Commercial vehicle body structure equipped with a loading and unloading system

Abstract

The invention relates to a body structure (1) of a utility motor vehicle having a loading area (12) delimited by a floor (14) and a ceiling, and comprising a loading / unloading system (100) comprising: - a loading / unloading arm (102) extending in a longitudinal direction of the body structure, - a supporting structure (104) of the loading / unloading arm fixed to structural elements of the body structure, the supporting structure (102) comprising cross members (106, 108) extending horizontally under the ceiling of the loading area, close to the latter, and the loading / unloading arm (102) being mounted movable in translation in the longitudinal direction of the body structure relative to the horizontal cross members of the supporting structure. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Utility vehicle body structure equipped with a loading and unloading system

[0001] The present invention relates to a utility vehicle body structure equipped with a loading and unloading system.

[0002] Loading a utility vehicle can be laborious and a source of injury when it comes to loading bulky and / or heavy parts inside the vehicle.

[0003] In order to facilitate the handling of this type of load, there are loading systems that can be installed inside the loading area of the vehicle. Thus, document US 8,534,980 describes a removable loading / unloading system comprising a loading / unloading arm, one end of which is provided with a pulley for hooking a load, the arm being able to be moved horizontally to be removed / retracted from the vehicle. This arm is supported by a supporting structure resting on the floor of the vehicle and having upper cross members, one of which is a rear cross member that can be held on the sides of the vehicle. The loading / unloading arm slides above the rear upper cross member and below the front upper cross member, allowing the latter to rest against the ceiling of the loading area, which then acts as a counterweight.

[0004] Such a removable system must however be adapted to the vehicle so that the rear cross member rests against the ceiling of the loading area. Furthermore, as it is not fixed to the vehicle, it may move, which can lead to poor support on the ceiling and a malfunction.

[0005] The invention aims to overcome all or part of the drawbacks of existing systems.

[0006] To this end, a first object of the invention relates to a body structure of a utility motor vehicle having a loading area delimited by a floor and a ceiling.

[0007] According to the invention, the body structure comprises a loading / unloading system comprising: - a loading / unloading arm extending in a longitudinal direction of the body structure, - a supporting structure for the loading / unloading arm fixed to structural elements of the body structure, the supporting structure comprising crosspieces extending horizontally under the ceiling of the loading area, close to the latter, and the loading / unloading arm being mounted to move in translation in the longitudinal direction of the body structure relative to the horizontal crosspieces- rhizomatous parts of the supporting structure.

[0008] The loading / unloading arm is thus movable in the longitudinal direction of the body structure, for example between a retracted position, in which it is entirely located inside the loading area, and an extended position in which a rear end of the arm is located outside the loading area. From this extended position, heavy loads can thus be moved by the arm from outside the vehicle to inside the vehicle, in particular by a lifting device of the loading / unloading system, and vice versa.

[0009] By fixing the loading system to the body structure, the present invention improves the capacity of the supporting structure to support heavy loads in all circumstances and simplifies the construction of the supporting structure. Furthermore, the positioning of the cross members of the supporting structure at a distance from the ceiling, but nevertheless in the upper part of the loading area, ensures optimal placement of the loading / unloading arm for moving bulky loads.

[0010] Advantageously, the loading / unloading arm can be mounted under the horizontal crosspieces of the supporting structure. This makes it easier to produce the loading / unloading system and access to the arm. This also makes it possible to provide a lifting device located under the arm and movable relative to it over the entire length of the arm, for example by a trolley system or other.

[0011] The horizontal crosspieces of the supporting structure may be located in the same horizontal plane vertically distant from the ceiling of the loading area. This makes it easier to position the loading / unloading arm horizontally, in particular when the latter is mounted under the crosspieces.

[0012] Advantageously, the supporting structure may comprise a hollow longitudinal profile or a rail inside which the loading / unloading arm slides. The translational connection between the supporting structure and the loading / unloading arm can thus be achieved in a simple and robust manner. The hollow longitudinal profile or the rail, and / or the loading / unloading arm, may in particular be made of steel or aluminum. In particular, the hollow profile or the rail may receive one or more carriages movable longitudinally inside the hollow profile or the rail, for example via bearings, the arm then being integral with the carriages. The hollow longitudinal profile or the rail may advantageously be fixed to the horizontal crosspieces of the supporting structure, under them.

