SECURE ACCESS DEVICE FOR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND MOUNTING KIT FOR SUCH A DEVICE

Abstract

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: SECURE ACCESS DEVICE FOR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND MOUNTING KIT FOR SUCH A DEVICE A device (10) for vehicle maintenance (300), which comprises:- at least two vertical posts (101, 102, 103) fixed to the ground,- a rail (107) for guiding a hoist (108), the rail being fixed to at least two posts parallel to the ground, and having a guide axis (207),- a platform (110) fixed to at least two posts, parallel to the ground, provided with a staircase (111) or a folding ladder for accessing a roof of the vehicle and- an actuator (116) for modifying the position of the ladder or staircase,- an actuator (117) for moving the hoist relative to the rail,- a control means (115) of at least one actuator. Figure for abstract: figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: SECURE ACCESS DEVICE FOR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND MOUNTING KIT OF SUCH A DEVICE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle maintenance device and a mounting kit for such a device. It applies, in particular, to the field of maintenance of vehicles such as buses or trucks. State of the art

[0002] Bus or heavy vehicle maintenance warehouses are often very crowded. It is therefore difficult to position devices to access the roof of one of these vehicles. Some operators move ladders and / or stairs on wheels, but these are difficult to position and do not provide sufficient safety.

[0003] There is no secure, low-footprint system that allows an operator to access the roof of a bus to carry out maintenance operations. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0005] The device which is the subject of the present invention allows safe access and intervention on the roof of a vehicle, while having a limited footprint. The present invention also makes it easier to transport equipment using the hoist. In addition, the present invention makes it possible to work in accordance with the standards relating to environments with explosive atmospheres (acronym "ATEX"). Brief description of the figures

[0006] Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the invention will emerge from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0007] [Fig.l] represents, schematically and in perspective, a first particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the present invention,

[0008] [Fig.2] represents, schematically and in front view, the first particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the present invention,

[0009] [Fig.3] represents, schematically and in top view, the first particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the present invention and

[0010] [Fig.4] represents, schematically and in side view, the first particular embodiment of the device which is the subject of the present invention. Description of the embodiments

[0011] The present description is given without limitation, each characteristic of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner.

[0012] The expression "and / or", as used herein and in the claims, is to be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements which are present conjunctively in some cases and disjunctively in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" are to be interpreted in the same way, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present, other than the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether or not they are related to these specifically identified elements.Thus, by way of non-limiting example, a reference to "A and / or B", when used in conjunction with open language such as "comprising" may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0013] As used herein in the description and in the claims, "or" is to be understood as having the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating elements in a list, "or" or "and / or" is to be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also more than one, number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional elements not listed. Only terms clearly indicating the contrary, such as "only one of" or "exactly one of", or, when used in the claims, "consisting of", refer to the inclusion of only one element of a number or list of elements.

[0014] As used in this specification and in the claims, the expression "at least one", with reference to a list of one or more elements, is to be understood to mean at least one element selected from one or more elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each element specifically enumerated in the list of elements and not excluding every combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements other than the specifically identified elements in the list of elements to which the expression "at least one" refers, whether or not related to those specifically identified elements. Thus, by way of non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently, "at least one of A or B", or, equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, without B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, without A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0015] In the claims, as well as in the description below, all transitional expressions such as "comprising", "including", "carrying", "having", "containing", "involving", "holding", "composed of", and the like, are to be understood as being open, i.e., as meaning including, but not limited to. Only the transitional expressions "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are to be understood as closed or semi-closed transitional expressions, respectively.

[0016] It should be noted from now on that the figures are to scale, but at different scales.

[0017] Figures 1 to 4 show schematic views of an embodiment of the device 10 which is the subject of the present invention.

[0018] The vehicle maintenance device 10 300 shown in Figures 1 to 4 comprises three vertical posts, 101, 102 and 103, with axes, 201, 202, and 203 respectively. The vertical posts, 101, 102 and 103, are preferably H-section steel posts. An H-section beam has a section comprising two arms, called bases, connected in the middle by a crosspiece. For example, an H-section beam may be a European section H-section beam (abbreviated as "HEA").

