Two-vehicle coupling device

Abstract

Coupling device (0) for coupling a first and second vehicle (100, 200), the coupling device (0) comprising at least one coupling mechanism (40) and at least one first external part (21), the coupling device (0) being arranged to selectively adopt a coupled and an uncoupled configuration. The coupling device (0) also includes a first support leg (5) movable relative to the coupling mechanism (40) between a first support leg (5) operating position and a first support leg (5) stowed position, and a first first support leg (5) movement control mechanism (6) arranged to control the movement of this first support leg (5) from its operating position to its stowed position when the coupling device (0) changes from its uncoupled configuration to its coupled configuration. FIGURE IN ABRIDGED DIAGRAM: Fig. 1a

Description

Title of the invention: Device for coupling two vehicles

[0001] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of coupling devices adapted to be assembled on a vehicle, for example a scooter, to attach an object such as another vehicle, such as a manually propelled wheelchair.

[0003] Document US9757290B1 presents a scooter having at least one motorized wheel and a hitch device assembled on this scooter.

[0004] This coupling device is intended to attach a manually propelled wheelchair to this scooter.

[0005] The coupling device includes a U-shaped opening oriented upwards to receive a front crossbar of the wheelchair. The front crossbar is secured in the U-shaped opening by a locking means that prevents its removal from the opening of the coupling device.

[0006] This type of coupling device is not easy for the user on the chair to operate because it requires positioning a low tubular cross member of the chair's tubular structure in the U-shaped opening while keeping the scooter balanced.

[0007] It would therefore be useful to develop a coupling device suitable for assembly on a vehicle, such as a scooter, to facilitate the coupling of this vehicle with another object such as another vehicle.

[0008] SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a coupling device adapted to be carried by a vehicle to couple this vehicle to another vehicle while solving at least some of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0010] To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a coupling device for coupling a first and second vehicle together, the coupling device comprising at least one coupling mechanism and at least one first external part to the coupling mechanism, the coupling device being arranged to selectively adopt a coupled configuration and an uncoupled configuration, in the coupled configuration the coupling mechanism is mechanically connected to said first coupling part and prohibits the separation of this first external part from the coupling mechanism, in the uncoupled configuration, the first external part is moved away from said coupling mechanism.

[0011] This coupling device according to the invention is essentially characterized in that it also comprises a first support leg movable relative to the coupling mechanism between a position of use of the first stand and a position of storage of the first stand and a first control mechanism for the movement of the first stand arranged to control the movement of this first stand from its position of use to its position of storage when the coupling device changes from its uncoupled configuration to its coupled configuration.

[0012] In other words, when the coupling device moves from its uncoupled configuration to its coupled configuration, this coupling mechanism controls the movement of the first support leg from its operating position to its storage position.

[0013] This is particularly useful for the user since he does not have to worry about stowing the kickstand, as it stows itself automatically under the effect of the coupling mechanism which changes from its uncoupled configuration to its coupled configuration.

[0014] The operator can concentrate on the maneuver necessary to couple these two vehicles via the coupling mechanism of the invention without having to worry about the balance of the vehicle carrying the coupling mechanism.

[0015] When the vehicle carrying the coupling mechanism is unhitched, the first support leg is then in the operating position and it maintains the vehicle carrying the coupling mechanism in a stable position on the ground on which it is supported.

[0016] The vehicle, thus stabilized, is more easily hitched.

[0017] Once the vehicles are coupled, the user does not need to check that the first support leg is properly stowed and that the coupled vehicles can be moved together. Indeed, thanks to the coupling device according to the invention, the coupling operation itself causes the first support leg to move from its operating position to its stowed position.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the first control mechanism for moving the first support leg is also arranged to control the movement of the first support leg from its storage position to its operating position when the coupling device changes from its coupled configuration to its uncoupled configuration.

[0019] In other words, when the coupling device changes from its uncoupled configuration to its coupled configuration, this coupling mechanism controls the movement of the first support leg from its position of use to its storage position.

