EP3791844B1 - System for automating loading and extraction of a carriage on a receiver - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a system making it possible to automate the loading and extraction of a trolley carrying a stretcher onto a receiver mounted within an ambulance.

The invention aims more particularly to simplify the assembly and the extraction of the carriage in and out of an ambulance by limiting the actions to be carried out by the paramedic.

PRIOR ART

An ambulance is a vehicle intended in particular to receive a trolley carrying a stretcher, itself receiving an individual.

To limit the musculoskeletal disorders of paramedics, ambulances are increasingly equipped with an automated receiver, configured to automatically move the trolley carrying the stretcher when the trolley, supporting the individual is inserted into or extracted from the 'ambulance.

The devices allowing the loading and the extraction of the carriage are generally provided with a mobile arm arranged under a table for receiving the carriage, as for example described in the document WO 2009/135803 . However, the kinematics of movement of the arm imposes a relatively large spacing between the reception table and the floor of the ambulance. Due to the presence of this arm, these devices are generally heavy and bulky. They can be integrated into a large-volume ambulance, for example hospital ambulances, but it is currently not possible to integrate this type of device into a low-volume ambulance, for example private ambulances.

Other loading devices are made with a winch and have a smaller size and weight. However, these devices do not make it possible to assist the extraction of the carriage from the ambulance, and the ambulance driver is always subjected to efforts during this extraction phase, liable to generate musculoskeletal disorders.

Whatever the type of device used, motorized arm or winch, loading and extracting a trolley in and out of the ambulance requires several actions of the paramedic. First, the paramedic must hang the cart on one or more receiver hooks. To do this, the paramedic must adapt the height of the trolley with the height of the receiver, in particular when the ambulance is parked on a slope. Then, during the traction of the trolley, the paramedic must manually fold the front crutch, then the rear crutch with which such a trolley is traditionally equipped in order to allow its movement, to allow the introduction of said trolley within the ambulance. . To do this, the paramedic must twice stop the progress of the trolley in order to unlock and fold up the two crutches correctly.

With regard to the problem of adapting the height of the trolley to the height of the receiver, the document WO 2015/164147 offers a motorized receiver, whose height is variable. This motorized receiver comprises a camera making it possible to detect the attachment point of the trolley in order to adapt the height of the receiver according to the detected height of the attachment point of the trolley. This receiver thus facilitates the attachment of the carriage to the receiver. However, even with this type of receiver, the paramedic must still intervene manually during several stages of traction of the trolley by the receiver.

To remedy this problem, it is possible to couple automated traction of the carriage with mechanical means of automated locking and unlocking of the crutches. For example, the patent EP 1 245 212 details with reference to figures 1 to 15 of the state of the art, a particularly effective mechanical solution for locking or unlocking crutches during insertion or extraction in an ambulance. There figure 1 represents a carriage 1 for carrying a stretcher, not shown. For example, the cart 1 can be used to transport a patient on a stretcher from an ambulance to a hospital room, and vice versa. This trolley 1 comprises a frame 2 capable of receiving a stretcher, two crutches 3 fitted with wheels 4, pivotally mounted on the frame 2, and a manual mechanism for controlling the unfolding and folding of each crutch 3.

The crutches 3 are movable between an unfolded position, illustrated on the figure 1 And 7 in particular, allowing the rolling of the carriage 1, and a folded position against the frame 2, illustrated in the figure 12 , allowing the introduction of the carriage 1 in an ambulance. Stands 3 are slightly inclined in their unfolded position, on the side of the ends of frame 2.

In addition, these crutches 3 can be immobilized in different inclination positions, three of which are illustrated on the figures 13 to 15 , make it possible to adjust the height of the frame 2 and, if necessary, when the inclinations of the crutches 3 are not identical, to place the stretcher in a tilting or tilting position according to the needs of the patient.

With reference to figures 1 to 6 , it appears that the frame 2 comprises two longerons 10 of circular section, and that the actuating mechanism of each stand 3 comprises a first slider 11, a strut 12, a second slider 13, a stop 14, three reminder 15, 16 and 17, a tie rod 18 with telescopic elements 35, 36, comprising means for immobilizing these telescopic elements relative to each other in several positions, a handle 20 for controlling these means of immobilization, a front feeler 21, a rear feeler 22, and two pairs of rollers 23, 24 for running the frame 2 on the floor 100 of an ambulance.

Each stand 3 is pivotally connected to a crosspiece 25 integral, at its ends, with two sleeves 26 slidably engaged on the side members 10. This crosspiece 25 and these sleeves 26 constitute the first slider 11.

The strut 12 connects the crutch 3 to the frame 2. This strut 12 is connected by one end, in a pivoting manner, to a crosspiece that comprises the stand 3 and is connected by its other end, in a pivoting manner, to a crosspiece 27 whose ends are integral with two sleeves 28 slidably engaged on the beams 10. This crosspiece 27 and these sleeves 28 constitute the second slider 13.

As illustrated more particularly by figures 4 and 5 , the strut 12 is also integral at its upper part with a frame 29 engaged around the outer element 35 of the tie rod 18. The lower upright 29a of this frame 29 slides along this outer element 35 during the movement of the stand 3 and includes a light 30 whose function will be explained later.

The stop 14 is constituted by a block fixed to one of the beams 10. It makes it possible to limit the sliding of the second slider 13 in the position illustrated on the figure 1 And 4 , corresponding to the unfolded position of stand 3.

A return spring 15 connects the crosspiece 31 of the front end of the frame 2 to the corresponding slider 11 . It normally tends to recall this slider 11 in the position illustrated on the figure 1 , corresponding to the unfolded position of stand 3.

A return spring 16 connects the crosspiece 31 to the corresponding slider 13 . It normally tends to recall this slider 13 against the stop 14.

A return spring 17 connects crosspieces 25 and 27 of sliders 11 and 13 located on the rear side of frame 2.

The tie rod 18 comprises two telescopic elements 35, 36, the outer one of which is connected to a plate 37 integral with the crosspiece 31, and the inner one of which is connected to the crosspiece 25. The element 35 comprises a lateral hole while the 36 comprises a series of side holes each of which is able to come opposite the side hole of the element 35 during the sliding of the element 36 relative to the element 35. As shown more particularly by the figures 2 and 3 , the tie rod 18 comprises a locking latch 40 provided with a pin capable of being engaged in the side hole of the element 35 and in the side holes of the element 36, a spring (not visible in the figures) tending normally to maintain this latch 40 in the position of engagement of this pin in these holes. This latch 40 is connected to the handle 20 via a rod 41, this handle 20 being mounted on the plate 37. The assembly is normally in the position shown on the figure 2 , in which the elements 35, 36 are immobilized with respect to one another by the latch 40, and the handle 20 can be operated manually in the position shown on the picture 3 , in which the latch pin is erased and therefore in which the sliding of the element 36 relative to the element 35 is released.

The handles 20 thus make it possible to adjust the distance between the slider 11 and the plate 37, that is to say the height of each side of the carriage 1, and this distance remains fixed in the unfolded and folded positions of the crutches 3 To pass from the unfolded to folded position or vice versa, this document proposes modifying the distance between the sliders 11 and 13 by means of a mechanical detection of the floor 100 of an ambulance.

To do this, with particular reference to figures 4 to 6 , it appears that the feeler 21 comprises an arm 45 and a pair of rollers 46, and that the carriage 1 comprises a pivoting lever 47 actuated by the arm 45 during the pivoting of the feeler 21.

