Braking and stabilization system

Abstract

The invention relates to a braking and stabilization system (1) for a trolley (100) movable relative to a support (200) and comprising at least one stabilizing element (300) relative to the support (200), at least one braking element (400) for the travel of the trolley (100) relative to the support (200), a first actuating element (500) cooperating with the stabilizing element(s) (300), and a second actuating element (600) cooperating with the braking element(s) (400) and the first actuating element (500). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Braking and stabilization system

[0001] The invention relates to the field of braking and stabilization systems for trolleys, and in particular to braking and stabilization systems for trolleys transporting medical equipment.

[0002] The modularity of operating rooms in the hospital environment implies the use of trolleys on which medical assistance devices for medical operations are mounted, and in particular assistant robots.

[0003] These trolleys need to combine various conflicting functions necessary for the smooth running of an operation and for anticipating any eventuality. Thus, these trolleys must, on the one hand, be very stable during the operation to prevent any incident for the patient, where a movement of a few millimeters, or even micrometers, for example due to an unintentional blow from medical personnel, could be harmful. Furthermore, the trolley must be able to be moved very quickly in case of emergency. These different functions are often difficult to combine since these trolleys are very heavy, carrying several hundred kilograms of equipment.

[0004] Current trolleys are equipped with braking and / or stabilization systems which do not allow the two functions mentioned above to be fulfilled optimally.

[0005] Indeed, it is known from the prior art of braking systems actuated on two or each of the wheels of a trolley. However, such systems are very poorly suited to emergency movement since it is necessary to unlock each wheel individually. They also do not allow for sufficient stabilization of the trolley during a medical procedure.

[0006] There are also known "dead man's brake" type braking systems which prevent the trolley wheels from rotating when the user is not activating the system. Thus, when the system is at rest, the trolleys are stationary and can be moved quickly if necessary by releasing all the brakes, notably by operating a handle. However, such a system also does not provide sufficient stabilization during a medical procedure.

[0007] Stabilization systems involving the deployment of a stabilizing foot on several wheels are also known. These feet lift the wheels very slightly, thus stabilizing the cart. The resulting stabilization meets the requirements of a medical procedure, but this type of system is completely unsuitable for emergency movement of the cart, since here again each foot must be individually stored before the emergency move could be carried out.

[0008] There is therefore a need for a braking and stabilization system which allows both sufficient stabilization during a medical operation and emergency movement even when stabilization is engaged.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a braking and stabilization system for a trolley moving relative to a support and comprising:

[0010] - at least one stabilizing element relative to the support and movable between a a deployed position in contact with the support and a stowed position at a distance from the support

[0011] - at least one braking device for the travel of the carriage relative to to the support and mobile between a braking position and a release position,

[0012] - a first actuating member cooperating with the stabilizing member(s) and mobile between a rest position and an actuation configuration, where the transition from the rest position to the actuation position results in the deployment of the stabilizing element(s) and where the transition from the actuation position to the rest position results in the retraction of the stabilizing element(s),

[0013] - a second actuating member cooperating with the braking member(s) and movable between a rest position and a release position, where the passage from the rest position to the release position causes the braking element(s) to move to their release position, and where the passage from the release position to the rest position returns the braking element(s) to their braking position.

[0014] where the second actuation member also cooperates with the first actuation member so that the passage from its rest position to its disengagement position also entails the stowing of the stabilizing member(s).

[0015] The braking and stabilization system according to the invention advantageously allows the stabilization device(s) to be stored when the braking system is deactivated, which allows emergency movement to be carried out even in the event of deployment of the stabilization device(s).

[0016] Furthermore, the system of the invention is advantageous in that it involves only mechanical cooperation between the actuation elements and the braking / stabilizing elements. Therefore, there is no need to supply electrical power to motors or management software. Thus, the risks of actuation problems are greatly reduced, and the durability and repairability of the system are increased.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second actuating member comprises a control member including a tilting member mounted movably by a pivot joint in a support between a rest position and a clearance position configured to drive, on the one hand, the passage of the braking member from its braking position to its release position and on the other hand the stabilizing device from its deployed position to its stowed position.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second actuating member comprises a lever configured to drive the first actuating member from its actuating position to its rest position.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second actuating member comprises:

[0020] - a movable retaining element between a rest position and a position of maintenance where it holds the second actuating element in its disengaged position, and

[0021] - a stabilizing device capable of being operated by a user and configured for stabilize the holding mechanism in its holding position when operated by the user.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the or at least one stabilizing member comprises a foot mounted movable in translation along a first axis Al in a frame between a deployed position in contact with the support and a stowed position away from the support.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first actuating member comprises a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod coupled together by a guide member, the first connecting rod cooperating with the frame of the stabilizing member by a first pivot joint and the second connecting rod cooperating with the foot of the stabilizing member by a second pivot joint.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the frame includes a rail guiding the movement of the second connecting rod during the passage of the first actuating member between its different positions.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are configured so that the first pivot joint, the guide member and the second pivot joint are aligned with each other along a second axis A2 when the foot passes between its two positions and in that the guide member is disposed on a different side of the second axis A2 in each respective position of the foot.

[0026] The invention also relates to a trolley comprising at least one wheel and a braking and stabilization system as defined above, wherein said at least one braking element of the braking and stabilization system cooperates with at least one wheel.

