Loading device comprising two fastening members cooperating respectively with two axes.

Abstract

A loading device comprising two fastening members cooperating respectively with two axles. A loading device (2) intended to be removably attached to the rear of a motor vehicle, the vehicle comprising: - a first axle (4D) fixed to a body of the vehicle, - a second axle (4G) fixed to the body of the vehicle, the second axle extending parallel to the first axle at a distance from the first axle, the loading device comprising: - a chassis (15) intended to support a load; - a first fastening member (16) comprising a first housing (27) for receiving the first axle, the first housing comprising an inlet (29) facing downwards; and - a second fastening member (17) comprising a second housing (33) for receiving the second axle, the second housing comprising an inlet (34) facing upwards. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Loading device comprising two fastening members cooperating respectively with two axes. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a loading device intended to be fixed in a way removable from a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a loading system comprising a motor vehicle body and such a loading device. The invention further relates to a method of using such a loading device and / or such a loading system. Prior art

[0002] To increase the loading capacity of a motor vehicle, external loading devices are known, which are removably attached to a tow hitch of the vehicle. These loading devices may include, in particular, an external box such as a trunk, in which items can be stored, or a bicycle rack. The tow hitch includes a tow ball, and the loading device includes a clamping element, actuated by means of a handle, which firmly clamps the tow ball.

[0003] Such a loading device nevertheless has drawbacks:

[0004] - The loading device can easily pivot around the tow ball. It is therefore necessary to tighten the tow ball very firmly to prevent such rotational movement. Even when the tow ball is tightened very firmly, a torque applied to one edge of the loader, for example following an impact, may be sufficient to cause the loader to rotate relative to the vehicle.

[0005] - The installation of such a loading device is not very ergonomic because The user must ensure that the loading device is properly oriented while supporting the loading device and then operating the handle.

[0006] An alternative to tow ball-mounted loading devices is described in publication FR2981607A1. However, there is a need to improve the ergonomics of such a loading device and to make its attachment to a motor vehicle simpler and more robust. Presentation of the invention

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a loading device that remedies the above disadvantages and improves upon known prior art loading devices.

[0008] More specifically, a first object of the invention is a loading device that is simpler to handle and offers a more robust attachment to a motor vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention relates to a loading device intended to be removably attached to the rear of a motor vehicle, the vehicle comprising: - a first axle fixed to a body of the vehicle, - a second axle fixed to the body of the vehicle, the second axle extending parallel to the first axle at a distance from the first axle, the loading device comprising: - a chassis designed to support a load: - a first fixing element comprising a first housing intended to receive the first axle, the first housing comprising an inlet oriented downwards, and - a second fixing element comprising a second housing intended to receive the second axle, the second housing comprising an inlet oriented upwards.

[0010] The first fixing member may include a locking element suitable for closing the entrance of the first housing.

[0011] The first axis can be free to pivot inside the first housing.

[0012] The second fastening member may comprise a lower part and an upper part, the upper part being articulated in rotation relative to the lower part around an axis of rotation, said axis of rotation extending parallel to the second axis when the second axis is in the second housing.

[0013] The second fixing member may include a retaining element configured to automatically hold the second shaft in the second housing.

[0014] Said retaining element can be mobile between a first position in which it is able to retain the second axis in the second housing and a second position in which the second axis can be extracted from the second housing, the retaining element comprising a protruding bearing surface in the second housing, a bearing of the second axis on said bearing surface causing the movement of the retaining element towards its first position.

[0015] The spacing between the first fixing member and the second fixing member can be adjusted.

[0016] The invention also relates to a loading system comprising: - a motor vehicle body, - a first axle fixed to the case, - a second axis fixed to the body, the second axis extending parallel to the first axis at a distance from the first axis, and - a loading device as defined above, the first fastening element being fixed to the first axis, and the second fastening element being fixed to the second axis.

