Mobile vehicle maintenance workshop

Abstract

Mobile Vehicle Maintenance Workshop. The invention relates to a mobile vehicle maintenance workshop (1), comprising a base-floor (20), two side walls (21, 22), and a roof (25, 26), at least one of the side walls (21, 22) being hinged relative to the base-floor (20) to be movable between a raised and a lowered position. According to the invention, the roof (25, 26) is hinged relative to at least one movable side wall (21, 22) to be movable between a folded and an unfolded position, in which the roof (25, 26) forms at least one access ramp to the platform in the lowered position of said associated movable side wall (21, 22). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 8.

Description

Title of the invention: Mobile vehicle maintenance workshop

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of mechanical interventions, such as maintenance and repair, on all motorized vehicles in all places.

[0002] The present invention relates to a workshop suitable for being placed in a mode of transport and in a mode of use, in particular a vehicle maintenance workshop, at least part of which is in the mode of transport in the general form of a container, for example with the dimensions of a standard ISO shipping container, suitable for moving from a folded configuration for its transport to a deployed configuration for its use as a maintenance environment, and vice versa.

[0003] The workshop according to the present invention will find its application particularly, but not limited to, in the military field.

[0004] In the military field, numerous environments are known that can be transported in containers of standardized dimensions and deployed from these containers. Such environments can be used as shelters, offices, living quarters, field hospitals, etc. In their folded configuration, these containers can be easily transported by any suitable mode of transport. When placed at their place of use, such containers can be opened and deployed to define a space larger than the volume of the container itself. For this purpose, the container generally includes movable walls.

[0005] For example, European patent EP2376351 B1 is known, which discloses a portable folding shelter comprising a rigid container, at least one of whose side walls is hinged to pivot between a closed vertical position and an open horizontal position. In said open horizontal position, at least one side wall increases the floor area. Furthermore, the container has telescopic corner elements supporting the roof and capable of sliding between lowered and extended positions. In said extended position, the height of the container is increased. The side wall(s) are lowered and raised by means of a manual or electric winch fixed to a fixed wall of the container, by winding or releasing a cable attached to the corners of the side wall(s).

[0006] However, in its deployed state, this container does not offer a work area suitable for receiving a wheeled vehicle, ranging from a light car to a heavy tank. Furthermore, this container requires the external installation of equipment dedicated to vehicle maintenance, such as lifting equipment.

[0007] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a workshop that, in terms of transport, can be easily transported, for example, like a standard container, and that, in terms of use, can offer a work platform compatible with wheeled vehicle dimensions ranging from a light car to a tracked vehicle; in other words, offering sufficient height for access by a vehicle such as a tank and sufficient floor space for receiving a vehicle and moving around it, while providing a stable and sound surface that prevents sinking and working directly on the ground. Another object of the invention is to provide a mobile workshop equipped with all the necessary equipment for vehicle maintenance.Another objective of the invention is to propose a method for installing such a workshop, making it possible to avoid setting up deployment means purely dedicated to the deployment of mobile walls, and thus to obtain such a workshop easily and quickly.

[0008] The invention relates to a mobile vehicle maintenance workshop comprising a base-floor, two side walls and a roof, at least one of the side walls being hinged with respect to the base-floor along their common edge so as to be movable between a raised position, in which it extends in a plane perpendicular to said base-floor, and a lowered position, in which it extends in line with said base-floor, in the plane of said base-floor, so as to form a platform with the base-floor, the workshop thus being able to be placed in a closed configuration, in which the two side walls extend in a plane perpendicular to said base-floor and the roof extends in a plane parallel to said base-floor, and in an deployed configuration, in which said at least one side wall is in a lowered position,the workshop being characterized by the fact that the roof is articulated with respect to at least one movable side wall along their common edge so as to be movable between at least two positions, namely a folded position, in which it extends in a plane parallel to said base-floor in the raised position of said associated movable side wall, the workshop then being in closed configuration, and an unfolded position, in which the roof forms at least one access ramp to the platform in the lowered position of said associated movable side wall, the workshop then being in deployed configuration, the articulation between the roof and the at least one movable side wall allowing a pivoting of an angle greater than 90 degrees between the folded position and the unfolded position.

[0009] Thus, in the closed configuration of the workshop, the workshop retains a small footprint and is easy to move or transport. In the deployed configuration of the workshop, the movable wall(s) form an extension of the base-floor, constituting a flat platform, and the roof is able to occupy an inclined position relative to this flat platform in order to constitute an access ramp. Therefore, in this In its deployed configuration, the workshop provides a work area large enough to accommodate a heavy tank-type vehicle—a vehicle with significant height and width dimensions—allowing for safe and secure operation by the operators, while eliminating the need for any work on the ground. Furthermore, such a workshop can be quickly installed and rapidly converted between its closed and deployed configurations.