The arm 45 is connected by one end to a pivoting transverse rod 50, forming the pivot axis of the rollers 24.

The pair of rollers 46 is mounted on the free end of the arm 45.

The lever 47 is pivotally mounted on the element 35. On the side of the rod 50, it has a curved end intended to come into contact with the arm 45. Its end opposite to this rod 50 has its own lug, in the non active probe 21 illustrated on the figure 4 , to be engaged in the slot 30 of the frame 29.

A spring 48 is placed between the lever 47 and the outer element 35 so as to normally maintain the lever 47 in this position of engagement of the lug in the slot 30.

The rear sensor 22 comprises an arm 45 and rollers 46 very similar to those of the sensor 21, the arm 45 being pivotally mounted on the crosspiece 25. This sensor 22 actuates a lever 47 very similar to the lever 47 of the sensor 21 but having a length and a stroke adapted to the position and the particular stroke of the arm 45 of the feeler 22.

The rollers 23 are mounted directly on the beams 10, while the rollers 24 are mounted on the rod 50, the latter passing through tabs 51 integral with the beams 10, projecting downwards with respect to the latter.

In practice, as illustrated on the figures 7 to 12 , the carriage 1 to be loaded into an ambulance is presented at the rear of the ambulance; the stands 3 are then in the unfolded position, in which they are locked by immobilizing the sliders 11 and 13, respectively by means of the tie rods 17 and the levers 47 and frames 29.

The rollers 23 then 24 come to roll against the floor 100 of the ambulance, which slightly raises the crutch 3 before; the feeler 21 then passes from its inactive position shown on the figure 4 to its active position shown on the figure 6 , that is to say releases the frame 29 and therefore the corresponding slider 13 . The coming into abutment of the crutch 3 then of the strut 12 against the floor 100 makes it possible to carry out the folding of the crutch 3 and the stretching of the spring 16.

The sensor 22 in turn meets the floor 100 and releases the rear slider 13 , which allows the folding of the stand 3 and causes the stretching of the spring 17.

During the extraction of the trolley 1 from the ambulance, the springs 16 and 17 favor the unfolding of the crutches 3, until the locking of the frames 29 by the levers 47.

To lower frame 2 as shown in the figures 13 to 15 , from the unfolded position of the crutches 3 in which the sliders 13 are immobilized, the handles 20 are actuated to release the sliding of the elements 36 relative to the elements 35 and to thus cause the movement of the sliders 11 relative to the sliders 13. Due to the aforementioned inclination of the crutches 3, this movement of the sliders 11 is easy to initiate. The resulting stretching of the springs 15 and 17 favors the return of the frame 2 to the unfolding position of the legs 3.

To obtain a tilting or tilting position of the frame 2, different inclinations are given to the crutches 3 by means of the tie rods 17.

Thus, the mechanical locking/unlocking device of the crutches 3, as described in the document EP 1 245 212 , requires detection by contact of the floor 100 of the ambulance. This device is therefore shaped to be used in a certain type of vehicle and cannot easily be adapted to all types of vehicles. In addition, contact detection can be activated by mistake, risking untimely unlocking of the trolley.

The technical problem that the present invention proposes to solve is to be able to provide a system for automating the loading and extraction of a trolley on a receiver by limiting the actions to be carried out by the paramedic and safer and easier to be integrated than existing devices.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

To solve this problem, the invention proposes combining a motorized receiver incorporating means for detecting the traction position with a carriage incorporating at least one motor controlling the locking or unlocking of the crutches. A supervisory device communicating between the trolley and the receiver can thus automate the unlocking of the crutches when the trolley is pulled on the receiver in order to reduce the actions of the paramedic and the risks of untimely unlocking outside of the traction phase.

To this end, the invention relates to a system for automating the loading and extraction of a trolley on a receiver mounted within an ambulance, the system comprising a trolley and a receiver, the trolley comprising front crutches and rear movable between two positions, respectively an unfolded position and a folded position, unlocking means of the crutches in the unfolded position, and at least one crutch motor ensuring the unlocking of the unlocking means.

According to the invention, the receiver comprises means for securing a front part of the carriage, automated translation means of the carriage on the receiver and means for detecting a position of the carriage on the receiver.

• détection d'un arrimage de la partie avant du chariot avec les moyens d'arrimage du récepteur ;
• activation du moteur de béquille pour déverrouiller les moyens de déverrouillage de la béquille avant du chariot ;
• traction du chariot sur le récepteur jusqu'à atteindre une position de déverrouillage arrière ;
• activation du moteur de béquille pour déverrouiller les moyens de déverrouillage de la béquille arrière du chariot ; et
• traction du chariot sur le récepteur jusqu'à atteindre une position haute.

This system integrates at least one supervisory device configured to communicate between the trolley and the receiver in order to automate the loading of the trolley according to the following steps:

• detection of a securing of the front part of the carriage with the securing means of the receiver;
• activation of the crutch motor to unlock the unlocking means of the front crutch of the carriage;
• traction of the carriage on the receiver until reaching a rear unlocking position;
• activation of the stand motor to unlock the unlocking means of the rear stand of the carriage; And
• traction of the carriage on the receiver until reaching a high position.

The invention makes it possible to limit the actions of the paramedic, since it is no longer necessary to unlock the crutches, one after the other, when pulling. To do this, the supervision member automatically manages the successive unlocking of the crutches according to the position of the carriage on the receiver, so as to guarantee the stability of the carriage when the crutches are unlocked.

The invention thus makes it possible to obtain greater patient safety, since it is no longer possible for the paramedic to unlock the crutches too soon or too late. In fact, when the crutches are unlocked too early during traction, there is a risk of the truck falling, and, when the crutches are unlocked too late, there is a risk of the system blocking because a crutch can abut against the receiver. or the underbody of the ambulance carrying the receiver.

Furthermore, unlike a system in which the unlocking is controlled according to a mechanical stop on the ambulance, the invention does not use a mechanical stop and the number of mechanical parts is reduced. The risks of deterioration are therefore limited and the invention is exempt from the risk of inadvertent unlocking of the crutches. Furthermore, the mechanical locking/unlocking devices operate by means of an abutment, as described in the state of the art, intended to cooperate with a part of the ambulance. These devices are therefore shaped with a precise form of ambulance, whereas the invention makes it possible to adapt to all types of vehicle.

In addition to loading, the supervision member can also manage the extraction of the carriage from the receiver by securing the successive unfolding of the respectively rear and then front stands.

• traction du chariot sur le récepteur jusqu'à atteindre une position de verrouillage arrière ;
• lorsque le verrouillage de la béquille arrière est détecté par le capteur de position, traction du chariot sur le récepteur jusqu'à atteindre une position de verrouillage avant ; et
• lorsque le verrouillage de la béquille avant est détecté par le capteur de position, traction du chariot sur le récepteur jusqu'à atteindre une position de déchargement.

To do this, the trolley comprising a position sensor of the unlocking means the at least one supervision device is configured to automate the extraction of the trolley according to the following steps:

• traction of the carriage on the receiver until reaching a rear locking position;
• when the locking of the rear stand is detected by the position sensor, traction of the carriage on the receiver until a front locking position is reached; And
• when the locking of the front stand is detected by the position sensor, traction of the truck on the receiver until reaching an unloading position.