[0027] The invention finally relates to a system for stabilizing a trolley with respect to a support comprising

[0028] - at least one stabilizing element relative to the support and movable between a deployed position in contact with the support and a stowed position at a distance from the support, and

[0029] - a first actuating member cooperating with the stabilizing member(s) and mobile between a rest configuration and an actuation configuration, where the transition from the rest position to the actuation position results in the deployment of the stabilizing device(s) and where the transition from the actuation position to the rest position results in the retraction of the stabilizing device(s),

[0030] where the first actuation member is configured to present a tipping point when passing from the rest position to the actuation position and vice versa, the passage of said tipping point corresponds to a change in conformation of the first actuation member blocking the latter in the other position.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the or at least one stabilizing element comprises a foot mounted movable in translation along a first axis Al in a frame between a deployed position in contact with the support and a stowed position at a distance from the support.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first actuating member comprises a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod coupled together by a guide member, the first connecting rod cooperating with the frame of the stabilizing member by a first pivot joint and the second connecting rod cooperating with the foot of the stabilizing member by a second pivot joint.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the frame includes a rail guiding the movement of the second connecting rod during the passage of the first actuating member between its different positions.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are configured so that the first pivot joint, the guide member and the second pivot joint are aligned with each other along a second axis A2 when the foot passes between its two positions and in that the guide member is disposed on a different side of the second axis A2 in each respective position of the foot. Brief description of the figures

[0035] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0036] Fig. 1 represents an isometric view of a braking and stabilization system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0037] Fig. 2 represents an isometric view of a stabilizing member and a first actuation member of the braking and stabilizing system according to Fig. 1.

[0038] Figure 3 shows a set of views (A, B, C, and D) of different positions of the stabilizing member and the first actuating member according to Figure 2 relative to a support. Figures 3A and 3C are side views, and Figures 3B and 3D These are cross-sectional views along axis AA shown in [Fig. 2]. In Figures 3A and 3B, the stabilizing member is in a stowed position and the first actuation member is in a rest position. In Figures 3C and 3D, the stabilizing member is in a deployed position and the first actuation member is in an actuation position.

[0039] Figure 4 shows an isometric view of a lever of a second component actuation of the braking and stabilization system according to [Fig. 1].

[0040] Fig. 5 represents an isometric view of a control element of a second actuation element of the braking and stabilization system according to Fig. 1.

[0041] Fig. 6 represents a cross-sectional view of the control element of Fig. 5 along the axis BB shown in Fig. 5.

[0042] Figure 7 shows two cross-sectional views (A and B) of a stabilizing element of a second actuation element of the braking system according to [Fig.1]. In figure 7A, the stabilizing element is in a rest position and in figure 7B, the stabilizing element is in an activation position.

[0043] Fig. 8 represents two cross-sectional views (A and B) of the control member of Fig. 5 comprising a tilting member where in Fig. 8A the tilting member is in a rest position and in Fig. 8B the tilting member is in a disengagement position.

[0044] Figure 9 represents an isometric view of a trolley comprising the system of braking and stabilization according to [Fig.1].

[0045] Fig. 10 is a detail view of Fig. 9 showing the implementation of part of the braking and stabilization system in the trolley from which the envelope has been removed. Detailed description of the invention

[0046] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. The features of different embodiments can also be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0047] In the present description, certain elements or parameters can be indexed, such as, for example, first actuation member or second actuation member, etc. In this case, it is simply a matter of indexing to differentiate and name similar, but not identical, elements, parameters, or criteria. This indexing does not imply any priority of one element, parameter, or criterion over another, and such designations can easily be interchanged without departing from the scope of this description. This indexing also does not imply any chronological order.

[0048] In the present description, front, rear, right, left, proximal, distal, top and bottom means an orientation in space relative to the trolley in which the braking and stabilization system of the invention is intended to be mounted, as well as to its direction of travel.

[0049] We will first turn to [Fig. 1], which represents an isometric view of a braking and stabilization system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The system 1 is intended to be installed in a mobile trolley 100 (shown in [Fig. 9]) and acts on the movement of said trolley 100 relative to a support 200. The support 200 may, in particular, be the ground or any other element on which the trolley 100 travels.

[0050] The system 1 comprises at least one stabilizing member 300 relative to the support 200, at least one braking member 400 of the travel stroke of the carriage 100 relative to the support 200, a first actuating member 500 cooperating with said at least one stabilizing member 300 and a second actuating member 600 cooperating on the one hand with said at least one braking member 400 and on the other hand with said first actuating member 500.

[0051] The stabilizing element 300 and the braking element 400 are in the invention two elements distinct from each other.

[0052] Said at least one stabilizing member 300 and the first actuation member 500 form the stabilizing system 800 of system 1. Said at least one braking member 400 and the second actuation member 600 form the braking system 900 of system 1. Advantageously, the two systems 800, 900 cooperate with each other in system 1 of the invention.

[0053] The braking means 400 cooperate in particular with one or more wheels of the carriage 100. Four wheels 101, 102 of the carriage 100 are thus shown in this [Fig. 1]. In the example shown, the two front wheels 101 each cooperate with a braking element 400, and the two rear wheels 102 each cooperate with a braking device 700, the actuation and release of which are independent of the second actuating element 600. The braking device 700 is an integral part of the braking and stabilization system 1. Alternatively, the two rear wheels 102 may also be without any braking element or device 400, 700, or each may cooperate with a braking element 400 driven by the second actuating element 600.

