Mobile residential building

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydromechanical lifting device for construction, in particular mobile housing, comprising: - a support frame (3) on which said construction (2) is intended to rest, this support frame (3) being movably mounted by means of lifting means (4) on a base frame (5); - a control unit (27) of a hydraulic power unit (19) designed to actuate the lifting means (4); - means for connecting the control unit (27) and the hydraulic power unit (19) to electrical energy supply means; - at least one water level sensor (32) installed on, preferably under, the support frame (3) and connected to the control unit (27).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile dwelling construction, such as mobile homes, bungalows, chalets, caravans, or even converted containers comprising a hydromechanical lifting device.

[0002] This device, designed to protect such a structure in the event of rising water levels, is of particular interest in areas at risk of flooding. Previous art

[0003] Climate change, global warming, and rising sea levels are increasing the risks of flooding and destruction of homes. One consequence is that insurance companies are refusing to insure the managers of many campsites, or even canceling existing contracts, particularly when these campsites are located in high-risk areas, known as red zones, or even in less sensitive areas known as "slow-rising" zones. It is therefore important to offer them a solution that allows them to limit the consequences of these climatic phenomena, especially since demand in the camping sector is growing rapidly and the supply of accommodation has diversified and adapted to this demand, including caravans, mobile homes, bungalows, chalets, and more.

[0004] Without a solution, the outdoor hotel industry is now highly exposed and fears the closure of a large part of the campsites.

[0005] While the risk of flooding is highest in spring, and even in autumn, some campsites have already made arrangements to temporarily relocate mobile homes to areas not prone to flooding during these periods. This requires considerable work, significant logistical planning, and expense, as these non-flood-prone sites are often far from the at-risk areas.

[0006] It is common practice to equip such mobile dwellings with flotation devices, such as polystyrene floats, to allow them to remain afloat during floods. Restraint and anchoring elements, such as ropes or chains, prevent the structure from shifting. However, these do not allow the mobile dwelling to return precisely to its initial position when the water recedes. Such a mobile dwelling very often rests, either directly or with the aid of supports, on concrete or equivalent foundation blocks that ensure its stability and levelness. By shifting and repositioning itself in a way that is offset from these foundation blocks, the structure can sustain significant damage. This relative mobility of the structure when it floats also compromises all connections to the various utility networks: water, electricity, sanitation, etc.

[0007] This problem is identified in document WO 03 002 833, which proposes a guidance system allowing mobile dwelling structures to return to their original position after a period of floating. However, this solution is unsatisfactory because the vertical movement of the structure simultaneously causes a lateral movement, requiring a safety perimeter around each structure and sometimes proving incompatible with development constraints, such as connecting the structure to electricity, water, or sewage networks.

[0008] Vertical guidance during the raising of the mobile dwelling structure during a flood may therefore be desirable. However, the solutions provided for this purpose in the prior art are complex to implement and involve telescopic guides combined with articulated arms, as described in document EP020696, or guide masts as explained in documents FR2587398, FR2733481, or US5347949. It is consequently difficult to implement such solutions in campsites or other outdoor living spaces. WO 2020 / 188394 A1 discloses a mobile dwelling structure according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0009] All these devices share the major drawback of not securing the mobile dwelling structure in its highest position, at maximum buoyancy. Indeed, most dwellings have terraces, platforms, stairs, or other railings against them. These railings are generally made of wood and are therefore floating. Since they are not fixed to the structure and rest on the ground, during floods they tend to move and end up underneath, just like gas cylinders, tree trunks, or other objects carried by the water. Due to the lack of devices capable of holding the mobile dwelling structure aloft, once the floodwaters have receded, it falls back down and becomes embedded in the terraces and other debris, destroying everything in its path. General description of the invention

[0010] In view of the above, there is a need for a hydraulic lifting device for construction that is able to raise this construction stably in the event of rising water, while maintaining its supports on the ground, but also to keep this construction raised when the water level drops to prevent it from resting on debris or other objects that may have slid on top during the flood.

