EP1144788A2

EP1144788A2 - Shutter with articulated elements equipped with an electrical driving device

Info

Publication number: EP1144788A2
Application number: EP00967442A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Edward Miers
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-10-08
Filing date: 2000-10-05
Publication date: 2001-10-17
Anticipated expiration: 2020-10-05
Also published as: ES2235954T3; AU7764100A; CA2354162A1; WO2001027426A2; US6719032B1; CA2354162C; DE60017081T2; DE60017081D1; ATE286195T1; WO2001027426A3; EP1144788B1

Abstract

Shutter (4) with articulated elements (6) guided by two rails (8) having a first rectilinear part (8V) mounted in the plane that the shutter (4) is to occupy in the closed position, connected by a curved part (8C) to a second rectilinear part (8H), mounted in the plane that the shutter (4) is to occupy in the open position. This shutter (4) is equipped with an electrical drive device having:two drive tracks (10) mounted respectively along said second rectilinear part (8H) of the rails (8),a carriage (5) having a frame carried and guided by the second rectilinear part (8H) of the rails (8), there being mounted on this frame a drive shaft (24), an electric motor (22) and a transmission between the shaft (24) and the motor (22), pinions (27) or notched wheels fixed to the two ends of the shaft (24) meshing with the drive tracks (10),connection mechanisms (30, 31) between the carriage (5) and the closest shutter element (6), anda control station for controlling the running and stopping of the motor.

Description

Hinged shutters, fitted with an electric drive

The present invention relates to a device for the electric drive of a flap with articulated elements.

Such shutters are well known and consist of a series of rectangular panels, the largest dimension of which extends horizontally, these panels being interconnected by their horizontal edges, by means of joints. The side edges of these panels are provided with rollers or the like which roll in guide rails, by means of which the flap is guided from its open position to its closed position and vice versa. These rails each comprise a first rectilinear part (generally substantially vertical) fixedly mounted along one side of the door opening, the upper part of this first rectilinear part being connected, by means of a curved part. , to a second rectilinear part (and generally substantially horizontal) fixedly mounted in the plane that the shutter must occupy in its open position. Such shutters are normally used as garage doors, warehouse doors, but also as doors for road vehicles and in particular as rear doors for trucks or vans.

These shutters can possibly be actuated manually, which can often be done without too much difficulty, at least when the shutters are not too large and, in particular, too high.

Indeed, as a general rule, such flaps are provided with a balancing spring device which biases the flap towards its open position and thus counterbalances, at least approximately or partially, the weight of the flap which biases it towards its closed position. In many cases, however, it is desirable for such a shutter to be equipped with an electric drive device. Many types of devices have already been designed and offered for this purpose.

US 2,560,236 describes a device for electrically driving a door flap, in which the mechanical transmission between the electric motor and the upper element of the flap comprises a chain (of the Galle chain or roller chain type) guided in a rail.

US 2,922,638 describes a device for the electric drive of a garage door. This device comprises an electric motor and a drive shaft both carried by arms hingedly attached to the upper element of the shutter. A pulley and belt transmission is provided between the motor axis and the drive axis. The latter carries at each of its two ends a pinion. These two pinions mesh with racks mounted along the horizontal part of the flap guide rails.

EP-0 291 171 describes a door flap for a truck equipped with a drive device with an electric motor. This device comprises a system of winches and belts, at least one of these belts having one end fixed to an element at the bottom of the shutter and at least one other belt having an end fixed to an element at the top of the shutter.

The door flap described in NL 8902808 has several points of similarity to that described in EP-0 291 171, but the belts (which are preferably toothed belts) are fixed by one of their ends to an element at the bottom of the flap and by their other end to an element from the top of the shutter.

EP-0 222 204 describes a shutter with articulated elements, equipped with one or more electric motors actuating a pinion which meshes with a rack mounted parallel to the rails of the shutter. The motor (s) is (are) fixed (s) against one of the components of the shutter, on the side facing the interior of the room or the space closed by this shutter. When the flap is in the open position, the motor (or each motor) is therefore suspended under the flap element to which it is fixed.

It has been proposed to drive the flaps of trucks by a hydraulic system which includes one or two hydraulic cylinders located near the ceiling of the loading space of the truck and whose end of the piston rod is connected in an articulated manner , to the upper element of the shutter.

Such a hydraulic system involves the use of very long cylinders, which also limits its possibilities of application to sufficiently long trucks. Indeed, when the shutter is closed, the total length of the jack (cylinder + piston rod) is necessarily a little greater than twice the height of the shutter.

To remedy this drawback, the device described in

NL 9000459 includes a double acting pneumatic cylinder, with free piston (without piston rod). The movement of this free piston is transmitted to a sliding sleeve arranged around the pneumatic cylinder, thanks to the fact that this piston and this sleeve are both provided with magnetic elements. The sliding sleeve is connected to an element (lower or upper) of the shutter. It will be understood that the magnetic (and not mechanical) connection between the piston and the sleeve can be a source of trouble and further limits the application of such a system to relatively small and light shutters.

Some of the electric shutter drive devices which have been proposed so far have been considered to be fairly satisfactory and, in particular, fairly reliable, as long as they were used to equip garage doors, warehouse doors or the like. buildings shutters.

In general, these electric shutter drive devices were not satisfactory when used to equip the doors of trucks or similar vehicles; because of their sometimes faulty operation and too many failures, they are considered insufficiently reliable. This observation also applies to electric drive devices which are nevertheless presented as being specially intended to equip vehicle shutters.