The system may comprise a single on-board supervision device, either in the truck or in the receiver, with means enabling the supervision device to communicate between the receiver and the truck.

Within the meaning of the invention, a supervision unit corresponds to an electronic device incorporating computer means, such as a microcontroller programmed to perform specific functions, or a processor executing an operating system.

Preferably, instead of using a single supervision device, the system comprises a first supervision device integrated into the receiver and a second supervision device integrated into the carriage; the first supervision member is configured to recover the position of the securing means and to control the automated translation means according to a command from the carriage; the second supervisory device is configured to retrieve commands from a user by means of a man-machine interface and to control the crutch motor ensuring the unlocking of the unlocking means as a function of the position transmitted by the first supervisory device .

This embodiment makes it possible to obtain great flexibility of use of the trolley independently of the receiver, because the trolley supervision member can then be used to motorise actions of the paramedic, such as adjusting the height of the trolley. Furthermore, this embodiment also makes it possible to use the receiver independently of the truck, for example for receiver maintenance operations.

Preferably, the man-machine interface corresponds to at least one handle of a stretcher mounted on the carriage; the handle comprises control buttons and means of wireless transmission of the commands to the second supervisory device. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because a paramedic naturally positions his hands at the level of the handles and the use of controls at this location is particularly convenient for the paramedic.

Some stretchers can be detached from the trolley, in particular firefighters' stretchers, and the use of wireless controls makes it possible to extract the trolley from the stretcher without having to disconnect the stretcher from the trolley.

According to an alternative or complementary embodiment, the man-machine interface corresponds to a console mounted at the rear of the carriage. The advantage of a console is that it can integrate a screen on which the paramedic can obtain feedback, for example when an anomaly has been detected.

According to one embodiment, the first and the second supervision device incorporate wireless communication means capable of transmitting at least the position of the securing means and the user commands. The wireless communication can be carried out by all the known protocols: Infrared, Wifi, RFID, Zigbee... Preferably, the Bluetooth protocol is used because it includes a reduced consumption mode. In addition, the Bluetooth protocol can be used with several devices connected at the same time so as to connect to the trolley supervision unit both the receiver and one to four connected handles of the stretcher mounted on the trolley.

Preferably, the four handles of the stretcher correspond to control handles connected to the trolley supervision unit so as to allow the paramedics to place the stretcher in any direction on the trolley during an intervention.

In addition, intervention situations are often emergency situations during which automated systems must be as reactive as possible.

To do this, the pairing of the wireless communication means can be carried out upstream of emergency situations, for example by transmitting a request with identification means such as a dedicated code. However, several trolleys and several ambulances can evolve simultaneously in a restricted environment, for example in a hospital. In this restricted environment, a paramedic carrying a cart can choose to use either ambulance. Depending on the paramedic's choice, dynamic pairing must be carried out so that the cart used by the paramedic can communicate wirelessly with the receiver placed in the selected ambulance without the paramedic needing to go through a pairing procedure.

Preferably, the wireless communication means integrate automatic pairing means by an infrared connection between the receiver and the truck.

This embodiment makes it possible to perform dynamic pairing according to the ambulance selected by the paramedic. To prevent a trolley from being paired with another ambulance close to and distinct from that selected by the paramedic, the automatic pairing means via an infrared connection are directional.

For example, the pairing of a Bluetooth protocol by an infrared connection is described in the scientific publication “Rapid Heterogeneous Connection Establishment: Accelerating Bluetooth Inquiry Using IrDA” Woodings, Ryan & Joos, Derek & Clifton, Trevor & Knutson, Charles (2001 ).

When the pairing is carried out, the supervision unit can control the movement of the receiver into a waiting position for loading, so that the paramedic is informed that the trolley is actually ready to be towed by the receiver of the ambulance. In addition, the pairing can be conditioned to certain cart models so that only authorized carts can be loaded into an ambulance incorporating a specific receiver.

Preferably, each crutch comprises a position sensor making it possible to detect the moment when the crutch is in the folded position, respectively unfolded. This embodiment makes it possible to control the movement of the crutches between the folded and unfolded positions during the loading and extraction phases. For example, during extraction, an alarm can be activated if the rear stand is not unfolded correctly and the truck cannot be supported by the rear stand.

In the same way, during loading, elements external to the system can become lodged between the uprights and the stretcher carried by the trolley. These external elements are thus likely to prevent the automatic movement of the crutches in the folded position. The position sensor makes it possible to inform the supervisory body of a delay in the folding of a crutch in order, if necessary, to stop the traction of the carriage on the receiver.

Preferably, the crutches have pivoting wheels and means for locking the pivoting of the wheels. According to one embodiment, at least one wheel motor locks the means for locking the pivoting of the wheels, the supervision member being configured to automate the loading of the trolley with a step of controlling the wheel motor to lock the pivoting front wheels to pull the cart on the receiver.

This embodiment makes it possible to block the pivoting of the wheels to facilitate the insertion of the wheels on the receiver. In addition, during transport by ambulance, the swivel wheels may move and cause noise pollution or shocks if they are not locked.

Furthermore, the ambulance can be parked on a sloping street when the ambulance driver wishes to proceed with loading or extracting the cart. Depending on the slope of the street, it may be necessary to fold or unfold the supports sooner or later. To solve this problem, a tilt sensor is preferably arranged on the receiver and/or the carriage.

Thus, according to one embodiment, the system includes a sensor for inclination of the receiver and/or of the carriage, at least one front or rear unlocking position is determined as a function of said inclination.

Preferably, to avoid electrically supplying the translation means to hold the carriage in the raised position, anchoring means are used when the carriage is in the raised position. To this end, the receiver comprises a base incorporating means for anchoring the carriage on the base, the receiver automation system being removably mounted on this base; the supervision member is configured to automate the loading of the carriage with a step of anchoring the latter in the high position.

By using a removable automation system with respect to the base, the automation system can be attached to an ambulance already equipped with the compatible base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

