EP3384103B1 - Device for helping a vehicle pass over an obstacle - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for assisting a vehicle to cross one or more steps or a threshold, in particular for people with reduced mobility traveling using a wheelchair or for people moving a wheeled cart intended for the transport of objects.

The document GB 2491706 A describes a device of this type according to the preamble of claim 1.

It is frequent that a shop or a trade, even an entry of residential building, presents an access on street comprising one or more steps.

Such a threshold has a height generally ranging from one to several tens of centimeters and constitutes an often insurmountable obstacle for a person with reduced mobility or delivery carts.

Obviously, this problem does not only concern external accesses and such steps can also exist inside these spaces, especially in old buildings. You can also find steps to access the terraces.

One solution to allow such a step to be crossed by a wheeled vehicle or trolley consists in setting up an access ramp.

A major constraint concerning the installation of such a ramp is a lack of permanent encroachment on the public road, sidewalk and / or roadway, passage corridor, etc.

Indeed, although essential for a person with reduced mobility, their general use rate remains relatively low. It is therefore advisable to be able to completely free the passage when these ramps are not used.

The deployable and retractable ramps offer an appreciable service but suffer from complex mechanics. Such ramps require a significant free deployment distance restricting the possibilities of implementation. Sidewalk irregularities stress their structure.

FR 2947224 describes a tilting telescopic ramp.

There is a need for an obstacle clearance assistance device occupying a very small sidewalk space for a given height to be crossed. The Applicant has realized that such a device would widen the market by increasing the variety of situations where the device would be appropriate.

A device for assisting in the crossing of an obstacle by a wheeled vehicle, in particular for a person with reduced mobility, comprises a stationary frame comprising a bottom and two parallel side walls, a plate provided with two ends, a first end being movable between a high position and a low position in which said plate constitutes a first access ramp, a drive assembly in vertical translation at least of said first end supported by said assembly, a flap forming the front face of the device in the high position of the plate and forming a second access ramp in the low position of the plate, the flap being pivotally mounted on the plate at the first end of said plate, and a mechanism for deploying the flap, comprising at least one connecting rod comprising a front end hinged to the flap , the joint being distant from the top edge and from the bottom edge of said flap, a rear end linked to a first slide mounted to slide in a linear slide formed in the plate, and a central portion linked to a second slide mounted to slide in a slide formed in one side of the frame, the connecting rod moving in a substantially vertical plane.

There is thus a non-erectile height change ramp assistance device with a flap providing a shutter function in the high position and an additional ramp in the low position and indexed on the plate. The flap increases the passable height. The flap prevents the intrusion of foreign bodies under the tray.

In one embodiment, the slides are pawns. The pins are mounted on the connecting rod. The mechanism is compact.

In one embodiment, the linear slide is substantially horizontal in the high position of the plate. The assembly of the slide is simple.

In one embodiment, the slide of the frame is in an arc of a circle with a substantially vertical lower end, preferably with a radius of between 30 and 280 mm. The movement of the flap ensures a forward clearance at the start of descent from the platform and a support on the ground of the free end of the flap at the end of descent.

In one embodiment, the slide of the frame has an upper end inclined at an angle between 50 and 75 ° relative to the vertical. The movement of the flap ensures rapid release forward at the start of the descent of the platform.

In one embodiment, the axis of articulation of the flap is disposed at a height between 40 and 60% of the distance between the top edge and the bottom edge of said flap. In in the case of mounting above, the torque exerted decreases significantly. In the case of lower mounting, the joint may rub against the ground.

In one embodiment, the connecting rod being inclined at an angle between 10 and 35 ° relative to the horizontal in the high position of the plate and the connecting rod being substantially horizontal in the low position of the plate. The stroke of the connecting rod is less than the stroke of the free end of the flap. The connecting rod can be simple and robust.

In one embodiment, the connecting rod is made from a blank of cut sheet metal. The connecting rod is of economical manufacture.

In one embodiment, the connecting rod is a straight arm. The connecting rod is hardly subject to bending.

In one embodiment, the linear slide formed in the tray comprises an elongated dish in which is formed a rectilinear opening housing the slide. The slide resumes efforts while avoiding buckling efforts.

In one embodiment, said plate is formed by folding an edge of the plate.

In one embodiment, two symmetrical connecting rods are provided, one connecting rod on each side of the frame. The risk of the shutter buckling is reduced.

In one embodiment, the drive assembly comprises a linear actuator mounted under the plate, provided with a stationary end close to said second end and integral with the bottom, and with a movable end, a carriage movable in horizontal translation and driven by said actuator, said carriage resting on slides mounted on the bottom of the frame, said carriage comprising two pushers, and a pair of arms, the arms being symmetrical, each arm being supported on one of the pushers of the carriage, each arm supporting the first end of the tray; in the retracted position of the actuator, the carriage being close to said second end, the arms being in the low position and the first end being in the ramp position, and in the extended position of the actuator, the carriage being close to said first end , the arms being in the high position and the first end being in the erected position.

In one embodiment, the arms are pivotally mounted alongside the frame on a substantially horizontal common axis. Swivel operation is reliable. Manufacturing costs are contained.

In one embodiment, each arm is housed in one side of the frame.

In one embodiment, each arm comprises a body produced from a blank of cut sheet metal. The arm is simple and space-saving.

Advantageously, the finger supporting the first end of the plate is provided with a bearing.

