Removable multi-function system suitable for attachment to a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a removable multifunctional system (1) suitable for being attached to a vehicle (200), and comprising a base module (2) suitable for being mounted on a grille of a vehicle (200), and comprising fixing means (9), a body (7) integral with the fixing means (9), electrical drive means (4) provided on the body (7), configured to allow the translation of mechanical translation means (6, 52) on a guide rail (61) between a first end and a second end of said guide rail (61), processing means (8), a removable multifunctional module (3) configured to be mounted on the mechanical translation means (6, 52) of the base module (2) by means of adaptation means (51), and comprising at least one integrated utility equipment (31).

Description

Title of the invention: Removable multi-function system suitable for being attached to a vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a removable multifunction system suitable for being attached to a vehicle, and more particularly to the field of multifunction tools usable on a vehicle and independently of said vehicle.

[0002] Much progress has been made in the field of on-board tools, particularly in the integration of lifting, coupling and DIY tools integrated into utility vehicles.

[0003] A system as taught in US 2022 / 0234403 A1 is known which describes a multi-directional trailer hitch system comprising a mounting frame, a first sliding assembly configured to slidably engage with the mounting frame, wherein the first sliding assembly is configured to slide longitudinally inside and outside the mounting frame, and a second sliding assembly configured to slidably engage with the first sliding assembly, wherein the second sliding assembly is configured to slide laterally in a lateral direction relative to the first sliding assembly.The system further includes a third sliding assembly configured to slidably engage the second sliding assembly, the third sliding assembly being configured to slide vertically in an up and down direction relative to the second sliding assembly, and one or more actuators configured to selectively perform sliding movement of one or more of the first sliding assembly, the second sliding assembly, and the third sliding assembly. The disclosed system has a hitch ball-type utility equipment attachment platform that is removable and replaceable with other equipment including a towing hook.

[0004] This system has the disadvantage of only being able to accommodate fixed utility equipment, and of only being able to operate if the system is integrated into a vehicle.

[0005] Also known is a system according to PCT / US2008 / 001846, describing a trailer hitch for automatically allowing a trailer to tilt to facilitate driving a vehicle onto and off the trailer which includes a hitch coupler having forward and rearward positions. The forward end of the hitch coupler is adapted for releasable connection to a receiving hitch of a tow truck. A vertically oriented main support assembly is connected to the rearward end of the hitch coupler. A sliding mechanism is carried on the main support assembly, the sliding mechanism being freely movable between a lower position and an upper position on the main support assembly. A coupling mechanism is attached to the sliding mechanism. The coupling mechanism is adapted to couple the trailer to the towing truck. The system presented also describes the possibility of orienting the system in a horizontal mode and a vertical mode.

[0006] This system has the disadvantage of only being able to accommodate fixed utility equipment of the hitch type, i.e. monofunctional, and cannot be used independently of a vehicle. The system described therefore cannot be used in a house, garage, workshop, in the woods, at the front or rear of a vehicle or on a trailer and is therefore not adaptable to many usage environments and also has the disadvantage of not being easily removable so that a user can remove and replace the hitch system easily.

[0007] The present invention overcomes these drawbacks.

[0008] The invention relates to a removable multifunction system adapted to be attached to a vehicle, and comprising a base module adapted to be mounted on a grille of a vehicle, and comprising:

[0009] - means for fixing said base module to the grille of the vehicle;

[0010] - a body secured to the fixing means, configured to allow the translation of a removable multifunctional module along at least one axis;

[0011] -electrical drive means provided on the body, configured to allow the translation of mechanical translation means on a guide rail between a first end and a second end of said guide rail, the electrical drive means being powered by a chosen electrical power supply;

[0012] - processing means, configured to control the electrical drive means in order to actuate the mechanical translation means along a chosen path;

[0013] - a removable multifunctional module configured to be mounted on the mechanical translation means of the base module using adaptation means, and comprising at least one integrated utility equipment.

[0014] According to a general definition of the invention, the fixing means comprise at least one mechanism for rotating the body configured to move said body from a vertical angular position along a Y axis and from a horizontal angular position along an X axis and vice versa, around a Z axis, and integrating means for locking the angular position of the body, and in that the body further comprises support means configured to allow the installation on a flat surface of said multifunction system for use without a vehicle, as well as at least two means attachments of the removable multifunctional module, at least one of the attachment means being fixed, and the other secured to the adaptation means, which are capable of being translated on the guide rail, and in that the body (7) comprises at least two detectors configured to limit the travel of the mechanical translation means (62).

