One-person vertical lift

Abstract

The invention relates to a vertical lift (1) for one person, comprising a telescopic mast (3) extending from a rolling base (2), and a platform (4) connected to vertical lifting means along the mast (3), characterized in that the rolling base (2) comprises four unidirectional wheels (5), two front wheels and two rear wheels, the mast (3) is positioned laterally between the front and rear wheels, and the platform comprises an access gate (6) positioned between the rear wheels. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Vertical lift for one person technical field

[0001] The present invention falls within the field of climbing equipment, and more specifically vertical lifts intended for the safe transport of a person in the context of work at height.

[0002] It is particularly aimed at applications where an operator must be able to access working heights generally between 2 and 6 meters in an ergonomic and safe manner, particularly for installation, assembly, painting, decoration, upkeep, or maintenance operations.

[0003] This type of equipment is specifically designed for specific professional environments, such as facility or infrastructure management, data centers, shelf stocking, and maintenance interventions in areas densely cluttered with equipment, where mobility and maneuverability are essential. Previous art

[0004] In the prior art, there already exist climbing equipment for work at height, particularly individual vertical lifts mounted on a rolling base and equipped with a platform secured by guardrails.

[0005] These devices, although widespread, have major drawbacks for certain specific applications.

[0006] Indeed, existing vertical lifts are generally heavy, with weights often exceeding 230 kg, making them difficult to move, especially in confined spaces such as server aisles in data centers.

[0007] Moreover, the lifting systems for this equipment are often complex, requiring heavy and expensive mechanisms to maintain.

[0008] In addition, the configuration of the platform, usually square or rectangular in shape with a mast positioned opposite the access gate, makes access unergonomic and complicates maneuvers, which limits the efficiency of the user and increases fatigue during use. Description of the invention

[0009] One of the aims of the invention is to meet the limitations of the prior art by proposing a vertical lift whose design improves both maneuverability, stability, ease of access and user safety, particularly in restricted and cluttered environments.

[0010] For this purpose, a one-person vertical lift has been developed comprising a telescopic mast extending from a rolling base, and a platform connected to vertical lifting means along the mast.

[0011] According to the invention, the rolling base comprises four unidirectional wheels, including two front wheels and two rear wheels, the mast is positioned laterally between the front and rear wheels, and the platform includes an access gate positioned between the rear wheels.

[0012] In this way, having fixed unidirectional wheels by design makes it possible to do without the presence of stabilizers or ballasts, which makes it possible to have equipment that is lighter, in particular in the order of 150 kg, less expensive, simpler and more maneuverable, while maintaining the stability required for safe operations at height.

[0013] Unidirectional wheels also make it easier to move in narrow corridors while maintaining a simplified rectilinear movement.

[0014] The platform access configuration, which is lateral to the mast and facing the operator during movement, optimizes access to the platform for the user, improving ergonomics and facilitating movement in confined spaces.

[0015] Preferably, the rolling base includes at least one idler wheel positioned between the four unidirectional wheels, movable between a retracted position in which the four unidirectional wheels are in contact with the ground, and a deployed position in which it lifts the rolling base so that at least the front wheels or the rear wheels are no longer in contact with the ground.

[0016] The retractable idler wheel allows switching between a straight-line travel configuration with four wheels in contact with the ground, promoting stability during use, and a directional configuration on itself, facilitating 360° orientation of the equipment, without effort for the operator.

[0017] In particular embodiments, the rolling base comprises at least three, or even four, free-spinning wheels mounted on a retractable chassis, which provides uniform support when lifting the rolling base and a more stable transition between configurations. This optimizes safety during maneuvers in congested environments.

[0018] Preferably, the chassis comprises two parallel cross members at the ends of which the idler wheels are mounted. Each cross member is articulated about a parallel axis by means of a first set of connecting rods, which are themselves connected to a cam by means of a second set of connecting rods. The cam is pivotable and connected to a first handle by a linkage so that the actuation of the handle drives the rotation of the cam and, via the connecting rod sets, the pivoting of the cross members to retract or deploy the idler wheels.

[0019] The lift advantageously comprises a second handle connected by a cable to a brake system for at least one unidirectional wheel. The brake system pivots relative to the rolling base between a braking position returned by means of a spring, and a free position engaged by manual actuation of the second handle.

[0020] This particular design is simple and provides active safety by automatically braking the unidirectional wheels when the user stands on the platform, offering maximum stability during use. When the user steps off the lift, the system can release the wheels to easily move the lift, unless the second handle is activated.

[0021] The lifting means can be operated by any suitable system. They can, for example, be mechanized, and are preferably in the form of an electric jack positioned along the mast, for example a 24V jack.

