Assembly of rolling vehicles, corresponding coupling method and detachment method

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle assembly comprising a front vehicle (2), a rear vehicle (3) including a steering device (35) for a front rolling axle system (31) of the rear vehicle (3), and a coupling system (4) that can be activated and deactivated such that, when the coupling system is activated and on a horizontal surface, the wheel(s) of the front rolling axle system (31) of the rear vehicle (3) and the wheel(s) of the rear rolling axle system (23) of the front vehicle (2) are, in a top view of the vehicle assembly, aligned along their axis of rotation. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 5

Description

Title of the invention: Set of rolling vehicles, corresponding coupling method and detachment method FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a set of hitchable rolling vehicles, a corresponding method of hitching one vehicle to another, and a corresponding method of detaching. PREVIOUS ART

[0002] Vehicles, such as bicycles, to which motorized or non-motorized trailers are attached are known from the state of the art.

[0003] In the example of the bicycle, the trailer is coupled to the bicycle by a coupling system which comprises on the trailer side a bar provided with a coupling head or a pivot, and, on the bicycle side, a coupling support comprising a member, such as a ball, a hook or a fifth wheel with which the coupling head or a pivot of the trailer cooperates.

[0004] In the case of a motorized trailer, the trailer may include a system for detecting the forces, in particular traction, exerted by the bicycle on the trailer, and the motorization of the trailer may be controlled to cancel the forces undergone, or to push on the bicycle.

[0005] However, the coupling system with ball, hook or fifth wheel, used between the trailer and the bicycle makes it complex to control the trailer's motorization.

[0006] When the trailer pushes on the bicycle, the behavior of the bicycle with respect to the trailer can be uncertain. In particular, there is a risk that the bicycle will be placed across the trailer (a situation known as jackknifing the bicycle with respect to the trailer). In other words, it happens that the pushing force of the trailer on the bicycle via the coupling system causes the bicycle to pivot / drive to one side unexpectedly.

[0007] Furthermore, it is noted that road irregularities (speed bumps, cobblestones, potholes) can be interpreted by the sensors of the force detection system housed in the coupling system as requiring an acceleration or braking reaction from the motor, which disrupts the driving of the bicycle. Indeed, these local irregularities of the road should not give rise to acceleration or braking commands. It is also noted that the use of a force detection system to control the reaction of a vehicle in relation to an action of the other vehicle generates reaction delays, and therefore uncomfortable driving.

[0008] Furthermore, it is noted that such solutions involve a bulk Ion- important horizontal alignment of the entire bike and trailer.

[0009] The aim of the present invention is to propose a new set of rolling vehicles, a coupling method and a corresponding detachment method, making it possible to overcome all or part of the problems set out above. Summary of the invention

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a set of rolling vehicles comprising: - a first vehicle, called the front vehicle, comprising a chassis, a front rolling axle system comprising one or more wheels, and a rear rolling axle system comprising one or more wheels; the front vehicle comprising a system for driving at least part of the wheels of the front vehicle; - a second vehicle, called the rear vehicle, comprising a chassis, a front rolling axle system comprising one or more wheels, and a rear rolling axle system comprising one or more wheels; the rear vehicle preferably comprising a system for driving at least part of the wheels of the rear vehicle; - a coupling system capable of having an activated configuration in which the rear vehicle and the front vehicle are attached to each other and a deactivated configuration in which the rear vehicle and the front vehicle are detached from each other; characterized in that, the rear vehicle also comprising a steering device, such as a steering ring, the steering device comprising: a first part to which the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle is fixed, and a second part fixed to the chassis of the rear vehicle, the first part and the second part being pivotally mounted relative to each other about an axis orthogonal to the ground support plane of the wheels of the rear vehicle; The hitch system includes: - a part, called the front part, fixedly mounted relative to the chassis of the front vehicle or to the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle, and - a part, called the rear part, mounted fixed relative to the first part of the orientation device, - a connecting part between the front part and the rear part; such that, in the activated state of the coupling system and when the vehicles are supported by their wheels on a horizontal plane ground, the wheel(s) of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle and the wheel(s) of the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle are, in top view of all the vehicles, supported by their wheels on the horizontal ground, aligned according to their axis of rotation.

[0011] The aligned positioning, in top view, of the wheels of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle and of the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle along their axis of rotation (i.e. that said wheels are aligned along their axis), allows the entire front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle and of the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle to behave as a single overall rolling axle, or set of wheels, which can take a turn without skidding, with a reduced bulk of the vehicle assembly. The top view of the vehicle assembly corresponds to a projected view of the assembly onto the ground support plane of the wheels of the vehicles, along a projection axis orthogonal to said support plane.

[0012] In other words, in top view, the wheel(s) of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle and the wheel(s) of the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle are coaxial.

[0013] The wheels of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle and the rear rolling axle system of the vehicle remain parallel to each other (and aligned along their axis of rotation in top view) during movement of the vehicle assembly, both in turns and in a straight line, on level ground, in the activated state of the coupling system.

[0014] The axes of rotation of the wheel(s) of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle and the wheel(s) of the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle are parallel.

[0015] A rolling axle system comprises the wheel(s) of this axle and a connecting structure to the chassis of the corresponding vehicle. The connecting structure comprises for example an arm and / or a shaft (or a set of arms and / or shafts). For the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle, the connecting structure of the wheel(s) is connected to the chassis via the steering device.

[0016] The connecting structure may comprise elements articulated together around a lateral axis, to allow a shock absorber system fixed to the articulated elements to absorb irregularities in the ground. A lateral axis is, for a configuration of the vehicle resting on a horizontal plane ground and whose wheels are oriented for a straight line movement of the vehicle, a horizontal axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0017] In other words, for a configuration of the vehicle or set of vehicles whose wheels are oriented for straight-line movement of the vehicle or set of vehicles, a lateral axis is parallel to an axis of rotation of the wheels.

[0018] Such a design of the vehicle assembly with such a coupling system makes it possible to make the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle (the rear vehicle being, for example, a trailer), integral, for cornering, with the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle (the front vehicle being for example a tricycle).

[0019] The axis of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle thus remains parallel, and in particular coaxial in plan view when the vehicles are traveling on flat ground, with the axis of the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle when cornering (and in a straight line) on flat ground. The axis of a rolling axle system is considered to be parallel or coincident with the axis of the wheel(s) of said rolling axle system. As explained above, "in plan view" means a view in a direction orthogonal to the ground support plane of the wheels of a vehicle or of all the vehicles, such as the vertical axis when the ground is a horizontal plane.

[0020] It should be noted that when the wheels of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle and the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle are of the same diameter, then, in the activated state of the coupling system, the wheel(s) of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle and the wheel(s) of the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle are coaxial at least when the vehicle assembly is on level ground (regardless of the viewing angle of the vehicle assembly).

[0021] In other words, the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle, in the coupled state of the vehicles together, forms a part of the front vehicle in the sense that the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle behaves, on level ground, like the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle in the turns taken by the front vehicle (and also in a straight line). Furthermore, on level ground, the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle is located at the same longitudinal level of the vehicle assembly as the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle. In other words, in plan view and on level ground, the wheels of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle and the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle are coaxial, which makes it possible to benefit from a reduced longitudinal size of the vehicle assembly.It is of course understood that, in side view and on level ground, if a difference in diameter exists between the wheel(s) of said front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle and the wheel(s) of the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle, a height offset of the wheel axes appears, but these axes remain parallel when said vehicles are coupled together, in particular when taking a bend.

[0022] In the active configuration of the coupling system, such integration of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle with the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle in the coupled state (i.e. the joining of said axle systems in straight line travel and in bends on flat ground) makes it possible to avoid jackknifing of the front vehicle relative to the rear vehicle. Indeed, on horizontal flat ground, in a straight line and in bends, the rolling axle system front of the rear vehicle and the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle, form a single set of axles without internal pivoting freedom to this set of axles around a vertical axis (i.e. no yaw mobility internal to the set).

[0023] The vehicle assembly according to the invention thus makes it possible to ensure good road holding, in particular on bends and thus resolves the problems of relative behavior between the vehicles, and therefore of road holding, which can be encountered in particular with a bicycle and motorized trailer assembly which would be equipped with a ball (or hook or fifth wheel) coupling system, known from the state of the art, for which the internal articulation permitted around a vertical axis between the coupling support with ball of the bicycle and the coupling arm of the trailer risks causing the bicycle to move when the motorized trailer pushes on the bicycle.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear vehicle comprises a system for driving at least part of the wheels of the rear vehicle, and the driving system comprises an electric motor, preferably at least one or each wheel of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle.

[0025] Thus, when the rear vehicle is equipped with a drive system in movement, for example a motorization, preferably electric, of at least part of the wheels (preferably of the or each wheel of the front rolling axle system) of the rear vehicle, this makes it possible to limit the force to be produced by the front vehicle in the coupled state, while ensuring reliable driving of the vehicle assembly and a reduced longitudinal size of the assembly.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive system for moving the rear vehicle comprises a motorization, preferably electric, of at least the or each wheel of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle.

[0027] Thus, in the coupled state of the front vehicle and the rear vehicle, the drive system of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle can serve as a propulsion system (of the chassis) of the front vehicle. The drive system of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle can thus be used instead of or in addition to the movement drive system of the front vehicle, which can be for example a pedal assembly and / or a preferably electric drive of at least part of the wheels, for example the or each rear wheel. It can thus be provided that only the drive of the front wheel(s) of the rear vehicle is used, or that the drive of the front wheel(s) of the rear vehicle is used in combination with, when present, the drive of the rear wheel(s) of the rear vehicle.The motorization of one or more wheels of the front vehicle can be controlled in combination with the motorization of the wheel(s) of the rear vehicle. to distribute the power supplied between the two vehicles.