[0020] This is particularly useful for the user since he does not have to worry about deploying the support leg to stabilize the vehicle carrying the coupling mechanism, this support leg automatically moving from its storage position (position in which the support leg is away from the ground to allow free movement of the vehicle) to its use position in which the support leg stabilizes the vehicle carrying the coupling mechanism.

[0021] The movement of the first stand from its storage position to its position operation occurs under the effect of the coupling mechanism when this coupling mechanism changes from its uncoupled configuration to its coupled configuration.

[0022] Thus, the operation of uncoupling the vehicle carrying the coupling mechanism from the other vehicle is simplified since this vehicle carrying the coupling mechanism is automatically stabilized under the effect of the uncoupling operation.

[0023] The user can thus concentrate on the only maneuver necessary to uncouple the first and second vehicles without having to worry about the position of the first support leg.

[0024] Ideally, the coupling device according to the invention also includes a second support leg movable relative to the coupling mechanism between a position of use of the second support leg and a position of storage of the second support leg and the first control mechanism for the movement of the first support leg also being arranged to control the movement of this second support leg from its position of use to its storage position when the coupling device changes from its uncoupled configuration to its coupled configuration.

[0025] In other words, the first control mechanism for moving the first stand is arranged to control the movement of the second stand from its position of use to its storage position under the effect of the coupling device moving from its uncoupled configuration to its coupled configuration.

[0026] The combination of the first and second support legs improves the stability of the vehicle while facilitating the operation of storing these support legs, which automatically move to their storage positions when the vehicles are uncoupled from each other.

[0027] As a corollary, wherein the first control mechanism for moving the first support leg is also arranged to control the movement of the second support leg from its storage position to its operating position when the coupling device changes from its coupled configuration to its uncoupled configuration.

[0028] In other words, the first control mechanism for moving the first stand is arranged to control the movement of the second stand from its storage position to its operating position under the effect of the coupling device moving from its coupled configuration to its uncoupled configuration.

[0029] This greatly facilitates the stabilization of the vehicle carrying the coupling mechanism until it is coupled, while allowing the user to couple the vehicles without having to worry about the position of these two support legs.

[0030] Ideally, these first and second crutches move together from their positions of use to their storage positions and vice versa from their storage positions to their positions of use.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, an assembly is proposed comprising a second vehicle and a coupling device according to any one of the embodiments of the coupling device according to the invention.

[0032] This coupling mechanism being carried by said second vehicle such that:

[0033] - when the coupling device is in its uncoupled configuration, this second vehicle is then held in a stable position relative to the ground supporting this second vehicle by means of said first support leg, which is supported by this second vehicle and which is in its position of use, resting on the ground; and that

[0034] - when the coupling device is in its coupled configuration, this second vehicle is then attached to the said first external part and the said first support being then in its storage position where it is away from the ground.

[0035] This assembly according to the invention has the aforementioned advantages relating to the coupling device according to the invention.

[0036] Preferably, this assembly also includes a first vehicle 100 comprising at least one pair of rear wheels and at least one front wheel, said first external part being fixed on this first vehicle. Brief description of the drawings

[0037] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description, which is by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] [fig.la] the [fig.la] represents an assembly according to the invention comprising the coupling device 0 according to the invention, a first vehicle 100 which is here a wheelchair 100 and a second vehicle 200 which is here a motorized scooter via an electric wheel motor 201, this second vehicle 200 carrying the coupling mechanism 40 and the first vehicle 100 carrying the first external part 21 (here a crossbar 21), the coupling device 0 being in uncoupled configuration (in uncoupled configuration, the external part 21 is away from the coupling mechanism) and the first kickstand 5 being in the position of use to maintain the second vehicle 200 in a stable position on the ground;