[0017] The first axle may include a threaded portion screwed into a first tapped opening formed in the vehicle body, the first tapped opening being suitable for receiving a towing eye of the vehicle. The second axle may include a threaded portion screwed into a second tapped opening formed in the vehicle body, the second tapped opening being suitable for receiving a towing eye of the vehicle.

[0018] The invention also relates to a method of using a loading device as defined above or a loading system as defined above, the method comprising: - the positioning of the first axis in the first housing by an up-and-down movement of the first fixing element, then - the positioning of the second axis in the second housing by a bottom-to-top movement of the second fixing element. Presentation of the figures

[0019] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0020] The [Fig. 1] is a side view of a loading system for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a loading device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0022] The [Fig.3] is a perspective view of an axis intended to be fixed to a body of the motor vehicle, and cooperating with the loading device of the [Fig.2].

[0023] Figure 4 is a perspective view of two fastening members of the loading device. The two fastening members are connected by a crossbar.

[0024] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a sleeve of a fastening member cooperating with one end of the crossbar.

[0025] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a first fastening member, a locking element of the first fastening member being in the locked position.

[0026] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the first fastening member, with the locking element in the unlocked position.

[0027] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a second fastening member, an upper part of the second fastening member being in the closed position.

[0028] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the second fastening member, with the upper part in the open position.

[0029] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the second fastening member, the upper part being in the closed position, a locking element holding the upper part in the closed position.

[0030] The [Fig. 11] is a rear view of the vehicle and the loading device during a first step of a method of using the loading device.

[0031] Fig. 12 is a rear view of the vehicle and the loading device during a second stage of the loading device use process.

[0032] The [Fig. 13] is a rear view of the vehicle and the loading device during a third step of the process of using the loading device. Detailed description

[0033] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate a loading system 1 for a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention. The loading system 1 is intended to increase the vehicle's loading capacity by providing an auxiliary loading volume positioned at the rear of the vehicle. The loading system 1 comprises a loading device 2 intended to be removably attached to the vehicle, in particular to a body of the vehicle. The loading device 2 may include an external box 3 inside which objects can be stored, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Alternatively, the loading device 2 could include a bicycle rack, or more generally, a device configured to transport any type of object outside the vehicle.

[0034] In this document, the X-axis designates the longitudinal axis of a vehicle. When moving forward in a straight line, the vehicle progresses from rear to front in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. The X-axis is oriented from the front to the rear of the vehicle, that is, in the direction of reverse. The Y-axis designates the transverse axis of the vehicle. The Y-axis is oriented from left to right, left and right being defined from the perspective of a driver of the vehicle. The Z-axis designates the axis perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis. The vehicle is assumed to be resting on a horizontal surface. The Z-axis is a vertical axis, oriented from bottom to top. The X, Y, and Z axes form an orthogonal coordinate system. This same coordinate system, defined with reference to a vehicle, will also be used to describe the loading device 2, even when considered outside the vehicle, since it is intended for mounting in a specific orientation relative to the vehicle.

[0035] For securing the loading device 2, the vehicle body is equipped with a first axle 4D, or right axle 4D, and a second axle 4G, or left axle 4G. The first axle 4D and the second axle 4G extend parallel to each other and at a The distance DI between the two axes is non-zero. For example, the distance DI can be at least 50 cm. Each axis 4G, 4D can be roughly cylindrical in shape, with its axis of revolution parallel to the longitudinal axis X. In particular, the two axes 4G, 4D extend parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the vehicle, from a rear face 5 of the vehicle towards the rear. The two axes 4G, 4D are positioned approximately at the height of a rear bumper of the vehicle. The two axes 4G, 4D can protrude approximately ten centimeters towards the rear of the vehicle. The two axes 4G, 4D are positioned side-by-side, that is, at the same height along the vertical axis Z. It is therefore understood that the loading device 2 is positioned at the rear of the vehicle. The external box 3 is positioned in cantilever relative to the two axes 4G, 4D.

