FR2576556A1 - Improvements to vehicles equipped with sliding doors with several adjacent leaves - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle of the type comprising sliding doors with several adjacent leaves 11, 12, 13, 14. According to the invention, the vehicle comprises a frame 20, comprising respectively upper and lower guide and support tracks 21, 22 able to interact with support means associated with the leaves so as to permit a sliding displacement of the latter on the frame 20. Moreover, the frame 20 can be moved between a transport position in which the frame 20 is flattened against the bodywork 10 of the vehicle and a use position in which the guide and support tracks 21, 22 are aligned with upper and lower rails 15, 16 supporting the leaves, so as to authorise a transfer by sliding of at least one leaf on the frame.

Description

 The present invention relates to vehicles comprising sliding doors with several adjacent leaves.

 The present invention improves the translation device for sliding doors of vehicles with several adjacent leaves exposed in the French patent filed on 24.03.1978 under the number 78 78645 and forgotten on 19.10.1979 under the number 2,420,443.

 There has thus been described in patent FR 2 420 443 a translational device for sliding doors of venipu7es comprising a rectilinear upper rail, means integral with each leaf cooperating with this rail with a view to their movement relative to the latter, a rail lower whose raceway comprises lateral crossing protuberances placed below the platform and traversed by rollers supporting said leaf.

 In addition, in order to limit the size of the rectilinear upper rail guiding and supporting the door leaves, it has been proposed in patent FR 2 420 443 to associate with each door leaf a part fixed in the upper part thereof. and articulated around a horizontal axis, which, during the displacements by translation of each leaf, is guided in the upper rectilinear rail and retains the leaf in position.

 The structure of the upper and lower rails described in patent FR 2 420 443 makes it possible to juxtapose two leaves. Thus, the translation device proposed by patent FR 2 420 443 makes it possible to release, or open, half of the longitudinal side panels of a vehicle in order to facilitate loading or unloading.

 In practice, it would be largely desirable to allow an upper opening of the side panels of a vehicle, that is to say to free more than half of the sides of the vehicle, to make loading and unloading even easier.

 The various attempts made so far to juxtapose more than two leaves, in order to free more than half of the side panels of the vehicle, have not been satisfactory. Current attempts in particular do not make it possible to correctly guide and support three juxtaposed panels.

 The present invention improves the situation by proposing a vehicle of the type comprising sliding doors with several adjacent leaves, upper and lower rails for guiding and supporting the door leaves and support means associated with the leaves, cooperating with the rails, to allow sliding movement of the leaves along the rails, characterized in that it further comprises a frame comprising guide and support tracks respectively upper and lower able to cooperate with the support means associated with the leaves in order to allow a displacement by sliding of the latter on the frame, and by the fact that the frame is movable between a transport position in which the frame is pressed against the body of the vehicle and a position of use-in which the guide and support are aligned with the upper and lower rails to allow a sliding transfer of at least one vanta there on the frame.

 Thus, the present invention solves the problem posed by making it possible to transfer at least one leaf to a removable frame.

 In a largely preferred manner, the guide and support tracks are adapted to allow the juxtaposition of two leaves on the frame.

 The frame can be the subject of numerous embodiments.

 According to a first embodiment, the frame is rigid and pivotally mounted on the vehicle around a vertical axis.

 According to a second embodiment, the rigid frame is telescopically mounted on the vehicle.

 According to a third embodiment, the frame comprises guide and support tracks respectively upper and lower articulated on the vehicle by a first end, around horizontal axes, opposite the upper and lower rails and a foldable upright articulated around horizontal axes on the second end of the guide and support tracks.

 According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the frame also has a removable support leg forming a stand to support the frame in the use position.

 Depending on the case, the support leg can be pivotally or translationally mounted on the frame.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of nonlimiting examples, and in which
FIG. 1 represents a schematic view of a device according to the present invention provided with a frame placed in an intermediate position between the transport and use positions,
- Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the same device with a frame placed in the use position; this FIG. 2 also illustrates a support leg forming a crutch associated with the frame,
- Figures 3 and 4 schematically show another embodiment of the device according to the present invention equipped with a foldable frame; FIGS. 3 and 4 showing the frame in two different folding positions,
- Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8 illustrate other alternative embodiments of the frame according to the present invention.

 We see in the figures, in particular in Figures 1 and 2, a vehicle casing 10 at least one longitudinal side panel of which is formed by four adjacent door leaves 11, 12, 13, 14, supported and guided by sliding by a upper rail 15 and a lower rail 16.

 The upper and lower rails 15 and 16 are preferably identical to the rails described and shown in the aforementioned French patent 2,420,443.

 Therefore, the structure of the upper and lower rails 15 and 16 will not be described in detail below.

