Vehicle cradle including telescopic connecting elements

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle cradle (1) comprising a body (2) and two distant connecting elements (3) projecting from the body (2), each intended to be connected to a stretcher (4) of the vehicle. The connecting elements (3) are telescopic connecting elements configured to move from a retracted position in which the connecting elements (3) have a length l1 to a deployed position relative to the body (2) in which the connecting elements (3) have a length greater than l1. Abstract figure: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle cradle comprising telescopic connecting elements

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle cradle comprising two connecting elements each intended to be connected to a stretcher of a vehicle.

[0002] The two connecting elements, generally called "cradle horn", make it possible to connect the cradle with two stretchers of a vehicle structure.

[0003] The cradle comprises a body. The two connecting elements are positioned on each side of the body and project perpendicularly relative to the body. The two connecting elements have a cylindrical shape and are welded to the body.

[0004] However, these two protruding connecting elements pose problems of space requirements in logistics, during their storage in the factory but also during their transport.

[0005] In fact, the cradles are stored almost vertically in boxes. The two protruding connecting elements prevent optimizing storage and placing a large number of cradles against each other. The connecting elements extend almost horizontally and therefore take up a lot of space between two cradles.

[0006] The aim of the invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a vehicle cradle that is less bulky during storage and transport.

[0007] To this end, the invention thus relates, in its broadest sense, to a vehicle cradle comprising a body and two distant connecting elements, projecting from the body and each intended to be connected to a stretcher of a vehicle.

[0008] According to the invention, the connecting elements are telescopic connecting elements configured to move from a retracted position in which the connecting elements have a length 11 to a deployed position relative to the body in which the connecting elements have a length 12, greater than the length 11.

[0009] The invention thus provides a vehicle cradle that is less bulky during storage and transport.

[0010] It is thus possible to store more cradles vertically against each other in the same storage box and to transport more of them, reducing logistics costs.

[0011] According to a variant, each connecting element comprises several cylindrical elements of different diameters and fitting into each other, including a first cylindrical element fixed and connected to the body and at least one second cylindrical element lindrique mounted movably within the first cylindrical member and relative to the first cylindrical member between a retracted position in which the second cylindrical member is at least partially housed within the first cylindrical member and an extended position in which the second cylindrical member is at least partially extended out of the first cylindrical member. The first cylindrical member has a larger diameter than the diameter of the second cylindrical member.

[0012] This solution provides a simple and robust telescopic means.

[0013] According to a variant, the two connecting elements are held in the deployed position by welds connecting the cylindrical elements to each other.

[0014] This solution provides a simple means of fixing to implement.

[0015] According to a variant, the second cylindrical element is held in the deployed position relative to the first cylindrical element by a first screw screwed into a first threaded orifice provided through a first peripheral wall of the first cylindrical element. The first screw comprises a first head inserting into a first orifice provided through a second peripheral wall of the second cylindrical element.

[0016] This solution provides a flexible fixing means, allowing the two connecting elements to be returned to the retracted position in the event of dismantling of the cradle.

[0017] According to a variant, the second cylindrical element is held in the deployed position relative to the first cylindrical element by a third screw screwed into a third threaded orifice provided through a first peripheral wall of the first cylindrical element. The third screw comprises a third head inserting into a groove provided on a second peripheral wall of the second cylindrical element.

[0018] The groove allows for faster fixing.

[0019] According to a variant, the connecting element comprises only a single second cylindrical element having a height substantially equal to the length of the first cylindrical element.

[0020] According to a variant, the second peripheral wall of the second cylindrical element comprises several grooves positioned along the second cylindrical element to deploy the second cylindrical element according to a variable length.

[0021] This solution provides a flexible fixing means, allowing different lengths of connecting element to be obtained.

[0022] According to a variant, each connecting element comprises a third cylindrical element nested in the second cylindrical element and movable relative to the second cylindrical element and a fourth cylindrical element nested in the third cylindrical element and movable relative to the third cylindrical element.

[0023] This solution makes it possible to obtain longer connecting elements.

[0024] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a cradle as defined above. The cradle is mounted on two stretchers of the vehicle when the two connecting elements are in the deployed position.

[0025] The invention also relates to a method of mounting a vehicle cradle as defined above and comprising: • a step of deploying the two connecting elements in relation to the body of the cradle, • a step of locking the two connecting elements in the deployment position, and • a step of fixing the two connecting elements on two respective stretchers of the vehicle.

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended figures in which:

[0027] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a cradle comprising two connecting elements in the retracted position;

[0028] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a side view of the cradle of [Fig.l];

[0029] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a perspective view of the cradle connected to two stretchers when both connecting elements are in the deployed position;

[0030] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a profile view of the cradle of [Fig.3];

[0031] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a view of an example of a connecting element;

[0032] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates a view of another example of a connecting element.

[0033] In the remainder of the description, elements having an identical structure and / or similar functions will be designated by the same reference.

