MOTORIZED VEHICLE WITH LOADING SPACE FACILITATING ACCESS TO LOADED OBJECTS

Abstract

A motorized vehicle (V) comprises a loading space (EC) suitable for receiving objects (O) between a first end (EV) and a second end (ER) allowing the entry / exit of the objects (O), and comprising at least one zone (Z1) in which at least one movable wall (PM1) is suitable for moving between the first (EV) and second (ER) ends, and at least one movement mechanism (MD1) suitable for moving the associated movable wall (PM1) in a controlled manner so that it pushes the objects (O) placed in front of it towards the second end (ER) so that they are extracted from the loading space (EC). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: MOTORIZED VEHICLE WITH LOADING SPACE FACILITATING ACCESS TO LOADED OBJECTS Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to motorized vehicles comprising a loading space capable of accommodating objects. State of the art

[0002] Certain motorized vehicles include a loading space which is suitable for accommodating objects to be delivered, possibly for so-called “last mile” deliveries.

[0003] In this type of motorized vehicle, it is very common for the objects to be delivered to be placed in bulk, i.e. one above the other and / or next to the other, possibly with an approximate delivery order (for example with those to be delivered first placed near the rear entry / exit end). In this case, once the objects closest to the rear end have been unloaded by the delivery person, the latter must climb into the loading space to retrieve the next objects to be delivered, and the fewer objects there are in the loading space, the further they are a priori from the rear end and therefore the further the delivery person must travel to retrieve and unload them, which is tiring and not very ergonomic. This is also all the less ergonomic the lower the height of the loading space.Furthermore, as soon as objects have been unloaded, space is freed up in the loading area, and therefore there is an increasing risk that the remaining objects will move around in the loading area in order to occupy the freed up (increasingly larger) space, which may damage some of them (or at least their packaging) and may cause them to be mixed up and consequently a change in the order in which they were initially placed. In addition, this solution does not allow for automation of parcel delivery by a robot.

[0004] There are also fitted loading spaces, with longitudinal shelves fixed perpendicularly to their side walls (right and left) and on which the objects to be delivered are temporarily installed. A central space (or corridor) is kept empty between the right shelves and the left shelves in order to allow the delivery person to place the objects on the right and left side parts of the floor (except the central part) and on the right and left shelves, but also, then, to unload these objects by going up into the loading space. The delivery person must therefore almost systematically go up into the loading space to retrieve objects to unload, which is tiring and not very ergonomic. This is also even less ergonomic as the height of the loading space is small. In addition, the empty central space takes up a relatively large amount of space in the loading space in order to facilitate the delivery person's comings and goings, which significantly reduces the effective loading volume. In addition, this solution does not easily allow for the automation of parcel delivery by a robot.

[0005] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0006] For this purpose, it proposes in particular a motorized vehicle comprising a loading space suitable for accommodating objects between a first end and a second end allowing the entry / exit of these objects.

[0007] This motorized vehicle is characterized by the fact that its loading space includes:

[0008] - at least one zone in which at least one movable wall is capable of moving associated, between the first and second ends, and

[0009] - at least one movement mechanism capable of moving the movable wall so that it pushes the objects placed in front of it towards the second end so that they are extracted from the loading space.

[0010] Thanks to the movements of each movable wall towards the second end, a person or a robot placed just after the rear end can very easily recover the objects which have reached this second end, which significantly improves the ergonomics of deliveries, and there is less risk of the remaining objects moving in the loading space under the effect of acceleration and braking, which makes it possible to avoid damaging them and changing the order in which they were initially placed.

[0011] The motorized vehicle according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0012] - its loading space may include J movable walls installed in translation respectively in J zones (Zj), with J > 1, and Jl internal partitions installed fixedly, vertically and perpendicular to each movable wall and each participating in the delimitation of two neighboring zones;

[0013] - each movable wall can be slidably mounted on at least two rails of lower lateral guides installed on two opposite lower lateral edges of said associated area and / or on at least two upper lateral guide rails installed on two opposite upper lateral edges of the associated area;

[0014] - in a first embodiment, each movement mechanism can include at least one electric motor capable of acting on an interface element lidarized to the loading space and coupled to the movable wall, to move the latter;

[0015] - in the presence of the first embodiment, each interface element can be a movement rail extending in a direction of movement of the associated movable wall, on which the latter is slidably mounted, and comprising a rack extending in this direction of movement. In this case, each electric motor may be capable of rotating a pinion meshing with the rack of the associated movement rail to move the associated movable wall relative to this movement rail;