 Note, however, that preferably; the lower rail 16 comprises a rectilinear raceway externally limited by a flange and from place to place the protuberances located on the interior side below the edge strip of the vehicle platform, while each leaf is supported by provided levers. ; a yoke in which a carrier roller rolling in the lower rail rotates.

 Furthermore, preferably, the upper rail 15 comprises a gutter open upwards capable of guiding and retaining a part articulated around a horizontal axis on the upper part of each leaf, as illustrated in French patent 4,420,443 .

 In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 appended, the vehicle according to the present invention comprises a removable frame 20, capable of receiving at least one leaf, when it is deployed in the position of use as illustrated in figure 2.

 For this, the frame comprises guide and support tracks respectively upper and lower able to cooperate with the support means (part articulated around a horizontal axis and yoke provided with a support roller) associated with the leaves in order to allow a sliding movement of the latter on the frame 20.

 According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper and lower guide and support tracks are referenced 21 and 22 respectively.

 According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper and lower guide and support tracks are referenced 31 and 32 respectively.

 In addition, according to the invention, the frame 20 is mounted on the body of the vehicle 10 movable between a transport position (as illustrated schematically in Figure 1 in broken lines and referenced 20 ') in which the frame 20 is pressed against the vehicle body and a position of use (as illustrated for example in FIG. 2) in which the guide and support tracks 21, 22 or 31, 32 are aligned with the upper and lower rails 15 and 16 to authorize a transfer by sliding of at least one leaf (11,12, 13 or 14) on the frame 20.

 According to a largely preferred embodiment, the guide and support tracks 21, 22 or 31, 32 are adapted to allow the juxtaposition of two leaves 11, 12, 13 or 14 on the frame 20.

 Advantageously, the guide and support tracks 21, 22 or 31, 32 are similar to the upper and lower rails 15, 16 as described and shown in the aforementioned French patent 2,420,443.

 In other words, preferably, the lower guide and support track 22, 32 comprises a rectilinear raceway on which the rollers carrying the leaves roll. The width of the lower rail is adapted to allow the juxtaposition of two leaves.

 The upper guide track, for its part, comprises a gutter open upwards capable of guiding and retaining the articulated part around a horizontal axis on the upper part of the leaves.

Those skilled in the art will thus readily understand that the transfer of two leaves to the frame 20 makes it possible to free at least three quarters of the side panels of the vehicles thus equipped, when these side panels have four leaves.

 If necessary, it is possible to envisage having a frame 20 at each end of a side panel of the vehicle. We can thus open the entire panel when it has four leaves, the latter being moved in pairs on the frames.

 Note also the possibility of fitting each longitudinal side panel of the vehicle 10 using removable frames 20.

 As previously mentioned, the frame 20 can be the subject of different embodiments.

 According to a first embodiment illustrated schematically in Figures 1 and 2, the frame 20 is a rigid frame pivotally mounted on the vehicle around a vertical axis referenced 23-.

 According to this first embodiment, the upper and lower guide and support tracks 21 and 22 are fixed at their opposite end to the vehicle 10 on a vertical rigid upright 24.

 In the transport position, the rigid frame 20 can be pressed either against a longitudinal side panel or against a transverse side panel of the vehicle.

 According to another embodiment, not shown in the figures, the frame 20 can be formed of a rigid frame comprising the guide and support tracks respectively upper and lower 21, 22 fixed on a rigid vertical upright 24, telescopically mounted on the vehicle.

 According to yet another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the frame 20 comprises guide and support tracks 31, 32 respectively upper and lower, articulated on the vehicle 10 by a first end around horizontal axes 33, 34, opposite the upper and lower rails 15, 16 and a foldable upright 35 articulated around horizontal axes 36, 37 on the second end of the guide and support tracks 31, 32.

 More specifically, preferably, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the foldable upright 35 is formed of three sections 38, 39 and 40 articulated two by two around horizontal axes referenced 41, 42 in the figures.

 More precisely still, the two end sections 39, 40 of the foldable upright 35 advantageously have lengths equal to the half-length of the upper and lower guide and support tracks 31, 32 in order to allow folding, in a substantially rectilinear form , of frame 20.

 Such a foldable frame 20 is illustrated in two intermediate positions at the transport and use positions in FIGS. 3 and 4.

 Finally, it is advantageous to have a removable support leg -50 forming a crutch, on the frame 20 to support the latter in the position of use.

 The support leg 50 is adapted to support the end of the guide and support track 22 or 32, opposite the vehicle 10.

 The support foot is preferably removable and movable between a working position, as illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 2, in which the support foot fixed to the frame 20 rests on the ground to support the frame, and a rest position in which the support leg is at least partially retracted in position adjacent to the elements of the frame 20 to facilitate the folding of the latter against the vehicle body.