[0010] Preferably, at least one movable side wall is hinged to the base-floor and the roof is hinged to the movable side wall(s).

[0011] Preferably, the workshop further comprises at least one end part, extending perpendicularly from the base-floor, at a respective end of the latter, as well as a single handling device carried by the base-floor and fixed to the base-floor in the vicinity of an end wall, the handling device being contained within the volume of the workshop in closed configuration, the handling device being further configured to be able to intervene on a vehicle received on the platform in the deployed configuration of the workshop, and the workshop and the handling device being further configured to allow the handling device to also ensure the mobility of the workshop between said closed configuration and said deployed configuration.The configurations mentioned above for the handling equipment and the workshop consist mainly of their dimensions and the positioning of the handling equipment on the floor base, for example near an end wall.

[0012] Thus, a single machine is required to handle both the movement of the workshop's moving parts and the handling associated with vehicle maintenance. This results in a smaller work surface area in its deployed configuration, space savings in its closed configuration, and cost savings. In particular, such a machine eliminates the need for multiple assistance or force-balancing devices for articulating the walls and roof.

[0013] Preferably, the handling equipment is a folding crane, a lateral space being formed between a movable side wall and the end wall located in the vicinity of the crane in the closed configuration of the workshop and an upper space being formed between the roof and the end wall located in the vicinity of the crane in the closed configuration of the workshop, said lateral and upper spaces allowing the deployment of the crane in the closed configuration of the workshop.

[0014] Advantageously, in order to ensure the safety of operators and equipment, the crane is a folding crane with automatic folding and deployment.

[0015] Preferably, the crane includes a folding mast and a telescopic boom.

[0016] Advantageously, the folding mast comprises a mast base articulated around a horizontal axis on a rotating chassis supported by a vertical pivot fixed to the base. floor and a mast head hinged around a horizontal axis at the end of the mast foot, and the telescopic boom includes a boom foot hinged around a horizontal axis at the end of the mast head and a boom tip mounted sliding in the boom foot, a first cylinder being hinged between the mast foot and the mast head and a second cylinder being hinged between the mast head and the boom foot.

[0017] Advantageously, a lifting device adapted to receive a crane sling, such as lifting rings, is provided at one or at each non-articulated edge of an articulated part of the container.

[0018] Preferably, additional removable or folding panels fill the lateral and upper spaces in the deployed workshop configuration, such that the edges perpendicular to the hinged edges are straight edges. The resulting work surface does not present a risk to operator safety. It is emphasized here that said lateral and upper spaces will be limited to the minimum necessary for the deployment of the handling equipment and any stabilizers.

[0019] In a particular embodiment, the workshop comprises two end walls mounted fixed relative to the base-floor, two movable side walls hinged to the long sides of the base-floor and each capable of adopting said raised position or said lowered position, the roof being defined by two roof panels, each roof panel being hinged to the long side opposite the long side hinged to the base-floor of one of the movable side walls and being capable of adopting said folded position or said unfolded position.

[0020] Such a configuration makes it possible to obtain a platform, consisting of the base-floor and the two side walls in the lowered position, large enough to accommodate a large vehicle, and two access ramps to the platform, consisting of the two roof panels in the unfolded position, allowing the entry of a vehicle by one of the ramps and the exit of the vehicle by the other ramp.

[0021] In one variant, the workshop could comprise a single movable side wall and a single roof panel. In another variant, the workshop could comprise two movable side walls and a single roof panel.

[0022] Advantageously, the two roof panels are configured such that in the closed configuration of the workshop, an overlap zone is formed between the two roof panels.

[0023] Advantageously, for the roof panel or panels, the face facing away from the ground in the deployed configuration of the workshop is inclined towards the ground. Thus, in the unfolded position, the roof panel or panels are intended to form an inclined access ramp between the ground and the platform.

[0024] Preferably, in the lowered position, the movable side wall(s) are supported by leveling means arranged between the movable side wall(s) and the ground to ensure that the lowered side wall(s) remain cantilevered at the same height as the base / floor. Such leveling means provide a stable platform.

[0025] Advantageously, the leveling means are arranged in the region of the two hinged edges of the movable wall(s), namely the edge hinged to the base-floor and the edge hinged to the roof.

[0026] The leveling means may include added support plates, the leveling being achieved by stacking support plates.

