BODY FOR A ROAD VEHICLE FOR THE TRANSPORT OF GOODS WITH A CLAMPING SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of road vehicles for the transport of goods such as trucks, semi-trailers or trailers.

[0002] A road freight vehicle comprises a chassis and a body mounted on the chassis, defining an interior cargo space. The chassis typically consists of two longitudinal members and a plurality of cross members extending transversely between them. This is commonly referred to as a ladder-type chassis.

[0003] A road freight transport vehicle of the rigid type also includes an auxiliary frame chassis generally called a "sub-chassis" which rests on the chassis and to which the bodywork is attached.

[0004] The connection between the chassis, the subframe, and the body is achieved by bolting and clamping. The bolts used for this assembly are oriented vertically. US patent 2018 / 194405 A1 discloses a road freight vehicle body known in the prior art.

[0005] During the assembly of the body with the auxiliary frame chassis, access to these screws is quite difficult for operators.

[0006] Furthermore, for a road freight transport vehicle such as a semi-trailer or trailer, there is also the problem of access to the screws required to assemble the chassis and the bodywork.

[0007] Furthermore, on electric vehicles, the sometimes bulky batteries are positioned laterally to the chassis. This makes accessing the screws even more difficult. In addition, the electrical hazards present near the screws, due to the presence of power cables, connectors, and batteries, may necessitate the implementation of stringent safety measures, such as requiring trained personnel or disconnecting the batteries.

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0009] The invention relates to a road vehicle body for the transport of goods comprising two vertical sides, a roof and a floor assembled together and partially delimiting an interior loading space, and a plurality of clamping systems fixed vertically to the floor on the side opposite the loading space to fix the body to a chassis.

[0010] According to a general characteristic, each clamping system is provided with a base fixed to the floor of the bodywork, and a locking means mounted movable on the base between at least one inactive position and one active position of locking the bodywork on the chassis and provided with a contact surface with said chassis.

[0011] According to another general characteristic, each clamping system is further provided with an actuation means extending transversely, in contact with the locking means and mounted movably on the base to allow movement from the inactive position to the active locking position of said locking means, and vice versa.

[0012] The "transverse" direction is used when considering the direction of the width of the bodywork.

[0013] With such a clamping system, actuation can be carried out laterally by an operator, which makes it possible to easily assemble the body with the associated chassis while remaining away from areas where electrical risks exist.

[0014] The actuation means is spaced vertically downwards relative to the floor.

[0015] The actuation means of each clamping system extends along a transverse elongation axis, the actuation means being mounted movably on the base along said elongation axis.

[0016] The actuation means is mounted movable on the base at least in translation along said axis of extension.

[0017] According to one design, the actuation means is mounted movably on the base in translation and rotation along said axis of extension.

[0018] According to another design, the actuation means is mounted movable on the base only in translation along said axis of extension.

[0019] According to one design, the locking means of each clamping system is mounted movable for rotation on the base around a geometric axis extending longitudinally.

[0020] The term “longitudinal” is used when considering the direction of the length of the bodywork.

[0021] According to an alternative design, the locking means of each clamping system is mounted to move in transverse translation along the base.

[0022] Preferably, the actuation means of each clamping system cooperates with the base by screwing. In this case, the actuation means may include a screw.

[0023] Preferably, the actuation means of each clamping system extends transversely outward from the base towards one of the vertical sides. Preferably, the actuation means remains recessed transversely from said vertical side. In other words, the actuation means does not extend outward from said vertical side.

[0024] Advantageously, the actuation means is offset vertically downwards relative to the floor. Preferably, the actuation means is advantageously entirely offset vertically downwards relative to the floor.

[0025] The invention also relates to a road vehicle for the transport of goods comprising a chassis extending longitudinally and supporting at least one axle equipped with wheels, an auxiliary frame chassis fixed to the chassis, and a body as defined above and fixed to the auxiliary frame chassis.

[0026] The contact surface of the locking means of each clamping system may, in the active locking position, be in contact against a side member of the auxiliary frame chassis, in particular against a side wing of said side member.

[0027] The invention also relates to a road vehicle for the transport of goods comprising a chassis extending longitudinally and supporting at least one axle equipped with wheels, and a body as defined above and fixed to the chassis.

[0028] The contact surface of the locking means of each clamping system is, in the active locking position, in contact against a chassis member, in particular against a side wing of said chassis member.