The fact that the same electric shutter drive device can give satisfaction when used to equip a garage shutter and suffers, on the other hand, too many breakdowns when it is used to equip a truck shutter , is due to several causes. The main of these causes of difficulties and breakdowns is that when the truck starts, drives and stops, the electric drive device of the shutter and its component parts are subjected to incessant vibrations and jolts which have particularly harmful effects when the truck is driving on bumpy roads. With devices for electrically driving vehicle shutters hitherto proposed, it is also noted that these vibrations and jolts can cause the opening of the vehicle shutter at least partially in motion. Keeping such a shutter in the closed position by means of a lock, a latch or a similar blocking device is considered to be an unacceptable solution, in particular because of the loss of time that this implies.

In general, the electric drive devices for truck shutters proposed so far are also too bulky. As a result, they reduce the loading capacity of trucks to an unacceptable extent.

There is, however, a real demand for electric shutter drive devices operating in a truly satisfactory and reliable manner to equip the doors of trucks or similar vehicles. It will be understood that such a device must not only be reliable, so that it can be used for a long time without any significant risk of breakdown, but it must also be compact, so as to reduce the loading capacity of the truck as little as possible. The present invention aims to provide such a device.

The electrical drive device according to the invention has been designed and developed to equip it with shutters for trucks or similar vehicles, but this device can obviously also be advantageously used for fitting it with shutters for garages, shutters for warehouses or other building shutters.

The subject of the present invention is a flap with articulated elements, the movement of which between a closed position and an open position, and vice versa, is guided by two rails arranged along the path to be followed by guide rollers with which the lateral edges of the components of the pane. These guide rails each comprise a first rectilinear part mounted in the plane that the flap must occupy, in essence, in its closed position, this first part being connected via a curved part to a second rectilinear part mounted in the plan that the shutter must occupy, in essence, in its open position. The shutter according to the invention is equipped with an electric drive device which comprises two drive tracks respectively mounted in parallel along said second rectilinear part of the guide rails, and which further comprises:

1 ° a carriage placed between the second rectilinear parts of the two guide rails, this carriage comprising:

a rigid chassis carried and guided by said second rectilinear part of said guide rails for a translational movement parallel to this part of the two rails,

a drive shaft mounted for rotation on said chassis, a pinion or a toothed wheel being fixed to each of the two ends of this shaft, these two pinions or toothed wheels respectively meshing with the two drive tracks, - an electric motor, provided with a motor axis, mounted on the chassis and connected to an electrical supply, - a transmission between the motor and the axis d drive, the motor axis and the drive axis being located higher than the level of said second rectilinear part of the guide rails,

2 ° connecting members between the carriage and the shutter element closest to the latter, 3 ° a control station capable of controlling the operation and stopping of the engine and thereby controlling the opening and closing the shutter, said carriage being able to move between extreme positions which correspond to the fully closed and fully open positions of the shutter, said connecting members being provided with elastic elements which, when the carriage is in its extreme position which corresponds to the completely closed position of the shutter, exert a push on the shutter element closest to the carriage.

It is important to note that the "drive tracks" are elongated elements with which can mesh the pinions or toothed wheels fixed to the ends of the drive shaft. The drive axes can in particular be racks (in which case pinions for racks are fixed to the ends of the drive axis) or toothed belts (in which case notched wheels are fixed to the ends of the drive axis ). The drive tracks may possibly also be chains such as Galle chains or roller chains (in which case sprockets or wheels for suitable chains are fixed to the ends of the drive axle). As indicated above, the guide rails comprise "a first rectilinear part mounted in the plane that the flap must occupy, in essence, in its closed position". It is important to understand by this that this first rectilinear part of the rails is mounted in the plane that at least the major part of the flap must occupy when it is in its closed position. Indeed, with most of the flaps with articulated elements, the upper articulated element is in an oblique position relative to the plane along which the rest of the flap is disposed when the latter is in its closed position, the guide rollers located near the upper door of this upper articulated element being engaged in the curved part of the guide rails.

The same remark applies with regard to the plane along which the second part of the two guide rails is mounted, since the articulated element which constitutes the bottom of the flap when the latter is in the closed position, may possibly be found in an oblique position relative to the plane along which the rest of the shutter is disposed when the latter is in its open position.

The guide rails preferably have a substantially U-shaped section, the opening of the U of each rail being directed towards the other rail. It is this type of rail which is usually used for guiding flaps with articulated elements. A more specifically preferred U-shaped rail will be described below in a description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings. When these rails having a substantially U-shaped section are used, the chassis is advantageously guided by rolling rollers with which the opposite sides of the chassis are provided, these rolling rollers being engaged in the second rectilinear part of the two guide rails. The chassis is advantageously guided in the second rectilinear part of each of the two U-section guide rails, by at least three rolling rollers. Two of these rollers being arranged so as to be able to roll against a part of the rail which corresponds in substance to one of the branches of the U of its section, the third of these rollers being arranged so as to be able to roll against a part of the interior of the rail which corresponds in substance to the other branch of the U of its section.

The electric supply of the electric motor mounted on the chassis is preferably done by means of a sliding contact system comprising electric contact rails fixed in place parallel to the drive tracks, and electric brushes carried by the carriage. .

The electric motor is advantageously provided with an engine brake. It is also advantageous that this motor is provided with a declutching mechanism which can be actuated manually.

According to a particular embodiment, the transmission between the motor and the drive axis is a chain transmission, the motor axis and the drive axis each being equipped with a chain pinion.

According to another embodiment, the transmission between the motor and the drive axis is a toothed belt transmission, the motor axis and the drive axis each being equipped with a toothed wheel. This type of transmission notably offers the advantage of quiet operation.