[0011] Thus, the invention relates to a mobile dwelling structure comprising a hydromechanical lifting device according to the attached claim 1.

[0012] According to the invention, the base chassis includes at least one support foot on the ground, designed to be height adjustable relative to this base chassis.

[0013] In particular, the lifting means include a deployable structure subjected to the action of at least one cylinder.

[0014] Advantageously, the hydraulic power unit includes at least one hydraulic pump supplying the cylinder of the deployable structure with pressurized hydraulic fluid through a connection circuit including a non-return valve.

[0015] According to another feature, this mobile dwelling structure is equipped with at least one down-locking wedge capable of occupying at least one position in which the support frame is freely mobile above the base frame under the impulse of the lifting means and an active locking position in which this down-locking wedge mechanically maintains the support frame in its high position or in a determined intermediate position above the base frame.

[0016] According to another feature, at least the control unit is placed in a central sealed and / or watertight cabinet.

[0017] According to the invention, the means of supplying electrical energy are defined by a domestic electrical supply network and / or a means of autonomous electrical energy production, such as a generator set or at least a photovoltaic solar panel and / or a means of electrical energy accumulation, such as one or more batteries.

[0018] In particular, the control unit is programmed to manage the operation of the hydraulic power unit of the lifting means, to raise the support chassis, as appropriate, in stages upon receipt of a signal from the water level sensor or continuously for the duration of the signal received from said sensor.

[0019] Advantageously, the control unit includes means for manually raising and / or lowering the lifting means.

[0020] The advantages of the lifting device of the present invention consist in that it allows a structure to be lifted according to a fluctuating water level in the event of flooding, in order to systematically keep this structure out of the water.

[0021] Furthermore, this structure remains held vertically above its assigned location, without risk of it moving in a horizontal direction.

[0022] Furthermore, and unlike floats, the lifting device allows the structure to remain raised after the floodwaters recede, so as to prevent the structure from resting on any debris or other objects carried under the structure during the preceding flood. General description of the figures

[0023] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description below, this description being supplemented by the accompanying figures, given by way of illustration and not limitation, among which: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 is a schematic and perspective view of a structure based on a hydromechanical lifting device according to the invention, here shown in its lowered rest position; [ Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is a view similar to the figure 1 , representing the structure partially lifted by the hydromechanical lifting device according to the invention; [ Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 is a view similar to the previous figures, illustrating the construction in the fully raised position; Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 is a schematic and partial view of the figure 2 illustrating more distinctly a lifting device according to the invention; [ Fig. 5 ] there figure 5is a schematic, partial, and lateral view of the figure 2 ; Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 illustrates schematically and in perspective a lifting device according to a first embodiment; Fig. 7 ] There figure 7 illustrates schematically and in perspective a lifting device according to a second embodiment; [ Fig. 8 ] There figure 8 illustrates schematically the contents of a central cabinet according to a specific example of its implementation; Fig. 9 ] There figure 9 schematically represents a specific example of a hydraulic connection diagram. Detailed description of a specific example of implementation

[0024] As represented in the figures of the attached drawings, the present invention relates to a construction 2, in particular of the mobile type for housing, such as mobile home, bungalow, chalet, converted container etc., comprising a hydromechanical lifting device 1.

[0025] This hydromechanical lifting device 1 essentially comprises a support frame 3 on which the structure 2 is intended to rest. In particular, this support frame 3 can be designed according to the characteristics of this structure 2 which it is intended to receive, whether in terms of its structure or its dimensions.

[0026] This support chassis 3 rests, via lifting means 4, on a base chassis 5.

[0027] Advantageously, this base chassis 5 includes at least one ground support foot 6, preferably several, of which at least one is designed to be height adjustable relative to this base chassis 5 allowing the horizontality of the latter to be adjusted.