 The support leg 50 forming a crutch can for example be pivotally mounted on the frame 20, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 2 in which we see the support leg 50 illustrated schematically in broken lines in an intermediate position at the working positions and rest.

 The support leg can also be mounted in translation on the frame.

 The support leg can thus be controlled movement between the working position and the rest position using jacks or any other functionally equivalent drive member.

 We will now describe the other alternative embodiments illustrated in Figures 5 to 8 attached.

 Figure 5 schematically illustrates another embodiment of the frame 20 according to the present invention, placed in the transport position, while Figure 6 illustrates the same embodiment of the frame, placed in the use position.

 More specifically, to facilitate understanding of this embodiment, in FIG. 5, the frame 20 has been shown at a distance from the body 10 of the vehicle, although in practice, in the transport position, the frame 20 is attached to this one.

 As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the frame 20 is formed by a rigid frame comprising guide and support tracks respectively upper and lower 51, 52 fixed at each of their ends on parallel vertical uprights 53, 54. The width of the frame 20, which corresponds to the length of the upper and lower guide and support tracks 51, 52 corresponds to the width of the vehicle.

 In other words, the surface of the frame 20 substantially equals la. surface of the transverse walls 17 of the box.

 The uprights 53, 54 are each fitted with a plurality of hinge fittings, referenced 56 for the upright 53 and 57 for the upright 54, capable of cooperating respectively with complementary fittings referenced 58 on the one hand, 59 on the other hand , fixed on the box 10 at the edge of the transverse partition 17 and associated with removable hinge pins or pins 60, 61.

 As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, preferably, hinge assemblies 56, 58, 60 and 57, 59, 61 are provided at least in the vicinity of the lower and upper ends of each of the uprights 53, 54.

 In the transport position, the frame 20 is pressed against the transverse wall 17. Of the box 10, and the pins 60 and 61 engaged in the hinge fittings 56 and 58, 57 and 59 immobilize the frame 20 on the box 10.

 Before use, the pins 60 or 61 located on one of the sides of the frame are removed, to allow the pivoting of the frame 20 around the opposite hinges provided with the pin 61 or 60, as illustrated in FIG. 6 in order to align the guide and support tracks 51, 52 on the upper and lower rails 15, 16 and allow a transfer by sliding of at least one leaf on the frame 20.

 Where appropriate, the pins 60 or 61 arranged on the same side of the frame 20 can be connected by a common linkage making it possible to simultaneously remove these pins.

 The arrangement which has just been described illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 naturally allows the use of one and the same frame 20, indifferently, for receiving the leaves of one or the other of the longitudinal panels of the box 10.

 FIG. 7 shows a schematic side view of another embodiment in which the frame 20 is formed of a rigid frame comprising guide and support tracks respectively upper and lower 71, 72 assembled on vertical uprights rigid 73, 74, and articulated on the vehicle, by means of the upright 73 around a vertical axis schematically referenced 75.

 According to an essential characteristic of this embodiment, the guide and support tracks 71, 72 have different lengths.

 This embodiment finds particular application in semi-trailers, by placing the upper guide and support track 71, the longer one, above the cabin 18, and by adapting the length of the lower guide and support track 72 the space available between the trailer 10 and the towing vehicle 18, if necessary, in the vehicle's cambered position, that is to say during a maximum tilt between the towing vehicle 18 and the trailer 10.

 It is also possible to envisage using a lower guiding path of smaller size than the upper guiding and supporting path, depending on the structure of the vehicle.

 FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a top view of another embodiment, in accordance with the present invention, in which the frame 20, articulated on the box 10 of the vehicle around a vertical axis 81 com takes guide tracks and of support composed of different rigid sections 82, 83 hinged together around vertical axes 84.

 FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment in which the guide and support tracks thus comprise two sections. The guide and support tracks may however have a different number of sections.

The passage of the frame 20 from the transport position pressed against the transverse wall of the box 10 to the use position is illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 8 by the arrows referenced F1, F2 and
F3.

 At first, (passage from the position shown in solid line to the position shown in dashed line - arrow referenced F1) the different sections 82, 83 of the guide and support tracks are joined and the frame 20 is pivoted around the axis-81 towards the outside of the vehicle (arrow referenced F2).

 In a second step, the guide and support tracks are deployed, as illustrated in FIG. 8, in broken lines.

 Finally, the frame thus deployed is pivoted again around the vertical axis 81 in alignment with the longitudinal panels to align the guide and support tracks of the frame. 20 on the upper and lower rails 15, 16.

