vehicle including a device for distributing a package to be delivered

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle (2) comprising a passenger compartment (3) including a driver's seat and an empty space located next to said driver's seat, and a rear storage space (4) located behind said passenger compartment (3) comprising pallets (8, 9, 10) of packages and automated means associated with each of said pallets (8, 9, 10) for transporting the package to be delivered to an identified area of ​​the pallet (8, 9, 10) supporting said package. According to the invention, the vehicle includes a distribution device (102) for conveying the package to be delivered, once it has reached the identified area of ​​the corresponding pallet (8, 9, 10), to a common collection area (103) located in the passenger compartment (3) of the vehicle. Figure 10

Description

Title of the invention: vehicle comprising a device for distributing a package to be delivered

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle comprising a device for distributing a package to be delivered.

[0002] In order to better understand the positioning of the different parts involved in a vehicle according to the invention, the description is made with reference to a direct orthonormal frame XYZ in which X is a front-to-back longitudinal axis of the vehicle oriented towards the rear, Y is a transverse axis oriented towards the right of the vehicle and Z is a vertical axis directed upwards.

[0003] Currently, the process for delivering a package containing an item ordered by a customer schematically comprises the following steps: -The package is received by a transport company tasked with delivering it to this customer. -it is then loaded into the trunk of a delivery vehicle along with other packages to be delivered, all the packages being positioned in a rather haphazard way in said trunk, -The delivery driver uses his GPS to plan the most suitable route possible to deliver all packages to the relevant customers, minimizing unnecessary detours and avoiding intersections that may have stop signs or traffic lights as much as possible. -Once arriving at a customer's destination, the driver struggles to select the package to be delivered, which is buried among the other packages stored in the vehicle. -if the customer is present he receives the package, and if he is absent the delivery driver leaves with the package, which he places among the other packages to be delivered.

[0004] During this delivery process, there is a significant risk that packages left in the delivery vehicle may be stolen when the driver leaves the vehicle for a few minutes to deliver a package to a customer on their route. To prevent this from happening, it is essential that the packages in the vehicle remain inaccessible to any unauthorized third party.

[0005] A vehicle according to the invention has a distribution mechanism for extracting a package to be delivered from a load of packages present in said vehicle, and placing it in a specific location within the vehicle where the delivery driver can easily access it, while keeping said load of packages isolated. The term "isolated" means that this load of packages cannot be reached by anyone other than the delivery driver and that said load is secure.

[0006] The invention relates to a vehicle comprising a passenger compartment including a driver's seat and an empty space placed next to said driver's seat, and a rear storage space placed behind said passenger compartment and in continuity with it, said storage space and said passenger compartment being separated by a partition extending in a vertical and transverse plane YZ of the vehicle, said storage space comprising at least two superimposed horizontal pallets each supporting a multiplicity of packages, automated means of movement associated with each of said pallets allowing the package to be delivered to be transported to an identified area of ​​the pallet located behind the empty space.

[0007] According to the invention, the partition has a through opening placed just behind the empty space and a distribution device placed in the empty space just in front of the opening and allowing the package to be delivered, which has arrived in the identified area of ​​the corresponding pallet, to be conveyed to a common withdrawal area located in the empty space, the distribution device comprising a receiving platform for the package to be delivered, a vertical movement track and a horizontal movement track, said receiving platform being mounted in translation along said two movement tracks to allow the package to be delivered to be conveyed to the withdrawal area.The principle of a vehicle according to the invention is first to bring a package to be delivered, stored on a pallet, to a clearly identified area of ​​that pallet, and then to transport this package, once it has arrived in this identified area, to a common collection area located in an empty space next to the driver's seat. The identified area of ​​each pallet is the same for every pallet: it is the area located behind the opening in the partition behind the empty space. To avoid any ambiguity, the empty space next to the driver's seat is the space usually reserved for a passenger seat. For a vehicle according to the invention, this passenger seat is considered to have been removed. A package to be delivered, which is selected from one of the pallets, undergoes the following movements before being collected by the delivery driver: -a first horizontal movement within the plane of the pallet allowing the package to be delivered to be transported to the identified area of ​​said pallet, said identified area being common to all packages stored on the same pallet, -a second horizontal movement allowing the package to be translated from the identified area of ​​the pallet to the collection area, if the pallet is placed at the same height as said collection area, -a downward vertical movement preceding the second horizontal movement if the pallet is located at a height greater than that of the retraction zone.

[0008] The first movement is ensured by means of movement associated with the pallet, the second movement and the vertical movement being ensured by the distribution device comprising the receiving platform, the vertical movement track and the horizontal movement track.