• La figure 1 illustre une vue schématique en perspective d'un chariot de l'état de la technique ;
• La figure 2 illustre une vue schématique partielle de dessus du chariot de la figure 1 dans une première position ;
• La figure 3 illustre une vue schématique partielle de dessus du chariot de la figure 1 dans une seconde position ;
• La figure 4 illustre une vue schématique partielle, en section longitudinale du chariot de la figure 1 au cours de son introduction dans une ambulance ;
• La figure 5 illustre une vue schématique partielle, en section longitudinale du chariot de la figure 1 dans une position d'introduction plus profonde dans l'ambulance ;
• La figure 6 illustre une vue schématique de détail en perspective du chariot de la figure 1 ;
• Les figures 7 à 12 illustrent schématiquement des vues de côté du chariot de la figure 1 dans différentes phases successives d'introduction dans une ambulance ;
• Les figures 13 à 15 illustrent schématiquement des vues de côté du chariot de la figure 1 dans différentes positions d'abaissement ;
• La figure 16 illustre une vue schématique de côté d'un chariot selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• La figure 17 illustre une vue schématique de dessous du chariot de la figure 16 ;
• La figure 18 illustre une vue schématique de dessous en perspective d'une béquille du chariot de la figure 16 ;
• La figure 19 illustre une vue schématique de dessous en perspective d'un doigt de verrouillage du chariot de la figure 16 ;
• La figure 20 illustre une vue schématique en perspective d'une poignée du chariot de la figure 16 ;
• La figure 21 illustre une vue schématique en perspective éclatée de la poignée de la figure 20 ;
• La figure 22 illustre une vue schématique en perspective d'une base d'un récepteur de l'état de la technique ;
• La figure 23 illustre une vue schématique en perspective d'un récepteur selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• La figure 24 illustre une vue schématique en perspective éclatée du récepteur de la figure 23 ;
• La figure 25 illustre une vue schématique de dessus d'une variante des moyens de translation automatisés de la figure 23 ;
• La figure 26 illustre une vue schématique de détail en perspective et en coupe d'une bride des moyens de translation automatisés de la figure 25 ;
• La figure 27 illustre une vue schématique de détail en perspective de la bride des moyens de translation automatisés de la figure 25 ;
• Les figures 28 et 29 illustrent des vues schématiques en perspective éclatée des moyens d'arrimage du récepteur de la figure 23 ;
• Les figures 30 à 32 illustrent des vues schématiques en perspective éclatée des moyens d'arrimage du récepteur de la figure 23 dans plusieurs positions ;
• La figure 33 illustre une vue schématique en perspective d'une variante des moyens d'arrimage de la figure 23 ;
• Les figures 34 à 37 illustrent des vues schématiques en section des moyens d'arrimage de la figure 33 dans plusieurs positions ;
• Les figures 38 et 39 illustrent des vues schématiques en section d'une variante des moyens d'arrimage de la figure 33 dans plusieurs positions ;
• La figure 40 illustre une vue schématique de dessus des moyens d'arrimage de la figure 38 dans une position ouverte ;
• La figure 41 illustre une vue schématique en perspective des moyens d'arrimage de la figure 38 dans la position ouverte ;
• La figure 42 illustre une vue schématique de dessus des moyens d'arrimage de la figure 38 dans une position fermée ;
• La figure 43 illustre une vue schématique en perspective des moyens d'arrimage de la figure 38 dans la position fermée ;
• La figure 44 illustre une vue schématique en perspective de côté des moyens d'arrimage de la figure 38 liés à une barre d'un chariot ;
• La figure 45 illustre une vue schématique en perspective de dessous des moyens d'arrimage de la figure 38 liés à une barre d'un chariot ; et
• Les figures 46 à 49 illustrent des vues schématiques en section des moyens d'arrimage de la figure 38 dans plusieurs positions.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description given of it below, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• There figure 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a prior art carriage;
• There figure 2 illustrates a partial schematic top view of the carriage of the figure 1 in a first position;
• There picture 3 illustrates a partial schematic top view of the carriage of the figure 1 in a second position;
• There figure 4 illustrates a partial schematic view, in longitudinal section, of the carriage of the figure 1 during his introduction into an ambulance;
• There figure 5 illustrates a partial schematic view, in longitudinal section, of the carriage of the figure 1 in a deeper introduction position in the ambulance;
• There figure 6 illustrates a schematic perspective detail view of the carriage of the figure 1 ;
• THE figures 7 to 12 schematically illustrate side views of the carriage of the figure 1 in different successive phases of introduction into an ambulance;
• THE figures 13 to 15 schematically illustrate side views of the carriage of the figure 1 in different lowering positions;
• There figure 16 illustrates a schematic side view of a carriage according to one embodiment of the invention;
• There figure 17 illustrates a schematic view from below of the carriage of the figure 16 ;
• There figure 18 illustrates a schematic view from below in perspective of a landing gear of the carriage of the figure 16 ;
• There figure 19 illustrates a schematic bottom perspective view of a carriage lock finger of the figure 16 ;
• There figure 20 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a trolley handle of the figure 16 ;
• There figure 21 illustrates a schematic exploded perspective view of the handle of the figure 20 ;
• There figure 22 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a base of a prior art receiver;
• There figure 23 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a receiver according to one embodiment of the invention;
• There figure 24 illustrates a schematic exploded perspective view of the receiver of the figure 23 ;
• There figure 25 illustrates a schematic top view of a variant of the automated translation means of the figure 23 ;
• There figure 26 illustrates a schematic detail view in perspective and in section of a flange of the automated translation means of the figure 25 ;
• There figure 27 illustrates a schematic detail view in perspective of the flange of the automated translation means of the figure 25 ;
• THE figures 28 and 29 illustrate schematic exploded perspective views of the securing means of the receiver of the figure 23 ;
• THE figures 30 to 32 illustrate schematic exploded perspective views of the securing means of the receiver of the figure 23 in several positions;
• There figure 33 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a variant of the securing means of the figure 23 ;
• THE figures 34 to 37 illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of the securing means of the figure 33 in several positions;
• THE figures 38 and 39 illustrate schematic sectional views of a variant of the securing means of the figure 33 in several positions;
• There figure 40 illustrates a schematic top view of the securing means of the figure 38 in an open position;
• There figure 41 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the securing means of the figure 38 in the open position;
• There figure 42 illustrates a schematic top view of the securing means of the figure 38 in a closed position;
• There figure 43 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the securing means of the figure 38 in the closed position;
• There figure 44 illustrates a schematic side perspective view of the securing means of the figure 38 tied to a bar of a carriage;
• There figure 45 illustrates a schematic perspective view from below of the securing means of the figure 38 tied to a bar of a carriage; And
• THE figures 46 to 49 illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of the securing means of the figure 38 in several positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for automating the loading and extraction of a trolley 61 on a receiver 62. The trolley 61 is configured to carry a stretcher 80 intended to transport a patient. This stretcher 80 is fixed or placed on a frame 81 mounted on a body 82 integrating the various mechanisms for supporting and moving the crutches 3 and the wheels 4 of the carriage 61. Apart from loading or extracting the carriage 61 on a receiver 62, the mechanical operation of the carriage 61 is similar to that described with reference to the figures 1 to 15 of the state of the art.

Indeed, the carriage 61 also has longerons 10 formed on either side of the body 82 and in which slides 11 and 13 are mounted in translation. crutches 3 front and rear are rotatably mounted on sliders 11, and they are also held by struts 12 mounted between a crosspiece 84 and the sliders 11.

A handle 20 is also provided at the rear of the carriage 61 to manually adjust the height of the legs 3 of the carriage 61. The body 82 replaces the crosspieces 25 and 27, illustrated on the figures 1 to 15 , ensuring the connection between the two beams 10. The body 82 is solid between the two beams 10 and makes it possible to integrate the means forming the spring and the stop 14 of the struts 12 of each stand 3.

More specifically, as illustrated on the figures 18 and 19 , each crutch 3 comprises two symmetrical uprights 86 , at the end of which the two wheels 4 are mounted. The body 82 having a width less than that of the stretcher 80, the uprights 86 deviate in the width from the body 82 to the wheels 4 so as to guarantee the stability of the trolley 61.

A first upright 86 is mounted in a spar 10 arranged to the left of the body 82, and a second upright 86 is mounted in a spar 10 arranged to the right of the body 82. The two uprights 86 are connected by two crosspieces 84 and 85. A crosspiece bottom 85 is arranged just above the attachment points 72 of the wheels 4, and an upper crosspiece 84 is arranged substantially in the middle of the height of the two uprights 86.

The two struts 12 are mounted in rotation on this upper crosspiece 84 and respectively extend as far as a plate 88 fixed to a slider 13. In addition, the two plates 88 are connected together by a crosspiece 94 mounted in translation on a bar 89 positioned substantially in the center of the body 82. This crosspiece 94 is intended to cooperate with the stop 14 mounted on the bar 89.