[0039] [fig.lb] the [fig.lb] represents the coupling device 0 of the [fig.la] when placed in its coupling configuration in which the crossbar 21 (carried by a detachable structure 2 assembled on the chair 100) is mechanically connected to the coupling mechanism 40 which is here carried removably on the scooter 200, in this coupling configuration, the kickstand is held in the storage position and the passenger can easily maneuver and propel his chair thanks to the motorized wheel 201;

[0040] [fig.2] [fig.2] represents the coupling device 0 according to the invention, while its coupling mechanism 40 and its first external part 21 which is a bar 21 are detached from each other, this coupling device 0 being in its uncoupled configuration with the first and second supports 5, 5b respectively placed in their respective operating positions;

[0041] [fig.3] the [fig.3] represents the coupling device 0 according to the invention while its coupling mechanism 40 and its first external part 21 are attached to each other, this coupling device 0 being in its coupled configuration with the first and second supports 5, 5b placed in their respective storage positions (on this [fig.3], only the first support 5 is visible, the second support 5b being hidden here by the first support 5;

[0042] [fig.4a] [fig.4a] represents a detail area of ​​the coupling device 0 according to the invention when it is in unhitched configuration, the bar 21 being guided in movement by a guide surface 40a along a trajectory Tl, this bar moving in the direction of first and second receiving spaces 43, 43b, the supports 5, 5b being in their respective operating positions where they are held locked by a first lock 61 which is in the locking position;

[0043] [fig.4b] [fig.4b] represents the detail area of ​​the coupling device 0 illustrated in [fig.4a] when this coupling device 0 is in the uncoupled configuration, but the bar 21 which is moved along the trajectory Tl, this bar being in contact against a portion 61c of the first lock 61 which is pushed by the bar 21 into its release position, the supports 5, 5b still being positioned in their respective operating positions, but here they are unlocked;

[0044] [fig.4c] [fig.4c] represents the detail area of ​​the coupling device 0 illustrated in figures 4a and 4b when this coupling device 0 is in coupled configuration, the bar 21 being positioned in the first and second receiving spaces 43, 43b, this bar being held here in these first and second spaces 43, 43b by the effect of hooks 42, 42b which belong to the coupling mechanism 40, the bar 21 always being in contact against the portion 61c of the first lock 61 which is held by the bar 21 in its release position, the supports 5, 5b always being positioned in their respective storage positions by the effect of the bar 21 which is locked inside the said first and second spaces 43, 43b. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] As previously stated, the present invention relates essentially to a coupling device 0 for coupling together first and second vehicles 100, 200.

[0046] The first vehicle is a wheelchair 100 and the second vehicle 200 is a scooter.

[0047] The second vehicle 200 is a two-wheeled vehicle 201, 204, at least one of these 201 wheels that can be motorized to move this second vehicle.

[0048] Ideally, this second vehicle 200 is a scooter, one of whose wheels 204 is a directional wheel. This scooter 200 has a platform 202 to support the weight of an operator of this second vehicle 200.

[0049] The first vehicle 100 can be a wheelchair that we want to hitch / connect to the second vehicle 200 having a motorized wheel to pull the wheelchair 100.

[0050] Thanks to the coupling device 0 according to the invention, a non-motorized wheelchair 100 can be hitched to a motorized scooter 200 to pull this wheelchair 100.

[0051] To this end, this coupling device 0 includes a coupling mechanism 40 and at least one first external part 21 to the coupling mechanism 40 which is a bar 21.

[0052] The coupling mechanism 40 is fixed, here in a removable manner, on the second vehicle 200 which carries this coupling mechanism 40.

[0053] In the illustrated example, the coupling mechanism 40 includes an upper flange 47a and a lower flange 47b for assembling this coupling mechanism 40 onto the second vehicle 200.

[0054] In this case, these flanges 47a, 47b are connected to each other via tie rods associated with screw and nut systems so as to bring these flanges 47a, 47b closer together to clamp a part of the scooter 200, in this case its platform 202, between these flanges 47a, 47b.

