Separation device with clamping bar for a refrigerated body

Abstract

The invention proposes a longitudinal partition device (10) for a refrigerated body (11), of the type comprising at least one partition (42, 42a, 42b) having, at the height of an upper edge (44) of the partition (42, 42a, 42b), an anchoring mechanism (46) for the partition (42, 42a, 42b) in a multitude of longitudinal positions in the body (11), and the partition being retractable by pivoting the partition (42) about a transverse upper retraction axis (A46) between a vertical service position and a raised position, characterized in that the device comprises a tie rod (48, 48a, 48b) that is fixed to the partition (42, 42a, 42b) by a tilting mechanism (50, 50a, 50b) that allows the tie rod to move (48, 48a, 48b) between a position storage and a lashing position. position relative to the partition (42, 42a, 42b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a longitudinal partitioning device for a refrigerated body, particularly for a refrigerated body of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle trailer. The invention also relates to a trailer for a motor vehicle, particularly a truck, comprising a refrigerated body equipped with at least one partitioning device. Technical background

[0002] Partitioning devices for refrigerated vehicles are known to allow for the creation of distinct zones within the same refrigerated body, whether mounted on a rigid truck or a semi-trailer. These zones can potentially be maintained at different temperatures. A partitioning device typically consists of a movable partition between a vertical position within the body and a raised position, in which the partition is, for example, folded upwards against the ceiling of the refrigerated body.

[0003] Document EP-3.825.180-A1 describes an improved partitioning device with numerous advantages. In particular, the partition has, at one of its upper edges, a mechanism for anchoring the partition in a multitude of longitudinal positions within the body. Furthermore, this document describes a partitioning device in which the partition comprises two transversely juxtaposed panels, each of which can be retracted independently of the other by pivoting around the upper transverse retraction axis between a vertical service position and a raised position.

[0004] Lashing bars are also known to provide a solid support within the cargo area of ​​a truck or truck trailer body, for securing loads and / or preventing their movement along the longitudinal axis. A lashing bar is designed to be removably fixed longitudinally across the cargo area. To achieve this, the lashing bar has two lashing ends, each equipped with a lashing device on a side wall of the rigid body. It is also known to equip the two opposing inner side walls of a rigid body with a longitudinal profile that includes numerous additional lashing devices, distributed along the length of the rail, to complement the lashing bar's lashing devices.Such opposing profiles allow a lashing bar to be removably fixed in various longitudinal positions within the cargo area, depending on the load to be secured. Generally, to unload a trailer, it is necessary to detach the lashing bar. At the end of unloading, the lashing bar is sometimes left behind on the loading dock. EP-3,699,027, US-4,880,342, US-2,715,040, and US-5,265,993 describe systems according to the prior art.

[0005] The invention aims to provide an improved partitioning device, which facilitates the work of loading and unloading a refrigerated vehicle, to promote both the safety of the load and compliance with the temperature conditions for transporting the goods. Description of the invention

[0006] The invention proposes a longitudinal partitioning device for a refrigerated body, of the type comprising at least one partitioning partition having, at the level of an upper edge of the partition, a mechanism for anchoring the partition in a multitude of longitudinal positions in the body, and the partition being retractable by pivoting the partition around a transverse upper retraction axis between a vertical service position and a raised position.

[0007] The device includes a lashing bar, which is in one or more parts, and which is fixed to the partition by a tilting mechanism that allows the lashing bar to move between a storage position and a lashing position relative to the partition. The lashing bar is thus always readily available. Furthermore, by being fixed to the partition, it ensures, in the lashing position, that the partition is secured relative to its upper transverse retractable axis.

[0008] In some embodiments, the tilting mechanism causes the lashing bar to move between its lashing and storage positions parallel to a general plane of the partition. This allows for minimal overall space requirements and easy handling of the lashing bar between its storage and lashing positions.

[0009] In some embodiments, the lashing bar is horizontal in the lashing position, and in the storage position, it is inclined relative to the horizontal at a storage angle ranging from 15 degrees to 90 degrees. This ensures that the lashing bar does not protrude transversely from the bulkhead in the storage position, thus reducing its overall footprint.

[0010] In some embodiments, the lashing bar has two lashing ends, each equipped with a lashing device on a side wall of the refrigerated body. The wall attachments allow the bar to form a solid lashing point for the cargo, and, since the bar is also fixed to the partition, they securely fasten the partition, preventing any rotation of the partition around its retraction axis.

[0011] In some embodiments, the tilting mechanism includes a joint by which the lashing bar is articulated on the bulkhead around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the bulkhead. Such an embodiment is simple and inexpensive to implement.

[0012] In some embodiments, the tilting mechanism includes at least one sliding connection point between the bar and the partition, offset from the axis of rotation of the bar. In some embodiments, the sliding connection point of the tilting mechanism includes a circular arc-shaped slide around the axis of rotation and a claw that is retained by the slide in at least one direction perpendicular to the partition and that can slide within the slide along the circular arc around the axis of rotation. The slide may be fixed to one of the partition and the bar, while the claw may be fixed to the other of the partition and the bar.