[0009] The distinctive feature of a vehicle according to the invention is its ability to deliver any package stored on a given pallet in the storage area to a common collection point located in the passenger compartment, in place of the passenger seat. The placement of the distribution device in front of the partition opening was designed to prevent anyone from accessing the packages stored on the pallets in the storage area. A malicious person wishing to steal packages that do not belong to them must first gain access to the locked passenger compartment of the vehicle and then access the other packages stored on the pallets. These two operations are impossible to perform within a limited time and therefore cannot be carried out without the aid of powerful and heavy equipment. A pallet generally refers to a storage device capable of supporting several packages on the same horizontal plane.The terms horizontal track and vertical track generally refer to support components along which the receiving platform can slide. Preferably, the receiving platform has a horizontal base and at least one parcel retention wall, originating on the flat base and extending upwards. The movement of the parcel to be delivered to reach the collection area can be carried out manually or automatically.

[0010] According to one possible feature of the invention, the horizontal travel track is mounted to slide along the vertical travel track, and during the sliding movement of the horizontal travel track along the vertical track, said horizontal travel track always remains in a horizontal plane, the receiving platform being mounted in translation along the horizontal travel track. In this way, by always remaining in a horizontal position, the horizontal travel track will succeed in keeping the holding platform horizontal without risk of the package to be delivered falling from said platform.

[0011] According to one possible feature of the invention, the vertical movement track comprises two vertical uprights, each having a connecting piece, at least one of said two vertical uprights being equipped with motorized movement means enabling said connecting piece to move along said upright, the horizontal movement track being fixed to the two connecting pieces of said two vertical uprights. The sliding of the horizontal movement track along the vertical movement track is motorized and is therefore very precise and reproducible.

[0012] According to a possible feature of the invention, the motorized means of movement comprise a notched strip extending along the length of the upright, said notches being parallel and extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the The means of movement comprise a toothed wheel engaged in a toothed band and movable along it by means of a motor, the connecting piece being fixed to said toothed wheel. This embodiment is particularly suited to a vehicle according to the invention, but is by no means limiting.

[0013] According to one possible embodiment of the invention, the horizontal travel track comprises two elongated horizontal uprights and two cylindrical connecting bars joining the ends of said two horizontal uprights. A drive belt passes around the two cylindrical bars. The receiving platform is attached to said drive belt such that a displacement of the belt causes said receiving platform to slide along the two horizontal uprights. This embodiment is particularly suited to a vehicle according to the invention, but is by no means limiting.

[0014] According to one possible feature of the invention, at least one of the two cylindrical bars is capable of pivoting about its axis of revolution when a motor is activated, the drive belt being fixed to said rotating cylindrical bar, the receiving platform sliding along guides present on the two horizontal uprights. In this way, there is an interaction between the receiving platform and the horizontal track, allowing said receiving platform to slide in a controlled manner along the horizontal track.

[0015] According to one possible feature of the invention, the vehicle includes a retractable retaining device for the package to be delivered, allowing the package to be secured on the horizontal track while it only needs to undergo a horizontal translation to reach the collection zone. It is important that the package to be delivered cannot fall into the vehicle during each phase of sudden acceleration or braking. For this reason, a vehicle according to the invention has a retaining device that secures the package to be delivered during certain phases of stopping or operation of the vehicle.

[0016] According to one possible feature of the invention, the restraint device is a restraint bar mounted on at least one rotating arm between an inactive position, in which said at least one arm is stowed above the package to be delivered, extending horizontally, and an active position, in which said at least one arm extends vertically and the restraint bar extends horizontally, abutting the package to be delivered. This is a particularly suitable embodiment for a vehicle according to the invention, but is by no means limiting.

[0017] According to one possible feature of the invention, -each pallet consists of a rectangular support frame delimited by four segments, and comprising n-1 square and flat slabs placed in said support frame in the same plane, while the total surface area of ​​said support frame would be completely covered by n slabs, each slab being movable within the support frame and designed to support a package, and - The means for moving the slabs within the support frame allow a selected slab to be moved from a starting position within the support frame to the identified area of ​​the pallet located within said frame. The movement of the selected slab is achieved by sliding along neighboring slabs and / or at least one segment of the support frame, using prior movements of said neighboring slabs against other slabs and / or at least one segment of the support frame, before the selected slab reaches its final position. For this configuration, the principle of the vehicle storage space according to the invention is directly inspired by the game called the sliding puzzle, in which the movement of pieces within a rectangular frame is carried out step by step, thanks to an opening created in the frame and having the dimensions of a piece.The pegs then move within the frame by sliding along other pegs or against a segment defining the frame. The storage space of a vehicle according to the invention is structured, as it has a plurality of slabs, each supporting a package. Access to a specific package is achieved by moving the slab carrying said package to the identified area of ​​the frame from which the package can be removed. In this way, there is only one common exit for the packages within the storage system. The storage system can comprise several superimposed support frames, each supporting slabs of the same dimensions, the slabs from one frame to another being able to have identical or different dimensions. The slabs are rigid and non-deformable. The means of movement can be either manual or motorized.

