors, typically cables, arranged where appropriate across the region R. According to an advantageous optional arrangement, the central frame part 123 is for this purpose provided with a cable passage 124, which is clearly visible in FIGS. 5 and 6 and which makes it possible to receive one or more electrical conductors, not shown and connecting the batteries 111 and the batteries 112 together.

[0047] Inside the right compartment C1, the batteries 111 are supported and protected from impacts by the right lateral reinforcement part 121 while, inside the left compartment C2, the batteries 112 are supported and protected from impacts by the left lateral part 122. For this purpose, in the embodiment considered in the figures, each of the lateral reinforcement parts 121 and 121 comprises, on the one hand, a base 121.1, respectively 122.1, which supports the batteries 111, respectively 112, and, on the other hand, a hoop 121.2, respectively 122.2, which extends from the base 121.1, respectively 122.1, and which, on the front side 21B of the turret 21, surrounds the batteries 111, respectively 112. Respective portions of the hoops 121.2 and 122.2, facing the geometric plane P, are directly connected to each other by the central frame part 123.When the lifting platform 1 is in service, the frame 120 thus provides a dual function, namely a support function for the batteries 110, by means of the stable support of the batteries 111 by the lateral frame part 121, in particular by the base 121.1 of the latter, and by means of the stable support of the batteries 112 by the left lateral frame part 122, in particular by the base 122.1 of the latter, and a function of protection against impacts resulting in particular from potential interference between any obstacle and the turret 21 when the latter is rotated around the axis of rotation Z21, the batteries 111 and 112 being protected from such impacts respectively by the right lateral frame part 121 and by the left lateral frame part 122, in particular by the respective hoops 121.2 and 122.2 of the latter, the mechanical resistance to such shocks with respect to the structural integrity of the frame 120 being ensured in particular by the central frame part 123.

[0048] In continuation of the above considerations, a practical, economical and reliable embodiment for the frame 120 is to produce the latter in a single piece, that is to say in such a way that its lateral frame parts 121 and 122 and its central frame part 123 are integral with each other. The frame 120 is thus preferably produced in the form of a cast part, for example in cast iron, steel, concrete, etc. This being the case, other embodiments are conceivable for the frame 120, such as for example a mechanically welded structure, in particular tubular.

[0049] Whatever the embodiment of the frame 120, the right compartment C1 and left compartment C2 open onto the front side 21B of the turret 21, as clearly visible in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6. Thus, parallel to the anteroposterior axis X21 of the turret 21, each of the compartments C1 and C2 extends towards the front side 21B of the turret until it opens out of the frame 120. The corresponding front outlet of the compartment C1 is delimited by the right lateral frame part 121, here jointly by the base 121 and the arch 121.2, and the corresponding front outlet of the compartment C2 is delimited by the left lateral frame part 122, here jointly by the base 122 and the arch 122.2. It is thus possible to access, from the front side 21B of the turret 21, the interior of compartments Cl and C2 and therefore the batteries 111 and 112 housed in these compartments, via the respective front outlets of compartments Cl and C2.Such access from the front side 21B of the turret 21 makes it possible to carry out operations for checking, maintaining and / or replacing the batteries 111 and 112. Advantageously, the respective front outlets of the compartments C1 and C2 are sized to allow the batteries 111 and 112 to pass through them respectively to enter / exit the batteries 111 with respect to the compartment C1 and the batteries 112 with respect to the compartment C2. In [Fig.6], the turret 21 is also shown with its batteries 110 thus removed.

