IMMOBILIZER FOR A VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the immobilization of road vehicles and corresponding goods transport structures during the transshipment phases of said structure to a quay.

[0002] Document EP 2 236 445 (on behalf of the Applicant), which discloses an immobilization device according to the preamble of claim 1, teaches a device for immobilizing road vehicles and corresponding goods transport structures during the transshipment phases of said structure at the dock, by action on the tire of one of its wheels, a beam being a means of visually guiding said vehicle backing towards the dock, the immobilization device being a trolley movable along said guiding means, a means of moving said trolley along the guiding means, a means of locking said trolley on said guiding beam, a means of detecting the tire, and a shim piece having one end fixed on the chassis of the device, a mechanism for positioning said shim piece, the device comprising a processing means for adjusting the position of said shim piece.

[0003] This immobilization device is highly advantageous for safety, preventing potential accidents during transshipment. Indeed, if a truck shifts and moves away from the loading dock, a gap opens between the dock and the truck bed, where personnel, forklifts, and goods can fall. Similarly, a trailer can tip over. This device immobilizes road vehicles—trucks, tractors, vans, etc.—to prevent this cause of accidents.

[0004] However, this well-known system has limitations, as some structures have very wide wheelbases, wider than the distance between truck wheels, particularly swap bodies, flatbeds, or containers. Similarly, in some cases, the system must be set back to facilitate vehicle docking.

[0005] The known immobilizing device slides longitudinally along the fixed guide rail. If a vehicle with a wider wheelbase attempts to dock, it will encounter this immobilizing device. Transshipment operations will then be impossible.

[0006] The truck can no longer be immobilized or stopped. The prevention of the accidents described above is no longer guaranteed.

[0007] The state of the art presented by the document US 5 762 460 A features two risers for utility vehicles.

[0008] This document describes a method of leveling light utility trucks or low-profile trucks; these extensions are laterally movable or tiltable to allow passage for conventional road transport vehicles and at the same time serve to guide them.

[0009] These risers are also equipped with housings on the running surface to allow the installation of a manual wedge.

[0010] This operation requires human intervention in the berthing area, especially for the placement of the wedge to be positioned in the accommodations.

[0011] The present invention aims to be applicable to all types of vehicles so that oversized vehicles can benefit from it. This obviously includes heavy-duty trucks that can pass over the manual wheel chocks envisaged in the document US 5 762 460 A This is why the invention guides the locking devices equipped in particular with a metal bar on the tire.

[0012] This document of the state of the art does not present an apparatus or means which combines two longitudinal and lateral displacements of a locking device.

[0013] This document also does not show a rectangular working area for the locking device.

[0014] A system for positioning a road transport vehicle is known from the document WO 2016 / 138131 A1 .

[0015] In this system, the vehicle parts are held captive by a guidance system adaptable to the wheel spacing, in order to position the vehicle exactly on the axis of the loading means, this to facilitate the loading of maritime transport crates for example, but there is no blocking.

[0016] In contrast, the invention aims to achieve movement in all horizontal directions, so that the blocking or locking means reaches a free vehicle. This blocking is intended to prevent accidents.

[0017] This known document also does not present a rectangular working area for the locking device.

[0018] The document US 2010 / 260586 A1 describes a manual wedge suspended from a balancer fixed on a trolley sliding on a steerable or sliding gantry rail, said wedge then being manually locked onto one of the notches of a guide fixed to the floor.

[0019] The document US 2010 / 260586 A1 describes a manual wedge suspended from a balancer fixed on a trolley sliding on a steerable or sliding gantry rail, said wedge then being manually locked onto one of the notches of a guide fixed to the floor.

[0020] While the gantry allows movement in all directions, the fixed guide does not allow getting closer to the invention and human intervention is essential, hence the risk of accidents that the invention aims to avoid.

[0021] This document also does not show a rectangular working area for the locking device. With a rail and a gantry, the working area would be oval.

[0022] It should be noted that, due to the very heavy vehicles, the blocking device requires (reversible) ground anchoring, and the ground-fixed guide imposes a longitudinal working zone for the blocking device, which corresponds to the strip obtained by EP 2 236 445 .

[0023] Here again, the state of the art does not work for oversized vehicles.

[0024] By the document EP 1 594 775 A1 The state of the art includes a manually pivoting and extendable arm for blocking road transport vehicles.

[0025] Although approaching invention, here again it is a product requiring manual installation, necessitating a human presence in the docking area.

[0026] This document also does not show a rectangular working area for the locking trolley. With a pivoting arm, the working area is circular.