[0028] In particular, distributing part of the propulsion power to the rear vehicle by equipping the rear vehicle with a motor for at least part of the front wheels makes it possible to limit the power of the motor to be provided on the front vehicle.

[0029] The front vehicle may include a pedal motor - such as an electric pedal assist - that includes a drive chain that is connected to a rear wheel of the front vehicle.

[0030] The longitudinal axis of a vehicle is understood to mean the horizontal axis associated with the chassis of the vehicle which is parallel to the direction of movement of the vehicle in a straight line (i.e. when the directional wheel(s) of the vehicle are straight) when the vehicle is moving on horizontal ground.

[0031] The propulsion system formed by the motorization of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle makes it possible to push the front vehicle, using a part of the vehicle which belongs, in the detached state of the vehicles, to the rear vehicle, but which, in the coupled state of the vehicles, is secured to the front vehicle for cornering (i.e. apart from possible rolling and pitching mobility according to the embodiments of the invention), without the risk of causing the front vehicle to swerve in corners.

[0032] The expression "axle system of the rear vehicle secured to the axle system of the front vehicle" means that, in the coupled state of the vehicles and on flat ground, the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle moves on the ground parallel to the movement on the ground of the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle, and that the axis of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle remains parallel to the axis of the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle during a turn, i.e. there is no pivoting of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle relative to the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle around a vertical axis (vertical axis considered in the state in which the wheels of the vehicles are supported on flat horizontal ground).Thus, when the front vehicle takes a turn, said connection prevents relative pivoting around a vertical axis of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle relative to the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle.

[0033] As recalled above, the connection of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle with the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle is preferably carried out via the chassis of the front vehicle.

[0034] Preferably, the coupling system which allows the said front and rear axle systems to be secured together for good road holding when cornering, by preventing relative pivoting of said axle systems relative to each other around a vertical axis, still leaves freedom of pivoting of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle relative to the rolling axle system rear of the front vehicle, around a lateral axis, preferably two lateral axes, to be able to absorb variations in the level of the road surface (ground) such as speed bumps (bumps) or potholes (hollows). It is also possible to provide a possibility of pivoting one or each of said axle systems around a longitudinal axis of the corresponding vehicle (mounting oscillating around a longitudinal axis), to thus obtain an axle system oscillating one vehicle relative to the other, to allow adaptation to differences in height positions between wheels of the same axle resulting from the configuration of the ground. In this case the oscillation axis of an axle system is, when the wheels are resting on a horizontal plane, the horizontal axis orthogonal to the axis of the wheels of the axle system.

[0035] A motorization of the or each wheel of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle which can be secured to the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle, preferably via the chassis of the front vehicle, makes it possible to optimize the distribution of power between the front vehicle and the rear vehicle. In particular, the motorization of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle makes it possible to add power to the front vehicle in the activated state of the coupling system, while respecting the standards for power applications to the vehicles.

[0036] Furthermore, such a coupling system makes it possible to reduce the overall size of the two vehicles as a whole thanks to the coaxiality of the axles, in top view of the wheels of the front and rear axle systems. In other words, the total length of the assembly is reduced thanks to the integration of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle with the front vehicle in the coupled state. In particular, when the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle comprises one wheel and the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle comprises two wheels, the wheel of the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle is housed between the wheels of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle.

[0037] The coupling system is, in the activated state of the coupling system, devoid of an articulation allowing pivoting of the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle (or of the chassis of the front vehicle - because there is no pivoting mobility between the chassis of the front vehicle and the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle about an axis orthogonal to the ground support plane of the wheels of the front vehicle) and of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle relative to each other about an axis orthogonal to the ground support plane of the wheels of the rear vehicle.

[0038] In other words, the vehicle assembly is free from yaw mobility between the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle and the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle (or the chassis of the front vehicle carried by the rear rolling axle system due to the fact that there is also no yaw pivot mobility - i.e. no pivot mobility between the chassis of the front vehicle and the rolling axle system rear of the front vehicle around an axis orthogonal to the ground support plane of the front vehicle wheels).

[0039] However, it should be noted that, while the wheels of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle and the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle are integral in direction (orientation), in the coupled state of the vehicles, and therefore cannot be turned (oriented) independently of each other, the set of wheels of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle and the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle can be turned (oriented) relative to the chassis of the rear vehicle or relative to the wheel(s) of the rear rolling axle system of the rear vehicle during a turn.In fact, the rear vehicle steering device allows the chassis of the rear vehicle to pivot relative to the chassis of the front vehicle around an axis orthogonal to the ground support plane of the wheels of the rear vehicle (vertical axis when the ground is horizontal) for cornering, while the or each wheel of the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle remains integral in movement with the front wheel or wheels of the rear vehicle during this cornering on level ground (i.e. during the pivoting of the chassis of the front vehicle and the chassis of the rear vehicle relative to each other around said axis orthogonal to the ground support plane of the wheels, which is permitted by the rear vehicle steering device).

[0040] At least in the coupled state of the front vehicle to the rear vehicle, the or each rear wheel of the front vehicle is non-steering.

[0041] The coupling system comprises an attachment and detachment zone for allowing two elements of the coupling system to be attached together to activate the coupling system, or for allowing the two elements of the coupling system to be detached to deactivate the coupling system. At least one of the parts of the coupling system, or at least a portion of a given part of the coupling system, is detachable from one of the other parts of the coupling system, or is detachable from another portion of said given part of the coupling system, to deactivate the coupling system, and attachable to said other part of the coupling system, or attachable from another portion of said given part, to activate the coupling system.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the coupling system comprises an articulation system, called a pitch articulation system, configured to, in the activated state of the coupling system, allow the chassis of the front vehicle and the chassis of the rear vehicle to pivot relative to each other about a lateral axis orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the assembly of the front vehicle and the rear vehicle.

[0043] The longitudinal axis is defined, when the set of vehicles is traveling in a straight line on a horizontal plane, as being a horizontal axis which passes along the vehicles, i.e. parallel to the direction of movement of the vehicle, preferably between the side wheels of the front and / or rear vehicle, i.e. between the wheels of an axle when the rolling axle comprises two wheels.

[0044] Thus, the coupling system is configured so that, in the activated state of the coupling system, the chassis, and in particular the rear rolling axle system, of the front vehicle is able to pivot about a lateral axis relative to the chassis of the rear vehicle to allow the vehicle assembly to absorb variations in the ground profile of the bump or hollow type.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the pitch articulation system comprises the articulation of the connecting part of the coupling system to the front part around a lateral axis of the assembly of the front vehicle and the rear vehicle, and the articulation of the connecting part of the coupling system to the rear part around another lateral axis of the assembly of the front vehicle and the rear vehicle.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the coupling system comprises a roll axis device (also called a roll articulation system), configured to, in the activated state of the coupling system, allow the chassis of the front vehicle and the chassis of the rear vehicle to pivot relative to each other about a roll axis parallel to, preferably coincident with, the longitudinal axis of the entire front vehicle and rear vehicle.

[0047] Thus, in the activated state of the coupling system, the roll mobility makes the chassis, and therefore the rear rolling axle system, of the front vehicle capable of pivoting about a longitudinal axis relative to the chassis of the rear vehicle. In other words, roll-type mobility can be provided between the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle and the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle to allow the wheels to remain in contact and limit the risk of twisting when the wheels are at different heights (or levels), for example when going up or down sidewalks.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the roll axis device, for example a ball crown, comprises a first part and a second part pivotally mounted relative to each other around said roll axis.

[0049] According to one embodiment, said rear part of the coupling system is fixed to a part which is integral in rotation with the part of the steering device to which the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle is fixed.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the front part of the coupling system comprises the roll axis device, and an articulation device, such as a part for example with a U-shaped section, articulated to the connecting part around a lateral axis, the roll axis device comprising a first part fixed to the front vehicle, and a second part fixed to the articulation device to which the connecting part is articulated, the first part and the second part being pivotally mounted relative to each other around of a roll axis.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the rear part of the coupling system comprises the roll axis device, and an articulation device, such as a part for example with a U-shaped section, articulated to the connecting part around a lateral axis, the roll axis device comprising a first part fixed to the first part of the rear vehicle orientation device (for example by means of a part), and a second part fixed to the articulation device which is articulated to the connecting part, the first part and the second part being mounted pivotally relative to each other around a roll axis.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the connecting part of the coupling system comprises a first portion articulated to the rear part, a second portion articulated to the front part, and the roll axis device interposed between the two portions of the connecting part, the roll axis device comprising a first part fixed to the first portion which is articulated to the rear part, and a second part fixed to the second portion which is articulated to the front part, the first part and the second part being mounted to pivot relative to each other about a roll axis.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the rear vehicle comprises a system for driving at least part of the wheels of the rear vehicle; said driving system comprises a motorization, preferably electric, of at least the or each wheel of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle, in which said assembly comprises a control unit configured to control the motorization of at least said or each wheel of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle, to drive said set of vehicles, instead of or in addition to the driving system of the front vehicle.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the front rolling axle system of the front vehicle comprises two wheels, located on either side of the longitudinal axis of the front vehicle, and the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle is provided with a wheel located on a median longitudinal axis of the front vehicle. In particular, it can be provided that the front vehicle is a tricycle.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the front vehicle comprises a steering control system allowing a driver of the front vehicle to steer the wheel(s) of the front rolling axle system.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the system for driving the front vehicle in motion comprises a motorization, preferably electric, and / or a pedal system including a pedal and a transmission chain coupled to one or more wheels of the front vehicle, said motorization being configured and / or the pedal system being configured to drive the wheel(s) of the axle system in rotation front rolling and / or rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle. The motorization may be included in whole or in part in one or more of the wheels.