[0027] Alternatively, the leveling means may include support plates attached to telescopic jacks, in particular screw jacks. In another alternative, the leveling means may include telescopic jacks, in particular screw jacks, supported by the movable side panel(s) and housed within the thickness of the panel defining said panel, each jack being able to carry a retractable foot intended to come into contact with the ground. In these alternatives, leveling is achieved by adjusting the telescopic jacks.

[0028] In yet another embodiment, the leveling means may include hydraulic cylinders housed within the thickness of the panel defining the movable side wall(s). In this embodiment, leveling can be achieved automatically, with optional leveling performed by an operator and external means, such as a spirit level.

[0029] It is also emphasized that it will be advantageously possible to carry out a manual leveling of the access ramps, for example using wedges, in particular in order to extend, if necessary, the horizontal area.

[0030] Preferably, the workshop, in its closed configuration, contains at least one piece of equipment dedicated to vehicle maintenance, which equipment is supported by the floor base in the workshop's closed configuration. The presence of on-board equipment allows for the transport of both the structure and the equipment necessary for vehicle maintenance.

[0031] Advantageously, in the deployed configuration of the workshop, the platform and the access ramp(s) have two reinforced traffic lanes allowing the circulation of heavy vehicles, in particular up to 50 tonnes.

[0032] Preferably, for optimal use of the workshop and compliance with waste disposal regulations, the workshop includes a means of storing used fluids housed within the thickness of a panel defining a movable side wall.

[0033] Preferably, the workshop includes a means of supplying power, in particular for the handling equipment, housed at least partly in the thickness of a panel defining an end wall.

[0034] The means for storing used fluids may include at least one tank.

[0035] The power supply means may include at least one battery as well as the electronics necessary for the operation of the workshop.

[0036] Preferably, the workshop, in its closed configuration, is generally in the form of an ISO standard shipping container, such as, for example, a twenty-foot long, High Cube or standard shipping container, in particular conforming to ISO 668 1CCC or ICC standards, with the base / floor having corner pieces at its four corners. The workshop can thus be transported, in its closed configuration, like a conventional container.

[0037] The workshop may then advantageously include a cradle, which notably comprises two rails attached to an underside of the base-floor and projecting from the latter at one end of the rails, a two-arm gantry extending from said first ends of the rails, a gripping hook attached to the gantry, and two unloading rollers, each located near a second end of a respective rail. The cradle may advantageously conform to STANAG 2413.

[0038] It would be possible, as an alternative, to provide that the workshop is simply equipped, for example on the outside face of an end wall, with a gripping axis of the type of that of the cradle to allow handling of the workshop, in the closed configuration, with the same means as those already commonly used for conventional containers.

[0039] According to another embodiment, the workshop comprises a rolling chassis, a main part of which is lowered relative to two end parts carrying means for rolling, the base-floor being fixed on said main part.

[0040] The rolling chassis could be of the type found on a rolling trailer, the rolling means being formed, at the first end, by at least one axle and, at the second end, by a gooseneck for coupling to a motor vehicle. In other words, the present invention could then be considered as a rolling trailer equipped with a vehicle maintenance workshop.

[0041] Alternatively, the rolling chassis could be of the type of a motor vehicle, thus including in particular the engine, the cab, etc. In other words, the present invention could then be considered as a motor vehicle, for example a truck, equipped with a vehicle maintenance workshop.

[0042] In both of the above cases, the workshop, in its closed configuration, can then be easily transported by a motor vehicle. It is emphasized here that the presence of end walls is also optional.

[0043] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] [Fig.1] represents a schematic perspective view of the maintenance workshop according to a first particular embodiment of the invention, in the closed configuration;

[0045] [Fig.2] represents a schematic longitudinal side view of the workshop of the [Fig.1], in the closed configuration;

[0046] [Fig.3] represents a schematic transverse side view, or front view, of the workshop of [Fig.1], in the closed configuration, the end walls and the cradle being omitted;

[0047] [Fig.4] illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of the workshop in [Fig.3], during of an installation stage, after deployment of the crane;

[0048] [Fig.5] corresponds to a later step than that of [Fig.4];

[0049] [Fig.6] shows the workshop of [Fig.3] in the deployed configuration;

[0050] [Fig.7] is a schematic top view of the workshop in [Fig.1], in the configuration deployed and in use;

[0051] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of the workshop of [Fig.1], in the configuration deployed, showing the platform and access ramps;

[0052] [Fig.9] is a schematic side view of the maintenance workshop according to a second embodiment of the invention, currently being extended from the rolling chassis; and

[0053] [Fig. 10] is a schematic top view of the workshop of [Fig.9], in the deployed configuration.

[0054] The mobile vehicle maintenance workshop 1 according to the invention is intended to be transported to a desired location, in particular near operational areas, and to be deployed rapidly in order to accommodate any type of vehicle V, namely both a light car and a tracked tank, to allow maintenance operations to be carried out.

