EP0319436A1 - Device for lowering the rear part of a road vehicle until it reaches ground level - Google Patents

Device for lowering the rear part of a road vehicle until it reaches ground level Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0319436A1
EP0319436A1 EP88420398A EP88420398A EP0319436A1 EP 0319436 A1 EP0319436 A1 EP 0319436A1 EP 88420398 A EP88420398 A EP 88420398A EP 88420398 A EP88420398 A EP 88420398A EP 0319436 A1 EP0319436 A1 EP 0319436A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
arm
axis
axle
arms
rod
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Granted
Application number
EP88420398A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0319436B1 (en
Inventor
Dominique Guinamard
André Pourchon
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INDUSTRIELLE DE PREFABRICATION ELECTRIQUE SIPREL Ste
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INDUSTRIELLE DE PREFABRICATION ELECTRIQUE SIPREL Ste
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Priority to AT88420398T priority Critical patent/ATE71509T1/en
Publication of EP0319436A1 publication Critical patent/EP0319436A1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G3/00—Ambulance aspects of vehicles; Vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances, e.g. for facilitating access of, or for loading, wheelchairs
    • A61G3/02—Loading or unloading personal conveyances; Facilitating access of patients or disabled persons to, or exit from, vehicles
    • A61G3/06—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like
    • A61G3/065—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like using an adjustable suspension lowering device for the whole vehicle

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for lowering the rear of a road vehicle to bring it to ground level, and more specifically a device for equipping a front-wheel drive vehicle and comprising a rigid rear axle with suspension. with blades.
  • the vehicles in question are more specifically small utility vehicles used as vans for the transport of goods or as small public transport vehicles. Such vehicles are very often fitted out for the transport of disabled people using wheelchairs, which requires specific arrangements to allow loading and unloading of the wheelchairs and their occupants.
  • the device comprises, at each end of the rear axle, a substantially vertical beam, the lower end of which is fixed to the axle, and in which is mounted, with the interposition of a bearing, a through shaft the beam, oriented parallel to the axle, at the outer end of which is fixed a first arm on which is mounted the spindle and hub assembly of a wheel and, at the inner end of which is fixed a second arm equipped with locking means in the road position, support means on the chassis in the lowered position from the rear of the vehicle and on which the end of the rod of a jack is articulated, the body of which is articulated near the end high of the beam, the shaft carrying the two arms and the axis of articulation of the jack on the second arm being offset longitudinally relative to the axis of the wheel.
  • the second arm When the vehicle is in the road position, the second arm is locked relative to the vertical beam, so that neither the two arms nor the shaft on which they are fixed can pivot relative to the axis of the wheel .
  • the second arm is unlocked first, which, taking into account the longitudinal offset of the shaft carrying the two arms relative to the axis of the wheel, a lowering of the rear of the vehicle under the action of its sole weight, until the stop means with which the second arm is fitted come to bear on the chassis.
  • the jack is supplied in a direction of exit from its rod, which ensures pivoting of all of the arms by rotation about the axis of the wheel in a direction of lowering of the rear of the vehicle, by compression of the suspension, with simultaneous pivoting of the bearing shaft.
  • the axis of the wheel, the shaft carrying the two arms and the axis of articulation of the jack rod on the second arm are substantially aligned, the shaft carrying the two arms being disposed between the two other axes. .
  • the locking means of the second arm are formed in combination by a hook-shaped recess formed in the second arm and open on the side of the axis of articulation of the rod of the jack, and by a finger with an axis parallel to that of the axle, secured to a bolt pivotally mounted on the beam around an axis also parallel to the axis of the axle.
  • the means for controlling the lock consist of a hydraulic cylinder ensuring the pivoting of the lock around its axis in a direction of release of the locking finger out of the recess of the second arm.
  • the means for supporting the second arm on the chassis consist of a roller mounted on the second arm, with an axis parallel to the axle, disposed behind the axis of the cylinder rod in a direction of rotation of the arms corresponding to an output of the cylinder rod.
  • the edge of the second arm, located behind the hook-shaped recess, in a direction of rotation of the arms corresponding to the outlet of the jack rod has a convex profile in the shape of a cam. This profile allows, when the vehicle chassis is mounted, the second arm to bear on the locking finger and to guide the latter until it falls into the hook-shaped recess.
  • the hydraulic circuit supplying the jack is fitted with a non-return valve preventing the escape of fluid from the upper chamber of the jack when the vehicle chassis is in position. low.
  • each beam is equipped with a stopper made of a flexible and damping material such as rubber, on which the second arm is supported when the vehicle is in the road position.
  • This stop is normally compressed by the second arm to cancel all games and resume the weight of the wheel considered when it passes through a hole.
  • the device shown in the drawing, comprises a rigid axle 2, one end of which is shown, associated with suspension blades 3. At the illustrated end of the axle 2 is fixed rigidly a beam 4 substantially vertical. This beam 4 is crossed with the interposition of a bearing 5 by a shaft 6 at one end of which is fixed a first arm 7 and at the other end of which is fixed a second arm 8. The first arm is therefore located on the side of the outside of the vehicle with respect to the beam 4, while the second arm is located on the side of the interior of the vehicle with respect to the beam 4.
  • the first arm carries, in known manner, a spindle and hub assembly 9 on which is mounted a wheel 10.
  • the second arm is equipped with the hinge pin 12 of the end of the rod 13 of a double-acting hydraulic jack whose body 14 is articulated around an axis 15 on a part 16 in the form of a bracket fixed to the upper end of the vertical beam 4.
  • axis 17 of the vehicle wheel, the axis of the shaft 6 and the axis 12 of articulation of the end of the jack rod are substantially aligned.
  • the second arm is also equipped with a roller 18 with an axis parallel to the axis of the axle intended, during the movement of the two arms, to come to bear on the chassis 19 of the vehicle.
  • the second arm 8 also has a hook-shaped recess 20 intended, in the road position of the vehicle, for the engagement of a finger 22, parallel to the axle 2, of a latch 23 mounted pivotally about an axis 24 parallel to the axle.
  • the latch 23 can be rotated in an unlocking direction, that is to say in the clockwise direction under the action of a hydraulic cylinder not shown in the drawing.
  • the vehicle finally comprises traditional shock absorbers 27 not belonging to the object of the invention.
  • the jack 14 is then actuated in a direction of exit from the rod 13 to ensure the continuation of the pivoting movement of the arms 7 and 8, this movement being made possible by compression of the suspension .
  • the wheels are then retracted until the rear of the chassis lands on the ground, as shown in Figure 4, with maintenance, in this position, by means of a non-return valve inserted in the hydraulic circuit of cylinder supply.
  • the invention brings a great improvement to the existing technique, by providing a device allowing the lowering of the rear of a vehicle equipped with a rigid axle with leaf suspension, which is entirely integral with the rigid axle and which does not change the characteristics of mechanical stresses.
  • the invention is not limited to the sole embodiment of this device, described above, by way of example; on the contrary, it embraces all of its variant embodiments.
  • the lock control means could be different and constituted for example by an electromagnet or a mechanical control.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)
  • Harvester Elements (AREA)
  • Soil Working Implements (AREA)
  • Vehicle Cleaning, Maintenance, Repair, Refitting, And Outriggers (AREA)
  • Automatic Cycles, And Cycles In General (AREA)