[0054] The braking element(s) 400 are specifically free of any notched mechanism, such as locking notches. Indeed, such mechanisms can cause play between two stable positions (two notches), reducing the stability of the carriage 100 in which is fitted with the braking and stabilization system 1. Such play can be harmful to a patient when the trolley 100 supports medical equipment requiring micrometer-level stability during the procedure. The braking device(s) may be selected from the group including or consisting of drum brakes, disc brakes, pad brakes, band / belt brakes, and shoe brakes.

[0055] Said at least one braking element 400 is movable between a braking position and a release position. In the braking position, it prevents the rotation of the wheel(s) 101 to which it is associated, so as to prevent the movement of the carriage 100. In the release position, the associated wheel(s) 101 are free to rotate and the carriage 100 can move freely.

[0056] The movement of said at least one braking element 400 between its different positions is achieved by the second actuating element 600. The second actuating element 600 is movable between a rest position where it actuates said at least one braking element 400 and a disengagement position where it releases said at least one braking element 400 from the wheel(s) to which it is associated. Thus, the transition from the rest position to the disengagement position moves the braking element(s) 400 into their disengagement position, allowing the movement of the carriage 100. In the invention, the second actuating element 600 is actuated by default, so that the braking element(s) are actuated by default. Thus, maintaining the second actuating element 600 in its disengagement position requires constant action by the user.The second actuation element 600 is therefore of the "dead man's brake" type and thus immobilizes the carriage 100 if no action is taken on this element 600. When the user stops acting on the second element 600, this causes the carriage to move from the release position to the rest position, which returns the braking element(s) 400 to their braking position.

[0057] Furthermore, said at least one stabilizing element 300 is movable between a deployed position in contact with the support 200 and a stowed position at a distance from the support 200. In its deployed position, said at least one stabilizing element will cause one or more of the wheels 101, 102 of the trolley 100, and in particular the wheels 102 located on the same side, to be raised relative to the support 200. It is this raising of at least part of the wheels 101, 102 that is responsible for the increased stability compared to the action of the braking elements 400 alone. As an alternative to raising the associated wheel(s), said at least one stabilizing element 300 can reduce the force exerted by the wheel(s) on the support 200 while maintaining the wheel(s) in contact with the support 200.

[0058] To guarantee the reduction of effort or the elevation, said at least one sta- The stabilizing element 300 is advantageously located in the immediate vicinity of the associated wheel.

[0059] The mobility between the different positions of said at least one stabilizing element 300 is controlled by the first actuating element 500, and also by the second actuating element 600.

[0060] Said first actuating member 500 is movable between a rest position and an actuating position of said at least one stabilizing member 300. The transition from the rest position to the actuating position causes the actuating member(s) 300 to be deployed. Conversely, the transition from the actuating position to the rest position causes the actuating member(s) 300 to be retracted.

[0061] In addition to its action on the braking element(s) 400, the second actuating element 600 also acts on the stabilizing element(s) 300. Indeed, the movement of the second actuating element 600 from its rest position to its disengaged position will cause at least one stabilizing element 300 to return from its deployed position to its stowed position. Thus, by a single action on the second actuating element 600, the user unlocks both the braking element(s) and the stabilizing element(s), allowing for very rapid movement of a trolley that has been previously stabilized on the ground, for example, during a surgical procedure on a patient.

[0062] We will now turn to [Fig.2] and 3B, which will be read together and which represent detailed views of a stabilizing member 300 and a first actuation member 500. In the example shown, the stabilizing member 300 comprises a foot 301 intended to bear against the support 200. The foot 301 is mounted to move in translation within a frame 302 along a first axis Al between a deployed position in contact with the support 200 and a stowed position at a distance from this support 200.

[0063] In Figure 3B, the foot 301 is shown in its stored position. This figure shows that the foot 301 may include a base 310, which is flared for support on the support 200, as shown. The base 310 may include a head 318 for support on the support 200, which has a ball joint with a body 319 of the base 310, so that the orientation of the head can adapt to irregularities in the support 200. The base 310 may include, particularly at its head 318, a coating or layer of material with anti-slip properties to improve its friction with the support 200, and thus the stability it offers relative to the support 200.

[0064] The base 310 is notably connected to the lower part of a body 311 of the foot, the latter sliding within the frame 302. The frame 302 may itself comprise a body 320 elongated along the axis Al with a lower opening 321, the base of which 310 of the spring foot. In particular, the body 311 of the foot has dimensions adapted to slide against the inner walls 322 of the elongated body 320.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the foot body 311 comprises a first reversible elastic element 312 that pushes the base 310 out of the lower part of the body 311. The reversible elastic element 312 notably provides the force exerted by the stabilizing element 300 against the support 200. The displacement of the base 310 relative to the body 311 can be limited by stop interactions, and in particular by contact between a shoulder and a peripheral lip, as shown. Thus, a peripheral lip 313 of the base 310 can move along the axis A1 within a chamber 314 of the body 311, and its displacement is limited at the top by an upper shoulder, preventing overcompression of the first reversible elastic element 312, and at the bottom by a lower shoulder of the chamber 314, preventing the base 310 from protruding from the body 311.This aspect of the invention is advantageous in that it makes it possible to overcome the irregularities of the support 200 by means of the indentation of the base 310 into the body 311 by compression of the first elastic element 312 during the deployment of the stabilizing element 300. Such an indentation is visible in the 3D figure.

