Abstract:
An aerial platform for an industrial truck has a one-piece base frame comprising a vertical mast strut configured to couple to the industrial truck and a floor plate configured as a place for at least one person to stand. The aerial platform further comprises at least two vertical posts defining an access opening and at least two horizontal side struts coupled the vertical mast strut and the at least two vertical posts.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED INVENTION 
       [0001]    This application is based upon and claims priority to, under relevant sections of 35 U.S.C. §119, German Patent Application No. 10 2016 112 264.5, filed Jul. 5, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The invention concerns an aerial platform for an industrial truck, particularly for an order picking vehicle. 
         [0003]    Aerial platforms for industrial trucks are fundamentally known. For example, aerial platforms of this type are connected directly with the lift mast of the industrial truck. Aerial platforms can also be designed to be accommodated by a load fork of an industrial truck. The aerial platforms are raised and lowered by extending and retracting a telescopically extensible lift mast. A person located on the aerial platform can thus also reach high places, for example in a high-bay warehouse. Frequently, industrial trucks of this type are used as order picking vehicles, with the person located on the aerial platform able, for example, to remove the goods to be picked manually from the storage bay. The upward and downward movements of the aerial platform and the driving motion of the industrial truck are usually achieved with operator controls arranged on the aerial platform. 
         [0004]    Aerial platforms are typically made of steel in prior art. Steel constructions provide high stability for the aerial platform, but also have very high weight. Furthermore, the manufacture of such aerial platforms from steel is expensive and complicated due to many welding processes. Depending on the industrial truck used, aerial platforms can be raised up to a height of about 10 m. Here it is particularly challenging to ensure sufficient stability of the industrial truck and/or the system comprised of industrial truck and aerial platform. Due to the high weight, aerial platforms are easily susceptible to vibrations when starting and braking the industrial truck with the mast extended. 
         [0005]    Therefore, starting from the prior art mentioned, the object of the present invention is to provide an aerial platform for an industrial truck as well as an industrial truck with an aerial platform, in which the aerial platform is stable and at the same time inexpensive to manufacture and the system comprised of an industrial truck and aerial platform exhibits simple handling and high stability at the same time. 
         [0006]    An aerial platform for a tire handling unit is known from WO 2013/115705. The aerial platform has an essentially rectangular base area with an entry to the aerial platform on the broadside. The back side opposite to the entry has a vertical strut connected with a continuous sheet for the back wall. Laterally, the standing platform is limited by a horizontal strut and a corresponding rail. 
         [0007]    From U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,825 an aerial platform is known, which is adjustable in height via a telescopic lift mast. On one side, the aerial platform has an entry hatch, which is limited by a stationary safety bar. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The inventive aerial platform for an industrial truck has a base frame comprising a vertical mast strut for connecting with the industrial truck. A floor plate is configured as a place for at least one person to stand and at least two vertical posts define an access opening. At least two side struts connected with the vertical mast strut and the at least two vertical posts further define an interior space of the aerial platform. In particular, on both sides of the interior space, in each case one of the at least two side struts can extend from the vertical mast strut to one of the at least two vertical posts in each case. Thus in each case one side strut can be provided on two opposing sides of the interior space. Several side struts can also be provided on two opposing sides of the interior space, in particular two or three side struts, which connect the vertical mast strut with one of the vertical posts in each case. In an embodiment, the base frame of the aerial platform is fabricated from plastic in a single piece. 