Of course, other types of transmission may also be suitable, such as for example a gear transmission.

It is advantageous that the connecting members between the carriage and the shutter element closest to the latter, connect the carriage to at least two parts of this shutter element which are laterally spaced from one another, relative to the direction of translation of this shutter element.

Even for fairly wide shutters, it is generally sufficient for these connecting members to connect the carriage to only two parts of the shutter element closest to the carriage. These two parts of this shutter element should preferably be located symmetrically with respect to the middle of the width of the shutter and advantageously fairly close to the lateral edges of the latter. According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting members between the carriage and the shutter element closest to the latter comprise a gas piston buffer. When the shutter is brought into its closed position, this gas piston buffer is compressed and thus keeps the shutter firmly in its closed position. This gas piston buffer can optionally be replaced by another means fulfilling the same function, such as for example a metal spring device.

The electric drive device of the shutter must be provided with means which limit the possible movement of the carriage between extreme positions which correspond respectively to the complete opening and the complete closing of the shutter.

These means may in particular consist of two limit switches which stop the motor when the carriage has reached one or other of these extreme positions. These switches are fixed in place on the path of the carriage, adjustable actuating members, capable of actuating one or the other of the two limit switches, being mounted on the carriage.

When the shutter opens, one of the limit switches stops the motor (and therefore also the carriage and the shutter) when the flap has reached its fully open position.

When the shutter closes, another limit switch stops the motor when the carriage has exceeded a small predetermined distance (a few centimeters, for example) its position which corresponds to the complete closing of the shutter. When, when the shutter closes, it has reached its fully closed position, it is stopped in this position because its lower edge abuts against the door opening threshold, the floor of the truck or any stop. At this time, the carriage continues to move for a short distance (a few centimeters) before being stopped due to the actuation of the limit switch. Therefore, the gas piston buffers which are provided with the connecting members between the carriage and the shutter are compressed, so as to keep the shutter firmly in its closed position. The means capable of limiting the translational movement of the carriage may also consist of an electronic device with a photocell or of an electronic device with proximity detector.

According to a preferred embodiment, the control station of the electric drive device is a remote electric control station. This type of control station is known per se and usually includes a small box containing the necessary electronic elements and provided with buttons which must be actuated to control the opening or closing of the shutter. It is in any case clearly preferable for this control station to be a secure "dead man" type station, with which the movement of the shutter towards its open position or towards its closed position can only continue as long as the corresponding control button is pressed. According to a first embodiment of the electric drive device with which the shutter is fitted, said drive tracks consist of racks. In this case, a rack pinion is fixed to each of the two ends of the drive shaft, these two pinions respectively meshing with the two racks.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the second rectilinear part of each of the two guide rails extends, in the direction opposite to the curved part of this rail, beyond the end of the rack mounted along this rail . It should be understood that, thanks to this particular arrangement, the rigid frame (and therefore the carriage) would remain guided and supported by the guide rails in case, moving in the direction which corresponds to the opening of the shutter, it would exceed the position beyond which the pinions of the drive axis have passed the end of the racks and are therefore no longer meshed with them. The advantages of this particular arrangement are explained in the remainder of this description.

According to a preferred embodiment, the two racks are respectively mounted above the second straight part of the two guide rails. In this case, the teeth of the two racks are preferably located opposite the guide rails above which they are mounted, that is to say that the racks are arranged with their toothed part located upwards.

It is generally advantageous that the two racks are respectively secured to the guide rails above which they are mounted.

According to a second embodiment of the electric drive device with which the shutter is fitted, said drive tracks consist of toothed belts. In this case, a toothed wheel is fixed to each of the two ends of the drive axis, these two toothed wheels respectively meshing with the two toothed belts.

Each of the two toothed belts is fixed in parallel along the second rectilinear part of a guide rail. Each of the two ends of each toothed belt is fixed to a fixing support. At least one of these supports is provided with means for exerting and maintaining an appropriate tension on the toothed belt. The two notched belts are preferably respectively mounted above the second straight part of the two guide rails.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the notched side of the toothed belts is turned downwards.

Two free deflecting wheels maintain each toothed belt, constituting a drive track, in gear with the corresponding toothed wheel. These two deflecting wheels preferably maintain each toothed belt in gear with at least one third of the circumference of the corresponding toothed wheel.

The invention also relates to a device for the electric drive of a flap with articulated elements, the movement of which between a closed position and an open position, and vice versa, is guided by two rails arranged along the path which must follow guide rollers with which the lateral edges of the shutter elements are provided. These guide rails each comprise a first rectilinear part mounted in the plane that the flap must occupy, in essence, in its closed position, this first part being connected via a curved part to a second rectilinear part mounted in the plan that the shutter must occupy, in essence, in its open position. This device comprises two drive tracks capable of being respectively mounted parallel along said second rectilinear part of the two guide rails, and further comprises: 1 ° a carriage capable of being disposed between the second rectilinear parts of the two guide rails, this carriage comprising:

a rigid chassis able to be carried and guided by said second rectilinear part of said guide rails for a translational movement parallel to this part of the two rails,

- a drive shaft rotatably mounted on said chassis, a pinion or a toothed wheel being fixed to each of the two ends of this axis, these two pinions or toothed wheels respectively meshing with the two drive tracks, - an electric motor , fitted with a motor shaft, mounted on the chassis and connected to an electrical supply,

- a transmission between the motor axis and the drive axis,

2 ° connecting members, provided with elastic elements, capable of connecting the carriage to the shutter element closest to the latter, 3 ° a control station capable of controlling the operation and stopping of the engine and thereby controlling the opening and closing of the shutter.