[0016] - in a second embodiment, each movement mechanism can comprise a rope having a first end secured to the associated movable wall and a second end suitable for being pulled manually by a person;

[0017] - in the presence of the second embodiment, each movable wall can be installed under a restoring force so as to automatically return near the first end of the loading space when the associated rope is not prevented from translating;

[0018] - in a third embodiment, each displacement mechanism can be an electric cylinder controlled by a control member installed in the associated area near the second end and having a movable end secured to the associated movable wall to move the latter;

[0019] - in a fourth embodiment, each movement mechanism can include an electric motor capable of acting on a connecting element secured to the associated movable wall to cause the latter to move;

[0020] - in the presence of the fourth embodiment, each displacement mechanism may comprise a reel suitable for being driven in rotation by the electric motor, and a chain or belt constituting the connecting element and having a first end secured to the associated movable wall and a second end fixedly secured to this reel in order to allow the winding / unwinding of the chain or belt on this reel;

[0021] - in the presence of the second or fourth embodiment, the loading space may be delimited by an upper wall. In this case, at least a portion of each rope or chain or belt may be installed along an internal face of this upper wall in order to be translated along this internal face;

[0022] - also in the presence of the second or fourth embodiment, each wall mobile may be installed under a restoring force so as to automatically return near the first end when the associated rope or chain or belt is not prevented from translating;

[0023] - its loading space may include at least one detector capable of detecting the arrival near the second end of at least one object present in a zone, and, in the event of detection, to trigger a stoppage of the operation of the movement mechanism associated with this zone;

[0024] - it can be chosen from a utility vehicle, a truck, and a transport machine autonomous. Brief description of the figures

[0025] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:

[0026] [Fig-1] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a sectional view in a median vertical and longitudinal plane, an example of a delivery vehicle comprising a loading space having a first example of an arrangement with a single movable wall (placed in an intermediate position),

[0027] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear, a part of a delivery vehicle (of the type of that of [Fig.l]), with its single movable wall placed near its second rear end,

[0028] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a horizontal plane and from above, the loading space of the delivery vehicle of [Fig.l], with its single movable wall placed in another intermediate position, and

[0029] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a horizontal plane and from above, a loading space of a delivery vehicle, having a second example of arrangement with three movable walls. Detailed description of the invention

[0030] The invention aims in particular to propose a motorized vehicle V comprising a loading space EC facilitating access to loaded objects O.

[0031] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the motorized machine V is a delivery vehicle V, and more precisely a truck, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2. But the invention is not limited to this type of motorized machine. It in fact concerns any motorized machine comprising at least one loading space suitable for accommodating objects to be delivered. Thus, it could also and in particular be a van, a utility truck, a trailer truck, or an autonomous transport machine (i.e. without a driver), such as for example an autonomous delivery shuttle.

[0032] In Figures 1 to 4, the direction X is the longitudinal direction of the motorized vehicle V, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the direction Y is the transverse direction of the motorized vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the direction Z is the vertical direction of the motorized vehicle V, which is perpendicular to the directions longitudinal X and transverse Y.

[0033] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a motorized vehicle V of the truck type. As illustrated, a motorized vehicle V, according to the invention, comprises a loading space EC suitable for accommodating objects O between a first end EV and a second end ER allowing the entry / exit of the objects O.

[0034] In the following, the first end EV is a front end and the second end ER is a rear end. But in an alternative embodiment, the first end EV could be a right (or left) end and the second end ER could be a left (or right) end.

[0035] Furthermore, in what follows and what precedes the notions of "front" and "rear" are used with reference to the front end of the motorized vehicle V. Consequently, the front end of an element (or constituent) is located closer to the front end of the motorized vehicle V than the rear end of this same element (or constituent).

[0036] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 4, the loading space EC comprises at least one zone Zj, at least one movable wall PMj associated with this zone Zj, and at least one displacement mechanism MDj associated with this movable wall PMj.

[0037] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the loading space EC can be delimited by fixed front, right side, left side and upper PS walls, and a floor PV. Here the second end ER (or rear end) is accessible by a rear wall PA allowing the entry and exit of objects O into and out of the loading space EC. For example, this rear wall PA can comprise a large opening intended to be obstructed or made accessible by an apron of an electric roller shutter VR, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l]. Also for example, the apron of this roller shutter VR can be translated inside the loading space EC, in front of the internal face of its upper wall PS, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l]. But in a variant not illustrated, the rear wall PA could comprise at least one door mounted to rotate (and possibly motorized).