Abstract

The device includes, at each end of rear axle, an approximately vertical beam, whose lower end is fastened to the axle, and in which is mounted, with insertion of a bearing; a shaft passing through the beam, oriented parallel to the axle, to whose outside end is fastened a first arm on which is mounted the steering knuckle and wheel hub unit and, to whose inside end is fastened a second arm equipped with an assembly for locking in road position, a roller for supporting the vehicle rear on frame in the lowered position and on which is pivoted the end of a rod of a cylinder whose body is pivoted close to the upper end of beam. The shaft carrying the two arms and the pivot pin of cylinder on the second arm is offset lengthwise relative to the wheel axis. The present invention has application to equipping vehicles with front-wheel drive and rigid rear axle with blade suspension.

Description

La présente invention a pour objet un dispositif permettant d'abaisser l'arrière d'un véhicule routier pour l'amener au niveau du sol, et plus spécialement un dispositif destiné à équiper un véhicule à traction avant et comportant un essieu arrière rigide à suspension à lames.The present invention relates to a device for lowering the rear of a road vehicle to bring it to ground level, and more specifically a device for equipping a front-wheel drive vehicle and comprising a rigid rear axle with suspension. with blades.

Les véhicules dont il s'agit sont plus précisément de petits véhicules utilitaires utilisés comme fourgonnettes pour le transport de marchandises ou comme petits véhicules de transport en commun. De tels véhicules sont très souvent aménagés pour le transport de personnes handicapées utilisant des fauteuils roulants, ce qui nécessite des aménagements spécifiques pour permettre le chargement et le déchargement des fauteuils et de leurs occupants.The vehicles in question are more specifically small utility vehicles used as vans for the transport of goods or as small public transport vehicles. Such vehicles are very often fitted out for the transport of disabled people using wheelchairs, which requires specific arrangements to allow loading and unloading of the wheelchairs and their occupants.