 Finally, we will discuss the possibility of having the guide and support tracks movable vertically on the frame, for example telescopic. This arrangement is particularly applicable for the equipment of semitrailers, in which when the pivoting frame is pressed against the transverse wall front of the trailer, the lower guide and support track must be placed above the coupling in the transport position, but below the coupling, in the operating position, in line with the rail lower 16.

 The movement of the guide tracks, in particular the lower guide track on the frame 20 can be controlled by any suitable means, such as an actuator, threaded system or even manually.

 Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described, but extends to any variant in accordance with its spirit.

 According to yet another alternative embodiment, the frame 20 can be formed of a rigid frame which, in the transport position is pressed against a transverse lateral wall of the vehicle body and which is guided, with a view to its deployment, in position of use, by slides 91, 92 extending transversely to the direction of the vehicle, the frame being moreover provided with articulation elements capable of cooperating with articulation elements provided on the body of the vehicle, in order to pivot about a vertical axis 93 when the frame has been removed outside the vehicle body, by translation on the slides 91.92.

 In other words, the deployment of the frame according to this latter variant is carried out firstly by displacing the frame 20 by translation on the transverse slides, perpendicular to the direction of movement of the vehicle, then secondly, by pivoting the frame around the vertical axis 93 by engaging the articulation means in order to align the upper and lower guide and support tracks provided on the frame with the upper and lower rails of the vehicle body.

 FIG. 9 shows the frame of this last variant in the transport position. FIG. 10 shows in solid lines the frame of this latter variant in the deployed position and in broken lines, under the reference 20 ′ in the position of use.

Claims (15)

 1. Vehicle of the type comprising sliding doors with several adjacent leaves (11, 12, 13, 14), upper (15) and lower (16) rails for guiding and supporting the door leaves and support means associated with the leaves, cooperating with the rails, to allow sliding movement of the leaves along the rails, characterized in that it further comprises a frame (20) comprising guide and support tracks respectively upper (21, 31) and lower (22, 32), able to cooperate with the support means associated with the leaves in order to allow movement by sliding of the latter (11, 12, 13, 14) on the frame (20), and by the fact that the frame (20) is movable between a transport position in which the frame is pressed against the body (10) of the vehicle and a position of use in which the guide and support tracks (21, 22; 31, 32) are aligned with the upper and lower rails (15, 16), to allow ize a sliding transfer of at least one leaf on the frame.  2. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide and support tracks (21, 22; 31, 32) are adapted to allow the juxtaposition of two leaves (11, 12, 13, 14) on the - frame (20).  3. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the frame (20) is rigid and pivotally mounted on the vehicle (10) around a vertical axis (23).  4. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the frame (20) is rigid and telescopically mounted on the vehicle (10).  5. Vehicle according to Alune of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the frame (20) comprises guide and support tracks respectively upper (31) and lower 132) articulated on the vehicle (10) by a first end, around horizontal axes (33, 34), opposite the upper and lower rails (15, 16) and a foldable upright (35) articulated around horizontal axes (36, 37) on the second end of the guide tracks and support (31, 32).  6. Vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that the foldable upright (35) is formed of three sections (38, 39, 40) articulated two by two.  7. Vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that the two end sections (39, 40) of the foldable upright (35) have lengths equal to the half-length of the upper and lower guide and support tracks (31, 32).  8. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the frame (20) has a removable support leg (50) forming a stand to support the frame (20) in the position of use.  9. Vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the support leg (50) is pivotally mounted on the frame.  10. Vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the support leg (50) - is mounted in translation on the frame.  11. Vehicle according to one of the claims  1 to 3, characterized in that the frame (20) is  rigid, has a width substantially identical to  the width of the vehicle, delimited by two uprights ver  tical (53, 54) each fitted with hinge fittings  (56, 57) able to cooperate with complementary fittings  shields (58, 59) fitted with removable pins (60,  61) and supported by the vehicle body.  12. Vehicle according to one of claims  1 to 3, characterized in that the guideways  and respectively upper and lower support  (71, -72) have different lengths.  13. Vehicle according to one of claims  1 and 2, characterized in that the frame (20)  includes upper and lower guideways  articulated around a vertical axis (81) on the carriage  vehicle and made up of different sections  (82, 83) articulated together around vertical axes  (84).  14. Vehicle according to one of claims 1  to 4, characterized in that at least one of the  guide and support tracks can be moved vertically  on the frame.  15. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a rigid frame (20), means forming slides extending transversely to the direction of movement of the vehicle to allow the passage of the frame d '' a transport position in which it is pressed against a transverse surface of the vehicle in a deployed position in which it projects relative to the body of the vehicle, towards the outside thereof, and additional articulation means provided on the rigid frame (2 0) and the vehicle body in order to ensure the pivoting of the frame, around a vertical axis, the position deployed in the position of use in which the upper and lower guide and support tracks of the frame are aligned with the upper and lower body rails.