Road goods transport vehicle equipped with a rear bumper module

Abstract

The road vehicle for transporting goods comprises: - a body comprising two vertical sides 16, a roof and a floor 20 assembled together and partly delimiting an interior loading space, - a supporting chassis 14 fixed to the floor and supporting at least one axle equipped with wheels, and - a rear bumper module 34 which is fixed to the floor 20 which is separate and spaced from the supporting chassis 14, and which comprises: - first and second lateral legs 50, 52 spaced transversely and fixed to the floor 20, and an anti-underrun protection means 54 extending transversely and fixed to the first and second lateral legs 50, 52, and - first and second plates 56, 58 each integral with one of the first and second lateral legs 50, 52, extending transversely and mounted to bear against the rear of the body 12 in the longitudinal direction. Figure for abstract: Fig 2

Description

Title of the invention: Road vehicle for transporting goods equipped with a rear bumper module

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

[0002] A road vehicle for transporting goods comprises a chassis and a body mounted on the chassis and delimiting an interior loading space.

[0003] Conventionally, the chassis of a road vehicle comprises two longitudinal side members fixed to a floor of the body and a plurality of cross members extending transversely between the side members. This is generally referred to as a ladder-type chassis.

[0004] The vehicle comprises a running gear for supporting the body and a coupling plate fixed to the chassis side members for coupling or uncoupling to another vehicle, for example a tractor in the case of a semi-trailer. The running gear generally comprises several axles for wheel support and axle suspensions fixed to the chassis side members.

[0005] A road vehicle for the transport of goods is subject to various regulations, and in particular to Regulation No. 58 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe concerning rear underrun protection devices.

[0006] This regulation governs in particular the ground clearance and the longitudinal forces that the anti-underrun bar of the vehicle chassis must withstand, which is supported by vertical legs themselves fixed to the side members.

[0007] In a ladder-type chassis, the forces applied to the anti-underrun bar are returned to the chassis via the side members.

[0008] In order to limit the unladen weight of such a road goods transport vehicle, it is possible to provide a supporting chassis which is separate from the rear bumper module and the coupling plate.

[0009] For more details on the design of such a supporting frame, one can, for example, refer to the applicant's patent FR-B1-3 052 135.

[0010] This type of road goods transport vehicle must also be able to withstand the regulatory forces applicable to the anti-underrun bar.

[0011] The present invention aims to propose a road vehicle for transporting goods having a reduced weight compared to a vehicle equipped with a ladder-type chassis, and designed to withstand the regulatory forces applicable to the rear anti-underrun protection devices.

[0012] The subject of the invention is a road vehicle for transporting goods. comprising a body comprising two vertical sides, a roof and a floor assembled together and partly delimiting an interior loading space, a supporting chassis fixed to the floor of the body and supporting at least one axle equipped with wheels, and a rear bumper module which is fixed to the floor of the body and which is separate and spaced from the supporting chassis.

[0013] According to a general characteristic, the rear bumper module comprises first and second side legs spaced transversely and fixed to the floor of the body, and an anti-underrun protection means extending transversely and fixed to the first and second side legs.

[0014] According to another general characteristic, the rear module comprises first and second plates each secured to one of the first and second lateral legs, extending transversely and mounted to bear against the rear of the bodywork in the longitudinal direction.

[0015] By "plate secured to a jamb", we mean that the plate is fixed to the associated jamb. The plate may be a part added to the associated jamb. Alternatively, the plate may be made in one piece with the jamb.

[0016] According to yet another general characteristic, the rear module comprises first and second fixing means for fixing the first and second plates respectively to the bodywork.

[0017] The “longitudinal” and “transverse” directions are used considering the direction of the length of the bodywork.

[0018] When longitudinal forces are exerted from the rear on the underrun protection means of the rear module, part of the forces is transmitted by the side jambs to the sides of the body via the floor. This ensures good absorption of the vertical forces transmitted by the side jambs insofar as the sides of the body are relatively rigid due to their height. The greater the transverse center distance between the side jambs, the more the absorption by the sides of the body is favored.

[0019] In addition, part of the forces exerted on the underrun protection means is also transmitted by the plates to the floor of the bodywork. Each plate forms a means of returning the forces to the floor in the longitudinal direction.

[0020] Preferably, each of the first and second side legs of the rear bumper module is fixed to a lateral end zone of the floor of the bodywork against which one of the vertical sides of the bodywork is fixed. This arrangement further promotes the absorption by the sides of the bodywork of the forces transmitted by the side legs.