Une solution consiste à permettre l'abaissement de l'arrière du véhicule jusqu'à amener celui-ci au niveau du sol.One solution is to allow the rear of the vehicle to be lowered to bring it to ground level.

Le dispositif selon l'invention comprend, à chaque extrémité de l'essieu arrière, une poutre sensiblement verticale, dont l'extrémité infé­rieure est fixée sur l'essieu, et dans laquelle est monté, avec interposition d'un palier, un arbre traversant la poutre, orienté parallèlement à l'essieu, à l'extrémité extérieure duquel est fixé un premier bras sur lequel est monté l'ensemble fusée et moyeu d'une roue et, à l'extrémité intérieure duquel est fixé un second bras équipé de moyens de verrouillage en position route, de moyens d'appui sur le châssis en position abaissée de l'arrière du véhicule et sur lequel est articulée l'extrémité de la tige d'un vérin dont le corps est articulé à proximité de l'extrémité haute de la poutre, l'arbre portant les deux bras et l'axe d'articulation du vérin sur le deuxième bras étant décalés longitudinalement par rapport à l'axe de la roue.The device according to the invention comprises, at each end of the rear axle, a substantially vertical beam, the lower end of which is fixed to the axle, and in which is mounted, with the interposition of a bearing, a through shaft the beam, oriented parallel to the axle, at the outer end of which is fixed a first arm on which is mounted the spindle and hub assembly of a wheel and, at the inner end of which is fixed a second arm equipped with locking means in the road position, support means on the chassis in the lowered position from the rear of the vehicle and on which the end of the rod of a jack is articulated, the body of which is articulated near the end high of the beam, the shaft carrying the two arms and the axis of articulation of the jack on the second arm being offset longitudinally relative to the axis of the wheel.

Lorsque le véhicule est en position route, le second bras est verrouillé par rapport à la poutre verticale, de telle sorte que ni les deux bras, ni l'arbre sur lequel ils sont fixés ne peuvent pivoter par rapport à l'axe de la roue.When the vehicle is in the road position, the second arm is locked relative to the vertical beam, so that neither the two arms nor the shaft on which they are fixed can pivot relative to the axis of the wheel .

Pour réaliser l'abaissement de l'arrière du véhicule, il est procédé tout d'abord au déverrouillage du second bras, ce qui permet, compte tenu du déport longitudinal de l'arbre portant les deux bras par rapport à l'axe de la roue, un abaissement de l'arrière du véhicule sous l'action du seul poids de celui-ci, jusqu'à ce que les moyens de butée dont est équipé le second bras viennent prendre appui sur le châssis.To lower the rear of the vehicle, the second arm is unlocked first, which, taking into account the longitudinal offset of the shaft carrying the two arms relative to the axis of the wheel, a lowering of the rear of the vehicle under the action of its sole weight, until the stop means with which the second arm is fitted come to bear on the chassis.

Dans un second temps, le vérin est alimenté dans un sens de sortie de sa tige, ce qui assure un pivotement de l'ensemble des bras par rotation autour de l'axe de la roue dans un sens d'abaissement de l'arrière du véhicule, par compression de la suspension, avec pivotement simultané de l'arbre portant.In a second step, the jack is supplied in a direction of exit from its rod, which ensures pivoting of all of the arms by rotation about the axis of the wheel in a direction of lowering of the rear of the vehicle, by compression of the suspension, with simultaneous pivoting of the bearing shaft.

Pour ramener l'arrière du véhicule en position haute, il suffit d'actionner le vérin dans un sens de rentrée de sa tige, permettant un pivotement des bras par rapport à l'axe de la roue jusqu'à verrouillage du second bras, les bras à l'intérieur du palier monté dans la poutre verticale.To return the rear of the vehicle to the high position, it suffices to actuate the jack in a direction of retraction of its rod, allowing the arms to pivot relative to the axis of the wheel until the second arm is locked, the arm inside the bearing mounted in the vertical beam.

Avantageusement, l'axe de la roue, l'arbre portant les deux bras et l'axe d'articulation de la tige de vérin sur le second bras sont sensiblement alignés, l'arbre portant les deux bras étant disposé entre les deux autres axes.Advantageously, the axis of the wheel, the shaft carrying the two arms and the axis of articulation of the jack rod on the second arm are substantially aligned, the shaft carrying the two arms being disposed between the two other axes. .