[0057] The motorization can be coupled to the pedal assembly and / or to at least one wheel of the front vehicle.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the device for orienting the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle is a slewing ring which comprises a first part, for example lower, to which the front rolling axle system is fixed, and a part, for example upper, fixed to the chassis of the rear vehicle, said parts being mounted pivoting relative to each other around an axis orthogonal (yaw axis) to the support plane of the wheels on the ground of the rear vehicle.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the rear vehicle comprises a manual guidance device which is coupled, directly or indirectly, possibly detachably, to the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle, the manual guidance device being mounted movably between a storage position and a separate use position according to which, in the detached state of the rear vehicle relative to the front vehicle, the user can manually grasp the manual guidance device to manually guide the movement of the rear vehicle.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the manual guidance device comprises an arm which has a handle and an end linked to a part of the coupling system, said part of the coupling system being configured to, in the deactivated state of the coupling system, remain coupled to the first part of the orientation device.

[0061] It can be provided that the movement of the rear vehicle can be carried out by motorized drive of the wheels and / or by pushing or pulling by the user.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the manual steering device is provided with a control device, such as a trigger or a button, connected to a control unit of the rear vehicle, making it possible to control a motorization of at least part of the wheels, preferably by controlling the speed and / or the direction of movement of the rear vehicle. The user can use the steering device which is attached directly or indirectly to the front rolling axle system to steer the rear vehicle.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle comprises two front wheels, the two front wheels being spaced laterally from each other (i.e. along their axis of rotation) and the front rolling axle system being configured so as to allow, in the coupled state of the rear vehicle with the front vehicle, the positioning of the or each rear wheel of the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle, between said two front wheels of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle.

[0064] In particular, the connecting or supporting structure between the front wheels of the vehicle rear and the part of the slewing ring to which said front wheels are connected, is arranged to delimit and therefore leave free a space for insertion of the or each rear wheel of the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle, between said two front wheels of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the rear rolling axle system of the rear vehicle comprises two rear wheels.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the or each rear wheel of the rear rolling axle system of the rear vehicle is non-steerable (i.e. non-steering). In other words, the mean plane of the or each rear wheel remains parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chassis of the rear vehicle.

[0067] Alternatively, it may be provided that the or each rear wheel is steerable while being controlled by the orientation of the front rolling axle system, for example by mounting the rear rolling axle system on a part of an additional orientation device (crown) (for example a ball crown) the other part of which would be integral with the chassis of the rear vehicle. In particular, the orientation devices may be configured so that the or each rear wheel (or the rear rolling axle system) of the rear vehicle is steerable in the opposite direction to the or each front wheel (or the front rolling axle system) of the rear vehicle (which makes it possible to reduce the turning radius of the rear vehicle).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the rear vehicle comprises a box carried (in an attached or integrated manner) by the chassis of the rear vehicle.

[0069] The coupling system may include a damping device to limit the transmission of jumps or jolts experienced between the vehicles.

[0070] The invention also relates to a method for coupling rolling vehicles, the method comprising the following steps: - providing a front vehicle and rear vehicle assembly in accordance with any of the preceding embodiments; - relative approximation between the front vehicle and the rear vehicle so as, when viewed from above and when the assembly is supported by its wheels on horizontal ground, to align the axis of the or each wheel of the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle with the axis of the or each wheel of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle, - activate the coupling system to attach the rear vehicle to the front vehicle so that, during a turn on level ground, the wheels of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle and the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle remain parallel to each other.

[0071] The wheels of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle and the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle thus remain parallel to each other except in case of rolling as explained previously.

[0072] The step of activating the coupling system can be carried out during the step of bringing the vehicles together or subsequently.

[0073] According to one embodiment, when the set of vehicles passes over ground having a hollow or bumpy profile, the chassis of the front vehicle pivots around at least one lateral axis relative to the chassis of the rear vehicle. Such a design promotes keeping the wheels in contact with the ground.

[0074] According to one embodiment, when the set of vehicles passes over ground whose shape is such that at least part of the wheels located on a lateral side of the front or rear vehicle are at a different height from at least part of the wheels of the other vehicle located on the same lateral side as said lateral side of the front or rear vehicle, the chassis of the rear vehicle and the chassis of the front vehicle pivot relative to each other about a longitudinal axis of one of the vehicles or of the set of vehicles to allow any torsion between the front vehicle and the rear vehicle to be absorbed at the coupling system.

[0075] As a result, the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle, which preferably does not have roll mobility relative to the chassis of the rear vehicle, and the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle, which preferably does not have roll mobility relative to the chassis of the front vehicle, can pivot relative to each other about said longitudinal axis.

[0076] Such a design helps keep the wheels in contact with the ground.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle comprising two wheels, and the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle comprising one wheel, said wheel is positioned between the two wheels of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle.

[0078] The invention also relates to a method of detaching the front vehicle and the rear vehicle from an assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, the method comprising the following steps: - deactivate the coupling system to detach the rear vehicle from the front vehicle; - moving the rear vehicle and / or the front vehicle independently of each other.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the method comprises: - a step of attaching a manual guidance device to the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle, or - a step of moving a manual guidance device, when it is already fixed (directly or indirectly) to the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle in a storage position, from said storage position to a separate position, called the use position, in which the user can enter my only use the manual guidance device to manually guide the movement of the rear vehicle.

[0080] The movement of the rear vehicle can be achieved by motorized and / or manual drive of the wheels.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the rear vehicle is moved by a motorized drive of at least part of the wheels of said rear vehicle. Brief description of the drawings

[0082] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting and must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:

[0083] - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a set of vehicles according to a embodiment of the invention, the vehicle assembly comprising a tricycle (forming a front vehicle) and a trailer (forming a rear vehicle) preferably motorized which includes a container;

[0084] - [Fig.lA] [Fig.lA] is a perspective view from another angle of the whole from [Fig.l] to the unrepresented state of the container;

[0085] - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a rear perspective view of the vehicle before the assembly of [Fig.lA] in the state detached from the rear vehicle;

[0086] - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a front perspective view of the rear vehicle of the assembly of [Fig.lA] in the detached state of the rear vehicle relative to the front vehicle;

[0087] - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a detailed view of the coupling system of the entire [Fig.lA] which makes it possible to connect the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle with the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle via the chassis of the front vehicle;

[0088] - [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a top view of the entire front vehicle and the rear vehicle of [Fig.lA] during a left turn of the front vehicle;

[0089] - [Fig.5A] [Fig.5A] is a perspective view of the entire vehicle front and of the rear vehicle of [Fig.5];

[0090] - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the entire front vehicle and the rear vehicle of [Fig.lA] when the front wheels of the rear vehicle pass over a bump;

[0091] - [Fig.6A] [Fig.6A] is a perspective view from another angle of the assembly of the front vehicle and the rear vehicle of [Fig.6];

[0092] - [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of the entire front vehicle and the rear vehicle of [Fig.lA] when the front wheels of the rear vehicle pass through a hollow;

[0093] - [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of a set of vehicles according to a another embodiment of the invention, the vehicle assembly comprising a tricycle (forming a front vehicle) and a motorized trailer (forming a rear vehicle) partially shown, with a particular coupling system between the two vehicles, the vehicles being aligned;

[0094] - [Fig.8A] [Fig.8A] is a detail view of the whole of [Fig.8], showing the coupling system;

[0095] - [Fig.8B] [Fig.8B] is a view of the whole of [Fig.8], during a turn at left of the front vehicle;

[0096] - [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a view of the vehicle before the assembly of [Fig.8], in the state detached from the rear vehicle;

[0097] - [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a rear vehicle view of the assembly of [Fig.8], at the state detached from the front vehicle, and in the state coupled to the front rolling axle, by a support structure, of a guide bar to be able to manually move the rear vehicle on the ground;

[0098] - [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a schematic top view of sets of vehicle according to different embodiments of the invention in the coupled state of the vehicles, the vehicle assemblies having different configurations of number of wheels and / or wheel distribution.

[0099] - [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a view of a coupling system of a set of vehicles according to an embodiment of the invention for which the roll axis device is located in the front part of the coupling system;

[0100] - [Fig.l2A] [Fig.l2A] is a side view of the coupling system of [Fig.12];

[0101] - [Fig.l2B] [Fig.l2B] is a top view of the coupling system of [Fig.12];

[0102] - [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a view of a coupling system of a set of vehicles according to an embodiment of the invention for which the roll axis device is located in the rear part of the coupling system;

[0103] - [Fig.l3A] [Fig.l3A] is a side view of the coupling system of [Fig.13];

[0104] - [Fig.l3B] [Fig.l3B] is a top view of the coupling system of [Fig.13];

[0105] - [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a view of a coupling system of a set of vehicles according to an embodiment of the invention for which the roll axis device is located in the connecting part of the coupling system;

[0106] - [Fig.l4A] [Fig.l4A] is a side view of the coupling system of [Fig.14];

[0107] - [Fig.l4B] [Fig.l4B] is a top view of the coupling system of [Fig.14]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0108] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of the elements may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numerals refer to similar elements. military in all the drawings. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims.

[0109] A reference throughout the specification to "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the occurrence of the phrase "in an embodiment" at various locations throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be appropriately combined in one or more embodiments.

[0110] The terms “horizontal” and “vertical” used hereinafter are used with reference to a state in which the wheels of the vehicle(s) are resting on a horizontal plane ground.

[0111] A vehicle assembly 1 is proposed comprising a front vehicle 2 and a rear vehicle 3 which, by means of a coupling system 4, can be attached to each other in a particular manner presented below, which promotes the stability and road holding of the vehicle assembly. The front vehicle 2 and the rear vehicle 3 can also be detached from each other so that they can be moved on the ground independently of each other.

[0112] The coupling system 4 (or attachment system) and the design of the rear vehicle make it possible to make the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle integral in movement with the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle, at least for movements on level ground, in a straight line and when turning. This provides good grip of the wheels of the set of vehicles on the ground, reduced longitudinal space requirements, while retaining the possibility of using the front vehicle and the rear vehicle independently of each other in the detached state of said vehicles. Each vehicle comprises a ground-based drive system. The rear vehicle's drive system comprises a motorization system which makes it possible to drive the wheel(s) of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle, which also makes it possible to propel the front vehicle in the coupled state of the vehicles.