[0015] Advantageously, a system according to the invention makes it possible to accommodate a variety of utility equipment, some of which are in two parts, with a first fixed part and a second mobile part such as a press, a vice or a wood splitter, but also to operate independently of its integration on a vehicle.

[0016] The applicant observed that the system according to the invention also allows a quick and easy change between the different utility equipment, while allowing this utility equipment to be operated according to a working angle chosen and easily modified by the user by controlling the angle according to which the translation action is carried out.

[0017] In practice, the adaptation means of the removable multifunctional module further comprise a mechanism for rotating the integrated utility equipment, configured to adapt the angular position of said integrated utility equipment between a horizontal angular position along an X axis and a vertical angular position along a Y axis and vice versa, and integrating means for locking the angular position.

[0018] Advantageously, a second level of adaptation of the angular position, assigned to the level of the utility equipment, makes it possible to more finely adjust the working angle of said equipment without requiring numerous adjustments by the user, and makes it possible, in the case of using certain tools, to create a working angle allowing the twisting of an object such as a metal bar for example according to an angle predefined by the position of said equipment relative to the guide rail.

[0019] By way of example, the electric drive means comprise at least one electric motor, a drive mechanism, and a motor torque increase module.

[0020] The applicant observed that the use of this assembly makes it easier to use the system independently of the vehicle while minimizing the spatial footprint of the system if it is integrated into a vehicle, unlike hydraulic systems which generally take up a lot of space, are difficult to replace or repair and are more fragile in use.

[0021] In practice, the drive mechanism is a ball screw.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the engine torque increase module comprises helical parallel gear reducers.

[0023] Advantageously, the use of an engine torque increase module

[0024] In practice, the integrated utility equipment belongs to the group formed by ball hitch, wood splitter, vice jaws, folder, bending machine, press, clamp, lifting jack, post carrier with installation, lifting jib, forks for use as a moving trolley, tray carrier, pallets, pots, lifting platform, carrier of wooden, concrete or iron posts with installation in housing.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing means further comprise at least one mounting plate and at least one hitch receiver for locking the position of the system at the level of the vehicle grille.

[0026] In practice, the processing means comprise a wireless communication module configured to connect to an external control device, capable of controlling the operation of the electric drive means.

[0027] Advantageously, the system according to the invention makes it possible, on the one hand, to assist the user when coupling, uncoupling and parking heavy trailers, caravans and other objects that are difficult to maneuver and thus greatly facilitate any maneuver related to coupling, while allowing multifunctional use with or without a vehicle, making it possible to use a variety of utility equipment requiring a high translation force (press, vice for example), while being compact, easy to use and to adjust in use.

[0028] Surprisingly, the Applicant observed that the system according to the invention can be used in numerous configurations for various uses other than coupling, and can be controlled remotely from the cabin of the vehicle or elsewhere, thus making it possible to operate the mechanism in configurations where the safety of the user is preserved.

[0029] Finally, the system according to the invention is sufficiently compact to be adapted to any type of vehicle, whereas multifunction systems are generally reserved for heavy vehicles such as trucks, pickups, or all-terrain vehicles.

[0030] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on examining the description and the drawings in which: - [Fig.l] schematically represents an exploded front view of the system according to the invention; - [Fig.2] schematically represents a view of the system in use in two positions of use in accordance with the invention; - [Fig.3] schematically represents a view of the system in use in two other positions of use in accordance with the invention; - [Fig.4] schematically represents a front view of the system in accordance with the invention; - [Fig.5] schematically represents a rear view of the system in accordance with the invention; and - [Fig.6] schematically represents the system according to the invention mounted on a vehicle.

[0031] With reference to Figures 1 to 6, the system according to the invention comprises a base module 2 capable of being mounted on a grille of a vehicle 200, and a multifunctional module 3 configured to be mounted on the base module 2.

[0032] The base module 2 comprises means 9 for fixing to the grille of the vehicle 200 configured to lock said system in a durable and solid manner in position on the grille of the vehicle 200, and a body 7 secured to the means 9 for fixing, configured to allow the translation of a multifunctional module 3 along at least one X,Y axis.