[0050] According to an optional arrangement which facilitates the handling of the batteries 110 with respect to the compartments C1 and C2, the batteries 110 are not supported in direct contact with the frame 120, but rest fixedly on dedicated plates equipping the counterweight 100, namely a right plate 131 on which the batteries 111 rest fixedly and a left plate 132 on which the batteries 112 rest fixedly. The right 131 and left 132 plates are removable with respect to the frame 120, being advantageously designed to cooperate by complementarity of shapes with the frame 120 so as to fix the plates in position on the frame: for this purpose, in the embodiment considered here, each of the plates 131 and 132 is provided with reliefs 133, respectively 134, which are received in complementary reliefs 125, respectively 126, of the 120 frame.As illustrated in the figures, the reliefs 133 and 134 are for example projecting reliefs, which extend towards the ground from the rest of the plate 131, respectively 132, while the reliefs 125 and 126 are hollow reliefs, which are arranged in the base 121.1, respectively 122.1, of the frame part 121, respectively 122. Here, the reliefs 133, 134, 125 and 126 have . advantageously a transverse V-shaped profile to induce a centering effect between them and thus fix the plates 131 and 132 in position relative to the frame 120 precisely in a direction transverse to the anteroposterior axis X21. Advantageously, each of the plates 131 and 132 is fixedly secured to the frame 120 by added locking members, such as screws 130, some of which are visible in section in [Fig. 4]. Of course, other embodiments are conceivable for these reliefs 133, 134, 125 and 126 and, more generally, for the respective arrangements of the plates 131 and 132 and the frame 120 aimed at ensuring their cooperation by complementarity of shapes to fix the plates 131 and 132 in position on the frame 120.

[0051] In addition, the trays 131 and 132 are advantageously designed to cooperate by complementarity of shapes with gripping equipment in order to facilitate the handling of the batteries 111 and 112 when the lifting platform 1 is not in use. By way of example, in the embodiment considered in the figures, each of the trays 131 and 132 thus delimits passages 135, respectively 136, which are designed to receive lifting forks of a handling trolley.

[0052] Of course, the presence of the trays 131 and 132 does not prevent, where appropriate, the batteries 111 and 112 from being handled individually, leaving the trays 131 and 132 in place on the frame 120.

[0053] In practice, when the lifting platform 1 is in service, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the respective front outlets of the compartments C1 and C2 are preferably covered, in particular for safety reasons. For this purpose, the counterweight 100 is advantageously equipped with a front cover 140 which is carried by the frame 120 on the front side 21B of the turret 21 in a removable or movable manner between a covering configuration, which is illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 and in which the front cover 140 closes the compartments C1 and C2 and thus protects the batteries 111 housed in the compartment C1 and the batteries 112 housed in the compartment C2, and a clearance configuration, which is shown in Figures 5 and 6 and in which the front cover 140 leaves free access to the compartments C1 and C2 via the front side 21B of the turret 21.The embodiment of the removable or movable connection between the front cover 140 and the frame 120 is not limiting. In the case where the front cover 140 is thus provided to be removable relative to the frame 120, as in the example illustrated in the figures, it is possible to use added screws. In a variant not shown, the front cover 140 is articulated on the frame 120.

[0054] According to an advantageous optional arrangement, which is implemented in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the turret 21 also allows access to the compartments C1 and C2 from the lateral sides 21C and 21D of the turret. For this purpose, the turret 21 comprises a right side cover 24, which is arranged on the lateral side right 21C of the turret 21 in a removable or movable manner between a closed configuration, which is illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 and in which the right side cover 24 covers a rear region of the compartment C1, and an open configuration, which is illustrated in [Fig. 8] and in which the right side cover 24 allows free access to this rear region of the compartment C1 via the right lateral side 21C of the turret 21. The turret 21 also comprises a left side cover 25, which is arranged on the left lateral side 21D of the turret in a removable or movable manner between a closed configuration, which is illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 and in which the left side cover 25 covers a rear region of the compartment C2, and an open configuration, which is illustrated in [Fig. 8] and in which the left side cover 25 allows free access to this rear region of the compartment C2 via the left lateral side 21D of the turret 21.Thus, in addition to being able to access compartments C1 and C2 from the front side 21B of the turret 21, an operator of the lifting platform 1 can access compartments C1 and C2 from the lateral sides 21C and 21D of the turret 21, in particular for the purposes of inspection or maintenance operations. These lateral accesses are advantageously facilitated by providing that the frame 120 is designed, in particular dimensioned, so that, at the level of the aforementioned rear regions of compartments C1 and C2, the batteries 110 extend, along the anteroposterior axis X21, beyond the frame 120 in the direction of the rear side 21A of the turret 21, as clearly visible in FIGS. 3 and 8.

[0055] Finally, various arrangements and variants of the lifting platform 1 described so far are conceivable. For example, rather than being self-propelled, the chassis 10 may be designed to be towable, the electric motor 60 then not being used for the purpose of moving the chassis 10 relative to the ground.

