FR2571318A1 - Method for removing the container from a vehicle chassis, method for installing this container and vehicle comprising a removable container - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for removing the container from a vehicle chassis, method for installing this container and vehicle comprising a removable container using a deformable and inflatable cushion 5, inflating means 6 and means 7 for deflating this cushion.

Description

METHOD FOR REMOVING THE BODY FROM A VEHICLE CHASSIS,
METHOD FOR SETTING UP THIS BODY AND VEHICLE
INCLUDING A REMOVABLE CASE.

 The invention relates to a method for removing the body from a vehicle chassis, a method for placing the body on the chassis and a vehicle comprising a removable body.

 Methods are already known for removing or placing the body of a vehicle chassis of the removable body type. For example, jacks are mounted on the chassis and allow the body to be raised or, on the contrary, lowered the chassis, so that the body and the chassis are separated from one another in the vertical direction, which allows the body to rest on foldable crutches and disengage the chassis from under the body by longitudinal and horizontal sliding of the chassis. However, this solution has the drawback of requiring a source of fluid supply external to the vehicle, which is a source of many problems. In addition, the jacks are bulky, which is not suitable for crates such as shaped crates general parallelepipedal or intended for vehicles of average capacity, such as a van of 3.5 tonnes.

 The invention therefore aims to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a method and a vehicle in which the box can be easily removed and put in place.

This invention is particularly applicable to medium weight vehicles such as vans whose laden weight is of the order of 3.5 tonnes.

 To this end, the invention provides a method for removing the body of a vehicle chassis in which at least one deformable cushion inflated between the body and the chassis is inflated in order to effect a relative displacement of the body with respect to the chassis. , upwards, the body is made to stand independently of the chassis; the cushion is at least partially deflated to separate it from the body and the chassis of the body is disengaged by longitudinal sliding.

 A method for placing a box on the chassis of such a vehicle comprises the following steps: the box is brought into line with the chassis by longitudinal sliding; the cushion is inflated so that the box rests on it; the means for keeping the body at rest are folded back; and the cushion is deflated in order to effect a relative movement of the body relative to the chassis downwards, which causes the body to be placed in the desired position on the chassis.

 According to another characteristic of the invention, to inflate the cushion, it is connected to the exhaust pipe of the vehicle.

 The invention makes it possible to produce a vehicle whose payload is used to the maximum since the presence of heavy members such as jacks, cylinders of compressed gas, etc. is avoided. This invention is more particularly intended for medium-weight vehicles, of the order of 3.5 tonnes. The invention allows a transporter to manage a fleet of several boxes with a single engine chassis. The cushions used are particularly reliable and the process for removing the box or on the contrary putting it back ensures good stability of the contents of the box. When not in use, cushions take up minimal space and naturally also have minimal weight.

The other characteristics of the invention will be better understood from the description which follows with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 are four schematic perspective views illustrating a vehicle according to the invention, with the body mounted on it respectively, the body in the first step of the process for removing it, the body in one step next and finally, the body removed, resting independently of the chassis.

 Figure 5 is a schematic view, in perspective, partial, illustrating an inflated cushion on which rests the partially cleared body, this view does not correspond to a stage of the process but allows a better understanding of the invention.

 Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the means for inflating and deflating the cushions.

 Figure 7 is a schematic rear view of the vehicle according to the invention. The body being in the upper position and the cushions inflated.

 Figure 8 is a schematic side view of the vehicle according to the invention with the two airbags.

 Figure 9 is a schematic view from above of the chassis according to the invention.

 Figure 10 is a schematic view showing the guide means.

The invention relates to a vehicle comprising
a frame (1) on which a removable box (2) rests.

 The chassis (1) is associated with wheels 3 and, where appropriate, a body 4 for a cabin and under which an engine is placed. The chassis (1) can be conventional and known per se, specially adapted, subsequently, in accordance with the invention.

 The vehicle considered is therefore either a motor vehicle or a trailer.

 Preferably, the vehicle is a full weight van of average value, of the order of 3.5 tonnes.

 According to the invention, the vehicle comprises at least one cushion 5, deformable and inflatable, interposed between the chassis (1) and the box (2), inflation means (6) and deflation means (7) associated with the cushion (5).

 Preferably, the cushion (5) is associated with the chassis 1.

 According to the invention, the inflation means (6) comprise the exhaust pipe 8 of the vehicle.

In this way, the inflation can be ensured by the exhaust gases of the vehicle, which allows the latter to be devoid of any bottle of compressed gas or the like.

 For this purpose, there is provided a removable plug (9) for closing the orifice of the exhaust duct (8). In conventional operation of the vehicle - that is to say when it is driving - the plug (9) is naturally removed allowing the exhaust gas to be discharged to the outside.

 When it is desired to carry out an operation of placing or removing the casing (2), the plug (9) is placed on the exhaust duct (8), for example screwed, to close the latter.