[0028] For example, a ground support foot 6 includes a base plate 7, preferably with a large surface area, preventing the foot 6 from sinking into the ground. This base plate 7 is topped with a threaded rod 8 equipped with an adjusting wing nut 9. The threaded rod 8 also passes through a bushing 10 fitted to the base frame 5, so that rotating the wing nut 9 around said threaded rod 8 results in a height adjustment of the base frame 5.

[0029] In the illustrated example, this base chassis 5 is rectangular in shape and has in each of its corners such a socket 10 receiving an adjustable ground support foot 6. It can also be rested on the ground by means of intermediate feet 6, as illustrated in the figures 1 to 5 . These feet 6 are six in number in this example shown in the figures.

[0030] Despite the support surface provided by a wide-base seat plate 7, the foot or feet 6 preferentially rest on a resistant support, for example a concrete slab or blocks to which these feet 6 can be attached.

[0031] Note that instead of or in addition to adjustable ground support feet, the horizontality of the base chassis 5 can be ensured by shims.

[0032] Lifting means 4 can take different forms. They can be strictly hydraulic in type.

[0033] Advantageously, they include a deployable structure 11 subjected to the action of at least one cylinder 12, single or double acting, for its control in deployment or folding.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, this deployable structure 11 takes the form of at least one, preferably two cross-shaped bases 13, 13a, each composed of a first longitudinal member 14 and a second longitudinal member 15 articulated about a horizontal axis A at their midpoint. The first longitudinal member 14 has a first end 14a fixed in a hinged manner and fixed in translation to the base frame 5 and a second end 14b mounted, which is also sliding, and hinged to the support frame 3, while the second longitudinal member 15 has a first end 15a mounted, which is also hinged and fixed in translation to the support frame 3 and a second end 15b mounted, which is also sliding, and hinged to the base frame 5.

[0035] The support chassis 3 and, respectively, the base chassis 5 have at least one slide 3a, respectively, 5a for receiving, in a sliding manner, the second end 15b of the second longitudinal member 15, respectively, the second end 14b of the first longitudinal member 14. This second end 15b of the second longitudinal member 15 and the second end 14b of the first longitudinal member 14 are advantageously provided with a roller for their movable mounting along the slides respectively 3a and 5a.

[0036] The cylinder 12 can act directly between the support frame 3 and the base frame 5, the rod 16 of this cylinder 12 being connected, in an articulated manner, to one of these frames 3; 5, the body of the cylinder 17 being mounted articulated inversely on the frame 5; 3.

[0037] According to another embodiment, the cylinder 12 can be interposed between the longitudinal members 14, 15 on one side or the other of the articulation in their middle.

[0038] In the embodiment illustrated in the figure 6 , the support chassis 3 is further connected to the base chassis 6 by an articulated arm 18 comprising a first arm section 18a connected, at its lower end in an articulated manner, to the base chassis 5, while on its upper end is articulated the lower end of a second arm section 18b whose upper end is articulated on the support chassis 3.

[0039] Just as before, we can still imagine that this articulated arm 18 extends between the longitudinal members 14 and 15 on one side or the other of the articulation A in their middle, the first section of arm 18a being connected at its lower end in an articulated manner to at least one of the longitudinal members 14 of the two cross legs 13, 13a and the upper end of the second section of arm 18b being mounted articulated on at least one of the longitudinal members 15.

[0040] Preferably, this articulated arm 18 extends in a plane parallel to the cross legs 13, 13a. Advantageously, the cylinder 12 acts, through its ends, defined by the cylinder rod 16 and the cylinder body 17, between the base frame 5 and the second arm section 18b producing an amplification of the displacement of the cylinder rod 16 on the support frame 3.

[0041] According to yet another embodiment visible in the figure figure 7 The cylinder 12 acts, advantageously via a connecting arm 18c, on the axis A on which the longitudinal members 14 and 15 are mounted for rotation at their midpoint. In this case, the rod 16 of this cylinder 12 is connected, in an articulated manner, to this connecting arm 18c, while the body of the cylinder 17 is mounted in an inversely articulated manner on the base frame 5 or on the longitudinal member(s) 14, as illustrated in this figure 7 .