The arrangement of the various constituent elements of the device is such that, when said chassis is carried and guided by said second rectilinear part of said guide rails, the motor axis and the drive axis are located higher than this second part of the rails guide, and that said two pinions or toothed wheels respectively mesh with the two drive tracks.

The invention also relates to a road transport vehicle which comprises a flap according to the invention. Usually, this component gives access to a cargo loading space.

An opening is provided in the body of the vehicle according to the invention (generally in the roof of the body of the truck or of the van) near the place where the clutch mechanism of the device engine is located. drive electric shutter, when this shutter is in the closed position. This opening can be closed by a closing device such as, for example, a small flap mounted on hinges. Said opening allows access, from outside the vehicle, to this declutching mechanism and to actuate it manually.

If an electrical breakdown (for example a breakdown of the vehicle battery) occurs while the shutter is closed, this particular arrangement makes it possible to manually actuate said declutching device and then manually open the shutter. It is clearly advantageous for the closure of said closure device to be secured by a lock or the like.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description, given below by way of nonlimiting examples, of two embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the appended drawings, in which: Fig. 1 to 12 illustrate the first of these embodiments; Figs. 15 to 24 illustrate the second of these embodiments; Figs. 13 and 14 indifferently relate to these two embodiments;

Fig. 1, which relates to the first embodiment, is a schematic perspective view, with parts broken away, showing the assembly formed by a flap and its drive device, mounted in the loading box of a truck;

Fig. 2 is a plan view, with interruption, of the shutter drive device, the left side of this figure is located on the right side of the truck;

Fig. 3 is an elevational view, with interruption, of the shutter drive device, according to arrow III in FIG. 2; Fig. 4 is an elevational view of the shutter drive device, along arrow IV of FIG. 2;

Fig. 5 is an elevational view of the shutter drive device, according to arrow V in FIG. 2; Fig. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, showing the connecting elements between the shutter and the drive device;

Fig. 7 shows, in side view and on a larger scale, the assembly formed by a guide rail and a rack;

Fig. 8 is a section along the line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7; Fig. 9 is a plan view, on a larger scale, of a connecting piece between the shutter and the shutter drive device;

Fig. 10 is a side view of this same connecting piece;

Fig. 11 is a detail view showing an electric contact rail and an electric brush mounted on a trolley, in contact with this rail; Fig. 12 is a cross section of the contact rail;

Fig. 13 shows the electrical diagram of a shutter drive device;

Fig. 14 shows the electrical diagram of a shutter drive device, according to an alternative embodiment; Fig. 15, which relates to the second embodiment, is a schematic view, with parts broken away, showing the assembly formed by a flap and its drive device, mounted in the loading box of a truck;

Fig. 16 is a plan view, with interruptions, of the shutter drive device, the left side of this figure is located on the left side of the truck;

Fig. 17 is an elevational view, with interruptions, of the shutter drive device, according to arrow XVII of FIG. 16;

Fig. 18 is a section through the shutter drive device, along the line XVIII-XVIII of FIG. 16; Fig. 19 is a section through the shutter drive device, along the line XIX-XIX of FIG. 16;

Fig. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 19, showing the connecting elements between the shutter and the drive device; Fig. 21 shows, in side view, the assembly formed by a guide rail and a guard channel for toothed belt;

Fig. 22 is a section along the line XXII-XXII of FIG. 21; Fig. 23 is a detail view showing an electrical contact rail and an electrical brush mounted on a trolley, in contact with this rail, and

Fig. 24 is a cross section of the contact rail. In the figures, identical or analogous elements are designated by the same reference numbers.

Fig. 1 shows the assembly formed by a door flap and its drive device, mounted in the loading box of a truck, the ceiling 1, a side wall 2 and the floor 3 of which can be seen. of this loading box can be closed by a flap 4 which can be driven to its open position or to its closed position, by an electric drive device comprising a carriage 5.

This flap 4 which, in FIG. 1, is shown in an intermediate position between the open position and the closed position, is formed by a series of rectangular panels 6 interconnected by means of joints 7. The shutter 4 comprises a lower panel 6A and an upper panel 6Z .

The shutter 4 is provided with a balancing spring device 4R well known per se (shown diagrammatically) which urges it towards its open position and thus approximately counterbalances the weight of the shutter 4 which urges it towards its closed position. The flap 4 is guided in its movements between its open position and its closed position by means of two guide rails 8 in which guide rollers 9 (see FIG. 6) roll carried by the lateral edges of the panels 6. Each of these two guide rails 8 comprises a first rectilinear part 8V, substantially vertical, fixedly mounted along one side of the door opening, in the plane that the flap 4 must occupy in its closed position. This first rectilinear part 8V is connected, by means of a curved part 8C, to a second rectilinear part 8H, substantially horizontal, fixedly mounted in the plane that the flap 4 must occupy in its open position.

These guide rails 8 have a substantially U-shaped section, the opening of the U of each rail 8 being directed towards the other rail 8. As can be seen in FIG. 8 which shows a section of the rail 8, one of the branches of the U consists of a flat plane 8P arranged perpendicular to the pan 8Q which forms the base of the U, while the other branch of the U is formed by three successive sides 8R, 8S and 8T which together form a groove capable of laterally guiding the guide rollers 9 engaged in the rail 8. A rack 10 is fixed above the horizontal rectilinear part 8H of each of the two guide rails 8. The rack 10 and the rail guide 8 are joined together by small weld beads 11, as shown in FIG. 7.