[0021] Each of the first and second side legs of the rear bumper module may be offset at least partially outwardly relative to the side ends of the underride protection means.

[0022] The supporting frame may comprise two longitudinally extending side beams, each of the first and second side legs of the rear bumper module preferably being offset outwardly relative to the side beam of the supporting frame located on the same side of one of the vertical sides of the bodywork.

[0023] In one embodiment, the bodywork further comprises a rear reinforcement frame secured at least to the sides and the floor. In this case, the first and second plates of the rear bumper module advantageously bear in the longitudinal direction against a lower cross member of the rear frame.

[0024] According to a particular design, the first and second fixing means of the rear bumper module may comprise first and second groups of screws extending longitudinally through the first and second plates and into the lower cross member of the rear frame. Alternatively or in combination, the first and second fixing means may comprise glue.

[0025] Each of the first and second plates may be provided with a base each secured to the associated first or second lateral leg, and with a plate extending the base vertically and mounted to bear against the rear of the bodywork in the longitudinal direction. Each of the first and second plates may thus have an L shape.

[0026] The rear bumper module may also include third and fourth attachment means that extend vertically through the first and second side jambs and into the body floor respectively for attaching the first and second side jambs to the floor.

[0027] The third and fourth fixing means may comprise third and fourth groups of screws. The first and second lateral legs may have oblong holes for the passage of the associated third and fourth groups of screws. Thus, there is no absorption of shear forces from the longitudinal forces exerted on the underride protection means.

[0028] Alternatively or in combination, the third and fourth fastening means may comprise pins, studs, etc.

[0029] Advantageously, the rear bumper module comprises first and second lateral pushers mounted slidably respectively relative to the first and second lateral legs. Each of the first and second lateral pushers can support at least one roller mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis and intended to bear against a loading dock. The rear bumper module can also comprise a damping element mounted on each pusher on the side opposite said roller in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the damping element associated with each pusher can be fixed on the lateral leg. partner.

[0030] In another variant, each of the first and second lateral pushers can support, instead of the roller(s), at least one elastic stopper intended to come to bear against a loading dock.

[0031] In yet another variant, the rear bumper module may be devoid of the first and second lateral pushers, and comprise at least one elastic stopper fixed to each lateral leg and intended to come to bear against a loading dock.

[0032] The vehicle may further comprise a front hitch unit spaced from the chassis. The vehicle may also comprise a jack module attached to the floor of the body and spaced from the chassis.

[0033] The invention also relates to a rear module for the body of a road goods transport vehicle comprising first and second lateral legs spaced transversely and intended to be fixed to the floor of the body, an anti-underride protection means extending transversely and fixed to the first and second lateral legs, and first and second plates each integral with one of the first and second lateral legs, extending transversely and intended to be mounted bearing against the rear of the body in the longitudinal direction.

[0034] The present invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description of an embodiment taken as a non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings in which:

[0035] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a semi-trailer according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0036] [Fig.2] is a detail view of [Fig.l],

[0037] [Fig.3] is a detail view of [Fig.l] with rear buffers removed. for the sake of understanding,

[0038] [Fig.4]

[0039] [Fig.5] are perspective views of a rear bumper module of the semi-trailer of [Fig.l], and

[0040] [Fig.6] is a partial bottom view of the semi-trailer of [Fig.l].

[0041] In [Fig.l], a semi-trailer is shown, referenced 10 as a whole, comprising a body 12 and a supporting chassis 14 on which the body is mounted and supporting a plurality of axles 15 each equipped with wheels (not referenced).

[0042] The bodywork 12 comprises two opposite vertical sides 16 extending longitudinally (only one being visible in the figure), a ceiling or roof 18, a bottom or floor 20 and a front face 21 which are assembled together to delimit a space interior loading. The sides 16 are identical and symmetrical with respect to each other considering a longitudinal median vertical plane of the bodywork.

[0043] The bodywork 10 also comprises a rear frame 22, also called a quarter panel, having a function of stiffening the bodywork. The rigid rear frame 22 is fixed to the rear ends of the sides 18, the roof 18 and the floor 20.

