Brake and stabilization systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to a brake and stabilization system (1) for a movable trolley (100) relative to a support (200), comprising at least one stabilizing member (300) relative to the support (200), at least one brake member (400) for braking the movement of the trolley (100) relative to the support (200), a first actuating member (500) cooperating with one or more stabilizing members (300), and a second actuating member (600) cooperating with one or more brake members (400) and the first actuating member (500).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to brakes and stabilization systems for trolleys, and in particular to the field of brakes and stabilization systems for trolleys for transporting medical equipment.

Background Art

[0002] The modular design of operating rooms in hospitals implements the use of medical devices that provide assistance in medical surgery, and in particular trolleys to which assistive robots are attached.

[0003] These trolleys need to combine different opposing functions necessary for the correct implementation of operations and anticipate any contingencies. These trolleys are, therefore, on the one hand, required to be extremely stable during operation in order to prevent accidental events for the patient. For example, a movement of a few millimeters or even micrometers due to an accidental collision by a healthcare worker can cause damage to the patient. Furthermore, the trolley must be able to move extremely quickly in case of an emergency. Given that these trolleys are extremely heavy and transport devices weighing hundreds of kilograms, these different functions are often difficult to combine.

[0004] Modern trolleys are provided with brakes and / or stabilization systems that do not optimally fulfill the two functions mentioned above.

[0005] In fact, there are braking systems known in the prior art that drive two or each of the wheels of the trolley. Such systems are, nevertheless, extremely inappropriate for emergency movement in that it is necessary to unlock the wheels one by one. They also cannot sufficiently stabilize the trolley during a medical operation.

[0006] Similarly known is the "dead man's brake" type of braking system, whose function is to prevent the wheels of the trolley from rotating when the user is not activating the system. Thus, when the system is stationary, the trolley remains stationary and can be moved quickly if necessary by unlocking all brakes, particularly by operating the handle. Nevertheless, such a system also does not provide sufficient stability during medical surgery.

[0007] Similarly known is a stabilization system that includes the deployment of stabilizing legs at the level of several wheels, which lift these wheels very slightly and thus stabilize the trolley. While the resulting stabilization constitutes a good response to the requirements of medical surgery, this type of system is also completely unsuitable for emergency movement of the trolley, as each leg must be retracted individually before it becomes possible to move the trolley in an emergency. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Therefore, a braking and stabilization system is needed that allows for both sufficient stabilization during medical surgery and emergency movement, even when the stabilization system is engaged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a brake and stabilization system for a trolley that is movable relative to a support, wherein the trolley has at least one wheel. The brake and stabilization system is - At least one stabilizing member for a support, the stabilizing member being movable between an extended position in contact with the support and a retracted position separated from the support, - At least one brake member for braking the movement of a trolley relative to a support, wherein the at least one brake member is intended to cooperate with the at least one wheel of the trolley and is movable between a brake position and a position that releases the at least one wheel of the trolley, - A first actuating member that is movable between a stationary position and an operating configuration in cooperation with one or more stabilizing members, wherein the transition from the stationary position to the operating position drives the deployment of one or more stabilizing members, and the transition from the operating position to the stationary position drives the retraction of one or more stabilizing members, - A second actuator that cooperates with one or more brake members and is movable between a stationary position and a disengaged position, wherein the transition from the stationary position to the disengaged position drives one or more brake members to their released positions, and the transition from the disengaged position to the stationary position returns one or more brake members to their braked positions. Includes, In this system, the second actuator also cooperates with the first actuator so that its transition from its stationary position to its disengaged position also drives the retraction of one or more stabilizing members.

[0010] The brake and stabilization system according to the present invention advantageously allows for the retraction of one or more stabilization members when the brake system is deactivated, which enables emergency movement even when one or more stabilization members are deployed.

[0011] Furthermore, the system of the present invention is advantageous in that it involves only mechanical cooperation between the operating member and the brake / stabilizing member. Therefore, there is no need to supply electrical energy to the motor or the control software. The risk of operating problems is thus greatly reduced, and the durability and repairability of the system are increased.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second actuation member includes a control member which is a pivot member and is mounted to be movable between a stationary position and a disengaged position by a pivot connection in a support, configured to drive, on the one hand, the transition of a brake member from its brake position to its release position and on the other hand, the transition of a stabilizing member from its deployed position to its retracted position.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second actuation member includes a lever configured to drive the first actuation member from its operating position to its stationary position.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second operating member is - A retaining member that is movable between a stationary position and a retaining position in which it holds the second operating member in its disengaged position, - A fixing member which is adapted to be operated by a user and is configured to stabilize a holding member in its holding position when operated by the user. Includes.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one stabilizing member includes a leg that is mounted on the frame so as to be movable to translate along a first axis A1 between an extended position in contact with the support and a retracted position separated from the support.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first actuation member includes a first link and a second link connected to each other by a guide member, wherein the first link cooperates with the frame of the stabilizing member via a first pivot connection, and the second link cooperates with the leg portion of the stabilizing member via a second pivot connection.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the frame includes a rail that guides the movement of the second link during the transition of the first actuation member between its various positions.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first link and the second link are configured such that, during the transition of the leg between its two positions, the first pivot connection, the guide member, and the second pivot connection are aligned with each other along the second axis A2, and the guide member is positioned on different sides of the second axis A2 at each respective position of the leg.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a trolley having at least one wheel and including the brake and stabilization system defined above, wherein the at least one brake member of the brake and stabilization system cooperates with the at least one wheel.

