JP2017186171A - Opto-electric system of enhanced operator control station protection - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance protection of an operator from continued involuntary operation (faulty operation) of a machine upon impacting an obstruction or structure.SOLUTION: A system for protecting an operator on an aerial work platform from a crushing hazard includes a sensor, such as opto-electric sensor, positionable adjacently to a control panel area. A control system is programmed to control operation of drive components on the basis of signals from the sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

  Cross-reference to related applications: This application is a continuation-in-part of pending US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 885,720, filed May 16, 2013. No. 13 / 885,720 is a US national phase of PCT international patent application PCT / US2011 / 0666122, which was filed on December 20, 2011, and was filed on December 20, 2010. US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 424,888, and US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 435,558, filed January 24, 2011, are claimed. The entire contents of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

  Federally supported research or development statement: (not applicable)

  The present invention relates to a work platform, and more particularly includes equipment for enhancing the protection of an operator from sustained involuntary operations that result in collisions with obstacles or structures. Regarding work platform.

  Lift vehicles including aerial work platforms, telehandlers such as rough terrain fork trucks with work platform attachments, and aerial lifts installed on trucks are known, typically at different angles to the ground. It includes an extensible boom that may be positioned and includes a work platform at the end of the extensible boom. Typically, a control panel that includes various control components that can be operated by an operator to control operations such as, for example, boom angle, boom extension, boom and / or platform rotation about a vertical axis, Provided on or close to the platform. If the lift vehicle is self-propelled, a control device for the engine, steering and brakes is also provided.

  A safety hazard can arise in a lift vehicle that includes a work platform, particularly when the operator is located between the platform and a structure that may be located above or behind the operator's head. The platform may be manipulated into a position where the operator is crushed between the structure and the platform, resulting in serious injury or death.

  In order to enhance the protection of the operator from persistent involuntary operation of the machine (accidental operation) in the event of a collision with an obstacle or structure, a protective structure (body) should be incorporated into the platform. I will. The protective structure (body) can also act as a physical barrier to enhance operator protection and / or drive to interrupt (stop) or reverse (reverse) platform movement. / Can cooperate with boom function control system. In addition, when the protective structure (body) can cooperate with the operation parts (drive parts, drive components) of the machine, it is desirable to prevent the protective structure (body) from accidentally tripping.

  In some embodiments, a photoelectric sensor based system provides improved protection against sustained operation for an aerial work platform. The sensor is designed to be clamped (fastened / fixed) to the platform safety rail. A system incorporating an optoelectric sensor is an improvement over existing systems that utilize physical contact with a switch or the like for operation. In previous systems, the operator must make physical contact with the switch to activate the enhanced operator protection system. The system according to the embodiments described herein solves the disadvantages of existing systems related to the sensitivity of the shear block to accidental shear that leads to visibility disturbances and service calls. To do.

  In one exemplary embodiment, an operator lift includes a vehicle chassis, a lift assembly secured to the vehicle chassis, and a work platform attached to the lift assembly. The work platform includes a floor structure, a safety rail coupled to the floor structure and defining an operator work area, and a control panel area. A control box is disposed in the control panel area and includes operator input means. A drive component capable of cooperating with the lift assembly allows the work platform to be raised and lowered. A transmitter unit is disposed adjacent to the control panel area and is attached to the safety rail on one side of the control box and a receiver attached to the safety rail on the other side of the control box Including units. The transmitter unit emits a light beam that traverses the control panel area toward the receiver unit. A control system in communication with the drive component, the control box and the sensor controls the operation of the drive component based on signals from the operator input means and the sensor.

  The sensor may be disposed above the control panel area and in front of the control panel area with respect to the floor structure. The control system may be programmed to stop the drive component when the light from the transmitter unit may not be received by the receiver unit. The control system may be programmed to change operating parameters of the drive component when the light beam from the transmitter unit is not received by the receiver unit.