[0044] As illustrated more visibly in [Fig.2], the rear frame 22 comprises two vertical uprights 24, an upper crosspiece 26 connecting the upper ends of the vertical uprights 24, and a lower crosspiece 28 forming a threshold connecting the lower ends of the vertical uprights 24. The rear frame 22 can for example be made of steel, in particular stainless steel.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the bodywork 10 also comprises two rear doors 30, 32 each pivotally hinged on the rear frame 22. The rear doors 30, 32 respectively form right and left rear doors. Each rear door 30, 32 is hinged on one of the vertical uprights 24 of the rear frame around vertical hinge axes. In order to allow access to the interior loading space, it is possible to provide other designs, for example a sliding curtain replacing the rear doors.

[0046] As will be described in more detail later, the semi-trailer 10 also comprises a rear bumper module 34 fixed to the floor 20 at the rear of the supporting chassis 14. The rear module 34 is fixed to the floor 20 on the outside, i.e. on the side opposite the interior loading space.

[0047] Referring again to [Fig.l], the semi-trailer 10 further comprises a coupling unit 36 ​​and a support module 38 fixed to the floor 20 on the outside and at the front of the supporting chassis 14. The unit 36 ​​allows coupling or uncoupling to a tractor (not shown). The support module 38 allows the semi-trailer 10 to rest on the ground in the uncoupled state.

[0048] The coupling unit 36 ​​and the crutch module 38 are separated from the supporting chassis 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the crutch module 38 is arranged longitudinally between the coupling unit 36 ​​and the supporting chassis 14. Alternatively, the crutch module 38 and the coupling unit 36 ​​could be assembled together so as to form a unitary assembly.

[0049] In this exemplary embodiment, the carrier chassis 14 supports three axles 15. It is possible to provide a different number of axles, for example one, two or even four axles.

[0050] The supporting frame 14 is fixed to the floor 20. The supporting frame 14 comprises lateral beams 40, 42 forming right and left beams respectively. The lateral beams 40, 42 are spaced apart in the transverse direction and extend longitudinally. In the illustrated embodiment, each lateral beam 40, 42 is made of several pieces spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0051] The supporting frame 14 also comprises a plurality of cross members 44 extending transversely relative to the beams 40, 42 and fixed thereto. Each cross member 44 is located between two successive pieces of the lateral beams 40, 42. Each cross member 44 supports one of the axles 15. For further details on the design of the supporting frame 14, reference may be made to the applicant's patent FR-B1-3 052 135, the content of which relating to the supporting frame 14 is incorporated by reference.

[0052] As illustrated more visibly in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the rear bumper module 34 comprises first and second side legs 50, 52 which form right and left legs respectively.

[0053] The rear bumper module 34 also comprises an underride protection bar 54 extending transversely and fixed to the side legs 50 and 52, and first and second side plates 56, 58 each fixed to one of the side legs.

[0054] The side legs 50, 52 are identical and symmetrical with respect to each other considering the longitudinal median vertical plane of the bodywork. The side legs 50, 52 are spaced apart in the transverse direction. The side legs 50, 52 are fixed to the floor 20 of the bodywork.

[0055] Each side jamb 50, 52 comprises a main part 50a, 52a extending longitudinally and fixed to the floor 20 of the bodywork, and a fastening tab 50b, 52b extending downwards an inner edge of the main part 50a, 52a and which allows the support of the underrun protection bar 54. The main part 50a, 52a is mounted to bear against the floor 20. Each side jamb 50, 52 is further equipped with a vertical upright 60, 62 fixed to the associated main part 50a, 52a and on which the underrun protection bar 54 is fixed. The underrun protection bar 54 is fixed to the lower ends of the side jambs 50, 52. The underrun protection bar 54 extends transversely between the side jambs 50, 52.

[0056] Each plate 56, 58 is fixed to the associated side leg 50, 52 by any suitable means, for example by mechanical welding. Each plate 56, 58 is also fixed against the lower cross member 28 of the rear frame. In the illustrated embodiment, each plate 56, 58 is a separate part from the associated side leg 50, 52 and attached to it. Alternatively, the plate and the associated side leg could be made in one piece.

[0057] The rear module 34 comprises first and second groups of screws 64, 66 for respectively fixing the plates 56, 58 to the lower cross member 28 of the rear frame. The screws 64, 66 of each group extend longitudinally through the plate 56, 58 associated and in the lower cross member 28 of the rear frame. The threaded end of each screw 64, 66 is screwed into the lower cross member 28.