[0018] The invention also relates to a method of delivering parcels by means of a vehicle according to the invention.

[0019] According to the invention, the process comprises the following steps: - A step involving positioning the vehicle in loading mode on a vehicle interface, - A step involving placing the packages onto the various pallets located in the storage area. -a step of pairing each package to a precise location on the pallet via an RFID-type recognition system, -A step involving sending delivery addresses to a GPS tool which will then select the most suitable route. -A step involving sending an alert to the customer to inform them of the estimated delivery time, -A selection step, followed by moving the package to be delivered to the identified area of ​​the pallet located behind the empty space, -A step involving sliding the receiving tray under the package to be delivered, -A forward sliding step of the receiving platform containing the package to be delivered along the horizontal movement track, said step being preceded by a downward sliding step of said receiving platform if the package to be delivered is on a raised pallet located above the withdrawal area, -A removal step by the delivery driver of the package to be delivered once it has reached the collection area; the remaining packages stored on pallets at the rear of the vehicle in the storage area remain inaccessible throughout the entire transport phase of the package to be delivered to the collection area. -A step involving the delivery of the package to the customer.

[0020] A vehicle according to the invention has the advantage of enabling the delivery of packages to customers in a rigorous and structured manner, reducing the risk of packages being mixed up within the vehicle and the risk of delivering the wrong package. It also has the advantage of offering a good level of security, since the driver-delivery person retrieves the package to be delivered from inside the vehicle, reducing the risk of attack by a malicious person attempting to seize the package or other packages stored in the vehicle. Finally, if a malicious person were to gain entry to the vehicle while the driver-delivery person is absent, there is no easy way for them to access the packages stored there.

[0021] A detailed description of a preferred embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention is given below, with reference to the following figures:

[0022] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a side view of a parcel delivery vehicle comprising a storage system according to the invention,

[0023] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a perspective view of three superimposed retaining frames of a storage system according to the invention, supporting each of the slabs and packages,

[0024] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a top view of a support frame of a system of storage according to the invention comprising slabs and means for moving said slabs,

[0025] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a top view of a retaining frame and means for placement of slabs in a storage system according to the invention,

[0026] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a corner of a retaining frame of a storage system according to the invention, detailing the means of moving the slabs,

[0027] [Fig.6] Fig.6 is a perspective view of a support frame for a system of storage according to the invention, showing sliding strips,

[0028] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a top view of a slab of a storage system according to the invention,

[0029] [Fig.8] The [Fig.8] is a view from below the slab of the [Fig.7],

[0030] [Fig.9] The [Fig.9] is a perspective view of the slab in figures 7 and 8.

[0031] [Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to the invention, front facade having been artificially removed,

[0032] [Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a vehicle distribution device according to the invention,

[0033] [Fig. 12] The [Fig. 12] is a perspective view from another angle of the distribution device of the [Fig. 11],

[0034] [Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a horizontal travel track of a vehicle according to the invention,

[0035] [Fig. 14] The [Fig. 14] is a perspective view of the underside of the horizontal travel track of the [Fig. 14],

[0036] [Fig. 15] The [Fig. 15] is a perspective view of an end area of ​​the horizontal displacement track of Figures 13 and 14,

[0037] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] is a side view of a parcel retention device of a vehicle distribution device according to the invention, in an active position,

[0038] [Fig. 17] [Fig. 17] is the side view of the retention device of [Fig. 16], in an inactive position,

[0039] [Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a vehicle distribution device according to the invention, showing the retention device of Figures 16 and 17,

[0040] [Fig. 19] Fig. 19 is a perspective view in two distinct positions of a retaining bar of a package of a vehicle according to the invention.