[0113] Front vehicle

[0114] The front vehicle 2 comprises a chassis 22, a front rolling axle system 21 connected to the chassis 22, and a rear rolling axle system 23 connected to the chassis 22. The front rolling axle system 21 comprises one or more wheels 210. The rear rolling axle system 23 comprises one or more wheels 230.

[0115] According to one embodiment, as for example illustrated in the figures, the front rolling axle system 21 comprises two wheels 210, located on either side of the longitudinal axis of the front vehicle 2 (with reference to a movement of the front vehicle 2 in a straight line), and the rear rolling axle system 23 comprises a wheel 230 located in the longitudinal axis of the front vehicle 2.

[0116] The front vehicle 2 comprises a steering system 25 for the wheels of the front rolling axle system 21 making it possible to pivot the front wheel(s) 210 relative to the chassis 22 around a vertical axis. In other words, the front wheel(s) are steered.

[0117] In the following, the front rolling axle system is described in connection with two wheels 210, but the description also applies to the case of a single front wheel centered on the longitudinal axis of the front vehicle and steerable using the steering system.

[0118] Front rolling axle system

[0119] According to one embodiment, and as for example illustrated in the figures, the front rolling axle system 21 comprises two arms 211 each connected to a wheel 210. Each arm 211 of the front rolling axle system 21 is articulated to the chassis 22 around a lateral axis, to allow the front wheels 210 to follow the profile of the ground. It is understood that the structure of each rolling axle system can be produced other than with the L-shaped arms illustrated in the figures.

[0120] A lateral axis is understood to mean a horizontal axis (considering that the front vehicle is resting on horizontal ground) which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle (the longitudinal axis corresponding to the axis of straight-line movement of the vehicle).

[0121] Each arm 211 may have an L shape. The corresponding wheel 210 is articulated at the end of the arm 211 opposite the chassis 22, preferably around a vertical axis, to allow the wheel 210 to be steered using the steering system 25.

[0122] The steering system 25 may comprise a handlebar attached to a column pivotally mounted about its axis, to drive two transverse rods, connected to the front wheels 210, in one direction to pivot the front wheels 210 to the right and in the other direction to pivot the front wheels 210 to the left. The steering system 25 thus allows the user seated on or in the front vehicle 2 to steer the front wheels 210 to steer the front vehicle 2.

[0123] As illustrated more particularly in [Fig.2], a front damping system 291 may extend between the chassis 22 and the arms 211 of the front rolling axle system 21 to allow damping of a pivoting of the front rolling axle system 21 relative to the chassis 22 about a lateral axis.

[0124] Rear rolling axle system

[0125] According to one embodiment, and as for example illustrated in the figures, the system rear rolling axle 23 comprises a shaft 232 which passes through the rear wheel 230, the rear wheel 230 being rotationally fixed to said shaft 232.

[0126] The rear rolling axle system 23 also comprises a support structure 231, comprising for example two arms. The support structure 231 is connected to the shaft 232 on either side of the rear wheel 230. The support structure 231 is mounted articulated to the chassis 22 around a lateral axis A231 ([Fig.4]). The shaft 232 which carries the rear wheel 230 is free to rotate around its axis relative to the support structure 231.

[0127] Preferably, a rear shock absorber system 293 extends between the chassis 22 and the support structure 231 of the rear rolling axle system to allow damping of a pivoting of the rear rolling axle system 23 relative to the chassis 22 around a lateral axis.

[0128] The rear wheel 230 of the front vehicle 2, at least in the coupled state of the front vehicle 2 to the rear vehicle 3, is non-steering (i.e. the mean plane of the rear wheel 230 remains parallel to, preferably contains, the longitudinal axis of the front vehicle). According to one embodiment of the invention and as illustrated in the figures, the or each rear wheel of the front vehicle 2 is non-steering regardless of whether or not the front vehicle 2 is coupled to the rear vehicle 3.

[0129] On-the-go training system

[0130] The front vehicle 2 comprises a ground-based drive system for enabling the front vehicle 2 to move forward or backward. The drive system may comprise a pedal system 28 (partially shown in the figures) configured to enable the or each wheel of the rear rolling axle system or the or each wheel of the front rolling axle system to be driven in rotation. Alternatively or in combination, the drive system may comprise a system for electrically driving at least some of the wheels of the front vehicle 2, for example an electric motor for the front and / or rear wheel(s).

[0131] According to one embodiment of the invention, and as in the example illustrated in the figures, the pedal system 28 is configured to drive the rear wheel 230.

[0132] Rear vehicle

[0133] The rear vehicle 3 comprises a chassis 32, a front rolling axle system 31 and a rear rolling axle system 33. Advantageously and as illustrated in the example of [Fig.l], the chassis carries a box 39 which can contain different products to be transported.

[0134] The rear vehicle 3 also comprises a device 35 for steering the front wheels 310 of the rear vehicle 3. The steering device 35 comprises an (upper) part 352 fixed to the chassis 32 and a (lower) part 351 to which a support structure 34 of the front rolling axle system 31 is fixed. The upper part 352 and the lower part 351 are pivotally mounted relative to each other about a vertical axis A35 (see Figures 4 and 8B for example). The front rolling axle system 31 is thus fixed to the lower part 351 in the sense that the wheels 310 of the front rolling axle system 31 follow the pivoting of the part 351 of the steering device relative to the part 352 which is integral with the chassis 32 and can thus be steered by the relative pivoting between the two parts 351, 352 of the steering device.

[0135] In the illustrated embodiments, the steering device 35 comprises a steering ring, the upper part 352 of which is fixed to a frame 321 of the chassis 32 and the lower part 351 of which is fixed to the front rolling axle system 31, by means of the support structure 34 which carries the front rolling axle system 31. The upper part 352 and the lower part 351 are pivotally mounted relative to each other, for example via a ball bearing system.

[0136] The front wheels 310 of the rear vehicle 3 can thus rotate relative to the chassis 32 to be oriented to the right or to the left. According to one embodiment, the rear wheels 330 of the rear vehicle 3 are not steered. Alternatively, it can be provided that the rear wheels 330 are also steered, preferably in opposite directions relative to the front wheels 310, for example using a slewing ring (ball ring) and a mechanical connection between the front and rear rolling axles of the rear vehicle.

[0137] The rear vehicle 3 may comprise a manual guidance device 9, such as a guide bar system, which is attached, possibly detachably, directly or indirectly, to the front rolling axle system 31 of the rear vehicle 3, the manual guidance device 9 being mounted movably between a storage position and a separate use position according to which, in the detached state of the rear vehicle 3 relative to the front vehicle 2, the user can manually grasp the manual guidance device 9 to manually guide the movement of the rear vehicle 3.

[0138] The manual guidance device 9 may thus comprise, as illustrated in [Fig. 10], a guide bar 90 provided with a steering handle or handlebar 91, which may be coupled to the front rolling axle 31, in particular to the support structure 34, to enable a user to manually steer the rear vehicle in the detached state of the rear vehicle relative to the front vehicle. The manual guidance device 9 may be removable to enable it to be removed in order to allow the vehicles to be coupled and / or articulated to occupy a retracted position in the coupled state of the vehicles. The guide bar enables the user to steer the rear vehicle but also to tow or push it, the movement possibly being assisted by a motorization of one or more wheels of the rear vehicle. It may be provided that the motorcycle risation for assistance is controllable from a control device, such as a trigger or a button, connected to a control unit of the rear vehicle 3, making it possible to control a motorization system of at least part of the wheels, preferably making it possible to control the speed and / or the direction of movement.

[0139] According to one embodiment of the invention, said manual guidance device is coupled to the coupling system.

[0140] The manual guidance device may comprise an arm which has a handle-forming end and an opposite end, called the connecting end, which is connected to a part of the coupling system which remains coupled to the rear vehicle in the deactivated state of the coupling system, i.e. in the detached state of a part or portion of the coupling system relative to another part or portion of the coupling system.

[0141] It may be provided that the connection of the connecting end of the manual guidance device to the coupling system is a pivot connection, preferably around a lateral axis, or a ball-and-socket type connection. It may be provided that the arm is provided with a return spring to return the arm along the longitudinal axis of the rear vehicle (considered for a straight-ahead wheel configuration).

[0142] It can be provided that in the activated state of the coupling system, the arm of the manual guidance device is extended along the coupling system, with support, and preferably holding of the handle against the coupling system using an activatable or deactivatable holding system, such as a latching system.

[0143] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handle may be part of or form the activatable / deactivatable connecting means of a part of the attachment system fixed to the rear vehicle to another part fixed to the front vehicle.

[0144] Front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle

[0145] As illustrated for example in [Fig. 3], the front rolling axle system 31 may comprise two arms 311. Each arm 311 is provided at one end with a wheel 310 and is pivotally mounted (at the other end) relative to the support structure (or connecting structure) 34 around a lateral axis. As explained previously, the support structure 34 is fixed to the part 351 of the steering device, said part 351 being pivotable relative to the part 352 which is fixed to the chassis 32 of the rear vehicle 3.

[0146] A front damping system 391 extends between each arm 311 and the support structure 34, or the lower part 351 of the orientation device 35, to allow damping of a pivoting of the front rolling axle system 31 relative to the chassis 32 around a lateral axis.

[0147] Rear rolling axle system of the rear vehicle

[0148] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the rear rolling axle system 33 comprises two arms 331. Each arm 331 is provided at one end with a wheel 330 and is pivotally mounted (at the other end) relative to a support structure 322 secured to the frame 321 of the chassis 32. The support structure 322 can be considered as forming part of the chassis 32.