         [0009]    An inventive aerial platform with a base frame fabricated from plastic has a significantly lower intrinsic weight than aerial platforms according to prior art. By using an inventive aerial platform manufactured from plastic, the total mass of an industrial truck with such an aerial platform is reduced. In particular, if the aerial platform is raised by an industrial truck, the center of gravity of the system comprised of the industrial truck and aerial platform is consequently significantly lower than with the use of an aerial platform made of steel. This significantly increases the stability of the system comprised of the industrial truck and aerial platform. Furthermore, back-and-forth vibration of the extended aerial platform is also reduced. In particular, the system reacts to acceleration and delay processes of the industrial truck with less sluggishness than an aerial platform made of steel. Moreover, by manufacturing the base frame of the aerial platform in a single piece the stability of the aerial platform itself is also improved. In particular, increased rigidity and stability of the base frame of the aerial platform manufactured from plastic is achieved by fabrication as a single piece. Furthermore, the fabrication of an inventive base frame from plastic is less complex and less expensive than fabrication from steel. Compared to an aerial platform made of steel, there is no time-consuming subsequent machining required, particularly of the corners and edges of the aerial platform, because there are neither burs nor welding seams present. A further advantage of a base frame of an aerial platform fabricated from plastic in a single piece is great freedom of scope in design. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment, the horizontal side struts stand out laterally from the vertical mast strut and transition into a side of the aerial platform with the bend, preferably one which is approximately right-angled. The horizontal side strut thus extends over the side of the aerial platform and likewise over the side of the aerial platform with the vertical mast strut. The aerial platform thus has no closed back wall, which gives a person standing on the aerial platform a clear view below in all directions, even in the direction of the back side opposite the entry. The horizontal side struts are connected in a section with a horizontal stabilization device, which is oriented horizontally. The stabilization device is, preferably designed as a horizontal plate, which achieves a connection between vertical mast strut and side strut able to bear a load. Such a stabilization device is advantageous, particularly in the embodiment in which the horizontal side strut forms a part of the back wall. Due to the horizontal construction, the stabilization device can be used as a work surface for the operator. In an embodiment, the vertical mast strut extends over the entire height of the aerial platform. The vertical mast strut begins with the floor plate and ends with an upper edge of the aerial platform. The vertical mast strut of the aerial platform preferably accommodates an upper end of the lift mast in order to be raised high. A particularly stable connection is possible here in that the vertical mast strut extends over the entire height 
         [0011]    According to another embodiment, the base frame of the aerial platform can be fabricated in a single piece from a rotation-sintered plastic. According to a further embodiment, the base frame of the aerial platform can be fabricated in a single piece from a fiberglass-reinforced plastic. Rotation-sintered plastics are particularly simple to produce, while fiberglass-reinforced plastics create a particularly stable base frame. The manufacturing processes described can, for example, easily produce the edges and corners of the aerial platform in a rounded manner such that the risk of injury is minimized for a person using the aerial platform. 
         [0012]    According to an embodiment, the aerial platform also has at least one barrier fabricated from a plastic, which is connected with one of the vertical posts of the base frame in a manner capable of pivoting. The at least one barrier can be arranged within the access openings formed by the two vertical posts so that a person can only enter the interior space of the aerial platform with the barrier open. The at least one barrier can be able to be pivoted from a closed position located between the two vertical posts in an open position inward into the interior space of the aerial platform or outward. A person located on the aerial platform can thus be secured against falling off the aerial platform. Two barriers can also be provided, wherein each of the barriers can be connected with one of the vertical posts in a manner capable of pivoting. Both barriers can be connected with the respective vertical posts in a manner capable of pivoting in such a way that they can be pivoted between a closed and an open position in order to enable a person to access the interior space of the aerial platform. The fabrication of the at least one barrier from a plastic leads to a further weight reduction of the aerial platform compared with an aerial platform in prior art made of steel. The at least one barrier can also be fabricated from a rotation-sintered plastic or from a fiberglass-reinforced plastic. Such fabrication from plastic also enables a plurality of design options for the at least one barrier. According to another embodiment, handles can be provided, which are fabricated in one piece together with the at least one barrier. According to a further embodiment, recessed grips can be provided, which are fabricated in one piece together with the at least one barrier and are recessed in the at least one barrier. The handles and/or recessed grips can thus be manufactured in a single step together with the at least one barrier. 