[0019] The vertical posts, 101, 102 and 103, may have a flat base welded to one end of the post, 101, 102 or 103, provided with six holes. The base is configured to be positioned resting on the floor of a maintenance warehouse, for example, and the holes are configured to receive screws, passing through the base and screwed into the ground. The posts, 101, 102 and 103, are then maintained in a vertical position.

[0020] Preferably, the axes 201, 202 and 203 of the posts are aligned according to a plane, hereinafter referred to as the “demarcation plane”.

[0021] Each post is provided with a rectilinear beam, 104, 105 or 106, supporting a rail 107. Each beam, 104, 105 or 106, has an I-shaped profile. An I-shaped beam has a section comprising two arms, called bases, connected in their middle by a crosspiece. For example, an I-shaped beam can be a European profile I-beam (acronym "IPE") or a normal profile I-beam (acronym "IPN").

[0022] A base of each beam, 104, 105 or 106, is supported on the end of a post, 101, 102 or 103. The beam, 104, 105 or 106, extends in the axis of the cross member of the I-section of the post, 101, 102 or 103. The beams, 104, 105 and 106 are parallel.

[0023] Preferably, one end of each beam, 104, 105 or 106, protrudes relative to a base of the post, 101, 102 or 103, on which the beam, 104, 105 or 106 is supported. The beam, 104, 105 or 106, is fixed to the post, 101, 102 or 103, by at least one bracket. Each bracket has two perpendicular flat plates, preferably connected by a crosspiece thus forming a triangle. The bracket is fixed by welding or screwing to the post, 101, 102 or 103, and to the beam, 104, 105 or 106. The bracket is positioned such that one of the plates rests on a base of the post, 101, 102 or 103, the other resting on the base of the profile of the beam, 104, 105 or 106, resting on the post, 101, 102 or 103.

[0024] Preferably, the end of the beam, 104, 105 or 106, which protrudes relative to the base of the post, 101, 102 or 103, protrudes by a distance substantially equal to the dimension of the base of the bracket fixed to the beam, 104, 105 or 106.

[0025] Preferably, each beam, 104, 105 or 106, is fixed to the post, 101, 102 or 103, by two brackets: one on each base of the profile of the post 101, 102 or 103.

[0026] The rail 107 also has an I-shaped profile as described above with respect to the rectilinear beams, 104, 105 or 106. The rail 107 extends along a guide axis 207 perpendicular to the axis, 201, 202 and 203, of each post, 101, 102 and 103 and of each beam, 104, 105 or 106. In other words, the axis of the rail 107 is parallel to the ground. Preferably, the rail 107 is fixed to the base of the profile of each beam, 104, 105 or 106, which rests on the post, 101, 102 or 103. The rail 107 is fixed to the end of each beam, 104, 105 or 106, opposite the end fixed to the post, 101, 102 or 103, by a bracket.

[0027] In other words, the rail 107 is fixed to one end of each beam, 104, 105 and 106 on one side of the demarcation plane, the other end of each beam, 104, 105 or 106, fixed to the post, 101, 105 or 103, by a bracket, is on the other side of the demarcation plane.

[0028] The guide rail 107 comprises a hoist 108. The hoist 108 is suspended from the rail 107 in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The hoist 108 may comprise a hook or any other means for supporting maintenance elements.

[0029] Preferably, the hoist 108 comprises an actuator 117 for moving the hoist relative to the rail. The actuator 117 may be a pneumatic or hydraulic motor.

[0030] Preferably, the travel of the hoist 108 extends over a distance equal to the distance between two juxtaposed beams, 105 and 106. The beams, 105 and 106, then comprise a guardrail 109 extending vertically and suspended under the beams, 105 and 106.

[0031] The guardrail 109 has a U shape whose two arms extend under each beam and protrude relative to the rail 107. The guardrail 109 makes it possible to prevent an operator from falling when carrying out operations on the roof of the vehicle 300.

