Utility vehicle fitting including a liftgate equipped with a means of attachment for lifting a container.

Abstract

Title: Utility vehicle fitting comprising a liftgate equipped with a means of attachment for lifting a container.The invention relates to an arrangement (2) for a vehicle (1) comprising a liftgate (10), particularly arranged at the rear of such a vehicle (1), the liftgate (10) comprising a platform (20) capable of moving upwards and downwards in the vertical direction, the platform (20) being able to pivot from a vertical position (PV) in which the platform (20) extends substantially vertically to a horizontal position in which the platform (20) extends substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane, and vice versa, the platform (20) comprising a loading face (21) capable of supporting a load when the platform (20) is in the horizontal position, the platform (20) comprising at least one attachment means (30) intended to cooperate with a container so as to allow raising and / or lowering such a container when the platform (20) is in the vertical position (PV). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Layout for utility vehicle comprising a liftgate equipped with a hooking means for lifting a container.

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for a utility vehicle comprising a liftgate, the liftgate comprising a platform equipped with a hooking means for raising and / or lowering a container when the platform is in a vertical position. The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising such an arrangement.

[0002] In a factory or warehouse, for example, containers are frequently used to store products such as workpieces, machined parts, raw materials, parts to be assembled or assembled, or even waste or scrap, etc. Such containers are generally made of steel to ensure a long service life, despite the shocks they endure during handling. However, even when made of a material other than steel, such containers are heavy, especially when they store parts or other contents. In this case, the mass of their contents is obviously added to their empty mass, making them difficult or even impossible for one or more operators to lift.

[0003] Furthermore, in order to limit the floor space required when storing numerous containers, it is common practice to stack them on top of each other. Therefore, it becomes essential to have a forklift, generally equipped with two forks, or an equivalent, to lift one container onto another or lower a container stacked on top of another container, regardless of whether the container to be lifted or lowered is empty or full, taking into account the empty mass of such a container.

[0004] However, such forklifts require a qualification to operate. Many operators lack this qualification because it is lengthy, tedious, and expensive for the company wishing to train an operator. Furthermore, such forklifts are costly to purchase and maintain. Finally, such forklifts take up floor space in a warehouse or factory, whereas floor space is optimized and generally intended primarily for storage and / or the installation of workstations and / or machinery.

[0005] The objective of the present invention is to overcome the above drawbacks by providing a solution for handling containers using a utility vehicle equipped with a liftgate. The invention is particularly simple and requires only minor modifications to a liftgate of a state-of-the-art commercial vehicle equipped with a liftgate. Summary of the invention

[0006] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle, in particular for a utility motor vehicle, comprising a liftgate, in particular arranged at the rear of such a vehicle, the liftgate comprising: - a platform capable of translating upwards and downwards in the vertical direction, the platform being able to pivot from a vertical position in which the platform extends substantially vertically to a horizontal position in which the platform extends substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane, and vice versa, - the platform comprising a loading face capable of supporting a load when the platform is in a horizontal position, - the platform comprising at least one attachment means intended to cooperate with a container so as to allow such a container to be raised and / or lowered when the platform is in a vertical position.

[0007] The platform may include a rear face, the rear face of the platform being opposite the loading face, and at least one attachment means may include: - an opening that can be made in the back face of the tray, and - a removable support that can include an extension that can be hooked into the opening.

[0008] The opening may have an overall keyhole shape.

[0009] The opening may include a circular hole and a substantially oblong notch extending downwards in the vertical position of the tray and the extension of the removable support may include a shoulder, the large diameter of the shoulder being just less than the diameter of the circular hole and the small diameter of the shoulder being just less than the width of the notch so that the shoulder locks at the notch.

[0010] The removable support may be suitable for attaching to an upper corner of an ISO 1161 type container.

[0011] The removable support may include a gripping part capable of being locked in a hole in a corner of a container, in particular a gripping part provided with a locking lever within such a hole and an unlocking lever relative to such a hole.

[0012] The platform may include two attachment means arranged at the same height in the vertical position of the platform.

[0013] The platform may comprise a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being able to be articulated with respect to each other by a pivot joint with axis extending transversely, in particular at the midpoint of the length of the platform along the longitudinal direction in the horizontal position of the platform.

[0014] The invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising an arrangement as defined above.