In the preceding paragraph and in the following description, the terms "forward" and "forward" should be understood by reference to the front of the truck. Similarly, "backwards" means "backwards of the truck".

As can be seen in Figs. 2 to 5, the carriage 5, which constitutes an important element of the shutter drive device 4, comprises a rigid frame consisting mainly of a structure rectangular formed by two square section steel tubes 12 (forming the long sides of the rectangle) and two steel sections 13 (forming the short sides of the rectangle). The steel tubes 12 and the steel sections 13 are joined together by welding. The chassis of the carriage 5 also comprises a steel plate 14 arranged parallel to the steel sections 13 and fixed by welding against the underside of the steel tubes 12.

A rectangular support plate 15 is fixed by welding to the steel plate 14 and to the steel section 13 closest to this steel plate 14, parallel to the steel tubes 12.

The carriage 5 is carried and guided by the rectilinear part 8H of the guide rails 8, in which are engaged rollers 16, 17, 18 mounted along the short sides of the chassis of the carriage 5. On each of the two steel sections 13 (forming the short sides of the chassis) are fixed two bearings 19, 20 in which the axes of the rolling rollers 16 and 17 rotate and also a bearing 21, adjustable in height, in which the axis of the rolling roller 18. The rollers 16 and 17 roll on the pan 8S of the lower branch of the rail 8H. The roller 18 rolls against the upper branch 8P of the rail 8H. On the support plate 15 carried by the chassis of the carriage 5 is fixed, by bolting, a reversible electric motor 22, direct current (12 V or 24 V), with engine brake. The axis of the motor 22, which is arranged parallel to the long side of the chassis of the carriage 5, makes it possible to rotate a chain pinion 23. A declutching mechanism (not shown), which can be actuated manually, makes it possible to disengage the chain sprocket 23 relative to the axis of the motor 22.

A drive axis 24, disposed parallel to the axis of the motor 22, can rotate in bearings 25, 26, adjustable in height, fixed on the steel sections 13 and the steel plate 14. A pinion drive 27 is fixed to each of the two ends of the drive axis 24, respectively meshing with the two racks 10.

A chain 28 ensures the transmission between the chain pinion 23, driven in rotation by the axis of the motor 22, and a chain pinion 29 fixed on the drive axis 24.

The carriage 5 is connected to the panel 6Z of the shutter 4, by means of two gas piston buffers 30. To this end, a connecting piece 31 is fixed to the shutter panel 6Z, near each side edge of this panel 6Z. The end of the cylinder 32 and the end of the piston rod 33 of each pad 30, are respectively fixed to a pin fastening piece 34 fixed under the rear end of a steel profile 13 of the chassis of the carriage 5, and to a trunnion fixing part 35 fixed to the corresponding connecting part 31.

The connecting piece 31 is shown in more detail, and on a larger scale, in FIGS. 9 and 10. The connecting piece 31 in fact consists of two elements hinged together. The first of these elements is a substantially rectangular sole 36 which is fixed by bolting (not shown) against the face of the panel 6Z which is turned towards the inside of the body of the truck. To this sole 36, an element 37 is connected by a hinge 38. The element 37 is formed by two sides 39 and 40 forming between them an obtuse angle. The pan 39 carries two bearings 41 and 42 in which are mounted the axes of two rollers 43 and 44 which are engaged in the guide rail 8H.

It should be noted that the connecting piece 31 shown in Figs. 9 and 10 is the one attached to the left side of the 6Z panel (that is, the left side of the truck). The connecting piece 31 which is fixed to the right side of the panel 6Z is the spectral image of that fixed to the left side. Along the long sides of the chassis of the carriage 5, two plates 45 and 46 are welded vertically against the steel tubes 12 of this chassis. In these plates 45 and 46 are mounted, respectively, adjusting screws 47 and 48 whose head is intended to actuate, respectively, front limit switches and rear limit switches (not shown).

It should be noted that the limit switches can be actuated switches (that is to say: open) by mechanical contact with a member carried by the carriage 5 (the screws 47 and 48), but they can also be the switches 49 and 50 of the proximity detector type (see FIG. 1) which are actuated (that is to say: open) when an element carried by the carriage 5 comes close to them without however touching them .

The carriage 5 is hidden and protected by a rectangular aluminum plate 51 fixed under this carriage 5, the long sides of this rectangular plate 51 being bent at right angles upwards and fixed by screwing against the steel tubes 12 of the chassis. carriage 5.

As can be seen in Fig. 1, the rails 8H extend forwards beyond the front end of the racks 10. This particular arrangement not only facilitates the positioning of the carriage 5, during assembly of the device in the truck, but it also provides in addition to additional security. Indeed, if as a result of a breakdown (highly unlikely), the front limit switch 49 did not function correctly when the flap 4 was opened, the carriage would continue to move forward beyond which would normally be its extreme forward position. This unwanted forward movement, however, would only continue over a short distance, until the drive pinions 27 had passed the front end of the racks 10. During this unwanted forward movement, the carriage would remain supported and guided by the 8H rails. Stops (no shown) can be detachably attached to the front ends of the 8H rails.

The electric motor 22 is connected to the electrical supply of the truck, by means of a sliding contact system. To this end, two contact rails 52, 53, of inverted U-shaped section (see Figs. 11 and 12) are fixed under the roof of the truck, parallel to the racks 10 (see Fig. 1). Articulated trolleys 54, 55, mounted on the carriage 5, carry electric brushes 56, 57 connected to the power cables of the motor 22. Thanks to a system of springs, the trolleys 54, 55 maintain the electrical contact between the brushes 56 , 57 and the contact rails 52 and 53.