  In some embodiments, the sensor includes two receiver units arranged to receive the light beam from the transmitter unit. In this case, the control system may be programmed to prevent operation of the drive component if one or both of the receiver units do not detect the light beam. Further, the control system reverses the previous action by the drive component when one or both of the receiver units do not detect the light beam for a predetermined period (which may be up to 1 second). May be programmed as follows.

  The lift may include an invalid switch that communicates with the control system to allow the drive component to operate at a reduced speed even when the receiver unit does not detect the light beam.

  In some embodiments, the sensor may include a first housing in which the transmitter unit is disposed and a second housing in which the receiver unit is disposed. The two housings may each include a clamp for attaching the first housing and the second housing to the safety rail. A window opening may be provided in each of the first housing and the second housing, and a window may be disposed in each of the window openings, and the windows are close to the transmitter unit and the receiver unit, respectively. Arranged. The window may protrude from the surface of the housing.

  The lift may further include a warning system disposed adjacent to the control panel area on the operator side of the sensor. The warning system may include a warning transmitter unit attached to one side of the control box, a warning receiver unit attached to the other side of the control box, and an indicator lamp. The warning transmitter unit emits a second light beam across the control panel area toward the warning receiver unit. In this case, the control system may be programmed to change the light emission state of the display lamp when the second light beam from the warning transmitter unit is not received by the warning receiver unit.

  In another exemplary embodiment, a system for protecting an operator on an aerial work platform from the risk of crushing includes a sensor that can be positioned proximate to a control panel area. The sensor includes a first transmitter unit disposed on one side of the control panel area and a first receiver unit disposed on the other side of the control panel area. The first transmitter unit emits a first light beam across the control panel area toward the first receiver unit. A control system may communicate with the sensor and may cooperate with the aerial work platform drive components. The control system may be programmed to control the operation of the drive component based on a signal from the sensor.

  In yet another exemplary embodiment, an operator lift includes a vehicle chassis, a lift assembly secured to the vehicle chassis, and a work platform attached to the lift assembly. The control box is disposed in the control panel area and includes operator input means. A drive component capable of cooperating with the lift assembly raises and lowers the work platform. An opto-electric sensor arranged close to the control panel area is configured to detect an object entering the control panel area. A control system in communication with the drive component, the control box and the sensor controls the operation of the drive component based on signals from the operator input means and the sensor.

  These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary lift vehicle. FIG. 2 shows a work platform including the protective enclosure of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a work platform including the protective enclosure of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a protective enclosure including a control panel area and a platform switch. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the platform switch. FIG. 6 shows an alternative design of a protective enclosure that includes a platform switch. FIG. 7 shows an alternative design of a protective enclosure that includes a platform switch. FIG. 8 shows a platform switch connected to a shear component (element). FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an alternative platform design including a switch bar and a platform switch. FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the switch bar and the platform switch fixed to the platform of FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the switch bar fixed to the sensor support bar of the platform shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a work platform incorporating the photoelectric sensor system. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a work platform incorporating the photoelectric sensor system. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor housing. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a photoelectric sensor system incorporating an additional transmitter / receiver pair. FIG. 16 shows an alternative embodiment comprising a sensor integrated in a control box (platform control box).

  FIG. 1 shows an exemplary and typical aerial lift vehicle, which includes a vehicle chassis 2 supported on a plurality of wheels 4. The turntable and counterweight 6 are fixed on the chassis 2 for rotation, and an extendable boom assembly is pivotally attached to the turntable 6 at one end. An aerial work platform 10 is attached to the opposite end of the extendable boom 8. The illustrated lift vehicle is self-propelled type and therefore includes a drive / control system (shown schematically in element 12 of FIG. 1) and a control panel on the platform 10. (Control panel) 14 is included. The control panel 14 is an operator for controlling operations (functions) such as boom angle, boom extension, boom and / or platform rotation about a vertical axis, and engine, steering, brake control, etc. Is equipped with various control components that can be operated.