[0015] The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising material means, in particular electrical and / or hydraulic, and / or software means configured for the control of the pivoting of the platform between the vertical position and the horizontal position and vice versa and / or the control of the raising and lowering of the platform according to the vertical direction. Presentation of the figures

[0016] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of an embodiment and a variant given by way of non-limiting reference in relation to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0017] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the invention, with two containers stacked one on top of the other behind the vehicle.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to a variant of the embodiment of the invention, two containers being stacked one on top of the other behind the vehicle.

[0020] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an arrangement according to the variant of the embodiment of the invention, at the beginning of the deployment of the platform.

[0021] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the arrangement according to the variant of the embodiment of the invention, at the end of the deployment of the platform.

[0022] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the arrangement according to the variant of the embodiment of the invention, the platform being deployed and in a horizontal position.

[0023] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the vehicle according to the variant of the embodiment of the invention, the platform being deployed and in a vertical position, with two containers stacked one on top of the other behind the vehicle.

[0024] Fig. 8 is a partial perspective view of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the invention or variant, the platform being in a vertical position, a container stacked on top of another container behind the vehicle being attached to the platform.

[0025] Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the invention or variant thereof, the platform being in a vertical position, a container being lifted by the platform above another container, behind the vehicle.

[0026] Fig. 10 is a partial perspective view of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the invention or variant, the platform being in a lowered vertical position, a container attached to the platform being placed on the ground behind the vehicle.

[0027] Fig. 11 is a perspective detail view of a hanging means, the platform being in a vertical position, according to the embodiment of the invention or variant.

[0028] Fig. 12 is a detailed perspective view of a removable support fixed to the tray, the tray being in a vertical position, according to the embodiment of the invention or variant.

[0029] Fig. 13 is a detailed perspective view of the removable support after locking onto an upper corner of a container.

[0030] Fig. 14 is a perspective detail view of a gripping means releasing itself from an upper corner of a container resting on the ground. Detailed description

[0031] The direction in which a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, located in a plane parallel to the ground, is called the transverse direction Y. The third direction, perpendicular to the other two, is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a right-handed coordinate system XYZ is used in which X is the longitudinal direction in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle, i.e., directed towards the rear, Y is the transverse direction directed to the right, and Z is the vertical direction directed upwards. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which the vehicle usually moves in the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the backward direction.

[0032] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], a utility vehicle 1, preferably a motor vehicle, comprises an arrangement 2. The vehicle 1 or the arrangement 2 includes a liftgate 10. The utility vehicle 1 may be of the open-back pickup truck type, as illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Alternatively, the utility vehicle has a rear cargo box 5, as shown in dotted lines in [Fig. 1]. Regardless of the type of vehicle 1, the vehicle includes at least one liftgate, for example, comprising at least one column.

[0033] By "tail lift" is meant a tail lift 10 comprising a platform 20 which is capable of moving upwards and downwards in the vertical direction. The platform 20 of the tail lift 10 can also pivot from a vertical position PV to a horizontal position PH and vice versa. In the case of a tail lift 10 arranged at the rear With the vehicle 1 in the vertical position PV, the platform 20 extends in a vertical and transverse or substantially vertical and transverse plane. When the platform 20 is in the vertical position PV, a lower end 29 of the platform 20 can thus come into contact with the ground or substantially into contact with the ground (see [Fig. 1]). If a liftgate 10 is fitted at the rear, with the platform 20 in the horizontal position PH, the platform extends in a transverse and longitudinal or substantially transverse and longitudinal plane.

[0034] Preferably, the platform 20 can be placed in a first horizontal position PHI at the same level, or substantially at the same level in the vertical direction, as a rear floor 6 of the vehicle 1, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. Preferably, the platform 20 can be placed in a second horizontal position PH2 in which the platform 20 is resting against the ground or substantially resting on the ground 7. The liftgate 10 allows the platform 20 to translate in the vertical direction to move from position PHI to position PH2 (for example, to unload goods from the floor 6) and / or to move from position PH2 to position PHI (for example, to load goods onto the floor 6).

[0035] Thus, the plate 20 can therefore translate along the vertical direction both when it is in horizontal position PH and when it is in vertical position PV.

[0036] Alternatively, or in addition, the vehicle includes at least one side liftgate, for example on the right and / or left. A side liftgate then extends along a vertical and longitudinal plane in the vertical position and extends along a transverse and longitudinal plane in the horizontal position.