[0055] A guiding surface 40a of the first external part vis-à-vis the coupling mechanism 40 is here constituted by a superior surface of the upper flange 47a.

[0056] However, this guide surface 40a could also be directly formed by an upper face of the platform 202 of the second vehicle 200. The guide surface is flat here but it could have the shape of a rail.

[0057] As illustrated in Figures 1a and 1b, the coupling device 0 may also include:

[0058] - a fastening interface la, 1b fixed to a structure of said first vehicle 100 (in this case, on a chassis 102b of the first vehicle 100); and

[0059] - a detachable structure 2 which is selectively detachable 2 with respect to the interface of fixing the, 1b, said first external part 21 belonging to this detachable structure 2.

[0060] This detachable structure 2 has two lateral rods 24a, 24b which allow adjustment of a spacing distance between said first external part 21 and said fixing interface la, 1b which is fixed on the first vehicle 100.

[0061] This detachable structure 2 is U-shaped and is formed by said lateral rods 24a, 24b and the first external piece 21 in the form of a bar 21. The first external piece 21 is placed between these lateral rods 24a, 24b to connect them together.

[0062] Similarly, the first external part 21 is fixed, here in a removable manner, on first vehicle 100 which carries this external part 21.

[0063] Here, the first external part 21 in the form of a bar 21 extends transversely with respect to a direction of movement of the first vehicle 100.

[0064] This bar extends in a plane below the footrests of this first vehicle 100.

[0065] Thus, the coupling device 0 which includes the coupling mechanism 40 and the first external part 21 is partly carried by the second of the vehicles 200 and partly carried by the first of the vehicles 100.

[0066] The second vehicle 200 is motorized and adapted to carry at least one passenger, this passenger having full use of his lower limbs.

[0067] The first vehicle 100, in this case a wheelchair, is adapted to transport a passenger with reduced mobility seated on a seat of this first vehicle 100.

[0068] Thanks to the coupling device 0 according to the invention, the first vehicle can be coupled to the second vehicle and a person with reduced mobility can then use the second vehicle 200 (normally not compatible for the transport of a person with reduced mobility) to tow the first vehicle 100 adapted for the transport of a person with reduced mobility.

[0069] It is therefore possible, at a lower cost, to use the second vehicle 200 which is motorized to tow (drive) the first vehicle 100 which is not motorized.

[0070] The coupling device 0 is arranged to selectively adopt a coupled configuration illustrated in figures 1b and 4c and an uncoupled configuration illustrated in figures 1a, 2, 3, 4a, 4b.

[0071] In the coupled configuration, the coupling mechanism 40 is mechanically connected to said first coupling piece 21 and prevents the separation of this first external piece 21 from the coupling mechanism 40.

[0072] In the uncoupled configuration, the first external part 21 is away from said coupling mechanism 40 and is therefore free to be moved independently of the coupling mechanism 40.

[0073] This coupling device 0 also includes first and second support legs 5, 5b each movable relative to the coupling mechanism 40 between a support leg 5, 5b use position and a support leg 5, 5b storage position.

[0074] The coupling device 0 according to the invention also includes a first movement control mechanism 6 of these first and second supports 5, 5b.

[0075] This first mechanism 6 is arranged to control the movement of these supports 5, 5b from their positions of use to their storage positions when the coupling device 0 changes from its uncoupled configuration to its coupled configuration, that is to say under the effect of the passage of the coupling device 0 from its uncoupled configuration to its coupled configuration.

[0076] Furthermore, the first movement control mechanism 6 of the first and second supports 5, 5b is arranged to control the movement of these first and second supports 5, 5b from their storage positions to their operating positions when the coupling device 0 changes from its coupled configuration to its uncoupled configuration, that is to say under the effect of the passage of the coupling device 0 from its coupled configuration to its uncoupled configuration.

[0077] Thus, in the uncoupled position, the outriggers 5, 5b are in their respective operating positions to maintain the second vehicle 200 in a stable, upright position relative to the ground. To this end, the outriggers in their operating position extend on either side of a principal plane of symmetry of the second vehicle 200 to maintain it in stable equilibrium on the ground.