[0058] Holes (not referenced) are provided in each plate 56, 58 for the passage of screws 64, 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the screws 64, 66 of each group are four in number and arranged in pairs, the screws of a pair being aligned vertically. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a different number of screws and / or a different arrangement.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing of the plates 56, 58 to the lower cross member 28 is carried out solely by the use of the longitudinal screws 64, 66. Alternatively, vertical screws could also be provided to fix the plates 56, 58 to the lower cross member 28. Alternatively, it may also be possible to provide, instead of or in combination with the screws, gluing of the plates 56, 58 to the lower cross member 28.

[0060] The plates 56, 58 are identical and symmetrical with respect to each other considering the longitudinal median vertical plane of the bodywork. The plates 56, 58 are spaced apart in the transverse direction. The plates 56, 58 form right and left plates 56, 58 respectively.

[0061] Each plate 56, 58 is mounted to bear against the rear of the lower cross member 28 of the rear frame in the longitudinal direction. Each plate 56, 58 is also mounted to bear against the floor 20 of the bodywork in the vertical direction. Each plate 56, 58 is also mounted to bear against one of the vertical uprights 24 of the rear frame in the transverse direction. Each plate 56, 58 extends transversely relative to the associated lateral leg 50, 52. Each plate 56, 58 projects inwardly relative to the associated lateral leg 50, 52 in the transverse direction. As an indication, the projecting portion of the plate 56, 58 may be between 40% and 60% of the total length of the plate.

[0062] Each plate 56, 58 is provided with a base 56a, 58a fixed to the associated lateral leg 50, 52, and a plate 56b, 58b vertically extending the base which is mounted to bear against the lower cross member 28 of the rear frame in the longitudinal direction. The plate 56b, 58b of each plate is mounted to bear against one of the vertical uprights 24 of the rear frame in the transverse direction. The screws 64, 66 of the first and second groups extend through the plate 56b, 58b of the associated plate. The base 56a, 58a of each plate is mounted to bear against the floor 20 of the bodywork in the vertical direction. Each plate 56, 58 has an L-shaped structure. Each plate 56, 58 has a right-angle shape.

[0063] As indicated previously, the side legs 50, 52 of the rear module are fixed to the floor 20 of the bodywork. The rear module 34 comprises third and fourth groups of screws 68, 70 for respectively fixing the side legs 50, 52 to the floor 20. The screws 68, 70 of each group extend vertically through the associated side jamb 50, 52 and into the floor 20. The threaded end of each screw 68, 70 is screwed into the floor 20.

[0064] Holes (not referenced) are provided in each lateral leg 50, 52 for the passage of screws. The holes are here oblong in shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the screws 68, 70 of each group are six in number and arranged in rows of three, the screws of a row being aligned longitudinally. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a different number of screws and / or a different arrangement.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing of the side jambs 50, 52 to the floor is carried out solely by the use of the screws 68, 70. Alternatively, it may be possible to provide, in combination with the screws, gluing of the side jambs 50, 52 to the floor.

[0066] The rear module 34 also comprises first and second lateral pushers 72, 74 mounted slidingly respectively inside the associated lateral legs 50, 52 and each supporting two rollers 76, 78 for docking the bodywork against a loading dock. The pushers 72, 74 are identical and symmetrical with respect to each other considering the longitudinal median vertical plane of the bodywork.

[0067] Each pusher 72, 74 is slidably mounted inside the associated lateral leg 50, 52 in the longitudinal direction. The main part 50a, 50b of each lateral leg forms a drawer or sheath inside which the associated pusher 72, 74 is partly housed.

[0068] The rollers 76, 78 of each pusher are located projecting at the rear of each associated lateral leg 50, 52. Each roller 76, 78 is mounted to rotate about a horizontal axis of rotation. Each pusher 72, 74 here supports two rollers 76, 78. Alternatively, each pusher 72, 74 could support a single roller.

[0069] Each pusher 72, 74 supports an elastic buffer (not visible) mounted longitudinally opposite the rollers 76, 78 for absorbing horizontal shocks when the bodywork is docked against the loading dock.

[0070] Referring again to [Fig. 2], each lateral leg 50, 52 of the rear module is fixed to a lateral end zone of the floor 20 of the body against which the associated side 16 is fixed. Each lateral leg 50, 52 is fixed to the floor 20 as close as possible to the adjacent side 16. Thus, the transverse center distance between the lateral legs 50, 52 is maximum.