Claims

Claims

1. Lifting platform (1), comprising: - a frame (10) adapted to rest on the ground, - a platform (30) adapted for an operator to stand on, - a lifting structure (20), which supports the platform (30) and which is arranged on the chassis (10) so as to move the platform relative to the chassis, which lifting structure comprises: - a turret (21) which rests on the chassis (10) while being rotatable relative to the chassis around an axis of rotation (Z21) which extends perpendicular to the ground, and - an arm (22), which is deployable and which connects the turret (21) to the platform (30) by extending cantilevered with respect to a rear side (21 A) of the turret, and - an electric motor (60) which drives, directly or indirectly, the turret (21) in rotation and / or the arm (22) in deployment, in which the turret (21) includes a counterweight (100) which balances the overhang of the arm (22), being arranged at least in part on a front side (21B) of the turret (21), which is opposite the rear side (21A) along an anteroposterior axis (X21) of the turret, which counterweight (100) comprises: - batteries (110), which are connected to the electric motor (60), and - a frame (120), which represents at least 50% of the total weight of the counterweight (100) and which is designed to both support and protect from shocks the batteries (110) on the front side (21B) of the turret (21), which frame includes: - two lateral frame parts, respectively right (121) and left (122), which respectively define two compartments, respectively right (Cl) and left (C2), inside which the batteries (110) are distributed while being supported and protected from impacts by the lateral frame parts, these two compartments opening onto the front side (21B) of the turret (21) and being arranged on either side and at a distance from a geometric plane (P) containing the axis of rotation (Z21) and the anteroposterior axis (X21), and - a central frame part (123), which connects the two lateral frame parts (121, 122) to each other transversely to the geometric plane (P).

2. Lifting platform according to claim 1, in which the batteries (110) represent at least 20% of the total weight of the counterweight (100).

3. Lifting platform according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each of the lateral frame parts (121, 122) comprises: - a base (121.1, 122.1) which supports the batteries (111, 112) housed in the corresponding compartment (Cl, C2), and - a hoop (121.2, 122.2), which extends from the base (121.1, 122.1) and which, on the front side (21B) of the turret (21), surrounds the batteries (111, 112) housed in the corresponding compartment (Cl, C2), and in which the central frame part (123) directly connects to each other respective portions of the hoops (121.2, 122.2), facing the geometric plane (P).

4. Lifting platform according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the frame (120) is made from a single piece, in particular cast.

5. Lifting platform according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the central frame part (123) is provided with a cable passage (124) for receiving at least one electrical conductor connecting together the batteries (111) housed in the right compartment (C1) and the batteries (112) housed in the left compartment (C2).

6. Lifting platform according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the counterweight (100) is equipped with both a right plate (131), on which the batteries (111) housed in the right compartment (C1) rest fixedly, and a left plate (132), on which the batteries (112) housed in the left compartment (C2) rest fixedly, and in which each of the right (131) and left (132) plates is removable relative to the frame (120) and is designed to: - cooperate by complementary shapes with the frame (120) so as to fix the plate in position on the frame, and - cooperate by complementary shapes with gripping equipment, such as a forklift.

7. A lifting platform according to any preceding claim, wherein the counterweight (100) is equipped with a front cover (140) which is carried by the frame (120) on the front side (21B) of the turret (21) removably or movably between a covering configuration, in which the front cover closes the compartments (Cl, C2) and thus protects the batteries (110) housed in the compartments, and a release configuration, in which the front cover allows free access to the compartments via the front side of the turret.

8. Lifting platform according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the turret (21) is equipped with side covers, respectively right (24) and left (25), which are arranged on lateral sides, respectively right (21C) and left (21D) of the turret, between a closed configuration, in which the right side cover covers a rear region of the right compartment (C1) and the left side cover covers a rear region of the left compartment (C2), and an open configuration, in which the right and left side covers allow free access to the respective rear regions of the compartments via the lateral sides, respectively right (21C) and left (21D), of the turret (21).

9. A lifting platform according to claim 8, wherein the frame (120) is designed such that, at the respective rear regions of the compartments (C1, C2), the batteries (110) extend, along the anteroposterior axis (X21) of the turret (21), beyond the frame towards the rear side (21A) of the turret.

10. Lifting platform according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the chassis (10) is provided with ground translation members (11) which can be driven, directly or indirectly, by the electric motor (60) to move the chassis relative to the ground.

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