[0020] Finally, the present invention provides a system for stabilizing a trolley relative to a support, - At least one stabilizing member for a support, the stabilizing member being movable between an extended position in contact with the support and a retracted position separated from the support, - A first actuating member that cooperates with one or more stabilizing members and is movable between a stationary configuration and an actuating configuration, wherein the transition from the stationary position to the actuating position drives the deployment of one or more stabilizing members, and the transition from the actuating position to the stationary position drives the retraction of one or more stabilizing members. Includes, This system relates to a system in which a first actuating member is configured to have a transition point between a stationary position and an actuating position and vice versa, and the transition from the transition point corresponds to a change in the shape of the first actuating member that fixes the first actuating member in another position.

[0021] In one embodiment, the stabilizing member or at least one stabilizing member includes a leg that is mounted to be movable in the frame to translate along a first axis A1 between an extended position in contact with the support and a retracted position away from the support.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first actuating member includes a first link and a second link coupled to each other by a guiding member, the first link cooperating with the frame of the stabilizing member via a first pivoting connection, and the second link cooperating with the leg of the stabilizing member via a second pivoting connection.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the frame includes rails for guiding the movement of the second link during the transition of the first actuating member between its various positions.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first link and the second link are configured such that during the transition of the leg between its two positions, the first pivoting connection, the guiding member, and the second pivoting connection are aligned with each other along a second axis A2, and such that the guiding member is disposed on different sides of the second axis A2 at each respective position of the leg.

[0025] The present invention is given by way of example only and will be better understood by reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] An isometric view of a brake and stabilization system according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] An isometric view of the stabilizing member and the first actuating member of the brake and stabilization system from FIG. 1 is shown. [Figure 3] A set of views (A, B, C, and D) of different positions of the stabilizing member and the first actuating member with respect to a support from FIG. 2 are shown. FIGS. 3A and 3C are side views, and FIGS. 3B and 3D are cross-sectional views taken along line A-A in FIG. 2. In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the stabilizing member is in the retracted position and the first actuating member is in the stationary position. In FIGS. 3C and 3D, the stabilizing member is in the deployed position and the first actuating member is in the actuated position. [Figure 4] An isometric view of the lever of the second actuating member of the brake and stabilization system from FIG. 1 is shown. [Figure 5]Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the control member of the second operating member of the brake and stabilization system. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the control member along line BB in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7A shows two cross-sectional views (A and B) of the stabilizing member of the second operating member of the brake system from Figure 1. In Figure 7A, the stabilizing member is in the stationary position, and in Figure 7B, the stabilizing member is in the activated position. [Figure 8] Figure 8B shows two cross-sectional views (A and B) of the control member, including the pivot member, where Figure 8A shows the pivot member in the stationary position and Figure 8B shows the pivot member in the disengaged position. [Figure 9] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the bogie including the brake and stabilization systems. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a detailed view showing a partial implementation of the brake and stabilization system in a bogie with the casing removed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] The following embodiments are illustrative. While the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference pertains to the same embodiment or that a feature applies to only one embodiment. Features of different embodiments may be combined and / or substituted to create other embodiments.

[0028] In describing the present invention, several elements or parameters may be assigned reference numerals, such as a first actuation member or a second actuation member. This is simply a designation to distinguish or indicate elements, parameters, or criteria that are similar but not identical. This designation does not imply any priority of one element, parameter, or criterion over another, and such names may be readily interchangeable without departing from the scope of the description of the present invention. The designation also does not imply any chronological order.

[0029] In this description of the present invention, front, rear, right, left, base, tip, top, and bottom refer to a certain orientation in space relative to the trolley and its direction of movement in which the brake and stabilization system of the present invention is intended to be installed.

[0030] First, we look at Figure 1, which shows an isometric view of a brake and stabilization system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. System 1 is intended to be installed on a movable trolley 100 (shown in Figure 9) and operates with the movement of the trolley 100 relative to a support 200. The support 200 may be a floor or any other element on which the trolley 100 moves.

[0031] System 1 includes at least one stabilizing member 300 relative to the support 200, at least one braking member 400 for braking the movement of the trolley 100 relative to the support 200, a first operating member 500 cooperating with the at least one stabilizing member 300, and a second operating member 600 cooperating with the at least one braking member 400 on the one hand and with the first operating member 500 on the other.

[0032] In this invention, the stabilizing member 300 and the brake member 400 are separated from each other.

[0033] The at least one stabilizing member 300 and the first operating member 500 form a stabilizing system 800 of system 1. The at least one brake member 400 and the second operating member 600 form a brake system 900 of system 1. The two systems 800 and 900 advantageously cooperate with each other in system 1 of the present invention.