[0029] The present invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description of embodiments taken by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which: [ Fig 1 ] is a perspective view of a carrier according to an example of implementation, [ Fig 2 ] is a detailed view of the figure 1 , [ Fig 3 ] is a detailed view of the figure 1 on which bodywork restraint systems are shown in an inactive position, [ Fig 4 ] is a cross-sectional view along axis IV-IV of the figure 2 , [ Fig 5 ] is a cross-sectional view along the VV axis of the figure 3 , [ Fig 6 ] ] Fig 7 ] are perspective views of a bodywork clamping system according to another embodiment, [ Fig 8 ] And [ Fig 9 ] are cross-sectional views of the clamping system of the figures 6 And 7 .

[0030] On the figure 1 A carrier vehicle, referenced as a whole as 10, is shown, comprising a body 12 and a chassis 14 on which the body is mounted and which supports a plurality of axles 15, each equipped with wheels (not referenced). In the figure, the axles are represented schematically.

[0031] As will be described in more detail later, the carrier 10 also includes an auxiliary frame chassis 16 interposed vertically between the body 12 and the chassis 14. The auxiliary frame chassis 16 is generally called a "subframe".

[0032] The body 12 comprises two opposing vertical sides 18 extending longitudinally (only one of which is visible in the figure), a roof 19, a floor 20, and a front face (not visible) which are joined together to define an interior loading space. The sides 18 are identical and symmetrical with respect to each other when considering a longitudinal median vertical plane of the body.

[0033] The body 12 also includes a sliding curtain 21 to allow access to the rear interior cargo space. Alternatively, the body 12 may include one or more rear doors, each hinged and rotatable, to allow access to the interior cargo space. Alternatively, the body 12 may include a hinged door on one of the sides 18.

[0034] The carrier 10 also includes a tractor 22 attached to the chassis 14 and equipped with a propulsion engine.

[0035] In a manner known per se, the chassis 14 comprises two longitudinal side members 24 spaced transversely and extending longitudinally, and a plurality of cross members 26 extending transversely with respect to the side members 24 and fixed to them.

[0036] Also known in itself, the auxiliary frame chassis 16 has a structure similar to that of the chassis 14. The auxiliary frame chassis 16 comprises two longitudinal side members 28 spaced transversely and extending longitudinally, and a plurality of cross members 29 extending transversely from and attached to the side members 28. Each side member 28 of the auxiliary frame chassis is vertically supported against one of the side members 24 of the chassis 14.

[0037] The auxiliary frame chassis 16 is fixed to the chassis 14 and to the floor 20 of the body.

[0038] To achieve the attachment of the auxiliary frame chassis 16 to the chassis 14, a plurality of supports 30 are respectively fixed vertically, one below the other, to the longitudinal members 24 and 28. On the figure 1 The brackets fixed to the side members 28 of the auxiliary frame chassis are not shown. A plurality of screws (not shown) extending vertically are provided to fix the brackets 30 in pairs. Alternatively, it might be possible to provide other removable fixing means to secure the auxiliary frame chassis 16 to the chassis 14.

[0039] As more visibly illustrated in the figure 2 To secure the auxiliary frame chassis 16 to the body floor 20, the body is equipped with a plurality of clamping systems 40 which are fixed to the floor 20. The clamping systems 40 are associated with the longitudinal members 28 of the auxiliary frame chassis. The clamping systems 40 are identical to each other.

[0040] For each longitudinal member 28, a plurality of clamping systems 40 are provided, spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. The clamping systems 40 are fixed to the floor 20 vertically on the side opposite the loading space, and on the outer side of the associated longitudinal member 28 in the transverse direction.

[0041] Each clamping system 40 comprises a base 42 fixed to the floor 20, and a locking means 44 movably rotatably mounted on the base 42 between a plurality of inactive positions and an active position for locking the body relative to the auxiliary frame chassis 16. Each clamping system 40 also comprises an actuating means 46 to allow movement of the locking means 44. The locking means 44 is movable for rotation about a geometric axis 50 ( figure 4 extending longitudinally. The actuation means 46 is located below the floor 20. In other words, the actuation means 46 is offset vertically downwards relative to the floor 20.

[0042] As will be described in more detail later, in its active position the locking means 44 ensures the retention of the body relative to the auxiliary frame chassis 16 by clamping against the auxiliary frame, more precisely against the associated longitudinal member 28 of said auxiliary frame.

[0043] The base 42 is fixed to the floor 20 of the body by any suitable means. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 42 is fixed to the floor 20 by means of screws (not shown). Alternatively or in combination, other fixing methods may be used, for example, pins, studs, adhesive, etc.

[0044] As illustrated in the figure 4 The base 42 is provided with a concave housing 52 for the rotational mounting of the locking means 44. The housing 52 forms a bearing surface for the locking means 44 and allows its rotation. The housing 52 is open vertically on the side of the floor 20.