[0013] In some embodiments, the partition comprises two transversely juxtaposed panels, each of which can be retracted independently of the other by pivoting around the upper transverse retraction axis between a vertical service position and a raised position. In such a case, the lashing bar may comprise a first half-bar which is fixed to the first of the two panels by a first tilting mechanism that allows the first half-bar to move between a storage position and a lashing position relative to the first panel, and a second half-bar which is fixed to the second panel by a second tilting mechanism that allows the second half-bar to move between a storage position and a lashing position relative to the second panel.Each half-bar can have a medial end and a lateral end. The lateral end can be fitted with a lashing device to a side wall of the refrigerated unit, thus forming a lashing end for the lashing bar. Constructing the lashing bar in several sections reduces the weight of each section, simplifying the retraction of the panels around the upper transverse retraction axis. This also allows each bar section to be easily contained, in its storage position, within the transverse dimensions of the panel in question.

[0014] In some embodiments, the tilting mechanism of a half-bar determines a movement of the half-bar, between its lashing and storage positions, that is parallel to a general plane of the corresponding panel. This allows for minimal overall space requirements and easy handling of the half-bar between its storage and lashing positions.

[0015] In some embodiments, the tilting mechanism of a half-bar includes a joint by which the half-bar is articulated on the corresponding panel around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the corresponding panel. Such an embodiment is simple and inexpensive to implement.

[0016] In some embodiments, the tilting mechanism for a half-bar includes at least one sliding connection point between the half-bar and the corresponding partition panel, offset from the half-bar's axis of rotation. This helps to limit the risk of the half-bar being pulled away from the panel. The tilting mechanism may thus include a circular arc-shaped slide around the axis of rotation and a claw that is retained by the slide in at least one direction perpendicular to the panel and that can slide within the slide along the circular arc around the axis of rotation. The slide is fixed to one of the panel and the half-bar, while the claw is fixed to the other of the panel and the half-bar. Such a design is simple and reliable.

[0017] In some embodiments, the half-bar has a center of gravity that is closer to the upper transverse retraction axis when the half-bar is in the storage position than when it is in the lashing position. This simplifies the retraction of the corresponding panel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the axis of rotation of the half-bar is offset along the half-bar towards a lateral end of the half-bar.

[0019] In some embodiments, the device includes means for locking the medial ends of the half-bars in the lashing position, locking the rotation of the half-bars in the lashing position.

[0020] In some embodiments, the device includes means for mutually interlocking the medial ends of the half-bars in the lashing position, thus making it possible to produce, at less cost, a bar in several parts having resistance properties equivalent to those of a bar in one part.

[0021] In some embodiments, the device includes a mechanism for returning the half-bar to its storage position, thus ensuring its stability. The return means can also facilitate handling of the half-bar, for example, if its center of gravity is offset from its axis of rotation.

[0022] In some embodiments, the joint has laxity along the axis of rotation, making it possible to limit the risk of the bar being pulled away from the partition.

[0023] The invention also relates to a refrigerated body comprising at least one partitioning device having at least one of the characteristics stated above. Such a refrigerated body can, for example, be part of a motor vehicle or a motor vehicle trailer.

[0024] The invention also relates to a trailer for a motor vehicle, the trailer comprising a refrigerated box having at least one partitioning device having at least one of the characteristics stated above.

[0025] . Brief description of the drawings

[0026] [ Fig. 1 ] : There Figure 1 is a view of a road vehicle comprising a tractor-trailer truck. Fig. 2 ] : There Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of a first example of a partitioning device including a lashing bar, shown in the lashing bar's storage position. Fig. 3 ] : There Figure 3is a view similar to that of the Figure 2 illustrating the first example, in the lashing bar's securing position. Fig. 4 ] : There Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a second example of a partitioning device, shown in the lashing bar's lashing position. Fig. 5 ] : There Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of the second example, shown in the storage position of the lashing bar. Fig. 6 ] : There Figure 6 is a view of the second example, similar to that of the Figure 5 , the lashing bar being in the lashing position, before locking the medial ends. Fig. 7 ] : There Figure 7 is a view of the second example, similar to that of the Figure 6 , the lashing bar being in the lashing position, after locking the medial ends. Fig. 8 ] : There Figure 8is a partial, bottom-up perspective view, with partial removal, of the second embodiment. Fig. 9 ] : There Figure 9 is a schematic and partial perspective view of a third example of a partitioning device, shown in an intermediate position of the lashing bar. Fig. 10 ] : There Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a lashing bar conforming to that of the third example. Fig. 11 ] : There Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view from a transverse plane showing the lateral end of a tie-down bar and its attachment to the bodywork, in a version conforming to that of the third example. Fig. 12 ] : There Figure 12 is a perspective view of a half-bar and its tilting mechanism. Detailed description

[0027] There figure 1shows a partitioning device 10 of a refrigerated body 11, in an example in which the refrigerated body is part of a motor vehicle trailer 12.

[0028] In this example, the refrigerated body 11 is that of a semi-trailer 12, intended to be towed by a tractor truck 14. As is known, the tractor truck 14 has a chassis 16 with at least one front axle 18 and one rear axle 20. The front section has a cab 22 housing the driver's seat of the tractor truck 14. The rear section of the chassis 16, longitudinally behind the cab 22, has a fifth-wheel coupling (not visible). The semi-trailer 12 has a chassis with one or more rear axles 24, but, being a semi-trailer, no front axle. The front section 26 of the semi-trailer 12 overlaps the rear section of the chassis of the tractor truck 14 and is articulated on the fifth wheel. However, in other examples, the refrigerated body could be placed on the chassis of a carrier truck, or could be integrated into any other type of motor vehicle.