[0071] Each lateral leg 50, 52 is offset transversely outwardly relative to the lateral beam 40, 42 of the supporting frame located on the same side of the flank 16 adjacent to said leg. Each lateral leg 50, 52 is also offset partly outwardly relative to the lateral free ends of the anti- recess 54.

[0072] When longitudinal forces are exerted in the longitudinal direction from the rear on the underride protection bar 54 of the rear module, for example during a collision with another vehicle, part of the forces are transmitted by the lateral legs 50, 52 to the sides 16 of the bodywork via the floor 20.

[0073] Furthermore, part of the longitudinal forces exerted on the underride protection bar 54 is also transmitted by the plates 56, 58 to the lower cross member 28 of the rear frame and to the floor 20. The plates 56, 58 thus return forces in the longitudinal direction to the floor 20.

[0074] Furthermore, when docking, the longitudinal docking forces exerted on the rollers 76, 78 of the pushers are transmitted by the lateral legs 50, 52 and by the screws 68, 70 to the floor 20 of the bodywork. Another part of the docking forces is also transmitted by the plates 56, 58 and by the screws 64, 66 to the lower cross member 28 of the rear frame and to the floor 20.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the rear bumper module 34 comprises an underride protection bar 54. Alternatively, the rear module may be equipped with another underride protection means, for example a tailgate lift.

[0076] The invention has been illustrated by way of example on the basis of a road transport vehicle of the semi-trailer type. The invention is also applicable to a road vehicle of the trailer type.

Claims

Claims

1. Road vehicle for transporting goods comprising: - a body (12) comprising two vertical sides (16), a roof (18) and a floor (20) assembled together and partly delimiting an interior loading space, - a supporting chassis (14) fixed to the floor (20) of the body and supporting at least one axle (15) equipped with wheels, and - a rear bumper module (34) which is fixed to the floor (20) of the body and which is separate and spaced from the supporting chassis (14), - the rear bumper module (34) comprising: - first and second side legs (50, 52) spaced transversely and fixed to the floor (20) of the body, and an anti-underrun protection means (54) extending transversely and fixed to the first and second side legs (50, 52), - first and second plates (56, 58) each secured to one of the first and second side legs (50, 52),extending transversely and mounted to bear against the rear of the bodywork (12) in the longitudinal direction, and - first and second fixing means (64, 66) for fixing the first and second plates respectively to the bodywork.,

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, in which the bodywork (12) further comprises a rear reinforcement frame (22) secured at least to the sides (16) and the floor (20), the first and second plates (56, 58) of the rear bumper module bearing in the longitudinal direction against a lower cross member (28) of the rear frame (22).

3. A vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the first and second means for securing the rear bumper module comprise first and second groups of screws (64, 66) extending longitudinally through the first and second plates (56, 58) and into the lower cross member (28) of the rear frame (22).

4. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, each of the first and second plates (56, 58) is provided with a base (56a, 58a) each secured to the associated first or second lateral leg, and a plate (56b, 58b) vertically extending the base and mounted to bear against the rear of the bodywork (12) in the longitudinal direction.

5. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, in wherein the rear bumper module (34) further comprises third and fourth attachment means (68, 70) which extend vertically through the first and second side legs (50, 52) and into the floor (20) of the bodywork respectively for attaching the first and second side legs to the floor.

6. A vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the third and fourth fixing means comprise third and fourth groups of screws (68, 70).

7. Vehicle according to claim 6, in which the first and second side legs (50, 52) have oblong holes for the passage of the third and fourth groups of screws (68, 70) associated therewith.

8. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the first and second side legs (50, 52) of the rear bumper module is fixed to a lateral end zone of the floor (20) of the bodywork against which one of the vertical flanks (16) is fixed.

9. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the first and second side legs (50, 52) of the rear bumper module is offset at least partly outwardly relative to the lateral ends of the underride protection means (54).

10. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the supporting frame (14) comprises two longitudinally extending side beams (40, 42), each of the first and second side legs (50, 52) of the rear bumper module being offset outwardly relative to the side beam of the supporting frame located on the same side of one of the vertical sides (16) of the bodywork.

11. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the rear bumper module comprises first and second lateral pushers (72, 74) slidably mounted respectively relative to the first and second lateral legs (50, 52).

12. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, further comprising a front coupling unit (36) secured to the body floor and spaced from the supporting frame (14).

13. A vehicle according to any preceding claim, further comprising a crutch module (38) secured to the floor of the body and spaced from the supporting chassis (14).

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