  2 and 3 illustrate an exemplary work platform 10 that includes a protective enclosure, according to a first embodiment of the invention. The platform 10 includes a floor structure 20, a safety rail 22 connected to the floor structure 20 and defining an operator work area, and a control panel area 24 in which the control panel 14 is installed. A protective enclosure surrounds the control panel area 24 and serves to enhance the operator's protection from obstacles or structures that can cause crushing hazards.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the protective enclosure may include protective bars 26 that extend above the safety rail 22 on either side of the control panel area 24. Safety rail 22 includes a plurality of sides (longer portions of FIGS. 2 and 3) and a plurality of ends (shorter portions of FIGS. 2 and 3). The control panel area 24 may be positioned on the side. In one configuration, the protection bar 26 is placed adjacent to the control panel area 24 in the middle of one side. In an alternative configuration, the protection bar 26 may be installed along the end of the safety rail 22 (as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 3). Preferably, the protective bar 26 extends above the safety rail 22 by an amount sufficient to accommodate the adult's belly back thickness (ie, the distance between the human front and back). In this manner, if an obstacle is encountered that may result in the operator being crushed between the structure and the control panel 14, sufficient to accommodate the operator's torso between the control panel 14 and the upper end of the protective bar 26. An operator will be protected from injury by a protective bar 26 with a lot of space. FIG. 3 shows the user in the “safe” position, and the guard bar 26 prevents the operator from being crushed by the structure encountered.

  An alternative protective enclosure is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the protective enclosure includes a switch bar 28 that is secured to the control panel area 24. A platform switch 30 is mounted on the switch bar 28, and the platform switch 30 includes a sensor for detecting a force acting by an operator pressed against the platform switch 30 by an obstacle or structure, for example. Platform switch 30 is configured to operate when a predetermined force is applied. The force to actuate the platform switch 30 may be applied to the platform switch 30 itself, to the switch bar 28, or to both the platform switch 30 and the switch bar 28. About 40 to 50 lbs (about 18.1 to 22.7 kg) (that is, about 6.5 to 8.5 lbs / in (about 1.2 to about 1 to 2) for a sensor with a predetermined force of 6 inches (about 15.2 cm). In the case of 1.5 kg / cm)), it has been found that inadvertent operation can be avoided. As shown, switch bar 28 and platform switch 30 are positioned between the operator work area and safety rail 22. With respect to the floor structure, the switch bar 28 and the platform switch 30 are positioned above and in front of the control panel area 24. Based on ergonomic studies, it has been found that the switch bar 28 and platform switch 30 should be positioned about 50 inches above the platform floor.

  Although any suitable configuration of platform switch 30 can be used, a cross-sectional view of an exemplary switch 30 is shown in FIG. The switch 30 includes a switch housing 32 that includes an internal rib 34 that is connected between the switch housing 32 and the pressure switch 36. Sensitivity can be adjusted by selecting differently rated pressure switches 36 and / or adjusting the number, shape and stiffness of the ribs 34. The switch bar 28 and the platform switch 30 also function as a handle (handle bar) that can be grasped by an operator in an emergency.

  An alternative platform switch assembly 301 is shown in FIGS. The switch assembly 301 includes a platform switch 302 with an injection molded end cap 303 and a die cast mounting bracket 304. Platform switch 302 operates in a manner similar to switch 30 shown in FIGS. Exemplary switches suitable for platform switches are available from Tapeswitch Corporation, Farmingdale, NY.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the platform switches 30, 302 and switch bar 28 may be secured to the control panel area 24 via a shear piece 38. As shown, the shear component 38 includes a reduced diameter portion that is sized to break when a predetermined force is applied. With this configuration, when the platform moves beyond the stop position due to mechanical inertia (inertia, momentum) after the platform switch is activated, the shearing part 38 is broken / broken, giving the operator more space. Avoid being trapped. The predetermined force at which the shearing part 38 breaks is greater than the force required to actuate the platform switches 30, 302. Since nylon has a low elongation to plastic, nylon may be used as the material for the shear component 38 in certain configurations. Of course, other materials may be compatible.