[0055] In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8, the workshop 1 is presented, in a closed configuration, in the general form of a transportable container 2, and includes a single handling device 3, leveling means 4, at least one piece of equipment 5 dedicated to the maintenance of vehicles V, a means of storing used fluids 6 and a means of supplying power 7.

[0056] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, it can be seen that workshop 1, in a closed configuration, has the general form of a rigid, hollow, parallelepiped-shaped container 2. Referring to Figures 6 to 8, it can be seen that, in Workshop 1 is in a ready-to-use state; therefore, Workshop 1 is in a deployed configuration. Workshop 1 is thus able to switch from a closed configuration to a deployed configuration, and vice versa.

[0057] In its closed configuration, workshop 1 has standard dimensions, namely dimensions conforming to ISO international standards for the transport and handling of containers, or dimensions approaching those of a standard-sized container. Workshop 1 comprises a base floor 20, two side walls 21, 22, two end walls 23, 24, and a roof 25, 26. More particularly, in the preferred embodiment shown, workshop 1 comprises a base floor 20, two pivoting side walls 21, 22, two end walls 23, 24 fixed relative to the base floor 20, and a roof 25, 26 in two pivoting sections. Alternatively, workshop 1 could comprise a single pivoting side wall and / or a roof in a single pivoting section.

[0058] The base-floor 20 comprises a rectangular panel having a front longitudinal end 20a, a rear longitudinal end 20b, a left edge 20c, and a right edge 20d. The left edge 20c and right edge 20d correspond to the long sides of the panel, and the front longitudinal ends 20a and rear ends 20b correspond to the short sides of the panel. The panel has an inner face and an opposite outer face.

[0059] Each end wall 23, 24 comprises a rectangular panel attached to a reinforcing frame 230, 240, the reinforcing frames 230, 240 being visible in [Fig. 8]. One of the end walls 23, referred to as the front wall 23, is attached to the front longitudinal end 20a, while the other end wall 24, referred to as the rear wall 24, is attached to the rear longitudinal end 20b. The front wall 23 and rear wall 24 are arranged opposite each other. Each frame 230, 240 has two vertical uprights connected at their upper ends by a top cross member. Each end wall 23, 24 has at its four corners, i.e., at the upper and lower ends of the uprights, a standard corner element 8 with standardized openings on all its visible faces, particularly for handling by lifting equipment. These corner elements 8, visible in [Fig. 8], are known elements in themselves.

[0060] Preferably, the workshop 1 is also equipped with a cradle 9 to facilitate handling. The cradle 9 comprises two longitudinal rails 9a, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base-floor 2 and fixed to its underside. The rails 9a project from the base-floor 2 at one end, from which extends a two-armed jib 9b, located near an external face of the end wall 23, and carrying at its upper part a gripping hook 9c preferably conforming to STANAG 2413. The cradle 9 also comprises two 9d drop rollers ([Fig.8]), each located near a second end of a respective rail 9a, the 9d drop rollers being here directly rotated by the base-floor 2. The cradle 9 allows the workshop 1, in the closed configuration, to be placed on a means of transport (not shown), such as a container truck, and then to be placed on the ground for use.

[0061] Of course, this gripping hook 9c can be replaced by any other suitable anchoring and / or lifting means, such as conforming to standards NF R17-107 and NF R17-108 for civil applications.

[0062] In the case of an electric motorization of the handling equipment 3, the power supply means 7 can be housed within the thickness of the front wall panel 23, as shown in [Fig. 2]. This means may include batteries and the electronics necessary for the operation of the handling equipment 3.

[0063] Each side wall 21, 22 comprises a panel that is connected to an edge 20c, 20d of the base-floor 20 and is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis A1, A2 parallel to the common edge between the wall 21, 22 and the base-floor 20. This panel has two opposite long sides and two opposite short sides. The length of the long side corresponding to the edge connected to the base-floor 20 is the same length as each of the left 20c and right 20d edges to which it is connected. One of the two panels, in other words the panel of one of the two side walls 21, 22, for example, of the wall 21 connected to the left edge 20c of the base-floor 20, has an edge opposite the edge connected to the base-floor 20 of a length less than that of the edge connected to the base-floor 20 and an edge corresponding to one of its short sides in the form of a step, so that a rectangular hollowed area 21a is formed in a corner region of this panel.In the raised position of the side wall 21, this recessed area 21a creates a vertical lateral space 210 between the end wall 23 adjacent to this recessed area 21a and said side wall panel 21. The other panel has two short sides of the same length substantially equal to the length of each vertical post and two long sides of the same length.