[0034] [Fig.l] illustrates a vehicle cradle 1 comprising a body 2 and two distant connecting elements 3, projecting from the body 2.

[0035] The two connecting elements 3 are positioned on each side of the body 2 and project perpendicularly relative to the body 2. The two connecting elements 3 extend from the body 2 in a first direction X and have a generally frustoconical shape.

[0036] According to the invention, the connecting elements 3 are telescopic connecting elements, i.e. of variable length, configured to pass from a retracted position in which the connecting elements 3 have a length 11 to a deployed position relative to the body 2 in which the connecting elements 3 have a length 12, greater than the length 11.

[0037] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the two connecting elements 3 in the retracted position. This retracted position is achieved during the manufacture of the cradles 1 to make them less bulky during storage.

[0038] Each connecting element 3 comprises several cylindrical elements 5, 6, 7, 8 of different diameters and fitting into each other coaxially, including a first cylindrical element 5 fixed and welded to the body 2 and at least one second cylindrical element 6 mounted to move inside the first cylindrical element 5 and relative to the first cylindrical element 5 between a retracted position in which the second cylindrical element 6 is at least partially housed inside the first cylindrical element 5 and a deployed position in which the second cylindrical element 6 is at least partially deployed outside the first cylindrical element 5.

[0039] The first cylindrical element 5 has a larger diameter than the diameter of the second cylindrical element 6 to allow the second cylindrical element 6 to slide inside the first cylindrical element 5.

[0040] In the example of figures 1 to 4, each connecting element 3 comprises four cylindrical elements 5, 6, 7, 8 including the first cylindrical element 5 welded to the body 2, the second cylindrical element 6 mounted movably inside the first cylindrical element 5, a third cylindrical element 7 nested in the second cylindrical element 6 and movable relative to the second cylindrical element 6 and a fourth cylindrical element 8 nested in the third cylindrical element 7 and movable relative to the third cylindrical element 7.

[0041] The third cylindrical element 7 has a smaller diameter than the second cylindrical element 6. It is nested in the second cylindrical element 6 and movable relative to the second cylindrical element 6 between a retracted position in which the third cylindrical element 7 is at least partially housed inside the second cylindrical element 6 and a deployed position in which the third cylindrical element 7 is at least partially deployed outside the second cylindrical element 6.

[0042] The fourth cylindrical element 8 has a smaller diameter than the third cylindrical element 7. It is nested in the third cylindrical element 7 and movable relative to the third cylindrical element 7 between a retracted position in which the fourth cylindrical element 8 is at least partially housed inside the third cylindrical element 7 and a deployed position in which the fourth cylindrical element 8 is at least partially deployed outside the third cylindrical element 7.

[0043] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the two connecting elements 3 in the deployed position and each connected to a stretcher 4 of a structure 18 of the vehicle.

[0044] The structure 18 comprises two parallel and opposite stretchers 4 each extending in a second direction Y, perpendicular to the first direction X and parallel to a plane in which the cradle 1 extends.

[0045] The stretchers 4 are then perpendicular to the two connecting elements 3.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the connecting elements 3 are held in the deployed position by welds connecting the cylindrical elements 5, 6, 7, 8 to each other.

[0047] The cylindrical elements 5, 6, 7, 8 are deployed over a length allowing the fourth cylindrical element 8 to be in contact with the stretcher 4. Weld beads are then made between each cylindrical element 5, 6, 7, 8.

[0048] A first weld bead is produced between a first upper edge 19, which is circular, of the first cylindrical element 5 and a second peripheral wall 14 of the second cylindrical element 6.

[0049] A second weld bead is produced between a second upper edge 20 of the second cylindrical element 6 and a third peripheral wall 22 of the third cylindrical element 7.

[0050] A third weld bead is produced between a third upper edge 21 of the third cylindrical element 7 and a fourth peripheral wall 23 of the fourth cylindrical element 8.

[0051] According to another embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5], the second cylindrical element 6 is held in the deployed position relative to the first cylindrical element 5 by a first screw 9 screwed into a first threaded orifice 10 provided through the first peripheral wall 11 of the first cylindrical element 5.

[0052] The first screw 9 comprises a first head 12 inserted into a first orifice 13 provided through the second peripheral wall 14 of the second cylindrical element 6.

[0053] The third cylindrical element 7 is held in the deployed position relative to the second cylindrical element 6 by a second screw 24 screwed into a second threaded orifice 25 provided through the second peripheral wall 14 of the second cylindrical element 6.

[0054] The second screw 24 comprises a second head 26 inserted into a second orifice 27 provided through the third peripheral wall 22 of the third cylindrical element 7.

[0055] Alternatively, a spring may be positioned between two cylindrical elements 5, 6, 7, 8 providing spring pusher systems for holding the connecting element 3 in the deployed position before locking the movable cylindrical elements 6, 7, 8.