  In use, the vehicle drive components (drive components, drive parts) that can cooperate with the lift assembly to raise and lower the work platform, the operator input means of the control panel 14, and the drive components and controls Controlled by drive / control system 12 in communication with panel 14. The control system 12 also receives signals from the platform switches 30, 302 and controls the operation of the drive components based on operator input means and signals from the platform switches 30, 302. At a minimum, the control system 12 is programmed to stop the drive component when the platform switches 30, 302 are activated. Alternatively, the control system 12 may reverse the last (previous) action when the platform switches 30, 302 are activated.

  If deactivation is selected when the platform switch is activated, the active function is immediately stopped and all functions that are not active are not activated (not activated). If the reverse function is selected when the platform switch is activated during operation, the speed target required for operation is maintained and only the active function is stopped when the platform switch is activated Reversed until. When the reverse function is activated, the ground and platform horns can be activated. After the reverse function is completed, the engine speed is set low and all functions are disabled until the function is re-engaged (re-coupled) to the footswitch and operator control. The system may include a platform switch override button that is used to disable (cancel) the outage triggered by the platform switch. If the invalid button is pressed and held, the hydraulic system can be activated if the footswitch and control device are subsequently reconnected. At this time, the operating speed is automatically set to the creep mode speed. The controller is programmed so that the stop function is not disabled before the platform switch is activated, regardless of whether the disable button is pressed or released. This ensures that the stop function is still available if the invalid button is fixed or operated in the normally closed position (pressed position).

  The reverse function is executed for various operating parameters (operation parameters) of the machine. For vehicle drive, if the drive direction indicates that the boom is between the two rear wheels, it can only reverse if the rear drive is in operation and the platform switch is activated. If a forward drive request is received when the platform switch is activated, it will be treated as a bump or obstacle on the road and will not trigger the reverse function. If the drive direction indicates that the boom is not along the rear wheel (s), both forward drive and backward drive may trigger the reverse function. Additional operating parameters that are performed with the reverse function (the reverse function) include main lift, tower lift, main telescopic (eg, extension only) and swing.

  The reverse function ends based on the platform switch signal, foot switch signal and time parameters set for different functions, respectively. If the platform switch changes from active to inactive before the maximum reverse time has elapsed, the reverse function will then be stopped. Otherwise, the reverse function will operate until the maximum reverse time has elapsed.

  The reverse function can also be terminated at any time by releasing the foot switch (releasing the foot switch).

  If the operator cannot move on the platform, ground control is available from the ground via a switch. In the ground control mode, if the platform switch is operated (pressed), the boom operation can be performed at a very low speed (creep speed). If the platform switch changes from the activated state to the deactivated state, the operation is maintained at a slow speed unless the ground switch that enables use and controls the function is reactivated.

  9-11 include an alternative including a floor structure 120, a safety rail 122 coupled to the floor structure 120, and a control panel area 124 to which a control panel (not shown) is attached (installed). A typical work platform 110 is shown. The switch bar 28 and the platform switch 30 are fixed to the control panel area 124. The control panel area 124 includes a sensor support bar 126, and the sensor support bar 126 extends from a top crossbar 128 extending along a width dimension (width direction) (reference numeral W in FIG. 9) and from the top crossbar 128. It has a side bar 130 extending in a substantially orthogonal direction. Two sidebars 130 define the width of the control panel area 124.

  In the arrangement (structure) shown in the figure, the sensor support bar 126 may be formed by bonding a plurality of pieces of material to each other, but is preferably obtained by bending a single piece of material. Each of the sidebars 130 may include an upper portion extending from the top crossbar (top crossbar) 128 inward to the curved portion in the depth dimension (in the depth direction) (reference D in FIG. 9). . The lower portion of the side bar 130 preferably extends outward from the curved portion to the safety rail 122 in the depth direction. Still referring to FIG. 9, the upper portion of the sidebar 130 may tilt downward from the top crossbar 128 to the curved portion. The lower portion of the side bar 130 may extend from the curved portion to the safety rail 122 at a predetermined angle. As shown, the lower portion may extend in a substantially straight line from the bend to the safety rail 122. In the illustrated arrangement (structure), the safety rail 122 extends to a predetermined rail height above the floor structure 120, and the lower portion of the side bar 130 is connected to the floor structure 120 and the rail height. Is connected to the safety rail 122 at a position approximately in between. As also shown in FIG. 9, the top cross bar 128 is preferably positioned above the rail height.