[0038] It will be noted that it is advantageous for the loading space EC to have a volume of rectangular parallelepiped type. For this purpose, in the case of a VAN (in particular), the wheel arches, which form an obstacle, are preferably not obstructive, and therefore either the floor PV is above the wheel arches, or the side walls are lined internally by internal side walls so that the volume does not include the wheel arches. This makes it possible to prevent packages from escaping a movable wall PMj.

[0039] It will also be noted that the loading space EC can be an assembly which is attached, by welding and / or screwing, to a structural part of the motorized vehicle V, or a rear cabin forming part of the structural part of the motorized vehicle V.

[0040] The (each) movable wall PMj is rigid and capable of moving in the associated zone Zj, between the first end EV (or here front end) and the second end ER (or here rear end) of the loading space EC.

[0041] The (each) movement mechanism MDj is capable of moving in a controlled manner the associated movable wall PMj so that it pushes the objects O placed in front of it (PMj) towards the rear end ER of the loading space EC so that they are extracted from the loading space EC. It will be noted that in the examples illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 4 each movable wall PMj moves (and more precisely translates) in the longitudinal direction X (see arrows F1 to F4).

[0042] It will be understood that by moving a movable wall PMj towards the rear end ER, the objects O which are located in front of it (PMj) are brought closer to the latter (ER), in the associated zone Zj, which allows a person or a robot placed just after this rear end ER to very easily recover the objects O which have reached the level of this rear end ER, without needing to climb, enter and move into the loading space EC. This results in a significant improvement in ergonomics and faster unloading for a delivery person.

[0043] Furthermore, as soon as objects O have been unloaded at the rear end, the movable wall PMj can be moved again in order to fill the space left empty in the associated zone Zj (the volume of which gradually reduces) by the unloading of these objects O. Consequently, there is less risk of the remaining objects O moving in the loading space EC under the effect of accelerations and braking, which makes it possible to avoid damaging them and changing the order in which they were initially placed (hence another time saving).

[0044] Furthermore, there is no empty central space in the EC loading space, and therefore no reduction in loading volume.

[0045] It will be noted that in the first example of arrangement illustrated non-limitingly in FIGS. 1 to 3, the loading space EC comprises only a single zone Z1 (j = 1) associated with a single movable wall PMI (j = 1). But the loading space EC could comprise only a single zone ZI (j = 1) associated with at least two movable walls PMj and moving respectively in sub-parts of this zone ZI.

[0046] It is also possible, as in the second example of arrangement illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 4], to have a loading space EC comprising J movable walls PMj (j = 1 to J) installed in translation respectively in J zones Zj, with J > 2, and Jl internal partitions CIm (m = 1 to Jl) installed fixedly, vertically (plane XZ) and perpendicular to each movable wall PMj and each participating in the delimitation of two neighboring zones Zj. Thus, in the example illustrated in [Fig. 4], the loading space EC comprises three zones Z1 to Z3 (j = 1 to 3, J = 3), and therefore a first internal partition C11 (m = 1) is used to partially delimit the first Z1 (j = 1) and second Z2 (j = 2) zones, and a second internal partition CI2 (m = 2) to partially delimit the second Z2 (j = 2) and third Z3 (j = 3) zones. The first movable wall PMI (j = 1) therefore moves in the first zone Z1 following the arrow F2 thanks to the first displacement mechanism MD1, the second movable wall PM2 (j = 2) moves in the second zone Z2 following the arrow F3 thanks to the second displacement mechanism MD2, and the third movable wall PM3 (j = 3) moves in the third zone Z3 following the arrow F4 thanks to the third displacement mechanism MD3. Preferably, the J (here J = 3) displacement mechanisms MDj are independent of each other.

[0047] It will be noted that the (each) internal partition CIm is preferably rigid.

[0048] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1, 3 and 4, each movable wall PMj can be constrained in its movements by at least two lateral guide rails RG. In this case, each movable wall PMj can be slidably mounted on (or in) at least two lower lateral guide rails RG which are installed on two opposite lower lateral edges (here right and left) of the associated zone Zj, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1, 3 and 4, and / or on (or in) at least two upper lateral guide rails RG installed on two opposite upper lateral edges (here right and left) of the associated zone Zj, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l]. It will be noted that the guide rails RG can be slides (with a U-shaped section) or profiles, for example.