[0066] The foot 301 is held in its stowed position by a second reversible elastic element 315. This second reversible elastic element 315 is, in particular, a helical spring, as shown. For this purpose, the second reversible elastic element 315 may bear against the upper face of the frame 302 on one side and against the upper end of the body 311 on the other. The upper end of the body 311 may, in particular, be in the form of a rod 316 protruding through the upper part of the frame 302, as shown. Thus, in this embodiment, the lower part of the body 311 of the foot 301, in which the base 310 is housed, is located inside the frame 302, and in particular inside the elongated body 320, and the upper part of the foot is located outside the frame 302.In particular, the second reversible elastic element 315 can be arranged around the portion of said rod 316 located outside the frame 302, as shown. Specifically, the frame 302 can include a cap 323 closing the upper part of the elongated body 320. The rod 316, protruding through said cap 323, can cooperate with the walls of an opening made in said cap 323, as shown. This cooperation contributes to the stability of the direction of the foot 301 with respect to the axis A1 during its movements.

[0067] The first actuating member 500 can, in particular, be configured to have a tipping point when moving from the rest position to the actuated position and vice versa. The passage through said tipping point corresponds to a change in the conformation of the first actuating member 500, blocking this last in the other position. In other words, the tipping point forms an unstable equilibrium point. On one side of the tipping point, the stabilizing member(s) 300 are naturally drawn towards the rest position. On the other side of the tipping point, the stabilizing member(s) 300 are naturally drawn towards the actuating position. In addition to a natural locking in one of the positions, passing through this tipping point can provide haptic feedback to the user, alerting them that the stabilizing member(s) 300 have been successfully deployed or withdrawn from the support 200, as will be seen in detail later.

[0068] To this end, the first actuating member 500 can have one or more assemblies 501 of interconnected parts, each assembly 501 cooperating in particular with a stabilizing member 300.In particular, a 501 part assembly may include a cam cooperating with one or more stabilizing elements. This cam may, in particular, have an elliptical or semi-elliptical shape.

[0069] Alternatively, an assembly 501 of parts may in particular include a first connecting rod 502 and a second connecting rod 503 coupled together, as shown in [Fig.2].

[0070] The first connecting rod 502 cooperates in particular with the frame 302 of the stabilizing member 300, and the second connecting rod 503 cooperates in particular with the foot 301. The first connecting rod 502 is articulated in particular with the frame 302 via a first pivot joint 520, and the second connecting rod 503 is articulated in particular with the frame 302 via a second pivot joint 530. The first and second connecting rods 502, 503 can cooperate in particular with each other by means of a guide member 540. Said guide member 540 is in particular in the form of a third pivot joint.

[0071] The first connecting rod 502 is articulated in particular with the upper part of the elongated body 320 of the frame 302 or with the cap 323 of the frame 302. In particular, said cap 323 may have larger dimensions than the upper part of the elongated body 320 so as to allow the cooperation zone between the first connecting rod 502 and the frame 302 to be offset beyond the periphery of the elongated body 320. This makes it possible to obtain movements of greater amplitude, requiring less effort to move the first connecting rod 502.

[0072] The second connecting rod 503 can in particular cooperate with a finger 317 of the foot 301, said finger 317 extending in particular transversely from the body 311 of the foot 301. The frame 302 can in particular include a rail 324 to guide the movement of the stabilizing member 300 between its positions along the axis Al, and cooperating in particular with said finger 317. The rail 324 can include a stop in the up position and a stop in the down position of the movement of the stabilizing member 300 defining the stowed position and the deployed position of the latter, respectively.

[0073] Furthermore, the stabilizing member 300 can reach the stop member in its lowered position when the tipping point of the first actuating member 500 passes. At this point, the stabilizing member 300 may also be in contact with the support 200, but without yet having reached its deployed position. The continued movement of the first actuating member 500 to reach the actuation position and lock the stabilizing member in its deployed position can then be achieved by compressing the first reversible elastic member 312. This compression will require an increase in the force needed to move the first actuating member 500, so that passing the tipping point provides haptic feedback to the user. The user is thus notified that the stabilizing member has been successfully deployed.The same applies when the stabilizing organ returns via the first actuation organ 500, where the decompression of the first reversible elastic organ 312 will result in haptic feedback for the user, alerting them that they have successfully removed the stabilizing organ 300 from the support 200.

[0074] The rail 324 may, in particular, be formed by an opening 324 made in the elongated body 320 of the frame 302, as shown. Said opening 324 has, in particular, an oblong shape extending mainly along the axis AL. The finger 317 thus passes through the opening 324 to reach the second connecting rod 503. The upper edge of the opening 324 may, in particular, correspond to the stopping member in the upper position, and the lower edge of the opening 324 may correspond to the stopping member in the lower position.