[0064] The long side, the lower edge, of each panel is pivotally coupled to the base-floor 20 by a joint A1, A2 provided between each side wall 21, 22 and the base-floor 20 in order to move from a raised and vertical position, perpendicular to the base-floor 20, to a lowered and horizontal position, coplanar with the base-floor 20. Thus, the two joints A1, A2 each allow a rotation of approximately ninety degrees. In other words, each joint A1, A2 is such that after a 90-degree outward rotation of the panel, its inner face is level with the inner face of the base-floor 20. Each joint A1, A2 is preferably a hinge joint. It should be emphasized that the movable side walls 21, 22 are connected to the base-floor 20 only by these joints. joints A1, A2, no means of moving the movable walls 21, 22 connecting the movable walls 21, 22 to the base-floor 20.

[0065] Advantageously, to ensure waste disposal, the used fluid storage means 6 is housed within the thickness of the panel of one of the two side walls 21, 22, in particular the wall 21 connected to the left edge 20c of the base-floor 20 and having the recessed area 21a, as shown in [Fig. 2]. This means 6 may include one or more storage tanks. These tanks may be positioned centrally with respect to the panel, considering the longitudinal direction of the panel. Access to this or these tanks may be provided on the inner face of the panel, which will therefore form part of the surface of the work platform in the deployed configuration. Draining is carried out via a plug located at the bottom of the tank when the work platform 1 is in the deployed configuration. Advantageously, the plug is accessible when the work platform 1, in the closed configuration, is located on a carrier vehicle.

[0066] Figure 5 shows the side wall 21 with the recessed area 21a in the lowered position. In this lowered position, it rests on leveling means 4. These means 4 are positioned or moved in the space formed between the ground and the side wall 21 when the inner face of the panel is in the same plane as the inner face of the base-floor 20. Thus, these means 4 ensure the formation of a flat and therefore stable platform, which platform is formed by the inner face of the base-floor 20 and the inner face of each side wall 21, 22 in the lowered position. Similarly, as can be seen in [Fig.6], once the other side wall 22 is placed in the lowered position, it also rests on the leveling means 4. Preferably, each side wall 21, 22 is leveled by four leveling means 4 arranged at its four corners.Each leveling means 4 can be at least one added element and / or one element integrated into the panel. In the case of an added element, this can be several support plates stacked on top of each other and / or a support plate carrying a screw jack. The number of support plates to be stacked and / or the screw jack setting is then estimated by the operator using an external tool, such as a gauge or a laser level. In the case of an element integrated into the panel, this can be a screw jack housed within the panel thickness or a hydraulic jack housed within the panel thickness. In the case of hydraulic jacks, the stroke of the jacks is automatically adjusted via a system integrated into the container 2.

[0067] The roof 25, 26 is defined by first 25 and second 26 rectangular roof panels. Each roof panel 25, 26 is hinged to one of the side walls 21, 22 and is mounted to pivot about a hinge axis A3, A4 parallel to the common edge between the side wall 21, 22 and the roof panel 25, 26. Thus, each roof panel 25, 26 has a hinged edge, a free edge opposite the hinged edge, and two side edges. In cross-section, each roof panel 25, 26 presents a triangular section, specifically a right-angled triangle. The right angle of this right triangle is formed between the hinged edge and the outward-facing face in the folded position. The hypotenuse of this right triangle is formed by the inward-facing face of the container 2 in the folded position. The length of the hinged edge is equal to the length of the free edge, which corresponds to the length of the longitudinal edge connected to the roof panel 25 of the side wall 21 containing the recessed area. Thus, in the closed configuration of the container 2, an upper gap 250, 260 is formed between the roof 25, 26 and the front end wall 23, spanning the entire width of the end wall 23.

[0068] In closed configuration, the upper space 250, 260 horizontal and the lateral space 210 vertical together delimit a space sufficient to allow the deployment of the handling device 3.

[0069] Each lateral edge has a length greater than half the width of each end wall 23, 24. Thus, in the closed configuration, one of the roof panels, in particular the first panel 25, covers the free edge region of the other roof panel, in particular the second roof panel 26. This overlap area ensures watertightness in the closed configuration.

[0070] The joint A3, A4 between each roof panel 25, 26 and the corresponding side wall 21, 22 can be a hinge-type joint. This joint A3, A4 allows rotation through an angle greater than 90 degrees around the joint axis A3, A4, which axis A3, A4 is parallel to the joint axis A1, A2 between the floor base 20 and each side wall 21, 22. In other words, a rotation greater than 90 degrees between the roof panel 25, 26 and the associated side wall 21, 22 is possible.