[0036] Advantageously, the two axles 4G, 4D are removably attached to the vehicle body, in particular to a vehicle underbody. The two axles can, for example, be attached to side members and / or a crossmember of the vehicle body. Thus, they can be removed when the loading device 2 is not in use, so as to prevent the axles from striking an object or a person or even impairing the vehicle's maneuverability.

[0037] In particular, each of the two axles 4G, 4D can be screwed into a threaded opening designed to accommodate a towing eye of the vehicle. A towing eye is an accessory intended for roadside assistance and / or towing a vehicle. The threaded opening can be formed in a socket fixed, in particular welded, to the vehicle body. The socket can, in particular, be welded into a side member of the vehicle. Alternatively, said socket could be fixed, in particular welded, to a crossmember of the vehicle, in particular a rear bumper crossmember. It is therefore not necessary to provide a specific mounting interface for fixing axle 4G or axle 4D if the vehicle is already equipped with one or two interfaces for fixing a towing eye.

[0038] The two axes 4G and 4D are preferably identical and interchangeable. Axis 4G is shown in isolation in [Fig. 3]. Axis 4G and axis 4D each comprise a front portion extending inside the vehicle and a rear portion extending outside the vehicle. The rear face 5 delimits the front portion from the rear portion of axis 4G or, respectively, of axis 4D. The front portion comprises a threaded portion 8 screwed into a tapped opening formed in the vehicle body. The threaded portion 8 may extend to the front end of axis 4G or, respectively, of axis 4D. The rear portion may optionally comprise a recess for cooperating with a tool for screwing or unscrewing axis 4G or, respectively, of axis 4D into a corresponding tapped opening. The footprint can be formed at the rear end of the 4G axis or, respectively, the 4D axis. The footprint can The design may include a polygonal portion, particularly a hexagonal portion, intended to cooperate with a tool of a corresponding shape. Advantageously, the shape of the recess may be distinct from any standard recess for which a tool is readily available commercially, thus providing a basic anti-theft function. Alternatively, the 4G axis or the 4D axis, respectively, may not include any recess. In this case, the axis could be tightened or loosened simply by holding the rear portion by hand or with pliers.

[0039] The axis 4G and the axis 4D each comprise a rigid body, in particular made of steel. The body extends into the front and rear portions of the axis 4G or, respectively, of the axis 4D. The threaded portion 8 can be formed directly on the body 10. The axis 4G and the axis 4D each comprise a flange 13. The flange 13 has a circular shape and extends perpendicularly to the axis 4G or, respectively, to the axis 4D, that is to say, perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X.

[0040] The loading device 2 includes a chassis 15 for supporting a load. The chassis 15 extends horizontally behind the axes 4G, 4D. The chassis 15 is therefore cantilevered relative to the axes 4G, 4D. The chassis 5 can, in particular, support the external box 3, or alternatively, attachment interfaces for securing a bicycle, or alternatively, attachment interfaces for securing any object. The chassis 15 is preferably a metal chassis or a rigid plastic chassis, for example, a fiber-reinforced plastic chassis.

[0041] The loading device 2 also includes a first fastening member 16 for attachment to the first axis 4D, and a second fastening member 17 for attachment to the second axis 4G. According to the embodiment shown, the first fastening member 16 cooperates with the right axis 4D and the second fastening member 17 cooperates with the left axis 4G. Alternatively, this configuration could be reversed.

[0042] The second fastening member 17 is functionally different from the first fastening member 16. The loading device 2 thus has an asymmetry which facilitates its installation on a vehicle or its removal from the vehicle as will be explained later.

[0043] With reference to [Fig. 4], the two fastening members 16, 17 are fixed to the two ends of the same crossbar 18 belonging to the frame 15. The crossbar 18 is further equipped with a fastening interface 19, positioned substantially in the center of the crossbar 18. The external box 3 can be fixed to the crossbar 18 via the fastening interface 19. The crossbar 18 thus extends to the front of the external box 3. As a note, according to one embodiment, the frame 15 may optionally be limited to this single crossbar 18 provided with the fastening interface 19.