[0075] Each connecting rod 502, 503 may include a respective stop 521, 531 against the frame 302 in order to participate in defining one of the positions of the stabilizing member 300. In particular, the stop 521 of the first connecting rod 502 may be in contact with the frame 302 in the stowed position of the stabilizing member 300, in particular in contact with the rear face 325 of the elongated body 320. The stop 531 of the second connecting rod 503 may in particular be in contact with the frame 302 in the deployed position, in particular in contact with the front face 326 (visible in [Fig. 2]) of the elongated body 320.

[0076] Each connecting rod 502, 503 can be arranged opposite a single lateral face 327 of the frame 302 or opposite two opposing lateral faces 327 of the frame, as shown, in order to increase the robustness of the first actuating member 500. In this latter configuration, each connecting rod 502, 503 can in particular be formed by two connecting rods 502.1, 502.2, 503.1, 503.2 of identical shapes mirrored to each other and connected to each other by a guide 522, 532 so as to follow the same movement around the frame 302. Each guide 522, 532 can correspond to each respective stop 521, 531. The foot 301 may also include two fingers 317 extending in opposite directions from the body 311, each cooperating with one of the connecting rods 503.1, 503.2 of the second connecting rod 503, and each passing through an opening forming a rail 324 arranged on one of the opposite lateral faces 327 of the frame 302, and in particular of the elongated body 320.

[0077] Returning to [Fig. 1], it can be seen that the first actuating member 500 includes a drive member 511 between its positions, intended to be actuated by the user. Said drive member 511 is notably in the form of a pedal. In the example shown, the system 1 comprises two stabilizing members 300, each actuated by a respective first actuating member 500, and the pedal 511 simultaneously drives the first two actuating members 500, notably via a bridge structure 560 between the first two connecting rods 503 of each first actuating member 500.

[0078] We will return to [Fig. 3], where the deployment kinematics of the stabilizing member 300 using the first actuating member 500 are shown in detail. In Figures 3A and 3B, the first actuating member 500 is shown in the rest position and the stabilizing member 300 in the stowed position. In Figures 3C and 3D, the first actuating member 500 is shown in the actuated position, and the stabilizing member in the deployed position. A structure 103 of the carriage 100 and a support 200 have also been shown to illustrate the movement of the stabilizing member 300 relative to them.

[0079] The various arrows in Figures 3A and 3C indicate the direction of rotation of the pivot joints 520, 530, and 540, as well as the direction of movement of the stabilizing member 300 along axis AL. A second axis A2, passing through the first pivot joint 520 and the second pivot joint 530, is also shown. Axis A2 represents the area where the tipping point is crossed for the first actuating member 500. More specifically, the tipping point can be defined as the passage of the third pivot joint 540 through the second axis A2. Thus, it can be seen that in Figure 3A, in the retracted position of the stabilizing member 300, the third pivot joint 540 is located on one side of axis A2, whereas it is located on the other side in Figure 3C, in the extended position of the stabilizing member 300.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stroke of the third pivot joint 540 between its location in the rest position of the first actuating member 500 and the moment it intersects the second axis A2 is longer than the stroke from its location in the actuating position of the first actuating member 500 to the moment it intersects the second axis A2. Thus, the deployment of the stabilizing member 300 occurs later than the total stroke of the third pivot 540, while the disengagement of the contact between the stabilizing member 300 and the support 200 is faster. On the one hand, this reduces the effort required to move the stabilizing member 300 to its deployed position. On the other hand, it results in a rapid disengagement of the contact between the stabilizing member 300 and the support 200. which allows us to deal with an emergency movement of the trolley 100 in which system 1 is mounted.

[0081] In figures 3C and 3D, the contraction of the first and second reversible elastic organ 312, 315 can be seen. In particular, the energy stored by the second reversible elastic organ 315 during the deployment of the stabilizing organ 300 makes it possible to facilitate and accelerate the return to the stowed position by the release of this energy when the tipping point has passed.

[0082] The return of the stabilizing member(s) 300 from their deployed position to their stowed position can be achieved via the drive member 511, or by the action of the second actuating member 600 on the first actuating member 500. The second actuating member 600 can, in particular, act on the second connecting rod 503, and more specifically on the stop 532. This action can be achieved directly via an actuating cable 630 of the second actuating member 600, or via a lever 660 of the second actuating member 600, in particular actuated by said cable 630.

[0083] Said lever 660 is represented in figures 1, 4 and 10 which will be read together.

[0084] The lever 660 is rotatable between a rest position, where it exerts no action on the first actuating member 500, and a drive position where it returns the first actuating member 500 from its actuating position to its rest position. The lever 660 is arranged, in particular, to cooperate with the second connecting rod 503 in the actuating position of the first actuating member 500. Specifically, the lever 660 can be arranged to cooperate with the stop 532 of the second connecting rod 503. Thus, upon activation, the lever 660 will push the stop 532 towards the stabilizing member 300, causing it to pivot around the second pivot joint 530, and returning the first actuating member 500 to its rest position. The said lever 660 is in particular set in motion by the actuating cable 630.