[0078] In the coupled position, the support legs 5, 5b are in the stowed position, away from the ground to allow the first and second vehicles 100, 200 to roll on the ground.

[0079] The first support leg 5, like the second support leg 5b, consists of a rod mounted pivoting relative to a plate 64 which is subject to the coupling mechanism 40.

[0080] In this case, the first stand 5 is pivotal about a first axis R2 of stand 5 which is fixed with respect to said plate 64. The same is true for the second stand 5b.

[0081] The first movement control mechanism 6 of the first support leg 5 also includes an elastic means 63 for returning the first support leg 5 from its storage position to its operating position. This elastic means is a spring 63.

[0082] The coupling mechanism 40 and the external part 21 are configured so that when the coupling device 0 is in the coupled configuration with the coupling mechanism 40 mechanically connected to said first coupling part 21, this first bar-shaped part 21 can then pivot relative to the coupling mechanism 40 along a pivot axis extending along the length of this bar.

[0083] This gives a degree of freedom between the coupled vehicles, which improves its maneuverability while ensuring optimal transmission of forces between the bar 21 and the coupling mechanism 40.

[0084] When the coupling device 0 connects the first and second vehicles to each other, i.e. in coupled configuration, the steerable front wheels 103 of the first vehicle 100, in this case the front wheels 103 of the wheelchair, are separated from a rolling plane on which the wheels 201, 204 of the second vehicle 200 and a pair of rear wheels 101, 102 of the first vehicle 100 roll.

[0085] As can be understood from [fig.2], the coupling mechanism 40 comprises a first stop 41 and a first hook 42 mounted for rotation about a first axis pivot Pvt40 of the coupling mechanism 40 between a first pivoting position reached at least when the coupling device 0 is in its coupled configuration and a second pivoting position.

[0086] In the first pivoting position of the first hook 42, this first hook 42 is then positioned to be able to block said first external part 21 between the first hook 42 and the first stop 41.

[0087] In the second pivoting position of the first hook 42, this first hook 42 is then positioned to allow free translation of said first external part 21 relative to the coupling mechanism 40 away from said first stop 41.

[0088] The coupling mechanism 40 also includes a second stop 41b located at a distance from the first stop 41 and a second hook 42b located at a distance from the first hook 42.

[0089] This second hook 42b is mounted to rotate about a second pivot axis Pvt40b of the coupling mechanism 40 (the first pivot axis Pvt40 and the second axis Pvt40b are coaxial with each other) between a first pivot position of this second hook 42b reached at least when the coupling device 0 is in its coupled configuration and a second pivot position of this second hook 42b.

[0090] In its first pivoting position, this second hook 42b is positioned to be able to block said first external part 21 between the second hook 42b and the second stop 41b.

[0091] In the second pivoting position of the second hook 42b, this second hook 42b is then positioned to allow free translation of said first external part 21 relative to the coupling mechanism 40 by moving away from said second stop 41b.

[0092] The first movement control mechanism 6 of the first support 5 includes an operating member 44 arranged to control the passage of the first hook 42 from its first position to its second position.

[0093] The coupling mechanism 40 also includes an elastic return member 45 to exert a return force on said first hook from its second pivoting position (in which the external part is released) to its first pivoting position (in which the first external part 21 is wedged between the first hook and the first stop).

[0094] Similarly, the coupling mechanism also includes a second elastic return member 45b to force the displacement of said second hook 42b from its second pivoting position (in which the external part 21 is released) to its first pivoting position (in which the first external part 21 is wedged between the second hook 42b and the second stop 41b).

[0095] The coupling mechanism 40 also includes an operating member 44 arranged for command the transition from said coupled configuration to said uncoupled configuration.

[0096] The operating member 44 is a manual operating member, that is to say arranged to be operated manually by the user.