[0034] The braking means 400 cooperates in particular with one or more wheels of the trolley 100. Thus, there are four wheels 101, 102 of the trolley 100 shown in Figure 1. In the example shown here, the two front wheels 101 each cooperate with a braking member 400, and the two rear wheels 102 each cooperate with a braking device 700, whose operation and release are independent of the second operating member 600. The braking device 700 forms an integral part of the braking and stabilization system 1. The two rear wheels 102 may alternatively not have a braking member or device 400, 700, or each may cooperate with a braking member 400 driven by the second operating member 600.

[0035] One or more brake members 400, in particular, lack a return mechanism, such as a fixed return stop. In practice, such a mechanism may create play between two stable positions (two return stops), which may reduce the stability of the trolley 100 to which the brake and stabilization system 1 is attached. Such play may be harmful to the patient if the trolley 100 is transporting medical equipment that requires stability on the order of 1 micrometer during patient treatment. One or more brake members may be selected from the group including, in particular, drum brakes, disc brakes, pad brakes, belt / band brakes and shoe brakes.

[0036] The at least one brake member 400 is movable between a brake position and a release position. In the brake position, it prevents the rotation of one or more wheels 101 associated with it to prevent the trolley 100 from moving. In the release position, the one or more wheels 101 associated with it can rotate freely, and the trolley 100 can move freely.

[0037] The movement of the at least one brake member 400 between its various positions is performed by a second actuator 600. The second actuator 600 is movable between a stationary position in which it actsuates the at least one brake member 400 and a disengaged position in which it releases the at least one brake member 400 to brake the associated one or more wheels. The transition from the stationary position to the disengaged position thus drives one or more brake members 400 to their disengaged positions, enabling the movement of the trolley 100. In this invention, the second actuator 600 is driven in its initial position, and therefore one or more brake members are driven in their initial position. Holding the second actuator 600 in its disengaged position thus requires a certain operation by the user toward it. The second actuator 600 is therefore of the "dead man's brake" type, and thus, if no operation is performed toward this member 600, it results in the trolley 100 becoming immobile. When the user stops operating on the second member 600, this drives a transition from the disengaged position to the stationary position, thereby returning one or more brake members 400 to their brake positions.

[0038] Furthermore, the at least one stabilizing member 300 is movable between an extended position in contact with the support 200 and a retracted position separated from the support 200. In the extended position, the at least one stabilizing member drives one or more of the wheels 101, 102 of the trolley 100, particularly the wheels 102 on the same side, to lift relative to the support 200. This lifting of at least some of the wheels 101, 102 is the primary cause of the increased stability compared to the operation of the brake member 400 alone. As an alternative to lifting the relevant one or more wheels, the at least one stabilizing member 300 can reduce the force exerted on the support 200 by one or more wheels while keeping one or more wheels in contact with the support 200.

[0039] To ensure a reduction in force or lifting, the at least one stabilizing member 300 is advantageously positioned in close proximity to the associated wheel.

[0040] The mobility of the at least one stabilizing member 300 between various positions is controlled by the first actuating member 500 and also by the second actuating member 600.

[0041] The first operating member 500 is movable between a stationary position and a position that activates the at least one stabilizing member 300. The transition from the stationary position to the operating position drives the deployment of one or more stabilizing members 300. Conversely, the transition from the operating position to the stationary position drives the retraction of one or more stabilizing members 300.

[0042] In addition to its action on one or more brake members 400, the second actuator 600 also affects one or more stabilizing members 300. In practice, the transition of the second actuator 600 from its stationary position to its disengaged position drives the return of at least one of the stabilizing members 300 from its deployed position to its retracted position. Thus, with a single operation on the second actuator 600, the user can simultaneously unlock one or more brake members and one or more stabilizing members, enabling extremely rapid movement of a trolley that has been previously stabilized on the floor, for example in the context of surgical procedures on a patient.

[0043] Here, we look at Figures 2 and 3B, which are also considered and show details of the stabilizing member 300 and the first operating member 500. In the example shown here, the stabilizing member 300 includes a leg portion 301 intended to contact the support 200. The leg portion 301 is mounted to be movable so as to translate along the first axis A1 on the frame 302 between an extended position in contact with the support 200 and a retracted position away from the support 200.

[0044] In Figure 3B, the leg portion 301 is shown in its retracted position. It can be seen in this figure that the leg portion 301 may particularly include a base 310 that is particularly widened to abut against the support 200, as shown here. The base 310 may particularly include a head 318 for abutting against the support 200, having a universal joint connection with the body 319 of the base 310 so that the orientation of the head can conform to the non-uniformity of the support 200. The base 310 may particularly include a coating or layer of a material having anti-slip properties, especially at the level of the head 318, to improve friction between it and the support 200 and thus the stability given to the support 200.