[0037] More specifically, the platform 20 includes a loading face 21. The loading face 21 of the platform is capable of supporting a load 8, for example, goods, when the platform 20 is in a horizontal position as illustrated in [Fig. 1] (see position PHI). In a horizontal position PH of the platform 20, the loading face 21 is oriented upwards.

[0038] As schematically illustrated in [Fig. 1], the arrangement 2, in particular the platform 20, comprises at least one attachment means 30. This at least one attachment means 30 can cooperate with a container 100 (see [Fig. 2]) to raise, lift, and / or lower a container 100 when the platform 20 is in the vertical position PV, as will be seen subsequently. Preferably, two attachment means 30 are provided on the platform 20.

[0039] The platform 20 further comprises a rear face 22. The rear face 22 of the platform 20 is opposite the loading face 21. In other words, in the vertical position PV, the rear face 22 is arranged on the outside of the vehicle. In the horizontal position, the rear face 22 is then facing the ground 7, possibly in contact or substantially in contact with the ground 7.

[0040] As illustrated in particular in [Fig. 2], each attachment means 30 preferably comprises an opening 23 provided in the rear face 22 of the tray 20. Optionally, the opening 23 is through. In this case, the opening 23 passes through the tray 20 from the rear face 22 to the loading face 21. Alternatively, the opening 23 is not through, that is to say, it is provided in or from the rear face 22 and does not open into, or through, the loading face 21. Preferably, as illustrated in particular in [Fig. 11], the opening 23 has an overall keyhole shape. By "keyhole" is meant an oblong hole having a major axis extending vertically (when the tray 20 is in the vertical position PV), the upper part of the oblong hole being truncated by a circular hole. Thus, in this case, the orifice 23 includes a circular hole 24 and a substantially oblong notch 25 extending downwards in the vertical position PV of the plate 20..

[0041] Optionally, the platform 20 comprises a plate or sheet metal on its loading face 21 and a plate or sheet metal on its rear face 22. A space, i.e., a void, then extends between these two plates. Advantageously, tubes or reinforcements create bridges between the two plates in order to strengthen and stiffen the platform 20. Preferably, the opening(s) 23 are provided between two reinforcements between the two plates. Alternatively, the openings pass through the rear face 22 and at least one reinforcement so that the material of the reinforcement contributes to stiffening the periphery of the opening 23. In this case, the holes 23 are blind.

[0042] As illustrated in particular in Figures 11 to 13, each attachment means 30 further comprises a removable support 31. The removable support 31 comprises an extension, a protrusion, a projection, a finger 32. The extension 32 is shaped, adapted, designed to hook, cooperate, insert, lock, or wedge itself into the opening 23. Preferably, as illustrated in [Fig. 11], the extension 32 of the removable support 31 is cylindrical, or substantially cylindrical, its axis extending perpendicularly to the rear face 22 of the plate 20 after its positioning. This extension 32 then preferably comprises a shoulder 33 at its distal end. The shoulder 33 comprises a large diameter D33. The remainder of the extension 32 behind the shoulder 33 comprises a cylindrical portion of small diameter d33. As illustrated in figures 11, 12 and 13, the removable support 31 includes for example a plate 34, for example flat or substantially flat.The removable support 31 preferably includes a further wing 35, for example flat or substantially flat, extending perpendicularly to the plate 34. In this case, the removable support 31 has an overall right-angled shape, with its two wings 34, 35 perpendicular to each other. Optionally, two reinforcements 36 extend on each side of the wings 34, 35, as illustrated in particular in Figures 12 and 13, in order to stiffen the right angle between the wings 34, 35. Optionally, the support 31 is obtained. by cutting an angle bracket. Then, the extension 32 is fixed, for example by welding, perpendicularly to the wing 35, the wing 35 being designed to extend vertically (in the vertical PV position of the platform 20). Preferably, an additional thickness, a plate, is added under the other wing of the angle bracket so as to obtain a plate 34 that is thicker than the wing 35. Finally, the two reinforcements or legs 36 are fixed, for example by welding, so as to reinforce the portion of the angle bracket between the plate 34 and the wing 35. As illustrated in Figures 11 to 13, in the vertical PV position of the platform 20, the plate 34 extends in a transverse and longitudinal plane.