[0013] Advantageously, a front part of the supporting structure, for example a front horizontal cross member, can be located at a distance, longitudinally, from the front and rear ends of the loading zone. This makes it possible to limit the size of the supporting structure inside the loading zone and also to position the supporting structure, and in particular a rear part thereof, as close as possible to a zone rear opening of the loading area, for better support of the loading / unloading arm when it is partly outside the vehicle. This can also make it possible to keep the loading / unloading arm permanently under the two horizontal cross members of the supporting structure, regardless of its position relative to the loading area (entirely inside or partly outside). The other horizontal cross member of the supporting structure can then advantageously be a rear cross member, located in the immediate vicinity of a longitudinal rear end of the loading area.

[0014] The loading / unloading system, and in particular its supporting structure, is fixed to structural elements of the body structure, so that this fixing has the robustness required to support the loading / unloading arm and the loads that they support.

[0015] These structural elements can be chosen from ceiling structural elements, in particular crosspieces or side members, vertical structural elements, in particular structural feet, for example arranged on either side of an opening in the loading area, typically a rear opening, or base structural elements, in particular crosspieces or side members.

[0016] These structural elements are thus generally hollow profiles, generally with a closed section, for example with a U-shaped section closed by a plate or by a structural element of the body (floor or other). In certain embodiments, these structural elements are equipped with welded nuts for screw fixing of the supporting structure, these welded nuts possibly being mounted on reinforcing elements of the structural element. Fixing by welding of the supporting structure to the body structure can nevertheless be envisaged although not preferred.

[0017] Thus, advantageously, at least a portion of the structural elements of the body structure may have an anchoring zone receiving the supporting structure for attachment; optionally, the anchoring zone may be reinforced by a reinforcing element. This anchoring zone is typically pierced with holes equipped with welded nuts for screw attachment of the supporting structure. These anchoring zones may then be produced during the manufacture of the body structure, and the loading / unloading system may be attached there subsequently.

[0018] In one embodiment, the supporting structure may consist solely of a support frame comprising the horizontal crosspieces, and in particular lateral side members connecting these crosspieces, this support frame being fixed to the body structure only in the upper part thereof, in particular to structural elements of the ceiling of the body structure, and possibly to vertical structural elements of the body structure.

[0019] The body structure may for example comprise a transverse structural element ceiling, in particular located at a distance, longitudinally, from the front and rear ends of the loading area. A front portion of the supporting structure may then be fixed to this transverse structural ceiling element, typically via fixing elements extending vertically or substantially vertically. A rear portion of the supporting structure may be fixed to vertical structural elements, for example arranged on either side of an opening, in particular a rear opening, of the loading area, or to other transverse or longitudinal structural ceiling elements.

[0020] In another embodiment, the supporting structure may comprise the support frame and vertical uprights, an upper end of which is secured to the support frame and a lower end of which is secured to a structural element of the base of the body structure.

[0021] For example, we could provide:

[0022] - two rear vertical uprights having a lower end secured to structural elements of the underbody of the body structure and an upper end secured to a rear part of the support frame, - two front vertical uprights having a lower end secured to structural elements of the underbody of the body structure and an upper end secured to a front part of the support frame.

[0023] In the upper part, these vertical uprights can be extended beyond the support frame and be fixed to structural ceiling elements of the body structure.

[0024] Advantageously, for greater robustness, whatever the embodiment, a front part of the supporting structure, in particular a horizontal cross member, can be fixed to a transverse structural element of the ceiling of the body structure, in particular located at a distance, longitudinally, from the front and rear ends of the loading zone of the body structure.

[0025] The loading / unloading arm may comprise, near its rear end, a system for attaching a load, such as a hook, pulley or other, to move a load from inside the loading area to the outside or vice versa. However, preferably, a lifting device, whether motorized or not, may be provided.

[0026] Advantageously, the loading / unloading system may be equipped with a load lifting device comprising a lifting winch, and optionally at least one pulley for returning a cable or a rope of the lifting winch, at least one element of the lifting device being mounted on the loading / unloading arm, preferably under the latter.

[0027] The lifting winch, motorized or not, preferably motorized, may be mounted on the loading / unloading arm, preferably under the latter. The winch may also be fixed to the body structure, a cable return pulley of the lifting winch then being mounted on the loading / unloading arm, preferably under the latter. One or more cable return pulleys may then be provided fixed to the arm, to the supporting structure and / or to the body structure.

[0028] Advantageously, the at least one element of the lifting device can be mounted so as to be movable in translation relative to the loading / unloading arm in the longitudinal direction of the body structure, preferably mounted under the latter. This makes it possible to move the lifting device along the arm and to facilitate the movement of heavy loads within the loading area.