[0045] The base 310 is connected in particular to the lower part of the leg body 311, and the leg body 311 slides on the frame 302. In this regard, the frame 302 may include an elongated body 320 along axis A1 having a lower opening from which the leg base 310 emerges. In particular, the leg body 311 has dimensions adapted to slide against the inner wall 322 of the elongated body 320.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the leg body 311 includes a first reversible elastic member 312 that pushes the base 310 out from the lower part of the body 311. The reversible elastic member 312 is particularly the main source of the force exerted by the stabilizing member 300 on the support 200. The movement of the base 310 relative to the body 311 can be limited by the cooperation of the contact portions and, in particular, by contact between the shoulder and the peripheral lip, as shown herein. Accordingly, the peripheral lip 313 of the base 310 can move along axis A1 in the chamber 314 of the body 311, its movement being limited at the top by the upper shoulder to prevent excessive compression of the first reversible elastic member 312 and at the bottom by the lower shoulder of the chamber 314 to prevent the base 310 from coming out of the body 311. This aspect of the present invention is advantageous in that the compression of the first elastic member 312 during the deployment of the stabilizing member 300 can compensate for the non-uniformity of the support 200 through the recess of the base 310 in the body 311. This indentation can be seen in Figure 3D.

[0047] The leg portion 301 is held in its retracted position by a second reversible elastic member 315, which is a coil spring, as shown herein. For this purpose, the second reversible elastic member 315 may abut the upper surface of the frame 302 on one side and the upper end of the body 311 on the other side. The upper end of the body 311 may take the form of a rod 316 that emerges through the upper part of the frame 302, as shown herein. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the lower part of the body 311 of the leg portion 301 housing the base 310 is located inside the frame 302, particularly inside the elongated body 320, and the upper part of the leg portion is located outside the frame 302. In particular, the second reversible elastic member 315 may be positioned around the portion of the rod 316 that is outside the frame 302, as shown herein. In particular, the frame 302 may include a cap 323 that closes the upper part of the elongated body 320. The rod 316, which extends through the cap 323, can cooperate with the wall of the opening in the cap 323, as shown herein. This cooperation contributes to the directional stability of the leg portion 301 relative to axis A1 during its movement.

[0048] The first actuating member 500 may be configured to have a transition point during the transition from a stationary position to an actuating position and vice versa. Passing through the transition point corresponds to a change in the shape of the first actuating member 500 that fixes the first actuating member 500 in another position. In other words, the transition point forms an unstable equilibrium point. On one side of the transition point, one or more stabilizing members 300 are driven naturally toward the stationary position. On the other side of the transition point, one or more stabilizing members 300 are driven naturally toward the actuating position. Passing through this transition point, in addition to the natural locking at one of these positions, may correspond to tactile feedback to the user that indicates that one or more stabilizing members 300 are properly deployed or properly withdrawn from the support 200, as will be described in detail below.

[0049] For this purpose, the first actuating member 500 may include one or more assemblies 501 of articulated parts, each assembly 501 cooperating in particular with the stabilizing member 300. In particular, a set of parts 501 may include a cam cooperating with the stabilizing member or one of the stabilizing members. The cam may have an elliptical or semi-elliptical shape.

[0050] The component assembly 501 may alternatively include, in particular, a first link 502 and a second link 503 connected to each other, as shown in Figure 2.

[0051] The first link 502 cooperates particularly with the frame 302 of the stabilizing member 300, and the second link 503 cooperates particularly with the leg portion 301. The first link 502 is articulated in the frame 302, particularly via the first pivot connection 520, and the second link 503 is articulated in the frame 302, particularly via the second pivot connection 530. The first and second links 502 and 503 can cooperate with each other, particularly using a guide member 540. The guide member 540 takes the form of a third pivot connection.

[0052] The first link 502 is articulated in particular at the upper part of the elongated body 320 of the frame 302 or at the cap 323 of the frame 302. In particular, the cap 323 may have dimensions greater than the upper part of the elongated body 320 in such a way that the cooperative zone between the first link 502 and the frame 302 is offset beyond the periphery of the elongated body 320. This makes it possible to obtain a larger amplitude of movement and reduces the force required to move the first link 502.

[0053] The second link 503 can cooperate in particular with the finger-like portion 317 of the leg portion 301, the finger-like portion 317 extending particularly transversely from the body 311 of the leg portion 301. The frame 302 may include a rail 324 to guide the movement of the stabilizing member 300 between its positions along axis A1, and may cooperate in particular with the finger-like portion 317. The rail 324 may include a high-position stopper and a low-position stopper for stopping the movement of the stabilizing member 300, defining the stowed position and the deployed position of the stabilizing member 300, respectively.

[0054] Furthermore, the stabilizing member 300 may reach a lower stopper when the first actuating member 500 passes the transition point. At this point, the stabilizing member 300 may also contact the support 200, but it has not reached its deployed position. The continuous movement of the first actuating member 500 to reach the actuating position and to fix the stabilizing member in its deployed position can therefore be made possible by the compression of the first reversible elastic member 312. This compression requires an increase in the force required for the movement of the first actuating member 500, resulting in passing a transition point that corresponds to tactile feedback for the user. The user is therefore informed that the stabilizing member is correctly deployed. The same is true during the return of the stabilizing member by the first actuating member 500, when the relaxation of the first reversible elastic member 312 produces tactile feedback for the user, informing the user that the stabilizing member 300 has been correctly pulled out from the support 200.

[0055] The rail 324 may be formed in particular by an opening 324 in the elongated body 320 of the frame 302, as shown herein. The opening 324 has an elongated ellipse shape, extending mainly along axis A1. The finger-shaped portion 317 therefore passes through the opening 324 and rejoins the second link 503. The upper edge of the opening 324 can accommodate a stopper at a higher position, and the lower edge of the opening 324 can accommodate a stopper at a lower position.