[0027] To solve these technical problems, the invention proposes an immobilization device according to claim 1. To allow the immobilization device to be deployed, thus preventing access to the vehicle, the trolley's guide beam is offset from its initial position, and the immobilization device is equipped with a means of lateral movement perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, allowing horizontal movement of the trolley, thereby making the various horizontal directions accessible. This road immobilization device will be called Stop Trucks (registered trademark) with lateral movement.

[0028] According to other characteristics: the longitudinal guide beam of the vehicle immobilization device, which beam is offset from the platform so as to form a space between the platform and the beam, to allow said laterally moving guide beam to insert itself between the outriggers of a swap body and / or to return to a position suitable for proper immobilization, if the carrier vehicle does not detach from it; in this case, the swap body securing device is not used; the guide beam of the vehicle immobilization device, which is operated from a control panel installed at platform level, inside or outside a building or mounted on a post;At each end of the vehicle immobilizer device's guide beam, there is a support block, a cover over the beam and the immobilizer device, the beam having at each of its ends a vertical plate which slides laterally while being guided on the corresponding end supports.

[0029] The invention also proposes a transshipment installation according to claim 4.

[0030] The present invention also proposes a method according to claim 7.

[0031] Other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the description of the drawings, given by way of non-limiting example, in which: there Fig. 1is an elevational view of a guiding means comprising two chocking devices according to the invention and two crate securing devices, used in a vehicle loading and unloading system, as well as a mobile crate mounted on supports; the Fig. 2 is a top view representing the platform, two vehicle parking spaces, a mobile container placed at the platform, with partial section 20, and two devices according to the invention, the one located next to the container being moved laterally towards the mobile container; the Fig. 3 represents in elevation a three-quarter front left view of the devices Figures 1 And 2 , in which the vehicle wheel locking device is in the protective position for the mobile body securing device; the Fig. 4 is a three-quarter front left view, representing the cash register safety device in the working position; the Fig. 5 and 5.1are a three-quarter rear view representation of the devices in the previous figures, in which a wheel representing a vehicle is blocked before reaching the bodywork securing device; the Fig. 6 represents a top view of the docking facilities, where a truck or semi-trailer, represented by a wheel, has arrived in the second berth; the fig. 7 and 7.1 represent an elevational view of the docking devices of the preceding claims; the second-place truck being far from the guide rail, the device according to the invention has moved closer by lateral movement and the locking means mounted on the trolley is in the working position; the Fig. 8 represents in elevation the invention, featuring two end blocks mounted on plates fixed to the ground, connected by a beam serving as a guide rail for a trolley supporting the wheel-locking means protected by a cover; Fig. 9exploded view of the beam of the Fig. 8 ; there Fig. 10 The image shows the beam in elevation with its fixing plates, its cover, the tube and the U-shaped sliding profile; Fig. 11 represents the cart according to the invention, with the wheel locking means erasable in the raised position; the Fig. 12 represents in elevation a rear support according to the invention, with the sliding beam fixing plate in the retracted position; the Fig. 13 represents the plot of the Fig. 12 , the sliding beam fixing plate in the extended position; the Fig. 14 represents in elevation a front support according to the invention, with the other fixing plate of the sliding beam in the retracted position; the Fig. 15 represents the plot of the Fig. 14 , the other fixing plate for the sliding beam in the extended position; the Fig. 16is a view torn from a sliding beam block according to the invention, showing the beam movement actuation system.

[0032] The device immobilization 1, 1.1 or 1.2 according to the invention, and respectively a crate security device 11, 11.1 or 11.2, shown figures 1 to 7 , are arranged in an installation 5 for the implementation of a procedure for loading and unloading means of road transport of goods such as a truck, a flatbed, a swap body or other.

[0033] Each device immobilization 1, 1.1, 1.2 according to the invention is composed of a sliding beam 2, 2.1, 2.2, a front block 3, 3.1, 3.2, a rear block 4, 4.1, 4.2, a moving trolley 12, 12.1, 12.2 comprising the hydraulic means to ensure its longitudinal movements and the vertical movements of the locking means 15, 15.1, 15.2 and a technical cabinet 16, 16.1, 16.2, grouping the hydraulic means for lateral movements; this technical cabinet being able to be common to the crate securing device 11, 11.1, 11.2.

[0034] Each device immobilization 1, 1.1, 1.2 is positioned perpendicular to platform 5 on an axis 0, 0.3, 0.4 and parallel to axes 0, 0.1, 0.2, offset by a distance allowing the passage of mobile crates. Each device immobilization 1, 1.1, 1.2 is positioned leaving a free space 10, 10.1 or 10.2, to allow said invention to fit between the supports of a mobile crate and allow lateral movement of the sliding beam 2, 2.1, 2.2.