[0071] Thus, each roof panel 25, 26 is capable of occupying a folded position, in which it extends substantially perpendicularly to the side wall 21, 22, and therefore substantially horizontally when the side wall 21, 22 is in the raised position, and an unfolded position, in which it extends at an angle greater than 180 degrees to the side wall 21, 22 in the lowered position, and inclined between the platform and the ground. In this unfolded position, each roof panel 25, 26 constitutes an access ramp to the platform, facilitating access, namely entry and exit, of vehicles V, as can be seen in [Fig. 8]. The access ramps can also be manually leveled, if necessary, for example using shims.

[0072] Figures 7 and 8 show the two side walls 21, 22 in the lowered position and the two roof panels 25, 26 in the unfolded position. These positions define the deployed configuration of workshop 1, in which panels Additional removable panels 10 are added to obtain a rectangular work area, i.e., a platform 20, 21, 22 and ramps 25, 26 of the same length in the longitudinal direction of the base-floor 20. In particular, one additional panel 10 fills the recessed area 21a and two additional panels 10 extend each of the two roof panels 25, 26, such that the edge of the platform and ramps on the front wall side 23 is a straight edge. The upward-facing face of each additional panel 10 is flush with the upward-facing face of the panel to which it is connected. Alternatively, one or both of the additional panels 10 could be a folding panel, pivotally mounted relative to the edge of the panel to which it is connected, and capable of being folded against the panel on which it is mounted. As can be seen in [Fig.[8], additional panels 10 can be installed at the edge opposite the hinged edge of each roof panel 25, 26. Such an extension of the ramps could reduce the ramp's incline and thus facilitate vehicle access to the platform. The additional panels 10 can be fixed to the side walls 21, 22 and to the roof panels 25, 26, for example, by screws and threaded holes in the roof panels 25, 26, or even strapped to the base-floor 20.

[0073] As can be seen in the Figures, the workshop 1 includes a single handling device 3, such as a folding crane 3, used both for the mobility of the movable panels 21, 22, 25, 26 and for the maintenance and / or repair of the vehicles V. This crane 3 is supported by the floor base 20 and attached to its inner face, near the front longitudinal end 20a. The crane 3 is permanently installed on the floor base 20. In the closed configuration, the crane 3 is located opposite the lateral space 210 and the upper space 250, 260.

[0074] For added safety, this may be a crane 3 with automatic folding and deployment. In this case, as can be seen in [Fig. 8], the crane 3 comprises a folding mast 30 and a telescopic boom 31. The folding mast 30 comprises a mast base 30a articulated about a horizontal axis on a rotating frame 32 supported by a vertical pivot fixed to the base-floor 20, and a mast head 30b articulated about a horizontal axis at the end of the mast base 30a. The telescopic boom 31 comprises a boom base articulated about a horizontal axis at the end of the mast head 30b and a jib tip mounted to slide within the boom base. A first hydraulic cylinder is articulated between the mast base 30a and the mast head 30b, and a second hydraulic cylinder is articulated between the mast head 30b and the jib base. For panel mobility, the crane 3 includes slings 33 connected to the jib tip.Each sling 33 is suitable for being connected to a lifting device, for example lifting rings, provided on one or each free edge of a movable panel.

[0075] Each panel is sufficiently rigid to support and walk upon the equipment 5 dedicated to vehicle maintenance. As can be seen in [Fig. 1], this equipment 5 is supported by the base-floor 20 in the closed configuration. As can be seen in [Fig. 7], in the deployed configuration, this equipment 5 is placed at desired locations on the platform and ramps. Thus, the workshop 1 according to the present invention contains all the means necessary for the maintenance of all types of motorized vehicles.

[0076] In the deployed configuration of workshop 1, the face of the platform and access ramps intended to come into contact with the vehicles V has two reinforced traffic lanes 11 allowing the circulation of heavy vehicles, in particular up to 50 tonnes. As can be seen in [Fig. 8], these lanes 11 are parallel to each other and spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the spacing between the running gear of a heavy vehicle. Each lane 11 is continuous from the free edge of one ramp to the free edge of the opposite ramp, in a direction orthogonal to the articulation axes A1-A4. The surface not having the two reinforced lanes 11 is designed to allow the circulation of a pallet truck with sufficient capacity for handling the equipment necessary for the repair of heavy vehicles.