[0056] According to another embodiment illustrated in [Fig.6], the connecting element 3 comprises only one second cylindrical element 6 having a height substantially equal to the length of the first cylindrical element 5.

[0057] The second cylindrical element 6 is held in the deployed position relative to the first cylindrical element 5 by a third screw 32 screwed into a third threaded orifice 33 provided through the first peripheral wall 11 of the first cylindrical element- lindrique 5.

[0058] The third screw 32 comprises a third head 34 inserted into a groove 15, 16, 17 of circular section provided on a second peripheral wall 14 of the second cylindrical element 6.

[0059] Alternatively, the second peripheral wall 14 of the second cylindrical element 6 comprises several grooves 15, 16, 17 positioned along the second cylindrical element 6 to deploy the second cylindrical element 6 relative to the first cylindrical element 5 according to a variable length.

[0060] In the example of [Fig.6], the second peripheral wall 14 of the second cylindrical element 6 comprises a first groove 15, a second groove 16 and a third groove 17. The second groove 16 is positioned between the first and second grooves 16, 17.

[0061] The third head 34 of the third screw 32 is inserted into the second groove 16 in this example to obtain an intermediate deployment length.

[0062] The second cylindrical element 6 is deployed to the maximum when the third head 34 of the third screw 32 is inserted into the first groove 15.

[0063] The first groove 15 is the groove closest to the body 2 of the cradle 1.

[0064] In the retracted position, the third head 34 of the third screw 32 is inserted into the third groove 17, for storage of the cradle 1.

[0065] The upper part 30 of the second cylindrical element 6 is then completely retracted into the housing 31 of the first cylindrical element 5.

[0066] The invention also relates to a method of mounting a vehicle cradle 1 as defined previously and comprising a step of deploying the two connecting elements 3 relative to the body 2 of the cradle 1, a step of locking the two connecting elements 3 in the deployed position, and a step of fixing the two connecting elements 3 to the two respective stretchers 4 of the vehicle.

Claims

Claims

1. Vehicle cradle (1) comprising a body (2) and two distant connecting elements (3), projecting from the body (2) and each intended to be connected to a stretcher (4) of a vehicle, characterized in that the connecting elements (3) are telescopic connecting elements configured to move from a retracted position in which the connecting elements (3) have a length 11 to a deployed position relative to the body (2) in which the connecting elements (3) have a length 12, greater than the length 11.

2. Cradle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each connecting element (3) comprises several cylindrical elements (5, 6, 7, 8) of different diameters and nesting inside each other, including a first cylindrical element (5) fixed and connected to the body (2) and at least one second cylindrical element (6) mounted to move inside the first cylindrical element (5) and relative to the first cylindrical element (5) between a retracted position in which the second cylindrical element (6) is at least partially housed inside the first cylindrical element (5) and a deployed position in which the second cylindrical element (6) is at least partially deployed outside the first cylindrical element (5), the first cylindrical element (5) having a larger diameter than the diameter of the second cylindrical element (6).

3. Cradle (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the two connecting elements (3) are held in the deployed position by welds connecting the cylindrical elements (5, 6, 7, 8) to each other.

4. Cradle (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the second cylindrical element (6) is held in the deployed position relative to the first cylindrical element (5) by a first screw (9) screwed into a first threaded orifice (10) provided through a first peripheral wall (11) of the first cylindrical element (5), the first screw (9) comprising a first head (12) inserting into a first orifice (13) provided through a second peripheral wall (14) of the second cylindrical element (6).

5. Cradle (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the second cylindrical element (6) is held in the deployed position relative to the first cylindrical element (5) by a third screw (32) screwed into a third threaded orifice (33) provided through a first peripheral wall spherical (11) of the first cylindrical element (5), the third screw (33) comprising a third head (34) inserting into a groove (15, 16, 17) provided on a second peripheral wall (14) of the second cylindrical element (6).

6. Cradle (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the connecting element (3) comprises only one second cylindrical element (6) having a height substantially equal to the length of the first cylindrical element (5).

7. Cradle (1) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the second peripheral wall (14) of the second cylindrical element (6) comprises several grooves (15, 16, 17) positioned along the second cylindrical element (6) to deploy the second cylindrical element (6) according to a variable length.

8. Cradle (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that each connecting element (3) comprises a third cylindrical element (7) nested in the second cylindrical element (6) and movable relative to the second cylindrical element (6) and a fourth cylindrical element (8) nested in the third cylindrical element (7) and movable relative to the third cylindrical element (7).

9. Vehicle characterized in that it comprises a cradle (1) as defined according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the cradle (1) being mounted on two stretchers (4) of the vehicle when the two connecting elements (3) are in the deployed position.

10. Method for mounting a vehicle cradle (1) as defined according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises: • a step of deploying the two connecting elements (3) relative to the body (2) of the cradle (1), • a step of locking the two connecting elements (3) in the deployed position, and • a step of fixing the two connecting elements (3) on two respective stretchers (4) of the vehicle.

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