[0029] For this purpose, the arm may for example be a hollow profile or a rail equipped with at least one carriage movable inside this hollow profile in the longitudinal direction of the body structure, for example via bearings or rollers. The at least one element of the lifting device may then be fixed under the carriage. Alternatively, the lifting device could have a part of complementary shape to the hollow profile or the rail and slide inside it.

[0030] Advantageously, the body structure may comprise a front vertical wall delimiting the front part of the loading area and a support secured to this vertical wall and receiving a front end of the loading / unloading arm when it is located entirely inside the loading area. This makes it possible to reinforce the robustness of the loading system, in particular when the arm is inside the loading area. In particular, when the lifting device is movable in translation along the arm, it can thus support heavy loads safely near the front wall of the loading area. This also makes it possible to avoid vibrations and damage to the front wall by the front end of the arm, when the latter is entirely inside the loading area, in particular when the vehicle is moving.

[0031] The invention also relates to a utility vehicle comprising a body structure according to the invention.

[0032] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from reading the description given below of particular embodiments of the invention, given for informational but non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0033] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a utility vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention, the arm of the loading / unloading system being inside the loading area.

[0034] [Fig.2] is an enlarged view of a portion of [Fig.l].

[0035] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a utility vehicle according to a method of realization implementation of the invention, the arm of the loading / unloading system being partly outside the loading area.

[0036] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a suspended supporting structure of a system loading / unloading according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0037] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of another suspended supporting structure of a loading / unloading system.

[0038] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of a supporting structure equipped with feet of a loading / unloading system according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0039] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of another supporting structure equipped with feet of a loading / unloading system.

[0040] [Fig.8] is a partial perspective view from below of the supporting structure of the [Fig.7],

[0041] [Fig.9] is a section of a part of the supporting structure of [Fig.8].

[0042] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of a body structure according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0043] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view of a body structure according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0044] [Fig. 12] is a perspective view of an anchoring area of a loading / unloading system.

[0045] [Fig. 13] is a section of an anchoring area of a loading / unloading system.

[0046] [Fig. 14] is a partial perspective view of a supporting structure according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0047] [Fig. 15] is a perspective view of a utility vehicle equipped with a loading / unloading system according to another embodiment.

[0048] The orientations expressed in the description of the figures are given with reference to a conventional XYZ orthonormal reference frame of a motor vehicle, the X axis representing the longitudinal direction, oriented from front to rear of the vehicle, the Y axis representing the transverse direction of the vehicle, oriented from left to right, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction, oriented upwards, of the vehicle.

[0049] In the remainder of the description, the terms front and rear conventionally refer to the front and rear of the motor vehicle.

[0050] By substantially horizontal, longitudinal or vertical, we mean a direction / plane forming an angle of at most ±20°, or even at most ±10° or at most ±5°, with a horizontal, longitudinal or vertical direction / plane.

[0051] Identical references are used throughout the figure to designate identical or similar elements.

[0052] [Fig.l] represents a utility vehicle 1 comprising a body structure 10 equipped with a loading / unloading system 100.

[0053] The body structure 10 has a loading area 12 delimited by a floor 14 and a ceiling 16 (partially visible [Fig. 15]). This loading area 12 is delimited by a front wall 18, separating it from the driving position 2 of the utility vehicle, and an opening 20 at the rear of the body structure. This loading area 12 is closed by one or two rear doors 22, here two. The loading area 12 is also usually delimited by side walls 24, equipped or not with doors.

[0054] The loading / unloading system 100 comprises:

[0055] - a loading / unloading arm 102 extending in a longitudinal direction tudinal of the body structure, - a supporting structure 104 of the loading / unloading arm 102 fixed to structural elements of the body structure.

[0056] The supporting structure 104 comprises crosspieces 106, 108 extending horizontally under the ceiling of the loading area, close to the latter.

[0057] The loading / unloading arm 102 is mounted to move in translation along the longitudinal direction of the body structure relative to the supporting structure 104, and more precisely relative to the horizontal crosspieces 106, 108 thereof. This thus makes it possible to extend the arm outside the loading zone and to retract it inside it.

[0058] In general, as shown, the horizontal crosspieces 106, 108 are located in the same horizontal plane vertically distant from the ceiling 16 of the loading area. A space is thus provided between the crosspieces and the ceiling.

[0059] Preferably, as shown in the different embodiments of the figures, the loading / unloading arm 102 is mounted to move in translation under the horizontal crosspieces 106, 108 of the supporting structure.

[0060] The supporting structure 104 can advantageously be arranged as close as possible to the opening of the loading zone: the overhang length of the arm when it is entirely inside the loading zone or when it is outside the loading zone can thus be substantially the same.