[0077] The implementation of workshop 1, to switch from the closed configuration (Figures 1-3) to the deployed configuration (Figures 6-8), is simple and quick. First, the crane 3 is deployed, possibly automatically. Following this deployment, the mast head 30b and the boom 31 are positioned above the roof 25, 26 after passing through the lateral space 210 and the upper space 250, 260. Next, the roof 25, 26 must be slinged. For this, the slings 33 are connected at the two corners of the free edge of the first roof panel 25. The operator then activates the lifting of the first roof panel 25, as shown in [Fig. 4]. This first roof panel 25 and the first associated side wall 21 are moved, by rotational movements of the crane 3, as well as by the control of its jacks, until the first side wall 21 is placed on the ground, as shown in [Fig.5].The leveling means 4 are then installed and / or adjusted between the first side wall 21 in the lowered position and the ground, in order to obtain the desired stability. Then, the first roof panel 25 is in turn lowered onto the ground to form a first access ramp. These steps are then repeated for the second roof panel 26 and the associated second side wall 22. Once the side walls 21, 22 are in the lowered position and braced by the leveling means 4, and the roof panels 25, 26 are in the unfolded position, the additional panels 10 and the maintenance equipment 5 are installed. The workshop 1 is then ready to receive a vehicle V for maintenance and / or repair, as schematically represented in [Fig. 7].

[0078] Conversely, when it is necessary to move the mobile workshop 1 to another site, the workshop 1 is moved from its deployed configuration to its closed configuration by implementing the above steps in reverse order. The workshop 1 in its closed configuration, containing the single handling unit 3 as well as all the equipment 5, the additional panels 10 and the leveling means 4, can be easily transported to the desired site.

[0079] Workshop 1 according to the first embodiment above is transportable in the manner of a conventional container.

[0080] If we now refer to Figures 9 and 10, we can see that workshop 1 is represented there according to a second embodiment, which differs from that described above in that it does not include a cradle 9 and instead incorporates a rolling chassis 101. Thus, only the parts which differ from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0081] In the example illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the rolling chassis 101 is that of a trailer 100, for example of the conventional equipment trailer type. The rolling chassis 101 comprises in particular a main part 101a, between two end parts, the first of which, 101b, carries two axles, and the second, 101c, is a gooseneck for coupling to a motor vehicle V, which is not part of the trailer 100. The axles and the gooseneck part form means for rolling 1Old, in that they allow the trailer 100 to be able to roll.

[0082] The main part 101a is lowered relative to the end parts 101b, 101c, so as to be close to the ground. The base-floor 20 is mounted on the main part 101a and is fixed thereto, in a removable or non-removable manner, by any suitable means.

[0083] The base-floor 2a is in particular oriented so that the handling equipment 3 is located on the side of the first end part 101b, and it will advantageously be provided at least one end wall 23 which will extend from the base-floor 20, in the vicinity of said first end part 101b.

[0084] In the illustrated example, the rolling chassis 101 is telescopic, which is optional, and the main part 101a is mounted sliding on a guide rail 101e, the movement of the main part 101a being controlled by any suitable means, as is well known, such as for example by a rack and pinion system.

[0085] A second end wall may not be provided on the side of the second end part 101c. However, it would also be possible to provide a second end wall mounted for rotation, for example by hinge, to the base-floor 20, so that it can be lowered into the plane of the base-floor 20 in the deployed configuration of workshop 1. Since the transport of workshop 1 is carried out here by towing, the corner elements 8 are not necessary and it may therefore not be provided for a reinforcing frame 230, 240.

[0086] The first and second end parts 101b, 101c also constitute additional support regions which allow additional equipment 102 to be carried, for example on the first end part 101b, and the electrical, hydraulic and / or pneumatic equipment 103 required for the deployment and / or use of the workshop 1 to be positioned there, for example on the second end part 101c.

[0087] Workshop 1 is placed in the closed configuration or in the deployed configuration in the same way as described previously.

[0088] In the closed configuration, illustrated in [Fig. 9], the workshop 1 can be transported on the road by a motorized tractor vehicle, in the manner of a conventional trailer. In other words, the workshop according to the invention can be considered as a rolling trailer equipped with a vehicle maintenance workshop.

[0089] In the deployed configuration, illustrated in [Fig. 10], the base-floor 20, the side walls 21, 22, the roof panels 25, 26 and the additional panels form the work platform, which can here be further completed by additional removable panels 104 placed in the space created by the extension of the rolling chassis 101, as well as by additional panels 105 placed on both sides of the second end part 101b of the rolling chassis 101.

[0090] It will of course be possible to provide means of leveling, manual or otherwise, for the work platform, such as manual wedges, stabilizing jacks, etc., for example carried by the rolling chassis 101.

[0091] It is understood that the particular embodiments which have just been described have been given by way of indication and not limitation, and that modifications may be made without departing from the present invention.

