VEHICLE FOR THE TRANSPORT AND INDIVIDUAL DELIVERY OF GOODS STORAGE CONTAINERS

Abstract

A transport vehicle comprising a platform (2) having at least one storage location for a cargo container (10), notable in that this location has two parallel rows of casters directed along a travel axis (S) outwards from the vehicle, which have a lower position leaving the casters below the plane of the platform (2) receiving the container (10) resting upon it, and at least one upper position with the casters lifting the container (10) from the platform (2) allowing its movement. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: VEHICLE FOR THE TRANSPORT AND INDIVIDUAL DELIVERY OF GOODS STORAGE CONTAINERS

[0001] The present invention relates to a container transport vehicle equipped for the individual delivery of these containers, as well as a method for controlling the movement of a container on such a vehicle.

[0002] A type of digital control of delivery of an object from a first vehicle to a second vehicle, presented in particular by document FR-A1-3135181, is secured by the identification of two vehicles side by side which are to transfer packages between them, and by tracking with a radio means the labels of these packages in order to verify that the correct packages arrive in the intended vehicle.

[0003] Generally speaking, the use of two successive vehicles for the transport and delivery of parcels in urban areas is developing. This involves, at a depot, the distribution of parcels into several containers according to delivery routes for each container, followed by the transport of all the containers by a first vehicle, such as a van, to a city. The van then delivers each container to a light vehicle which makes a "last mile" delivery of the parcels in a neighborhood of the city.

[0004] In this way, only light delivery vehicles are used in the city, in particular electric vehicles, or electric-assisted bicycles, called cargo bikes, receiving at the rear a container which can be high, or a low container at the front, in order to carry out the last distances with a non-polluting vehicle with reduced dimensions to easily pass through the streets.

[0005] In this case the container forms a module with standardized dimensions allowing an optimized surface to be provided in the first transport vehicle for aligning them, each module including a standard hook for fixing on the light vehicle of the last delivery.

[0006] In particular, a known type of container, presented in particular by document FR-Al-3140321, includes an individual platform comprising wheels giving a direction of movement to move them on the platform of the transport vehicle.

[0007] Each end of the platform has a transverse band comprising on one side a boss and on the other side a hollow which fits respectively into a hollow and a boss of the platform opposite, in order to achieve by interlocking a mechanical link which ensures a locking of the alignment of these platforms according to their direction of travel.

[0008] In this way, the connections ensure that the alignment of the platforms with their containers on the transport vehicle is maintained, and the wheels facilitate the movement of each container on this vehicle for loading or unloading.

[0009] The rotation of containers on the transport vehicle can be frequent, with for example each day the loading at the depot of containers containing the parcels then the unloading towards the light vehicles, and then after the deliveries the loading then unloading of the empty containers which are collected in order to return them to the depot for a new cycle.

[0010] However, this type of platform linked to each container to move it frequently on the transport vehicle poses problems of volume occupied by this platform with its wheels, and of increase in the mass of the equipped container, which leads to a reduction in the mass and volume available for loading packages inside.

[0011] In addition, containers equipped with their platform including wheels present a greater complexity, which can lead to wear and regular overhauls, and higher costs, whereas these containers, moved every day by a variety of personnel, must remain as simple as possible in order to limit the risks of failure.

[0012] The present invention aims in particular to avoid these problems of the prior art.

[0013] To this end, it proposes a transport vehicle comprising a platform having at least one storage space for a goods container, remarkable in that this space has two parallel rows of wheels directed along an axis of movement outwards from the vehicle, which have a lower position leaving the wheels below the plane of the platform receiving the container in support, and at least one upper position with the wheels lifting the container from the platform allowing its movement.

[0014] An advantage of this vehicle is that by keeping a container forming a box with a flat bottom, with rows of wheels equipped with lifting systems under the location of the container, we obtain first in the low position a container held on the platform by its support on it for the journeys of the vehicle, and in the high position an ease of movement of this container even heavily loaded, which rolls outwards in particular to receive it by a light vehicle.