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, les moyens de verrouillage du second bras sont constitués en combinaison par un évidement en forme de crochet ménagé dans le second bras et ouvert du côté de l'axe d'articulation de la tige du vérin, et par un doigt d'axe parallèle à celui de l'essieu, solidaire d'un verrou monté pivotant sur la poutre autour d'un axe également parallèle à l'axe de l'essieu.According to another characteristic of the invention, the locking means of the second arm are formed in combination by a hook-shaped recess formed in the second arm and open on the side of the axis of articulation of the rod of the jack, and by a finger with an axis parallel to that of the axle, secured to a bolt pivotally mounted on the beam around an axis also parallel to the axis of the axle.

Avantageusement, les moyens de commande du verrou sont constitués par un vérin hydraulique assurant le pivotement du verrou autour de son axe dans un sens de dégagement du doigt de verrouillage hors de l'évidement du second bras.Advantageously, the means for controlling the lock consist of a hydraulic cylinder ensuring the pivoting of the lock around its axis in a direction of release of the locking finger out of the recess of the second arm.

Conformément à une autre caractéristique de l'invention, les moyens d'appui du second bras sur le châssis sont constitués par un galet monté sur le second bras, d'axe parallèle à l'essieu, disposé en arrière de l'axe de la tige du vérin dans un sens de rotation des bras correspondant à une sortie de la tige du vérin.According to another characteristic of the invention, the means for supporting the second arm on the chassis consist of a roller mounted on the second arm, with an axis parallel to the axle, disposed behind the axis of the cylinder rod in a direction of rotation of the arms corresponding to an output of the cylinder rod.

Le bord du second bras, situé en arrière de l'évidement en forme de crochet, dans un sens de rotation des bras correspondant à la sortie de la tige de vérin possède un profil convexe en forme de came. Ce profil permet, lors de la montée du châssis du véhicule, au second bras de prendre appui sur le doigt de verrouillage et de guider celui-ci jusqu'à ce qu'il tombe dans l'évidement en forme de crochet.The edge of the second arm, located behind the hook-shaped recess, in a direction of rotation of the arms corresponding to the outlet of the jack rod has a convex profile in the shape of a cam. This profile allows, when the vehicle chassis is mounted, the second arm to bear on the locking finger and to guide the latter until it falls into the hook-shaped recess.

Avantageusement, le circuit hydraulique d'alimentation du vérin est équipé d'un clapet anti-retour empêchant l'échappement de fluide hors de la chambre haute du vérin lorsque le châssis du véhicule est en position basse.Advantageously, the hydraulic circuit supplying the jack is fitted with a non-return valve preventing the escape of fluid from the upper chamber of the jack when the vehicle chassis is in position. low.

Il est ainsi possible de maintenir l'arrière du véhicule en position abaissée, sans faire fonctionner la centrale hydraulique.It is thus possible to keep the rear of the vehicle in the lowered position, without operating the hydraulic unit.

De préférence, chaque poutre est équipée d'une butée réalisée en un matériau souple et amortisseur tel que du caoutchouc, sur laquelle le second bras prend appui lorsque le véhicule est en position route. Cette butée est normalement comprimée par le second bras pour annuler tous les jeux et reprendre le poids de la roue considérée lorsque celle-ci passe dans un trou.Preferably, each beam is equipped with a stopper made of a flexible and damping material such as rubber, on which the second arm is supported when the vehicle is in the road position. This stop is normally compressed by the second arm to cancel all games and resume the weight of the wheel considered when it passes through a hole.

De toute façon, l'invention sera bien comprise à l'aide de la description qui suit, en référence au dessin schématique annexé, représentant à titre d'exemple non limitatif, une forme d'exécution de ce dispositif:

  • Figure 1 est une vue de face d'un dispositif monté à une extrémité d'un essieu ;
  • Figures 2 à 4 en sont trois vues de côté, l'arrière du véhicule se trouvant, respectivement, en position route, en cours d'abaissement, et en position abaissée.
In any case, the invention will be clearly understood with the aid of the description which follows, with reference to the appended schematic drawing, representing by way of nonlimiting example, an embodiment of this device:
  • Figure 1 is a front view of a device mounted at one end of an axle;
  • Figures 2 to 4 are three side views, the rear of the vehicle being, respectively, in the road position, being lowered, and in the lowered position.