[0042] Device 1 according to the invention further includes a hydraulic power unit 19 for operating the lifting means 4. This hydraulic power unit 19 includes, in this case, at least one hydraulic pump 20 designed to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the cylinder 12 of the deployable structure 11. To do this, this hydraulic pump 20, preferably protected by a strainer 20a, draws the hydraulic fluid contained in a reservoir 21 to convey it to this cylinder 12, through a connecting circuit 22; 22a.

[0043] As illustrated, particularly in the Figures 4 and 5A structure 2 can be supported by several lifting devices 1 according to the invention, in this case two in the figures. These lifting devices 1 must be able to raise or lower the structure 2 synchronously, to maintain it in a substantially horizontal plane during these maneuvers. Also, the hydraulic power unit 19 includes separate connection circuits 22, 22a through which these cylinders 12 are connected to the hydraulic pump 20. Furthermore, the hydraulic power unit 19 is designed to supply each of the cylinders 12 of these lifting devices 1 with a balanced supply of pressurized hydraulic fluid, by means of a flow divider 23.

[0044] Furthermore, the hydraulic power unit 19 includes at least one check valve designed to allow hydraulic fluid to pass into the cylinder of a jack 12 while preventing its unintentional return flow. This check valve can be located at the outlet of the pump 20. In a preferred embodiment, it is associated with a solenoid valve 25 fixed directly to the body of the jack 17, preventing any leakage of pressurized fluid from this jack 20, for example, in the event of a rupture of a connecting hose.

[0045] Thus, once the structure 2 is raised by means of the device(s) 1 according to the invention, its unintentional collapse is prevented. In particular, the solution according to the invention prevents this structure 2 from collapsing unbalanced in the event of a problem on one of the connection circuits 22; 22a.

[0046] Furthermore, according to another feature of the invention, to ensure the safe operation of this lifting device 1, particularly when an operator is present in the space between the support frame 3 and the base frame 5, this lifting device 12 is equipped with at least one lowering locking wedge 26 capable of occupying at least one position in which the support frame 3 is freely movable above the base frame 5 under the impetus of the lifting means 4, and an active locking position in which, conversely, this lowering locking wedge 26, as the case may be, mechanically holds the support frame 3 in its raised position above the base frame 5 or locks this support frame 3 in a predetermined intermediate position in the event of a lowering command. Of course, for added safety, the device 1 according to the invention can be provided with several of these lowering locking wedges 26.

[0047] The lifting device 1 according to the invention further includes a control unit 27 designed to actuate the cylinder(s) 12 associated with the lifting means 4, through the hydraulic power unit 19.

[0048] This control unit 27, grouping all the electrical control components, is advantageously placed in a central cabinet 28, preferably watertight, and / or arranged at a height so as to prevent it from being immersed in the event of rising water.

[0049] The control unit 27 is not only connected to the hydraulic power unit 19, but also includes means for connection to means for supplying electrical power 29 which can take different forms of embodiment.

[0050] Thus, these means of supplying electrical energy 29 can correspond to a domestic electrical supply network and / or a means of autonomous electrical energy production, such as a generator set or at least a photovoltaic solar panel 29a and / or a means of electrical energy accumulation, such as one or more batteries 30.

[0051] In particular, the control unit 27 can be designed to be powered by both one or more batteries 30 and a domestic power supply network or an autonomous power generation device 29a. This control unit 27 can be equipped with an electric charger 31 designed to recharge the battery(ies) 30 via the domestic power supply network. This recharging of the battery(ies) 29 can also be carried out by an autonomous power generation device 29a, in this case at least one photovoltaic solar panel.

[0052] The recharging of the battery or batteries 30 can take place, in particular through a charge regulator 30a, outside of flood periods, so that they have a sufficient reserve of electrical charge to ensure, on their own, the operation of the control unit 27, or even of the hydraulic power unit 19 during a rise in water and a cut-off of the domestic electrical supply network or a malfunction of the autonomous electrical energy production means 29a.