[0041] With reference to Figures 1 and 10, a vehicle 1 according to the invention schematically comprises a front passenger compartment 3 including a driver's seat 2 and a rear storage compartment 4 located directly behind the front passenger compartment 3. This storage compartment 4 is located in line with the front passenger compartment 3 and is accessible by a sliding side door extending in a longitudinal and vertical plane XZ of the vehicle and by a rear door 5 extending in a transverse and vertical plane YZ of said vehicle. The sliding side door and the rear door 5 each have a lock and can therefore be locked so as to prevent anyone, except the delivery driver, from accessing the contents of the storage compartment 4. The rear door 5 can, for example, be mounted to rotate about a vertical axis located in one of the two sides of the vehicle body.

[0042] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the rear storage space 4 comprises a storage system 1 including a storage structure comprising a frame 7 made up of various horizontal and vertical bars, and three retaining frames 8, 9, 10 supported by the bars of said frame 7.

[0043] Referring to [Fig. 2], 3 and 6, each retaining frame 8, 9, 10 is rectangular in shape, and therefore has two large parallel straight segments 11, 12, and two small parallel straight segments 13, 14, said large segments 11, 12 being perpendicular to said small segments 13, 14. Each of these segments 11, 12, 13, 14 is planar and of small thickness, and is arranged in the vehicle 2 so as to extend in a vertical plane, the two large segments 11, 12 extending in a longitudinal and vertical plane XZ of the vehicle, and the two small segments 13, 14 extending in a transverse and vertical plane YZ of the vehicle.

[0044] Referring to [Fig. 6], the four segments 11, 12, 13, 14 each have an internal surface from which a sliding strip 15 emerges, said sliding strip 15 extending along the entire length of said internal surface. The internal surfaces of the two large segments 11, 12 face each other, and the internal surfaces of the two small segments 13, 14 also face each other. The sliding strips of the four segments 11, 12, 13, 14 of the retaining frame 8, 9, 10 extend inwards towards said retaining frame 11, 12, 13, 14.

[0045] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the three support frames 8, 9, 10 are superimposed and parallel, and each extends in a horizontal plane. Each of these support frames 8, 9, 10 is occupied by a plurality of solid slabs 16, having a square outline and being of small thickness, preferably less than 5 cm. These slabs 16 are rectilinear, and each frame 8, 9, 10 contains slabs 16 of the same dimensions, the dimensions of said slabs 16 being able to vary from one support frame 8, 9, 10 to another. Each of these slabs 16 is intended to support only one package 200, or several smaller packages intended for the same customer. The slabs 16 are mounted in a support frame 8, 9, 10 so that they come into contact with each other and extend in the same plane.Thus, some slabs 16 of the same retaining frame 8, 9, 10 are surrounded only by other slabs, other slabs 16 may come into contact with only one segment 11, 12, 13, 14 of said retaining frame 8, 9, 10, and some other slabs 16, those placed in the corners, may come into contact with two consecutive segments 11, 12, 13, 14 of this retaining frame 8, 9, 10. If each retaining frame 8, 9, 10 is capable of receiving a maximum of n square slabs 16 covering the entire surface of said retaining frame 8, 9, 10, only n-1 slabs 16 are mounted in said frame 8, 9, 10. In this way, each retaining frame 8, 9, 10 is provided with an opening 17 having the dimensions of the slab 16 missing even though the 16 tiles present are all in contact with each other.Within the same retaining frame 8, 9, 10, thanks to the presence of this opening 17, the slabs 16 are movable in translation along the other slabs 16 and along the segments 11, 12, 13, 14 of said retaining frame 8, 9, 10. The movement of the slabs 16 in the retaining frame 8, 9, 10 of a storage system according to the invention, takes up the principle of the sliding puzzle, for which the movement of pellets in a rectangular frame in order for example to reconstitute a series of numbers, is carried out step by step. by moving the pellets against each other, thanks to an opening created in the frame and having the dimensions of a pellet.

[0046] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, each slab 16 has a sliding heel 18 in the form of a material extension consisting of two flat sections 19, 20 arranged at 90° to each other and continuous with each other. In other words, this material extension is L-shaped. This material extension extends from two consecutive edges of the slab 16, while the other two consecutive edges of said slab 16 each have a straight slot 21 extending along their entire length, said two slots 21 being arranged perpendicular to each other. In summary, each slab 16 has a male part consisting of the L-shaped material extension, and a female part consisting of the two perpendicular slots 21.Within the same retaining frame 8, 9, 10, at least one extension section 19, 20 of a slab 16 is inserted into a slot 21 of a neighboring slab 16, and the slots 21 of some other slabs 16 are occupied by a sliding strip 15 of the retaining frame 8, 9, 10.