[0044] Advantageously, the distance El between the first fastening member 16 and the second fastening member 17 is adjustable. Thus, the same loading device can be used with vehicles having a different distance DI between the two axes 4G and 4D. Advantageously, the first fastening member 16 and the second fastening member 17 are interchangeable, which allows the mounting or dismounting kinematics of the loading device to be modified, as will be shown later.

[0045] For this purpose, and as illustrated in [Fig. 5], the first fastening member 16 and the second fastening member 17 can each comprise a sleeve 20 into which one end of the crossbar 18 is inserted. The sleeve 20 is able to slide relative to the crossbar 18. A locking means 21 allows the first fastening member 16 and / or the second fastening member 17 to be locked in position relative to the crossbar 18.

[0046] The locking means 21 may include a threaded shaft 22, integral with the crossbar 18, passing through an oblong hole 23 formed on the sleeve 20. A nut 24, in particular a wing nut, cooperates with the threaded shaft 22. When the nut 24 is tightened, the sleeve 20 is pressed against the crossbar, and these two elements are thus fixed to each other. Alternatively and / or additionally, the sleeve 20 may be provided with a hole 25, and the crossbar 18 may be provided with a plurality of corresponding holes. A pin (not shown) may pass through the hole 25 and through one of the holes in the crossbar 18 to prevent the crossbar 18 from sliding inside the sleeve 20.

[0047] Advantageously, since the sleeves 20 of the two fastening members 16 and 17 cooperate with both ends of the crossbar, the crossbar 18 cannot accidentally escape from the sleeves 20 when the fastening members 16 and 17 are themselves fixed to the axes 4G and 4D. Thus, the proper functioning of the locking means 21 is not a safety concern, and its design can be simplified.

[0048] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate in more detail an embodiment of the first fixing member 16.

[0049] The first fastening member 16 includes a first housing 27 for receiving the first shaft 4D. The first housing 27 is formed on a receiving element 28 integral with the frame 15, in particular integral with the crossbar 18. For example, the sleeve 20 of the first fastening member and the receiving element 28 can form a monolithic assembly. The first housing 27 includes an opening 29 through which the first shaft 4D is intended to be inserted into the first housing 27. The opening 29 is oriented perpendicular to the first shaft 4D. In particular, the opening 29 is oriented vertically downwards. It is therefore understood that The first fastening member 16 is designed to be lifted above the first axis 4D and then lowered so that the first axis 4D is positioned in the first housing 27. In particular, the receiving element 28 has an inverted U-shape. The opening 29 is formed between the two parallel arms of the U-shape. The base of the U-shape forms a receiving surface against which the first fastening member 16 bears on the first axis 4D. The flange 13 of the first axis 4D forms a stop capable of longitudinally retaining the first fastening member 16 on the first axis 4D.

[0050] Furthermore, the first fastening member 16 also includes a locking element 30 adapted to close the opening 29 of the first housing 27. The locking element 30 is movable relative to the receiving element 28 between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position (illustrated in [Fig. 6]), the locking element 30 closes the opening 29 of the first housing 27, so that the first shaft 4D can no longer be extracted from or inserted into the first housing 27. Conversely, in the unlocked position (illustrated in [Fig. 7]), the locking element 30 releases the opening 29 of the first housing 27, so that the first shaft 4D can be extracted from or inserted into the first housing 27.

[0051] Advantageously, the first housing 27 has a shape of revolution, in particular a shape of a cylinder of revolution, so that the first fixing member 16 can pivot relative to the first axis 4D when the first axis 4D is in place in the first housing 27. This facilitates assembly and prevents the loading device from being damaged during an assembly or disassembly operation.

[0052] Advantageously, a return means, in particular a spring, is arranged between the receiving element 28 and the locking element 30 so as to automatically move the locking element 30 to its locked position. The locking element further includes a first opening 31 through which the user can insert a finger to exert a pulling force against the return means to move the locking element 30 to its unlocked position. The locking element further includes a second opening 32 coinciding with a corresponding opening in the receiving element 28 when the locking element 30 is in its locked position. A padlock can then be installed through the second opening 32 and the corresponding opening to prevent malicious unlocking of the locking element 30 and theft of the loading device.