[0097] In this case, when the user is seated on the first wheelchair-type vehicle, he can operate the control device and thus hitch or unhitch this first vehicle in relation to the second vehicle, which is here a motorized propulsion scooter.

[0098] The actuation of this operating member 44 causes each of the hooks 42, 42b to move from its first position to its second position where it releases the bar 21.

[0099] For this purpose, this operating member 44 is directly fixed to the hooks 42, 42b and it includes a lever forcing the rotation of these hooks against an elastic restoring torque generated by the elastic members 45, 45b

[0100] In order for the first and second hooks 42, 42b to pivot together, they are secured to each other via a connecting bar 46.

[0101] For the purposes of understanding the invention, elastic return means or elastic return element or elastic return device means, for example, one or more helical springs, one or more leaf springs, one or more torsion springs, one or more elastically deformable parts as well as any combination of these particular elastic means.

[0102] In order to avoid a risk of accidental movement of the support legs to their storage positions, while the coupling device 0 is still in the unhitched configuration, a locking of the support legs in the operating position is also proposed.

[0103] To this end, the first control mechanism 6 includes a first latch 61 movable between a locking position of said first support 5 and a release position of said first support 5

[0104] This first lock 61 is arranged to hold said first support 5 in its position of use when this first lock 61 is in the locking position of said first support 5.

[0105] The first support 5 and the first lock 61 are shaped so that the passage of the first lock 61 from its release position to its locking position is possible only when this first support 5 is in its operating position.

[0106] The first control mechanism 6 also includes a first elastic return device, in this case a spring 62, arranged to return the first lock 61 from its release position to its locking position.

[0107] The first lock 61 comprises at least a first arm 61a pivoting about an axis of rotation RI of this first arm 61a.

[0108] This arm 61a has a first notch 61b which butts against a lug 51 of The first support leg 5 is locked when it is in its operating position and the first lock is in its locked position, thus locking the first support leg 5 in this operating position. The elastic return device 62 acts at one end of the arm 61a, and the notch 61b is located between the axis of rotation RI and this first end of the first arm 61a. This results in a multiplication of the locking forces exerted between the arm 61a and the lug 51.

[0109] As previously stated, the coupling mechanism 40 includes a guide surface 40a to define a trajectory Tl of the first external part 21 relative to the coupling mechanism 40 during the movement of this first external part up to a first receiving space 43 of this first external part 21 which is occupied by this first external part 21 when the coupling device 0 is in its coupled configuration.

[0110] A portion 61c of said first lock 61 in the locked position is located on this trajectory Tl of the first external part 21 so that when the first external part 21 moves against this guide surface 40a along said trajectory Tl of the first external part towards said first receiving space 43, this external part 21 comes into contact with said portion 61c of the first lock 61 to move this first lock 61 from its locked position to its release position.

[0111] Thus, during the movement of the first external part 21 against this guide surface 40a along said trajectory Tl of the first external part towards said first receiving space 43, this external part 21 comes into contact with said portion 61c of the first lock 61 to move this first lock 61 from its locked position to its release position. The first support 5 is thus released so that it can be moved to its storage position.

[0112] The control mechanism 6 for moving the first support 5 also includes an actuation surface 5X arranged to be on the trajectory Tl of the first external part 21 defined by said guide surface 40a at least as long as said first support 5 is in its operating position.

[0113] This actuation surface 5X is functionally connected to said first support 5 so that under the effect of a push exerted on the actuation surface 5X by said first external part 21 moving along the trajectory Tl towards said first receiving space 43, this actuation surface moves and causes said first support 5 to move from its position of use to its storage position.

[0114] As can be seen in figures 4a to 4c, this actuation surface 5X is carried by said first support 5.

[0115] More specifically, the stand 5 in the position of use comprises a lower part intended to bear against the ground supporting the second vehicle 200 and an upper part carrying said actuation surface 5X.