 According to the invention, the vehicle comprises several cushions (5) or one or more cushions (5) each having several compartments, these different cushions or compartments of cushions being arranged longitudinally and / or transversely on the chassis (1). These cushions or cushion parts are contiguous or not.

 In a preferred embodiment, illustrated in the Figures, there is provided a front cushion (5a) and a rear cushion (5b), respectively adjoining the front end portion 10a and the rear end portion 10b of the frame (1). These two cushions (5a, 5b) occupy almost the entire length of the support part of the chassis (1) spaced apart substantially in line with the rear wheels (3) of the vehicle.

 The cushions (5) are made of deformable material such as a canvas, the latter having to have sufficient resistance capacity and the necessary tightness.

 In the embodiment envisaged, each cushion (5) is fixed to the base plane (11) of the frame (1) and has a rectangular outline (12). Each cushion (5) is associated with an exhaust gas supply duct (13a, 13b). These conduits (13a, 13b) pass through, for example, slots (14) provided in the side members (15) of the chassis (1) to be fixed at their end (16) to the base plane (11) at the location of a opening pierced in it, which allows the introduction of exhaust gases into the cushions.

 At their other end (17), the supply pipes 13a, 13b are connected to the exhaust pipe (8). Valves (18a, 18b) mounted on the conduits (13a, 13b) make it possible to direct the exhaust gases towards one or the other of the cushions (5a, 5b). Preferably these valves (18a, 18b) are located in the immediate vicinity of the plug 9, and this for practical reasons of handling.

 The inflation means (6) therefore comprise, in addition to the exhaust duct (8), the plug (9), the ducts (13a, 13b) and the valves (18a, 18b).

 Similarly, exhaust gas discharge conduits (19a, 19b) are provided associated with the cushions (5a, 5B). These discharge conduits (19a, 19b) also pass through openings (20) formed in the spar (15).

 At their ends (21), each exhaust duct (19a, 19b) opens into a hole in the base plane 11, which allows the exhaust gases to be removed from the cushions (5A, 5b). At their other end (22), the evacuation conduits (19a, 19b) carry valves (23a, 23b) which can be closed or opened depending on whether one wishes to prevent the gas in a cushion from being evacuated or on the contrary cause the evacuation of these exhaust gases.

 Preferably, the valves (23a, 23b) are placed near the valves (18a, 18b). The conduits (19a, 19b) and the valves (23a, 23b) therefore constitute the deflation means (7). It goes without saying that there are provided as many inflation means (6) and deflation (7) as cushions (5) or part of cushions.

 Alternatively, the invention may include valve control means (18a, 18b, 23a, 23b) allowing automatic operation of the system.

 Locks (24) are provided at the four corners of the chassis (1) enabling the box 2 to be held when it is carried by the vehicle.

 The box (2) comprises crutches (2-5) including four crutches at its four angles, these crutches allowing the maintenance of the box (2) independently of the chassis (1). These crutches (25) are for example mounted articulated around horizontal and transverse axes (26). Struts (27) can be associated with the crutches (25).

 The crutches (25) are therefore mounted in support cylinders (28) placed transversely on the bottom (29) of the box (2).

 The height of the crutches (25) corresponds to the height at which the box (2) is located when the cushions (5a, 5b) are inflated.

 The vehicle also comprises means for longitudinal guiding (30) of the chassis relative to the box (2). These guide means are such that the setting up of the box (2) on the chassis (1) is carried out with a very precise position for the box 2, so as to cooperate with the latches (24).

 The guide means (30) comprise for example a guide rail (31), longitudinal, fixed to the chassis (1) on at least one side thereof, in particular on the side opposite to that where the exhaust duct is located (8).

 The rail (31) extends over the entire length of the support part of the chassis (1) and ends, towards the rear posterior part (10b) by a flared opening (32).

 The longitudinal guide means (30) also comprise at least one and preferably 2 guide rollers cooperating with the rail (31), of vertical axis (33a). These rollers (33) are carried at the end of a column (34) fixed to the bottom (29) and projecting below the latter.

 Preferably, two rollers and therefore two columns (34) are provided, respectively towards the front and towards the rear of the removable box (2). Lights (35) are provided in the bottom of the rail (31) at the locations where the rollers (33) and the columns (34) are located when the box (2) is in its normal position.

 These lights (35) allow to be crossed by the rollers (33) and columns (34) when the box (2) is lowered to rest on the frame (1). Also, a false frame (36) is provided fixed above the frame (1) and on which the box (2) rests.

 The method for removing the box (2) from the chassis therefore consists in first inflating at least one cushion (5) in order to effect a relative movement of the box (2) relative to the chassis (1), upwards.