[0015] The simplest possible containers are obtained, exhibiting reduced mass and maximum volume, which optimizes their loading and reduces costs. The rows of casters, including their lifting system, are arranged on a single transport vehicle, which limits the number of these devices and facilitates their monitoring and maintenance.

[0016] The vehicle according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics, which may be combined with each other.

[0017] Advantageously, the location includes two independent lifting systems which are arranged along the axis of movement, each at one end of the rows of casters.

[0018] Advantageously, the lifting systems each include an intermediate height position where the container is lifted off the platform, and a maximum height which is greater.

[0019] Advantageously, the lifting systems each comprise a jack arranged substantially horizontally, actuating a rocker having a fixed pivot which delivers a substantially vertical movement to two parallel rails carrying the rollers.

[0020] Advantageously, the vehicle includes a retractable stop inserted between two container locations arranged on the same axis of movement.

[0021] Advantageously, the vehicle includes a door arranged opposite the axis of movement, comprising wheels aligned on the rows of wheels.

[0022] Advantageously, the vehicle includes above the containers a winch for pulling these containers to their location.

[0023] Advantageously, the vehicle includes a centralized control of all container lifting actuators.

[0024] The invention also relates to a method for controlling the movement of a container from a transport vehicle comprising any one of the preceding characteristics, remarkable in that it includes a step of lifting the container by the wheels arranged underneath which detaches it from the platform, then a step of sliding this container along the axis of movement.

[0025] Moreover, advantageously in certain steps the process arranges the casters supporting the container along an inclined plane.

[0026] The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become more apparent upon reading the following description given by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] [Fig-1] is a diagram of a transport vehicle according to the invention receiving twelve containers distributed over two rows;

[0028] [Fig.2] is a top view diagram of this vehicle;

[0029] [Fig.3] is a side view diagram of a container with the lower door arranged in face which is closed;

[0030] [Fig.4] is a top view diagram of the rails with their wheels for two sets each comprising two containers which are aligned on a movement axis;

[0031] [Fig.5] is a side view diagram of the external roller lifting system, shown successively in the lower and upper positions;

[0032] [Fig.6] is a side view diagram of the container exit near the door;

[0033] [Fig.7] is a side view diagram of the exit of the remote container disposed after the container nearby;

[0034] [Fig.8] is a side view diagram of the return of the remote container ascending the ramp formed by the door; and

[0035] [Fig.9] is a side view diagram of the distant container passing the location of the nearby container to end up in its place.

[0036] Throughout the document the upper or top direction is relative to a vehicle placed on a horizontal ground, the transverse direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0037] Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 show a van forming a transport vehicle having at the rear a loading platform 2 inside an enclosed volume. The right side of the volume has three lower doors 4 hinged on a lower pivot 12, aligned with three upper doors 6, which, by opening a pair of upper and lower doors, provide access to two containers 10 fitted opposite this opening.

[0038] Alternatively, doors 4 and 6 can allow widthwise passage for a single container 10, or for more than two containers. The number of passages on the same side of the vehicle can vary, for example, a single passage with a large door opening the entire length, two passages, or more than three. Each passage can be closed by a single door covering the height of that passage, this door having a bottom opening or a top opening.

[0039] It is possible to transport six containers 10 on one side of the van, and six others arranged symmetrically on the other side, filling the entire van. The vehicle has doors only on its right side; opposite each pair of doors 4, 6, there are two nearby containers 10 in positions close to these doors, and two distant containers 10' in positions arranged behind them, which pass through these same doors.

[0040] Alternatively, symmetrical doors can be arranged on both sides of the vehicle in order to enter and exit containers which are then all close to their doors 10.

[0041] The dimensions of the containers 10 are optimized according to the size of the vehicles. In particular, standard pallet dimensions can be used, i.e., 1m20 x 0m80 floor area of ​​a single container, or for two containers, each measuring 0m80 x 0m60.

[0042] Between each pair of containers 10 arranged symmetrically on both sides of the vehicle, an intermediate controlled and retractable stop 24 fixed on the platform 2 forms between the inner edges INT of these containers a separation which can descend, to hold them each on their side in the high position.