Advantageously, the finger in contact with the pusher is provided with a bearing.

In one embodiment, the finger comprises a base and a pin passing through a bore in the body of the arm, the base being welded to said body.

In one embodiment, the fingers of an arm are connected by their ends opposite to said body. The rigidity of the arm is improved.

In one embodiment, each arm comprises a finger receiving the thrust from the pusher of the carriage and a finger supporting the first end of the plate.

In one embodiment, each arm is mounted between a side wall of the frame and a cover parallel to said side wall.

In one embodiment, at least one opening in an arc is formed in said cover, the fingers projecting from said opening.

In one embodiment, the pivot axis of the arm is supported bilaterally.

In one embodiment, each arm has a triangular shape, a vertex being located at the pivot axis. The arm can be manufactured by cutting sheet metal with complementary shapes reducing the loss of material.

In one embodiment, the triangle is isosceles.

In one embodiment, the angle formed between a straight line passing through the pivot axis of an arm and the pusher of the carriage, and a straight line passing through the pivot axis of an arm and the arm contact point -plate, being between 50 and 70 °.

Preferably the straight line passing through the pivot axis of an arm and the pusher of the carriage, has an angular travel, during the pivoting, between 50 and 70 °.

In one embodiment, the straight line passing through the pivot axis of an arm and the pusher of the carriage, is inclined relative to the vertical, during the pivoting, by an angle between -30 and + 30 ° . The horizontal displacement of the jack is transformed into a displacement with a vertical component for the plate with maximum force in the low position.

In one embodiment, the carriage comprises a chassis made of folded sheet metal. The cart is reliable and robust.

In one embodiment, the chassis comprises a base substantially parallel to the bottom of the stationary frame, a rear edge provided with an opening allowing the jack to pass, a front edge comprising two zones forming the pushers. The pushers are kept compact. The overall height is small.

In one embodiment, the front edge is substantially vertical.

In one embodiment, the amplification ratio of the arms is between 100 and 110%, preferably greater than 100 and less than 105%. The construction is compact. The cylinder stroke is limited.

In one embodiment, each arm is mounted on one side of the frame on an axis fixed to said frame. The binding is robust.

In one embodiment, the link arms are mounted articulated on the carriage and on the plate.

In one embodiment, the plate comprises a second end pivotally mounted at the rear of the frame around a horizontal axis. The table can be tilted to form an easily traversable access slope.

In one embodiment, the frame comprises two pivot axis segments supporting the second end of the plate and two pairs of vertical plates, each pair of plates supporting a pivot axis segment, the plate of a pair being distant of the other plate of said pair, the plates extending to the bottom of the frame so that the compression forces are transferred to said bottom.

In one embodiment, the linear cylinder is electric.

In one embodiment, the carriage has a generally rectangular shape of length greater than its width, the length of the carriage being perpendicular to the sides of the frame.

In one embodiment, the carriage rests on four guide rails. The guide rails rest on the bottom of the frame. The trolley can be fitted with skids or wheels bearing on the slides.

In one embodiment, the carriage comprises a front edge provided with cutouts forming a housing for a chassis of the tray in the low position.

In one embodiment, the frame comprises a mechanical stop limiting the stroke of the carriage, the arrival in stop causing a current draw from the electric jack capable of being detected by a pilot of the jack.

In one embodiment, the carriage and the movable end of the jack are connected in the vicinity of the edge of the carriage remote from the stationary end of the jack. The stability of the carriage in movement is satisfactory.

In one embodiment, the chassis of the carriage is made of sheet steel with a thickness of between 1 and 4 mm.

In one embodiment, the plate comprises a chassis made of sheet steel with a thickness of between 1 and 4 mm.

In one embodiment, the frame is made of sheet steel with a thickness between 1 and 4 mm.

In one embodiment, the arms are made of sheet steel with a thickness of between 1 and 4 mm.

In one embodiment, the flap is made of sheet steel with a thickness of between 1 and 4 mm.

Advantageously, the chassis of the carriage, the frame, the flap, the cover and the arms are made of sheet steel of the same thickness between 2 and 3.5 mm, for example 3 mm.

In one embodiment, the tray includes a frame and an upper plate. The top plate can be used for rolling or supporting a coating.

In one embodiment, the frame of the tray comprises a lower surface bearing on the arms.

In one embodiment, the axis comprises a pin passing through a hole made in the body of the arm, and a base with a diameter greater than the diameter of the hole. The base can be welded to one side of the frame.

Advantageously, the pin protrudes relative to the arm and comes in a bore formed in a cover parallel to said side wall of the frame.