[0149] Preferably, the rear wheels 330 of the rear vehicle 3 are not steerable relative to the chassis 32. The rear wheels 330 of the rear vehicle thus retain their orientation relative to the chassis 32, independently of the orientation of the front wheels 310. In other words, the horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis of the rear wheels 330 remains parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. As recalled above, it is possible, as a variant, for the rear wheels to also be steered.

[0150] As illustrated more particularly in [Fig. 3], it can be provided that a rear shock absorber system 393 extends between the rear rolling axle system 33 and the chassis 32 (in particular the support structure 322) to allow damping of a pivoting of the rear rolling axle system 33 relative to the chassis 32 around a lateral axis.

[0151] On-the-go training system

[0152] According to one embodiment, the rear vehicle 3 comprises a ground-based drive system to enable the rear vehicle 3 to move forward or backward, even when detached from the front vehicle 2. The drive system may comprise an electric motorization system for driving the front wheel(s) 310 of the rear vehicle 3, for example an electric motor for each front wheel. Optionally, it may also be provided that the drive system comprises an electric motorization system for driving one or more rear wheels 330 of the rear vehicle 3, for example an electric motor for each rear wheel.

[0153] According to a particular embodiment, the arms of the wheels of the rear vehicle 3 and / or of the front vehicle 2 are interchangeable.

[0154] Coupling system

[0155] The coupling system 4 allows, in the active state, to transmit a traction or pushing force from one vehicle to the other along a longitudinal horizontal axis (when the vehicle is traveling on a horizontal plane in a straight line), but also to transmit a lateral force from the chassis 22 or the rear rolling axle system 23 of the front vehicle 2 to the front rolling axle system 31 of the rear vehicle 3 (during a turn).

[0156] In other words, the coupling system 4 allows the wheels 310 of the front rolling axle system 31 of the rear vehicle 3 to move, in a turn on level ground, at the same time as and parallel to the wheel 230 of the rear rolling axle system 23 of the front vehicle 2. In other words, the wheels 310 and 230 remain parallel to each other during a turn.

[0157] Preferably, the coupling system 4 comprises one or more articulations around lateral axes, to allow the wheels of the rear rolling axle systems 23 and before 31 to follow a hollow or bumpy profile of the ground and in particular to remain in contact with the ground.

[0158] The coupling system 4 comprises a part 42, called the front part, carried by the chassis 22 or the rear rolling axle 23 of the front vehicle 2. According to an embodiment not illustrated, the front part 42 can be fixed to the connecting structure 231 of the wheel(s) to the chassis 22 of the front vehicle 2. Provision can be made for the front part 42 to be removable or not in relation to the front vehicle.

[0159] The coupling system 4 comprises a rear part 43 carried by the front rolling axle 31 of the rear vehicle 3. In particular, the rear part 43 can be fixed to the connecting structure 311, 34 of the wheel(s) 310 which connects the wheels 310 to the part 351 of the steering device 35 carried by the chassis 32 of the rear vehicle 3. The rear part 43 can in particular be fixed as in the example illustrated in [Fig.4], to a part 34 of said connecting structure which is fixed to the part 351 of the steering device 35. As a reminder, the front rolling axle 31 of the rear vehicle 3 is fixed to said part 351 of the steering device 35.

[0160] It may be provided that the second part 43 may or may not be removable from the front vehicle.

[0161] The coupling system 4 also comprises a connecting part 41 which extends between the first part 42 and the second part 43. In the example of FIGS. 1 to 7, the connecting part 41 comprises two parallel arms articulated on the one hand, to a part 42 fixed to the chassis 22 of the front vehicle, and on the other hand, to a part 431 which is attachable and detachable relative to a part 433 fixed, directly or indirectly, to the front rolling axle system 31 of the rear vehicle 3.

[0162] The parts or portions of parts of the coupling system 4 are devoid of articulation around a yaw axis so that, during a turn on flat ground, the different parts or portions of parts of the coupling system 4 are integral in movement (i.e. do not move relative to each other): the result is that the or each wheel of the rear axle of the front vehicle remains parallel to the or each wheel of the front axle of the rear vehicle during the turn.

[0163] The coupling system 4 has an attachment and detachment zone which may be located between two of the parts of the coupling system 4, for example between the parts 42 and 41, or 41 and 43, or between two portions of a given part of the coupling system. The coupling system 4 is configured to have an active configuration, in which the rear vehicle and the front vehicle are attached to each other by the coupling system 4, and an inactive configuration, in which the rear vehicle and the front vehicle are detached from each other due to the fact that an element of the coupling system 4 is detached from another element of said coupling system.

[0164] Thus, as illustrated for example in [Fig.4], part 43 of the coupling system 4 which is fixedly mounted relative to the first part 351 of the orientation device 35, in the activated state of the coupling system, may comprise a portion 433 fixed to the connecting structure 34, and another portion 431 to which the connecting part 41 is articulated. The portion 433, for example an electromagnet, is capable of being attached to and detached from the portion 431, for example a ferromagnetic element, such as a steel plate or a magnet. The electromagnet and the ferromagnetic element may be interchanged. In the case of attachment by association of an electromagnet and a ferromagnetic element, a control unit makes it possible to control the activation of the electromagnet to attach the vehicles together and makes it possible to control the deactivation of the electromagnet to detach them.

[0165] As a reminder, part 351 of the steering device 35 is the part of the steering device to which the front rolling axle system 31 of the rear vehicle 3 is fixed.

[0166] According to one embodiment of the invention and as illustrated in Figures 8 to 9, the coupling system 4 may comprise an assembly of tubes and supports for connection to the front vehicle and to the rear vehicle.

[0167] The front portion 42 of the coupling system device 4 may thus comprise a connecting support which is carried by the front vehicle 2 and the rear portion 43 of the coupling system device 4 may comprise a connecting support which is carried by the rear vehicle 3. The connecting portion 41 of the coupling system device 4 may comprise a portion 412 articulated to the connecting support carried by the front vehicle 2 about a lateral axis AL2 to provide pivoting mobility, and a portion 413 articulated to the connecting support carried by the rear vehicle 3 about a lateral axis AL3 (parallel to the lateral axis AL2) to provide another pivoting mobility.

[0168] The portion 412 and the portion 413 of the connecting part 41 of the device of the coupling system 4 are pivotally mounted relative to each other by a roll axis device 4R, such as a ball bearing forming a connection between the two portions 412, 413, to allow said portions to rotate relative to each other around a longitudinal axis, called the roll axis (orthogonal to the lateral axis AL2 or AL3 and to the vertical axis when the entire vehicle is on horizontal ground) to provide pivoting mobility AR23.

[0169] The fact that the chassis of the front vehicle 2, and therefore the rear rolling axle system 23, can pivot about a longitudinal axis (roll) relative to the chassis 31 of the rear vehicle 3, and therefore relative to the front rolling axle 31, makes it possible to absorb any torsion between the front vehicle 2 and the rear vehicle 3 at the coupling system 4. This can occur when the vehicle assembly is straddling a pavement - i.e. with one wheel raised relative to another -, when stationary, for mount or dismount from the curb. In this case, the or each wheel of the rear rolling axle 23 of the front vehicle 2 can then be inclined relative to the or each wheel of the front rolling axle of the rear vehicle 3 until the set of vehicles returns to level ground.

[0170] The portion 412 of the connecting part 41 may comprise an assembly of tubes comprising a tube articulated around its axis (parallel and preferably merged with the axis AL2) to the first connecting support of the part 42, and a tubular T-shaped device, the head of the T being parallel to the articulated tube and the foot of the T having an axis corresponding to the roll axis AR23.

[0171] The portion 413 of the connecting part 41 may be identical or similar to the portion 412 of the connecting part 41, and may thus comprise an assembly of tubes comprising a tube articulated around its axis (to form the articulation axis AL3) to the connecting support of the part 43 and a tubular T-shaped device, the head of the T being parallel to said articulated tube and the foot of the T having an axis corresponding to the roll axis AR23.

[0172] Advantageously, the T-shaped tubular devices are mounted coaxially along the axis of their feet and articulated relative to each other around the axis of their feet, said articulation forming the 4R roll axis device.

[0173] This gives a lateral pivot at the end of the coupling system linked to the front vehicle and a lateral pivot at the end of the coupling system linked to the rear vehicle, as well as a central pivot around a longitudinal axis AR23 which is orthogonal to the lateral pivot axes AL2, AL3 and which is parallel to the plane passing through the lateral pivot axes.

[0174] With reference to a horizontal ground and to the activated state of the coupling system, the parts or portions of the coupling system 4 are devoid of pivoting mobility about a vertical axis relative to each other and relative to the rear rolling axle system 23 of the front vehicle 2 and relative to the front rolling axle system 31 of the rear vehicle 3, so that, when the front vehicle 2 takes a turn, the parts or portions of the coupling system 4 remain integral in movement with each other.

[0175] Coupling of front and rear vehicles

[0176] In each embodiment illustrated in the figures, the front vehicle 2 is a tricycle comprising two front steerable wheels 210 and one rear non-steerable wheel 310, and the rear vehicle 3 is a trailer which may include a box or any other equipment.

[0177] The trailer may comprise a support base connected to the chassis of the trailer and allowing it to receive different equipment, such as a closed box, refrigerated box, open dumpster, pallet carrier.

[0178] The following description is thus applied to the case where the front vehicle 2 is a tricycle and the rear vehicle 3 is a trailer, but it is understood that this description also applies to another front vehicle which comprises a number of front and / or rear wheels equal to or different from that of the tricycle presented, and to another rear vehicle which also comprises a number of front and / or rear wheels equal to or different from that of the trailer presented.

