RAPID IMMOBILIZATION DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE WHEEL, FOR A SUPPORT TRAY

Abstract

An immobilizing device (DI) equips a platform (PR) supporting at least one wheeled vehicle (RV), and comprises: - two arms (B1) which are extendable and have first ends (E1) and second ends on which are rotatably mounted rollers (RI1-RI2) suitable for contacting a wheel (RV), - a base (ED) fixedly secured to the platform (PR) and comprising a rail (RC) in which two carriages (C1) slide in opposite directions to which intermediate parts of the arms (B1) are rotatably coupled, and - an actuator comprising an axis to which the first ends (E1) are rotatably coupled and translatable between upper and lower positions in which the latter are placed respectively above the second ends so that the rollers (RI1-RI2) do not hinder the wheel (RV) and below the second ends so that the rollers (RI1-RI2) immobilize the wheel (RV). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR RAPIDLY IMMOBILIZING A VEHICLE WHEEL, FOR A SUPPORT PLATTER Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to platforms suitable for supporting at least one wheeled vehicle, and more precisely to the immobilization devices which are suitable for equipping such platforms to immobilize wheels of supported vehicles. State of the art

[0002] The transport of wheeled vehicles has long been carried out by placing the vehicles on support platforms that are part of, for example, a trailer or a truck or a wagon (possibly a railway wagon). In order to be transported safely, at least one of the wheels of a vehicle must be immobilized on the support platform. This can be achieved by using a set of straps or an immobilizing device.

[0003] Immobilizing a vehicle by means of at least one set of straps generally allows adaptation to different types of vehicle and / or different wheel dimensions. However, this is an operation that is not very ergonomic, tedious and time-consuming (it typically takes five to six minutes).

[0004] Certain immobilizing devices, such as for example that described in patent document CN-U 214420304, comprise two arms of fixed length, mounted in an X and having first ends suitable for being translated simultaneously by a mechanism actuated by a user and second ends on which are rotatably mounted rollers suitable for contacting a wheel in two symmetrically opposite locations relative to a median transverse plane. This type of immobilizing device, like most known immobilizing devices, generally makes it possible to immobilize the wheel a little more quickly than with a set of straps. However, it has a major drawback. Indeed, it is adapted to a single type of vehicle and / or a single wheel diameter.Therefore, when a platform is equipped with immobilizing devices dedicated to a single type of vehicle and / or a single wheel diameter, it is unable to be used for the transport of vehicle(s) not having this type and / or this wheel diameter, which is very limiting. In addition, most of these immobilizing devices include at least one other auxiliary mechanism which must be operated by the user so that immobilization by means of the arms can be carried out.

[0005] Therefore, currently no known means of immobilization provides a complete satisfaction when one simultaneously desires diversity (or adaptability), ease of use, and a short time required to immobilize a wheel. In particular, the known means of immobilization are poorly suited to the public transport of vehicles installed on a trailer towed by a passenger coach (or bus).

[0006] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0007] It proposes in particular for this purpose an immobilization device, on the one hand, suitable for equipping a platform suitable for supporting at least one wheeled vehicle, and, on the other hand, comprising two arms having first ends and second ends on which are rotatably mounted rollers suitable for contacting a wheel in two symmetrically opposite locations relative to a median transverse plane.

[0008] This immobilization device is characterized by the fact that it also comprises:

[0009] - a base suitable for being fixedly secured to the plate and comprising a rail in which slide in opposite directions two carriages to which intermediate parts of the arms are coupled in rotation respectively, the latter being extensible, and

[0010] - an actuator comprising an axis to which the first ex are rotationally coupled ends and translatable between upper and lower positions in which the latter are placed respectively above the second ends so that the rollers do not hinder the wheel and below the second ends so that the rollers immobilize the wheel.

[0011] Thus, the immobilization device simultaneously offers diversity (or adaptability), great ease of use, and great speed of immobilization or unblocking of a wheel.

[0012] The immobilization device according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0013] - its actuator may comprise a jack comprising the axis;

[0014] - in the presence of the first option, the actuator may comprise a handle coupled to the jack and capable, in the event of rotational drive, of causing the axis to translate between its upper and lower positions;

[0015] - the carriages can be coupled together by a return spring;

[0016] - its base may comprise a housing, and the axis may comprise its own rod to be translated between unlocked and locked positions in which it is respectively unhoused and housed in the housing so that the translation of the axis is respectively authorized and prohibited;

[0017] - in the presence of the last option, the first ends can be mounted at rotation on the rod.

[0018] The invention also proposes a platform, on the one hand, capable of supporting at least one wheeled vehicle, and, on the other hand, comprising at least one immobilizing device of the type presented above.