[0045] The actuating means 46 extends transversely. The actuating means 46 extends along a transverse axis of extension 54. The actuating means 46 extends transversely outward from the base 42. The actuating means 46 extends transversely outward from the base 42 towards one of the sides 18, remaining recessed from said side. The actuating means 46 is accessible from outside the body. The actuating means 46 is movably mounted on the base 42. The actuating means 46 is movably mounted on the base along the axis of extension 54.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating means 46 is a threaded screw. Thus, the actuating means 46 is free to rotate and translate relative to the base 42. Each clamping system 40 also includes a nut 56 mounted on the base 42 and engaging with the threads of the actuating means 46. Alternatively, it might be possible to provide the tapping directly on the base 42 that engages with the threads of the actuating means 46.

[0047] The free end of the actuating means 46, which is located transversely on the side of the auxiliary frame chassis 16, bears against the locking means 44. The actuating means 46 allows the locking means 44 to rotate between a plurality of inactive positions (one of which is illustrated in the figure 5 ) in which a contact surface 44a of the locking means remains at a distance from the auxiliary frame chassis 16, and an active position in which the contact surface 44a of the locking means is in contact with the auxiliary frame chassis 16 as illustrated in the figure 4 .

[0048] The locking means 44 is in the form of a lever articulated around axis 50. In the active position, the contact surface 44a of the locking means bears vertically against the associated side member 28 of the auxiliary frame chassis 16. The locking means 44 is clamped against the associated side member 28. The contact surface 44a bears against a lateral flange of the associated side member 28. In its active position, the locking means 44 is located vertically below the lateral flange of the associated side member 28.

[0049] To assemble the body 12 onto the auxiliary frame chassis 16, the following procedure is used.

[0050] In a first step, the clamping systems 40 are fixed to the floor 20 of the bodywork. The actuating means 46 of each clamping system is positioned relative to the associated base 42 so that the locking means 44 extends vertically in line with it, as illustrated in the figures 3 And 5 .

[0051] Next, in a second step, the floor 20 of the body is brought to rest against the auxiliary frame chassis 16. The floor 20 is resting against the longitudinal members 28 of the auxiliary frame chassis 16.

[0052] Then, in a third step, the actuation means 46 of each clamping system is screwed in to bring the contact surface 44a of the locking means into contact with the auxiliary frame chassis 16 as illustrated in the figure 4 The actuation means 46 of each clamping system can be operated manually directly or via specific tooling so that the operator can remain at a distance from the auxiliary frame chassis 16.

[0053] The locking means 44 of each clamping system is locked against the associated longitudinal member 28 of said auxiliary frame. Thus, the body 12 is held relative to the auxiliary frame chassis 16.

[0054] In the embodiment just described, the locking means 44 of each clamping system is rotationally movable relative to the base 42. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a translationally movable mounting of the locking means relative to the base, as illustrated in figures 6 à 9 on which identical elements bear the same references.

[0055] In this embodiment, each clamping system 40 comprises a base 62 fixed to the floor 20 of the body, and a locking means 64 mounted movably transversely along the base between a plurality of inactive positions and an active position for locking the body relative to the auxiliary frame chassis 16. Each clamping system 40 also includes an actuating means 66 to allow movement of the locking means 64. The actuating means 66 is located below the floor 20. In other words, the actuating means 66 is offset vertically downwards relative to the floor 20.

[0056] The base 62 is internally provided with a transversely extending housing 68, within which the sliding locking means 64 is mounted. The housing 68 is open transversely on the side of the associated side member 28 of the auxiliary frame chassis.

[0057] The actuating means 66 extends transversely. The actuating means 66 extends along a transverse axis of extension 70. The actuating means 66 extends transversely outward from the base 62. The actuating means 66 extends transversely outward from the base 42 towards one of the sides 18, remaining recessed from said side. The actuating means 66 is accessible from outside the body. The actuating means 66 is movably mounted on the base 42. The actuating means 66 is movably mounted on the base along the axis of extension 70.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating means 66 is a threaded screw. Thus, the actuating means 66 is free to rotate and translate relative to the base 62. The base 62 of each clamping system includes a tapped hole that engages with the thread of the actuating means 66. A nut 71 is also fixed to the base 62 to cooperate with the thread of the actuating means 66. Alternatively, it might be possible to provide only one of these two means.