As shown on the figure 19 , the holding of the crosspiece 94 against this stop 14 is ensured by a locking pin 83 having a lug 97 intended to block the crosspiece 94 connecting the fixing plates 88, so as to limit the translational movements of the slides 13.

According to the invention, a motor 63 is configured to move the locking finger 83 so as to release the crosspiece 94 from the abutment 14. By moving the lug 97 above the crosspiece 94, the latter can be moved in translation on the bar 89 and allow the folding of the stand 3 corresponding.

As shown on the figure 17 , the motor 83 can be arranged in the center of the body 82 and make it possible to control the locking fingers 83 of the two crutches 3 before and rear by performing a rotation in a first direction, to move the lug 97 of the front stop 14, and a rotation in a second direction to move the lug 97 of the front stop 14. Alternatively, as illustrated in the figure 18 , a motor 163 dedicated to each locking finger 83 can be arranged next to the corresponding stop 14 .

Furthermore, each locking finger 83 can also be moved by mechanical means so as to allow a user to manually unlock each locking finger 83 if he does not wish, or if he cannot use the motor 63. Preferably, each locking finger 83 is provided with a sensor 91 making it possible to detect a movement of the locking finger 83. In addition, a spring 99 is mounted between the bar 89 and a rear part of the locking finger 83 to move the locking finger 83 in the closed position when the motor does not act on the locking finger 83.

The front shape of the lug 97 has a bias so that the sliding of the crosspiece 94 on the front face of the lug 97 causes the locking finger 83 to open. For example, when the stand 3 is unfolded, the movement of the sliders 13 drives the crosspiece 94 and opens the locking finger 83 until the crosspiece 94 comes into contact with the stop 14. In this position, the spring 99 moves the lug 97 in front of the crosspiece 94 and clamps the crutch 3 in the unfolded position. During this purely mechanical clamping, sensor 91 can detect movement of locking finger 83 and thus indicate clamping of stand 3 in the unfolded position.

The means forming a spring between the two sliders 11 and 13 comprise an elastic link of the rubber band type (tensioner) 92 mounted on three pulleys 93 and fixed, on the one hand, to the sliders 11 and, on the other hand, to the sliders 13. Thus , this bungee cord (tensioner) 92 tends to bring the sliders 13 closer to the sliders 11. Preferably, a force sensor 90, such as for example a strain gauge, is also positioned at the end of the translation bar 89 and in contact with the bungee cord (tensioner) 92, so as to measure the tension of the bungee cord 92. The sensor 90 makes it possible to indicate the distance between the two sliders 11 and 13 and to estimate the position of the stand 3.

At the attachment points 72 of the wheels 4, the trolley 61 also has means 73 for locking the pivoting of the wheels. Indeed, the wheels 4 are not necessarily aligned with the main dimension of the carriage 61 and a wheel 4 can be pivoting, that is to say angularly offset with respect to the length of the carriage 61, as illustrated by the wheel 5 of the figure 17 .

The locking means 73 may consist of a finger which penetrates into a slot of the attachment point 72 to limit the pivoting movements and force the corresponding wheel 4 to be aligned along the length of the carriage 61. Preferably, a motor 74 is arranged on the lower crosspiece 85 in order to control the pivoting locking means 73 of each wheel 4.

In addition to these mechanical elements ensuring the displacement of the crutches 3 and the wheels 4, the carriage 61 also has rollers 23 and 24 mounted on the frame 81 at the front end of the carriage 61 and intended to cooperate with a tablet of the receiver 62 during trolley 61 loading phases. In addition, the movement of the trolley 61 on the receiver 62 is also mechanically guided by rollers 32 mounted on the body 82, substantially in the middle of the length of the trolley 61.

As regards the electronic elements integrated into the carriage 61, the central part of the carriage 61 incorporates a supervision unit 68 comprising an electronic card, and wireless communication means making it possible to interact with the receiver 62. Preferably, this electronic card integrates a microcontroller or a microprocessor as well as a memory. Preferably, the wireless communication means use the Bluetooth protocol. In addition, an infrared transceiver 75 is preferably used to perform pairing of the Bluetooth protocol with the receiver 62. To do this, the infrared transceiver 75 is mounted at the front of the trolley 61. Preferably, this front part of the carriage 61 also incorporates the batteries 78 necessary for the operation of the motors 63, 74 and the supervisory device 68.

This supervision device 68 can be controlled by a man-machine interface 70 placed at the rear of the carriage 61. Preferably, this man-machine interface 70 comprises a screen and a set of buttons making it possible to interact with the supervision unit 68. For example, the screen can display an interface on which the paramedic can see the level of charge of the batteries 78 as well as information according to which a connection has been made or not with a receiver 62 . this conventional information, the screen can also display the position of each of the crutches 3 estimated from the strain gauge 90 and the position of the wheels 4, pivoting or not, according to a measured position of the locking means 73 .

To do this, the signals coming from the various sensors and actuators of the carriage 61 are routed to the supervision device 68, and the latter is connected to the interface man-machine 70. Preferably, these signals are transmitted by wired means integrated into the carriage 61.

In addition to the man-machine interface 70, the supervisory device 68 can also receive orders from an ambulance driver by means of a handle 69.

However, this handle cannot always be connected by wire with the supervision unit 68 since certain applications require the ability to separate the stretcher 80 from the carriage.

Thus, this handle 69 is preferentially autonomous and integrates its own batteries 95 and its own electronic circuit 96. On this electronic circuit 96, the handle 69 comprises means of wireless communication with the supervision unit 68, and control buttons 71 for transmitting the orders of the paramedic to the supervisory body 68. For example, the control buttons 71 can control the movement in height of the front crutch and/or the rear crutch of the carriage 61 by installing a motor at the level of the slides 11 of each stand 3. The movement in height of the carriage 61 is then similar to that obtained mechanically and described with reference to the figures 13 to 15 .

Furthermore, a handle 69, left or right, can present an upper button to control the movement of the carriage 61 on a receiver 62 towards the interior of an ambulance while an opposite handle 69 can present an upper button to control the movement of the carriage 61 on a receiver 62 towards the exterior of an ambulance.

Of course, these mechanical and electronic means are not limiting and other devices can be integrated on the carriage 61 without changing the invention. For example, the body 82 can integrate a weight sensor making it possible to measure the weight of the patient on the stretcher 80 and, if necessary, to detect a variation in weight, if the patient were to fall from the stretcher 80. In addition, the stretcher 80 can be equipped with straps whose closure is controlled by a position sensor connected to the supervision unit 68 so as to detect if a strap is open and to inform the paramedic.

With regard to the receiver 62, as illustrated in the figure 22 et seq., it comprises a base 76 intended to be fixed to the floor 100 of an ambulance. This base 76 corresponds to the invention described in document FR 2 830 437 . It makes it possible to fix a trolley 61 in an ambulance by means of three anchor points 77. As described in the document FR 2 830 437 mentioned above, a single manual control 120 makes it possible to mechanically control the opening of the three anchor points 77.

The invention can be attached to this known base 76 so as to be able to simply and quickly equip the ambulances which already incorporate this base 76.

To do this, this base 76 is equipped with two side uprights 127 and automated translation means 65 coupled to securing means 64 of a front bar 31 of the carriage 61.