[0049] Also for example, the lower RG side guide rails can be installed on or in the floor PV, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1, 3 and 4. Also for example, the upper RG side guide rails can be installed on or in the upper wall PS of the loading space EC. But alternatively the lower RG side guide rails could be installed on the right and left (possibly inner) side walls and the possible internal partitions CIm of the loading space EC, and the upper RG side guide rails could be installed on or in the (possibly inner) side walls and / or the possible internal partitions Clj, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l].

[0050] At least two types of MDj movement mechanism can be used.

[0051] A first type is called electric. For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1, 3 and 4, each movement mechanism MDj can comprise at least one electric motor ME which is capable of acting on an interface element RD secured to the loading space EC and coupled to the associated movable wall PMj, to move the latter (PMj).

[0052] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1, 3 and 4, each interface element RD may be a displacement rail which extends in the direction of movement of the associated movable wall PMj (here the longitudinal direction X), on which the latter (PMj) is slidably mounted, and comprising a rack which extends in this direction of movement. In this case, the (each) electric motor ME may be capable of rotating a pinion meshing with the rack of the associated displacement rail RD to move the associated movable wall PMj relative to this displacement rail RD. This makes it possible to avoid having to use at least one return spring or a replacement rope.

[0053] It will be noted that in the example illustrated, the (each) movement rail RD is installed on or in the floor PV, and the (each) electric motor ME is fixedly secured to a lower end of the associated movable wall PMj. But other arrangements are possible.

[0054] In a first variant embodiment of the first electrical type, the (each) movable wall PMj could be slidably mounted on a longitudinal displacement rail and translated by an electric motor actuating a belt. This first variant also makes it possible to avoid having to use at least one return spring or a replacement rope.

[0055] In a second variant embodiment of the first electrical type, the (each) movable wall PMj could be fixedly secured to a plate provided with a mini rack and slidably mounted on a longitudinal displacement rail comprising a worm-type screw engaging the mini rack and driven in rotation by an electric motor fixed relative to the loading space EC (and for example relative to the floor PV). This second variant also makes it possible to avoid having to use at least one return spring or a replacement rope.

[0056] In a third variant embodiment of the first electrical type, each movement mechanism MDj may be an electric cylinder which is controlled by a control member installed in the associated zone Zj near the rear end ER in order to be actuable by a delivery person located behind the rear end ER of the loading space EC. In this case, the (each) electric cylinder MDj may have a movable end secured to the associated movable wall PMj to move the latter (PMj). For example, this movable end may be a plate which is fixedly secured to the end of a telescopic rod and to the front face of the associated movable wall PMj. The use of an electric cylinder MDj also makes it possible to avoid having to use at least one return spring or a replacement rope.

[0057] In a fourth embodiment, each movement mechanism MDj may comprise an electric motor capable of acting on a connecting element which is secured to the associated movable wall PMj to cause the movement of this last (PMj). For example, each movement mechanism MDj may comprise, in addition to its electric motor, a winder and a chain or belt constituting the connecting element. The chain or belt is rotated by the electric motor, for example via a drive wheel placed near one end of movement of the movable wall PMj, can be wound on another (free) wheel placed at the other end of the movement of the movable wall PMj, and can move the movable wall PMj (connected by a point to this chain or belt) in translation in one direction or the other depending on the direction of rotation of the electric motor. At least part of the (each) chain or belt may be installed along the inner face FI of the upper wall PS in order to move along this inner face FI (preferably in a longitudinal groove), or along the inner face of the floor PV in order to move along this inner face.

[0058] It will be noted that in all embodiments of the first electric type each movement mechanism MDj can be controlled by a control member which is installed in the associated zone Zj near the rear end ER in order to be actuable by a delivery person located behind the rear end ER of the loading space EC. But in an automated variant, the movement of the (each) movable wall PMj can be done by detection, possibly depending on the number of objects O remaining to be unloaded (for example thanks to the detection ensured by the detector DO described later). This automated variant is particularly useful in the case of an autonomous vehicle (without a driver) with unloading carried out by a robot.

[0059] In a second type, called manual and not illustrated, each movement mechanism MDj can comprise a rope having a first end El secured to the associated movable wall PMj and a second end E2 suitable for being pulled manually by a delivery person (located behind the rear end ER of the loading space EC).