[0032] The device 10 also comprises a platform 110, parallel to the ground, that is to say perpendicular to the axes, 201, 202 and 203, of the posts, 101, 102 and 103. The platform 110 comprises a surface on which an operator can walk, and reinforcements, under this surface. The surface is preferably an aluminum sheet. The surface can be meshed and / or textured to increase the grip of the user's shoes on the surface.

[0033] The surface has a rectangular shape whose larger sides are parallel to the axis of the rail 207 and whose smaller sides are parallel to the beams, 104 and 105.

[0034] The platform 110 is fixed to two juxtaposed posts, 102 and 103, by the reinforcements, in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The dimensions of the platform 110 are such that the platform 110 is positioned between the posts, 102 and 103. Preferably, the platform 110 is fixed at a minimum distance of 180 cm from the ground. Thanks to these arrangements, an operator of average height can stand upright under the platform 110.

[0035] The platform 110 is fixed on the side of the demarcation plane opposite the side presenting the rail 107.

[0036] The platform 110 is provided with a staircase 111 or a ladder (not shown), which can be folded down.

[0037] The remainder of the description presents the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, in which the platform 110 is provided with a staircase 111.

[0038] The staircase 111 is preferably made of aluminum. The staircase 111 is fixed to the platform 110 on a short side of the surface of the platform 110 by a pivot connection of axis 211. The axis 211 is perpendicular to the guide axis 207 of the rail 107 and to the axis, 201, 202 and 203, of each post, 101, 102 and 103. In other words, the axis 211 is parallel to the beams, 104, 105 and 106.

[0039] Preferably, the staircase 111 comprises a guardrail 112 fixed to the ends of at least two steps. The platform 110 comprises a guardrail 113, extending on the small side of the surface of the platform 110 opposite the small side comprising the staircase 111 and on the large side furthest from the posts, 102 and 103.

[0040] Preferably, an actuator 116 for modifying the position of the staircase 111 is positioned under the staircase 111 and fixed to a reinforcement of the platform 110. The actuator is preferably a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder whose stroke is configured so that the staircase 111 can reach two positions: - a lowered position, in which the end of the staircase 111 opposite the end fixed to the platform 110 is in contact with the ground, and - a raised position in which the end of the staircase 111 opposite the end fixed to the platform 110 is at least parallel to the ground.

[0041] When the staircase 111 is replaced by a ladder, the ladder can be fixed to the platform by a sliding connection, the guardrail 112 then being a crinoline.

[0042] Preferably, the platform 110 comprises a retractable guardrail 114 and an actuator 118 for folding the guardrail 114.

[0043] The guardrail 114 extends along the largest side of the surface of the platform 110 closest to the posts, 102 and 103. Preferably, the guardrail 114 has, on a face opposite the guardrail 113 in the folded position, a surface similar to that of the surface of the platform, for example, made of mesh and / or textured sheet metal.

[0044] The guardrail 114 is fixed to the platform by a pivot connection with axis 214 parallel to the guide axis 207. In other words, the axis 214 of the pivot connection between the guardrail 114 is perpendicular to the axis 201, 202 and 203 of each post, 101, 102 and 103, and to the axis 211 of the pivot connection between the staircase 111 and the platform 110.

[0045] Preferably, an actuator 118 for modifying the position of the guardrail 114 is positioned under the staircase 114 and fixed to a reinforcement of the platform 110. The actuator is preferably a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder whose stroke is configured so that the guardrail 114 can reach two positions: - a lowered position, in which the guardrail 114 is in a substantially horizontal position in the extension of the platform 110 and - a raised position in which the guardrail 114 is in a substantially vertical position perpendicular to the platform 110.

[0046] The guardrail 114 is positioned in the demarcation plane. In the lowered position, the guardrail 114 is lowered on the side of the demarcation plane comprising the rail 117.

[0047] The device 10 also comprises a control means 115 for at least one actuator 116, 117 and / or 118. The control means 115 may comprise a human-machine interface for providing commands: - movement of the hoist on rail 107, - lowering or raising of the staircase 111, - lowering or raising the guardrail 114.