[0056] Each link 502, 503 may include respective contact portions 521, 531 with respect to the frame 302 so as to contribute to defining one of the positions of the stabilizing member 300. In particular, the contact portion 521 of the first link 502 may contact the frame 302 in the stabilizing member 300's retracted position, in particular with the rear surface 325 of the elongated body 320. The contact portion 531 of the second link 503 may contact the frame 302 in the deployed position, in particular with the front surface 326 of the elongated body 320 (as shown in Figure 2).

[0057] Each link 502, 503 may face a single side 327 of the frame 302 or two opposite sides 327 of the frame, as shown herein, in order to increase the robustness of the first actuation member 500. In the latter configuration, each link 502, 503 may be formed by two identical links 502.1, 502.2, 503.1, 503.2 that are mirror images of each other and interconnected by guides 522, 532, so as to follow the same movement around the frame 302. Each guide 522, 532 may correspond to its respective contact portion 521, 531. The leg portion 301 may also include two finger-like portions 317 extending in opposite directions from the main body 311, each of which cooperates with one of the links 503.1, 503.2 of the second link 503, each passing through an opening that forms a rail 324 located on one of the opposite sides 327 of the frame 302, particularly the elongated main body 320.

[0058] Returning to Figure 1, we can see that the first actuator 500 includes a member 511 for driving it between its positions, which are intended to be actuated by the user. The driving member 511 takes the form of a pedal in particular. In the example shown here, system 1 includes two stabilizing members 300, each driven by its respective first actuator 500, and the pedal 511 drives the two first actuators 500 simultaneously, in particular via a structure that forms a bridge 560 between the two first links 503 of each first actuator 500.

[0059] Returning to Figure 3, the movement of the stabilizing member 300 being deployed by the first operating member 500 is shown in detail. In Figures 3A and 3B, the first operating member 500 is shown in a stationary position, and the stabilizing member 300 is shown in a retracted position. In Figures 3C and 3D, the first operating member 500 is shown in an operating position, and the stabilizing member is shown in an deployed position. The structure 103 of the trolley 100 and the support 200 are also shown to illustrate the movement of the stabilizing member 300 relative to them.

[0060] The various arrows in Figures 3A and 3C indicate the rotational directions of the pivot connections 520, 530, and 540 and the direction of movement of the stabilizing member 300 along axis A1. Similarly shown is the second axis A2 passing through the first pivot connection 520 and the second pivot connection 530. Axis A2 indicates the zone through which the first actuation member 500 passes a turning point. More specifically, the turning point can be defined as the third pivot connection 540 intersecting the second axis A2. Thus, in Figure 3A, in the stabilizing member 300's retracted position, the third pivot connection 540 is on one side of axis A2, while in Figure 3C, in the stabilizing member 300's deployed position, it is on the other side.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, the travel distance of the third pivot connection 540 between the stationary position of the first actuator 500 and its position when it intersects the second axis A2 is longer than the travel distance between the actuator 500's operating position and its position when it intersects the second axis A2. Therefore, deploying the stabilizing member 300 lags behind the total travel distance of the third pivot connection 540, while the removal of contact between the stabilizing member 300 and the support 200 is faster. On the one hand, this reduces the force required to move the stabilizing member 300 to its deployed position. On the other hand, this drives the rapid removal of contact between the stabilizing member 300 and the support 200, thereby enabling the system 1 to respond to the need for urgent movement of the trolley 100 to which it is mounted.

[0062] In Figures 3C and 3D, the contraction of the first and second reversible elastic members 312 and 315 can be seen. In particular, the energy stored by the second reversible elastic member 315 during the deployment of the stabilizing member 300 facilitates and accelerates the return of the stabilizing member 300 to its stored position upon passing the transition point.

[0063] The return of one or more stabilizing members 300 from their deployed position to their retracted position can be brought about by the drive member 511 or by the action of the second actuator 600 on the first actuator 500. The second actuator 600 can, in particular, affect the second link 503 and, more specifically, the contact portion 532. This action can be brought about via the actuator cable 630 of the second actuator 600 or, in particular, directly via the lever 660 of the second actuator 600 driven by the cable 630.

[0064] The aforementioned lever 660 is shown in Figures 1, 4, and 10, and these should be considered together.

[0065] The lever 660 is rotatable between a stationary position in which it does not act on the first actuator 500 and a driven position in which it returns the first actuator 500 from its operating position to its stationary position. The lever 660 is particularly adapted to cooperate with the second link 503 in the operating position of the first actuator 500. The lever 660 may be particularly adapted to cooperate with the contact portion 532 of the second link 503. When activated, the lever 660 thus pushes the contact portion 532 toward the stabilizing member 300, pivoting it around the second pivot connection 530 and moving the first actuator 500 back to its stationary position. The lever 660 is particularly moved by the actuator cable 630.