Le dispositif, représenté au dessin, comprend un essieu rigide 2 dont une extrémité est représentée, associée à des lames de suspension 3. A l'extrémité représentée de l'essieu 2 est fixée de façon rigide une poutre 4 sensiblement verticale. Cette poutre 4 est traversée avec interposition d'un palier 5 par un arbre 6 à une extrémité duquel est fixé un premier bras 7 et à l'autre extrémité duquel est fixé un second bras 8. Le premier bras se trouve donc situé du côté de l'extérieur du véhicule par rapport à la poutre 4, tandis que le second bras se trouve situé du côté de l'intérieur du véhicule par rapport à la poutre 4.The device, shown in the drawing, comprises a rigid axle 2, one end of which is shown, associated with suspension blades 3. At the illustrated end of the axle 2 is fixed rigidly a beam 4 substantially vertical. This beam 4 is crossed with the interposition of a bearing 5 by a shaft 6 at one end of which is fixed a first arm 7 and at the other end of which is fixed a second arm 8. The first arm is therefore located on the side of the outside of the vehicle with respect to the beam 4, while the second arm is located on the side of the interior of the vehicle with respect to the beam 4.

Le premier bras porte, de façon connue, un ensemble fusée et moyeu 9 sur lequel est montée une roue 10. Pour sa part, le second bras est équipé de l'axe d'articulation 12 de l'extrémité de la tige 13 d'un vérin hydraulique à double effet dont le corps 14 est articulé autour d'un axe 15 sur une pièce 16 en forme de potence solidaire de l'extrémité supérieure de la poutre verticale 4.The first arm carries, in known manner, a spindle and hub assembly 9 on which is mounted a wheel 10. For its part, the second arm is equipped with the hinge pin 12 of the end of the rod 13 of a double-acting hydraulic jack whose body 14 is articulated around an axis 15 on a part 16 in the form of a bracket fixed to the upper end of the vertical beam 4.

Il est à noter que l'axe 17 de la roue du véhicule, l'axe de l'arbre 6 et l'axe 12 d'articulation de l'extrémité de la tige de vérin sont sensiblement alignés.It should be noted that the axis 17 of the vehicle wheel, the axis of the shaft 6 and the axis 12 of articulation of the end of the jack rod are substantially aligned.

Le second bras est également équipé d'un galet 18 d'axe parallèle à l'axe de l'essieu destiné, au cours du mouvement des deux bras, à venir prendre appui sur le châssis 19 du véhicule.The second arm is also equipped with a roller 18 with an axis parallel to the axis of the axle intended, during the movement of the two arms, to come to bear on the chassis 19 of the vehicle.

Le second bras 8 présente également un évidement 20 en forme de crochet destiné, en position route du véhicule, à l'engagement d'un doigt 22, parallèle à l'essieu 2, d'un verrou 23 monté pivotant autour d'un axe 24 parallèle à l'essieu. Le verrou 23 peut être entraîné en rotation dans un sens de déverrouillage, c'est-a-dire dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre sous l'action d'un vérin hydraulique non représenté au dessin.The second arm 8 also has a hook-shaped recess 20 intended, in the road position of the vehicle, for the engagement of a finger 22, parallel to the axle 2, of a latch 23 mounted pivotally about an axis 24 parallel to the axle. The latch 23 can be rotated in an unlocking direction, that is to say in the clockwise direction under the action of a hydraulic cylinder not shown in the drawing.

La partie du second bras disposée au-delà du crochet 20 est convexe et forme une came 25. Enfin, la poutre verticale 4 est équipée d'une butée en caoutchouc 26 contre laquelle vient prendre appui le second bras 8, lorsque le véhicule est en position haute.The part of the second arm disposed beyond the hook 20 is convex and forms a cam 25. Finally, the vertical beam 4 is equipped with a rubber stopper 26 against which the second arm 8 comes to bear, when the vehicle is in high position.

Le véhicule comprend enfin des amortisseurs 27 traditionnels n'appartenant pas à l'objet de l'invention.The vehicle finally comprises traditional shock absorbers 27 not belonging to the object of the invention.

Le fonctionnement de ce dispositif est le suivant.The operation of this device is as follows.