[0035] The visible lateral movement system fig. 17 is powered by a hydraulic system located in the technical cabinets 16, 16.1, 16.2; these technical cabinets can also be used to operate the mobile crate securing devices 11, 11.1, 11.2.

[0036] Any action to immobilize road vehicles must be preceded by a lateral movement of the sliding beam 2, 2.1, 2.2.

[0037] A hydraulically operated system mounted on the trolley 12, 12.1, 12.2 allows the immobilizing device 15, 15.1, 15.2, shown Fig. 11 The trolley runs along the sliding beam 2, 2.1, 2.2 shown fig. 8, 9 And 10by sliding on the tube 21 and the U-shaped profile 20. An intelligent detection system 22, including a sensor, detects the first tire 18 placed on the ground. A measuring system then records the tire's outer diameter.

[0038] The device includes a chock 15 which, by bearing against the tire of a wheel 18, blocks and immobilizes the vehicle. The chock 15 has a curved shape. This shape has the advantage of allowing optimal contact with the tire 18, which is established over a significant width. Furthermore, it gives the chock greater rigidity and therefore allows its thickness to be reduced, enabling it to slide between the fender and the tire without damaging the latter.

[0039] A data processing system deduces from this diameter the trajectory that the shim 15 must follow to closely match the shape of the tire 18. This position must be adapted to each tire diameter to optimize both the alignment and the offset. Indeed, if the shim 18 presses too high or too low, the alignment is not optimal. In particular, if the alignment is performed higher than the wheel axle, the offset becomes problematic if the shim 15 is to be retracted by rotating it. In this case, the shim will then collide with the tire and cannot retract.

[0040] Once the shim 15 is in a raised position determined by the data processing system actuating the pivoting part, the carriage moves backward to bring the shim 15 closer to the tire 18, until the shim makes firm contact with the tire, as shown in the fig. 7.1 .

[0041] Lateral movement is illustrated by the rear cones shown. Fig. 13 And 14 and the front plots shown Fig. 15 And 16 .

[0042] The pedestals 3, 3.1, 3.2 and 4, 4.1, 4.2 each comprise a lower plate 25. This plate 25 forms a base which extends from the pedestal to support the plates 23.1 and 23.2 in the extended position. fig.10and has holes for the passage of screws and anchors for fixing to the floor. A set of welded plates in the shape of a drain is mounted on this plate (Fig. 17). The underside 25 has at least two guide slots 26 for a vertical plate 32.1 or 32.2 mounted to slide laterally. The beam 1 is fixed to the sliding plates 32.1 and 32.2 respectively by plates 23.1 and 23.2. Fig. 17 describes the means for triggering the lateral movement of the sliding beam. In this embodiment, a jack 30 is pivotally mounted on brackets 28. The extension of the rod 31 of the jack 30 triggers the movement of a connecting piece 29 equipped with translation rollers 27 sliding in slots 26 and driving the sliding beam.

[0043] The present invention also proposes a method according to claim 7 for protecting the mobile crate securing device 11, 11.1, 11.2 when the crates are detached from the carrier vehicles.

[0044] After the lateral exit of the sliding beam 2, 2.1, 2.2, the carriage 12, 12.1, 12.2 slides on said beam at the end of its travel, the retractable stop 15 is raised to its maximum upper position. Said carriage is then locked.

[0045] The implementation of the security system 11, 11.1, 11.2 can then take place.

[0046] The said system will then be protected, the subsequent installation of the retractable stop 15 preventing the premature arrival of a vehicle wanting to take back the crate before the end of the transshipment operations.

[0047] The present invention will only return to its initial position once the securing system of the crates 11, 11.1, 11.2 has been folded, thus allowing the removal of the crate 8.

[0048] Although the invention has been described in connection with particular structures, many variations can be made to it, provided that they are within the scope of protection of the claims, for example: the cylinder 30 can be replaced by a motor; additional places can be provided in the transshipment installation. Reference signs