[0019] For example, this plate may also comprise at least one first concave housing installed next to an immobilizing device having a median transverse plane containing the axis of the immobilizing device and suitable for allowing partial housing of a wheel. In this case, the plate may also comprise at least one second concave housing defined in an upstream portion of the first concave housing and suitable for allowing housing of one of the rollers when the axis is placed in its upper position to allow the entry / exit of a wheel into / out of the first concave housing.

[0020] The invention also proposes a trailer comprising at least one platform of the type presented above. Brief description of the figures

[0021] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings (obtained in CAD / CAM (“Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Drawing”)), in which:

[0022] [Fig.l] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a side view, an example of a first vehicle towing a trailer comprising two superimposed support platforms and supporting vehicles immobilized by immobilization devices according to the invention,

[0023] [Fig.2] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a perspective view, an exemplary embodiment of an immobilizing device according to the invention, placed in a position for immobilizing a wheel of a first vehicle,

[0024] [Fig.3] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a top view, the immobilizing device of [Fig.2], placed in its immobilizing position,

[0025] [Fig.4] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a front view, the immobilizing device of [Fig.2], placed in its immobilizing position,

[0026] [Fig.5] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a front view (without part of the base), the immobilizing device of [Fig.2], placed in a position of non-obstruction of the wheel,

[0027] [Fig.6] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a front view (without part of the base), the immobilization device of [Fig.2], placed in an intermediate position during a transition from its non-hindered position to its immobilization position, and

[0028] [Fig.7] schematically and functionally illustrates, in a front view (without part of the base), the immobilization device of [Fig.2], placed in its immobilization position. Detailed description of the invention

[0029] The invention aims in particular to propose an immobilization device DI intended to equip a support plate PR suitable for supporting at least one (second) vehicle V2 with wheels RV, and making it possible to immobilize on this support plate PR a wheel RV of a second vehicle V2 simply, easily and quickly, and whatever the type of the second vehicle V2 and the diameter of the wheels of the latter (V2).

[0030] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the support platform PR equipped with immobilization devices DI is part of a trailer RT intended to be towed by a first vehicle VI. But the invention is not limited to this application. Indeed, the support platform PR equipped with immobilization devices DI can be part of a truck (possibly for recovery) or a wagon (possibly for railway use).

[0031] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that each support plate PR of the trailer RT is intended to support several second vehicles V2 with RV wheels. But a support plate PR may be intended to support a single second vehicle V2 with RV wheels.

[0032] In Figures 1 to 7, the direction X is intended to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of a second vehicle V2, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the direction Y is intended to be parallel to the transverse direction of the second vehicle V2, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the direction Z is intended to be parallel to the vertical direction of the second vehicle V2, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal directions X and transverse directions Y.

[0033] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates an example of a first vehicle VI, here a public transport coach (or bus), towing a trailer RT comprising two superimposed support platforms PR and supporting second vehicles V2 immobilized by immobilization devices DI according to the invention.

[0034] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], all the second vehicles V2 are of the same type. These are small cars without a license (or light vehicles of small dimensions and limited speed), possibly with an all-electric powertrain (or GMP). But the second vehicles V2 could be of different types and / or have wheels of different diameters. Thus, a second vehicle V2 can be a three-wheeled vehicle (such as for example a "trike" or a scooter) or a motorcycle or a quad or a car (possibly of the utility type) or even a small truck.

[0035] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2 to 7, a device immobilization DI, according to the invention, comprises at least two arms Bj (j = 1 or 2), a base ED, two carriages Cj, and an actuator AB.

[0036] Each of the two arms Bj is extensible and comprises a first end El and a second end E2 opposite its first end El and on which is rotatably mounted a roller Rlj which is capable of contacting a wheel RV in two symmetrically opposite locations relative to a median transverse plane (here parallel to the plane YZ).

[0037] For example, and as illustrated at least partially in Figures 2 to 7, each roller Rlj can be rotatably mounted on a support bar BRj having one end secured (possibly rotatably) to the second end E2 of the associated arm Bj.

[0038] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the base ED is suitable for being fixedly secured to the support plate PR and comprises a rail RC in which the two carriages Cj slide in opposite directions. It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 and 3, the rail RC extends in the longitudinal direction X, and therefore the two carriages Cj slide in opposite directions (in opposite directions) in the longitudinal direction X.