[0029] The refrigerated body 11 defines a loading volume 28 intended to hold goods. This loading volume 28 is generally accessible from a rear face 30 of the semi-trailer, usually equipped with a door, for example, a double-leaf door or a roller shutter door. This loading volume 28 is preferably parallelepiped-shaped, with a longitudinal direction that is that of the vehicle, a vertical direction, and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and vertical directions. The refrigerated body 11 conventionally comprises a floor 32, preferably horizontal, side walls 34, preferably longitudinal and vertical, and a ceiling 36, also preferably horizontal.Preferably, the side walls 34 are made of isothermal materials to define a thermally insulated cargo space, in which goods can be transported under controlled temperatures. As is known, the semi-trailer 12 includes a refrigeration unit to lower the temperature inside the cargo space 28 relative to the ambient air temperature outside the body 11.

[0030] The partitioning device 10 allows for the delimitation of distinct zones within the loading volume 28 defined by the refrigerated body 11. These distinct zones can be maintained at the same temperature or at different temperatures.

[0031] The partitioning device 10 is a longitudinal partitioning device that allows a front zone 38 to be separated from a rear zone 40 in the loading volume 28 of the refrigerated body 11. To achieve this, the partitioning device 10 comprises at least one partition wall 42 having, at an upper edge 44 of the wall 42, an anchoring mechanism 46 for the wall 42 in a multitude of longitudinal positions in the body 11. The multitude of positions includes at least two distinct longitudinal positions, and preferably more, with positions distributed over a range of positions that preferably extends over several meters, possibly over more than 80 percent of the length of the loading volume 28. The multitude of positions could consist of an infinite number of contiguous positions, with a continuously adjustable anchoring mechanism.However, in practice, the anchoring mechanism 46 allows the upper edge 44 to be anchored in one of a series of several discrete longitudinal positions, distributed, for example at regular intervals, for example intervals of 5 centimeters or of one or more tens of centimeters, over a range of positions which preferably extends over several meters.

[0032] As is known, the partition wall 42 is retractable by pivoting the partition wall 42 around a transverse upper retraction axis A46 between a vertical service position (shown on the Figure 1), and a raised position (not shown). Preferably, the raised position of the partition 42 is substantially horizontal and substantially abuts the ceiling 36. Preferably, the anchoring mechanism 46 allows the partition 36 to be held in the raised position. Preferably, the anchoring mechanism 46 allows the partition 42 to be held in its vertical, service position. Preferably, to effectively separate the distinct zones 38, 40 of the loading volume 28 from a thermal perspective, the partition extends, in its service position, over the entire height of the loading volume 28 in the vertical direction, and over the entire width of the loading volume in the transverse direction. Preferably, the partition is made of thermally insulating materials.

[0033] In some embodiments, such as the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 3The partition wall 42 comprises a single panel extending across the entire width of the loading volume 28 in the transverse direction. However, in other embodiments, such as the second and third embodiments illustrated respectively in Figures 4 to 8 and to Figures 9 to 12 , the partition wall 42 comprises two transversely juxtaposed panels 42a, 42b, which are each retractable independently of each other by pivoting around the upper transverse retraction axis A46 between a vertical service position and a raised position.

[0034] An example of an anchoring mechanism 46, for a single-panel partition 42, or for a two-panel partition 42a, 42b, is described, for example, in document EP-3.825.180, to which reference should be made for further details. The anchoring mechanism 46 comprises, for example, for each panel 42, 42a, 42b, a carriage arranged at the upper edge 44 of the panel and configured to slide and lock onto a corresponding longitudinal rail 47a, 47b fixed to the ceiling 36 of the insulated body. In the case illustrated in the Figure 1For a partition wall 42 with two juxtaposed panels 42a, 42b, two longitudinal rails 47a, 47b are provided, fixed to the ceiling 36 of the insulated body, offset from each other in the transverse direction so as to be arranged approximately at the midpoint of the corresponding panel 42a, 42b in the transverse direction. The carriage of the anchoring mechanism 46 associated with each panel preferably includes means for anchoring the panel 42, 42a, 42b in a multitude of longitudinal positions relative to the corresponding rail 47a, 47b. The carriage may also include means for holding the panel in the raised position, or even in the service position.

[0035] In one aspect, the partitioning device 10 includes a lashing bar 48 which is fixed to the partition 42 by a tilting mechanism 50 that allows the lashing bar to move between a storage position and a lashing position relative to the partition. By fixing the lashing bar 48, sometimes called a load stop bar, to the partitioning partition, it is ensured that it is never left in place. It will also be seen that it helps to maintain the partitioning partition 42 in its vertical service position, in the longitudinal position set by means of the anchoring mechanism 46.

[0036] Preferably, as illustrated respectively on the Figures 3 And 7The lashing bar 48 is arranged, in the lashing position, so that its length extends in the transverse, horizontal direction across the loading volume 28. As will be described in more detail for the second and third embodiments, the lashing bar 48 has two lashing ends 52a, 52b, each of which is equipped with a lashing device 54 for lashing the lashing end 52a, 52b to the corresponding side wall 34 of the refrigerated body 11. It will be seen that this lashing of the lashing bar 48 can be done on longitudinal profiles 76 which are arranged on the side walls, and that this lashing can be carried out in a longitudinal position in the loading volume 28, which corresponds to the longitudinal position of the partition wall fixed by the anchoring mechanism 46.

[0037] In the lashing position, the lashing bar 48 is preferably arranged in a lower half of the partition 42, for example in an area of ​​the partition which is, in height, from a lower edge of the partition 42, between 15 percent and 50 percent of the total height of the partition, more preferably between 20 and 40 percent of the total height of the partition.