The electrical diagram of a device according to the invention is shown in FIG. 13. A 12 V battery 58 (truck battery) powers the electric motor 22 which is a reversible motor brake motor. As shown in the diagram, the device is equipped with two control stations but, according to variant embodiments, it could only be equipped with one or the other of these two control stations.

The first station consists of a remote control comprising a transmitter (not shown), such as an FM radio transmitter, and a receiver 59.

The second station 60 which can be permanent or removable is connected or is able to be connected directly to the electrical circuit by lines 61 and 62 on the one hand, and by lines 63 or 64 on the other hand.

Advantageously, the control station (s) are of the "dead man" type.

To bring the shutter 4 to its open position, the corresponding button-switch of one or other of the control stations is pressed. As long as this button-switch remains pressed, the receiver 59 or the control station 60 sends, via line 63, a signal to the relay 65, so as to establish an electrical contact there between the contact points 66 and 67 and to establish an electrical contact between the contact points 68 and 69 relay 70. The motor supply circuit 22 being thus closed, the mortor 22 rotates in the direction which corresponds to the movement of the carriage 5 forwards, and thus actuates the opening of the shutter 4.

As soon as the button-contactor corresponding to the opening of the shutter 4 is released, the signal to the relay 65 is suppressed, which has the consequence of interrupting the power supply circuit of the motor 22 and immobilizing the shutter 4.

In the line 63 is interposed the front limit switch 49. When the carriage 5 reaches its extreme forward position (which corresponds to the complete opening of the flap 4), this switch 49 interrupts the line 63, this which therefore results in the stopping of the motor 22 and the immobilization of the carriage 5 and of the flap 4.

To bring the shutter 4 to its closed position, the corresponding button-switch of one or other of the control stations is pressed. As long as this button-switch remains pressed, the receiver 59 or the control station 60 sends, via line 64, a signal to the relay 70, so as to establish an electrical contact there between the contact points 68 and 73 and to establish an electrical contact between the contact points 67 and 72 of the relay 65. The motor supply circuit 22 being thus closed in the opposite direction, the motor 22 rotates in the direction which corresponds to the movement of the carriage 5 backwards and thus activates the closing of shutter 4.

As soon as the button-contactor corresponding to the closing of the shutter 4 is released, the signal to the relay 70 is suppressed, which has the consequence of interrupting the power supply circuit of the motor 22 and immobilizing the shutter 4. In the line 64 is interposed the rear limit switch 50. When the carriage 5 reaches its extreme rear position, this switch 50 interrupts the line 64, which therefore results in the stopping of the motor 22 and immobilization of the carriage 5 and of the shutter 4.

Fig. 14 shows an electrical diagram similar to that of FIG. 13, but it relates to a device according to the invention in which the motor 22 is powered by a 24 V battery. This electrical diagram differs from that shown in FIG. 13, by the presence of two additional diodes 74, 75 in the relay 70.

Fig. 15 is a figure similar to FIG. 1, but illustrates a second form of electric drive device according to the invention, this device being mounted in the loading box of a truck. Fig. 22 shows a section of the guide rail 8. A toothed belt 110 (see Fig. 16 to 20) is mounted above the straight horizontal part 8H of each of the two guide rails 8. Each of the two ends of each toothed belt 110 is fixed to a fixing support (not shown). At least one of these supports is provided with means capable of exerting and maintaining an appropriate tension on the toothed belt.

Each toothed belt is retained in a guard channel 111 for belt, which consists of a metal section fixed (for example by welding) above the horizontal straight part 8H of each of the two guide rails 8. The shape of the assembly formed by the rail 8 and the guard channel 111 is shown in FIGS. 21 and 22.

The carriage 105, shown in Figs. 16 to 19, comprises a rigid chassis similar to the rigid chassis of the carriage 5 shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 (see description above).

The carriage 105 is carried and guided by the rectilinear part 8H of the guide rails 8, in which the rolling rollers are engaged 116, 117, 118 mounted along the short sides of the chassis of the carriage 105. On each of the two steel sections 13 (forming the short sides of the chassis) are fixed the bearings 119, 120 and 121 in which the axes of the rollers 116, 117 and 118. On the support plate 15 carried by the chassis of the carriage 105 is fixed a reversible electric motor 22, with direct current, with motor brake. The axis of the motor 22, which is arranged parallel to the long side of the chassis of the carriage 105, makes it possible to drive a toothed wheel 123 in rotation. A declutching mechanism (not shown), which can be actuated manually, makes it possible to disengage the wheel notched 123 relative to the axis of the motor 22.

A drive shaft 24, arranged parallel to the axis of the motor 22, can rotate in rolling bearings 125 fixed in the steel profiles 13 and in rolling bearings 126 fixed in steel profiles 114 fixed to the chassis, parallel to the profiles 13.

The drive axis 24 is in fact constituted by the assembly of two axis elements joined end to end by means of an axis assembly sleeve 24R.

A toothed wheel 127 is fixed to each of the two ends of the drive shaft 24, respectively meshing with the two toothed belts 110, the notched face of which is located downwards.

Two free deflecting wheels 158 situated respectively in front of and behind each toothed wheel 127 keep the toothed belt 110 in gear with almost half the circumference of this toothed wheel 127.

A toothed transmission belt 128 ensures the transmission between the toothed wheel 123, driven in rotation by the axis of the motor 22, and a toothed wheel 129 fixed on the drive axis 24. The carriage 105 is connected to the panel 6Z of the shutter 4 by means of two gas piston buffers 30 and two connecting pieces 131. The end of the cylinder 32 and the end of the piston rod 33 of each pad 30 are fixed respectively to a pin fastening piece 134 fixed to a steel profile 13 of the frame of the carriage 105 and to a pin fastening piece 135 fixed to the corresponding connecting piece 131, near one of the ends of it.