[0053] According to an essential feature of the invention, the lifting device 1 includes at least one water level sensor 32 located on, preferably under, the support chassis 3 and connected to the control unit 27 to control, via the lifting means 4, the raising of the support chassis 3 relative to the base chassis 5 in the event of water detection by said sensor 32.

[0054] For example, such a water level sensor 32 may be in the form of a float switch, which is designed to be pushed away by rising water to activate a contactor and transmit an electrical signal to the control unit 27. This signal, via the control unit 27 and the hydraulic power unit 19 to which it is connected, triggers the operation of the hydraulic pump 20 to supply hydraulic fluid to the cylinder(s) 12 and partially or fully raise the support chassis 3.

[0055] Specifically, this contactor, activated by the float of sensor 32, can excite a relay included in the control unit 27, causing the hydraulic pump motor 20 to operate.

[0056] The control unit 27 can be programmed to manage the operation of the hydraulic power unit 19 of the lifting means 4, so that the raising of the support chassis 3 is carried out in stages, for example by a few centimeters or a few tens of centimeters, at each signal emanating from a water level sensor 32 avoiding unnecessarily raising the structure in the event of limited flooding.

[0057] According to another embodiment, the control unit 27 generates, via the hydraulic power unit 19 and the lifting means 4, the raising of the support chassis 3 for as long as it receives an electrical signal from a water level sensor 32. This signal can be emitted as long as the float of such a sensor 32, pushed back by the effect of water pressure, activates the contactor generating this electrical signal towards the control unit 27. In this case, this contactor, activated by the float, energizes a relay in the control unit 27, which in turn starts the hydraulic pump motor 20. Conversely, this control unit 27 stops the raising of the support chassis 3 when the float no longer activates the contactor and the relay is no longer energized.

[0058] It should be taken into account that the invention is not limited to this configuration. In particular, one can imagine a reverse configuration in which a water level sensor 32 emits an electrical signal towards the control unit 27, as long as it is not activated, this signal being interrupted in the event of detection of a rise in water, causing the support frame 3 to be raised, until the signal is restored.

[0059] Raising the structure 2 in stages, or directly in response to water level detection, has the advantage of placing only a proportional load on the connection systems linking it to various networks, such as electricity, water, and sewage. These connection systems are preferably designed to be flexible.

[0060] Advantageously, in the event of partial or total lifting of a structure 2 by the lifting means 4 under the control of the control unit 27, the latter prevents these lifting means 4 from automatically lowering to return the structure 2 to its normal lowered position. For this purpose, and also to allow for maintenance operations, for example, the control unit 27 further includes manual control means 33 for raising and / or lowering the lifting device 1, according to the invention.

[0061] Using these manual control means 33, an operator can ensure that no object has slipped under the structure 2 and obstructs the maneuver when the lifting means 4 are lowered. During this maneuver, he can also check that the various connection networks are in place and follow the movement so as to be operational once the structure 2 is lowered.

[0062] Such manual control means 33 may be in the form of two pulse buttons on a control panel included in the control unit 27 or on a wired or wireless remote control, in connection with the control unit 27.

[0063] Advantageously, the actuation of the lifting means 4 by such manual control means 33 is only possible for an authorized operator. For example, the central cabinet 28, which houses the control unit 27 and these manual control means 33, can be kept closed by means of a key lock. Alternatively, the control unit 27 is equipped with a keypad or a touchscreen with code unlocking, through which these manual control means 33 can be activated.

[0064] The operation of the control unit 27 and / or the hydraulic power unit 19 can also be interrupted by means of an emergency stop switch 34, also known as a push-button switch, which is included in the device 1. This emergency stop switch 34 can be located anywhere near the device 1 according to the invention. In particular, it can be positioned on the central cabinet 28.

[0065] Apart from the control unit 27, the central cabinet 28 can also be provided to accommodate the components of the hydraulic power unit 19 in order to keep them dry in the event of a high rise in water.