[0038] In the lashing position, the lashing devices 54 located at the two lashing ends 52a, 52b of the lashing bar 48 are lashed with the corresponding side wall 34 to lock the lashing bar in this position and to allow the lashing bar to absorb without displacement forces in the longitudinal direction, forces which can be significant and which can be applied to the lashing bar itself or to the partition wall 42.

[0039] Preferably, the lashing bar 48 is straight between its two lashing ends 52a, 52b.

[0040] In a single-panel embodiment, such as the first example illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 The lashing bar 48 can be made in the form of a full-width bar, the length of which is substantially equal to the width of the loading compartment 28 in the transverse direction. In such an embodiment, the tilting mechanism 50 preferably determines a displacement of the lashing bar 48, between its lashing and storage positions, that is parallel to a general plane of the partition 42. In the storage position, the lashing bar 48 is inclined with respect to the horizontal at a storage angle that is in the range of 15 degrees to 90 degrees. In the first embodiment, a storage angle of 25 degrees with respect to the horizontal transverse direction is shown.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the movement of the lashing bar 48, between its lashing and storage positions, is a purely rotational movement around a rotation axis A56 perpendicular to the partition 42. For this purpose, the tilting mechanism 50 includes a joint 56 by which the bar 48 is articulated on the partition around the rotation axis A56. In this first example, the joint 56 is located at the midpoint of the lashing bar 48's length, and the rotation axis A56 is located at the center of the partition 42 in the transverse direction. Furthermore, the rotation axis A56 is preferably arranged in a lower half of the partition 42, for example in an area of ​​the partition which is between 15 percent and 50 percent of the total height of the partition, measured from a lower edge of the partition 42, more preferably between 20 and 40 percent of the total height of the partition.

[0042] In the first and third embodiments, the tilting mechanism 50 includes at least one sliding connection point 58, which is offset from the axis of rotation A56 of the bar 48, and which, without interfering with the rotation of the lashing bar 48, allows the lashing bar 48 to be linked to the partition 42 in the direction perpendicular to the partition 42. In the first example, the device includes two sliding connection points 58 which are arranged each on one side of the axis of rotation A56, preferably at an equal distance from the axis of rotation A56. Each sliding connection point 58 allows for the absorption of forces that would tend to move the lashing bar 48 away from the partition 42, particularly under the effect of the application of a longitudinal force on the partition 42 when it is lashed in the service position by the lashing bar 48. Such a sliding connection point 58 will be described in more detail in relation to the third embodiment.

[0043] In an embodiment with several juxtaposed panels, the lashing bar could be a full-width lashing bar fixed, by a suitable tilting mechanism, to one of the panels. In such a case, it is advantageous to provide that the axis of rotation A56 of the bar 48, determined by the hinge 56, is offset along the bar, relative to its center in the direction of its length, so as to be closer to one of its lateral ends 52a, 52b than to the other.

[0044] However, in embodiments with several juxtaposed panels, such as the second and third examples, the lashing bar 48 is preferably made in the form of a lashing bar 48 in several parts, preferably in as many parts as there are panels 42a, 42b. Thus, the lashing bar 48 comprises, in the second and third examples, a first half-bar 48a which is fixed to a first 42a of the two panels, by a first tilting mechanism 50a which allows the movement of the first half-bar 48a between a storage position and a lashing position relative to the first panel 42a, and a second half-bar 48b which is fixed to the second panel 42b by a second tilting mechanism 50b which allows the movement of the second half-bar 48b between a storage position and a lashing position relative to the second panel 42b.In the examples, the two half-bars 48a, 48b and their respective tilting mechanisms 50a, 50b are identical and symmetrical with respect to a median vertical and longitudinal plane of the loading volume, because in the example the two partition wall panels 42a, 42b are of identical width in the transverse direction. If the two panels were not of the same width in the transverse direction, the half-bars could be of different lengths, or, alternatively, of identical lengths.

[0045] Each half-bar 48a, 48b has a medial end 60a, 60b, transversely directed towards the center of the loading volume in the lashing position, and a lateral end 52a, 52b, transversely directed towards the corresponding side wall of the refrigerated body 11. The lateral end 52a, 52b of each half-bar 48a, 48b is equipped with a lashing device 54 on the corresponding side wall 34 of the refrigerated body. Thus, the lateral end 52a, 52b of each half-bar forms a lashing end of the lashing bar 48 taken as a whole. Each half-bar 48a, 48b is preferably straight between its medial end 60a, 60b and its lateral end 52a, 52b. Preferably, when each of the half-bars 48a, 48b forming the lashing bar 48 is in lashing position, they are aligned in a straight line, so as to form a straight lashing bar 48.

[0046] In an embodiment with several juxtaposed panels, the tilting mechanism 50a, 50b determines a displacement of each half-bar 48a, 48b, between its lashing and storage positions, which is preferably parallel to a general plane of the corresponding panel 42a, 42b on which it is fixed by the tilting mechanism 50a, 50b.

[0047] In the examples the tilting mechanism 50a, 50b of a half bar 48a, 48b includes a joint 56a, 56b by which the half bar 48a, 48b is articulated on the corresponding panel 42a, 42b around an axis of rotation A56a, A56b perpendicular to the corresponding panel.

[0048] In the stowed position, each half-bar is preferably horizontal. In the storage position, each half-bar 48a, 48b is preferably inclined relative to the horizontal at a storage angle ranging from 15 degrees to 90 degrees. In the second example, we can see at figures 4 And 5 that the storage angle of each half-bar is 90 degrees. In the third example, the storage angle of each half-bar is 25 degrees.