Pour réaliser l'abaissement de l'arrière du véhicule à partir de la position représentée à la figure 2, il convient, dans un premier temps, d'actionner le vérin 14 dans un sens de rentrée de sa tige 13 pour libérer le doigt de verrouillage 22 des contraintes qui s'exercent sur lui. Le verrou peut alors être actionné vers sa position d'ouverture, représentée à la figure 3, et retenu dans cette position. L'alimentation du vérin 14 est alors supprimée et l'ensemble des bras 6 et 7 peut pivoter dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre sous l'action du poids du véhicule jusqu'à ce que le galet 18, solidaire du second bras 8, vienne en appui sur le châssis 19. Ce pivotement, autour de l'axe 17 de la roue avec pivotement simultané de l'arbre 6 portant les bras 7 et 8 par rapport à la poutre 4, a assuré l'abaissement du châssis du véhicule sans appliquer de contraintes supplémentaires à la suspension.To lower the rear of the vehicle from the position shown in Figure 2, it is first necessary to actuate the actuator 14 in a direction of retraction of its rod 13 to release the finger from locking 22 of the stresses exerted on it. The lock can then be actuated towards its open position, shown in FIG. 3, and retained in this position. The power supply to the actuator 14 is then removed and all of the arms 6 and 7 can pivot anticlockwise under the action of the weight of the vehicle until the roller 18, integral with the second arm 8, comes to bear on the chassis 19. This pivoting, around the axis 17 of the wheel with simultaneous pivoting of the shaft 6 carrying the arms 7 and 8 relative to the beam 4, ensured the lowering of the vehicle chassis without applying additional constraints to the suspension.

Partant de la position représentée à la figure 2, le vérin 14 est alors actionné dans un sens de sortie de la tige 13 pour assurer la poursuite du mouvement de pivotement des bras 7 et 8, ce mouvement étant rendu possible par une compression de la suspension. Les roues sont alors escamo­tées jusqu'à ce que l'arrière du châssis se pose au sol, comme montré figure 4, avec maintien, dans cette position, par l'intermédiaire d'un clapet anti-retour inséré dans le circuit hydraulique d'alimentation du vérin.Starting from the position shown in FIG. 2, the jack 14 is then actuated in a direction of exit from the rod 13 to ensure the continuation of the pivoting movement of the arms 7 and 8, this movement being made possible by compression of the suspension . The wheels are then retracted until the rear of the chassis lands on the ground, as shown in Figure 4, with maintenance, in this position, by means of a non-return valve inserted in the hydraulic circuit of cylinder supply.

Pour réaliser le retour en position route, il suffit, le verrou 22 étant ramené en position basse, d'actionner le vérin 14 dans un sens de rentrée de la tige de celui-ci, ce qui assure le pivotement dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre des bras 7 et 8, jusqu'à ce que le doigt 22 du verrou 23 vienne, après guidage le long de la partie 25 en forme de came du second bras 8, se loger dans l'évidement 20 en forme de crochet du second bras 8 ou, après suppression de l'alimentation hydraulique du vérin, il est maintenu par le poids du véhicule.To return to the road position, it suffices, the bolt 22 being brought back to the low position, to actuate the jack 14 in a direction of retraction of the rod thereof, which ensures pivoting in the direction of the needles d 'a watch of arms 7 and 8, until finger 22 of the lock 23 comes, after guidance along the cam-shaped part 25 of the second arm 8, is housed in the hook-shaped recess 20 of the second arm 8 or, after removal of the hydraulic supply from the jack, it is maintained by the weight of the vehicle.

Comme il ressort de ce qui précède, l'invention apporte une grande amélioration à la technique existante, en fournissant un dispositif permettant l'abaissement de l'arrière d'un véhicule équipé d'un essieu rigide à suspension à lames, qui est entièrement solidaire de l'essieu rigide et qui ne change pas les caractéristiques de contraintes mécaniques.As is apparent from the above, the invention brings a great improvement to the existing technique, by providing a device allowing the lowering of the rear of a vehicle equipped with a rigid axle with leaf suspension, which is entirely integral with the rigid axle and which does not change the characteristics of mechanical stresses.

Comme il va de soi, l'invention ne se limite pas à la seule forme d'exécution de ce dispositif, décrite ci-dessus, à titre d'exemple; elle en embrasse, au contraire, toutes les variantes de réalisation. C'est ainsi notamment que les moyens de commande du verrou pourraient être différents et constitués par exemple par un électro-aimant ou une commande méca­nique.It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the sole embodiment of this device, described above, by way of example; on the contrary, it embraces all of its variant embodiments. Thus in particular that the lock control means could be different and constituted for example by an electromagnet or a mechanical control.