[0061] For this purpose, a front part of the supporting structure 104, here the front horizontal cross member 106, is for example located at a distance, longitudinally, from the front and rear ends of the loading zone 12. The other horizontal cross member 108 is then a rear cross member located near the doors 22 of the loading zone, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 10-11.

[0062] The supporting structure 104 may have different shapes, examples of which are described below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7.

[0063] In the embodiment of figures 4 and 5, the supporting structure 104 is suspended from the body structure 10. It comprises lateral side members 110, 112 connecting the front 106 and rear 108 horizontal cross members, and forming with them a support frame.

[0064] In the embodiment of [Fig.4], vertical uprights 114 extending above the cross members 106, 108 and side members 110, 112, here arranged at the intersections of the side members and cross members, make it possible to fix the supporting structure 104 to structural ceiling elements of the body structure (such as side members or cross members).

[0065] In the embodiment of the supporting structure of [Fig. 5], these vertical uprights 114 extend above the support frame on the side of the front part of the supporting structure, and below the support frame on the side of the rear part of the supporting structure. In this case, as shown [Fig. 11], the front vertical uprights 114 are fixed to a ceiling structural element 10a of the body structure, here a transverse structural element (crossmember), while the rear vertical uprights 114 are each fixed to a vertical structural element 10b of the body structure, here the vertical structural elements 10b arranged on either side of the rear opening of the loading area.

[0066] The embodiment of the supporting structure of [Fig. 6] differs from that of [Fig. 4] by the presence of vertical uprights 116 having an upper end 116a fixed to the support frame and a lower end 116b fixed to the body structure, in particular to structural elements of the underbody of the body structure, such as cross members and side members. In this embodiment, two front vertical uprights 116 are fixed to the front horizontal cross member 106 and two rear vertical uprights 116 are fixed to the rear horizontal cross member 108.

[0067] The embodiment of the supporting structure of [Fig.7] also differs from that of [Fig.5] by the presence of vertical uprights 116 having an upper end 116a fixed to the support frame and a lower end 116b fixed to the body structure, in particular to structural elements of the underbody 10c of the body structure, such as cross members and side members, as shown [Fig. 10].

[0068] The structural elements of ceiling 10a or base 10c of the spar or crosspiece type typically have a hollow section, generally closed, as shown [Fig. 12] or 13.

[0069] [Fig. 12] shows a side member 10c having an anchoring zone 120 reinforced by a reinforcing element 122, here with a U-shaped section. This reinforcing element 122 is welded inside the side member, which is then closed by the floor 14 of the vehicle, as shown in [Fig. 13] (in [Fig. 12] the floor 14 is omitted for clarity). In [Fig. 13], the attachment is carried out on a structural element of the underbody 10c of the crossmember type, itself located above a structural element of the underbody 10c of the side member type. The reinforcing element 122 is generally pierced with holes equipped with welded nuts 124 allowing the fixing of screws. The floor 14 is also pierced with holes located opposite the holes of the reinforcing element 122. alternatively, the reinforcing element 122 could be omitted and the nuts welded directly to a spar or cross member, or to the floor. The supporting structure is then fixed to the structural element 10c (spar or other) by bearing on the floor, as visible [Fig. 13]. For this purpose, a vertical fixing element, such as a vertical upright 116 or 114 previously described, has for example a T-shaped end 118 bearing on the floor (or directly on a spar or cross member) and fixed to the structural element 10c. The fixing described with reference to figures 12 or 13 can be implemented equally well for a structural element of the ceiling or basement spar or cross member type or for a vertical structural element.

[0070] The translational mounting of the loading / unloading arm 102 can be achieved in various ways. As shown [Fig.8], the supporting structure 104 can have a longitudinal hollow profile 130, with an open or closed section. In the example shown, the longitudinal hollow profile 130 has a substantially C-shaped section whose opening is directed towards the floor 14 of the loading zone. The loading / unloading arm 102 can be a hollow profile of complementary shape sliding inside the hollow profile 130 of the supporting structure. In the example shown in Figures 8-9, the loading / unloading arm 102 is also an open hollow profile, having a substantially C-shaped section whose opening is directed towards the floor 14 of the loading zone 12.This makes it possible to provide at least one carriage 132 equipped with bearings arranged inside the loading / unloading arm 102 and capable of being moved in translation inside the arm. A lifting device 140, shown partially and schematically [Fig.9], can then be fixed to this carriage.