[0060] For example, at least a portion of the (each) rope may be installed along the inner face FI of the upper wall PS in order to be translated along this inner face FI. But in an alternative embodiment, at least a portion of the (each) rope may be installed along the inner face of the floor PV in order to be translated along this inner face. In this case, the inner face of the floor PV preferably comprises at least one longitudinal groove of small transverse extension (along the direction Y) and housing a portion of an associated rope, to prevent at least one object O from partially resting on it and hindering its movement.

[0061] In the second manual type, each movable wall PMj can be installed under a restoring force in order to automatically return close to the front end EV when the chord CM is not prevented from translating. For example, this restoring force can be provided by at least one restoring spring having a high stiffness. This avoids having to attach a second replacement rope to the (each) movable wall PMj, allowing the delivery person (by pulling on its free end) to replace it near the front end EV (or in any other intermediate position) of the loading space EC for a new (possibly partial) loading.

[0062] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 4, the loading space EC may comprise at least one detector DO capable of detecting the arrival near the rear end ER of at least one object O present in a zone Zj. In this case, in the event of detection of object(s) O, the detector DO is arranged so as to trigger the stopping of the operation of the movement mechanism MDj which is associated with this zone Zj, and therefore the stopping of the movement of the associated movable wall PMj. It will be noted that this detector DO may, for example, comprise a photoelectric cell (or a photodetector).

[0063] It will also be noted, although this does not appear in the figures, that the motorized vehicle V (or its loading space EC) may comprise a movable rear platform suitable for serving as a passage interface between the loading space EC and the external loading / unloading zone located behind the latter (EC). This rear platform can be translated vertically in order to allow a person or a robot to position itself relative to the floor PV to facilitate the gripping of an object O which has reached the level of the rear end ER and which needs to be unloaded. It will be noted that this rear platform can also possibly be mounted to rotate so that it can be folded against the rear wall PA of the loading space EC.

Claims

Claims

1. Motorized vehicle (V) comprising a loading space (EC) suitable for receiving objects (0) between a first end (EV) and a second end (ER) allowing the entry / exit of said objects (0), characterized in that said loading space (EC) comprises i) at least one zone (Zj) in which at least one associated movable wall (PMj) is suitable for moving, between said first (EV) and second (ER) ends, and ii) at least one movement mechanism (MDj) suitable for moving said movable wall (PMj) in a controlled manner so that it pushes the objects (0) placed in front of it (PMj) towards said second end (ER) so that they are extracted from said loading space (EC).

2. Motorized vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that said loading space (EC) comprises J movable walls (PMj) installed in translation respectively in J zones (Zj), with J > 1, and Jl internal partitions (CIm) installed fixedly, vertically and perpendicular to each movable wall (PMj) and each participating in the delimitation of two neighboring zones (Zj).

3. Motorized vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each movable wall (PMj) is slidably mounted on at least two lower lateral guide rails installed on two opposite lower lateral edges of said associated zone (Zj) and / or on at least two upper lateral guide rails installed on two opposite upper lateral edges of said associated zone (Zj).

4. Motorized vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each movement mechanism (MDj) comprises at least one electric motor (ME) capable of acting on an interface element (RD) secured to said loading space (EC) and coupled to said movable wall (PMj) to move the latter (PMj).

5. Motorized machine according to claim 4, characterized in that each interface element (RD) is a displacement rail extending in a direction of displacement of said associated movable wall (PMj), on which the latter (PMj) is slidably mounted, and comprising a rack extending in this direction of displacement, and in that each electric motor (ME) is capable of rotating a pinion meshing with said rack of the associated displacement rail (RD) to move said associated movable wall (PMj) relative to this travel rail (RD).

6. Motorized machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each movement mechanism (MDj) comprises a rope having a first end secured to said associated movable wall (PMj) and a second end suitable for being pulled manually by a person.

7. Motorized vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that each movable wall (PMj) is installed under a restoring force in order to automatically return close to said first end (EV) of the loading space (EC) when said rope is not prevented from translating.

8. Motorized machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each displacement mechanism (MDj) is an electric jack controlled by a control member installed in said associated zone (Zj) near said second end (ER) and having a movable end secured to said associated movable wall (PMj) to move the latter (PMj).

9. Motorized vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said loading space (EC) comprises at least one detector (DO) capable of detecting the arrival in the vicinity of said second end (ER) of at least one object (0) present in a zone (Zj), and in the event of detection to trigger a stoppage of the operation of said movement mechanism (MDj) associated with this zone (Zj).

10. Motorized vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is chosen from a utility vehicle, a truck, and an autonomous transport vehicle.

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