[0066] The lever 660 may be mounted by a base 661 via one or two pivot connections 662 in a structure 670 that cooperates with the lever 660. The lever 660 includes, in particular, an actuation cable 630 and, in particular, a head 663 that cooperates with one end of the cable, as shown in Figure 4. The actuation cable 630 passes through the structure 670 in particular. A body 664 extends between the base 662 and the head 663 of the lever, and at its height, the abutment 531 of the second link 503 can be accommodated in the operating position of the first actuation member 500. As shown in this figure, the base 661 may extend from the body 664 and take the form of two lugs, each articulated to the structure 670. The base 661, head 663 and body 664 thus form a filigree cage sized to receive the abutment 531 of the second link 503.

[0067] The lever 660 is held in its resting position, particularly in the lower position, by the action of a reversible elastic member 665, for example, a coil spring. The reversible elastic member 665 acts on the lever head 663, particularly by a bearing of structure 670. When the reversible elastic member 665 is a coil spring, it can be arranged around the cable 630, as shown in Figure 4.

[0068] The pulling force of the cable 630 causes the reversible elastic member 665 to contract and pivots the lever head 663 upward around the base 661 in the direction of the first actuating member 500, pushing the contact portion 531 upward. When the cable 630 is released, the head 663 returns to its resting position, smoothing the action of the reversible elastic member 665.

[0069] The actuation cable 630 is driven in particular by a control member 601 of a second actuation member 600 which similarly actsuations one or more brake members 400.

[0070] Now, let's look at Figures 5 and 6, which show one embodiment of the control member 601. The control member 601 particularly includes a pivot member 610 that is housed in the support 620 and articulated with the support 620 by a pivot connection 611.

[0071] The control member 601 is connected to the brake member 400 by one or more actuation cables 631 (Figures 1 and 8), and to the first actuation member 500 or one or more levers 660 by one or more actuation cables 630 (shown in Figure 8). The brake member 400 is moved or fixed, and the first actuation member is fixed, depending on whether or not the control member 601 acts on the actuation cables 630, 631. The cables 630, 631 may be protected in particular by a sheath.

[0072] A mounting member 612 for the actuation cable 630 can be attached to the pivot member 610. In particular, one of the ends of the actuation cable 630 can be fixed into the housing 613 of the pivot member 610. The body of the cable 630 can be positioned in grooves 614 on the surface of the pivot member 610 to guide them as they are wound around or unwound around the pivot member 610. The grooves 614 are particularly perpendicular to the axis of the pivot connection 611.

[0073] The support 620 is particularly a side wall, between which the pivot member 610 extends and which is articulated. The support 620 also includes a base 621, through which the actuation cable 630 passes and reconnects to the pivot member 610. The support 620 is particularly a transition s622 in the base 621 that forms a guide for the actuation cable 630.

[0074] The pivot member 610 has two positions, a stationary position and a disengaged position, corresponding to the stationary and disengaged positions of the second actuator member 600. The pivot member 610 pivots in particular toward the rear wall 623 of the support 620 (Figures 8A and 8B). The actuarial cable 630 is driven by the movement of the pivot member 610 from its stationary position to its disengaged position. The movement of the pivot member 601 to the disengaged position winds the cable 630 around the pivot member 610 in the direction of the pivoting motion and pulls them in. Conversely, its return to the stationary position unwinds them and results in their release. The distance traveled by the cable 630 during the pivoting motion can be adapted by positioning it at different radii of the pivot member 610, in particular by grooves 614 of different depths. In the example shown here, the distance traveled by all cables 630 is the same.

[0075] Furthermore, the pivot member 610 may include at least one first contact portion 615 that contacts the rear wall 623 of the support 620 (Figure 8B). Furthermore, the pivot member 610 may also include at least one second contact portion 616 (which can be seen in Figure 5) that contacts the front wall 624 of the support 620.

[0076] To drive the movement of the second actuator 600 from its stationary position to its disengaged position, it may have a drive member 602 fixed to the pivot member 610 of the control member 601. As shown in Figure 10, the drive member 602 may take the form of a pedal.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pivot member 610 is held in its stationary position, particularly with respect to the front wall of the support 620, by the action of a reversible elastic member.

[0078] In another embodiment of the present invention, the pivot member 610 is held in its resting position by the action of an actuation cable 631 connected to the brake member 400. The brake members 400 are held in their braked position by a reversible elastic member that pulls the actuation cable 630 toward them. This drive of the actuation cable 631 affects the pivot member 610 of the control member 601 and holds it in its resting position, unless there is a greater force on the opposite side applied by the user, particularly via the drive member 602 to the pivot member 610.

[0079] The second actuating member 600 may further include a retaining member 640 to hold it, more specifically to hold the pivot member 610 in its disengaged position. The retaining member 640 has a stationary position and a retaining position in which the retaining member 640 prevents the pivot member 610 from returning from its disengaged position to its stationary position.

[0080] The retaining member 640 may take the form of at least one assembly of two links 641, 643 that are articulated with respect to each other. In the example shown here, there are two of these assemblies. The first link 641 is articulated with the support 620 by a lateral pivot connection 642, and the second link 643 is articulated with the drive member 610 by a lateral pivot connection 644. The two links 641, 643 may be articulated with respect to each other via a central pivot connection 645. The two links 641, 643 have an "L" shape in particular, with their respective pivot connections 642, 644, 645 at each end.