[0022] The electric actuator ensures smooth and controlled raising and lowering of the platform, increasing the precision and safety of operations. Another advantage is that the actuator can be powered by an onboard battery. Operating at 24V, the actuator is energy-efficient. This motorized solution also reduces the physical effort required from the user, allowing for extended use without excessive fatigue.

[0023] In order to gain stability and avoid the risk of tipping of the lift, the mast is inclined with respect to the vertical at an angle between 0.5° and 1.5°, preferably 0.97° in the direction of a center of gravity of the rolling base.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment, the rolling base includes longitudinal and parallel housings provided between the front wheels and the rear wheels for the passage of a fork of a lifting device, facilitating the handling and transport of the lift.

[0025] The rolling base preferably includes a platform access step, pivotally mounted between a horizontal access position and a raised rolling position, thus facilitating operator access to the platform. When raised, this step reduces the overall size during movement, improving the compactness and maneuverability of the lift in confined spaces. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the elevator according to the invention.

[0027] [Fig.2] is a perspective view similar to that of [Fig.1], according to another point of view.

[0028] Fig. 3 illustrates in perspective the retractable chassis of the rolling base, with the idler wheels in the retracted position.

[0029] [Fig.4] is a view similar to that of [Fig.3], front view.

[0030] Fig. 5 is a view similar to that of Fig. 4, with the idler wheels deployed.

[0031] Fig. 6 illustrates the braking system of a unidirectional wheel. Detailed description of the invention

[0032] With reference to figures 1 to 6, the present invention proposes a vertical lift (1) for one person, designed to overcome the disadvantages associated with current climbing equipment, by improving maneuverability, stability, and safety, while facilitating user access to moderate heights in constrained environments.

[0033] The vertical lift (1) comprises a compact and lightweight rolling base (2) on which is mounted a vertical mast (3) supporting a work platform (4). The lift (1) is designed for handling operations at height in constrained environments, thus offering an optimal combination of maneuverability, safety and ergonomics.

[0034] The rolling base (2) is equipped with four unidirectional wheels (5), for straight-line movements of the lift (1), including two front wheels and two rear wheels.

[0035] The mast (3) is positioned laterally between the front and rear wheels, and the platform (4) includes an access gate (6), for example with automatic locking to prevent accidental opening, positioned between the rear wheels, which allows the operator to access the platform laterally relative to the mast (3), thus offering him more working space.

[0036] In particular, the platform (4) is designed as a rectangular, elongated workstation, with the gate (6) on one short side, allowing the operator to access the work area from three sides. The elongated shape of the platform offers greater flexibility of movement, allowing the user to access the work areas from three sides without requiring frequent repositioning of the equipment. This ergonomic workstation improves productivity and reduces operator fatigue.

[0037] The work platform (4) preferably includes an anchor point allowing the operator to secure a protective harness. Preferably, a two-hand control located on the platform requires the simultaneous use of both hands to activate the raising or lowering, thus minimizing the risk of unintentional activation. An emergency stop button is also accessible on the platform, allowing for immediate power cut-off in case of danger.

[0038] The rolling base (2) includes an access step (7) to the platform, pivotally mounted between a horizontal access position and a raised rolling position.

[0039] The rolling base (2) also includes four retractable casters (8), allowing 360° rotations. In the accompanying figures, the casters are represented by their overall CAD volume, i.e., the volume they occupy when rotated 360°. The casters (8) can be lowered and resting on the ground to at least partially lift the rolling base (2), see [Fig. 5] and allow the elevator (1) to rotate, or retracted into a neutral position, see [Fig. 4], using a first handle (15).

[0040] For this purpose, the idler wheels (8) are mounted on an articulated and retractable chassis (9). The chassis (9) comprises two parallel cross members (10) at the ends of which the idler wheels (8) are mounted, each cross member (10) is articulated about a parallel axis (11) by means of a first set of connecting rods (12), themselves connected to a cam (13) by means of a second set of connecting rods (14).

[0041] The cam (13) is mounted pivotally relative to the chassis (9) and is connected to the first handle (15) by a linkage so that the actuation of the handle (15) causes the rotation of the cam (13) and, via the connecting rod sets (12, 14), the pivoting of the cross members (10) to retract or deploy the idler wheels (8).

[0042] In order to stabilize different positions of the cam (13), the frame (9) includes a return element (21), such as a spring, or preferably a cylinder, for example a bistable gas spring, capable of adopting three states, including: - a first state in which it pushes the second set of connecting rods (14) to rise, and therefore the four free-roaming wheels cannot touch the ground and interfere with stability by giving a lifting effect because the masses on the ground no longer count in stability. They have zero weight; - a second state, in which it is compressed to the maximum and its two fixing points are aligned with a pivot axis of the cam (13), this is the inflection point; - a third state, in which it strongly participates in lifting the platform.