[0033] In practice, the fixing means 9 further comprise at least one mounting plate 95, 97 capable of adapting to the grille of a vehicle 200 and at least one hitch receiver 96 for locking the position of the system 1 at the grille of the vehicle 200.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the attachment means 9 further comprise a drawbar coupler insert adapted to connect a drawbar coupler on a trailer to a receiver on the vehicle 200 for towing. These inserts fit into a receiver and allow a coupler to be mounted on a mounting plate.

[0035] Advantageously, this makes it possible to have a reinforced attachment while allowing installation adaptability to any type of vehicle 200.

[0036] In practice, the fixing means 9 comprise at least one mechanism 95 for rotating the body 7 configured to move said body 7 from a vertical angular position along a Y axis and from a horizontal angular position along an X axis and vice versa, around a Z axis. The rotation can be carried out at an angle between 1° and 360°.

[0037] In practice, this mechanism for rotating the body 95 comprises an aluminum mounting plate that can be machined, die-cast or gravity-cast. This assembly is used to rotate the body 7, and has a round central perforation 92 in which a threaded bolt 93 is housed, capable of pivoting in rotation in the round central perforation 92 and thus allowing the rotation of said body 7 around a rotation axis Z.

[0038] Furthermore, the mechanism for rotating the body 95 comprises means 91 for locking the angular position of said body 7, in the form of a rotation pin insertable into a cavity provided in the rotation means and in the threaded bolt, so that when the pin is inserted, no rotation is possible.

[0039] The fixing means 9 are attached to a body 7 by mounting on the mechanism of rotation of body 95, body 7 being configured to allow translation of a multifunctional module 3.

[0040] Body 7 comprises electric drive means 4 configured to allow translation of mechanical translation means 62 on a guide rail 61 between a first closed end and a second closed end of said guide rail 61 along at least one X,Y axis, said X,Y axis being formed by a guide rail 61 in which slide the mechanical translation means 62 forming a sliding element whose travel is defined by the distance separating the two closed ends of the guide rail 61. These two ends can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the travel of the guide rail, this modification involving the modification of three elements: the guide rail 61, the ball screw, a wear plate.

[0041] The body 7 further comprises at least two detectors configured to detect and limit the travel of the mechanical translation means 62 on the guide rail.

[0042] By closed end is meant an end having a structure preventing the sliding element from continuing its travel outside the guide rail 61 once one of the ends has been reached.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric drive means 4 comprise a geared motor assembly connected to a drive mechanism 42.

[0044] Advantageously, the use of a geared motor makes it possible to have a high torque, and thus a high translational application force, and to allow the application of a force of up to more than four tonnes while maintaining the compactness of the system.

[0045] In practice, the electric drive means 4 comprise at least one geared motor assembly comprising an electric motor 41 and a motor torque increase module 43, connected to a drive mechanism 42.

[0046] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the drive mechanism 42 is a ball worm screw, also called a lead screw, set in rotation by the geared motor assembly and allowing the guided translation of the mechanical translation means 62. The worm screw functions as a linear actuator by rotating and moving the mechanical translation means 62 along the X or Y axis depending on the angular position of the body 7.

[0047] By way of non-limiting example, the engine torque increase module 43 comprises parallel helical gear reducers.

[0048] Advantageously, the use of parallel helical gear reducers reduces the speed and increases the torque of the DC motor rotating the lead screw.

[0049] In practice, the electric drive means 4 are powered by a power supply 44 electrical power supply chosen.

[0050] By way of non-limiting example, power supply 44 belongs to the group formed by mains socket, battery, connection plug to the power supply system of a vehicle 200.

[0051] The body 7 further comprises processing means 8, configured to control the electrical drive means 4 in order to actuate the mechanical translation means 6, 52 along a chosen path.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the processing means 8 include a wireless communication module configured to connect to an external control device, capable of reviewing operating instructions, and thus controlling the operation of the electric drive means 4.

[0053] The base module 2 further includes support means adapted at the level of the body 7, and configured to allow the placement on a flat surface of said multifunctional system 1 for use without the vehicle 200 of the removable utility equipment 31.

[0054] The system 1 according to the invention further includes a multifunctional module 3 configured to be mounted on the mechanical translation means 62 of the base module 2, said multifunctional module 3 being configured to receive a removable utility equipment 31 by means of an adapter 51.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the adaptation means 51 comprise a rotation mechanism 53 of the removable integrated utility equipment 31, configured to adapt the angular position of said removable integrated utility equipment 31 between a vertical angular position along a Y axis and a horizontal angular position along an X axis and vice versa, the rotation of which can be carried out at an angle between 1° and 360°, and integrating locking means 52 of the angular position.