[0116] This upper part of the support 5 in the position of use extends on one side of a guide plane PI in which said guide surface 40a extends and the lower part of the support then extends on the other side of this guide plane PI.

[0117] This actuation surface 5X is arranged so as to be between said portion 61c of the first lock 61 and said first receiving space 43 at least as long as the first support 5 is in its operating position.

[0118] Thus, during the movement of the first external part 21 along the trajectory Tl towards said first receiving space 43, this first external part 21 first comes into contact with the portion 61c of the first lock 61 to unlock the support then this first external part 21 comes into contact with the actuating surface 5X to push it and thus control the movement of the first support 5 from its position of use to its storage position.

[0119] Once the first external part 21 has arrived in the first receiving space 43, the support is in the storage position and the first external part 21 can be coupled to the coupling mechanism 40 to thus attach the first and second vehicles 100, 200 to each other via the coupling device 0.

[0120] In a particular embodiment not shown, it might be useful for the coupling mechanism 40 to include a forced release control for each of the supports in order to control the movement of each of these supports to their respective storage positions, including when the coupling device is in the unhitched configuration.

[0121] This allows the scooter to be used for transportation while it is unhitched from the wheelchair.

Claims

Demands

1. Coupling device (0) for coupling a first and second vehicle (100, 200) together, the coupling device (0) comprising at least one coupling mechanism (40) and at least one first coupling member (21) external to the coupling mechanism (40), the coupling device (0) being arranged to selectively adopt a coupled configuration and an uncoupled configuration, in the coupled configuration the coupling mechanism (40) is mechanically connected to said first external coupling member (21) and prevents the separation of this first external coupling member (21) from the coupling mechanism (40), in the uncoupled configuration, the first external coupling member (21) is away from said coupling mechanism (40),characterized in that the coupling device (0) also comprises a first support leg (5) movable relative to the coupling mechanism (40) between a position of use of the first support leg (5) and a position of storage of the first support leg (5), and a first movement control mechanism (6) for the first support leg (5) arranged to control the movement of this first support leg (5) from its position of use to its storage position when the coupling device (0) changes from its uncoupled configuration to its coupled configuration.

2. Coupling device (0) according to claim 1, wherein the first displacement control mechanism (6) of the first support leg (5) is also arranged to control the displacement of the first support leg (5) from its storage position to its operating position when the coupling device (0) moves from its coupled configuration to its uncoupled configuration.

3. Coupling device (0) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first control mechanism (6) comprises a first lock (61) movable between a locking position of said first support (5) and a release position of said first support (5), this first lock (61) being arranged to hold said first support (5) in its operating position when this first lock (61) is in the locking position of said first support (5).

4. Coupling device (0) according to claim 3, wherein the first support leg (5) and the first lock (61) are configured so that the passage of the first lock from its release position to its position locking is only possible when this first support leg (5) is in its working position.

5. Coupling device according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the first control mechanism (6) includes a first elastic return device (62) arranged to return the first lock (61) from its release position to its locking position.

6. Coupling device (0) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the first lock (61) comprises at least a first arm (61a) pivoting about an axis of rotation (RI) of this first arm (61a), this arm (61a) comprising a first notch (61b) abutting against a lug (51) of the first support (5) when this first support (5) is in its position of use and the first lock is in its locking position thus locking the first support (5) in its position of use.

7. Coupling device (0) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, comprising at least one guide surface (40a) for defining a trajectory (Tl) of the first external coupling member (21) relative to the coupling mechanism (40) during the movement of this first external coupling member to a first receiving space (43) of this first external coupling member (21) which is occupied by this first external coupling member (21) when the coupling device (0) is in its coupled configuration, a portion (61c) of said first lock (61) in the locked position being located on this trajectory (Tl) of the first external coupling member (21) such that during the movement of the first external coupling member (21) against this guide surface (40a) along said trajectory (Tl) of the first external coupling member (21) towards said first reception area (43),This external part (21) comes into contact with said portion (61c) of the first lock (61) to move this first lock (61) from its locked position to its released position.