[0049] In the lashing position, the lashing devices 54 located at the lashing ends 52a, 52b of each of the two half-bars 48a, 48b are lashed to the corresponding side panel 34 to lock the bar in this position. An embodiment of a sliding connection point 58 is illustrated in more detail in Figures 10 and 11, particularly in the case of a half-bar 48a, 48b for a partition 42 with two juxtaposed panels. However, the same design can be used in the case of a one-piece lashing bar 48, for a single-panel partition, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 .

[0050] In the illustrated embodiments, each lashing member 54 includes a sliding finger 64, which is illustrated more particularly on the Figures 10 and 11 As shown in these figures, the sliding finger 64 is mounted on the lateral end 52a, 52b of the half-bar 48a, 48b and extends and slides relative to the half-bar 48a, 48b along the direction of elongation of the half-bar 48a, 48b, under transverse outward load, towards the side wall 34 corresponding to the lateral end 52a, 52b, to a projecting lashing position. The sliding finger 64 can thus slide between a retracted unlocked position and its projecting lashing position, in which it projects transversely outward along the direction of elongation of the half-bar 48a, 48b, to cooperate with lashing means 74, 76 of the corresponding side wall 34.

[0051] In the example, the lashing device 54 comprises a cartridge forming the housing 66, which is mounted at the lateral end 52a, 52b of the half-bar 48a, 48b. The sliding finger 64 has a base 68 that slides in a recess defined by the cartridge 66, while the sliding finger 64 extends transversely outward from the cartridge 66 through an opening 72 facing the lateral wall 34 corresponding to this lateral end 52a, 52b. A compression spring 70, housed in the recess defined by the cartridge 66 and bearing against the base 68 of the sliding finger 64, can be provided to force it outward toward its protruding lashing position.

[0052] In the embodiments shown, the side walls 34 of the refrigerated body 11 include, as a means of securing the load, a series of recesses 74 into which the sliding finger 64 can be received when the lashing bar 48, or the half-bar 48a, 48b, is in the lashing position. Each recess 74 is positioned longitudinally within the loading compartment 28 so as to correspond, at least approximately, to a longitudinal position of the partition wall 42 determined by the anchoring mechanism 46.

[0053] As is known in the field of lashing bars, these indentations 74 can be formed on a longitudinal profile 76 fixed to an internal surface of each of the side walls 34 of the body 11. The longitudinal profile 76 is, for example, made of metal, for example, of bent and cut sheet metal. Two longitudinal profiles 76 are thus arranged opposite each other transversely on either side of the loading volume, each on an internal surface of one of the side walls 34 of the refrigerated body 11, at the same height as the lashing bar 48 in the lashing position. The impressions 74 of the two longitudinal profiles 76 are arranged in correspondence along the longitudinal direction, in the sense that an impression 74 of one of the longitudinal profiles 76 is arranged in the same longitudinal position, in the loading volume 28, as a corresponding impression of the other of the longitudinal profiles 76.

[0054] In general, the lashing devices of the lashing bar 48 are configured, with the corresponding lashing means of the bodywork, to at least ensure a locking of the lashing bar in the longitudinal direction capable of retaining loads when moving the vehicle, and capable of absorbing forces applied to the partitioning device during loading and unloading.

[0055] As can be seen more particularly on the Figure 9 and on the Figure 11An example of a longitudinal profile 76 has, in a vertical transverse plane, a gendarme's hat profile, the lower and upper edges of which form lower and upper longitudinal portions 78, 80 for attachment to the side wall 34, and a central portion, between the lower and upper longitudinal portions 78, 80, which is transversely raised towards the center of the loading volume relative to the inner surface of the side wall 34 to which the longitudinal profile 76 is attached. In this central portion, which extends along the length of the longitudinal profile 76, recesses 74 are provided at regular intervals to accommodate the sliding finger 64. The recesses 74 are formed, for example, by cutouts and folds in the sheet metal forming the longitudinal profile 76.

[0056] The sliding finger 64 is received in a recess 74 to form a bolt received in a strike plate, and to lock the lashing bar 48 or the half-bar 48a, 48b in the lashing position, at least in the longitudinal direction.

[0057] In the example of Figures 10 and 11The sliding finger 64 has an inclined upper face 82, which, when the half-bar 48a, 48b moves from its storage position to its lashing position, rests against the lower edge of the central portion of the longitudinal rail 76. This causes, by cam action, the sliding finger 64 to automatically retract into the cartridge 66, allowing the half-bar 48a, 48b to reach its lashing position. When the half-bar 48a, 48b has reached its lashing position, the sliding finger 64 is aligned with a recess 74 into which it engages, under the action of the spring 70, to lashing the half-bar 48a, 48b in the lashing position. Thus, automatic lashing of the lashing bar or half-bar is achieved.

[0058] In the example of Figures 10 and 11, the sliding finger 64 has a lower inclined face 84, which, when the bar leaves its lashing position, by a manipulation by the user, causes an automatic unlashing of the lashing device 54, allowing, beyond a certain force applied on the lashing bar 48 rotating around the axis of rotation A56a, A56b, to automatically retract the locking finger 64 against the spring 70, and thus to pivot the half-bar 48a, 48b towards its storage position.