[0043] The removable support 31 further includes a gripping portion 37 for a container 100, more precisely a gripping portion 37 for cooperating with an upper corner 101 of the container 100, as illustrated in particular in [Fig. 13]. Such a gripping portion 37 is preferably a widely used element for assembling containers one on top of the other, particularly for their transport on cargo ships and / or on truck beds equipped with suitable fastenings. Indeed, generally, as illustrated in [Fig. 14], the four lower corners 102 of a container 100 and the four upper corners 101 of the same container 100 are each equipped with a reinforcement having, in particular, holes 103, 104 for cooperating with such a gripping portion 37.Optionally, a block, wedge, or spacer 40 is inserted between two gripping means 37 to secure a lower corner 102 of one container above another to an upper corner 101 of the container below. Thus, for example, a container 100 equipped at each of its four lower corners 102 with two gripping means 37 and a wedge 40 inserted between these two gripping means, can be easily fixed onto a suitable platform or above another identical container, which then includes four suitable upper corners 101. Indeed, each gripping means 37 preferably includes a lever 38 to lock the gripping means to the platform or to the lower container at the level of the upper corners 101 of the lower container. As mentioned, each upper corner 101 of a container 100 includes at least one upper opening 103 (see [Fig.14]) and / or each lower corner 102 includes at least one lower opening 104 (illustrated in dotted lines on [Fig. 14]). In other words, a gripping part 37 is capable of being fixed, preferably locked, in particular via the lever 38, in an opening of a corner 101, 102 of a container, the gripping or hooking or fastening means being known and / or referenced under the international standard ISO 1161.

[0044] Preferably, the gripping part 37 is fixed under the plate 34, for example by four screws 39 screwing into threaded holes in the thickness of the plate, or by screw-nut systems sandwiching the gripping part, or at least its edges, and the plate, between screw heads and nuts, as illustrated on [Fig. 12]. Alternatively, other means of fixing the gripping part 37 against the plate 34 can be provided, for example by welding.

[0045] Thus, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the removable support 31 must be attached to the tray 20 before each use. To do this, the extension 32 of the support 31 is inserted into the opening 23. As a reminder, the extension 32 is shouldered and the hole 23 is keyhole-shaped, so the extension 32 must first be inserted into the top of the hole 23 in a direction perpendicular to the tray in the vertical position of the tray, and then the removable support 31 must be lowered in the vertical direction as indicated by the two arrows in [Fig. 11]. Indeed, the shoulder 33 is preferably such that its major diameter D33 is just smaller than the diameter D24 of the circular hole 24.In addition, preferably, the small diameter d33 of the cylindrical portion of the extension 32 attaching to the wing 35 is just less than the width L25 of the notch 25 so that the shoulder 33 locks at the notch 25, after the translation of the support 31 in the downward vertical direction.

[0046] As illustrated in the various figures, preferably the platform 20 comprises two attachment means 30 arranged at the same height in the vertical position PV of the platform 20.

[0047] As illustrated in particular in [Fig. 5], the vehicle 1 advantageously comprises physical means 3, for example electrical and / or hydraulic, for example including cylinders, to ensure the changes in position of the platform, both its pivoting and its raising and lowering. The vehicle 1 preferably also comprises software means 4 configured for controlling the pivoting of the platform 20, in particular between the vertical position PV and the horizontal position PH, and vice versa, and / or for controlling the raising and lowering of the platform 20 in the vertical direction. Preferably, the vehicle 1 also comprises controls, for example in the form of a manual control box 9, for operating the platform 20. Preferably, the control box 9 is arranged so that the operator can manipulate it while standing near the rear of the vehicle.Note that this unit 9 is not necessarily fixed to the vehicle; it can be a remote control type or connected to the vehicle by wire.

[0048] According to a variant illustrated in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, for example, the platform 20 is foldable. In this case, the platform 20 comprises a first part 26 and a second part 27. The first and second parts 26, 27 are hinged to each other by a pivot joint 28 with an axis extending transversely (see in particular Figures 4 and 5). Preferably, the pivot joint 28 with a transverse axis is at the midpoint, or substantially at the midpoint, of the length of the platform 20 along the longitudinal direction in the horizontal position PH of the platform 20. In this case, the areas of the first and second parts 26, 27 are preferably identical, or substantially identical. In other words, once the second part 27 is folded against the first part 26, the second part 27 does not protrude from the first part or protrudes negligibly. Possibly, the second part 27 has a slightly shorter length, particularly in the longitudinal direction (in the horizontal position of the platform) so that the second part 27 does not interfere with another part of the tailgate in the folded position, i.e., when both parts are folded and extended vertically as illustrated in [Fig. 3].