The other end of each connecting piece 131 is pivotally connected to a connecting member 136 fixed near the upper end of the shutter panel 6Z.

Each connecting piece 131 is guided in a guide rail 8 by rolling rollers 143 and 144. The roller 143 is located near the front end of the connecting piece 131. The roller 144 is mounted further back of the part 131. A buttonhole fixed in the connecting part makes it possible to mount the roller 144 in the appropriate position which depends on the type of flap 4 and on the radius of curvature of the part 8C of the guide rail 8.

The carriage 105 is hidden and protected by a rectangular aluminum plate 51 fixed under this carriage 105, the long sides of this rectangular plate 51 being bent at right angles upwards and fixed by screwing against the tubes 12 of the chassis of the carriage 105 .

The electric shutter drive devices according to the invention offer numerous advantages. Their operation is particularly reliable, fast and silent. Elastic connecting elements (gas piston buffers

30) make it possible to maintain the reliable and tight closure of the shutter 4. According to a particular embodiment, each gas piston buffer 30 exerts on the upper element 6Z of the shutter 4 a force of 600 N, when the shutter 4 is in its closed position. An essential advantage of the device according to the invention lies, moreover, in the fact that it is particularly space-saving which, in particular for truck shutters, is very important since this makes it possible not to reduce the loading capacity of the truck. The second embodiment described (Fig. 15 to 24) is, from this point of view, even more advantageous than the first embodiment (Fig. 1 to 12). Indeed, in this second embodiment, the rectangular aluminum plate 51 (which constitutes the lower part of the carriage 105) is located only a few millimeters below the level occupied by the flap 4 in its open position.

The device according to this second embodiment also offers the advantage of operating in a very low noise manner.

Claims

1.- Shutter (4) with articulated elements (6), whose movement between a closed position and an open position, and vice versa, is guided by two rails (8) arranged along the path to be followed by guide rollers (9 ) which are provided with the lateral edges of the elements (6) of the flap (4) and comprising a first rectilinear part (8V) mounted in the plane that the flap (4) must occupy, in essence, in its closed position, this first part being connected via a curved part (8C) to a second rectilinear part (8H) mounted in the plane that the flap (4) must occupy, in essence, in its open position, this flap (4) being equipped with an electric drive device comprising two drive tracks (10, 110) respectively mounted in parallel along said second rectilinear part (8H) of the two guide rails (8), characterized in that this device comprises in addition: 1 ° a carriage (5, 105) disposed between the es second rectilinear parts (8H) of the two guide rails (8), this carriage (5, 105) comprising: - a rigid frame carried and guided by said second rectilinear part (8H) of said guide rails (8) for movement of translation parallel to this part of the two rails (8),

- a drive pin (24) rotatably mounted on said frame (5, 105), a pinion (27) or a toothed wheel (127) being fixed to each of the two ends of this axis (24), these two pinions (27) or notched wheels (127) respectively meshing with the two drive tracks (10, 110),

- an electric motor (22), provided with a motor axis, mounted on the chassis and connected to an electric supply, - a transmission (23, 28, 29, 123, 128, 129) between the motor axis and the drive axis (24), the motor axis and the drive axis (24) being located higher that the level of said second rectilinear part

(8H) guide rails (8), 2 ° connecting members (30, 31, 34, 35, 131, 134, 135) between the carriage (5, 105) and the shutter element (6Z) the closer to it,

3 ° a control station capable of controlling the operation and stopping of the motor (22) and thereby controlling the opening and closing of the shutter (4), said carriage (5, 105) being able to move between extreme positions which correspond to the fully closed and fully open positions of the flap (4), said connecting members (30, 31, 34, 35, 131, 134, 135) being provided with elastic elements (30) which, when the carriage (5, 105) is in its extreme position which corresponds to the completely closed position of the shutter (4), exert a thrust on the shutter element (6Z) closest to the carriage (5, 105).

2.- Shutter according to claim 1, characterized in that the two guide rails (8) have a substantially U-shaped section, the opening of the U of each rail (8) being directed towards the other rail ( 8).

3.- Shutter according to claim 2, characterized in that the frame (5, 105) is guided by rolling rollers (16, 17, 18, 116, 117, 118) engaged in the second rectilinear part (8H) of each two guide rails (8).

4.- Shutter according to claim 3, characterized in that the frame (5) is guided in the second rectilinear part (8H) of each of the two guide rails (8), by at least three rollers, two of these rollers (16, 17) being arranged so as to be able to roll against a part (8S) of the interior of the rail (8) which corresponds in substance to one of the branches of the U of its section, the third of these rollers (18) being arranged so as to be able to roll against a part (8P) of the interior of the rail which corresponds in substance to the other branch of the U of its section.

5.- Shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical supply to the motor (22) is via a sliding contact system comprising electrical contact rails (52, 53) fixed in place parallel to the drive tracks (10, 110), and electric brushes (56, 57) carried by the carriage (5, 105).

6.- Shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electric motor (22) is provided with an engine brake.

7.- Shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electric motor (22) is provided with a declutching mechanism which can be actuated manually.

8.- Shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission between the motor (22) and the drive axis (24) is a chain transmission (28), the motor axis and the 'drive shaft (24) each being equipped with a chain sprocket (23, 29).

9.- Shutter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the transmission between the motor (22) and the drive axis (24) is a toothed belt transmission (128), the axis motor and drive shaft (24) each being equipped with a toothed wheel (123, 129).