[0092] For example, the rolling chassis could be that of a motor vehicle, the workshop according to the invention then being able to be considered as a motor vehicle, in particular of the truck type, equipped with a vehicle maintenance workshop.

Claims

1.

2. Demands A mobile vehicle maintenance workshop (1) comprising a base-floor (20), two side walls (21, 22) and a roof (25, 26), at least one of the side walls (21, 22) being hinged to the base-floor (20) along their common edge so as to be movable between a raised position, in which it extends in a plane perpendicular to said base-floor (20), and a lowered position, in which it extends in line with said base-floor (20), in the plane of said base-floor (20), so as to form a platform with the base-floor (20), the workshop (1) thus being able to be placed in a closed configuration, in which the two side walls (21, 22) extend in a plane perpendicular to said base-floor (20) and the roof (25, 26) extends in a plane parallel to said base-floor (20). base-floor (20), and in a deployed configuration, in which said at least one side wall (21, 22) is in a lowered position,the workshop (1) being characterized by the fact that the roof (25, 26) is articulated with respect to at least one movable side wall (21, 22) along their common edge so as to be movable between at least two positions, namely a folded position, in which it extends in a plane parallel to said base-floor (20) in the raised position of said associated movable side wall (21, 22), the workshop (1) then being in closed configuration, and an unfolded position, in which the roof (25, 26) forms at least one access ramp to the platform in the lowered position of said associated movable side wall (21, 22), the workshop (1) then being in deployed configuration, the articulation (A3, A4) between the roof (25, 26) and the at least one movable side wall (21, 22) allowing a pivoting of an angle greater than 90 degrees between the folded position and the unfolded position. Workshop (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one end portion (23, 24), extending perpendicularly from the base-floor (20) to a respective end thereof, and a single handling device (3) carried by the base-floor (20) and fixed to the base-floor (20) in the vicinity of an end wall (23, 24), the handling device (3) being contained within the volume of the workshop (1) in its closed configuration, the handling device (3) being in further configured to be able to intervene on a vehicle (V) received on the platform in the deployed configuration of the workshop (1), and the workshop (1) and the handling equipment (3) being further configured to allow the handling equipment (3) to also ensure the mobility of the workshop (1) between said closed configuration and said deployed configuration.

3. Workshop (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the handling equipment (3) is a folding crane (3), a lateral space (210) being formed between a movable side wall (21) and the end wall (23) located in the vicinity of the crane (3) in the closed configuration of the workshop (1) and an upper space (250, 260) being formed between the roof (25, 26) and the end wall (23) located in the vicinity of the crane (3) in the closed configuration of the workshop (1), said lateral (210) and upper (250, 260) spaces allowing the deployment of the crane (3) in the closed configuration of the workshop (1).

4. Workshop (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that complementary removable or folding panels (10) fill the lateral space (210) and the upper space (250, 260) in the deployed configuration of the workshop (1), such that the edges perpendicular to the hinged edges are straight edges.

5. Workshop (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises two end walls (23, 24) mounted fixed relative to the base-floor (20), two movable side walls (21, 22) hinged to the long sides of the base-floor (20) and each capable of adopting said raised position or said lowered position, the roof (25, 26) being defined by two roof panels (25, 26), each roof panel (25, 26) being hinged to the long side opposite the long side hinged to the base-floor (20) of one of the movable side walls (21, 22) and being capable of adopting said folded position or said unfolded position.

6. Workshop (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, in the lowered position, the movable side wall(s) (21, 22) are supported by leveling means (4) arranged between the movable side wall(s) (21, 22) and the floor in order to ensure that the lowered side wall(s) (21, 22) are cantilevered to the same height as the base-floor (20).

7. Workshop (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it contains, in the closed configuration, at least one piece of equipment (5) dedicated to the maintenance of vehicles (V), which equipment (5) is carried by the floor base (20) in the closed configuration of the workshop (1).

8. Workshop (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a means for storing used fluids (6) housed in the thickness of a panel defining a movable side wall (21, 22).

9. Workshop (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a means of supplying power (7) housed at least partly in the thickness of a panel defining an end wall (23, 24).

10. Workshop (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a cradle (9), which includes in particular two rails (9a) attached to an underside of the base-floor (2) and projecting from the latter at a first end of the rails (9a), a two-armed gantry (9b) extending from said first ends of the rails (9a), a gripping hook (9c) attached to the gantry (9b), and two depositing rollers (9d) each located in the vicinity of a second end of a respective rail (9a).

11. Workshop (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a rolling chassis (101) of which a main part (101a) is lowered relative to two end parts (101b, 101c) carrying means for rolling (101c), the base-floor (2) being fixed on said main part (101a).

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