[0048] Preferably, the control means 115 and at least one actuator, 116, 117 and / or 118, are pneumatic or hydraulic.

[0049] Preferably, the control means 115 is configured to control: - a lowering of the guardrail 114 then a lowering of the staircase 111 or the ladder and / or - a raising of the staircase 111 or the ladder then a raising of the guardrail 114.

[0050] The above order is important for the safety of the operator.

[0051] In the embodiments shown in figures 1 to 4, the control means 115 is fixed to the post 103 on the side of the demarcation plane comprising the platform 110, under the platform 110.

[0052] The control means 115 may comprise push buttons located on the platform for actuating the hoist 108 from the platform.

[0053] On reading the above description, it is understood that the device 10 can be sold in the form of a mounting kit (not shown) which comprises, at a minimum: - at least two posts, 102 and 103, configured to be vertical and fixed to the ground, - a guide rail 107 of a hoist 108, the rail 107 being configured to be fixed to at least two posts, 102 and 103, parallel to the ground, and having a guide axis 207, - a platform 110 configured to be fixed to at least two posts, 102 and 103, parallel to the ground, provided with a means for fixing a staircase 111 or a folding ladder (not shown) to access a vehicle roof, - said staircase 111 or said ladder and - an actuator 116 for modifying the position of the ladder or staircase 111, - an actuator 117 for moving the hoist 108 relative to the rail 107, - a means 115 for controlling at least one actuator 116 or 117.

[0054] The means described above with regard to the device 10 may also be part of the mounting kit of such a device 10.

[0055] The device 10 therefore makes it possible to park a vehicle 300 under the rail 107. The operator, after lowering the guardrail 114 and the staircase 111 by means of the control means 115 and the actuators 118 and 116 respectively, can then access a box 301 on the roof of the vehicle 300 to carry out maintenance operations. The hoist 108 can be actuated by the control means 115 and the actuator 117 to carry heavy loads such as gas bottles to be placed in said box 301. The assembly of guardrails 112, 113 and 109 makes it possible to prevent the operator from falling. And the pneumatic or hydraulic system makes it possible to work in ATEX environments. Statement of the invention

[0056] According to a first aspect, the present invention aims at a secure access device for vehicle maintenance, which comprises: - at least two vertical posts fixed to the ground, - a guide rail of a hoist, the rail being fixed to at least two posts parallel to the ground, and having a guide axis, - a platform fixed to at least two posts, parallel to the ground, equipped with a staircase or a folding ladder to access a roof of the vehicle and - an actuator for modifying the position of the ladder or staircase, - an actuator for moving the hoist relative to the rail, - a means for controlling at least one actuator.

[0057] Thanks to these provisions, an operator can have safe access to the roof of a vehicle, for example a bus, to carry out maintenance operations. In addition, the limited number of posts, the suspension of the platform from the posts and the folding staircase or ladder make it possible to limit the footprint of the device.

[0058] Finally, the rail equipped with the hoist allows tools or heavy objects to be carried above the roof of the vehicle. Injuries to the operator are therefore avoided.

[0059] Also, the steel metal structure independently supports all the forces including those induced by the load of the hoist without having recourse to the surrounding structures, and in particular the framework of the building in which the assembly is installed.

[0060] In embodiments, the platform comprises a retractable guardrail and a guardrail folding actuator controlled by the control means.

[0061] Thanks to these provisions, the operator can fold down the guardrail, which then becomes an extension of the platform, to access the roof of the bus while remaining safe.

[0062] In embodiments, the guardrail is attached to the platform by a pivot connection with an axis parallel to the guide axis.

[0063] Thanks to these provisions, the guardrail folds down to extend the platform and cover any residual space between the platform and the vehicle.

[0064] In embodiments, the control means and at least one actuator is pneumatic or hydraulic.

[0065] Thanks to these provisions, the device is compatible with the standards governing explosive atmosphere environments (acronym “ATEX”).

[0066] In embodiments, the guide rail is positioned on one side of the at least two posts, the platform being positioned on the other side of said at least two posts.