[0179] As explained below, the horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis of the front wheels 310 of the trailer 3 is, in the coupled state of the trailer 3 to the tricycle 2 and on a horizontal plane ground, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tricycle 2. In other words, when the tricycle 2 and the trailer 3 are coupled to each other, the axis of the front wheels 310 of the trailer 3 is parallel to the axis of the rear wheel 230 of the tricycle 2 even when the tricycle 2 takes a turn, that is to say when the front wheels 210 of the tricycle 2 are turned.

[0180] Furthermore, as can be seen in [Fig.5], in a top view of the tricycle 2 and the trailer 3, in the coupled state, when the set of vehicles is supported by its wheels on a horizontal plane ground, the axis of the front wheels 310 of the trailer 3 and the axis of the rear wheel 230 of the tricycle 2 are superimposed.

[0181] In other words, in top view, the front wheels 310 of the trailer 3 are aligned with the rear wheel 230 of the tricycle 2 (see for example [Fig.5], 8A and 8B).

[0182] In the coupled state, the rear wheel 230 of the tricycle 2 and the front wheels 310 of the trailer 3 remain resting on the ground.

[0183] In the coupled state and when the tricycle 2 and the trailer 3 are on level ground, the rear wheel 230 of the front tricycle 2 is located between the front wheels 310 of the trailer. It should be noted that in the particular case where the set of vehicles passes over a bump or a speed bump (Figures 6 and 6A) or in a hollow ([Fig.7]), a longitudinal offset of positioning of the rear wheel of the tricycle 2 relative to the front wheels of the trailer occurs while passing the speed bump or the pothole.

[0184] The articulations around the axes AL2, AL3 presented above of the coupling system allow the set of vehicles to pass over a bump or hollow while reducing the risks of damage to the set of vehicles.

[0185] As explained above, the front rolling axle system 31 of the trailer 3 has pivoting mobility around a vertical axis A35 (yaw axis) relative to the chassis 32 thanks to the orientation device 35, which allows the chassis 32 of the trailer 3 to be able to take a turn when the tricycle 2 turns, with good road holding of the trailer.

[0186] It is recalled that, in the coupled state of the tricycle 2 with the trailer 3, the coupling system 4 allows the front rolling axle system 31 of the rear vehicle 3 to be integral in movement with the chassis 22 of the tricycle 2 when the tricycle moves on flat ground while taking a turn, the axles of the wheels of the axle systems 23, 31 remaining parallel to each other. The front wheels of trailer 3 (rear vehicle) can then be considered as part of the rear rolling axle system of tricycle 2 (front vehicle) with regard to their behavior in a bend.

[0187] Control of the motorization

[0188] The vehicle assembly comprises a control unit, preferably located in the trailer (rear vehicle), configured to control at least the rotation of the front wheels of the trailer to allow at least partial compensation of a tractive force exerted by the front vehicle on the rear vehicle. Preferably, the control unit is configured to control the rotation of the front wheels of the trailer so as to be able to propel the tricycle. It may be provided that the control unit is also configured to control the rotation of at least part of the wheels of the tricycle 2 (front vehicle).

[0189] According to one embodiment, the control unit can also make it possible to control the orientation of the front wheels of the trailer in the detached state of the trailer relative to the tricycle.

[0190] Coupling method

[0191] Examples of methods for coupling the front vehicle 2 with the rear vehicle 3 are provided below.

[0192] If initially the front vehicle 2 and the rear vehicle 3 are distant from each other, the operator proceeds to the relative movement of the front vehicle 2 with respect to the rear vehicle 3, in the direction of a move towards each other, preferably by using the movement drive systems of the front vehicle 2 and / or of the rear vehicle 3. As explained previously, it can be provided that all or part of these drive systems, such as wheel motors, can be controlled using a remote control.

[0193] The operator activates the coupling system 4 so that the front vehicle 2 and the rear vehicle 3 are attached to each other. For this purpose, the operator attaches one part of the coupling system 4 to another part of the coupling system 4 in the corresponding attachment and detachment zone of the coupling system 4.

[0194] As in the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, the front vehicle 2 can thus be brought by the operator opposite the rear vehicle 3 for securing the electromagnet 433 with the appropriate ferromagnetic attachment element 413 of the coupling system. It can be provided that the operator controls, for example via a human-machine interface, such as a button on the trailer or the tricycle or a remote control, the activation of the electromagnet of the coupling system.

[0195] According to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 8 to 9, it is possible to provide that one of the end tubes of the connecting part 41 is positioned by the operator opposite the part 42 or 43 to be mounted articulated to said part 42 or 43 depending on whether the attachment zone is provided between the connecting part 41 and the front part 42 and / or between the connecting part 41 and the rear part 43. a detachment zone can be provided between the portions 412 and 413 of the connecting part 41.

[0196] It is understood that the coupling system 4 can be detached at different locations of said system. In other words, the attachment and detachment zone can be located at different locations or between different parts making up the coupling system 4.

[0197] The structures of the front vehicle 2 and the rear vehicle 3 are then such that the rear wheel 230 of the front vehicle 2 is positioned between the front wheels 310 of the rear vehicle 3.

[0198] Good stability of the entire front vehicle 2 and rear vehicle 3 is thus obtained thanks to the support on the ground of the front wheels 310 of the rear vehicle 3 and the rear wheel 230 of the front vehicle 2 which remain aligned with each other when moving on horizontal ground.

[0199] The entire front vehicle 2 and rear vehicle 3 can then move and in particular take turns, benefiting from the propulsion provided by the front wheels 310 of the rear vehicle 3 to the front vehicle 2, and this without risk of the rear vehicle 3 jackknife in relation to the front vehicle 2, and with reduced longitudinal bulk of the entire front vehicle 2 and rear vehicle 3.

[0200] Detachment method

[0201] Examples of the method of detachment to the front vehicle 2 relative to the rear vehicle 3 are provided below.

[0202] According to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, the operator controls the inactivation of the electromagnet of the coupling system, using a human-machine interface as proposed above. The attachment device 42 to the front vehicle 2 is then decoupled from the attachment device 43 of the rear vehicle 3.

[0203] According to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 8 to 9, it can be provided that an end tube of the connecting part 41 is detached by the operator from the part 42 or 43 (which can be presented as in the example in the form of a U-shaped plate capable of receiving said tube).

[0204] The operator can then proceed to the relative movement of the rear vehicle 2 with respect to the rear vehicle 3, in the direction of moving them apart, preferably using the movement drive systems of the rear vehicle 2 and / or of the rear vehicle 3 as previously proposed for the approach.

[0205] The motors, and where appropriate the electromagnet of the coupling system, can be controlled by a control unit, present on the trailer and / or the tricycle.

[0206] The control unit is presented for example in the form of a processor and a data memory in which computer instructions executable by said processor are stored, or in the form of a microcontroller.

[0207] In other words, the functions described can be implemented in the form of a computer program or via hardware components (e.g. programmable gate arrays). In particular, the functions and steps performed by the control unit, in particular for controlling the motor(s), can be performed by instruction sets or computer modules implemented in a processor or controller or be performed by dedicated electronic components or components of the programmable logic circuit type (or FPGA which is the acronym for field-programmable gate array, which literally corresponds to in-situ programmable gate array) or of the application-specific integrated circuit type (or ASIC which is the acronym for application-specific integrated circuit, which literally corresponds to application-specific integrated circuit). It is also possible to combine computer parts and electronic parts.

[0208] The control unit is thus an electronic and / or computer unit. When it is specified that said unit is configured to carry out a given operation, this means that the unit comprises computer instructions and the corresponding execution means which make it possible to carry out said operation and / or that the unit comprises corresponding electronic components.

[0209] As recalled above, the proposed vehicle assembly makes it possible to obtain great stability of the vehicle assembly, with reduced length and reliable behavior of the assembly avoiding jackknifing of the vehicles, while benefiting from the detached state of the vehicles from being able to operate each vehicle independently of the other.

[0210] The front vehicle 2 can be used alone in the following manner. The operator can control the switching on of the electric motor of the front vehicle. The operator can exert a continuous manual action on an accelerator trigger to control the progressive acceleration of the front vehicle 2 in forward gear, for example up to 6 km / h. A reverse control button can be operated manually continuously to, in combination with the action on the accelerator trigger, control the progressive acceleration of the front vehicle 2 in reverse gear, for example up to 4 km / h. A brake control allows the operator to control the braking of the front and / or rear wheels, for example by mechanical braking and / or by cutting off the electrical power supply to the electric motor and / or by triggering an energy recovery system (which allows a battery to be recharged).

[0211] It can be provided that the energy recovery function is set independently during the braking function and in particular by being controlled by a separate control unit.

[0212] When the drive system of the front vehicle comprises a pedal assembly and an electric assistance system, the operator can operate the pedal assembly with his feet to obtain progressive acceleration up to a given speed, for example 25 km / h, while benefiting from assistance from the electric motor. Provision may be made for the assistance to be cut off beyond said given speed. Each control may be located on the handlebars of the front vehicle 2.

[0213] The rear vehicle 3 can be used alone in the following manner. The operator can control the switching on of the electric motor of the rear vehicle. The operator can exert a continuous manual action on a forward accelerator trigger to control the progressive acceleration of the rear vehicle 3 in forward gear, for example up to 6 km / h. The operator can exert a continuous manual action on the rear accelerator trigger to control the progressive acceleration of the rear vehicle 3 in reverse gear, for example up to 4 km / h. A brake control allows the operator to control the braking of the front and / or rear wheels, for example by mechanical braking and / or cutting off the electrical power supply to the electric motor. Each control can be located at the handlebar 91 of the guide bar 9 of the rear vehicle 3. Alternatively or additionally, each control can be transmitted via a remote control.

[0214] In the coupled state, the front vehicle 2 and the rear vehicle 3 can be used in the following manner. It can be provided that the assembly comprises an indicator device, such as a warning light, which makes it possible to indicate that the coupling system is activated. In particular, it can be provided that in parallel with the mechanical activation of the coupling system, an electrical connector of the motorization system of the front vehicle is connected to an electrical connector of the motorization system of the rear vehicle. The control unit can detect the connected state and control the activation of the indicator device.