  As shown, the switch bar 28 and the platform switch 30 may be coupled to the sensor support bar 126 at the curved portion of the side bar 130. The platform switch 30 is positioned inside the floor structure 120 in the depth direction D so that an operator in the control panel area 124 is closer to the platform switch 30 than the safety rail 122. Preferably, the switch bar 28 and the platform switch 30 are undermounted (attached on the lower side) to the sensor support bar 126 for an operator standing on the floor structure 120. That is, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the switch bar 28 is preferably on the opposite side of the sensor support bar 126 from the position of the operator standing on the platform 110. Connected to the outer surface. This undermounted configuration makes the assembly simpler (eg, without the bracket 304) and is ergonomically improved.

  FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the switch bar 30 fixed to the sensor support bar 126. In a preferred construction, the block 132 is secured to the sensor support bar 126 (eg, by welding) and the block holder 134 is secured to the block 132 (eg, by welding). The block holder 134 receives the shear block 136 of the switch bar 30 and is fixed by a fastener 138 such as a bolt. Similar bolts (not shown) secure the switch bar 30 to the shear block 136.

  12-14 utilize a photoelectric sensor (photoelectric sensor, Opto-electric Sensor) to detect an object such as an operator entering (and trying to enter) the control panel area 124. Figure 4 shows another alternative embodiment. Similar to the embodiment described above, the operator lift includes a vehicle chassis, a lift assembly secured to the vehicle chassis, and a work platform attached to the lift assembly. The work platform includes a floor structure, a safety rail 122 coupled to the floor structure and defining an operator work area, and a control panel area. See, for example, FIGS. 1-3 and 9. A control panel or control box (platform control box) 14 is arranged in the control panel area 124. The control panel or control box 14 includes one or more operator input elements (operator input means) 125. Similar to the embodiments described above, drive components (drive components, drive components) can cooperate with the lift assembly to raise and lower the work platform.

  Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the sensor 402 is disposed close to (adjacent to) the control panel area 124. With respect to the floor structure 20 (see FIGS. 2, 3 and 9), the sensor 402 is positioned above the control panel area 124 and forward. The sensor 402 includes a transmitter unit 404 (first transmitter unit, transmitter) attached to the side bar 130 of the safety rail 122 on one side of the control box 14 (and the control panel area 124), and the control box 14 (and Receiver unit 406 (first reception) attached to the side bar 130 of the safety rail 122 on the other side of the control panel area 124 (the side opposite to the side where the transmitter unit 404 is attached across the control panel area 124). Unit, receiving unit). That is, the transmitter unit 404 and the receiver unit 406 sandwich the control panel area 124 in the width direction. The transmitter unit 404 emits a light beam (first light beam) that traverses (crosses) the control panel area 124 toward the receiver unit 406. The receiver unit 406 receives (detects) the light beam from the transmitter unit 404. The transmitter unit 404 and the receiver unit 406 are provided above the control box 14 so that the optical path of the light beam from the transmitter unit 404 passes above the control box 14. The optical path of the light beam from the transmitter unit 404 may pass through a position overlapping the control box 14 in a plan view, or through the front side of the control box 14 (the side where the operator operating the control box 14 is located). good. The optical path may be inside the control panel area 124 or outside (near). The transmitter unit 404 and the receiver unit 404 may be arranged so that the light traveling direction from the transmitter unit 404 to the receiver unit 406 matches the width direction of the control panel area 124 and the control box 14. Good. A control system 12 (shown schematically in FIG. 1) communicates with the drive components, control box 14 and sensor 402. The control system 12 controls the operation of the drive component based on one or more operator input elements 125 and signals from sensors 402.