In one embodiment, the frame comprises at least one sheet disposed between said side wall and the cover. The sheet stiffens said side. The sheet may be provided with holes equivalent to the holes in the cover and form an additional thickness providing mounting clearance.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un dispositif selon un mode de réalisation, en position basse,
• la figure 2 est une vue schématique en perspective du dispositif de la figure 1, en position haute,
• la figure 3 est une vue schématique en perspective du dispositif de la figure 1 dépourvu de plateau, en position haute,
• la figure 4 est une vue schématique en coupe dans un plan parallèle aux parois latérales du dispositif de la figure 1 dépourvu de plateau, en position haute,
• la figure 5 est une vue schématique en coupe dans un plan parallèle aux parois latérales du dispositif de la figure 1 dépourvu de plateau, en position basse,
• le figure 6 est une vue schématique en perspective du dispositif de la figure 1 dépourvu de plateau, en position basse,
• la figure 7 est une vue schématique de détail en coupe dans un plan parallèle aux parois latérales du dispositif de la figure 1, en position basse,
• la figure 8 est un agrandissement de la figure 7,
• la figure 9 est une vue analogue à la figure 8 du dispositif en position haute,
• la figure 10 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un bras.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a device according to one embodiment, in the low position,
• the figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the device of the figure 1 , in the high position,
• the figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the device of the figure 1 without tray, in the high position,
• the figure 4 is a schematic sectional view in a plane parallel to the side walls of the device of the figure 1 without tray, in the high position,
• the figure 5 is a schematic sectional view in a plane parallel to the side walls of the device of the figure 1 without tray, in the low position,
• the figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the device of the figure 1 without tray, in the low position,
• the figure 7 is a schematic detail view in section in a plane parallel to the side walls of the device of the figure 1 , in the low position,
• the figure 8 is an enlargement of the figure 7 ,
• the figure 9 is a view analogous to the figure 8 of the device in the high position,
• the figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of an arm.

The accompanying drawings may not only serve to complete the invention, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

The invention aims to allow the crossing of an elevation resulting in a step. In the following, the two levels will be distinguished by the expressions upper soil and lower soil. The entrance to a room, a shop, an office often has a height difference from the outside, whether it is a street open to traffic, a passage pedestrian, square, etc. People in wheelchairs must be able to access this type of building. Delivery people with rolling trays or carts have the same need. For crossing a height of one or two steps, heavy lift-type installations are not suitable. It is also important to respect the appearance of the façades, often subject to protection regulations, and their alignment. The structure of the building must be preserved as much as possible, in particular the supporting structure of the upper ground of the ground floor in which the entry must be made easy. In addition, a notable constraint stems from the frequent unavailability of the basement, used for other purposes or owned by third parties. The height available space is limited.

In a state of rest, it is requested to remain in the dimensions of the pre-existing structure. In service, the footprint of the lower floor, for example a sidewalk, is low. The assistance device 1 aims to ensure the establishment of a ramp having a slope of less than 20%, or even less than 15, 10 or 5% depending on regulatory or environmental constraints. The assistance device 1 is intended to be inserted or embedded in the upper floor, in front of the lower floor at the level of the access to be crossed. The assistance device 1 comprises a frame 2 forming a box 7 inside which is housed the ramp. The ramp may have an elevating end, the ramp then being tiltable as illustrated in the drawings.

The frame 2 has a generally substantially rectangular shape with dimensions adapted to the height of the step, the width of the access and the dimensions of the vehicle envisaged. For example, the box can have a height of the order of 5 to 30 centimeters allowing insertion into most floors and floors, such as a concrete, brick, or other slab.

The assistance device 1 comprises a plate 3 mounted in the frame 2. The upper plate constitutes a cover panel. The frame 2 is installed so that the upper plate forms a surface flush with the upper floor of the room. The plate 3 can be made so as to be harmonized with the rest of the upper floor, for example while respecting the geometry, the covering, the decor, etc.

The assistance device 1 comprises a front flap 4 forming a front surface of the step. The front flap 4 is generally vertical in the high or rest position of the assistance device 1. The front flap 4 is inclined in the active or low position of the assistance device 1. The front face 4 of the device 1 can also have an appearance chosen for integration into the building facade.

The frame 2 is stationary in the sense that it forms an immobile structure of the assistance device 1 relative to its installation environment such as the ground or the sidewalk. The frame 2 includes a bottom 8, parallel side walls 9, 10 forming the sides, a rear wall 11 and support elements for the plate 3. The term " rear " is used here, as opposed to the front of the device assistance 1 intended to come in the vicinity of a lower floor, for example in front of the building. The term " rear " can also be seen as synonymous with " interior " in the case of a building. The rear wall 11 can be perpendicular to the bottom 8. The rear wall 11 is perpendicular to the side walls 9, 10. The side walls 9, 10 are perpendicular to the bottom 8. The box 7 can be made of sheet steel. The front ends of the bottom 8 and the side walls 9, 10 define a mouth of the box 7. During deployment, the flap 4 leaves the box 7 through the mouth. The mouth is closed by the flap 4 in the rest position.

As a general rule, the bottom 8 is mounted in a housing provided for this purpose in the upper floor of the room, slightly inclined towards the outside, for example around 1 to 3 °. A slight inclination facilitates evacuation by gravity in the event of accidental infiltration of liquid into the box 7. In addition, the depth of the housing to be dug to accommodate the assistance device 1 is reduced at the rear.

As illustrated in the figure 1 , the assistance device 1 is in the low position. The rear end or second end of the plate 3 remains substantially at the same height as the top of the rear wall 11. The front end or first end of the plate 3 is lowered. The front end of the plate 3 rests on the bottom 8. The front flap 4 is in the erected position. The front flap 4 projects from the frame 2. The front flap 4 has a lower end projecting forward and an upper end close to the front end of the plate 3.

The side walls 9, 10 and the rear wall 11 comprise a substantially horizontal upper edge 12. Said upper edge 12 is continuous. Said upper edge 12 is obtained by folding. A weld may be provided in the corners.