[0215] The operator can control the switching on of the electric motor of the front vehicle and / or the rear vehicle. The operator can exert a continuous manual action on an accelerator trigger to control the progressive acceleration of all the vehicles in forward gear, for example up to 6 km / h. A reverse control button can be operated manually continuously to, in combination with the action on the accelerator trigger, control the progressive acceleration of all the vehicles in reverse gear, for example up to 4 km / h. A brake control allows the operator to control the braking of the front and / or rear wheels of one or each vehicle, for example by cutting off the the electrical power supply of the electric motor and / or by triggering an energy recovery system (which allows a battery to be recharged). When the driving system for moving the front vehicle includes a pedal assembly and an electric assistance system, the operator can operate the pedal assembly of the front vehicle with his feet to obtain progressive acceleration up to a given speed, for example 25 km / h, while benefiting from assistance from the electric motor. Provision may be made for the assistance to be cut off beyond said given speed. As explained above, each control may be located on the handlebars of the front vehicle 2.

[0216] It can be provided that when the operator disconnects the electrical connector of the front vehicle 2 from the electrical connector of the rear vehicle 3, the control unit detects the disconnection and cuts the power supply to the electric motorization systems, preferably by triggering an energy recovery system.

[0217] It may be provided that the rear vehicle comprises a system of lateral stops carried by the front rolling axle of the rear vehicle capable of forming lateral stops with respect to the support structure of the or each rear wheel of the front vehicle (at the level of the arms and / or the wheel axle of the support structure) to allow absorption of the lateral forces which may be exerted on the support structure, in particular at the level of the wheel, during driving, to avoid bending of the support structure (in particular of the arms) and thus avoid drift of the or each rear wheel of the front vehicle towards one or other of the front wheels of the rear vehicle.

[0218] In summary, a set of rolling vehicles is proposed comprising a front vehicle 2, a rear vehicle 3 comprising a steering device 35 for a front rolling axle system 31 of the rear vehicle 3, and a coupling system 4. The coupling system 4 comprises a part 42 fixed to the chassis 22 or to the rear rolling axle 23 of the front vehicle 2, and a part 43 fixed to the front rolling axle 31 of the rear vehicle 3, so that, in the activated state of the coupling system and on a horizontal plane ground, the wheel or wheels of the front rolling axle system 31 of the rear vehicle 3 and the wheel or wheels of the rear rolling axle system 23 of the front vehicle 2 are, in top view of the set of vehicles ([Fig.5]), aligned along their axis of rotation and remain parallel to each other.In other words, the wheels of the rear rolling axle system 23 of the front vehicle 2 and of the front rolling axle system 31 of the rear vehicle 3 have and maintain the same orientation relative to each other, during a turn taken by the front vehicle on level ground.

[0219] It may be provided that the front vehicle is equipped with a body comprising, for example, all or part of the following elements: windshield, floor, door(s), ceiling.

[0220] [Fig. 11] illustrates different embodiments of the vehicle assembly which each allow, as explained above, to limit the size of the vehicle assembly, while ensuring good stability of the assembly in the coupled state, in particular for cornering thanks to the alignment of the wheels of the rear rolling axle of the front vehicle and the front rolling axle of the rear vehicle along their axis (in top view and when the assembly is on flat, horizontal ground). However, as explained below, the configuration of the IA assembly is preferred to the other configurations 1B-1F.

[0221] The diagram of the set of vehicles referenced IA corresponds to the configuration of the vehicles of Figures 1 to 10, for which the front vehicle has two front wheels 210 and a single rear wheel 230, and the rear vehicle has two rear wheels 330 and two front wheels 310, the rear wheel 230 of the front vehicle being positioned between the front wheels 310 of the rear vehicle.

[0222] This configuration is preferred because it provides good stability for the vehicles not only in the coupled state but also in the detached state. Furthermore, the wheels 210, 310, 330 which are located in overhang may be identical.

[0223] The diagram of the set of vehicles referenced IB is a variant, for which the front vehicle has two front wheels 210 and two rear wheels 230, and the rear vehicle has two rear wheels 330 and a single front wheel 310, the front wheel 310 of the rear vehicle being positioned between the rear wheels 230 of the front vehicle.

[0224] This IB configuration, however, presents less stability of the rear vehicle in the detached state, and the front wheel of the rear vehicle undergoes more force because it is more stressed.

[0225] The diagram of the set of vehicles referenced IC is a variant, for which the front vehicle has two front wheels 210 and two rear wheels 230, and the rear vehicle has two rear wheels 330 and two front wheels 310, each rear wheel 230 of the front vehicle being positioned between the front wheels 310 of the rear vehicle.

[0226] This configuration of the IC assembly is nevertheless more complicated to implement due to the difficulty in aligning the four wheels 230, 330 in a limited template (width) for the rear vehicle.

[0227] The diagram of the set of vehicles referenced 1D is a variant, for which the front vehicle has a single front wheel 210 and two rear wheels 230, and the rear vehicle has two rear wheels 330 and two front wheels 310, each rear wheel 230 of the front vehicle being positioned between the front wheels 310 of the rear vehicle.

[0228] This configuration of the 1D assembly is, like the configuration of the IC assembly, complicated to implement due to the difficulty in aligning the four wheels 230, 330 in a limited template (width) for the rear vehicle. In addition, the limited spacing between the two rear wheels 230 of the front vehicle 2 makes the front vehicle less stable in the detached state.

[0229] The diagram of the vehicle assembly referenced 1E is a variant, for which the front vehicle has a single front wheel 210 and two rear wheels 230, and the rear vehicle has two rear wheels 330 and a single front wheel 310, the front wheel 310 of the rear vehicle being positioned between the rear wheels 230 of the front vehicle. This configuration of assembly 1E is, as for configuration IB, less stable for the rear vehicle in the detached state.

[0230] The diagram of the set of vehicles referenced 1F is a variant, for which the front vehicle has a single front wheel 210 and a single rear wheel 230, and the rear vehicle has two rear wheels 330 and two front wheels 310, the rear wheel 230 of the front vehicle being positioned between the front wheels 310 of the rear vehicle.

[0231] In this overall configuration 1F, the stability of the front vehicle is less when it is detached because it only has two wheels. In addition, such a configuration complicates the installation of a body to provide protection, whereas a body, with floor and door(s) can be more easily provided for the other configurations.

[0232] When present, the roll mobility may be located at different locations. The embodiments illustrated in Figures 12, 13 and 14 respectively show different embodiments of the invention for which the roll mobility is located respectively on the front vehicle side, on the rear vehicle side and in the middle of the coupling system.

[0233] For each of the embodiments, the coupling system 4 comprises a part 42, called the front part, carried by the front vehicle 2, a part 43, called the rear part, carried by the rear vehicle 3, as well as a connecting part 41 between the front part 42 and the rear part 43.

[0234] The front part 42 carried by the front vehicle 2 is fixed to the chassis 20 of the front vehicle 2 or to a part of the rear rolling axle 23 which is coupled to the chassis 20 of the front vehicle 2. The connecting part 41 is mounted articulated to the front part 42 around a lateral axis AL2.

[0235] The rear part 43 carried by the rear vehicle 3 is fixed to a part 34 which is integral with the part 351 of the steering device 35 to which the front rolling axle system 31 of the rear vehicle 3 is fixed. As a reminder, the part 351 is pivotally mounted relative to the part 352 which is fixedly mounted relative to the chassis. Said part 34 may be a part which is part of the part 351 of the steering device 35 or be a separate part fixed to said part 351 of the steering device 35.

[0236] The connecting part 41 is mounted articulated to the rear part 43, around a lateral axis AL3.

[0237] As recalled above, the coupling system 4 has an attachment zone and detachment which can be located at different locations. In particular, the attachment and detachment zone can be located between two parts of the coupling system 4, for example between parts 42 and 41, or 41 and 43, or between two portions of a given part of the coupling system, for example between portions 412 and 413 of the connecting part 41 between the front 42 and rear 43 parts.

[0238] In the embodiment of [Fig. 12], the front part 42 comprises a roll axis device 4R, such as a ball crown, and an articulation device 421 articulated to the connecting part 41 about a lateral axis AL2. The roll axis device 4R comprises a first part 4R1 fixed to the front vehicle 2, and a second part 4R2 fixed to the articulation device 421 which is articulated to the connecting part 41, the first part 4R1 and the second part 4R2 being pivotally mounted relative to each other about a roll axis AR23.

[0239] In the embodiment of [Fig. 13], the rear part 43 comprises a roll axis device 4R, such as a ball crown, and an articulation device 431 articulated to the connecting part 41 about the lateral axis AL3. The roll axis device 4R comprises a first part 4R1 fixed to the rear vehicle 3, and a second part 4R2 fixed to the articulation device 431 which is articulated to the connecting part 41, the first part 4R1 and the second part 4R2 being pivotally mounted relative to each other about a roll axis AR23.

[0240] In the embodiment of [Fig. 14], the connecting part 41 comprises a first portion 413 connected (by the axis articulation AL3) to the rear part 43, a second portion 412 connected (by the axis articulation AL2) to the front part 42, and a roll axis device 4R, such as a ball crown, interposed between the two portions 413, 412 of the connecting part 41. The roll axis device 4R comprises a first part 4R1 fixed to the first portion 413 which is articulated to the rear part 43, and a second part 4R2 fixed to the second portion 412 which is articulated to the front part 42, the first part 4R1 and the second part 4R2 being pivotally mounted relative to each other about a roll axis AR23.

[0241] The lateral axis AL2 or AL3 is an axis which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle assembly and which is horizontal when the vehicle assembly is rolling on horizontal flat ground.