[0066] It should be noted in this regard that a hydraulic power unit can be common to lifting devices 1 corresponding to different structures 2. The cylinders 12 of the lifting devices of these different structures are connected via a selector adapted to this common hydraulic power unit. This selector, under the impulse of a control unit 27 corresponding to a defined structure, allows the pressurized hydraulic fluid to be sent towards the lifting means 4 of the lifting device(s) associated with this structure, for which a water level sensor 32 has detected a rise in water level or whose manual control means 33 are activated.

[0067] A circuit breaker / selector 35 placed between the power supply means 29 and the control unit 27 and / or the hydraulic power unit 19 can protect the electronic components of the latter.

[0068] Such a circuit breaker / selector 35 can still be located upstream of the charging circuit of the battery or batteries 30 to protect the low voltage installation of the control unit 27.

Claims

1. Mobile dwelling structure (2) comprising a hydromechanical lifting device (1) having: - a support frame (3) on which said structure (2) is intended to rest, said support frame (3) being movably mounted on a base frame (5) by means of lifting means (4); - a hydraulic power unit (19) designed to actuate the lifting means (4) which comprise a deployable structure (11) subjected to the action of at least one ram (12); - a control unit (27) for the hydraulic power unit (19); - means for connecting the control unit (27) and the hydraulic power unit (19) to electrical energy supply means (29; 29a); - at least one water level sensor (32) connected to the control unit (27); - the hydraulic power unit (19) comprises at least one hydraulic pump (20) designed to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the ram (12) of the deployable structure (11), characterized in that the water level sensor (32) is located on, preferably under, the support frame (3), in that the hydraulic power unit (19) comprises at least one non-return valve designed to allow the hydraulic fluid to pass into the cylinder of a ram (12) while preventing the hydraulic fluid from flowing out of the cylinder unintentionally; and in that - said lifting device (1) has at least one lowering locking wedge (26) capable of occupying at least one position in which the support frame (3), driven by the lifting means (4), is freely movable above the base frame (5), and an active locking position in which said lowering locking wedge (26) mechanically maintains the support frame (3) in the raised position thereof or in a determined intermediate position above the base frame (5).

2. Mobile dwelling structure (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the base frame (5) comprises at least one ground support foot (6) which is designed to be height-adjustable relative to the base frame (5).

3. Mobile dwelling structure (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the deployable structure (11) takes the shape of at least one, preferably two, cross stands (13, 13a), each consisting of a first leg (14) and a second leg (15) articulated in the center thereof, the first leg (14) having a first end (14a) which is rigidly connected, in an articulated and translatably immovable manner, to the base frame (5) and a second end (14b), simultaneously slidably mounted, is articulated on the support frame (3), the second leg (15) having a first end (15a) mounted, in an articulated and translatably immovable manner, on the support frame (3) and a second end (15b), simultaneously slidably mounted, is articulated on the base frame (5).

4. Mobile dwelling structure (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a central box (28), which is sealed and / or out of the water, in which at least the control unit (27) is located.

5. Mobile dwelling structure (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises electrical energy supply means (29) defined by an autonomous electrical energy production means, like a generator set or at least a photovoltaic solar panel (29a) and / or an electrical energy storage means, such as one or more batteries (30).

6. Mobile dwelling structure (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water level sensor (32) is a float sensor which is intended to be pushed back by rising water in order to actuate a contactor and transmit an electrical signal to the control unit 27.

7. Mobile dwelling structure (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (27) is programmed to manage the operation of the hydraulic power unit (19) of the lifting means (4) in order to raise the support frame (3), as the case may require, incrementally on receipt of a signal from the water level sensor (32) or continuously during the time of perception of the signal emitted by said sensor (32).

8. Mobile dwelling structure (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (27) comprises manual control means (33) for raising and / or lowering the lifting means (4).

9. Mobile dwelling structure (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an emergency stop switch (34).

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