[0053] Figures 8, 9 and 10 illustrate in more detail an embodiment of the second fixing member 17.

[0054] The second fastening member 17 includes a second housing 33 for receiving the second 4G shaft. The second housing 33 includes an opening 34 through which the second 4G shaft is intended to be inserted. The opening 34 is oriented perpendicularly to the second 4G shaft. In particular, the opening 34 is oriented vertically upwards. It is therefore understood that the second 4G shaft is intended to be inserted into the second housing 33 by means of an upward movement of the second fastening member 17.

[0055] In particular, the second fastening member comprises a lower part 35 and an upper part 36. The lower part 35, which could also be called the "receiving element," is integral with the frame 15. For example, the sleeve 20 of the second fastening member 17 and the lower part 15 can form a monolithic assembly. The upper part 36 is rotationally articulated relative to the lower part 35 about an axis of rotation XL. The axis of rotation XI extends parallel to the second axis 4G when the second axis is in place in the second housing 33, i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The upper part 36 is thus movable between a first position, or closed position, illustrated in Figures 8 and 10, and a second position, or open position, illustrated in [Fig. 9]. In the open position, the upper part 36 provides access to the second housing 33.In this position, the upper part 36 is sufficiently separated from the second axis 4G to avoid a collision with it when the second fastening member is raised upwards. In the closed position, the upper part 36 closes the second housing 33.

[0056] The second housing 33 can be formed by combining two half-housings formed respectively in the lower part 35 and in the upper part 36. The second housing 33 can have a cylindrical shape that conforms to the shape of the second axis 4G. Alternatively, and as can be seen in [Fig. 10], the second housing 33 can have an oblong shape in the transverse direction. This compensates for any possible transverse misalignment of the second fastening member 17 relative to the second axis 4G. Furthermore, the flange 13 of the second axis 4G forms a stop capable of longitudinally retaining the second fastening member 17 on the second axis.

[0057] The second fastening member 17 also includes a locking element 37. The locking element 37 is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking element 37 is able to hold the upper part 36 in the closed position. In the unlocked position, the locking element 37 releases the upper part 36 so that the upper part 36 can pivot freely about the axis of rotation XL. The locking element 37 is mounted to move in translation relative to the part upper part 36. When the upper part 36 is in the closed position, the translational movement of the locking element 37 is parallel to the transverse axis Y. Advantageously, a return means 38 tends to move the locking element 37 into its locked position. In particular, the return means 38 can be a spring arranged between the second part 36 and the locking element 37.

[0058] The second fastening member 17 further includes a retaining element 39 configured to automatically hold the second axis 4G in the second housing 33. The retaining element 39 facilitates the handling of the second fastening member 17 by holding, at least temporarily, the axis 4G in the second housing 33, while the upper part 36 is pivoted to close the second housing 33 and while the locking element 37 is moved into its locking position.

[0059] The retaining element 39 is movable between a first position in which it is able to retain the second axis 4G in the second housing 33 and a second position in which the second axis 4G can be extracted from the second housing. Advantageously, the retaining element 39 comprises a bearing surface 40 projecting into the second housing 33. Bearing the second axis 4G on said bearing surface causes the retaining element 39 to move back to its first position.

[0060] In particular, the retaining element 39 can be rotationally movable relative to the lower part 35 about a rotation axis X2 parallel to the longitudinal axis X. A retaining surface 41 of the retaining element 39 is positioned on one side of the rotation axis X2 and is intended to cover the shaft 4G when the shaft 4G is in place in the second housing 33. The bearing surface 40 of the retaining element is positioned on the other side of the rotation axis X2. The bearing surface 40 protrudes from the bottom of the housing 33 when the retaining element is in its second position. When the second shaft 4G is placed in the second housing 33, it bears against the bearing surface 40, which rotates the retaining element about the rotation axis X2. The retaining surface 41 of the retaining element takes position above the axis 4G as illustrated in particular in [Fig.9].The retaining element 39 further includes a manually actuable trigger 42, enabling a user to move the retaining element 39 to its second position.