[0067] Thanks to these arrangements, the vehicle is parked on the side of the posts containing the rail and the operator easily accesses the platform on the other side of the posts.

[0068] In embodiments, the staircase or ladder is fixed to the platform by a pivot connection with an axis perpendicular to the guide axis and parallel to the ground.

[0069] Thanks to these arrangements, the staircase or ladder is aligned with the platform, thus limiting the footprint of the device.

[0070] In embodiments, the platform and the stair or ladder comprise a guardrail.

[0071] Thanks to these provisions, the operator is safe at all times when using the device.

[0072] In embodiments, the control means is configured to control - lowering the guardrail then lowering the staircase or ladder and / or - raising the staircase or ladder then raising the guardrail.

[0073] Thanks to these arrangements, it is impossible to access the platform until the guardrail is properly positioned to cover the space between the platform and the roof of the vehicle.

[0074] In embodiments, the control means is attached to one of the posts under the platform.

[0075] Thanks to these provisions, the operator must be on the ground to operate the control means. This prevents an operator from being stuck on the platform or dangerous use of the platform.

[0076] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a mounting kit for a secure access device for vehicle maintenance which is the subject of the present invention, which comprises: - at least two posts configured to be vertical and fixed to the ground, - a guide rail of a hoist, the rail being configured to be fixed to at least two posts parallel to the ground, and having a guide axis, - a platform configured to be fixed to at least two posts, parallel to the ground, provided with a means of fixing a staircase or a folding ladder to access a roof of the vehicle, - the said staircase or ladder and - an actuator for changing the position of the ladder or staircase, - an actuator for moving the hoist relative to the rail, - a means of controlling at least one actuator.

[0077] The aims, advantages and particular characteristics of the kit which is the subject of the present invention being similar to those of the device which is the subject of the present invention, they are not recalled here.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (10) for secure access for vehicle maintenance (300), characterized in that it comprises: - at least two vertical posts (101, 102, 103) fixed to the ground, - a rail (107) for guiding a hoist (108), the rail being fixed to at least two posts parallel to the ground, and having a guide axis (207), - a platform (110) fixed to at least two posts, parallel to the ground, provided with a staircase (111) or a folding ladder for accessing a roof of the vehicle and - an actuator (116) for modifying the position of the ladder or staircase, - an actuator (117) for moving the hoist relative to the rail, - a means (115) for controlling at least one actuator.

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, in which the platform (110) comprises a retractable guardrail (114) and an actuator (118) for folding the guardrail controlled by the control means (115).

3. Device (10) according to claim 2, in which the guardrail (114) is fixed to the platform (110) by a pivot connection with an axis (214) parallel to the guide axis (207).

4. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the control means (115) and at least one actuator (116, 117, 118) is pneumatic or hydraulic.

5. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the guide rail (107) is positioned on one side of the at least two posts (102, 103), the platform (110) being positioned on the other side of said at least two posts.

6. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the staircase (111) or the ladder is fixed to the platform (110) by a pivot connection with an axis (211) perpendicular to the guide axis (107) and parallel to the ground.

7. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the platform (110) and the staircase (111) or the ladder comprise a guardrail (112, 113).

8. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7 when dependent on claim 2, in which the control means (115) is configured to command: - a lowering of the guardrail (114) then a lowering of the staircase (111) or the ladder and / or - raising the staircase or ladder then raising the guardrail.

9. Device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control means (115) is fixed to one of the posts (103) under the platform (110).

10. Mounting kit for a secure access device (10) for vehicle maintenance according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises: - at least two posts (102, 103) configured to be vertical and fixed to the ground, - a guide rail (107) for a hoist (108), the rail being configured to be fixed to at least two posts parallel to the ground, and having a guide axis (207), - a platform (110) configured to be fixed to at least two posts, parallel to the ground, provided with a means for fixing a staircase (111) or a folding ladder to access a roof of the vehicle, - the said staircase or ladder and - an actuator (116) for modifying the position of the ladder or staircase, - an actuator (117) for moving the hoist relative to the rail, - a means (115) for controlling at least one actuator.

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