[0049] Depending on the variant, particularly in the case of a van-type vehicle with a rear floor 6 and no rear cargo box, as illustrated in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, the first step is to unfold the tailgate platform normally. Indeed, on this type of vehicle, the platform is in two parts so as to occupy the space of a tailgate when folded down ([Fig. 3]). Thus, in its initial state, the platform is completely folded down into the tailgate position. As illustrated in [Fig. 4], the operator unfolds and pivots the folded platform rearward around a transverse axis 11, for example, located at the rear end of the rear floor 6. The parts 26 and 27 are then opposite each other. Once the horizontal position is reached, the second part 27 of the plate 20 is unfolded around the pivot joint 28 as illustrated in [Fig.5], so as to obtain an unfolded plate 20, in horizontal position PH, as illustrated in [Fig.6].When the platform 20 is in the unfolded position, the operator then folds the platform so as to place it in the vertical PV position, via the transverse axis pivot joint 11 preferably arranged near the platform 20's raising / lowering system. Once this last step has been carried out, the platform 20 is in the configuration for its use of stacking / unstacking containers.

[0050] A method for lowering a container stacked on top of another will now be described.

[0051] Once the vehicle 1 is stopped near stacked containers, with the platform in the vertical PV position ([Fig. 2]), the removable supports 31 must be mounted, secured, and arranged within the openings 23 to provide two attachment points 30. For this purpose, as previously mentioned and illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the extension 32 of each support 31 is made to cooperate with the opening 23, preferably a lock-shaped one, so as to utilize gravity and the wedging effect to prevent any risk of the removable support 31 inadvertently detaching. After inserting the two supports 31 into the openings 23, the two stacked containers 100 can then be manually placed directly under the supports 31. Preferably, the containers 100 are equipped with casters 105, for example, three casters under each container, which facilitate their movement on the ground.Note that the casters do not interfere with the container placed underneath, if applicable, particularly due to the placement of wedges or blocks 40 as seen previously and illustrated in [Fig. 14]. The [container] is then lowered. The platform 20 remains in the vertical position PV throughout the entire maneuver. Thus, we find ourselves in the configuration of [Fig. 8]. Indeed, the gripping parts 37 of the two removable supports 31 housed in the platform 20 are inserted into the upper openings 103 of the upper corners 101 of the container 100 arranged at the top, as illustrated in [Fig. 13]. Obviously, once this interlocking is achieved, each lever 38 is actuated, pivoted, and preferably rotated a quarter turn, to secure each gripping part 37, and therefore each removable support 31, to the corresponding upper corner.

[0052] Prior to this step, or just after, the gripping means 37 on either side of the wedges 40 linking the two superimposed containers together are unlocked, in particular by acting on the four corresponding levers 38.

[0053] Next, the platform 20 (still in the vertical position PV) can be mounted so as to lift only the upper container as illustrated by the arrows in figures 9 and 14. Note that the upper container is then mounted high enough to free the extension or projection of the gripping part 37 which fits into the upper opening 103 of an upper corner 101 of the lower container if necessary.

[0054] It is then necessary to remove the four wedges 40 and the gripping parts 37 attached to these wedges under the upper container and to move the lower container, which remains on the ground, using its casters 105. Once these two steps have been completed, there is sufficient space under the raised container. Thus, the upper container can be lowered. To do this, simply lower the platform 20 (still in the vertical position PV) until the casters 105 of the container come into contact with the ground, as illustrated in [Fig. 10]. Note that this position may coincide with the contact of the platform 20 with the ground 7. Thus, the arrangement 2 is quickly usable and easy to operate, the sequence of steps being logical, trivial, and obvious. Note that using the platform to raise or lower it consumes very little energy, so this use does not interfere with the other functions of the vehicle 1.

[0055] Note that by adapting the order of the steps, arrangement 2 can be used to lift a container placed on the ground, attach the supports 40 and gripping parts 37 underneath it, before placing it on top of another container arranged on the ground. To do this, simply bring the containers close by rolling them on the ground near the rear of the vehicle and / or bring vehicle 1 close to the containers in question.

[0056] Thus, thanks to the solution, it becomes easy to separate 100 logistics containers or containers. The solution is particularly suited to a chassis cab type utility vehicle equipped with a column tailgate at the rear.