[0047] By referring to [Fig.3], any slab 16 of a given retaining frame 8, 9, 10 can thus be transported to a precise location of said frame 8, 9, 10 by being moved in translation along other neighboring slabs 16 or against a segment 11, 12, 13, 14 of said retaining frame 8, 9, 10, after said neighboring slabs 16 have themselves been moved in translation along other neighboring slabs 16 or against a segment 11, 12, 13, 14 of the retaining frame 8, 9, 10, etc.

[0048] With reference to Figures 3, 4 and 5, each slab 16 comprises a lower face 22 and an upper face 23 parallel to each other and each extending in a horizontal plane, said upper face 23 being placed above the lower face 22. The lower face 22 comprises a cylindrical electromagnet 24 and four ball bearing stops 25, 26, 27, 28, said electromagnet 24 being placed in the center of the lower face 22 and the four stops 25, 26, 27, 28 being distributed at the four corners of said lower face 22.

[0049] Referring to [Fig. 9], each slab 16 comprises three retaining walls 29, 30, 31 for the package 200, originating on the upper face 23 of the slab 16 and extending vertically, perpendicular to said upper face 23. These three retaining walls 29, 30, 31 comprise two parallel walls 29, 30 and a connecting wall 31 joining said two parallel walls 29, 30, perpendicular to them. Each slab 16 is placed on a support slab 32 having openings to receive the four ball bearings and the electromagnet.

[0050] With reference to Figures 3, 4 and 5, each retaining frame 8, 9, 10 is associated with means for moving the slabs 16 to transport a selected slab from the relevant retaining frame 8, 9, 10, from its initial location to a location Finally, schematically, the movement means comprise a first arm 33 parallel to the two small segments 13, 14 of the support frame 8, 9, 10 and capable of sliding along the two large segments 11, 12 of the support frame 8, 9, 10, and a second parallel arm 34 parallel to the two large segments 11, 12 of the support frame 8, 9, 10 and capable of sliding along the two small segments 13, 14 of the support frame 8, 9, 10. The movement means also comprise a carriage 35 housing an electromagnet 36 and mounted to slide along said first arm 33 and along said second arm 34, being positioned in an intersection zone of said two arms 33, 34. In this way, the electromagnet 36 placed in the carriage 35 is capable of scanning the entire surface of the support frame 8, 9, 10 under consideration. The electromagnet 36 of the carriage 35 is intended to cooperate with the electromagnet 24 of a selected slab 16, so as to be able to move said selected slab 16.Indeed, an attraction phenomenon will occur between the electromagnet 36 of the carriage 35 and the electromagnet 24 of the selected slab 16, the movement of the electromagnet 36 of the carriage 35 causing a movement of the selected slab 16 in the same direction and with the same amplitude.

[0051] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, two worm screws 37, 38 extend parallel to the small segments 13, 14 of the retaining frame 8, 9, 10, being positioned next to them. Each of these worm screws 37, 38 is associated with an electric motor 39, 40, the activation of which rotates said worm screw 37, 38 around its axis of revolution. Similarly, two worm screws 41, 42 extend parallel to the large segments 11, 12 of the retaining frame 8, 9, 10, being positioned next to them. Each of these worm screws 41, 42 is associated with an electric motor 43, 44, the activation of which rotates said worm screw 41, 42 around its axis of revolution. The first arm 33 terminates at each of its two ends with a guide rail 45, 46 and a worm gear nut mounted on a worm gear 41, 42 parallel to the large segments 11, 12 of the retaining frame 8, 9, 10.Similarly, the second arm 34 terminates at each of its two ends with a guide rail 47, 48 and a worm gear nut mounted on a worm 37, 38 parallel to the small segments 13, 14 of the retaining frame 8, 9, 10. When the two motors 39, 40, 43, 44 of two parallel worms 37, 38, 41, 42 are triggered, said worms 37, 38, 41, 42 will start to rotate, causing a translation of the two guide rails 45, 46, 47, 48 terminating the first arm 33 or the second arm 34 along said worms 37, 38, 41, 42, and therefore a translation of said first arm 33 and / or said second arm 34.

[0052] With reference to Figures 1 and 10, in a vehicle according to the invention 2, the passenger seat intended to be located next to the driver's seat has been removed to leave an empty space. A partition 100 extending in a transverse and vertical plane YZ of the vehicle separates the storage space 4 and the passenger compartment 3, said partition 100 featuring a through opening 101 placed just behind the empty space and allowing communication between said storage space 4 and said passenger compartment 3.

[0053] It should be noted that the partition 100 and its through opening 101 are not visible in the figures, the said two references appearing in the figures indicating rather their locations in the vehicle 2.