[0085] The lever 660 can be mounted in a structure 670 with which it cooperates by way of a base 661 via one or two pivot links 662. The lever 660 includes a head 663 which cooperates in particular with the actuation cable 630, and in particular with one end of a cable as shown in [Fig.4]. The actuating cable 630 passes through the structure 670. Between the base 662 and the head 663 of the lever extends a body 664, in which the stop 531 of the second connecting rod 503 can be housed in the actuating position of the first actuating member 500. As shown in this figure, the base 661 can extend from the body 664 and take the form of two tabs, each articulating with the structure 670. The base 661, the head 663, and the body 664 thus form an open cage dimensioned to receive the stop 531 of the second connecting rod 503.

[0086] The lever 660 is notably held in its rest position, lowered position, by the action of a reversible elastic element 665, for example a helical spring. In particular, said reversible elastic element 665 acts on the head 663 of the lever, notably via a bearing on the structure 670. When the reversible elastic element 665 is a helical spring, the latter can be arranged around the cable 630, as shown in [Fig. 4].

[0087] Pulling on the cable 630 causes the reversible elastic member 665 to contract and the head 663 of the lever to tilt upwards around the base 661 towards the first actuating member 500, so as to push the stop 531 upwards. Releasing the cable 630 causes the head 663 to return to its rest position, facilitating the action of the reversible elastic member 665.

[0088] The drive of the actuation cable 630 is in particular carried out by a control member 601 of the second actuation member 600, which also actuates the braking member(s) 400.

[0089] We will now turn to figures 5 and 6 which represent an embodiment of a control member 601. The control member 601 includes in particular a tilting member 610 housed in a support 620 and articulated with the latter by a pivot joint 611.

[0090] The control member 601 is connected to the braking members 400 by one or more actuating cables 631 (Figures 1 and 8) and to the first actuating member 500 or to the lever(s) 660 by one or more actuating cables 630 (shown in [Fig. 8]). It is the action or lack of action on the actuating cables 630, 631 by the control member 601 that will engage or disengage the braking members 400 and disengage the first actuating member. These cables 630, 631 may, in particular, be protected in sheaths.

[0091] Attachment elements 612 for the actuating cables 630 can be mounted on the tilting member 610. In particular, one end of the actuating cables 630 can be fixed in a housing 613 of the tilting member 610. The body of the cables 630 can be arranged in grooves 614 formed on the surface of the tilting member 610 in order to guide them in their winding and unwinding around the tilting member 610. The grooves 614 are in particular perpendicular to the axis of the pivot joint 611.

[0092] The support 620 includes, in particular, side walls between which the tilting member 610 extends and with which the tilting member 610 is articulated. The support 620 also includes a base 621 through which the actuating cables 630 pass to reach the tilting member 610. In particular, the support 620 includes passages 622 forming guides within the base 621 for the passage of the actuating cables 630.

[0093] The tilting member 610 comprises two positions, a rest position and a release position, corresponding to the rest and release positions of the second actuating member 600. The tilting member 610 tilts, in particular, towards a rear wall 623 of the support 620 (Figures 8A and 8B). The actuating cables 630 are driven by the movement of the tilting member 610 from its rest position to its release position. Thus, the movement of the tilting member 601 to the release position will wind the cables 630 around the tilting member 610 in the direction of the tilting movement, causing them to be pulled. Conversely, the return to the rest position will unwind them, causing them to be released. The travel of the cables 630 during tilting movements can be adapted by positioning them at radii of different dimensions from the tilting member 610, in particular using grooves 614 of different depths.In the example shown, the stroke of all 630 cables is the same.

[0094] Furthermore, the tilting member 610 may include at least one first stop 615 contacting the rear wall 623 of the support 620 (Figure 8B). Moreover, the tilting member 610 may also include at least one second stop 616 (visible in [Fig. 5]) contacting a front wall 624 of the support 620.

[0095] In order to move the second actuating member 600 from its rest position to its release position, the latter may include a drive member 602, in particular fixed to the tilting member 610 of the control member 601. The drive member 602 is in particular in the form of a pedal, as shown in [Fig. 10].

[0096] According to one embodiment of the invention, the tilting member 610 is held in its rest position, in particular against the front wall of the support 620, by the action of a reversible elastic member.

[0097] According to another embodiment of the invention, the tilting member 610 is held in its rest position by the action of the actuating cables 631 connected to the braking members 400. In particular, the braking members 400 are held in their braking position by means of reversible elastic members, which pull the actuating cables 630 towards them. This drive of the actuating cables 631 acts on the tilting member 610 of the control member 601 and holds it in the rest position in the absence of superior opposing forces applied to the tilting member 610 by the user, in particular via the drive member 602.

[0098] The second actuating member 600 may further include a retaining member 640 in order to hold it, and more particularly to hold the tilting member 610, in its disengaged position. The retaining member 640 has a rest position and a holding position in which it prevents the tilting member 610 from returning from its release position to its rest position.

[0099] The retaining member 640 can be in the form of at least one set of two connecting rods 641, 643 articulated with each other. In the example shown, two sets are present. A first connecting rod 641 is articulated to the support 620 via a lateral pivot joint 642, and a second connecting rod 643 is articulated to the tilting member 610 via a lateral pivot joint 644. The two connecting rods 641, 643 can also be articulated with each other via a central pivot joint 645. The two connecting rods 641, 643 are, in particular, L-shaped with a respective pivot joint 642, 644, 645 at each end.