[0043] The open lower door 4 forms an inclined access ramp that allows access to the loading area for loading or unloading two containers 10 opposite this door, along a movement axis directed towards the exit S which is aligned with the transverse direction of the vehicle. As shown [Fig. 2], by placing a cargo bike 8 on one side or the other of the lower door 4, a container 10 can be loaded or unloaded at the rear of this bike.

[0044] Each container location 10 has, beneath the platform 2, two parallel rails 16 arranged transversely above a chassis 14 of the vehicle. These rails are connected to the chassis by an internal lifting system INT 20 and, at the edge of the vehicle, by an external lifting system EXT 22, arranged oppositely at the inner and outer ends of the rails, respectively. Each lifting system 20, 22, located along the median axis of the container 10, acts on a cross member 50 that connects the two rails 16 in order to balance the lifting forces on these rails.

[0045] Each rail 16 has a series of rollers 18 which are aligned with rollers 26 fixed to the lower door 4 to form two parallel rolling tracks on the sides of the container 10 in order to facilitate its transverse sliding entry or exit along the axis of movement S.

[0046] Each caster 18, 26 has, on its side facing outwards from the container 10, a shoulder 52 such as to form, between the shoulders of the two rows of casters, a lateral guide for this container in order to maintain its movement along the transverse direction of the vehicle. The casters 18, 26 can be made of any material that facilitates rolling, such as a metal or a rigid plastic, or a more flexible material to reduce noise.

[0047] A winch 54 fixed to the vehicle body between the two aligned containers 10, above the retractable stop 24 and at a height sufficient to allow a container to pass underneath, includes a traction cable equipped with a hook 56 allowing a container located outside on the slope of the lower door 4 to be pulled onto the platform 2.

[0048] Generally, the transport vehicle may include an enclosed van sheltering the containers 10, or only the uncovered platform 2, leaving them outside. The wheels 18 guiding the containers 10 outwards may be oriented along the transverse direction of the vehicle to exit on one side, or along the longitudinal direction to exit at the rear of the vehicle.

[0049] Figure 5 shows the internal lifting system 22 comprising a cylinder 30 fixed substantially horizontally to the frame 14 by a rear pivot 32 disposed on its inwardly facing end. The cylinder rod 34 terminates in a front pivot 36 connected to one end of a right-angled rocker arm 38, the elbow of which is fixed to the frame 14 by a rocker arm pivot 40. The second end of the rocker arm 38 is connected by an intermediate pivot 42 to a substantially vertical connecting rod 44, the upper end of which is fixed to the rail cross member 50 by an end pivot 46.

[0050] The left-hand side of [Fig. 5] shows each rail roller 18 positioned below a window 48 of the platform 2, so as to remain under the upper surface of this platform which supports the container 10. Advantageously, a non-slip material is placed on top of the platform 2 so as to secure the container 10 by its own weight inside the van, in order to prevent movement during driving the transport vehicle.

[0051] The right part of [Fig.5] shows the control of the exit of the cylinder rod 34 giving an outward push of the first end of the rocker 38 which pivots around its rocker pivot 40, the second end rising by driving through the intermediate pivot 42 the connecting rod 44 which rises at the same time as the rails 16 by means of the rail cross member 50.

[0052] Each rail roller 18 is raised so that its upper part is inserted into the window 48 in order to slightly lift the container 10 to detach it from the platform 2. The container 10 is then ready to roll on the two rail roller tracks 18 in order to move it effortlessly outwards to take it out of the vehicle or inwards to put it back in.

[0053] The independent control of each lifting system 20, 22 allows the casters 18 to be raised on its side to an intermediate height HI where the container 10 placed on it is only slightly raised off the platform 2, or to a maximum height HM which is greater. The remote container 10' similarly comprises its internal lifting system 20' and its external lifting mechanism 22' which is located at the edge of the vehicle.

[0054] Fig. 6 shows the exit of a nearby container 10 comprising the rise to the maximum height HM of the internal lifting system 20 and the rise to the intermediate height HI of the external system 22, which together with the set of rollers 18 gives an inclined plane towards the outside.

[0055] An operator can then easily guide the nearby container 10 towards the exit which rolls down the small slope of its location and then down the slope of the lower door 4, to reach the light vehicle which receives it.