[0059] The free end of the actuating means 66, which is located transversely on the side of the auxiliary frame chassis 16, is fixed in translation to the locking means 44. The actuating means 66 allows the locking means 64 to slide between a plurality of inactive positions (one of which is illustrated in the figures 7 And 9) in which a contact surface 64a of the locking means remains at a distance from the auxiliary frame chassis 16, and an active position in which the contact surface 64a of the locking means is in contact with the auxiliary frame chassis 16 as illustrated in figures 6 And 8 .

[0060] In the active position, the contact surface 64a of the locking means bears vertically against the associated side member 28 of the auxiliary frame 16. The locking means 64 is clamped against the associated side member 28. The contact surface 64a bears against a lateral flange of the associated side member 28. The locking means 64 is in the form of a sliding piece that moves in translation along the axis 70.

[0061] The locking means 64 has a proximal portion 72 integral with the actuating means 66, a distal portion 74 provided with the contact surface 64a, and a junction portion 76 connecting the proximal portion 72 and the distal portion 74. The junction portion 76 extends obliquely upwards from the proximal portion 72. As illustrated in the figure 8 , the junction part 76 is designed to bear against an inclined face 68a of the base in order to obtain contact between the locking means 64 during its sliding and the auxiliary frame chassis 16 and to ensure the retention of the bodywork relative to said chassis by clamping against it.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiments, the actuation means for each clamping system is movable in both translation and rotation to achieve displacement of the locking means. Alternatively, the actuation means could be movable in translation or rotation only.

[0063] The invention was illustrated on the basis of a road freight transport vehicle of the carrier type.

[0064] The invention also applies to road freight vehicles of the semi-trailer or trailer type. Such a vehicle is equipped with a load-bearing chassis of the same type as the load-bearing chassis 14 described previously, and the body is fixed directly to this load-bearing chassis by means of clamping systems, i.e., without the interposition of an auxiliary frame chassis.

Claims

1. Road vehicle body for transporting goods comprising two vertical sides (18), a roof (19) and a floor (20) assembled together and partially delimiting an interior loading space, and a plurality of clamping systems (40) attached to the floor (20) vertically on the side opposite the loading space to secure the body to a chassis, each clamping system (40) being provided with a base (42; 62) fastened to the floor (20) of the body, and a locking means (44; 64) mounted movable on the base between at least one inactive position and an active position of locking the body on the chassis and provided with a surface (44a; 64a) for contact with said chassis, characterised in that each clamping system (40) is provided with an actuation means (46; 66) extending transversely, in contact with the locking means (44; 64) and mounted movable on the base to allow moving from the inactive position to the active locking position of said locking means, and vice versa.

2. Body according to claim 1, wherein the actuating means (46; 66) of each clamping system extends along a transverse elongation axis (54, 70), the actuating means (46; 66) being movably mounted on the base (42; 62) along said elongation axis (54, 70).

3. Body according to claim 2, wherein the actuating means (46; 66) is mounted movable on the base (42; 62) at least in translation along said elongation axis (54, 70).

4. Body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking means (44) of each clamping system is mounted so as to be able to move on in rotation the base (42) about a geometric axis (50) extending longitudinally.

5. Body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking means (64) of each clamping system is mounted for transverse movement in translation along the base (62).

6. Body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating means (46; 66) of each clamping system engages with the base (42; 62) by means of screws.

7. Body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating means (46; 66) of each clamping system extends transversely projecting outward from the base (42; 62) towards one of the vertical sides (18).

8. Body according to claim 7, wherein the actuating means (46; 66) of each clamping system remains recessed transversely with respect to said vertical flank (18).

9. Body according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating means (46; 66) is offset vertically downwards with respect to the floor (20).

10. Road vehicle for transporting goods comprising a chassis (14) extending longitudinally and supporting at least one axle (15) fitted with wheels, an auxiliary frame chassis (16) secured to the chassis (14), and a body (12) according to any one of the preceding claims attached to the auxiliary frame chassis (16).

11. Vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the contact surface (44a; 64a) of the locking means of each clamping system is, in the active locking position, in contact against a longitudinal member (28) of the auxiliary frame chassis.

12. Vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the contact surface (44a; 64a) of the locking means of each clamping system is, in the active locking position, in contact against a side flange of said longitudinal member (28) of the auxiliary frame chassis.

13. Road vehicle for transporting goods comprising a chassis (14) extending longitudinally and supporting at least one axle (15) fitted with wheels, and a body (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 secured to the chassis (14).

14. Vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the contact surface (44a; 64a) of the locking means of each clamping system is, in the active locking position, in contact against a longitudinal member (24) of the frame.

15. Vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the contact surface (44a; 64a) of the locking means of each clamping system is, in the active locking position, in contact against a side's flange of said longitudinal member (24) of the chassis.