10.- Shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting members (30, 31, 34, 35, 131, 134, 135) between the carriage (5, 105) and the shutter element (6Z) closest to the latter, connect the carriage (5, 105) to at least two parts of this shutter element (6Z) which are laterally spaced from one another, with respect to the direction of translation of this element of flap (6Z).

11.- Shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting members (30, 31, 34, 35, 131, 134, 135) between the carriage (5, 105) and the shutter element (6Z) closest to it, have a gas piston buffer (30).

12.- Shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (49, 50) capable of limiting the translational movement of the carriage (5, 105) between extreme positions which correspond to the positions of complete closing and complete opening of the shutter (4).

13.- Shutter according to claim 12, characterized in that said means capable of limiting the translational movement of the carriage consist of limit switches (45, 50).

14.- Shutter according to claim 12, characterized in that said means capable of limiting the translational movement of the carriage consist of an electronic device with photoelectric cell.

15.- Shutter according to claim 12, characterized in that said means capable of limiting the translational movement of the carriage consist of an electronic device with proximity detector.

16.- Shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control station is a remote electronic control station.

17.- Shutter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said drive tracks (10) consist of racks (10), a pinion (27) being fixed to each of the two ends of the axis d drive (24), these two pinions (27) respectively meshing with the two racks (10).

18.- Shutter according to claim 17, characterized in that the second rectilinear part (8H) of each of the two guide rails (8) extends, in the direction opposite to the curved part (8C) of this rail (8), beyond the end of the rack (10) mounted along this rail (8H).

19.- Shutter according to any one of claims 17 and 18, characterized in that the two racks (10) are respectively mounted above the second rectilinear part (8H) of the two guide rails (8).

20.- Shutter according to claim 19, characterized in that the teeth of the two racks (10) are located opposite the guide rails (8H) above which they are respectively mounted.

21.- Shutter according to any one of claims 19 and 20, characterized in that the two racks (10) are respectively secured to the guide rails (8H) above which they are mounted.

22.- Shutter according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that said drive tracks (110) consist of toothed belts (110), a toothed wheel (129) being fixed to each of the two ends of the drive shaft (24), these two toothed wheels (129) respectively meshing with the two toothed belts (110).

23. A shutter according to claim 22, characterized in that the two notched belts (110) are respectively mounted above the second rectilinear part (8H) of the two guide rails (8).

24.- Shutter according to any one of claims 22 and 23, characterized in that the notched side of the toothed belts (110) is turned downwards.

25.- Shutter according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that two free deflecting wheels (158) maintain in gear with the toothed wheel (129) corresponding each toothed belt (110), constituting a drive track - ment (110).

26.- Shutter according to claim 25, characterized in that two free deflecting wheels (158) hold each toothed belt (110) constituting a drive track (110) in gear with at least one third of the circumference of the toothed wheel (129) corresponding.

27.- Device for the electric drive of a flap (4) with articulated elements (6), the movement of which between a closed position and an open position, and vice versa, is guided by two rails (8) arranged along the route that guide rollers (9) must follow which are provided with the lateral edges of the components of the shutter (6) and comprising a first rectilinear part (8V) mounted in the plane that the shutter must occupy, in essence, in its closed position, this first part being connected via a curved part (8C) to a second rectilinear part (8H) mounted in the plane that the flap (4) must occupy, in essence, in its open position, this device comprising two drive tracks (10, 110) able to be respectively mounted parallel along said second straight portion (8H) of the two guide rails (8), characterized in that this device further comprises: 1 ° a carriage (5 , 105) suitable for availability sewn between the second rectilinear parts (8H) of the two guide rails (8), this carriage (5, 105) comprising:

a rigid frame able to be carried and guided by said second rectilinear part (8H) of said guide rails (8) for a translational movement parallel to this part (8H) of the two rails (8),

- a drive pin (24) rotatably mounted on said chassis, a pinion (27) or a toothed wheel (127) being fixed to each of the two ends of this axis (24), these two pinions (27) or wheels notched (127) meshing respectively with the drive tracks (10, 1 10), - an electric motor (22), fitted with a motor axis, mounted on the chassis and connected to an electric supply,

- a transmission (23, 28, 29, 123, 128, 129) between the motor axis (22) and the drive axis (24), 2 ° of the connecting members (30, 31, 34, 35 , 131, 134, 135), provided with elastic elements (30), capable of connecting the carriage (5, 105) to the shutter element (6Z) closest to the latter,

3 ° a control station capable of controlling the operation and stopping of the engine (22) and thereby controlling the opening and closing of the shutter (4), the arrangement of the various constituent elements of the device being such that, when said chassis is carried and guided by said second rectilinear part (8H) of said guide rails (8), the motor axis and the drive axis (24) are located higher than this second part (8H) of the rails guide (8), and that said two pinions (27) or notched wheels (127) mesh respectively with the two drive tracks (10, 110).

28.- Road transport vehicle characterized in that it comprises a flap (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

29.- Vehicle according to claim 28, characterized in that said flap (4) gives access to a cargo loading space.

30.- Vehicle according to any one of claims 28 and 29, characterized in that the electric motor (22) of the electric drive device of the shutter (4) is provided with a declutching mechanism which can be actuated manually, a opening being provided in the vehicle body near the place where this disengaging mechanism is located when this flap (4) is in the closed position, said opening, closable by a closing device, allowing access, from outside the vehicle, to this declutching mechanism and to actuate it manually.

31.- Vehicle according to claim 30, characterized in that the closing of said closing device is secured by a lock or the like.