  In some embodiments, the receiver unit 406 is actually two receiver units 406 that are both arranged to receive (receive) the light emitted from the transmitter unit 404 (see FIG. 14). In use, if the light beam from the transmitter unit 404 is detected by the receiver unit 406 (or in an embodiment in which two receiver units 406 are provided, if detected by both receiver units 406). Machines (operator lifts, drive components, etc.) are allowed to operate normally. The control system 12 will detect if the receiver unit 406 does not detect a light beam from the transmitter unit 404 (or if there are two receivers, such as when the operator is standing on the control box 14). In embodiments in which an instrument unit 406 is provided, the machine stops functioning (programmed to stop) if one or both receiver units 406 do not detect, and further operations from the platform are Be disturbed. Furthermore, the control system 12 reverses the previous (last) operation by the drive component if one or both receiver units 406 do not detect a light beam for a predetermined period (which may be up to 1 second or less). (May be programmed to reverse). That is, the control system 12 stops the function of the machine or reverses the operation of the machine when the transmitter unit 404 emits a light beam and the receiver unit 406 does not detect the light beam.

  Similar to the embodiment described above, the system of this embodiment may include an invalid switch (override switch, release switch) on the control box 14 to allow the use of the function at a reduced (creep) speed. Normal operation of the machine is hindered until the receiver unit 406 (or both receiver units 406) detects light from the transmitter unit 404.

  Still referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the sensor 402 includes a housing 408 (first housing, transmitter housing) in which the transmitter unit 404 is disposed, and one or more receiver units 406 in the interior. Housing 410 (second housing, receiver housing) (see also FIG. 14). The housings 408, 410 include clamps 412 for securing the housings 408, 410 to the side bars 130 of the safety rail 122, respectively. In some embodiments, the housing 408, 410 includes a window opening 414 and a window 416 disposed in each of the window openings 414. The window opening 414 is an opening provided in the housings 408 and 410, and the window 416 is a member provided in the opening that can transmit light from the transmitter unit 404. The window 416 is disposed proximate (adjacent) to the transmitter unit 404 and the receiver unit (s) 406, respectively. In some embodiments, the window 416 protrudes outside the housing surface to facilitate cleaning (e.g., paint stripping, removal of dirt, concrete splashes, etc.).

  FIG. 15 shows a modified sensor system that incorporates an additional transmitter / receiver pair 418 as part of an alert system (or teaching system). That is, the additional transmitter / receiver pair 418 informs the operator of the state of the system and informs the operator where the sensor 402 is active (a location detected by the sensor 402 by being located at that location). More specifically, for example, the location where the light beam from the transmitter unit 404 exists is taught. The additional transmitter / receiver pair 418 is located adjacent to (adjacent to) the control panel area 124 on the operator side of the sensor 402. Specifically, the transmitter / receiver pair 418 includes a warning transmitter unit (second transmitter unit) attached to one side of the control box 14 and the other of the control box 14 (and the control panel area 124). A warning receiver unit (second receiver unit) mounted on the side (the side on which the transmitter unit is mounted and the side facing the control panel area 124), an indicator lamp (indicator light; display lamp) 420, including. The alert transmitter unit emits a second light beam that traverses (crosses) the control panel area 124 toward the alert receiver unit. The warning receiver unit receives the second light beam from the warning transmitter unit. The optical path of the second light beam is located in front of the optical path of the light beam from the transmitter unit 404, that is, between the optical path of the light beam from the transmitter unit 404 and the operator who operates the control box 14. The warning transmitter unit and the warning receiver unit are arranged such that the traveling direction of the second light beam from the warning transmitter unit to the warning receiver unit coincides with the width direction of the control panel area 124 and the control box 14. May be. The control system 12 is programmed to change the light emission state of the indicator lamp 420 when the second light beam from the warning transmitter unit is not received by the warning receiver unit. When the second light (warning light) is obstructed, the light emission state of the indicator lamp 420 (or a set of multiple lamps) is changed and turned off, or from one color to another (eg, green to red) To be changed. Single or multiple indicator lights 420 provide the operator with information that the system is ready and functioning, and assist the operator in developing appropriate habits (eg, machine The operator is taught to remain in place with respect to the control box 14 to facilitate smooth and unobstructed operation of the control box 14).