The assistance device 1 comprises a pair of covers 13, 14 arranged parallel to the side walls 9, 10. The distance between the cover 13, 14 and the corresponding side wall 9, 10 is of the order of 6 to 12 mm. The distance between the cover 13, 14 and the corresponding side wall 9, 10 can be determined by washers or preferably by sheet metal spacers of a shape similar to the shape of the covers 13, 14. The spacers reinforce the cover and the side wall . Openings are provided in the spacers to accommodate the parts arranged between the cover 13, 14 and the side wall 9, 10, in particular the arms below. The cover 13, 14 is fixed to the corresponding side wall 9, 10, for example by screws not shown. The covers 13 and 14 also form the sides. The covers 13 and 14 are arranged in the box 7. The covers 13 and 14 are arranged flush with the front end of the side walls 9, 10. The covers 13 and 14 extend between the bottom 8 and the upper edge 12 Hoods 13 and 14 rest on the bottom 8. The covers 13 and 14 extend from the front end of the box 7 towards the rear over a distance less than 50% of the distance between the mouth and the rear wall 11. The covers 13 and 14 have a rectangular envelope. Each cover 13, 14 is flat. Each cover 13, 14 is produced from cut sheet metal. Each cover 13, 14 is provided with a notch 15 on a front edge. The notch 15 allows the articulation of the flap 4 to enter the box in the high position of the plate 3.

Each cover 13, 14 is provided with a bore 16 adjacent to a rear edge of the cover. The hole 16 is close to the upper edge 13. The hole 16 is used to house a pin 17 forming an axis of articulation. The pin 17 comprises an enlarged base 18. The base 18 is fixed to the corresponding side wall 9, 10, for example by welding, on the outside of the side wall 9, 10. The pin 17 comprises a cylindrical body of revolution, cf. figure 10 . The body projects into the bore 16. The body can be supported on the cover 13, 14.

Each cover 13, 14 is provided with an opening 19 in an arc. The opening 19 is concavity oriented upwards. The opening 19 is distant from the front and rear ends of the cover 13, 14. The opening 19 is distant from the upper and lower ends of the cover 13, 14. The opening 19 extends over approximately 120 ° of angle. The opening 19 is centered on the bore 16. The opening 19 has a substantially vertical front end. The opening 19 has a front end close to the upper edge 13. The opening 19 has a rear end, obscured by the plate 3 on the figure 1 , near the bottom 8 and the rear end of the cover 13, 14. The lower zone of the opening 19 is situated vertically of the bore 16.

Each cover 13, 14 is provided with an opening 20 in an arc forming a slide. The opening 20 is concavity oriented downwards. The opening 20 is distant from the front and rear ends of the cover 13, 14. The opening 20 is distant from the upper and lower ends of the cover 13, 14. The opening 20 extends over approximately 60 ° of angle. The opening 20 is centered on a geometric point located in the cover 13, 14. The opening 20 has a substantially vertical front end. The opening 20 has a front end close to the bottom 8 and the front end of the cover 13, 14. The opening 20 has a rear end close to the upper edge 13 and the front end of the opening 19. The lower zone of the opening 19 is situated vertically of the notch 15.

As illustrated in the figure 2 , the assistance device 1 is in the high position. The rear end of the plate 3 remains substantially at the same height as the top of the rear wall 11. The plate 3 is substantially horizontal. The front flap 4 is substantially vertical. The front flap 4 is in the retracted position. The front flap 4 is flush with the mouth of the frame 2. The lower end of the front flap 4 is in contact or in the immediate vicinity of the front end of the bottom 8. The front flap 4 includes short sides in contact or in the immediate vicinity from the front end of the side walls 9, 10. The upper end of the front flap 4 is close to the front end of the plate 3. The upper end of the front flap 4 is articulated at the front end of the plate 3.

The plate 3 may include a frame and an upper plate. The plate 3 is articulated around a horizontal axis close to the rear wall 11 and located under the plate 3. The plate 3 comprises a substantially rectangular main surface with parallel elongated notches allowing the covers 13 and 14 to pass. The plate 3 comprises a rim 21 directed upwards. The rim 21 is peripheral to the main surface. The rim 21 has a constant of a few centimeters, for example 1 to 4 cm, allowing the plate 3 to receive a covering, for example stone slabs, parquet, laminate, flexible synthetic covering, etc. The plate 3 can be made of sheet steel with a thickness of between 1 and 4 mm, preferably between 2 and 3.5 mm.

The figure 3 shows the assistance device 1 in the absence of a tray. The assistance device 1 is in the high position. The assistance device 1 comprises a drive assembly 6 visible here. The drive assembly 6 may comprise a jack 61, a movable carriage 62 and a pair of arms 63. The jack 61 drives the movable carriage 62. The movable carriage 62 drives the arms 63. The jack 61 and the movable carriage 62 are arranged between the bottom 7 and the plate 3. The jack 61 is linear. The jack 61 is preferably electric. However, the variant with mechanical actuator actuated manually, for example by crank, is possible. The jack 61 is parallel to the bottom 7. The jack 61 is parallel to the side walls 9, 10. The jack 61 comprises a stationary end directed towards the rear of the frame and a movable end directed towards the front of the frame, ie the mouth. The stationary end of the jack 61 is fixed to the bottom 8. The mobile end of the jack 61 is fixed to the carriage 62, for example in the vicinity of the front edge of the carriage 62, for example in the vicinity of the front edge of the carriage 62. The jack 61 is controlled by a pilot, not shown. The pilot can be provided with a current detection.