[0242] The roll axis is an axis parallel to, preferably coincident with, the longitudinal axis of the set of vehicles in the coupled state of the vehicles when they are traveling in a straight line on level ground. The roll axis is orthogonal to a lateral axis which corresponds to a pitch axis.

[0243] In summary and as detailed above according to different embodiments, there is proposed a set of rolling vehicles comprising a front vehicle, a rear vehicle comprising a device for steering a front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle, and a coupling system that can be activated and deactivated so that, in the activated state of the coupling system and on a horizontal level ground, the wheel(s) of the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle and the wheel(s) of the rear rolling axle system of the front vehicle are, when viewed from above the vehicle assembly, aligned along their axis of rotation and remain parallel when turning.

[0244] The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

[0245] Furthermore, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps. Furthermore, features or steps that have been described with reference to one of the embodiments set forth above may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments set forth above.

Claims

Claims

1. Set (1) of rolling vehicles comprising: - a first vehicle, called front vehicle (2), comprising a chassis (22), a front rolling axle system (21) comprising one or more wheels (210), as well as a rear rolling axle system (23) comprising one or more wheels (230); the front vehicle (2) comprising a system for driving movement (28) of at least a portion (230) of the wheels of the front vehicle (2); - a second vehicle, called rear vehicle (3), comprising a chassis (32), a front rolling axle system (31) comprising one or more wheels (310), as well as a rear rolling axle system (33) comprising one or more wheels (330); the rear vehicle (3) preferably comprising a system for driving at least a portion (310) of the wheels of the rear vehicle (3); - a coupling system (4) capable of having an activated configuration in which the rear vehicle (3) and the front vehicle (2) are attached to each other and a deactivated configuration in which the rear vehicle (3) and the front vehicle (2) are detached from each other; characterized in that, the rear vehicle (3) also comprising a steering device (35), such as a steering ring, the steering device (35) comprising: a first part (351) to which the front rolling axle system (31) of the rear vehicle (3) is fixed, and a second part (352) fixed to the chassis (32) of the rear vehicle (3), the first part (351) and the second part (352) being pivotally mounted relative to each other about an axis (A35) orthogonal to the ground support plane of the wheels (310, 330) of the rear vehicle (3); the coupling system (4) comprises: - a part (42), called the front part, fixedly mounted relative to the chassis (22) of the front vehicle (2) or to the rear rolling axle system (23) of the front vehicle (2), and - a part (43), called the rear part, mounted fixed relative to the first part (351) of the orientation device (35), - a connecting part (41) between the front part (42) and the rear part (43); such that, in the activated state of the coupling system (4) and when the vehicles (2, 3) are supported by their wheels on a horizontal plane ground, the wheel or wheels of the rolling axle system (31) in front of the rear vehicle (3) and the wheel or wheels of the rolling axle system (23) in rear of the front vehicle (2) are, in top view of the assembly of vehicles (2, 3) supported by their wheels on the horizontal plane ground, aligned along their axis of rotation.

2. Assembly according to claim 1, in which the coupling system (4) is, in the activated state of the coupling system, devoid of articulation allowing pivoting of the rear rolling axle system (23) of the front vehicle (2) and of the front rolling axle system (31) of the rear vehicle (3) relative to each other around an axis (A35) orthogonal to the ground support plane of the wheels of the rear vehicle (3).

3. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling system (4) comprises an articulation system, called a pitch articulation system, configured to, in the activated state of the coupling system, allow the chassis (22) of the front vehicle (2) and the chassis (32) of the rear vehicle (3) to pivot relative to each other about a lateral axis (AL2, AL3) orthogonal to a longitudinal axis (AR23, Al) of the assembly of the front vehicle (2) and the rear vehicle (3).

4. An assembly according to claim 3, wherein the pitch articulation system comprises the articulation of the connecting part (41) of the coupling system (4) to the front part (42) about a lateral axis (AL2) of the assembly of the front vehicle (2) and the rear vehicle (3), and the articulation of the connecting part (41) of the coupling system (4) to the rear part (43) about another lateral axis (AL3) of the assembly of the front vehicle (2) and the rear vehicle (3).

5. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling system (4) comprises a roll axis device (4R), configured to, in the activated state of the coupling system, allow the chassis (22) of the front vehicle (2) and the chassis (32) of the rear vehicle (3) to pivot relative to each other about a roll axis parallel to, preferably coincident with, the longitudinal axis (AR23) of the assembly of the front vehicle (2) and the rear vehicle (3).

6. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the rear vehicle (3) comprises a drive system in moving at least a portion (310) of the wheels of the rear vehicle (3); said movement drive system comprises a motorization, preferably electric, of at least the or each wheel (310) of the front rolling axle system (31) of the rear vehicle (3), in which said assembly comprises a control unit configured to control the motorization of at least said or each wheel (310) of the front rolling axle system (31) of the rear vehicle (3), to drive said set of vehicles in movement, instead of or in addition to the movement drive system of the front vehicle (3).

7. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the front rolling axle system (21) of the front vehicle (2) comprises two wheels (210), located on either side of the longitudinal axis of the front vehicle (2), and the rear rolling axle system (23) of the front vehicle (2) is provided with a wheel (230) located on a median longitudinal axis of the front vehicle (2).

8. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the front vehicle (2) comprises a steering control system (25) enabling a driver of the front vehicle (2) to steer the wheel(s) (210) of the front rolling axle system (21).

9. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the system for driving the front vehicle (2) in movement comprises a motorization, preferably electric, and / or a pedal system (28) including a pedal and a transmission chain coupled to one or more wheels of the front vehicle (2), said motorization being configured and / or the pedal system being configured to drive in rotation the wheel or wheels of the front rolling axle system (21) and / or the rear rolling axle system (23) of the front vehicle (2).

10. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the rear vehicle (3) comprises a manual guidance device (9) which is coupled, directly or indirectly, possibly detachably, to the front rolling axle system (31) of the rear vehicle (3), the manual guidance device (9) being mounted movably between a storage position and a separate use position in which, in the detached state of the rear vehicle (3) relative to the front vehicle (2), the user can manually grasp the manual guidance device (9) to manually guide the movement of the rear vehicle (3). rear vehicle (3).

11. An assembly according to claim 10, wherein the manual guidance device (9) comprises an arm (90) which has a handle (91) and an end linked to a part of the coupling system (4), said part of the coupling system (4) being configured to, in the deactivated state of the coupling system (4), remain coupled to the first part (351) of the orientation device (35).

12. An assembly according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the manual guidance device (9) is provided with a control device, such as a trigger or a button, connected to a control unit of the rear vehicle (3), making it possible to control a motorization of at least part of the wheels, preferably by controlling the speed and / or the direction of movement of the rear vehicle (3).

13. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front rolling axle system (31) of the rear vehicle (3) comprises two front wheels (310), the two front wheels (310) being spaced laterally apart from each other and the front rolling axle system (31) being configured so as to allow, in the coupled state of the rear vehicle (3) with the front vehicle (2), the positioning of the or each rear wheel (230) of the rear rolling axle system (23) of the front vehicle (2), between said two front wheels (310) of the front rolling axle system (31) of the rear vehicle (3).

14. A method of coupling rolling vehicles, the method comprising the following steps: - providing a front vehicle (2) and rear vehicle (3) assembly according to any one of the preceding claims; - relative approximation between the front vehicle (2) and the rear vehicle (3) so as, in top view and when the assembly is supported by its wheels on a horizontal plane ground, to align the axis (A230) of the or each wheel (230) of the rear rolling axle system (23) of the front vehicle (2) with the axis (A310) of the or each wheel (310) of the front rolling axle system (31) of the rear vehicle (3), - activating the coupling system (4) to attach the rear vehicle (3) to the front vehicle (2) so that, during a turn on a level ground, the wheels of the front rolling axle system (31) of the rear vehicle (3) and of the rear rolling axle system (23) of the front vehicle (2) remain parallel to each other.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the vehicle assembly front (2) and rear vehicle (3) being in accordance with claim 3 or 4, when the set of vehicles passes over ground having a hollow or bumpy profile, the chassis (22) of the front vehicle (2) pivots around at least one lateral axis (AL2, AL3) relative to the chassis (32) of the rear vehicle (3).

16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, in which, the front vehicle (2) and rear vehicle (3) assembly being in accordance with claim 5, when the assembly of vehicles passes over a part of the ground whose shape is such that at least a part of the wheels located on a lateral side of the front or rear vehicle are at a different height from at least a part of the wheels of the other vehicle located on the same lateral side as said lateral side of the front or rear vehicle, the chassis (32) of the rear vehicle (3) and the chassis (22) of the front vehicle (2) pivot relative to each other about a longitudinal axis of one of the vehicles or of the set of vehicles to allow absorption of any torsion between the front vehicle (2) and the rear vehicle (3) at the coupling system (4).

17. Method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, the front rolling axle system (31) of the rear vehicle (3) comprising two wheels (310), the rear rolling axle system (23) of the front vehicle (2) comprises a wheel (210) which is positioned between the two wheels (310) of the front rolling axle system (31) of the rear vehicle (3).

18. A method of detaching the front vehicle (2) and the rear vehicle (3) from an assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising the following steps: - deactivating the coupling system (4) to detach the rear vehicle (3) relative to the front vehicle (2); - moving the rear vehicle (3) and / or the front vehicle (2) independently of each other.

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the method comprises: - a step of attaching a manual guidance device (9) to the front rolling axle system (31) of the rear vehicle (3), or - a step of moving a manual guidance device (9), when already attached to the front rolling axle system of the rear vehicle in a storage position, from said storage position to a separate position, called the use position, in which the user can manually grasp the manual guidance device (9) to guide manually move the rear vehicle (3).

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the rear vehicle (3) is moved by motorized drive of at least part of the wheels of said rear vehicle (3).

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