As shown on the figure 24 , the automated translation means 65 comprise a shuttle 121 moved in translation by an endless screw 122 integrated under the shuttle 121. The shuttle 121 comprises a profile having two juxtaposed grooves 123 and connected by a central rim 124. The outer uprights of the profile are inserted inside the side uprights 127. Preferably, the side uprights 127 have a rim coming above the outer uprights of the profile of the shuttle 121 so that the latter is only movable in translation. The movement in translation of the shuttle 121 is controlled by the endless screw 122, the shuttle 121 being provided for this purpose with a ball nut cooperating with said endless screw 122.

In each groove 123, a roller 126 is fixed at both ends and a belt 125 is stretched between the two rollers 126, the latter being mounted free to rotate. For example, the belt 125 can have a notched face, and the rollers 126 can form a pinion on which the belt 125 meshes.

Each belt 125 is fixed in a flange 128 arranged on the side uprights 127, substantially half the length of the endless screw 122. This flange 128 is fixed with respect to the movements of the shuttle 121 so that the movement of the shuttle 121 generates a movement of the belts 125. Each belt 125 is also fixed to a plate 129 carrying the securing means 64. Thus, the movement of the belts 125 is controlled by the movement of the shuttle 121, so as to achieve a reduction of the stroke of the plate 129 with respect to the stroke of the shuttle 121.

As a variant, the belts 125 and the rollers 126 can be replaced by any type of tensioned loops mounted between two points of rotation. For example, a cable whose ends are integral can form the loop. This cable is then mounted between two pulleys. Preferably, the cable is made of steel, aramid or polyester fibers in order to present a tension and a resistance avoiding the risk of breakage or the risk of elongation. In addition, any other type of torquers of transmissible mechanical actions can be used, such as a chain mounted between two toothed sprockets.

In the example of figure 23 And 24 , the rollers 126 are mounted on an axis perpendicular to the internal uprights of the shuttle 121.

Alternatively, as shown in the figures 25 to 27 , a receiver 62 may comprise a shuttle 121 on which a plate 129 is movably mounted by means of two cables 130, each cable 130 being stretched between two pulleys 131.

The pulleys 131 are mounted on an axis perpendicular to the bottom of the grooves 123 and extend across the width of the grooves 123 so as to limit the overall height of the pulleys 131 in the grooves 123.

To ensure the connection between the side uprights 127 and each cable 130, a flange 128 may comprise two slots inside which the two ends of the cable 130 pass until they reach a nut 133 screwed into a thread of the flange 128.

The cable 130 is thus integral with the base 76 and the nut 133 makes it possible to adjust the tension of the cable 130 between the pulleys 131.

To ensure the connection between the bar 31 arranged at the front of the carriage 61 and the receiver 62, the securing means 64 may have two hooks 135, as illustrated on the figures 28 to 32 . Alternatively, as shown in the figures 33 to 43 , the invention can be implemented with securing means 64 using a single hook 165.

In the embodiment of figures 28 to 32 , one end of each hook 135 has a housing intended to receive the bar 31 of the carriage 61. When the carriage 61 is pulled on the receiver 62, the bar 31 of the carriage 61 is held in the housing by means of a striker 136 which closes the opening of the housing and guarantees the positioning of the bar 31 in the hooks 135. The hooks 135 are articulated on a shaft 137 connected to a plate 129.

The plate 129 preferably has a "U" shape provided with two side uprights extending in the direction of the base 76 of the receiver 62. Pads 138 are mounted on either side of the uprights of this plate 129 and cooperate with a edge of the shuttle, so that the plate 129 is only movable in translation on the shuttle 121. These side uprights also form a flange for each belt 125. The movements of the belts 125 thus generate the translational movement of the plate 129 . Preferably, an upper part of the shuttle 121 is covered by a cover 181 which is placed on the plate 129.

When no bar 31 of a carriage 61 is received in the hooks 135, the latter fall into the groove 123. A spacer 139 preferentially connects the two hooks 135 to each other, so as to prevent said hooks 135 from touching the back of the throat 123.

This retracted position makes it possible to limit the impact of the presence of the securing means 64 when they are not used to tow a trolley 61. For example, the receiver 62 can be used with a trolley which is not towed and which is moved manually without the presence of securing means 64 disturbing the manual movement of this carriage.

In the case of a carriage 61 whose traction is automated, the striker 136 ensures the fixing of the bar 31 of the carriage 61 in each hook 135. This striker 136 is articulated on an axis 141 fixed in each hook 135. On this axis 141, a spring 142 is mounted so as to constrain the position of the striker 136 in the closed position, that is to say in the positions illustrated on the figure 30 And 32 in which the keeper 136 blocks access to the housing. In doing so, the stowage of the bar 31 of the trolley 61 in the receiver 62 of the ambulance is ensured. This keeper 136 is also connected to a connecting rod 143 by a fixing point placed under the axis. This link 143 is mounted on a cam 144, itself fixed on a pin mounted on the hooks 135 between the pin 137 and the pin 141.

This cam 144 is intended to cooperate with a stop 140 mounted in the groove 123 so as to constrain a rotational movement of the hooks 135 when the cam 144 rises along a slope provided on the stop 140. In the example of the figures 28 to 32 , the securing device 64 is symmetrical and two stops 140 are arranged in the two grooves 123 to move the hooks 135 with two cams 144. Alternatively, it is possible to use a single stop 140 arranged in only one of the two grooves 123 and to use the spacer 139 to mount the two hooks 135 simultaneously.

The opening or closing of the striker 136 is controlled by the link 143. To do this, the link 143 has a pin 145 arranged at one of its ends, opposite to the end fixed with the striker 136. Each pin 145 is intended to cooperate with a stop 140.

To do this, the link 143 is mounted against a button limiting the movement in height of the link 143 and forcing this link 143 to move in translation when the stop 140 moves the pin 145.

When the pin 145 comes into contact with the stop 140, and the plate 129 is moved forward of the receiver 62, the link 143 moves the striker 136 and opens the housing to allow the insertion of a bar 31 of a carriage 61 carrying a stretcher.

The pin 145 extends opposite the cam 144, so that the stops 140 can be juxtaposed in each groove 123 to control the rotational movement of the hooks 135 or the opening of the latches 136.

This method of controlling the movement in height of the hooks 135 and the opening or closing of the latches 136 makes it possible to define the positions of the securing means 64 in which the hooks 135 are raised and the latches 136 are open or closed.

In the embodiment of figures 33 to 37 , the securing means 64 consist of a single hook 165 intended to be placed in the center of the width of the shuttle 121. To do this, the hook 165 is mounted on a plate 129 having side uprights intended to guide the displacement of the plate 129 and to form a flange for the means of translation of the plate 129.

The plate 129 also has a central opening 166 formed on the front part of the plate 129. The rear part of the plate 129 is, for its part, occupied by a support part 167 making it possible to ensure the mechanical connection between the two sides. of the plate 129 and to carry an axis around which the hook 165 is movable. The hook 165 is in the form of a substantially parallelepipedic body 168 , at the front end of which extends a lip intended to form a housing with the height of the body 168. The body 168 has a central recess allowing the mounting of the body 168 around the support part 167. More specifically, the body 168 is mounted on an axis of the support part 167 so as to be rotatable relative to the plate 129.

Opposite the lip, the hook 165 also has a keeper 136 movable between an open position and a closed position. To do this, the keeper 136 is mounted on a pin 169 fixed in the body 168. Furthermore, in this embodiment and as described with reference to the figures 44 to 49 , the movement in height of the hook 165 is ensured by this axis 169 which extends on either side of the body 168, so as to cooperate with spatulas 190 of the carriage 61.