[0039] As illustrated in Figures 3 to 7, intermediate parts of the arms Bj (located between their first E1 and second E2 ends) are coupled in rotation respectively to the two carriages Cj. In other words, an intermediate part of the first arm (or front or downstream arm) B1 is coupled in rotation to the first carriage C1 and an intermediate part of the second arm (or rear or upstream arm) B2 is coupled in rotation to the second carriage C2.

[0040] The actuator AB comprises an axis AA to which the first ends El. Furthermore, this axis AA is translatable between upper and lower positions in which the latter El are placed respectively above the second ends E2 so that the rollers Rlj do not hinder the wheel RV and below the second ends E2 so that the rollers Rlj immobilize the wheel RV.

[0041] The arms Bj being extensible, the immobilizing device DI is very advantageously self-adaptable to almost any type of second vehicle V2 with RV wheels and / or to almost any RV wheel diameter of the latter (V2). In addition, the arrangement of the immobilizing device DI allows the person responsible for immobilizing a wheel RV to very easily and very quickly in a single manual operation move the immobilizing device DI from its position of non-obstructing the wheel RV (illustrated in [Fig. 5]) to its position of immobilizing the wheel RV (illustrated in figures 2 to 4 and 7), and vice versa. In other words, the immobilizing device DI simultaneously offers diversity (or adaptability), great ease of use, and great speed of immobilization or of unblocking a wheel RV, which makes it particularly well suited (although not limited to) to the public transport of second vehicles V2 installed on a trailer RT towed by a passenger transport coach (or bus) VI.

[0042] For example, in order to be extendable, the arms Bj may comprise a first part comprising the first end El, and a second part comprising the second end E2 and mounted in translation on the first part under a restoring force (for example resulting from an internal cylindrical spiral spring). In this case, the first part of each arm Bj is coupled in rotation to the associated carriage Cj. But as a variant, the arms Bj could be telescopic, for example.In this case, the arms Bj may, for example, be of the hydraulic type and comprise a hydraulic valve which is opened when the rollers Rlj are positioned in their upper immobilization position in order to allow the extension of the arms Bj, and which is then closed to block the piston in its current position in order to prevent any extension of the arms Bj.

[0043] It will be noted that when the first arrangement of the arms Bj is used (with internal cylindrical spiral spring) a stiffness magnitude of their internal springs is sufficient to block the extensions of the arms Bj when they are in their upper position in contact with a wheel RV in two symmetrically opposite locations relative to a median transverse plane (here parallel to the plane YZ), and thus prevent any movement of this wheel RV in the longitudinal direction.

[0044] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 5 to 7, the actuator AB may comprise a cylinder comprising the axis AA. In this case, the actuator AB may, for example, comprise a handle (not illustrated) coupled to its cylinder and capable, when rotated by the person responsible for immobilizing a wheel RV, of causing the translation of the axis AA between its upper position (corresponding to the unobstructed position of the wheel RV and illustrated in [Fig. 5]) and its lower position (corresponding to the immobilization position of the wheel RV and illustrated in Figures 2 to 4 and 7). It will be noted that an intermediate position of the axis AA between its upper position and its lower position is illustrated in [Fig. 6]. It will also be noted that the cylinder may be hydraulic, pneumatic or electric.It should also be noted that when the cylinder is hydraulic or pneumatic, its actuation can be controlled by a two-state valve (open / closed) of the type mentioned above, instead of using a handle.

[0045] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 3 to 7, the carriages Cj can be coupled together by a return spring RR, for example of the cylindrical spiral spring type. This option is intended to promote symmetrical movements of the two arms Bj relative to a median transverse plane (YZ). For example, the carriages Cj can respectively comprise two small rods parallel to each other (and here parallel to the transverse direction Y) to which are coupled two opposite ends of the return spring RR.

[0046] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 4], the base ED may comprise a locking / unlocking housing LV. In this case, the axis AA may comprise a rod TV capable of being translated between an unlocked position, in which it is not housed in this housing LV so that the translation of the axis AA is authorized, and a locked position in which it is housed in this housing LV so that the translation of the axis AA is prohibited. Thus, a simple manual translation of the rod LV by the person responsible for immobilizing a wheel RV makes it possible, when the axis AA is in its lower position (associated with the immobilization position of the wheel RV), to lock or unlock the translation of the axis AA.

[0047] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 3 to 7, the first ends E1 can be rotatably mounted on the rod TV, which then serves not only as a rotation axis common to the two first ends E1 and as a locking / unlocking means. This option is advantageous because it avoids having to provide a locking / unlocking means in addition to a rotation axis common to the two first ends E1

[0048] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 to 7, the support plate PR may comprise at least a first concave housing LC1 installed next to an immobilizing device DI having a median transverse plane (here YZ) containing the axis AA and suitable for allowing the partial housing of a wheel RV. This makes it possible to facilitate the precise positioning of a wheel RV relative to the immobilizing device DI which is associated with the first concave housing LC1 housing this wheel RV.