The movable end of the jack 61 and the carriage 62 are movable in horizontal translation between a front position, cf. figures 3, 4 & 9 , and a rear position, cf Figures 5 to 8 . The front position determines a high position of the plate 3. The rear position determines a low position of the plate 3.

The carriage 62 rests on slides 81 mounted on the bottom 8. The slides 81 are horizontal. The slides 81 are parallel. There are four slides here. Embodiments with two or three slides are provided. The slides 81 can be in the form of a metal profile with a smooth and hard upper sliding surface. The carriage 62 is provided with two pads per slide. The pads arranged under the carriage 62 are not visible. The pads can be made of synthetic material with a low coefficient of friction, for example based on PTFE.

The carriage 62 has a generally rectangular shape. The length of the carriage 62 is oriented between the side walls 9, 10, parallel to the rear wall 11. The width of the carriage 62 is oriented parallel to the side walls 9, 10. The length is greater than the width.

The carriage 62 comprises a frame made of cut and folded sheet metal. The frame includes a rectangular bottom and longitudinal and lateral edges. The chassis of the trolley is made of sheet steel with a thickness between 1 and 4 mm, preferably from 2 to 3.5 mm. The longitudinal and lateral edges are substantially vertical. The longitudinal and lateral edges are folded up. The longitudinal and lateral edges extend over a height of 1 to 4 centimeters. The rear longitudinal edge includes an opening through which the cylinder 61 passes. The movable end of the jack 61 is fixed to the bottom of the frame 2 in the vicinity of the front longitudinal edge, ensuring the stability of the carriage. Depending on the diameter of the jack, the opening can also extend into the bottom to reduce the overall height. The front longitudinal edge comprises a plurality of cutouts, here four, housing, in the lower position of the plate 3, profiles forming beams on the underside of the plate 3. A cutout is provided for each profile. The front longitudinal edge comprises end regions adjacent to the lateral edges and capable of being supported on the lateral edges. The end regions form pushers 67 for the arms 63. The pushers 67 are, here, vertical. The carriage 62 is symmetrical with respect to a plane parallel to the side walls 9, 10.

The frame 2 comprises at least one mechanical stop 82 limiting the stroke of the carriage, the arrival at the stop causing a current draw from the electric jack detected by the pilot of the jack 61. Here four mechanical stops 82 are arranged on the bottom 8. Each mechanical stop 82 is mounted at the end of a slide 81, some on the front side, others on the rear side.

As shown in the figure 3 , the articulation of the plate on the frame 2 can be carried out as follows. The frame 2 comprises two pairs of vertical plates 22, 23. Each plate 22, 23 is in the form of a flat rectangular piece, for example of sheet metal. Each plate 22, 23 rests on the bottom 8 by a small side. Each plate 22, 23 is in contact with the rear wall 11 by a long side or edge. The plates 22, 23 can be welded to the bottom 8 and / or to the rear wall 11. A horizontal axis bore is provided in an upper zone of each plate 22, 23. The frame 2 comprises a pivot axis segment 24 for each pair of plates 22, 23. Each end of a pivot axis segment 24 projects into the hole in a plate. Each pivot axis segment 24 can be held in the holes by circlips, retaining rings or washers with internal teeth. Each pivot axis segment 24 is supported by a pair of plates. The pivot axis segments 24 are adjacent to the upper end of the rear wall 11. The pivot axis segments 24 are spaced apart to ensure good stability. The plate 3 comes to rest on the pivot axis segments 24. The plate 3 can be secured to the pivot axis segments 24 by flanges. The plate 3 is pivotally mounted relative to the frame 2. The pivoting takes place over a limited angle, for example less than 15 °, so that the difference between the rear end of the plate 3 and the rear wall 11 remains negligible for example less than 3 mm.

The arms 63 are symmetrical. The arms 63 are coaxial. Each arm 63 is arranged between the side wall 9, 10 and the neighboring cover 13, 14. Thus, the arm is housed in one side of the frame 2. Each arm 63 is articulated on a pin 17 forming a tilting axis. The pin 17 is supported by the side wall 9, 10 and the cover 13, 14. The pin 17 is arranged in the upper region of the cover 13, 14. The pin 17 is arranged in the rear region of the cover 13, 14. Pawns 17 are coaxial. The pins 17 are perpendicular to the side walls 9 and 10. The pins 17 are horizontal.

Each arm 63 has a general triangular shape or a portion of a circle. Each arm 63 comprises a plane body 63a. The body 63a is produced from a blank of cut sheet metal. Avoid bending or stamping. The body 63a can be between 1 and 4 mm thick. The body 63a is articulated on the pin 17. The pin 17 is arranged in the vicinity of an apex of the triangle, the base of the triangle being closer to the bottom 8. Said apex has an angle between 50 and 70 °. Each arm 63 comprises a first finger 65 receiving the thrust from the pusher 67 of the carriage. The first finger 65 comprises a base 65a and a pin 65b. The pin 65b passes through a bore in the body of the arm 63. The base 65a is welded to said body on the side opposite to the projection of the pin 65b. The base 65a has the shape of a solid disc. The base 65a has a thickness of between 1 and 3 mm. The pin 65b has a cylindrical shape of revolution. The pin 65b may include a bearing to reduce friction. The pin 65b may have a diameter between 8 and 20 mm, preferably between 8 and 12 mm. The first finger 65 is arranged in the vicinity of a second vertex of the triangle.