[0049] 0. Axes 0.1 Loading bay axis 6.1 0.2 Loading bay axis 6.2 0.3 Vehicle restraint device axis 3.1 0.4 Vehicle restraint device axis 3.2 1. Vehicle restraint devices (and its trolley) 1.1 Vehicle restraint device 1.2 Vehicle restraint device 2. Sliding beams 2.1 Sliding beam 2.2 Sliding beam 3. Support means or pads (front) 3.1 Support means / pad 3.2 Support means / pad 4. Support means or pads (rear) 4.1 Support means / pad 4.2 Support means / pad 5. Loading / unloading installation / system (the whole) 6. Loading bay 6.1 Loading bay 6.2 Loading bay 7. Dock 8. Means of transport (crate) 9. Supports of the means of transport (carton) 10. Free spaces 10.1 Free space 10.2 Free space 11. Securing devices for the boxes (support devices) 11.1. Cashier security device 11.2 Cashier security device 12. Trolleys 12.1 Trolley 12.2 Trolley 13. Safety flaps 13.1 Safety flap 13.2 Safety flap 14. Retractable or removable supports 14.1 Retractable or removable support 14.2 Retractable or removable support 15. Retractable stops (wedge) 15.1 Retractable stop 15.2 Retractable stop 16. Technical cabinets 16.1 Technical cabinet 16.2 Technical cabinet 17. Partial section. Fig. 218. Wheels 18.1 Wheel 18.2 Wheel 19. Sliding beam protective cover 20. U-profile, sliding beams 21. Sliding beam tube 22. Tire detection cell 23. Sliding beam mounting plates on lugs 23.1 Rear lug mounting plate 23.2 Front lug mounting plate 24. Base plate of lugs 25. Underside of lugs 26. Roller sliding slots 27. Rolling rollers 28. Cylinder rotation brackets 29. Roller connecting piece 30. Lateral displacement cylinder body 31. Cylinder rod 30 32. Sliding lug plates (mounting plates 23.1 and 23.2) 32.1 Rear lug sliding plate 32.2 Front lug sliding plate

Claims

1. A device for immobilising a road vehicle (1, 1.1, 1.2) and related structures for transporting goods during the load transfer phases of said structure in a loading bay (6) by acting on the tyre of one of its wheels (18), comprising a guide beam, the beam (2, 2.1, 2.2) constituting a means of visually guiding said vehicle as it reverses towards the dock (7), a carriage (12) moving along said guiding means, a means of moving said carriage (12) along the guiding means, a means of locking said carriage on said guide beam, a means of detecting (22) the tyre and a chocking part (15), characterised in that the immobilising device comprises a means of lateral movement and in that said carriage guide beam is movable by said means of lateral movement which is substantially perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, thereby allowing the horizontal movement of the carriage and rendering the different horizontal directions accessible.

2. A road vehicle immobilising device (1, 1.1, 1.2) according to the previous claim, wherein there is a block with a cover (3, 4) at each end of the beam (2, 2.1, 2.2), and a third cover over the central part of the beam and the immobilising device, the central part having at each of its ends a vertical plate which attaches to a sliding plate on each block.

3. A road vehicle immobilising device (1, 1.1, 1.2) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the beam (2, 2.1, 2.2) is placed a certain distance from the dock (7) to form a space between the dock (7) and the beam, thereby allowing the lateral movement of the sliding beam.

4. Installation for transferring goods from road vehicles, comprising at least a loading / unloading dock (7) and several devices according to one of the preceding claims, the beams (2, 2.1, 2.2) moving laterally as commanded.

5. Installation according to the previous claim, in which a control panel actuating the movement of the beam (2, 2.1, 2.2) is installed on the dock (7), inside or outside a building or placed on a post.

6. Installation according to claim 4 or 5, comprising a dock (7) with several loading bays and a device for securing a mobile structure for receiving a load which has leg stands, such as a swap body (8), platform body or handling container.

7. Method of protecting the movable actuator and prop securing the swap body by means of an installation according to claim 6, comprising the following steps: - when the swap body (8) arrives, the beam (2) is in the resting position; - before the swap body is propped, the beam slides laterally towards the axis of the dock or swap body; - the beam having slid laterally into its working position, the carriage (12) moves longitudinally towards its maximum working position; - the wheel immobilising device is equipped with a retractable part which can be raised or lowered; this part blocking the vehicle wheels in the raised position, said part is placed in the fully raised position, preventing vehicle access; - the movable prop (14) is put in position and blocks the swap body to secure the load, and the device comprising the movable prop is protected; - to allow the truck to pick up the swap body, said part is retracted, the carriage slides longitudinally to its resting position and the beam slides longitudinally to the resting position.

8. Method according to the previous claim for immobilising a vehicle, a variant wherein a vehicle without a swap body comes into contact with the dock (7), the road vehicle being away from the guide beam (2, 2.1, 2.2), the previous steps involving the lateral movement of the beam carrying the carriage (12) allowing the retractable part to come up to the wheel and block the road vehicle, preventing the vehicle from moving.

9. Method according to either claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the lateral movement of the beam (2, 2.1, 2.2) is actuated from a control panel installed on the dock (7), either inside or outside a building.

10. Method according to either claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the lateral movement of the beam (2, 2.1, 2.2) is actuated from a control panel placed on a post.