The striker 136 and the front part of the body 168 form a housing intended to receive a bar 31 of a carriage 61. In addition, in this housing there also extends a counter-support piece 170 passing through a central slot of the body 168 The displacement of this counter-support piece 170 is guided in a slot provided in the internal part of the body 168 with a stop. Thus, the displacement of this counter-support part 170 is only authorized in the length of the body 168. This counter-support part 170 drives a rod 143 mounted between a manual movement axis 174 and a striker attachment point 136.

Thus, the displacement of the piece against abutment 170 towards the rear of the body 168 generates a displacement of the keeper 136 in the closed position.

The movement of the striker 136 and the link 143 is also guided by a pin 145 extending in the central opening 166 of the plate 129. This pin 145 is also fixed at the level of the stop 140 and at the level of the manual movement axis 174.

Thus, a stop 140 arranged on the path of the plate 129 can enter into cooperation with the pin 145 to move the rod 143 and control the opening or closing of the keeper 136.

As shown on the figures 34 to 37 , when a carriage 61 is inserted on the receiver 62, the bar 31 is introduced into the housing by spreading the striker 136 due to the curved shape of the front part of the striker 136. By entering the housing, the bar 31 pushes the counter-support part 170 to an extreme position in which said counter-support part 170 moves the connecting rod 143 to automatically close the keeper 136 around the bar 31.

Thus, in the position illustrated in the figure 37 , the keeper 136 forms a solid support for the bar 31 so that the traction of the plate 129 can be carried out without the risk of the bar 31 being extracted from the housing. The receiver 62 also includes at least one position in which the opening of the keeper 136 is automated. To do this, a stop is arranged opposite the pin 129 and the displacement of this pin 129 induces both an opening of the keeper 136 by the link 143, and a displacement of the counter-support part 170 towards the end front of body 168.

In addition, manual unlocking may be required in the event of an electrical malfunction of the receiver 62. To do this, the manual movement axis 174 extends outside the body 168 and makes it possible to move both the striker plate 136 and against the piece of support 170, so as to manually control the extraction of the bar 31 from the housing.

Of course, the kinematics of the movement of the hook 136 is not limiting and, even in the case of a central hook, other shapes and other means of movement can be implemented.

For example, the figures 38 to 43 illustrate another embodiment of securing means 64 with a central hook 165.

The difference with the embodiment of figures 33 to 35 resides in the movement kinematics of the keeper 136 between a closed position and an open position. Indeed, the striker 136 is moved by a rod 143 whose end is controlled by a cable 170 connected to a pulley 176 mounted in a slot of the support piece 167 and around the axis on which the body 168 is mounted. in rotation.

At the output of the pulley 176, the cable 170 is connected to a pin 145 mobile in rotation on an axis arranged in the center of the plate 129.

Thus, the movement of the pin 145 by a stop 140 arranged on the path of the plate 129 causes the opening or closing of the striker 136 via the cable 175.

Contrary to the use of a piece of counter-support 170, as illustrated on the figures 33 to 37 , strike 136 of figures 38 to 43 is moved into the closed position by means of two springs, a first end of which is fixed to a front part of the body 168 and a second end is fixed to a pin disposed at the end of the link 143.

This axis of the link 143 is constrained in translational movement in a slot provided in the body 168. This axis can also be moved by a handle 174 connected to a wheel, so as to impose a movement of the axis backwards of the body 168 to obtain a manual opening of the housing in the event of an electrical malfunction of the receiver 62.

In these two embodiments illustrated in figures 33 to 41 , the securing means 64 do not include means for automatically rotating the hook 165 to adapt to the height of the bar 31 of a carriage 61. To do this, the axis 141 of the striker 136 s extends on either side of the body 168 to cooperate with the spatulas 190, as illustrated in the figures 44 to 49 .

The purpose of the spatulas 190 and to match the height of the hook 165 with the height of the bar 31 of the carriage 61 . figures 46 to 49 illustrate a stowage approach in which an angle of 13° is imposed between the trolley 61 and the receiver 62. Indeed, it is not uncommon for an ambulance to be parked on a sloping road or for the trolley 61 to be used with an angle of inclination suitable for holding a patient securely on the trolley. It is therefore necessary that the trolley can be inserted into the ambulance with a variation of the angle of attack of at least 10°. To manage these variations in angle of attack, the bar 31 of the carriage 61 is provided with spatulas 190 rotatably mounted on the bar 31 and on either side of the zone of the bar 31 intended to be inserted into the hook 165. Each spatula 190 has a "C" shape with a lower part larger than the lower part. upper part and a central part forming a housing intended to guide the movements of the axis 141.

In addition, a rear part of the spatula 190 is intended to cooperate with a stop of the carriage 61 so as to limit the possible rotational movement of the spatula 190 around the bar 31.

As shown on the figure 46 , when a carriage 61 is inserted on the receiver 62, the rollers 23 and 24 first roll on a shelf and, when the carriage 61 arrives at the level of the hook 165, the first element which comes into contact is constituted by the lower parts of the spatulas 190 and the axis 141. These lower parts have a bias intended to drive the axis 141 into the housing formed by the C-shape of each spatula 190. When the carriage 61 moves in the direction of the receiver 62, the specific shape of the spatulas 190 causes a rotational movement of the hook 165 with respect to the plate 129 so as to adapt the height of the bar 141 with the height of the housing.

Even in the case of a difference in angle between the receiver 62 and the carriage 61, the spatulas 190 make it possible to vary the height of the hook 165 by imposing a rotation of this hook 165 with respect to the plate 129.

Whatever the securing means 64 selected, it is thus possible to define positions in which the keeper 136 is open or closed. The movement of the plate 129 in these positions is controlled by the endless screw 122 actuated by a motor 180. The motor 180 incorporates a position encoder or any other device making it possible to measure the position of the axis of the motor 180 so as to to be able to estimate the position of the plate 129 according to the rotations carried out over time by the endless screw 122.

The motor 180 is controlled by a supervision device 67, preferably integrated in the upper part of the receiver 62. This supervision device 67 comprises an electronic card and means of wireless communication with the supervision device 68 integrated in the carriage 61 Furthermore , to ensure wireless pairing with the trolley 61, the front end of the receiver 62 is preferably equipped with an infrared transmitter-receiver. The power supply to the supervisory unit 68 can be provided with the ambulance battery or an external battery. In addition, the supervision device 68 can be connected to a man-machine interface arranged in the ambulance, at the front or at the rear thereof. A man-machine interface arranged at the rear of the ambulance can be used to retransmit information picked up by the carriage 61, such as the weight of the patient, while a man-machine interface arranged at the front of the ambulance can be used to retransmit alerts, in particular if the patient is detached or has fallen from the stretcher 80 while driving.

Thus, the invention opens up a large number of perspectives given the information that can be exchanged between the carriage 61 and the receiver 62.

The invention relates more specifically to the information transmitted during the loading or extraction of the trolley 61.

Thus, by combining the trolley 61 and the receiver 62, the system of the invention can automate the loading of the trolley with the following steps.