[0043] A second handle (16) is connected by a cable (not shown) to a braking system (17) of at least one unidirectional wheel, see [Fig.6].

[0044] The brake system (17) is mounted pivotally relative to the rolling base (2) between a braking position, recalled by a spring (18), and a free position engaged by the actuation of the second handle (16).

[0045] The idler wheels (8), as well as the unidirectional wheels (5) are non-marking to minimize wear on interior floors and ensure use in sensitive environments, such as data centers.

[0046] At the top of the mast (3), a tool-carrying shelf is fixed so that the operator can easily access the necessary tools during operations at height.

[0047] The lift (1) also incorporates several visual and manual safety systems. A spirit level is visibly positioned to check the lift's (1) inclination before each use. In addition, a visual indicator is installed to signal that the unidirectional wheels (5) are locked and to prevent accidents. In the event of a battery failure, a manual handwheel allows the platform to be lowered safely.

[0048] The lift also includes an ON / OFF key selector to restrict access to authorized personnel only. In case of emergency, an additional emergency stop button is also provided, with a specific control for safely lowering the platform.

[0049] The lift (1) includes means for lifting the work platform (4) along the mast (3) in the form of an electric jack, for example a 24V jack, powered by an on-board battery.

[0050] Two forklift pockets (20) are integrated into the base to facilitate loading and moving the lift (1) with pallet jacks or forklifts. Lifting rings can also be positioned on the structure to provide additional gripping points when securing or lifting the device for larger handling operations.

[0051] It follows (18) from the foregoing that the invention does indeed provide a vertical lift whose design improves both maneuverability, stability, ease of access and user safety, particularly in restricted and cluttered environments.

Claims

Demands

1. A vertical person lift comprising a telescopic mast (3) extending from a rolling base (2), and a platform (4) connected to vertical lifting means along the mast (3) characterized in that the rolling base (2) comprises four unidirectional wheels (5), of which two front wheels and two rear wheels, the mast (3) is positioned laterally between the front and rear wheels, and the platform comprises an access gate (6) positioned between the rear wheels.

2. Vertical lift according to claim 1, characterized in that the rolling base (2) comprises at least one idler wheel (8) positioned between the four unidirectional wheels (5), movable between a retracted position in which the four unidirectional wheels (5) are in contact with the ground, and a deployed position in which the idler wheel (8) lifts the rolling base (2) so that at least the front wheels or the rear wheels are no longer in contact with the ground.

3. Vertical lift according to claim 2, characterized in that the rolling base (2) comprises at least three, or even four, idler wheels (8), mounted on a retractable chassis (9).

4. Vertical lift according to claim 3, characterized in that the frame (9) comprises two parallel cross members (10) at the ends of which the idler wheels (8) are mounted, each cross member (10) is articulated about a parallel axis (11) by means of a first set of connecting rods (12), themselves connected to a cam (13) by means of a second set of connecting rods (14), the cam (13) is pivotable and connected to a first handle (15) by means of a linkage such that the actuation of the handle causes the rotation of the cam (13) and, by means of the sets of connecting rods, the pivoting of the cross members (10) to retract or deploy the idler wheels (8).

5. Vertical lift according to claim 4, characterized in that the frame (9) includes a return element (21), such as a spring, or a bistable gas spring, capable of adopting three states, including: - a first state in which it pushes the second set of connecting rods (14) to rise; - a second state, in which it is compressed to the maximum and its two fixing points are aligned with a pivot axis of the cam (13); - a third state, in which he participates in the uprising of the rolling base.

6. Vertical lift according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second handle (16) connected by a cable to a brake system (17) of at least one unidirectional wheel (5), the brake system (17) being pivotable relative to the rolling base (2) between a braking position recalled by means of a spring (18), and a free position engaged by the manual actuation of the second handle (16).

7. Vertical lift according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting means are in the form of an electric jack (19) positioned along the mast (3).

8. Vertical lift according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mast (3) is inclined with respect to the vertical at an angle between 0.5° and 1.5°, preferably 0.97° in the direction of a center of gravity of the rolling base (2).

9. Vertical lift according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rolling base (2) comprises longitudinal and parallel housings (20) provided between the front wheels and the rear wheels for the passage of a fork of a lifting device.

10. Vertical lift according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rolling base (2) comprises an access step (7) to the platform, pivotally mounted between a horizontal access position, and a raised rolling position.

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