[0054] The specific feature of a vehicle according to the invention is that it comprises a distribution device 102 located in the passenger compartment 3, in the empty space situated directly in front of the opening 101 in the partition 100. This distribution device 102 is designed to convey the package to be delivered, which has arrived in an identified area of ​​the retaining frame 8, 9, 10, to a common withdrawal area 103 located in the empty space. The identified area of ​​each retaining frame 8, 9, 10 corresponds to the area located in a corner of said retaining frame 8, 9, 10, which is positioned directly behind the opening 101 in the partition 100.

[0055] With reference to Figures 10, 11, 12, the distribution device 102 comprises a receiving platform 104 for the package to be delivered, a vertical movement track 105 and a horizontal movement track 106. The distribution device 102 is designed such that: -said receiving platform 104 is mounted to move in translation along the horizontal movement track 106, and -the horizontal movement track 106 is mounted mobile in translation along the vertical movement track 105.

[0056] With reference to Figures 11 and 12, the vertical movement track 105 extends in a vertical and transverse plane YZ of the vehicle 2, and forms a rectangular frame having two large vertical sections 107, 108 and two small horizontal sections 109, 110 joining the ends of said two large vertical sections 107, 108. Among the two small horizontal sections 109, 110, a small lower section 109 and a small upper section 110 are distinguished, said small lower section 109 resting on a floor of the storage space 4.

[0057] With reference to figures 13, 14 and 15, the horizontal travel track 106 extends in a horizontal plane XY of the vehicle and forms a rectangular frame having two large horizontal sections 111, 112 and two small horizontal sections 113, 114 joining the ends of said two large horizontal sections 111, 112.

[0058] With reference to [Fig. 12], at least one of the two large vertical sections 107, 108 of the vertical travel track 105 comprises a toothed band 115 extending along the entire length of said at least one large section 111, 112, the teeth of said band being parallel to each other and extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of this large vertical section 107, 108. A toothed wheel 116 electrically connected The gear 106 is connected to a motor 117 and is engaged in the toothed band, and can therefore move along it by means of an activation of said motor 117. The horizontal travel track 106 is attached to this toothed wheel 116 by means of a connecting piece 118 fixed to an axle of this toothed wheel 116. More precisely, it is the two large horizontal sections 111, 112 of the horizontal travel track 106 that are fixed to these connecting pieces 118. In this way, the horizontal travel track 106 is able to move in translation along the vertical travel track 105 while always remaining in a horizontal position. In other words, the vertical displacement track 105 and the vertical displacement track 106 always remain perpendicular to each other, regardless of the position of the horizontal displacement track 106 along the vertical displacement track 105.

[0059] Referring to [Fig. 13], the receiving platform 104 comprises a flat base 119 and two raised, parallel edges 120 originating on said flat base 119 and extending perpendicularly therefrom. The flat base 119 extends in a horizontal plane, and the two raised edges 120 each extend in a vertical and longitudinal plane XZ of the vehicle 2. It should be noted that the receiving platform 104, although it is moved along the horizontal travel track 106, never changes its orientation within the vehicle 2.

[0060] Referring to Figures 13, 14, 15, the two small horizontal sections 113, 114 of the horizontal travel track 106 are represented by cylindrical bars, at least one of which is associated with a motor 121 and is capable of pivoting about its axis of revolution when said motor 121 is activated. A closed drive belt 122 passes around the two cylindrical bars 113, 114 of the horizontal travel track 106, and rotating the cylindrical bar 113, 114, which is capable of pivoting about its axis of revolution, causes a rotary movement of said drive belt 122 around said two cylindrical bars 113, 114. The receiving platform 104 is attached to the drive belt 122 and rests on the two large sections 111, 112 of the horizontal movement track 106.Each of these two large sections 111, 112 has a groove 123 extending along the entire length of said large section 111, 112, into which a ball carriage 124 is inserted. The receiving platform 104 rests on said two carriages 124 and is fixed to them. In this way, when the drive belt 122 is set in motion, the receiving platform 104 moves along the two large sections 111, 112 of the horizontal travel track 106, guided by the two ball carriages 124 sliding in the grooves 123.

[0061] Thanks to the presence of the vertical movement track 105 and the horizontal movement track 106, the support platform 104 can move horizontally- can move vertically by sliding along the horizontal movement track 106, and can move vertically when sliding the horizontal movement track 106 vertically along the vertical movement track 105.