[0059] It should be noted that such automatic unfastening occurs only when a rotational force is applied to the half-bar 48a, 48b around the axis of rotation A56a. This automatic unfastening does not occur when a force perpendicular to the partition 42 is applied to the bar 48 or to the partition 42 in its service position. Thus, the automatic unfastening of the lashing device 54 does not in any way diminish the capacity of the lashing bar 48 to withstand, without displacement, forces in the longitudinal direction, forces which can be significant and which can be applied to the lashing bar 48 itself or to the partition 42.

[0060] However, such automatic lashing or unlashing is not mandatory. In the second example of an embodiment illustrated more specifically in figures 4 And 8The lashing device 54 can be manually unlashed by the user using a pull tab 85, which is designed to retract the sliding finger 64 against the compression spring 70. This second embodiment, however, allows for automatic lashing due to the presence of the compression spring 70. Alternatively, the lashing of the lashing device 54 could also be manually operated, for example, with a lashing device featuring a sliding finger 64, which lacks a spring but allows the sliding finger 64 to be moved to its protruding lashing position using the pull tab 85.

[0061] Preferably, the partitioning device 10 includes means for locking the medial ends 60a, 60b of the half-bars 48a, 48b in the lashing position, in order to prevent the rotation of the half-bars in the lashing position. These locking means could include means for locking, on the partition 42, the medial end 60a, 60b of a given half-bar 48a, 48b, for example by locking the medial end 60a, 60b to the panel 42a, 42b corresponding to that given half-bar 48a, 48b.

[0062] However, in the second and third examples, the device includes, as locking means for the medial ends 60a, 60b, means for mutually interlocking the medial ends 60a, 60b of the half-bars 48a, 48b in the lashing position. Indeed, in these embodiments, the half-bars 48a, 48b in the lashing position are aligned and their medial ends 60a, 60b face each other.

[0063] In both examples, the means for mutual interlocking include an interlocking sleeve 62 which is slidably mounted on one of the two half-bars, between an unlocked position, illustrated for example on the figures 5, 6 And 9 , and a locking position illustrated on the Figures 4 And 7 .

[0064] In the examples, each half-bar 48a, 48b is made as a square profile, and the fixed sleeve 62 has a complementary internal square profile to allow it to slide along the half-bar. Of course, each half-bar 48a, 48b could have a cross-section other than square. The sleeve does not necessarily have the same cross-section, but preferably one that slides with minimal play on the half-bars. In the examples, the fixed sleeve 62 is mounted on the first half-bar 48a, and, in the unlocked position, it is received between the lateral end 52a and the medial end 60a, leaving the latter exposed. When the two half-bars 48a, 48b are brought into their lashing position, as illustrated in the figure 6 For example, a user can then cause the recessed sleeve 62 to slide towards its locking position, illustrated for example in the Figure 7In the locked position, the fixed sleeve 62 is received straddling the two medial ends 60a, 60b opposite the two half-bars, being fixed with minimal clearance on these two ends. Once the two half-bars are joined by the fixed sleeve 62, neither of them can rotate around its axis of rotation A56a, A56b.

[0065] In some embodiments, the axis of rotation A56a, A56b of the half-bar 48a, 48b, determined by the joint 56a, 56b, could be located at the center of the half-bar in the direction of its length, so that each half-bar is balanced with respect to its axis of rotation A56a, A56b. However, in other embodiments, as illustrated in the figures, the axis of rotation A56a, A56b of the half-bar 48a, 48b, determined by the joint 56a, 56b, is offset along the half-bar, relative to its center, in the direction of its length, so as to be closer to the lateral end 52a, 52b of the half-bar than to its medial end 60a, 60b.For example, the axis of rotation A56a, A56b is offset along the half-bar so as to be arranged at a distance from the lateral end 52a, 52b of the half-bar which is for example within the range of 10 percent to 40 percent of the length of the half-bar 48a, 48b.

[0066] Such an arrangement has two advantages. A first advantage results from the fact that it provides, when handling the half-bar 48a, 48b between its lashing and storage positions, a leverage effect, when handling the half-bar 48a, 48b by its medial end 60a, 60b, to engage or disengage the lashing device 54 located at the level of the lateral end 52a, 52b.

[0067] A second advantage of this offset of the axis of rotation A56a, A56b is obtained by providing that, as in the embodiment examples, in the storage position, the medial end 60a, 60b of the half-bar considered is vertically above the level of the axis of the joint A56a, A56b, while the lateral end 52a, 52b of said half-bar considered is vertically below the level of the disarticulation A56a, A56b. Indeed, assuming that the center of gravity of the half-bar 48a, 48b is arranged close to the middle of it in the direction of its length, we understand that the offset of the axis of rotation A56a, A56b towards the lateral end 52a, 52b means that the half-bar has a center of gravity that is closer to the upper transverse retraction axis A46 when the half-bar lashing bar 48a, 48b is in storage position than when it is in lashing position.Indeed, the section of the half-bar 48a, 48b between the rotation axis A56a, A56b and the medial end 60a, 60b is longer, and therefore heavier, than the section of the half-bar 48a, 48b between the rotation axis A56a, A56b and the lateral end 52a, 52b. The longer section is thus, in the stored position, above the level of the 56a, 56b joint. One advantage of having the center of gravity of the half-bar closer to the upper transverse retracting axis A46 is that it is easier to raise the panel 42a, 42b to the raised position.