In a first step, the paramedic brings the trolley 61 in front of the rear door of the ambulance. In this step, the receiver 62 is conventionally in the retracted position previously described. If the rear door is already open, the pairing of the wireless connection is carried out automatically by means of the infrared transmitters/receivers. Otherwise, the paramedic must open the rear door of the vehicle so that the cart 61 can be loaded into the ambulance. When the rear door is open, the directive signals from the infrared transmitter-receivers come into contact and make it possible to establish wireless communication between the trolley 61 and the receiver 62. At this moment, the paramedic can be informed of this connection on the man-machine interface 70 arranged at the rear of the carriage 61.

When communication is established with a truck 61, the supervision unit 67 of the receiver 62 preferentially controls the movement of the securing means 64 into a loading standby position in which the securing means 64 are open, c i.e. a position in which at least one pin 145 cooperates with a stop 140.

The paramedic can then insert the bar 31 of the carriage 61 into the securing means 64 and push the carriage 61 a few centimeters. This manual action has two effects. Firstly, the pin 145 of the securing means 64 is no longer placed on the abutment 140 and the securing means 64 are mechanically moved into the closed position. Secondly, the displacement of the carriage 61 causes a displacement of the plate 129 which is retransmitted to the endless screw 122 via the shuttle 121. The position encoder of the endless screw 122, or any other means making it possible to measure the position of the plate 129, can therefore detect the closure of the securing means 64 and control the automated traction by actuating the motor 180 of the endless screw 122.

At the same time, the supervisory device 67 of the receiver 62 can retransmit the securing information to the supervisory device 68 of the carriage 61 so that the latter controls the motor 63 to unlock the locking finger 83 before .

Thus, when the stretcher-bearer controls the traction using the handle 69 or the man-machine interface 70, the struts 12 are bent as shown in the figure 9 And 10 .

The measurement of the position of the plate 129 is then obtained during traction so as to detect a rear unlocking position. When this position is detected, this information is transmitted to the supervisory device 68 of the carriage 61 which controls the motor 63 to unlock the rear locking finger 83 and the loading continues as illustrated on the figures 11 and 12 . At the same time, the supervisory device 68 of the carriage 61 can control the blocking of the pivoting of the wheels 4.

When the traction is continued and a measurement of the position of the plate 129 indicates that the carriage 61 is in the high position, as illustrated in the figure 12 , the supervisory unit 67 of the receiver 62 preferably implements the securing means 64 so that the tension on the endless screw 122 can be released when the securing has been detected. In this stowed position, the receiver 62 can implement wireless charging means for the battery 78 of the trolley 61.

To automate the extraction of the carriage 61, the system can begin by tensioning the endless screw 122 before deactivating the securing means 64 of the receiver 62. Then, when the stretcher-bearer controls the traction using the handle 69 or the man-machine interface 70, the traction of the carriage 61 is carried out until the rear stand 3 unfolds automatically, due to gravity. When the rear stand 3 is unfolded, the locking finger 83 is mechanically opened because the crosspiece 94 of the stand 3 lifts the lug 97. The sensor 91 will therefore detect a movement of the locking finger 83 and inform the receiver 62 that the locking was achieved before continuing the extraction to the outside of the ambulance. Then, the system can control the movement of the carriage 61 to a position in which the front stand is mechanically unfolded and in which the struts 12 come back into abutment in the locking finger 83 before. When the carriage 61 retransmits the information to the receiver 62 that the front locking finger 83 has indeed been activated, the receiver 62 can finish the extraction and move the securing means 64 into a position in which the securing means 64 are open, for example by making the pawn cooperate 145 of the link 143 with a stop 140 placed on the path of the plate 129. In this position, the system can control the unlocking of the directional lock of the wheels 4 of the carriage 61.

The invention thus makes it possible to facilitate the loading and the extraction of a trolley 61 on a receiver 62 mounted within an ambulance.

Claims (10)

1. A system for automating the loading and extraction of a carriage (61) on a receiver (62) mounted in an ambulance, wherein the system comprises a carriage (61) and a receiver (62), the carriage (61) comprising front and rear legs (3) which are movable between two positions, respectively an unfolded position and a folded position, means for unlocking (83) the legs (3) in the unfolded position, and at least one leg motor (63) ensuring the unlocking of the unlocking means (83),

   the receiver (62) comprising means for anchoring (64) a front part (31) of the carriage (61), means for automated translation (65) of the carriage (61) on the receiver (62) and means for detecting a position of the carriage (61) on the receiver (62),

   the system incorporates at least one supervising device (67-68) configured to communicate between the carriage (61) and the receiver (62) to automate the loading of the carriage (61) in accordance with the following steps:

   - detection of the anchoring of the front part (31) of the carriage (61) with the anchoring means (64) of the receiver;

   - activation of the leg motor (63) to unlock the locking means (83) of the front leg (3) of the carriage (61);

   - pulling of the carriage (61) onto the receiver (62) until it reaches a rear unlocking position;

   - activation of the leg motor (63) to unlock the locking means (83) of the rear leg (3) of the carriage (61); and

   - pulling of the carriage (61) onto the receiver (62) until it reaches a high position.
2. An automation system according to claim 1, characterised in that the carriage (61) comprises a position sensor (91) of the unlocking means (83), the at least one supervising device (67-68) being set up to automate the extraction of the carriage (61) according to the following steps:

   - pulling of the carriage (61) onto the receiver (62) until a rear locking position is reached; when the locking of the rear leg (3) is detected by the position sensor (91), pulling the carriage (61) onto the receiver (62) until a front locking position is reached; and

   - when the locking of the front leg (3) is detected by the position sensor (91), pulling the carriage (61) onto the receiver (62) until it reaches an unloading position.
3. An automation system according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which the system comprises a first supervising device (67) integrated in the receiver (62) and a second supervising device (68) integrated in the carriage (61);

   the first supervising device (67) being set up to retrieve the position of the anchoring means (64) and to control the automated translation means (65) in accordance with a command from the carriage (61);

   the second supervising device (68) being set up to receive commands from a user by means of a man-machine interface (69, 70) and to control the at least one leg motor (63) ensuring the unlocking of the unlocking means (83) according to the position transmitted by the first supervising device (67).
4. An automation system of according to claim 3, characterised in that the the man-machine interface comprises at least one handle (69) of a stretcher mounted on the carriage (61), said handle comprising control buttons (71) and means for wireless transmission of the commands to the second supervising device (68).
5. An automation system according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterised in that the man-machine interface is a console (70) mounted at the rear of the carriage (61).
6. An automation system according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the first and second supervising devices (67-68) incorporate wireless communication means capable of transmitting at least the position of the anchoring means (64) and the user commands.
7. An automation system according to claim 6, in which the wireless communication means includes automatic pairing means controlled by an infrared connection (75) between the receiver (62) and the carriage (61).
8. An automation system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the legs have swivelling wheels (4) and wheel swivel locking means (73), at least one wheel motor (74) locking the wheel swivel locking means (73), the supervising device (67-68) being configured to automate the loading of the carriage (61) by a step control of the wheel motor (74) to lock the swivel of the wheels (4) prior to pulling the carriage (61) onto the receiver (62).
9. An automation system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the system comprises a sensor for the tilting of the receiver (62) and/or the carriage (61), wherein at least one front or back locking position is determined according to the said tilting.
10. An automation system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the receiver (61) comprises a base (76) incorporating anchoring means (77) of the carriage (61) on the base (76), with the automation system of the receiver (62) being mounted removably on this base (76); the supervising device (67-68) is configured to automate the loading of the carriage (61) with an anchoring step to secure the latter in the high position.

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