[0081] Additionally, the second actuating member 600 may include a stabilizing or fixing member 650 for the retaining member 640 shown in Figure 7. The fixing member 650 has a stationary position in which it does not act on the retaining member 640 and an activated position in which it stabilizes the retaining member 640 in the retaining position. The fixing member 650 may particularly include one or more handles 651 located in the housing 652 and at least one stabilizing cable 653 connected to the retaining member 640. One or more handles 651 may be articulated in the housing 652 by pivot connections 654 to drive or release the stabilizing cable 653. Each handle 651 may affect one or more assemblies of the two links 641, 643, or all handles 651 may affect the same assembly. The housing 652 of the handles 651 may also contain a reversible elastic member 655, in particular a coil spring, configured to drive the handles 651 within the housing. This reduces the force required of the user to retract the handle 651 into its housing 652.

[0082] One or more stabilization cables 653 are attached to the retaining member 640, particularly at the level of the central pivot connection 645 of links 641, 643, more specifically on the axis of the central pivot connection 645. This attachment can be direct or via one or more connecting parts 646 (which can be seen in Figures 5 and 6). The connecting parts 646 can, in particular as shown here, form bridges between multiple assemblies of links 641, 643, allowing them to be stabilized simultaneously. Multiple stabilization cables 653 can be attached to the same connecting part 646. One or more stabilization cables 653 can, in particular, pass through the base 621 of the support 620, in particular through guides 625 formed on this base 621 (which can be seen in Figures 5 and 6).

[0083] The retaining member 640 and the fixing member 650 may be configured such that, when the pivot member 610 is in its stationary position, one or more stabilizing cables 653 pull one or more handles 651 in, causing them to emerge from their housings 652. In this state, the handles are therefore accessible to the user. When the pivot member 610 is in its disengaged position, one or more stabilizing cables 653 loosen, and one or more handles can be easily retracted into their housings by the user pushing them down, allowing the retaining member 640 to be held in its retaining position, as shown in Figure 7B. This stabilization therefore allows the user to stop the operation of the drive member 602 and push the trolley 100 by pushing down the handles 651.

[0084] When the user stops pressing down one or more handles 651, the tension on the retaining member 640 is released. If the drive member 602 is not driven, the pivot member 610 automatically returns to its resting position, drives the retaining member 640 to its resting position, redeploys the handles 651 so that they exit their housings 652, and thus drives one or more brake members toward their brake positions.

[0085] In one embodiment of the present invention, the two links 641 and 643 may be configured such that they cannot be moved by the fixing member 650 when the pivot member 610 is in a stationary position. Premature activation of the fixing member 650 by the user would therefore not allow the pivot member to pivot toward its disengaged position. An example of the configuration can be seen in Figures 8A and 8B. These figures show the positions of the two links 641 and 643 of the assembly, as well as the fixing member 650 (not shown) and the stabilizing cable 653 connected to the connecting component 646, in the stationary position of the pivot member (Figure 8A) and the disengaged position of the pivot member (Figure 8B).

[0086] In Figure 8A, it can be seen that the position of the lateral pivot connection 644 of the second link 643 is close to the position of the first link 641. Links 641 and 643 thus form an acute angle between them at the level of the central pivot connection 645. In particular, these two pivot connections 642 and 644 are on the same side of the cable 653. At this time, pulling the cable 653 does not allow the lateral pivot connection 644 of the second link 643 to move toward the other side of the cable 653, but rather tends to move it toward the lateral pivot connection 642 of the first link 641, and as a result it is clear that the contact portion 616 of the pivot member 610 abuts against the front wall 624 of the support. Thus, the activation of the immobilizing member 650 in the stationary position of the pivot member 610 does not drive the pivot member 610 to move toward its disengaged position, but holds it in its stationary position.

[0087] In Figure 8B, the lateral pivot connection 644 of the second link 643 is moved to the other side of the cable 653 by the pivot of the pivot member 610. Here, it is clear that at this point, pulling the cable 653 tends to move the lateral pivot connections 642, 644 away from links 641, 643, and thus pivot the pivot member 610 toward its disengaged position. In particular, in the disengaged position of the pivot member 610, links 641, 643 form an obtuse angle of less than 180° between them at the level of the central pivot connection 645. In practice, if this angle is 180° or more, problems may arise when returning links 641, 643 to their original configuration when the fixing member 650 is released, and problems may arise when returning the pivot member 610 to its resting position.

[0088] In Figures 8A and 8B, the movement of the cable 631 connecting the control member 601 to the brake member 400 and the cable 630 connecting the control member 601 to the stabilizing member 300 can be further seen. The transition of the pivot member 610 from its stationary position to its disengaged position drives the cables 630 and 631 inside the support 620. Conversely, the transition of the pivot member 610 from its disengaged position to its stationary position causes the cables 630 and 631 to exit the support 620. Note that, in parallel with this, the movement of the stabilizing cable 653 and the actuating cables 630 and 631 is in the opposite direction during the various movements of the pivot member 610.