Each arm 63 comprises a second finger 66 supporting the plate 3 in the vicinity of its first end. The second finger 66 receives the thrust from the plate 3 and causes the plate 3 to pivot. The second finger 66 comprises a base 66a and a pin 66b. The pin 66b passes through a bore in the body of the arm 63. The base 66a is welded to said body on the side opposite to the projection of the pin 66b. The base 66a has the shape of a solid disc. The base 66a has a thickness of between 1 and 3 mm. The pin 66b has a cylindrical shape of revolution. The pin 66b may include a bearing to reduce friction. The pin 66b may have a diameter between 8 and 20 mm, preferably between 12 and 16 mm. The second finger 66 is arranged in the vicinity of a third vertex of the triangle. The angle between a straight line passing through the pin 17 and the pusher 67 of the carriage, corresponding to the contact surface of the first finger 65, and a straight line passing through the pin 17 and the contact surface of the second finger 66 with the plate 3 is between 50 and 70 °, preferably between 55 and 65 °.

In an embodiment not shown, the ends of the pins 65b and 66b opposite the bases 65a and 66a are connected together by a spacer. The thickness of the arms body can be reduced.

The first finger 65 and the second finger 66 are of parallel axes. The first finger 65 and the second finger 66 pass through the opening 19. The first finger 65 and the second finger 66 protrude into the space between the bottom 8 and the plate 3. The first finger 65 and the second finger 66 are arranged at different distances from the pins 17. An amplifier is thus formed. In the embodiment shown, the distance pawn 17 - first finger 65 is less than the distance pawn 17 - second finger 66. There is amplification of movement: the linear stroke of the second finger 66 is greater linear than the stroke of the first finger 65. The vertical stroke of the front end of the plate 3 is greater than the horizontal stroke of the jack, for example by 4%.

To this end, the opening 19 has a recess 31 substantially in the middle. The opening 19 comprises a first portion for the travel of the first finger 65 and a second portion for the travel of the second finger 66. Here the portions are contiguous forming a single opening. However, the first and second portions can be separated, hence two openings, for example for a higher amplifying effect.

In the low position, the first finger 65 is located at the rear end of the opening 19 and the second finger 66 is located at the rear end of the second portion in the vicinity of the recess 31. The first finger 65 and the second finger 66 are substantially the same distance from the bottom 8.

In the high position, the first finger 65 is located at the front end of the first portion of the opening 19 in the vicinity of the recess 31 and the second finger 66 is located at the front end of the opening 19 in the vicinity of the edge upper cover 13, 14. The first finger 65 and the second finger 66 define a line inclined with respect to the horizontal of about 50 to 70 °.

The straight line passing through the pin 17 and the pusher 67 of the carriage, corresponding to the contact surface of the first finger 65, pivots from -30 ° to + 30 ° during the movement of the arm. It follows that the distance between the first finger 65 and the bottom 8 varies by a maximum of 1-cos30 °, or 13.4% of the radius between the pin 17 and the contact surface of the first finger 65 with the pusher 67 of the carriage. The vertical stroke of the first finger 65 on the pushbutton 67 of the carriage is weak. Thus the pusher 67 of the carriage can have a small vertical dimension.

By construction, the straight line passing through the pin 17 and the point of contact between the second finger 66 and the plate 3 pivots by the same angle during the movement of the arm. The horizontal stroke of the second finger 66 on the plate 3 is small, of the order of 50% of the radius between the pin 17 and the contact surface of the second finger 66 with the plate 3.

In an alternative not shown, the pivoting arms are replaced by sliding rods.

According to the invention, the flap 4 is articulated on the front end of the plate 3. To this end, a hinge 46 of substantially horizontal axis is provided. The hinge 46 is fixed on the one hand to the flap 4 near an upper edge of said flap 4, and on the other hand, to the plate 3. The fixing 3 can be carried out at the flange 21.

The assistance device 1 comprises a mechanism 40 for deploying the flap 4. The mechanism 40 indexes the position of the flap 4 to the position of the plate 3. The mechanism 40 ensures the closing of the flap 4 in the high position of the plate 3 and the deployment of the flap 4 in the low position of the plate 3. Here, the term "mechanism" means a member without an electric actuator. The mechanism 40 can optionally be provided with a sensor. In the mode shown, the mechanism 40 has no sensor.

The mechanism 40 ensures an amplified displacement at the start of descent of the platform 3. In fact, a given vertical displacement of the front end of the platform 3 requires an at least equal vertical displacement of the lower edge of the flap 4 to avoid coming into contact with the soil too early. The shutter 4 being articulated at its upper edge, the required angular pivoting is high, the vertical displacement according to a law H x (1-cos □ □, with □ the angle of the shutter relative to the vertical and H the height of the shutter The mechanism 40 ensures a clearance at the end of the descent of the plate 3. In fact, it is desirable for the flap 4 to come into contact with the ground and to be able to adapt to soils of different levels. installation is then superfluous since the flap 4 is articulated at its upper edge, the required angular pivoting is low, the vertical displacement according to the same law but □ being close to 90 °.