  In some embodiments, when power (power) is supplied to the machine control system (control system), the control system may perform a diagnostic check of the receiver and transmitter system. The control system supplies power to the receiver unit (s) and the transmitter unit (s) in a predetermined, regular (systematic) manner. In order to detect component and / or wiring defects, the output values of a plurality of receiver units are evaluated by the control system for each power supply state. For example, for a system with two receivers (R1, R2) and one transmitter (T1), the possible states are as follows:

  In some embodiments, the sensor may be incorporated into the control box 14 as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the sensor 4021 is arranged above the control panel area and in front of the control panel area, and is incorporated in the control box 14. The sensor 4021 includes a transmitter unit 4041 on one side of the control box 14 and a receiver unit 4061 on the other side of the control box 14. The transmitter unit 4041 emits a light beam 4022 that crosses (crosses) the control panel area toward the receiver unit 4061. Other operations are the same as those in the above-described embodiment.

  The sensor is preferably an industrial optoelectronic “light barrier” type sensor. It will be understood that references to light and / or “light rays” cover a wide range of wavelengths (visible light, infrared light, laser, etc.). The system of this embodiment may take advantage of a receiver unit having two complementary outputs. This complementary output is monitored to detect possible defects in the components and wiring. The system of this embodiment may include a dedicated control module for operation and control of the transmitter, receiver, and status light (indicator light) (if any), which is a machine platform control module interface. including. This dedicated control module may also perform diagnosis of the transmitter unit and receiver unit (s). The sensor may include two separate receiver units to provide redundancy. The sensor may include two separate transmitter units and two separate receiver units. The sensor may also include a single transmitter unit and two separate receiver units.

  Although the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather, the appended claims. It should be understood that it is intended to encompass various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of this scope.

2 Vehicle chassis 8 Extendable boom 10 Aerial work platform 12 Control system 14 Control panel (control box)
20, 120 Floor structure 22, 122 Safety rail 24, 124 Control panel area 26 Protection bar 28 Switch bar 30 Platform switch 32 Switch housing 38 Shearing part 125 Operator input element (operator input means)
126 Sensor support bar 128 Top cross bar 130 Side bar 402, 4021 Sensor 404, 4041 Transmitter unit 406, 4061 Receiver unit 414 Window opening 416 Window

Claims (20)