Claims (8)

1. Dispositif permettant d'abaisser l'arrière d'un véhicule routier pour l'amener au niveau du sol, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend, à chaque extrémité de l'essieu arrière (2) une poutre (4) sensiblement verticale, dont l'extrémité inférieure est fixée sur l'essieu, et dans laquelle est monté, avec interposition d'un palier, un arbre (6) traversant la poutre, orienté parallèle­ment à l'essieu, à l'extrémité extérieure duquel est fixé un premier bras (7) sur lequel est monté l'ensemble fusée et moyeu d'une roue et, à l'extrémité intérieure duquel est fixé un second bras (8) équipé de moyens de verrouil­lage (20) en position route, de moyens d'appui (18) sur le châssis (19) en position abaissée de l'arrière du véhicule et sur lequel est articulée l'extré­mité de la tige (13) d'un vérin (14) dont le corps est articulé à proximité de l'extrémité haute de la poutre (4), l'arbre (6) portant les deux bras et l'axe (12) d'articulation du vérin (14) sur le deuxième bras (8) étant décalés longitudinalement par rapport à l'axe (17) de la roue.1. Device for lowering the rear of a road vehicle to bring it to ground level, characterized in that it comprises, at each end of the rear axle (2) a beam (4) substantially vertical , the lower end of which is fixed to the axle, and in which is mounted, with the interposition of a bearing, a shaft (6) passing through the beam, oriented parallel to the axle, at the external end of which is fixed a first arm (7) on which is mounted the spindle and hub assembly of a wheel and, at the inner end of which is fixed a second arm (8) equipped with locking means (20) in the road position, means bearing (18) on the chassis (19) in the lowered position from the rear of the vehicle and on which is articulated the end of the rod (13) of a jack (14) whose body is articulated near the upper end of the beam (4), the shaft (6) carrying the two arms and the axis (12) of articulation of the jack (14) on the second arm (8) being offset along tudinally with respect to the axis (17) of the wheel. 2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'axe (17) de la roue, l'arbre (6) portant les deux bras (7,8) et l'axe (12) d'articulation de la tige (13) de vérin sur le second bras (8) sont sensiblement alignés, l'arbre (6) portant les deux bras (7,8) étant disposé entre les deux autres axes (12,17).2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the axis (17) of the wheel, the shaft (6) carrying the two arms (7,8) and the axis (12) of articulation of the rod (13) of cylinder on the second arm (8) are substantially aligned, the shaft (6) carrying the two arms (7,8) being disposed between the two other axes (12,17). 3. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de verrouillage du second bras (8) sont constitués en combinaison par un évidement (20) en forme de crochet ménagé dans le second bras (8) et ouvert du côté de l'axe d'articulation (12) de la tige du vérin, et par un doigt (22) d'axe parallèle à celui de l'essieu, solidaire d'un verrou (23) monté pivotant sur la poutre (4) autour d'un axe (24) également parallèle à l'axe de l'essieu.3. Device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the locking means of the second arm (8) are formed in combination by a recess (20) in the form of a hook formed in the second arm (8) and open on the side of the articulation axis (12) of the rod of the jack, and by a finger (22) of axis parallel to that of the axle, secured to a lock (23) pivotally mounted on the beam (4) about an axis (24) also parallel to the axis of the axle. 4. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de commande du verrou (23) sont constitués par un vérin hydraulique assurant le pivotement du verrou autour de son axe (24) dans un sens de dégagement du doigt de verrouillage hors de l'évidement (20) du second bras (8).4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the latch control means (23) consist of a hydraulic cylinder ensuring the pivoting of the latch around its axis (24) in a direction of release of the locking finger from the recess (20) of the second arm (8). 5. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que les moyens d'appui du second bras (8) sur le châssis (19) sont constitués par un galet (18) monté sur le second bras (8), d'axe parallèle à l'essieu, disposé en arrière de l'axe (12) de la tige du vérin dans un sens de rotation des bras correspondant à une sortie de la tige du verin.5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the support means of the second arm (8) on the frame (19) consist of a roller (18) mounted on the second arm (8 ), with an axis parallel to the axle, disposed behind the axis (12) of the cylinder rod in a direction of rotation of the arms corresponding to an exit from the cylinder rod. 6. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce que le bord du second bras (8), situé en arrière de l'évidement (20) en forme de crochet, dans un sens de rotation des bras (7,8) correspondant à la sortie de la tige de vérin, possède un profil convexe (25) en forme de came.6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the edge of the second arm (8), located behind the recess (20) in the form of a hook, in a direction of rotation of the arms ( 7,8) corresponding to the outlet of the jack rod, has a convex profile (25) in the form of a cam. 7. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que le circuit hydraulique d'alimentation du vérin (14) est équipé d'un clapet anti-retour empêchant l'échappement de fluide hors de la chambre haute du vérin lorsque le châssis du véhicule est en position basse.7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the hydraulic circuit supplying the jack (14) is equipped with a non-return valve preventing the escape of fluid from the upper chamber of the cylinder when the vehicle chassis is in the low position. 8. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que chaque poutre (4) est équipée d'une butée (26) réalisée en un matériau souple et amortisseur tel que du caoutchouc, sur laquelle le second bras (8) prend appui lorsque le véhicule est en position route.8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each beam (4) is equipped with a stop (26) made of a flexible and damping material such as rubber, on which the second arm ( 8) is supported when the vehicle is in the road position.
EP88420398A 1987-11-30 1988-11-29 Device for lowering the rear part of a road vehicle until it reaches ground level Expired - Lifetime EP0319436B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT88420398T ATE71509T1 (en) 1987-11-30 1988-11-29 DEVICE FOR LOWERING THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE TO THE GROUND.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8716927A FR2623755B1 (en) 1987-11-30 1987-11-30 DEVICE FOR LOWERING THE REAR OF A ROAD VEHICLE TO BRING IT TO THE GROUND
FR8716927 1987-11-30