The mechanism 40 comprises a pair of symmetrical connecting rods 42, one connecting rod on each side of the frame 2. Each connecting rod 42 is an elongated part. Each connecting rod 42 can be formed by a sheet metal blank cut out and arranged in one or more thicknesses.

Each connecting rod 42 comprises a front end articulated to the flap 4, a rear end mounted to slide relative to the plate 3 and a central portion mounted to slide relative to the frame 2. The front end of the connecting rod 42 is linked to a joint 43 distant from the top edge and from the bottom edge of said flap 4. Here, the articulation 43 is mounted substantially midway between the high edge and the bottom edge of said flap 4. More generally, the articulation 43 is mounted between 1/3 and 2/3 of the height of the flap 4. The stroke of the connecting rod 42 is less than the stroke of the bottom edge of the flap 4. The articulation 43 is disposed on the rear face of the flap 4, forming the lower face in the deployed position of the flap 4. The notch 15 of the cover 13, 14 forms a housing for the articulation 43 in the high position of the plate 3.

The rear end of the rod 42 is linked to a first slide 44 slidably mounted in a linear slide 32 of the plate 3. The rod 42 can move in rotation and in translation relative to the plate 3. The translation stroke is limited by the length of the linear slide 32. The linear slide 32 is substantially horizontal in the high position of the plate 3. The linear slide 32 is parallel to the plate 3. The linear slide 32 comprises an elongated flat in which a rectilinear opening 33 is formed. The linear slide 32 can comprise a piece of sheet metal bent in a U at symmetry with respect to a central plane, each branch of the U being provided with a rectilinear opening 33. The bottom of the U is fixed to the plate 3 on the underside, for example by welding. Each branch of the U is directed downwards. Each branch of the U is parallel to the covers 13, 14. Preferably, a chamfer 34 is formed in each branch of the U to allow reaching the low position of the plate illustrated on the figure 7 . The lower edge of the branches of the U is likely to come to rest on the bottom 8.

Two elongated parallel slots 35 are formed in the linear slide 32. Each slot 35 is formed between a branch of the U and the bottom in the folding zone. Each slot 35 is of length greater than the length of the rectilinear opening 33. Each slot 35 extends in front and behind the rectilinear opening 33. The slots 35 favor the folding of the branches of the U from a flat sheet metal blank by reducing the risk of deformation in the vicinity of the rectilinear openings 33. Advantageously, said sheet is of the same thickness as the other main parts

Between the linear slide 32 and the connecting rod 42 is mounted a slide 44. The slide 44 is in the form of a pin. The slide 44 comprises a base fixed to the connecting rod 42, a cylindrical body of revolution arranged in the rectilinear opening 33 and a head with a diameter greater than the diameter of the body disposed on the side of the body opposite the connecting rod 42.

The slide 44 can be symmetrical relative to the connecting rod and include two bodies and two heads to cooperate with the two rectilinear openings 33. The body can be provided with a bearing so that the slide 44 rolls on the edges of the rectilinear openings 33 The rear end of the connecting rod 42 is thus pivotable relative to the plate 3. The rear end of the connecting rod 42 is sliding in translation along the length of the rectilinear openings 33. In the high position of the plate 3, the linear slide 32 is located above the opening 20. The linear slide 32 is located between the opening 19 and the mouth of the frame 2.

The central portion of the connecting rod 42 is pivotally and slidingly mounted relative to the frame 2. The opening 20 forms a slide for this purpose. Between the opening 20 and the connecting rod 42 is mounted a slider 45. The slider 45 is in the form of a pin. The slide 45 comprises a base fixed to the connecting rod 42, a cylindrical body of revolution disposed in the opening 20 and a head with a diameter greater than the diameter of the body disposed on the side of the body opposite the connecting rod 42. The body may be provided with 'a bearing so that the slide 45 rolls on the edge of the opening 20. The central portion of the connecting rod 42 is thus pivoted relative to the frame 2 and sliding in translation on the opening 20.

In the high position of the plate 3, the slider 45 is located at the upper end of the opening 20. The slider 44 is located substantially behind the linear slide 32. The connecting rod 42 has an angle of the order of 10 to 30 ° from the horizontal. The shutter 4 is closed, ie substantially vertical. At the start of the descent movement of the plate 3, the rear end of the connecting rod 42 descends as well as the front end, the slide 45 to follow said descent is forced to move forward in the opening 20 which causes the rod 42 towards the front, in particular towards the front of the linear slide 32. The amplification of the horizontal movement of the rod 42 towards the front, at this stage, is obtained, in particular, by the inclination of the upper end of the opening 20. The amplification of the horizontal movement of the lower end of the flap 4 is also obtained by the positioning of the hinge on the flap 4. The converse applies at the end of the movement for raising the plate 3.

In the low position of the plate 3, the slider 45 is located at the lower end of the opening 20. The slider 44 is located substantially at the front of the linear slide 32. The connecting rod 42 is substantially horizontal. The shutter 4 is open, i.e. projecting forward from its lower end with an inclination depending on the configuration of the ground. At the end of the downward movement of the plate 3, the rear end of the connecting rod 42 descends. The front end of the connecting rod 42 descends more slowly because the pivoting of the flap 4 towards the front decreases the amplitude of this movement. The slide 45 is located towards the front end of the opening 20, on a portion close to the vertical. The horizontal movement of the connecting rod 42 towards the front is therefore reduced relative to the vertical movement of the plate 3. Said portion close to the vertical of the opening 20 offers the flap 4 a large clearance to adapt to different soils without special setting. At the start of movement for raising the plate 3, the flap 4 can remain in contact with the ground. The horizontal movement of the connecting rod 42 is very small due to the inclination of the front end of the opening 20.