[0071] The invention is however not limited to this embodiment, and the arm 102 could be a hollow profile with a closed section or a solid bar. The lifting device 140, when present, can then be rigidly fixed to the arm, under the latter. It is then preferably arranged near a rear end 102a of the arm. A handle 142 could also be provided, on the side of the rear end 102a of the arm to pull / push the arm 102.

[0072] The lifting device 140 here comprises a load lifting winch 141. Such a winch usually comprises a drum around which a lifting cable or rope is wound. The rotation of the drum can be manual or motorized.

[0073] In the embodiment of Figures 1, 2, 4-7 and 14, the lifting winch 141 is fixed to the loading / unloading arm 102, possibly secured to at least one carriage 132 movable in translation relative to the arm, for example of the type described with reference to [Fig.9]. The lifting cable or rope can then be fixed to a load 2 to be brought into or taken out of the loading area.

[0074] When motorized, the electrical power cable of the lifting winch can be arranged around a reel 144 on one side of the winch as shown [Fig. 14] to facilitate movement of the winch.

[0075] The lifting device 140, in particular the winch 141, can be fixed to the supporting structure or to the body structure. Thus, in the embodiment of [Fig. 15], the lifting device 140 is fixed to a vertical upright 116 of the supporting structure. The lifting device then comprises one or more return pulleys 146 for the cable or rope of the winch. The pulley(s) can also be mounted so as to be able to move in translation relative to the loading / unloading arm. A similar arrangement can be envisaged by fixing the lifting device to a lateral element of the body structure.

[0076] The lifting winch 141 can be manual, a crank then allows its drum to turn.

[0077] It will also be possible to provide on the front vertical wall 18 delimiting the front part of the loading zone 12 of the body structure, a support 19 secured to this vertical wall 18 and receiving a front end 102b of the loading / unloading arm when it is located entirely inside the loading zone, as shown in figures 1-3. This support 19 may have a substantially U shape, as shown.

[0078] The loading / unloading system according to the invention can thus be rigidly fixed to the utility vehicle. When a load 2 is to be loaded / unloaded, the user can fix the cable or rope of the lifting device to the load 2 and then move the arm 102 and / or the lifting device 140 longitudinally to bring the load into / out of the loading area. A lifting device 140 comprising a winch, in particular a motorized winch, as described with reference to the figures, facilitates loading / unloading but could be replaced by a simple device for hooking / suspending a load.

Claims

Claims

1. Body structure (1) of a utility motor vehicle having a loading area (12) delimited by a floor (14) and a ceiling (16), characterized in that it comprises a loading / unloading system (100) comprising: - a loading / unloading arm (102) extending in a longitudinal direction of the body structure, - a supporting structure (104) of the loading / unloading arm fixed to structural elements (10a, 10b, 10c) of the body structure, the supporting structure (102) comprising crosspieces (106, 108) extending horizontally under the ceiling of the loading area, close to the latter, and the loading / unloading arm (102) being mounted movable in translation in the longitudinal direction of the body structure relative to the horizontal crosspieces of the supporting structure.

2. Body structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the loading / unloading arm (102) is mounted under the horizontal crosspieces (106, 108) of the supporting structure.

3. Body structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the supporting structure (102) comprises a hollow longitudinal profile or a rail (132) inside which the loading / unloading arm slides.

4. Body structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a front part (106) of the supporting structure is located at a distance, longitudinally, from the front and rear ends of the loading area (12).

5. Body structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises structural elements chosen from ceiling structural elements (10a), vertical structural elements (10b), base structural elements (10c), and in that at least a portion of the structural elements have an anchoring zone (120) receiving the supporting structure (104) in attachment, and optionally the anchoring zone (120) is reinforced by a reinforcing element (122).

6. A body structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a transverse ceiling structural element (10a), ca- characterized in that a front portion (106) of the supporting structure is fixed to this transverse structural ceiling element.

7. Body structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the loading / unloading system (100) is equipped with a load lifting device (140) comprising a lifting winch (141), optionally at least one return pulley (146) of a cable or rope of the lifting winch, at least one element of the lifting device being mounted on the loading / unloading arm (102).

8. Body structure (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one element of the lifting device (140) is mounted to move in translation relative to the loading / unloading arm (102) in the longitudinal direction of the body structure.

9. Body structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a front vertical wall (18) delimiting the front part of the loading zone (12) and a support (19) integral with this vertical wall (18) and receiving a front end (102b) of the loading / unloading arm (102) when it is located entirely inside the loading zone.

10. A utility vehicle comprising a body structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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