[0056] By way of non-limiting example, the removable integrated utility equipment 31 belongs non-limitingly to the group formed by a tow ball, wood splitter, vice jaws, folder, bending machine, press, clamps, lifting jack, post holder with positioning, lifting jib, forks for use as a moving trolley, tray holder, pallets, pots, lifting platform, transporter of wooden, concrete or iron posts with positioning in housing. Alternatively, the system according to the invention can also receive a commercial winch by integrating an adapter plate to adapt this winch to the body 7, allowing to winch a boat on a trailer or other similar needs.

[0057] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the body 7 comprises an additional mains socket configured to allow the connection of an external tool to the system 1, and electrically powered by the power supply means 44.

[0058] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, at least two means attachment of the multifunctional module 3, at least one of the attachment means of which is fixed and secured to the body 7, and the other attachment means is secured to the adaptation means 51, themselves secured to the mechanical translation means 62, so as to be translated on the guide rail 61 according to a chosen stroke.

[0059] For example, if the removable integrated utility equipment 31 requires a fixed part and a translational part, such as a vice, a press or a wood splitter, then one part will be fixed to the body 7 and will serve as a support point, and a second part will be put into translation by the base module 2 in order to produce the intended technical effect.

Claims

Claims

1. Removable multifunction system (1) adapted to be attached to a vehicle (200), and comprising a base module (2) adapted to be mounted on a grille of a vehicle (200), and comprising: - means (9) for fixing said base module to the grille of the vehicle (200); - a body (7) secured to the fixing means (9), configured to allow the translation of a removable multifunctional module (3) along at least one axis (X,Y); -electrical drive means (4) provided on the body (7), configured to allow the translation of mechanical translation means (62) on a guide rail (61) between a first end and a second end of said guide rail (61), the electrical drive means (4) being powered by a chosen electrical power supply (44); - processing means (8), configured to control the electrical drive means (4) in order to actuate the mechanical translation means (62) along a chosen path; - a removable multifunctional module (3) configured to be mounted on the mechanical translation means (62) of the base module (2) using adaptation means (51), and comprising at least one removable integrated utility equipment (31); characterized in that the fixing means (9) comprise at least one rotation mechanism (95) for the body (7) configured to move said body (7) from a vertical angular position along a Y axis and from a horizontal angular position along an X axis and vice versa, around a Z axis, and integrating locking means (52) for the angular position of the body (7), in that the body (7) further comprises support means configured to allow the installation on a flat surface of said multifunction system (1) for use without a vehicle (200), and at least two attachment means of the removable multifunctional module (3), at least one of the attachment means being fixed, and the other attachment means being attached to the adaptation means (51), and capable of being translated on the guide rail (61), and in that the body (7) comprises at least two detectors configured to limit the travel of the mechanical translation means (62).

2. Removable multifunction system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the adaptation means (51) of the removable multifunctional module (3) further comprise a rotation mechanism (53) of the removable integrated utility equipment (31), configured to adapt the angular position of said removable integrated utility equipment (31) between a vertical angular position along a Y axis and a vertical angular position along an X axis and vice versa, and integrating locking means (52) of the angular position.

3. Removable multifunction system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the electric drive means (4) comprise at least one electric motor (41), a drive mechanism (42), and a motor torque increase module (43).

4. Removable multifunction system (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the drive mechanism (42) is a ball screw.

5. Removable multifunction system (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the engine torque increase module (43) comprises helical parallel gear reducers.

6. Removable multifunctional system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the integrated utility equipment (31) belongs to the group formed by tow ball, wood splitter, vice jaws, folder, bending machine, press, clamps, lifting jack, post holder with positioning, lifting jib, forks for use as a moving trolley, tray holder, pallets, pots, lifting platform, transporter of wooden, concrete or iron posts with positioning in housing.

7. Removable multifunction system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fixing means (9) further comprise at least one mounting plate (95,97) and at least one hitch receiver (96) for locking the position of the system (1) at the level of the vehicle grille (200).

8. Removable multifunction system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the processing means (8) comprise a wireless communication module configured to connect to an external control device, capable of controlling the operation of the electric drive means (4)

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