8. Coupling device according to claim 7, wherein said control mechanism (6) for moving the first support leg (5) comprises an actuating surface (5X) disposed to lie on the path (T1) of the first external coupling piece (21) defined by said guide surface (40a) at least as long as said first support leg (5) is in its operating position, this actuating surface (5X) being functionally connected to said first support so that under the effect of a push exerted on the actuation surface (5X) by said first external coupling piece (21) moving along the trajectory (Tl) towards said first receiving space (43), this actuation surface moves and causes with it the movement of said first support (5) from its position of use to its storage position.

9. Coupling device according to claim 8, wherein said actuation surface (5X) is carried by said first support (5).

10. Coupling device according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein said actuation surface (5X) is arranged so as to be between said portion (61c) of the first lock (61) and said first receiving space (43) at least as long as the first support (5) is in its operating position.

11. Coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first displacement control mechanism (6) of the first support leg (5) includes an elastic means for returning the first support leg (5) from its storage position to its operating position.

12. Coupling device (0) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first support leg (5) consists of a rod mounted pivoting relative to a plate (64) which is subjected to the coupling mechanism.

13. Coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the coupling mechanism (40) comprises a first stop (41) and a first hook (42) rotatably mounted about a first pivot axis (Pvt40) of the coupling mechanism (40) between a first pivot position reached at least when the coupling device (0) is in its coupled configuration and a second pivot position, in the first pivot position of the first hook (42), this first hook (42) being positioned to lock said first external coupling piece (21) between the first hook (42) and the first stop (41), and in the second pivot position of the first hook (42), this first hook (42) being positioned to allow free translation of said first external coupling piece (21) relative to the coupling mechanism (40) away from said first stop (41).

14. Coupling device (0) according to claim 13, wherein the coupling mechanism (40) comprises a second stop (41b) located at distance from the first stop (41) and a second hook (42b) located at a distance from the first hook (42), this second hook (42b) being mounted to rotate about a second pivot axis (Pvt40b) of the coupling mechanism (40) between a first pivot position of this second hook (42b) reached at least when the coupling device (0) is in its coupled configuration and a second pivot position of this second hook (42b), in its first pivot position this second hook (42b) being positioned to be able to block said first external coupling part (21) between the second hook (42b) and the second stop (41b) and in the second pivot position of the second hook (42b), this second hook (42b) then being positioned to allow free translation of said first external coupling part (21) relative to the coupling mechanism (40) away from said second stop (41b).

15. Coupling device (0) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said first external coupling piece (21) is bar-shaped, the coupling mechanism (40) and this external piece (21) being configured so that when the coupling mechanism (40) is in the coupled configuration and is mechanically connected to said first external coupling piece (21), this first bar-shaped piece (21) can then pivot relative to the coupling mechanism (40) along a pivot axis extending along the length of this bar.

16. Coupling device according to any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the first displacement control mechanism (6) of the first support leg (5) has an operating member (44) arranged to control the passage of the first hook (42) from its first position to its second position.

17. Coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the coupling mechanism (40) includes an operating member (44) arranged to control the transition from said coupled configuration to said uncoupled configuration.

18. An assembly comprising a second vehicle (200) and a coupling device (0) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, the coupling mechanism (40) being carried by said second vehicle (200) such that: - when the coupling device (0) is in its uncoupled configuration, this second vehicle (200) is then held in a stable position relative to a ground supporting this second vehicle (200) by means of said first kickstand (5) which is carried by this second vehicle and which is in its position of use, resting on the ground; and that - when the coupling device (0) is in its coupled configuration, this second vehicle (200) is then coupled to said first external coupling part (21) and said first support leg (5) is then in its storage position where it is away from the ground.

19. Assembly according to claim 18, further comprising a first vehicle (100) comprising at least one pair of rear wheels (101, 102) and at least one front wheel (103), said first external part being fixed on this first vehicle (100).