[0068] In certain embodiments, particularly the first and third embodiments, the partitioning device includes a return element for the half-bar 48a, 48b to its storage position. The return element may be an elastic return element, or something else. This proves particularly useful for the third embodiment, where the axis of rotation A56a, A56b is offset as described above, and the center of gravity, in the storage position, is located above the joint 56a, 56b as described above. Indeed, in such a case, without an elastic return element, the half-bar 48a, 48b would tend to return to its stowed position under the effect of gravity. On the Figure 10An example of an embodiment of an elastic return mechanism is illustrated. In this case, the mechanism is integrated into the joint 56a, 56b, which forms a joint with an integrated elastic return mechanism in the storage position. The joint 56a, 56b comprises a square cylinder with a small cross-section 86, whose central axis forms the axis of rotation A56a, A56b. This cylinder is integral with a base 88, allowing the joint 56a, 56b to be fixed to the partition 42. The joint 56a, 56b also includes a hollow, large-section cylindrical tubular profile 90 with a square cross-section. The square cylinder with a small cross-section 86 is received inside the cylindrical tubular profile 90, the two square sections being rotated 45 degrees around the axis of rotation A56a. Four elastomer pads 92 are interposed between the two to bring them back into this offset position at 45 degrees, which corresponds approximately to the storage position.When the half-bar 48a, 48b is brought to its lashing position, the cylindrical tubular profile 90 pivots around the axis of rotation A56a relative to the square-section cylinder 86, compressing the elastomer pads 92 and thus generating a restoring force. Of course, other restoring devices can be provided, for example, in the form of an angular spring around the joint 56a, 56b, or even in the form of a gas spring or a helical tension or compression spring interposed between the half-bar 48a, 48b and the partition 42.

[0069] In the second example of implementation, it was planned, as illustrated more particularly in the figure 8The joint has laxity about the axis of rotation A56a, A56b. For example, the joint 56a, 56b has, between the half-bar 48a, 48b and the partition 42, a set of springs allowing laxity about the axis of rotation. This laxity is particularly useful when the lashing bar 48 is secured in the lashing position between the two side walls 34 of the body 11, in case a force is applied to the partition 42. This can happen, for example, during loading or unloading operations. In this case, the laxity at the joint 56a, 56b helps limit the risk of the joint 56a, 56b being pulled away from the partition 42, by allowing a slight displacement of the partition 42 relative to the lashing bar 48. Such laxity in a direction perpendicular to the partition can also be provided in the first embodiment comprising a single panel 42 and a lashing bar 48 in one piece

[0070] In the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the tilting mechanism 50a, 50b of a half-bar of lashing 48a, 48b includes at least one sliding connection point 58, offset from the axis of rotation A56a, A56b of the half-bar 48a, 48b, and which, without interfering with the rotation of the half-bar of lashing 48a, 48b around the axis of rotation A56a, A56b, allows the half-bar of lashing 48a, 48b to be connected to the partition 42 in the direction perpendicular to the partition 42. An embodiment of a sliding connection point 58 is illustrated, particularly in the case of a half-bar for a partition 42 with two juxtaposed panels, on the Figure 12 However, the same design can be used in the case of a one-piece 48 lashing bar, for a single-panel bulkhead, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.

[0071] On the Figure 12We can see that the tilting mechanism 50a includes a slide 94 in an arc around the axis of rotation A56a. figure 12 represents only half a bar 48a and its tilting mechanism 50a, with a viewing angle opposite to that of Figure 9 as seen through partition 42, which is not shown in this figure. The slide 94 extends over an arc of a circle which is preferably at least equal to the angle between the storage and lashing positions of the lashing bar 48a, 48b. In the example of the Figure 12The slide 94 is integral with the partition 42. For example, it is fixed to a base 96 of the tilting mechanism 50a, one of whose mounting faces on the panel 42a of the partition 42 is shown here. The tilting mechanism 50a also includes a claw 98 which is retained by the slide 94 in at least one direction perpendicular to the panel, i.e., the direction of the axis of rotation A56a, A56b, but which can slide within the slide 94 along the arc around the axis of rotation A56a, A56b. In the example, the claw 98 is integral and fixed relative to the half-bar. It could be stipulated that the slide be integral with the half-bar 48a, 48b, while the claw would be integral with the panel 42a, 42b. The claw 98 prevents the lashing bar 48a, 48b from moving away from the slide 94 in the direction perpendicular to the partition 42.This prevents a torque from being applied to the joint 56a, 56b around an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation A56a, A56b, which would cause a tendency for the joint 56a, 56b to pull out.

[0072] In the example, the slide has two parallel rails 100 in an arc around the axis of rotation A56a, separated by a gap 102. The claw 98 is a cylindrical pin extending perpendicularly from the partition to the half-bar 48a, 48b, towards the partition 42, and extending through the gap between the two rails. The claw 98 has an enlarged head that bears against a face of the rails facing away from the half-bar 48a, 48b. The enlarged head, visible on the Figure 12 prevents the claw 98 from being removed from between the two rails 100 in the direction perpendicular to the partition, in the direction of the spacing of the half-bar 48a, 48b relative to the partition 42.

[0073] It is noted that the sliding connection point 58 prevents the lashing bar 48a, 48b from moving away from the slide 94 in the direction perpendicular to the partition 42, regardless of the position of the lashing bar 48a, 48b between its storage and lashing positions. Alternatively, the device could include, on at least one panel, a hooking element offset from the axis of rotation of the corresponding half-bar, and to which the half-bar 48a, 48b would hook in the lashing position to secure the half-bar to the hooking element in the direction perpendicular to the panel. Such a fastening device may, for example, be in the form of a hook or a bracket, the distal arm of which extends parallel to the partition so that the half-bar 48a, 48b, in the lashing position, is wedged, in the direction perpendicular to the panel, between the partition 42 and the distal arm of the fastening device.Such a hooking device performs the same function as the sliding connection point 58 described above, but only in the lashing position, in which the anti-pull-out function is most useful.