         [0013]    According to a further embodiment, the base frame of the aerial platform further comprises at least one device, particularly a projection and/or a depression and/or an opening for accommodating control elements and/or switching elements. Such devices can also be fabricated from plastic in a single piece together with the base frame. Consequently, many additional functions can be integrated simply in the base frame fabricated from plastic. For example, control elements such as operating handles or switches could be integrated in such a device directly or using base panels. Cable ducting to run electrical lines can also be fabricated from plastic directly with the base frame. This further simplifies the fabrication of the aerial platform. 
         [0014]    According to another embodiment, the aerial platform can have at least one work surface connected with the base frame. The at least one work surface can be used to accommodate goods, for example. Thus a person located on the aerial platform can, for example, remove goods from a high-bay warehouse and place them on the at least one work surface or take them from the at least one work surface and place them in the high-bay warehouse. The least one work surface can be connected with the vertical mast strut for this and be moved up and down with the aerial platform via an industrial truck. An industrial truck with an aerial platform with at least one work surface can also be used for repair and maintenance work at a great height, for example. The at least one work surface can serve to accommodate tools for this. The at least one work surface can also be fabricated from a plastic. 
         [0015]    Fundamentally, all previously mentioned objects fabricated from plastic can be made by an injection molding process for example. A rotation sintering process can also be provided for fabricating the objects mentioned from plastic. Furthermore, a fiberglass-reinforced plastic can also be provided as a plastic. 
         [0016]    An inventive industrial truck has a chassis with at least three wheels, a telescopically extensible lift mast connected with the chassis, and an aerial platform connected with the lift mast. The industrial truck can be an order picking vehicle in particular. The inventive aerial platform is connected with the lift mast of the industrial truck. The aerial platform is raised high by extending the lift mast. In the manner explained, the system comprised of industrial truck and aerial platform has better stability and in particular a lower center of gravity than would be the case with a system comprised of an industrial truck with an aerial platform fabricated from steel. 
         [0017]    According to an embodiment, the inventive aerial platform can be connected with the lift mast of the industrial truck via the vertical mast strut of the aerial platform. In particular, the vertical mast strut can have a hollow space for accommodating an upper section of the lift mast of the industrial truck. The inventive aerial platform can thus be placed on the lift mast of the industrial truck via the vertical mast strut. The vertical mast strut can be open on a side to accommodate the upper section of the lift mast, particularly on an underside, to enable the insertion of the upper section of the lift mast in the vertical mast strut. The vertical mast strut can also be open on two or more sides. The vertical mast strut of the inventive aerial platform can also be connected with the lift mast of the industrial truck via fasteners. In particular, the vertical mast beam can be connected to the lift mast with screws or rivets, for example. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The invention will be explained below based on two exemplary embodiments thereof. These show in 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric side view of an embodiment of an aerial platform, and 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric side view of an embodiment of the aerial platform installed onto an industrial truck. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    In the following, the same reference labels refer to the same objects if not otherwise specified. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  shows a schematic representation of the inventive aerial platform  10 . The base frame  12  comprises a vertical mast strut  14 , a floor plate  16  as a place for one or more persons to stand, two vertical posts  18 ,  18 ′, and four horizontal side struts  20 ,  20 ′. The vertical mast strut  14  and the vertical posts  18 ,  18 ′ are connected with the floor plate  16  and extend perpendicularly from it. Two horizontal side struts  20  connect the vertical mast strut  14  with the vertical post  18  while two further horizontal side struts  20 ′ connect the vertical mast strut  14  with the vertical post  18 ′. Together with the vertical mast strut  14 , the horizontal side struts  20 ,  20 ′ form a back side of the aerial platform  10  in which the side struts extend out from the vertical mast strut  14  and bend at a right angle, each to transition into a side. The sides of the aerial platform  10  are formed entirely by the horizontal side struts  20 ,  20 ′, while the back side is formed by the vertical mast strut  14  and the horizontal side struts standing out horizontally from it. Consequently, an interior space of the aerial platform  10  is created above the floor plate  16 , which can serve as a place to stand for one or more persons. However, in an embodiment, only two side struts can also be provided, with one of the side struts connecting the vertical mast strut  14  with the vertical post  18  and the other connecting the vertical mast strut  14  with the vertical post  18 ′, forming an interior space. Between the vertical posts  18  and  18 ′ there is an opening which provides a person or multiple persons access to the interior space and the floor plate  16 . Furthermore,  FIG. 1  shows a projection or stabilization device  24  arranged on both sides of the vertical mast strut  14  for stabilizing the uppermost side strut on the vertical mast strut  14 . The stabilization device  24  is flat and constructed like a slab. 