[0100] In addition, the second actuating member 600 may include a stabilizing member 650 for the holding member 640, shown in [Fig. 7]. The stabilizing member 650 has a rest position in which it has no action on the holding member 640, and an activation position in which it will stabilize the holding member 640 in the holding position. The stabilizing member 650 may include one or more handles 651 arranged in a housing 652 and at least one stabilizing cable 653 connected to the retaining member 640. The handle(s) 651 may be articulated by a pivot joint 654 with the housing 652, driving or releasing the stabilizing cables 653. Each handle 651 may act on one or more sets of two connecting rods 641, 643, or all the handles 651 may act on the same set.The housing 652 of a handle 651 may also contain a reversible elastic element 655, in particular a helical spring, configured to drive the handle 651 into the housing. This reduces the force required by the user to store the handle 651 in its housing 652.

[0101] The stabilizing cable(s) 653 are attached to the retaining member 640 at the central pivot joint 645 of the connecting rods 641, 643, and more specifically to the axis of the central pivot joint 645. This attachment can be direct or achieved via one or more connecting pieces 646 (visible in Figures 5 and 6). A connecting piece 646 can, in particular, bridge several assemblies of connecting rods 641, 643, as shown, allowing simultaneous stabilization of these assemblies. Several stabilizing cables 653 can be attached to the same connecting piece 646. The stabilizing cable(s) 653 can, in particular, pass through the base 621 of the support 620, and specifically through guides 625 formed in this base 621 (visible in Figures 5 and 6).

[0102] The retaining member 640 and the stabilizing member 650 can be configured so that when the tilting member 610 is in its rest position, the one or the Stabilizing cables 653 pull on the handle(s) 651 to extend them from their housing 652, as shown in Figure 7A. In this position, the handles are accessible to the user. When the tilting member 610 is in its disengaged position, the stabilizing cable(s) 653 are slack, and the handle(s) can be easily retracted into their housing by the user by pressing on them, thus holding the retaining member 640 in its holding position, as shown in Figure 7B. This stabilization allows the user to stop actuating the drive member 602 and push the carriage 100 while keeping the handle(s) 651 depressed.

[0103] When the user stops pressing on the handle(s) 651, the tension on the retaining member 640 is then stopped. Insofar as the drive member 602 is not actuated, the tilting member 610 will automatically return to its rest position, bringing the retaining member 640 into its rest position, redeploying the handles 651 out of their housing 652, and also bringing the braking member(s) to their braking position.

[0104] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two connecting rods 641, 643 can be configured so that, in the rest position of the tilting member 610, it is not possible to move them using the stabilizing member 650. Thus, an accidental activation of the stabilizing members 650 by a user will prevent the tilting member from tilting into its disengagement position. An example of this configuration is shown in Figures 8A and 8B. These figures show the position of the two connecting rods 641, 643 of an assembly, as well as that of a stabilizing cable 653 connected to a stabilizing member 650 (not visible) and to a connecting piece 646, on the one hand in the rest position of the tilting member (Figure 8A), and on the other hand in the disengagement position of the tilting member (Figure 8B).

[0105] In Figure 8A, it can be seen that the position of the lateral pivot joint 644 of the second connecting rod 643 is close to that of the first connecting rod 641. Thus, the connecting rods 641 and 643 form an acute angle with each other at the central pivot joint 645. In particular, these two pivot joints 642 and 644 are located on the same side with respect to the cable 653. It is therefore clear that pulling on the cable 653 does not cause the lateral pivot joint 644 of the second connecting rod 643 to move to the other side of the cable 653, but on the contrary tends to bring it closer to that of the first connecting rod 641, and thus causes the stop 616 of the tilting member 610 to press against the front wall 624 of the support. Thus, an activation of the stabilizing member 650 in the rest position of the tilting member 610 does not cause the latter to move towards its release position, but maintains the latter in the rest position.

[0106] In Figure 8B, the lateral pivot joint 644 of the second connecting rod 643 has moved to the other side of the cable 653 by means of the tilting of the tilting member 610. It is clear here that the pull on the cable 653 will tend to separate the lateral pivot joints 642, 644 of the connecting rods 641, 643 and thus tend to tilt the tilting member 610 towards its disengagement position. In particular, in the disengagement position of the tilting member 610, the connecting rods 641, 643 form an obtuse angle of less than 180° with each other at the central pivot joint 645. Indeed, if this angle is equal to or greater than 180°, problems may arise in the return of the connecting rods 641, 643 to their original configuration when the stabilizing member 650 is released, in fact causing problems in the return of the tilting member 610 to its rest position.

[0107] Referring to Figures 8A and 8B, we can also see the movement of a cable 631 connecting the control member 601 to a braking member 400 and of a cable 630 connecting the control member 601 to a stabilizing member 300. The movement of the tilting member 610 from its rest position to its disengagement position will cause the cables 630, 631 to move inside the support 620. Conversely, the movement of the tilting member 610 from its disengagement position to its rest position will cause the cables 630, 631 to move out of the support 620. It is also noted that the movement of the stabilizing cables 653 and the actuating cables 630, 631 is in opposite directions during the various movements of the tilting member 610.