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0319436A1 true EP0319436A1 (en) 1989-06-07
EP0319436B1 EP0319436B1 (en) 1992-01-15

Family

ID=9357524

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88420398A Expired - Lifetime EP0319436B1 (en) 1987-11-30 1988-11-29 Device for lowering the rear part of a road vehicle until it reaches ground level

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US4886290A (en)
EP (1) EP0319436B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH06104406B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE71509T1 (en)
DE (1) DE3867819D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2029066T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2623755B1 (en)

Cited By (2)

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WO2003059662A1 (en) 2002-01-15 2003-07-24 Bernard Saugy Electric road vehicle, particularly automatic vehicle
FR3036337A1 (en) * 2015-05-22 2016-11-25 Soc Ind De Prefabrication Electrique Siprel DEVICE FOR LOWERING THE BODY OF A VEHICLE HAVING A HIGH POSITION DETECTION MEANS

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE8900673U1 (en) * 1989-01-23 1990-06-07 Moog, Alfons, 7774 Deggenhausertal Vehicle with a pressure-sprung axle assembly
US5398952A (en) * 1993-02-02 1995-03-21 Wagner; Charles E. Liftable amusement ride carrier
FR2716841B1 (en) * 1994-03-02 1996-04-05 Siprel Device for lowering the rear of a vehicle to bring it close to the ground.
US5863049A (en) * 1997-03-13 1999-01-26 Mahvi; A. Pascal Retractable and extendable wheel assembly
GB0110638D0 (en) * 2001-05-01 2001-06-20 Covelink Marine Ltd Vehicle with retractable wheel
US7547044B2 (en) * 2007-01-30 2009-06-16 Cokeley Donald E Anti-rollover device for trailers and mobile homes
US7918465B2 (en) * 2008-09-16 2011-04-05 Metzger Donald C Adjustable height trailer
CA3012289C (en) 2016-01-27 2022-01-25 EM Solutions Incorporated System for raising and lowering vehicle

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GB1092970A (en) * 1965-11-10 1967-11-29 Bucher Guyer Ag Masch Improvements in or relating to trailers
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FR2297152A1 (en) * 1975-01-09 1976-08-06 Lebihan Joseph Vehicle for carrying damaged vehicles - has bed pivotal to ground by lowering w.r.t. rear axles
US4595210A (en) * 1985-02-11 1986-06-17 Groeing Robert E Fruit bin trailer
FR2597801A1 (en) * 1986-04-29 1987-10-30 Somac Montage Auto Camions Sar Vehicle with an adjustable suspension system for facilitating access for a wheelchair

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003059662A1 (en) 2002-01-15 2003-07-24 Bernard Saugy Electric road vehicle, particularly automatic vehicle
FR3036337A1 (en) * 2015-05-22 2016-11-25 Soc Ind De Prefabrication Electrique Siprel DEVICE FOR LOWERING THE BODY OF A VEHICLE HAVING A HIGH POSITION DETECTION MEANS

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3867819D1 (en) 1992-02-27
FR2623755B1 (en) 1990-05-04
EP0319436B1 (en) 1992-01-15
US4886290A (en) 1989-12-12
ATE71509T1 (en) 1992-02-15
JPH01195108A (en) 1989-08-07
FR2623755A1 (en) 1989-06-02
ES2029066T3 (en) 1992-07-16
JPH06104406B2 (en) 1994-12-21

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