[0056] Fig. 7 shows the exit of a remote container 10' comprising first lowering the retractable intermediate stop 24. Then on the location of this remote container 10' the external lifting system 22' is commanded to rise to the maximum height HM and the internal system 20' to the intermediate height HI, and on the nearby location which is empty the two systems 20, 22 are commanded to rise to an intermediate height HI.

[0057] The operator can then guide the distant container 10' towards the nearby location to place it on it thanks to the slope of its own wheels 18. He then commands on the nearby location the raising to the maximum height HM of the inner system 20 and to the intermediate height HI of the outer system 22 in order to, as shown [Fig.6], take the distant container 10' out of the vehicle using the wheels 18 of this nearby location.

[0058] Fig. 8 shows the ascent of a nearby container 10 onto the lower door 4 forming a ramp, comprising first the control at the intermediate height HI of the external system 22 and at the maximum height HM of the internal system 20. The operator then attaches the cable hook 56 of the winch 54 to the nearby container 10, and then controls this winch to apply a traction which raises it onto the ramp of the lower door 4.

[0059] The container is effortlessly moved up the ramp of the lower door 4, then arrived at the nearby location including its wheels 18, which also form a slope that is substantially in continuity with that of the lower door.

[0060] Figure 9 shows the installation of a remote container 10', which is first placed on the nearby location as shown in Figure 8. The retractable stop 24 is then lowered.

[0061] Then, contrary to the exit of the distant container 10' shown [Fig.7], the nearby location is commanded to raise the external system 22 to the maximum height HM and the internal system 20 to the intermediate height HI, and the distant location, which is empty, is commanded to raise both systems 20', 22' to an intermediate height HI.

[0062] With the slope formed from the near location to the far location, the operator can guide the 10' far container from one to the other, to bring it to its final position. The operator then raises the retractable stop 24 to hold the 10' far container in its far location.

[0063] Advantageously, all movements of the lifting systems 20, 22, the retractable stop 24, and the winch 54 are powered by electric motors using the vehicle's on-board electrical system battery. These movements can be controlled remotely by any means, including a wired remote control, a wireless network, a tablet, or a smartphone. In particular, it is possible to program... successive sequences that will control the movements in order, the operator only having to request the transition from one movement to another, which simplifies operations and avoids the risk of errors.

Claims

Demands

1. Transport vehicle comprising a platform (2) having at least one storage location for a goods container (10), characterized in that this location has two parallel rows of wheels (18) directed along a movement axis (S) outwards from the vehicle, which have a low position leaving the wheels (18) below the plane of the platform (2) receiving the container (10) resting on it, and at least one high position with the wheels (18) which lift the container (10) from the platform (2) allowing its movement.

2. Transport vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the location comprises two independent lifting systems (20, 22) which are arranged along the axis of travel (S) each at one end of the rows of casters (18).

3. Transport vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that each lifting system (20, 22) allows the wheels (18) on its side to be mounted to an intermediate height (HI) where the container (10) placed on it is only detached from the platform (2), and to a maximum height (HM) which is greater than the intermediate height (HI).

4. Transport vehicle according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the lifting systems (20, 22) each comprise a jack (30) arranged substantially horizontally, actuating a rocker (38) comprising a fixed pivot (40) which delivers a substantially vertical movement to two parallel rails (16) carrying the wheels (18).

5. Transport vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a retractable stop (24) inserted between two container locations (10) arranged on the same axis of movement (S).

6. Transport vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a door (4) disposed opposite the axis of movement (S), comprising casters (26) aligned on the rows of casters (18).

7. A transport vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises above the containers (10) a winch (54) for pulling these containers (10) to their location.

8. Transport vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a centralized control of all the lifting actuators (20, 22) of the containers (10).

9. Method of controlling the movement of a container (10) of a transport vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a step of lifting the container (10) by the wheels (18) arranged below which detaches it from the platform (2), then a step of sliding this container (10) along the axis of movement (S).

10. Method for controlling the movement of a container (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that in certain steps it arranges the wheels (18) supporting the container (10) along an inclined plane.

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