A lift for workers,
A vehicle chassis,
A lift assembly secured to the vehicle chassis;
A work platform attached to the lift assembly, the work platform including a floor structure, a safety rail coupled to the floor structure and defining a worker work area, and a control panel area;
A control box disposed in the control panel area and including operator input means;
A drive component capable of cooperating with the lift assembly to raise and lower the work platform;
A sensor located in proximity to the control panel area, the transmitter unit attached to the safety rail on one side of the control box and the receiver attached to the safety rail on the other side of the control box A sensor unit, wherein the transmitter unit emits a light beam across the control panel area toward the receiver unit;
A control system that communicates with the drive component, the control box, and the sensor, comprising: a control system that controls the operation of the drive component based on the operator input means and a signal from the sensor. Lift for passengers.   The operator lift according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is disposed above and in front of the control panel area with respect to the floor structure.   The operator lift according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control system is programmed to stop the drive component when the light beam from the transmitter unit is not received by the receiver unit.   The operator lift according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control system is programmed to change operating parameters of the drive component when the light beam from the transmitter unit is not received by the receiver unit. .   The operator lift according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor includes two receiver units arranged to receive the light beam from the transmitter unit.   6. An operator lift according to claim 5, wherein the control system is programmed to prevent operation of the drive component when one or both of the receiver units do not detect the light beam.   7. The operation of claim 6, wherein the control system is programmed to reverse the previous action by the drive component if one or both of the receiver units do not detect the light beam for a predetermined period of time. Lift for passengers.   The operator lift according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined period is 1 second at maximum.   4. The operator lift according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control system is programmed to prevent operation of the drive component when the receiver unit does not detect the light beam.   10. The operation according to claim 9, further comprising an invalid switch, wherein the invalid switch communicates with the control system to enable operation of the drive component at a reduced speed even when the receiver unit does not detect the light beam. Lift for passengers.   The sensor includes a first housing having the transmitter unit disposed therein and a second housing having the receiver unit disposed therein, wherein the first housing attaches the first housing to the safety rail. The worker lift according to claim 1, wherein the second housing includes a clamp for attaching the second housing to the safety rail.   Each of the first housing and the second housing has a window opening, and a window is arranged in each of the window openings, and the windows are arranged close to the transmitter unit and the transmitter unit, respectively. The operator lift according to claim 11.   The operator lift according to claim 12, wherein each of the windows protrudes from surfaces of the first housing and the second housing. In addition, a warning system arranged close to the control panel area on the operator side of the sensor,
The warning system includes a warning transmitter unit attached to one side of the control box, a warning receiver unit attached to the other side of the control box, and an indicator lamp;
The warning transmitter unit emits a second beam across the control panel area toward the warning receiver unit;
The control system is programmed to change the light emission state of the indicator lamp when the second light beam from the warning transmitter unit is not received by the warning receiver unit. Worker lift as described in the section. A system for protecting an operator on an aerial work platform from the risk of crushing, wherein the aerial work platform is connected to a floor structure, the floor structure and defines an operator work area. Including safety rail and control panel area
The system is a sensor that can be disposed in proximity to the control panel area, and includes a first transmitter unit disposed on one side of the control panel area and a first transmitter unit disposed on the other side of the control panel area. The system comprising: a receiver unit, wherein the first transmitter unit emits a first light beam across the control panel area toward the first receiver unit.   And a control system capable of communicating with the sensor and cooperating with a drive component of the aerial work platform, the control system being programmed to control operation of the drive component based on a signal from the sensor. The system of claim 15.   16. The sensor according to claim 15, wherein the sensor includes a first housing for a first transmitter unit and a second housing for a first receiver unit, the first housing and the second housing being attachable to the safety rail. 16. The system according to 16. The sensor further includes a warning system, the warning system comprising:
A second transmitter unit disposed on one of the first housing and the second housing;
A second receiver unit disposed on the other of the first housing and the second housing, wherein the second transmitter unit and the second receiver unit operate the first transmitter unit and the first receiver unit, respectively. Placed on the side of the person,
The warning system further comprises:
Including indicator lamps,
A second transmitter unit emits a second beam across the control panel area toward the second receiver unit;
18. The control system is programmed to change the light emission state of the indicator lamp when the second light beam from the second transmitter unit is not received by the second receiver unit. The system described in. A lift for workers,
A vehicle chassis,
A lift assembly secured to the vehicle chassis;
A work platform attached to the lift assembly, the work platform including a floor structure, a safety rail coupled to the floor structure and defining a worker work area, and a control panel area;
A control box disposed in the control panel area and including operator input means;
A drive component capable of cooperating with the lift assembly to raise and lower the work platform;
A photoelectric sensor configured to detect an object entering the control panel area and disposed proximate to the control panel area;
A control system that communicates with the drive component, the control box, and the sensor, comprising: a control system that controls the operation of the drive component based on the operator input means and a signal from the sensor. Lift for passengers. The sensor is
A transmitter housing attached to the safety rail on one side of the control box;
A receiver housing attached to the safety rail on the other side of the control box;
A transmitter unit disposed in the transmitter housing;
20. An operator according to claim 19, comprising a receiver unit disposed in the receiver housing, wherein the transmitter unit emits light across the control panel area toward the receiver unit. Lift.

Images