[0057] In a logistics service context, a simple utility vehicle equipped with the solution on a liftgate can replace a forklift or equivalent. In other words, a utility vehicle approved for road use This offers the possibility of participating in container handling. If necessary, the attachment points, particularly the locations of the 23 holes (where applicable), are adapted to accommodate different container sizes. In this case, a platform can be equipped with three, four, or even more holes to be compatible with various container sizes. The additional holes can be provided in both the transverse and vertical directions (when the platform is in a vertical position).

[0058] Thanks to the solution, it becomes possible to separate a container 100 arranged above another container 100 (see [Fig.2]) without effort provided by the operator, the electrical and / or hydraulic energy used for these container movements coming from the vehicle 1. Note that safety is guaranteed, in particular by the use of the remote manual control box 9.

[0059] As described, the arrangement is used once the vehicle has stopped. It is not possible to engage or use the liftgate 10 if at least one traction and / or propulsion motor of the vehicle 1 is started or ready to be started.

[0060] The solution is particularly economical since it is sufficient to manufacture means of attachment, namely to make at least two holes in the plate if necessary, and to associate two gripping parts 37 with two plates 34 in order to obtain two removable supports 31.

[0061] In other words, the illustrated solution requires only a minor modification to a column liftgate installed on a utility vehicle. As mentioned, two "keyholes" are added to allow the temporary attachment of removable supports comprising known and widely used gripping parts to the surface 22 of the liftgate platform 20. Preferably, the wing 35 rests against the rear face 22 of the platform 20 (see Figures 11 and 12). Thanks to the gripping means 37 combined with wedges 40, two containers can be stacked and locked together. Advantageously, the solution requires small gripping means, for example, smaller than those used in maritime logistics. Thus, as mentioned and illustrated in Figures 8, 9, and 14, the first step in separating two stacked containers is unlocking the four means between the two containers.

[0062] It should be noted that the removable supports 31 should preferably be fixed to the platform 20 before each operation and removed from the platform after each operation. Indeed, in the case of normal use of the tailgate with the platform horizontal, the supports could obstruct, possibly hit the ground, or even detach from the platform, or could be damaged or damage the platform by becoming wedged between the ground and the platform. For example, the removable supports 31 are stored directly in the vehicle 1, either in the cab or at the rear floor level. Optionally, notches or openings similar to the openings 23 are provided in the side rails or behind the cab to easily store the removable supports when not in use and outside the cab.

[0063] In summary, the solution takes advantage of the column tailgate already installed on a vehicle to give the vehicle an additional function. Indeed, by exploiting the extra travel provided by this tailgate, that is, the travel in the vertical direction initially allowing the platform in the horizontal position to move from the level of the rear floor 6 to the level of the ground 7 and vice versa, the tailgate makes it possible to separate two stacked containers. More precisely, this allows, in particular, the upper container to be lifted and then lowered to the ground. As mentioned, the modification to the vehicle is minor.Thanks to this solution, the use of external handling equipment, such as a forklift, is eliminated. This avoids the purchase, storage, and maintenance of such equipment. At the very least, it eliminates the need for such equipment for a simple container separation operation. Most importantly, it allows any operator to perform this task. Even an operator without a driver's license can carry it out, as the vehicle simply needs to be parked near the stacked containers, or the containers can be moved using their wheels. This makes it possible to quickly place stacked containers on top of other containers, regardless of their location, since the vehicle and / or containers can be easily moved.Most importantly, the operator performing this task does not need to hold a special permit, authorization, or certification, usually requiring renewal after a set period, to drive a forklift-type vehicle (for example, known as CACES).

[0064] Alternatively, according to a variant not shown, a fastening means comprises a rail fixed to the rear face of the platform, in particular a rail having an upward-opening section in the platform's vertical position. For example, the fastening means comprises a fork with at least two arms, the fork having an extension adapted to fit within the rail so as to form a pallet truck or a rear stacker. Such a fork is, for example, similar to that used for moving wooden pallets.

[0065] Alternatively, other methods of fixing on the upper container and / or under the upper container and / or other means of attaching between the tray in the vertical position and the upper container are possible.

[0066] Note that all types and / or sizes and / or shapes of containers can be considered. The part of the assembly that interfaces with the tailgate platform can be used with other accessories when the vehicle is stopped, parked, or stationary. Such Accessories can then allow certain trades (masons, carpenters, roofers, etc.) to work in better conditions, without the effort of lifting. Optionally, a mechanism for adjusting the height of the columns relative to the ground is provided to adapt the platform's travel in the vertical position according to specific needs, for example, so that the platform does not touch the ground. Furthermore, this adjustment can accommodate the accessory mounted on the platform and / or the body type of the operator using the device.