[0062] With reference to Figures 16, 17, and 18, the distribution device 102 includes a retractable retaining device 125 for the package to be delivered, allowing the package to be blocked on the horizontal travel track 106 so as to prevent it from being propelled forward. This retaining device 125 follows the movement of the horizontal travel track 106 as it moves along the vertical travel track 105. The retaining device 125 consists of a retaining bar 126 mounted on at least one rotating arm 127, 128 between: -an inactive position in which said at least one arm 127, 128 and the retaining bar 126 are stored above the package to be delivered, extending horizontally, and -an active position as illustrated in figures 16, 17, 18 in which said at least one arm 127, 128 extends vertically and the retaining bar 126 extends horizontally, being butted against the package to be delivered.

[0063] Referring to [Fig. 19], the vehicle includes a locking element 129 located on the support frame 8, 9, 10 in which the package to be delivered is situated. This locking element 129 is in the form of a thin, flat bar mounted for rotation on said support frame 8, 9, 10 by means of a pre-stressed return mechanism, which may, for example, be a helical torsion spring. By default, under the effect of said spring, this flat bar extends in a transverse and vertical plane YZ of the vehicle and retains the package to be delivered. This flat bar pivots 90° to be pressed against the support frame 8, 9, 10 under the effect of the passage of the receiving platform 104. The blocking element 129 is designed to block the package to be delivered, in the case for example of a sudden braking of the vehicle in order to prevent it from being thrown forward.

[0064] A method for delivering parcels using a vehicle according to the invention schematically comprises the following main steps: -A step involving placing vehicle 2 in loading mode on a vehicle interface, -A step of depositing the packages onto the different slabs 16 of the support frames 8, 9, 10 placed in the storage space 4, -a pairing step for each package at a precise location on each support frame 8, 9, 10 via an RFID-type recognition system, -A step involving sending delivery addresses to a GPS tool which will then select the most suitable route. -A step involving sending an alert to the customer to inform them of the estimated delivery time of their package, -A selection step, then moving the package to be delivered to the identified area of ​​the support frame 8, 9, 10 located behind the empty space using the moving means, -A sliding step of the receiving platform 104 under the package to be delivered, -A forward sliding step of the receiving tray 104 containing the grout to be delivered along the horizontal movement track 106, said step being preceded by a downward sliding step of said receiving tray 104 if the package to be delivered is on a raised support frame 8, 9, 10, located above the withdrawal area 103, -A withdrawal step by the delivery driver of the package to be delivered once it has reached the withdrawal area 103, the rest of the packages stored on the support frames 8, 9, 10 placed in the storage space 4 at the rear of the vehicle remaining permanently inaccessible during the entire phase of transporting the package to be delivered to the withdrawal area 103. -A step involving the delivery of the package to the customer.

[0065] Thanks to such a method, the delivery driver only has to take hold of the package to be delivered once it has reached the collection zone 103, without having to worry about the condition of the storage space 4 located at the rear. Indeed, the arrival of the package to be delivered in the collection zone 103 has no influence on said storage space 4. Moreover, a vehicle according to the invention offers a double level of security against a malicious person wishing to access the packages stored in the vehicle: -indeed, it must first reach passenger compartment 3 of the vehicle to access withdrawal zone 103, an operation which is complicated to carry out without the keys to access passenger compartment 3, -Access to the storage space 4 located at the rear of the vehicle is made very difficult because there is no passage allowing access to it, the retaining frames 8, 9, 10 occupying almost the entire opening of the partition 100 separating the passenger compartment 3 from the rear storage space 4.

Claims

Demands

1. Vehicle (2) comprising a passenger compartment (3) including a driver's seat and an empty space located next to said driver's seat, and a rear storage space (4) located behind and contiguous to said passenger compartment (3), said storage space (4) and said passenger compartment (3) being separated by a partition (100) extending in a vertical and transverse plane YZ of the vehicle, said storage space (4) comprising at least two superimposed horizontal pallets (8, 9, 10) each supporting a multiplicity of packages, automated means of movement associated with each of said pallets (8, 9, 10) enabling the package to be delivered to be transported to an identified area of ​​the pallet (8, 9, 10) supporting said package and located behind the empty space,characterized in that the partition (100) has a through opening (101) located just behind the empty space and in that a distribution device (102) located in the empty space just in front of the opening (101) allows the package to be delivered, having arrived in the identified area of ​​the corresponding pallet (8, 9, 10), to be conveyed to a common withdrawal area (103) located in the empty space, the distribution device (102) comprising a receiving platform (104) for the package to be delivered, a vertical movement track (105) and a horizontal movement track (106), said receiving platform (104) being mounted in translation along said two movement tracks (105, 106) to allow the package to be delivered to be conveyed to the withdrawal area (103).

2. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the horizontal movement track (106) is mounted to slide along the vertical movement track (105), and in that during the sliding movement of the horizontal movement track (106) along the vertical movement track (105), said horizontal movement track (106) always remains in a horizontal plane, the receiving platform (104) being mounted in translation along the horizontal movement track (106).

3. Vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the vertical travel track (105) comprises two vertical uprights (107, 108) each having a connecting piece (118), at least one of said two vertical uprights (107, 108) being equipped with motorized means (115, 116, 117) enabling said connecting piece (118) to move along said upright (107, 108), and in that the horizontal movement track (106) is fixed to the two connecting pieces (118) of said two vertical uprights (107, 108).

4. Vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that the motorized means of movement comprise a toothed band (115) extending along the length of the upright (107, 108), said teeth being parallel and extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the upright (107, 108), and in that said means of movement comprise a toothed wheel (116) engaged in the toothed band (115) and movable along it by means of a motor (117), the connecting piece (118) being fixed to said toothed wheel (116).

5. Vehicle according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the horizontal travel track (106) comprises two horizontal and elongated uprights (111, 112), and two cylindrical connecting bars (113, 114) joining the ends of said two horizontal uprights (111, 112), and in that a drive belt (122) passes around the two cylindrical bars (113, 114), the receiving platform (104) being attached to said drive belt (122) so that a displacement of the latter causes said receiving platform (104) to slide along the two horizontal uprights (111, 112).

6. Vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one of the two cylindrical bars (113, 114) is capable of pivoting around its axis of revolution under the effect of the activation of a motor (121), and in that the drive belt (122) is fixed to said cylindrical bar (113, 114) which is movable in rotation, the receiving platform (104) sliding along guides (123, 124) present on the two horizontal uprights (111, 112).

7. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it includes a retractable retaining device (125) for the package to be delivered, enabling the package to be blocked on the horizontal track (106) when it only has to undergo a horizontal translation to reach the withdrawal area (103).

8. Vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that the restraint device (125) is a restraint bar (126) mounted on at least one movable arm (127, 128) rotating between an inactive position in which said at least one arm (127, 128) is stowed above the package to be delivered by extending horizontally and an active position in which said at least one arm (127, 128) extends vertically and the retaining bar (126) extends horizontally while abutting against the package to be delivered.

9. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: -each pallet consists of a rectangular support frame (8, 9, 10) delimited by four segments (11, 12, 13, 14), and comprising n-1 square and flat slabs (16) placed in said support frame (8, 9, 10) in the same plane, assuming that the total surface of said support frame (8, 9, 10) would be completely covered by n slabs (16), each slab (16) being movable within the support frame (8, 9, 10) and being intended to support a package, and - the means of movement (33, 34, 35, 36) of the slabs (16) in the retaining frame, allow a selected slab to be moved from a starting location in the retaining frame (8, 9, 10) to the identified area of ​​the pallet located in said frame (8, 9, 10), the movement of the selected slab (16) being effected by sliding along neighboring slabs (16) and / or at least one segment (11, 12, 13, 14) of the retaining frame (8, 9, 10), using prior movements of said neighboring slabs (16) against other slabs (16) and / or at least one segment (11, 12, 13, 14) of the retaining frame (8, 9, 10), before the selected slab (16) has reached the identified area.

10. A method for delivering parcels by means of a vehicle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: -A step of placing the vehicle (2) in loading mode on a vehicle interface, -A step of depositing the packages onto the different pallets (8, 9, 10) placed in the storage space (4), - A step of pairing each package to a precise location on the pallet (8, 9, 10) via an RFID recognition system, - A step of sending the delivery addresses to a GPS tool which will then select the most suitable route, - A step of sending an alert to the customer to inform them of the estimated delivery time of their package. -A selection step, then moving the package to be delivered to the identified area of ​​the pallet (8, 9, 10) located behind the empty space, -A sliding step of the receiving platform (104) under the package to be delivered, -A forward sliding step of the receiving platform (104) containing the package to be delivered along the horizontal movement track (106), said step being preceded by a downward sliding step of said receiving platform (104) if the package to be delivered is on a raised pallet (8, 9, 10) located above the collection area (103), -A collection step by the delivery driver of the package to be delivered once it has reached the collection area (103), the rest of the packages stored on the pallets (8, 9, 10) at the rear (4) of the vehicle remaining permanently inaccessible during the entire phase of transporting the package to be delivered to the collection area (103) -A step involving the delivery of the package to the customer.

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