[0108] Finally, we will turn to Figures 9 and 10, which represent a trolley 100 in which the braking and stabilization system 1 is mounted, attached in particular to the structure 103 of the trolley 100. The two rear wheels 102 are visible, between which extend pedals 511 and 602 of the first and second actuating members 500 and 600, respectively. The system 1 here comprises two stabilizing members 300 distributed on either side of the longitudinal axis of the trolley. The two stabilizing members 300 are also located at the rear of the trolley 100 and, together with the braking members 400 located at the front wheels 101, contribute to the overall stabilization of the trolley 100. The trolley 100 comprises at least one wheel, and in particular two, three, or four wheels. The braking device(s) 400 cooperate with at least one of the wheels of the trolley 100, in particular at least one of the wheels 101 arranged at the front of the trolley 100.The stabilizing device(s) 300 (visible in [Fig. 10]) can be arranged in the trolley 100 to raise at least one of the wheels located at the rear of the trolley 100 relative to the support 200.

[0109] During the movement of the carriage 100, with the carriage 100 at rest, with or without deployment of the stabilizing devices 300, the user can actuate with their foot the pedal 602 of the second actuating device 600, which will tilt the tilting device 610, release the braking devices 400 and raise it The stabilizing devices 300 are deployed. The carriage 100 is then free to move relative to the support 200. The user can then release their foot by pressing down on the handles 651 of the stabilizing system 650 with their hands to hold the tilting device 610 in its disengaged position while releasing the pedal 602, which will remain depressed by the action of the holding system 640. To stop the carriage 100 again, the user can simply release the handles 651, which will cause the tilting device 610 to return to its rest position. Pressing the pedal 511 will then deploy the stabilizing devices 300 to stabilize the carriage 100 relative to the support 200.

Claims

Demands

1. Braking and stabilization system (1) for a trolley (100) movable relative to a support (200), the trolley (100) comprising at least one wheel (101, 102), said system (1) comprising: - at least one first stabilizing element (300) relative to the support (200) and movable between a deployed position in contact with the support (200) and a stowed position at a distance from the support (200), - at least one braking device (400) for the travel stroke of the trolley (100) relative to the support (200), intended to cooperate with said at least one wheel (101, 102) of the trolley (100) and movable between a braking position and a release position of said at least one wheel (101, 102) of the trolley (100), - a first actuating member (500) cooperating with the stabilizing member(s) (300) and movable between a rest position and an actuating configuration, where the passage from the rest position to the actuating position causes the deployment of the stabilizing member(s) (300) and where the passage from the actuating position to the rest position causes the stowing of the stabilizing member(s) (300), - a second actuating member (600) cooperating with the braking member(s) (400) and movable between a rest position and a release position, where the passage from the rest position to the release position brings the braking member(s) (400) into their release position and where the passage from the release position back to the rest position returns the braking member(s) (400) to their braking position, where the second actuation member (600) also cooperates with the first actuation member (500) so that the passage from its rest position to its disengagement position also entails the stowing of the stabilizing member(s) (300).

2. Braking and stabilization system according to claim 1, in the second actuating member (600) includes a control member (601) comprising a tilting member (610) mounted movably by a pivot link (611) in a support (620) between a rest position and a release position configured to drive on the one hand the passage of the braking member (400) from its braking position to its release position and on the other hand the first stabilizing member (300) from its deployed position to its stowed position.

3. Braking and stabilization system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second actuating member (600) comprises a lever (660) configured to drive the passage of the first actuating member (500) from its actuating position to its rest position.

4. Braking and stabilization system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second actuating member (600) comprises an actuating cable assembly (630) for its cooperation with the braking member (400) and the first actuating member (500).

5. Braking and stabilization system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second actuating member (600) comprises - a holding member (640) movable between a rest position and a holding position where it holds the second actuating member (600) in its release position, and - a second stabilizing member (650) capable of being actuated by a user and configured to stabilize the holding member (640) in its holding position when actuated by the user.

6. Braking and stabilization system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the or at least a first stabilization member (300) comprises a foot (301) mounted movable in translation along a first axis (Al1) in a frame (302) between a deployed position in contact with the support (200) and a stowed position away from the support (200).

7. Braking and stabilization system according to claim 6, wherein the first actuating member (500) comprises a first connecting rod (502, 502.1, 502.2) and a second connecting rod (503, 503.1, 503.2) coupled together by a guiding member (340), the first connecting rod (502, 502.1, 502.2) cooperating with the frame (302) of the first stabilizing member (300) by a first pivot joint (520) and the second connecting rod (503, 503.1, 503.2) cooperating with the foot (301) of the first stabilizing member (300) by a second pivot joint (530).

8. Braking and stabilization system according to claim 7, wherein the frame (302) includes a rail (324) guiding the movement of the second connecting rod (502, 502.1, 502.2) during the passage of the first actuating member (500) between its different positions.

9. Braking and stabilization system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first connecting rod (502, 502.1, 502.2) and the second connecting rod (503, 503.1, 503.2) are configured so that the first pivot joint (520), the guide member (540) and the second pivot joint (530) are aligned with each other along a second axis (A2) when the foot (301) passes between its two positions and in that the guide member (540) is disposed on a different side of the second axis (A2) in each respective position of the foot (301).

10. Trolley (100) comprising at least one wheel (101, 102) and a braking and stabilization system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said at least one braking element (400) of the braking and stabilization system (1) cooperates with at least one wheel (101, 102).

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