[0067] The solution can therefore be implemented on commercial or private vehicles equipped with tail lifts.

[0068] The solution is therefore particularly easy to deploy on a large scale on numerous vehicles equipped with column liftgates. Given its ease of use and handling, operator training is not required. Furthermore, as the liftgate and its platform are particularly robust, the solution is reliable and durable even under significant handling stress. Finally, the solution is compatible with the external environment to which the vehicle 1 is subjected, the liftgate 10 being specifically designed for use in inclement weather, such as rain, frost, etc.

[0069] Note that the solution is environmentally friendly, both in its design and during its use.

[0070] Thus, although the containers in a factory or warehouse are heavy, for example made of steel and / or filled with heavy parts or components, it is easy to lower a container placed on top of another with a utility vehicle. Although the mass makes manually moving one container stacked on top of another very difficult or even impossible, the proximity of a vehicle equipped with arrangement 2 makes this separation task simple, quick, and effortless for the operator. Furthermore, injuries and / or musculoskeletal disorders to the operators are avoided.

[0071] Containers can therefore be stacked on one level (one container above only one other container), for example with the vehicle equipped with arrangement 2, and this without worrying about the step of lowering the upper container since the reverse step is also possible with vehicle 1. We therefore divide, for example, by two the floor space occupied by all the containers by stacking them and this without the need to have a specific stacker or forklift and the obligation to have an operator certified to drive this type of machine.

[0072] As a note, the solution therefore achieves the objective sought of providing a means of freeing oneself from a specific machine for handling containers and can consequently be adapted to other land vehicles such as means of transport of rail type, or trucks, or even heavy goods vehicles for example.

Claims

Demands

1. An arrangement (2) for a vehicle (1), in particular for a commercial motor vehicle, comprising a liftgate (10), in particular arranged at the rear of such a vehicle (1), the liftgate (10) comprising: - a platform (20) capable of moving upwards and downwards in the vertical direction, the platform (20) being able to pivot from a vertical position (PV) in which the platform (20) extends substantially vertically to a horizontal position (PH) in which the platform (20) extends substantially in a transverse and longitudinal plane, and vice versa, - the platform (20) comprising a loading face (21) capable of supporting a load when the platform (20) is in the horizontal position (PH), - the platform (20) comprising at least one attachment means (30) intended to cooperate with a container (100) so as to allow such container (100) to be raised and / or lowered when the platform (20) is in vertical position (PV).

2. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the platform (20) comprises a rear face (22), the rear face (22) of the platform (20) being opposite the loading face (21), and in that at least one hooking means (30) comprises: - an opening (23) provided in the rear face (22) of the platform (20), and - a removable support (31) comprising an extension (32) capable of being hooked into the opening (23).

3. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the orifice (23) has an overall keyhole shape.

4. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the orifice (23) comprises a circular hole (24) and a substantially oblong notch (25) extending downwards in the vertical position (PV) of the plate (20) and in that the extension (32) of the removable support (31) comprises a shoulder (33), the large diameter (D33) of the shoulder (33) being just less than the diameter (D24) of the circular hole (24) and the small diameter (d33) of the shoulder (33) being just less than the width (L25) of the notch (25) so that the shoulder (33) locks at the notch (25).

5. Arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the removable support (31) is able to be fixed to an upper corner (101) of a container (100) of type ISO 1161.

6. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the removable support (31) comprises a gripping part (37) capable of being locked in a hole (103) in a corner of a container (100), in particular a gripping part (37) provided with a lever (38) for locking within such a hole (103) and unlocking relative to such a hole (103).

7. Arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the platform (20) comprises two attachment means (30) arranged at the same height in the vertical position (PV) of the platform (20).

8. Arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the platform (20) comprises a first part (26) and a second part (27), the first and second parts (26, 27) being articulated to each other by a pivot joint (28) with axis extending transversely, in particular at the midpoint of the length of the platform (20) along the longitudinal direction in horizontal position (PH) of the platform (20).

9. Vehicle (1), in particular motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises an arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises material means (3), in particular electrical and / or hydraulic, and / or software means (4) configured for the control of the pivoting of the platform (20) between the vertical position (PV) and the horizontal position (PH) and vice versa and / or the control of the raising and lowering of the platform (20) in the vertical direction.

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