[0061] As can be seen in [Fig. 10], the locking element 37 comprises a rod 43 cooperating with a hole 44 formed in the retaining element 39 to prevent the rotation of the upper part 36 towards its open position. According to an alternative embodiment, the rod 43 could cooperate with a hole formed directly in the lower part 35.

[0062] According to another original aspect of the invention, the locking element 37 is configured so that the rod 43 automatically enters the hole 44 when the upper part 36 is closed. This is achieved by means of a reaction surface 45 whose shape is adapted to push the locking element 37, against the return means 38, towards its unlocked position when the upper part 36 is lowered. The reaction surface 45 is located in line with the hole 44. When the rod 43 is opposite the hole 44, the reaction surface 45 no longer presses on the rod 43, and the rod automatically extends under the effect of the return means 38, to enter the hole 44. According to the embodiment presented, the reaction surface 45 is formed on the retaining element 39. Alternatively, the reaction surface 45 could be formed on the lower part 35.

[0063] According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the first and second fastening members could have the same shape but simply be reversed with respect to each other, so that the first housing has a downward-facing inlet and the second housing has an upward-facing inlet. The two fastening members could thus be analogous to the first fastening member 16 or the second fastening member 17 described previously.

[0064] Advantageously, the loading device 2 is equipped with casters 46 to facilitate transporting the loading device 2 to a vehicle or to a storage space. The casters have an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis X when the loading device 2 is attached to the vehicle. The casters 47 are advantageously located on the side of the second fastening member 17.

[0065] Furthermore, the first fastening member 16 includes a first handle 47 and the second fastening member 17 includes a second handle 48. The two handles 47 and 48 allow the loading device to be manipulated. In particular, they allow the loading device to be pushed and / or pulled on its casters. They also allow the loading device to be lifted. When a user pulls upward on either of the handles 47 or 48, they exert a force approximately equal to half the weight of the loading device.

[0066] The assembly of the loading device 2 to the vehicle is illustrated schematically in figures 11 to 13.

[0067] First, the user can attach axles 4G and 4D to the vehicle body. To do this, they can remove a cover over each threaded opening designed to accommodate a towing eye, and then screw each axle 4G and 4D into a threaded opening. Advantageously, the loading device 2 can be supplied as a kit also including the two axles 4G and 4D.

[0068] The user can then bring the loading device 2 towards the vehicle, in particular by rolling it on the floor S with its casters 46 while lifting it with the first handle 47. The loading device is brought towards the vehicle by a transverse movement from right to left as illustrated by an arrow Fl in [Fig. 11]. In doing so, the second fastening member 17 passes under the first axis 4D without striking it.

[0069] Next, when the first fastening member 16 is level with the first axle, the user lifts the right side of the loading device with the first handle 47, then lowers it to position the first axle 4G in the first slot 27. While lowering the loading device, the user pulls on the locking element 30 to move it into its unlocked position. Since the inlet 29 of the first slot 27 is oriented downwards, the axle 4G naturally settles into the bottom of the first slot 27 under the effect of the gravitational force exerted by the loading device 2. The user can then release the locking element 30, which automatically returns to its locked position by means of its return mechanism. The position illustrated in [Fig. 12] is then reached. The first fixing element 16 is fixed to the first axis 4D and the loading device still rests on the ground by means of the casters 46.

[0070] Next, the user goes around the loading device 2 to attach the second fastening member 17 to the second axis 4G. First, they ensure that the upper part 36 is in the open position, and if necessary, rotate it to its open position around the axis of rotation XL. Then, they lift the left side of the loading device, notably by pulling upwards on the second handle 48. In doing so, the loading device pivots around the first axis 4D until the second axis 4G is positioned in the second slot 33. When the second axis 4G is in place in the second slot 33, it exerts pressure on the retaining element 39, which automatically moves into the holding position, i.e., its first position. The user is no longer required to maintain pulling force on the handle 48.Next, the user can rotate the upper part 36 to its closed position. Rotating the upper part 36 is sufficient to insert the rod 43 of the locking element 37 into the corresponding hole 44, thus locking the upper part 36 in the closed position.