[0074] In the second example, we can see in particular at the figure 8The device includes, on at least one panel, a stop 104 offset from the axis of rotation of the corresponding half-bar, against which the half-bar 48a, 48b rests in the lashing position to prevent the half-bar from rotating around the axis of rotation A56a, A56b, thus forming an angular stop for the half-bar 48a, 48b. In the illustrated example, the stop 104 also forms a spacer that guarantees, in the lashing position, a predefined distance between the partition 42 and the half-bar 48a, 48b, in the direction perpendicular to the panel 42a, 42b. Such a stop 104 can easily be transformed into a fastening device as described above, by making it in the form of a hook or a bracket having a distal arm parallel to the partition.

Claims

1. A longitudinal partitioning device (10) for a refrigerated body (11), of the type including at least one partition wall (42, 42a, 42b) having, at an upper edge (44) of the partition wall (42, 42a, 42b), an anchoring mechanism (46) for anchoring the partition wall (42, 42a, 42b) in a plurality of longitudinal positions within the body (11), and the partition wall being retractable by pivoting the partition wall (42) about an upper transverse retraction axis (A46) between a vertical service position and a raised position, characterized in that the device includes a lashing bar (48, 48a, 48b) which is fixed to the partition wall (42, 42a, 42b) by a tilting mechanism (50, 50a, 50b) allowing movement of the lashing bar (48, 48a, 48b) between a storage position and a lashing position relative to the partition wall (42, 42a, 42b).

2. The partitioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the tilting mechanism defines a movement of the lashing bar (48, 48a, 48b) between its lashing and storage positions, which is parallel to a general plane of the partition wall (42, 42a, 42b).

3. The partitioning device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the lashing position, the lashing bar (48, 48a, 48b) is horizontal, and in that, in the storage position, the lashing bar (48, 48a, 48b) is inclined relative to the horizontal by a storage angle comprised in the range from 15 degrees to 90 degrees.

4. The partitioning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tilting mechanism includes a hinge by means of which the lashing bar (48) is articulated to the partition wall (42) about a rotation axis perpendicular to the partition wall (42).

5. The partitioning device according to claim 4, characterized in that the tilting mechanism (50) includes at least one sliding connection point (58) between the lashing bar (48, 48a, 48b) and the partition wall (42), offset from the rotation axis of the bar (48).

6. The partitioning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the partition wall includes two panels (42a, 42b) arranged side by side transversely, each being retractable independently of the other by pivoting about the upper transverse retraction axis (A46) between a vertical service position and a raised position, in that the lashing bar (48) includes a first half-bar (48a) which is fixed to a first one of the two panels (42a) by a first tilting mechanism (50a) allowing the movement of the first half-bar (48a) between a storage position and a lashing position relative to the first panel (42a), and a second half-bar (48b) which is fixed to the second panel (42b) by a second tilting mechanism (50b) allowing the movement of the second half-bar (48b) between a storage position and a lashing position relative to the second panel (42b), in that each half-bar (48a, 48b) includes a medial end (60a, 60b) and a lateral end (52a, 52b), the lateral end (52a, 52b) being provided with a lashing device (54) on a side wall (34) of the refrigerated body (11), the lateral end (52a, 52b) forming a lashing end of the lashing bar (48).

7. The partitioning device according to claim 6, characterized in that the tilting mechanism (50a, 50b) of a half-bar (48a, 48b) defines a displacement of the half-bar (48a, 48b), between its lashing and storage positions, which is parallel to a general plane of the corresponding panel (42a, 42b).

8. The partitioning device according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the tilting mechanism (50a, 50b) of a half-bar (48a, 48b) includes a hinge (46a, 46b) by means of which the half-bar (48a, 48b) is articulated to the corresponding panel (42a, 42b) about a rotation axis (A56a, A56b) perpendicular to the corresponding panel (42a, 42b).

9. The partitioning device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the tilting mechanism (50a, 50b) of a half-bar (48a, 48b) includes at least one sliding connection point (58) between the half-bar (48a, 48b) and the corresponding panel (42a, 42b) of the partition wall (42).

10. The partitioning device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the half-bar (48a, 48b) has a center of gravity which is closer to the upper transverse retraction axis (A46) when the half-bar (48a, 48b) is in the storage position than when it is in the lashing position.

11. The partitioning device according to any one of claims 6 to 10 in combination with claim 8, characterized in that the rotation axis (A56a, A56b) of the half-bar (48a, 48b) is offset along the half-bar (48a, 48b) towards a lateral end (52a, 52b) of the half-bar (48a, 48b).

12. The partitioning device according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the device (10) includes locking means (62) for locking the medial ends (60a, 60b) of the half-bars (48a, 48b) in the lashing position, thereby locking the rotation of the half-bars (48a, 48b) in the lashing position.

13. The partitioning device according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the device includes a return member for returning the half-bar (48a, 48b) to its storage position.

14. A refrigerated body, characterized in that it comprises at least one partitioning device according to any of the preceding claims.

15. A trailer for a motor vehicle, the trailer including a refrigerated body having at least one partitioning device according to any of claims 1 to 13.

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