[0089] Finally, we look at Figures 9 and 10, which show the bogie 100 fixed to the structure 103 of the bogie 100, to which the brake and stabilization system 1 is attached. We see two rear wheels 102, between which the pedals 511 and 602 of the first and second actuating members 500 and 600 extend, respectively. Here, system 1 includes two stabilizing members 300 on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the bogie. The two stabilizing members 300 are also located at the rear of the bogie 100 and, together with the brake members 400 located at the level of the front wheels 101, contribute to the overall stabilization of the bogie 100. The bogie 100 includes at least one wheel, in particular two, three or four wheels. One or more brake members 400 cooperate with at least one of the wheels of the bogie 100, in particular at least one of the front wheels 101 of the bogie 100. One or more stabilizing members 300 (shown in Figure 10) may be positioned on the trolley 100 to lift the support 200 relative to at least one of the rear wheels of the trolley 100.

[0090] During the movement of the trolley 100, whether or not the stabilizing member 300 is deployed, the trolley 100 remains stationary, and the user can operate the pedal 602 of the second operating member 600 with their foot, which pivots the pivot member 610, releases the brake member 400 and lifts the stabilizing member 300. At this time, the trolley 100 moves freely relative to the support 200. At this time, the user can release the pedal 602, which remains pressed down due to the action of the holding system 640, and at the same time raise their foot and push down the handle 651 of the fixing system 650 with their hand to hold the pivot member 610 in its disengaged position. To stop the trolley 100 again, the user can simply release the handle 651, thereby returning the pivot member 610 to its stationary position. Subsequently, by pressing the pedal 511, the stabilizing member 300 can be deployed to stabilize the trolley 100 relative to the support 200.

Claims

1. A brake and stabilization system (1) for a movable trolley (100) relative to a support (200), wherein the trolley (100) has at least one wheel (101, 102), and the system (1) - At least one stabilizing member (300) for the support (200), the stabilizing member (300) being movable between an extended position in contact with the support (200) and a retracted position separated from the support (200), - At least one brake member (400) for braking the movement of the trolley (100) relative to the support (200), wherein the at least one brake member (400) is intended to cooperate with the at least one wheel (101, 102) of the trolley (100) and is movable between a braking position and a position that releases the at least one wheel (101, 102) of the trolley (100), - A first operating member (500) that is movable between a stationary position and an operating configuration in cooperation with one or more of the stabilizing members (300), wherein the transition from the stationary position to the operating position drives the deployment of one or more of the stabilizing members (300), and the transition from the operating position to the stationary position drives the retraction of one or more of the stabilizing members (300), - A second operating member (600) that cooperates with one or more of the brake members (400) and is movable between a stationary position and a disengaged position, wherein the transition from the stationary position to the disengaged position drives the one or more of the brake members (400) to their released positions, and the transition from the disengaged position to the stationary position returns the one or more of the brake members (400) to their brake positions. Includes, Brake and stabilization system (1), wherein the second actuating member (600) also cooperates with the first actuating member (500) such that the transition of the second actuating member (600) from a stationary position to a disengaged position also drives the retraction of one or more of the stabilizing members (300).

2. The brake and stabilization system according to claim 1, wherein the second actuating member (600) includes a control member (601) which is mounted to be movable between a stationary position and a disengaged position by a pivot connection (611) in a support (620), and is configured to drive, on the one hand, the transition of the brake member (400) from its brake position to its release position and on the other hand, the transition of the stabilizing member (300) from its deployed position to its retracted position.

3. The brake and stabilization system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second operating member (600) includes a lever (660) configured to drive the first operating member (500) from its operating position to its stationary position.

4. The brake and stabilization system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second operating member (600) includes a set of operating cables (630) for cooperation with the brake member (400) and the first operating member (500).

5. The second operating member (600) - A retaining member (640) which is movable between a stationary position and a retaining position in which it holds the second operating member (600) in its disengaged position, - A fixing member (650) which is adapted to be operated by a user and is configured to stabilize the holding member (640) in its holding position when the user operates it. A brake and stabilization system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, including the brake and stabilization system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The brake and stabilization system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one stabilizing member (300) includes a leg (301) attached to the frame (302) so as to be movable to translate along a first axis (A1) between an extended position in contact with the support (200) and a retracted position separated from the support (200).

7. The brake and stabilization system according to claim 6, wherein the first actuating member (500) includes first links (502, 502.1, 502.2) and second links (503, 503.1, 503.2) connected to each other by a guide member (340), the first links (502, 502.1, 502.2) cooperate with the frame (302) of the stabilizing member (300) via a first pivot connection (520), and the second links (503, 503.1, 503.2) cooperate with the leg portion (301) of the stabilizing member (300) via a second pivot connection (530).

8. The brake and stabilization system according to claim 7, wherein the frame (302) includes a rail (324) that guides the movement of the second links (502, 502.1, 502.2) during the transition of the first actuation member (500) between its various positions.

9. The brake and stabilization system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first link (502, 502.1, 502.2) and the second link (503, 503.1, 503.2) are configured such that the first pivot connection (520), the guide member (540), and the second pivot connection (530) are aligned with each other along the second axis (A2) during the transition of the leg portion (301) between its two positions, and the guide member (540) is positioned on different sides of the second axis (A2) at each respective position of the leg portion (301).

10. A trolley (100) having at least one wheel (101, 102) and including a brake and stabilization system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one brake member (400) of the brake and stabilization system (1) cooperates with the at least one wheel (101, 102).

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