Then, the box 2 is made to stand, independently of the chassis (1) by means of the crutches (25) corresponding to the cushion (5) which has been inflated. We can then deflate at least partially the cushion (5) to move it away from the bottom (29) of the box <2). Then, the chassis (1) of the box (2) is disengaged by longitudinal sliding.

 According to the invention, to inflate the cushion (5), it is connected to the exhaust pipe (8) of the vehicle. To rest the box (2) independently of the chassis (12, crutches 25 are deployed.

 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the front cushion (5a) is first inflated to effect a relative movement of the first front end part of the box (2) relative to the chassis (1) and then the crutches are unfolded before (25). Next, the rear cushion (5b) is inflated, which allows the rear crutches (25) to be unfolded subsequently. It will therefore be noted that the box (2) always rests on a resistance element whether it is the chassis (1) or more exactly the false chassis (36) or the crutches (25).

 To carry out the inflation and the successive deflation of the front (5a) and rear (5b) boxes, the valves provided for this purpose (18a, 18b, 23a, 23b) are used.

 In addition to perfect security, this process ensures that the contents of the box (2) are maintained.

 Once the four crutches (25) are in place, the chassis (1) can be disengaged from the box (2) by longitudinal horizontal sliding.

 To set up a box (2) on a frame (1), the box (2) resting on the crutches t25), we proceed by the opposite operations. That is to say that the box (2) is brought in line with the chassis (1), the rollers (33) being located in line with the lights (35). Then, the rear cushion is inflated (5b) which will make it possible to fold the rear crutches (25) then to descend the box (2) to its rear part until it rests on the subframe (36). Next, the front cushion (5a) is inflated and, in the same way, the front stands (25) can be folded, the box (2) then also resting forward on the subframe 36.

 For the correct positioning of the box (2) on the chassis (1), the guide means (30) are used, the rollers (33) cooperating with the rail (31), this cooperation being facilitated by opening flared (32).

Claims (10)

 1. Vehicle comprising a chassis (1) provided with wheels (3) and a box (2) carried by the chassis (1) in a removable manner, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one deformable and inflatable cushion (5) interposed the chassis and the removable box (2); inflation means (6) and deflation means (7) of the cushion (5).  2. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the inflation means (6) comprise the exhaust duct (8) of the vehicle.  3. vehicle according to any one of claims 1 and 2 characterized in that there is provided a plug (9) removable for closing the exhaust pipe (8).  4. Vehicle according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the inflation means (6) comprise an exhaust gas supply duct (13a, 13b) connected to the exhaust duct (8 ) opening into the cushion (5a, 5b) on which a valve (18a, 18b) is mounted.  5. Vehicle according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the deflation means (16) comprise an evacuation duct (19a, 19b) opening into the cushion (5a, 5b) comprising at its end ( 22) a valve (23a, 23b).  6. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that the supply (13a, 13b) and evacuation (19a, 19b) conduits pass through lights (14,20) formed in the spar ( 15) of the chassis (1), the valves (18a, 18b, 23a, 23b) and the opening of the exhaust duct (8) being located close to each other, while the supply ducts (13a, 13b) and discharge (19a, 19b) open into the base plane of the chassis 1.  7. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises several cushions or one or more cushions (5) having several parts} arranged longitudinally and / or transversely; These cushions or part of the cushion being contiguous or not.  8. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a front cushion (5a) and a rear cushion (5b).  9. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that it- comprises longitudinal guide means (30) of the frame (1) relative to the box (2).  1 C. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that the guide means (30) comprise a rail (31) carried by the chassis (1), with which rollers (33) carried by the box (2) cooperate ).  11. Vehicle according to any one of the claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the rollers (33) are carried by columns (34) fixed on the bottom (29) and projecting below the latter, lights (35) being drilled in the bottom of the rail (31) at the locations corresponding to the position of the rollers (33) when the box (2) is carried by the chassis (1).  12. Method for removing the box (2) from a chassis (1) of a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a cushion (5) is inflated; the box (2) is made to stand independently of the chassis; the cushion (5) is at least partially deflated to move it away from the box 2; and the chassis (1) of the box (2) is disengaged by longitudinal sliding.  1 3. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that to inflate the cushion (5) one connects it to the exhaust pipe (8) of the vehicle.  1 4. Method according to any one of claims 1 2 and 13, characterized in that one inflates a cushion (5a) and then unfolds the corresponding crutches (25) and then inflates a cushion (5b) and then unfolds the corresponding stands (25).  1 5. Method for setting up a box on a vehicle chassis according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the box (2) is brought into line with the chassis (1); a cushion (5) is inflated until the box (2) rests on the cushion (5), the corresponding crutches are folded back <25) and the cushion (5) is deflated.  16. The method of claim 15 characterized in that to bring the box (2) perpendicular to the frame 1 is used the longitudinal guide means (30) and the rollers (33) carried by the box are made to cooperate ( 2) with a rail (31) carried by the chassis (1).