[0071] The loading device 2 is then firmly attached to the vehicle, and the vehicle can be used safely, without risk of accidental disengagement or accidental pivoting of the loading device 2. The assembly procedure for the loading device is simple to carry out and requires very little force. It can be carried out by anyone.

[0072] To detach the loading device 2 from the vehicle, the steps described above can be performed in reverse order. To unlock the second fastening element, the user must pull on the locking element 37, open the upper part 36, and then press the trigger 42 to tilt the retaining element 39 into its second position. The left part of the loading device 2 can then be lowered until the casters 46 touch the ground. Advantageously, the first fastening element 16 does not obstruct the rotation of the first axis 4D relative to the first housing 27. The left part of the loading device 2 can therefore be lowered without risk of damaging the first fastening element 16. Next, the user can walk around the loading device and apply a pulling force to the locking element 30 to move it into the unlocked position.Next, he can lift the right-hand side of the loading device to free the 4D axis from the first housing 27. The loading device is then detached from the vehicle and can be stored. Therefore, detaching the loading device is also very simple.

Claims

Demands

1. Loading device (2) intended to be removably fixed to the rear of a motor vehicle, the vehicle comprising: - a first axle (4D) fixed to a body of the vehicle, - a second axle (4G) fixed to the body of the vehicle, the second axle extending parallel to the first axle at a distance from the first axle, the loading device comprising: - a chassis (15) intended to support a load: - a first fixing member (16) comprising a first housing (27) intended to receive the first axle, the first housing comprising an inlet (29) oriented downwards, and - a second fixing member (17) comprising a second housing (33) intended to receive the second axle, the second housing comprising an inlet (34) oriented upwards.

2. Loading device (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first fastening member (16) includes a locking element (30) capable of closing the entrance of the first housing.

3. Loading device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first axis (4D) is free to pivot inside the first housing (27).

4. Loading device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second fastening member (17) comprises a lower part (35) and an upper part (36), the upper part being articulated in rotation relative to the lower part about an axis of rotation (XI), said axis of rotation extending parallel to the second axis (4G) when the second axis is in the second housing.

5. Loading device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second fixing member (17) comprises a retaining element (39) configured to automatically retain the second axis (4G) in the second housing.

6. A loading device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said retaining element (39) is movable between a first position in which it is able to retain the second shaft (4G) in the second housing (33) and a second position in which the second shaft can be extracted from the second housing, the retaining element comprising a bearing surface (40) projecting into the second housing (33), a support of the second axis on said bearing surface causing the displacement of the retaining element towards its first position.

7. Loading device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gap (El) between the first fixing member and the second fixing member is adjustable.

8. Loading system (1) comprising: - a motor vehicle body, - a first axle (4G) fixed to the body, - a second axle (4D) fixed to the body, the second axle extending parallel to the first axle at a distance from the first axle, and - a loading device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, the first fastening member being fixed to the first axle (4D), and the second fastening member being fixed to the second axle (4G).

9. Loading system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - the first axle (4D) comprises a threaded portion (8) screwed into a first tapped opening formed in the vehicle body, the first tapped opening being suitable for receiving a towing ring of the vehicle, and / or in that: - the second axle (4G) comprises a threaded portion (8) screwed into a second tapped opening formed in the vehicle body, the second tapped opening being suitable for receiving a towing ring of the vehicle.

10. Method of using a loading device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or a loading system (1) according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that it comprises: - positioning the first axis (4D) in the first housing (27) by an up-and-down movement of the first fixing member (16), then - positioning the second axis (4G) in the second housing (33) by an up-and-down movement of the second fixing member (17).

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