There is amplification of the horizontal movement of the connecting rod 42 on the upper portion of the opening 20 inclined at less than 45 ° relative to the horizontal and reduction of the horizontal movement of the connecting rod 42 on the lower portion of the opening 20 inclined at more than 45 ° from the horizontal.

Thanks to the shutter 4 and its deployment mechanism, the operation of the shutter is safe, reliable and easy while being driven by the operation of the platform.

Claims (16)

1. A device (1) for helping a wheeled vehicle, in particular for a person with impaired mobility, to pass over an obstacle, comprising

   - a stationary frame (2) comprising a bottom (8) and two side walls (9, 10),

   - a plate (3) provided with two ends, a first end being movable between a high position and a low position in which said plate constitutes a first access ramp,

   - an assembly (6) for driving, in vertical translation, at least said first end, supported by said assembly (6),

   - a flap (4) forming a front face of the device in the high position of the plate, the flap (4) being mounted pivotably on the plate at the first end of said plate,

   characterized in that said flap (4) forms a second access ramp in the low position of the plate,
   the device further comprising a mechanism (40) of deployment of the flap (4), comprising at least one rod (42) comprising a front end articulated on the flap (4), the articulation being distant from the top edge and from the bottom edge of said flap (4), a rear end linked to a first slide (44) mounted slideably in a linear guide (32) provided in the plate, and a central portion linked to a second slide (45) mounted slideably in a guide (19) provided in a side of the frame (2), the rod (42) moving in a substantially vertical plane.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slides (44, 45) are pegs.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the linear guide (32) is substantially horizontal in the high position of the plate (3).
4. The device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide (19) of the frame is in the form of an arc of a circle with a substantially vertical lower end, preferably with a radius of between 30 and 280 mm.
5. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the guide (19) of the frame has an upper end sloping by an angle of between 50 and 75° relative to the vertical.
6. The device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the axis of articulation of the flap (4) is arranged at a height of between 40 and 60% of the distance between the top edge and the bottom edge of said flap (4), the rod (42) sloping by an angle of between 10 and 35° relative to the horizontal in the high position of the plate and the rod (42) being substantially horizontal in the low position of the plate.
7. The device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the rod (42) is made from a cut-out metal-sheet blank.
8. The device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the rod (42) is a rectilinear arm.
9. The device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the linear guide (32) provided in the plate comprises an elongate flat in which a rectilinear aperture (33) accommodating the first slide (44) is provided.
10. The device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, comprising two symmetrical rods, one rod (42) on either side of the frame.
11. The device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive assembly (6) comprises:

    - a linear ram (61) mounted under the plate, provided with a stationary end close to said second end and rigidly connected to the bottom (8), and a mobile end,

    - a carriage (62) that is movable in horizontal translation and driven by said ram, said carriage resting on guides (81) mounted on the bottom (8) of the frame, said carriage comprising two pushers (67),

    - a pair of arms (63), the arms being symmetrical, each arm resting on one of the pushers (67) of the carriage, each arm supporting the first end of the plate; in the retracted position of the actuator, the carriage being close to said second end, the arms being in the low position and the first end being in the ramp position, and in the extended position of the actuator the carriage being close to said first end, the arms being in the high position and the first end being in the raised position.
12. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the arms (63) are mounted pivotably on the side walls (9, 10) of the frame on a substantially horizontal common axis, each arm being accommodated in a side of the frame, each arm comprising a body (63a) made from a cut-out metal-sheet blank, and each arm comprises a finger (65) receiving the thrust of the pusher (67) of the carriage and a finger (66) supporting the first end of the plate, each arm being mounted between a side wall (9, 10) of the frame and a cover (13, 14) parallel to said side wall, at least one aperture (19) in the form of an arc of a circle being provided in said cover, the fingers projecting through said aperture (19), the axis of pivoting of the arm being supported bilaterally, each arm has a triangular form, an apex being located at the axis of pivoting, the angle formed between a straight line passing through the axis of pivoting of an arm and the pusher of the carriage and a straight line passing through the axis of pivoting of an arm and the arm-plate point of contact being between 50 and 70°, preferably the straight line passing through the axis of pivoting of an arm and the pusher of the carriage having an angular travel, in the course of pivoting, between 50 and 70°, and the straight line passing through the axis of pivoting of an arm and the pusher of the carriage sloping relative to the vertical, in the course of pivoting, by an angle of between -30 and +30°.
13. The device as claimed in one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the carriage (62) comprises a chassis made from folded metal sheet, the chassis comprising a base substantially parallel to the bottom (8) of the stationary frame (2), a rear border provided with an aperture allowing the ram to pass through and a front border comprising two zones forming the pushers (67).
14. The device as claimed in one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the ratio of amplification of the arms is between 100 and 110%, preferably more than 100 and less than 105%, each arm being mounted on a side of the frame on an axis fastened to said frame.
15. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the arms forming rods are mounted in an articulated manner on the carriage and on the plate.
16. The device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate (3) comprises a second end mounted pivotably at the rear of the frame about a horizontal axis.

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