         [0023]    The base frame  12  shown in  FIG. 1  is fabricated in one piece from a plastic. As explained, such fabrication enables particularly stable design and reduced weight at the same time. With the lesser effort and expense, the inventive aerial platform  10  can have many kinds of design elements. All edges and corners of the aerial platform  10  shown in  FIG. 1  are rounded in such a way that the risk of injury is minimized for a person using the aerial platform  10 . Compared to an aerial platform  10  made of steel, no time-consuming subsequent machining of the corners and edges is required. The stabilization device  24  can also be fabricated from plastic as one piece with the base frame  12 . The stabilization device  24  can be a projection, which serves to accommodate control elements  26 , as seen in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  shows an industrial truck  100  with a chassis  110  and four wheels  120 , of which only two can be seen in  FIG. 2 . The front wheel seen in  FIG. 2  is a caster, which is shown turned in multiple directions.  FIG. 2  also shows a telescopic, extensible lift mast  130  connected with the chassis  110  and an inventive aerial platform  10 , which is connected with the lift mast  130 . The aerial platform  10  is connected to the lift mast  130  of the industrial truck  100  via the vertical mast strut  14 . The aerial platform  10  is raised or lowered by retracting and extending the lift mast  130  of the industrial truck  100 . The vertical mast strut  14  of the aerial platform  10  is designed here in such a way that it accommodates the lift mast  130  completely in a retracted condition of the lift mast  130 . However, the vertical mast strut  14  of the aerial platform  10  need not completely enclose the lift mast, but instead can be open on one or more sides. 
         [0025]    The exemplary embodiment of the aerial platform  10  shown in  FIG. 2  further comprises two barriers  22 ,  22 ′ which are connected in each case with a vertical post  18 ,  18 ′ of the base frame  12  of the aerial platform  10 . The two barriers  22 ,  22 ′ can be pivoted into the interior space of the aerial platform  10  or away from it by electrical or manual means. A person using the industrial truck can thus gain access to the interior space and the floor plate  16  of the aerial platform  10  and is adequately secured against falling off the aerial platform  10  while working on the aerial platform  10 . Using the control elements  26  connected with the stabilization device  24 , a person located on the aerial platform  10  can operate the lift mast  130  of the industrial truck  100  and thus lower and raise the aerial platform  10 . Furthermore, the person can control the industrial truck  100  using the control elements  26  and, for example, also drive with the lift mast  130  extended. 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  also shows work surfaces  30 ,  30 ′ connected with the base frame  12  of the aerial platform  10 . These work surfaces can be used by a person operating the aerial platform  10  to carry goods, for example to stock a high-bay warehouse or remove goods from this high-bay warehouse. The work surfaces  30 ,  30 ′ can also be used for tools if the industrial truck  100  with the inventive aerial platform  10  is used for work in high places. 
       DRAWING REFERENCE LIST 
       [0000]    
       
           10  Aerial platform 
           12  Base frame 
           14  Vertical mast strut 
           16  Floor plate 
           18  Post 
           18 ′ Post 
           20  Horizontal side struts 
           20 ′ Horizontal side struts 
           22  Barrier 
           22 ′ Barrier 
           24  Stabilization device 
           26  Control element 
           30  Work surface 
           30 ′ Work surface 
           100  Industrial truck 
           110  Chassis 
           120  Wheels 
           130  Lift mast