[0049] Preferably, each support plate PR comprises at least two first concave housings LC1 intended to position two front or rear wheels of a four-wheeled vehicle or front and rear wheels of a two-wheeled vehicle.

[0050] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 to 7, the support plate PR may comprise at least one second concave housing LC2 defined in an upstream portion of the first concave housing LC1. Here, the term "upstream portion" means the portion which is the first to receive a wheel RV. Each second concave housing LC2 is capable of allowing the housing of one of the rollers Rlj (here the second RI2) when the axis AA is placed in its upper position to allow the entry / exit of a wheel RV into / out of its first concave housing LC1. Thus, the wheel RV can pass over the second roller RI2 without risk of damaging the latter (RI2).

[0051] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 to 7, the support plate PR may comprise at least one guide wall PG erected substantially perpendicular to its rolling surface (and therefore here substantially vertical) and responsible for guiding a wheel RV of a second vehicle V2 to a first concave housing LC1. Preferably, the support plate PR comprises two guide walls PG responsible for guiding a wheel RV of a second vehicle V2 respectively to two opposite longitudinal sides of a first concave housing LC1. In this case, as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 to 4, each guide wall PG may comprise at least a first part making an acute angle with the associated longitudinal side to gradually recenter the wheel RV in the axis (here longitudinal X) of the associated first concave housing LC1. These first parts together delimit a kind of generally V-shaped neck.It will be noted that the guide wall PG which is located on the longitudinal side of the first concave housing LC1 opposite the base ED may also comprise a second part extending forward (or downstream) its first part and parallel to this longitudinal side, as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in figures 2 and 3. This also makes it possible to guide the wheel RV in the first concave housing LC1 so that it is indeed parallel to the longitudinal side provided with the second part of the guide wall PG.

[0052] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 3 and 4, at least one protective stop BP can be fixedly secured to the base ED on its face oriented towards the first concave space EC1 (and therefore towards the wheel RV). This (each) stop is intended to prevent a wheel RV from getting too close to the base ED, which could damage at least part of the immobilizing device DI. It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 3], two protective stops BP are fixedly secured to the base ED, but there could be only one.

Claims

Claims

1. Immobilizing device (DI) suitable for equipping a platform (PR) suitable for supporting at least one wheeled vehicle (RV), and comprising two arms (Bj) having first ends (El) and second ends (E2) on which are rotatably mounted rollers (Rlj) suitable for contacting a wheel (RV) in two symmetrically opposite locations relative to a median transverse plane, characterized in that it further comprises i) a base (ED) suitable for being fixedly secured to said platform (PR) and comprising a rail (RC) in which two carriages (Cj) slide in opposite directions to which intermediate parts of said arms (Bj) are coupled in rotation respectively, the latter (Bj) being extensible,and ii) an actuator (AB) comprising an axis (AA) to which said first ends (El) are coupled in rotation and translatable between upper and lower positions in which the latter (El) are placed respectively above said second ends (E2) so that said rollers (Rlj) do not hinder said wheel (RV) and below said second ends (E2) so that said rollers (Rlj) immobilize said wheel (RV).,

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said actuator (AB) comprises a jack comprising said axis (AA).

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said actuator (AB) comprises a handle coupled to said cylinder and capable, in the event of rotational drive, of causing the translation of said axis (AA) between said upper and lower positions.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said carriages (Cj) are coupled together by a return spring (RR).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said base (ED) comprises a housing (LV), and said axis (AA) comprises a rod (TV) capable of being translated between unlocked and locked positions in which it is respectively not housed and housed in said housing (LV) so that the translation of said axis (AA) is respectively authorized and prohibited.

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said first ends (El) are rotatably mounted on said rod (TV).

7. Platform (PR) suitable for supporting at least one wheeled vehicle (V2) (RV), characterized in that it comprises at least one immobilization device (DI) according to one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Tray according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises at least a first concave housing (LC1) installed next to an immobilizing device (DI) having a median transverse plane containing said axis (AA) and suitable for allowing the partial housing of a wheel (RV).

9. Tray according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one second concave housing (LC2) defined in an upstream part of said first concave housing (LC1) and suitable for allowing housing of one of said rollers (Rlj) when said axis (AA) is placed in said upper position to allow the entry / exit of a wheel (RV) into / out of said first concave housing (LC1).

10. Trailer (RT), characterized in that it comprises at least one platform (PR) according to one of claims 7 to 9.

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