FR2650547A1 - Movable upper deck for a multi-function vehicle transporter wagon - Google Patents

Abstract

Movable upper deck for a car transporter wagon, characterised by a composite upper deck 16 consisting of a central part 17 bordered by two longitudinal members 18 and 19 forming a stretcher- or litter-type member resting at variable height on the posts 7, 8, 9, 10 and of two end gangways 21 and 22 articulated so that they can pivot on the one hand to the central part 17 and, on the other hand, to raising mechanisms 28 provided in each post, the said gangways 21 and 22 being supported in the inactive position by masts equipping the posts and having locks capable of being coupled mechanically to the longitudinal members for the purpose of the vertical displacement of the whole of the upper deck based on the movement of the raising mechanisms 28 through the gangways 21 and 22. This invention is of interest to the constructors of car transporter vehicles.

Description

 The present invention relates to an upper deck for a car transporter.

 For reasons of maximum height limitation related to transport regulations, we seek to reduce as much as possible the clearances and free intervals in height on all carrier vehicles.

 In the case of car transport wagons, the upper loading platform is fixed at a distance from the lower loading plane such that the play does not exceed a value corresponding to the minimum safety clearance due to the dynamic effects of loading and transport.

 Below this minimum value there would be damage to the bodywork by percussion of the roof in the structures of the upper plate at the slightest jolt of transport or elevation of the lower loading plane.

 However, the low structures at the level of the axles or bogies of the wagons have a general technical conformation in elevation relative to the low level of the central part of the loading plane.

 The crossing of this passage above the wheels causes a local and simultaneous rise in the bodywork which must be compensated for by freeing up a sufficiently large space above the axle or bogie passage for a minimum duration equal at least to that loading.

 This momentary clearance is obtained on a conventional wagon with a fixed upper platform by the upward pivoting of each end ramp or gangway equipping one and the other ends of the upper platform.

 This type of wagon is perfectly suitable for cars of almost identical dimensions and allows transport with homogeneous loading.

 With the appearance of large-size passenger cars, and that of small composite utility vehicles, the full profitability of such wagons is no longer possible despite the resources of ingenuity, organization and sometimes exceptional rationalization that can be shown by the personnel assigned to loading and the quality of logistical technical support.

 It is also advisable, with regard to the wagons, to observe particularly restrictive mechanical strength characteristics so as to be able to guarantee mechanical cohesion during all the operating phases and configurations.

Transport wagons must be able to accept the following mechanical stresses resulting from longitudinal telescoping impacts at the
buffers for example during the sorting phase of the tensile forces passing through the structure whose
one part by the bottom assembly and the other part by
the whole top of the mass due to loading.

 Conventionally, the structures of car transport wagons currently consist of two lateral frames of rigid and massive fixed elements integrating the end posts so as to form a mechanically non-deformable perimeter resistant beyond the mechanical stresses in load, compression and in deceleration that the structures of the wagons can undergo during their operation.

 The wagons with fixed upper platform have various drawbacks, most of which are linked to operation.

 The main drawback of this type of wagon concerns the impossibility of accepting an additional gauge greater than the height available for the lower loading level.

 Furthermore, the fixed upper plate is a hindrance for maneuvering in certain borderline cases.

 The wagons with movable upper platforms imagined and produced to remedy the drawbacks of fixed upper platforms must, while being mobile, fulfill the same mechanical requirements of rigidity and cohesion.

 To do this, the movable upper plate must take direct mechanical support on the structural posts and must be made in one piece.

 If an adjustment in height proves possible to accept different sizes of vehicles in order to carry out composite loadings, there remains the need to have to move the loaded platform to clear the spaces located above the axles or bogies, necessary which introduces an important operating limitation.

 The present invention aims to improve the operating possibilities of car transport wagons while keeping the imposed characteristics of rigidity and mechanical cohesion of the fixed plates and the loading facilities previously known and appreciated by this type of wagons.

 To this end, it relates to an upper deck for a car transporter with a movable upper deck, characterized by a composite upper deck consisting of a central part, or upper platform, bordered by two side members forming a stretcher leaning at height. adjustable on the posts and two end gangways pivotally hinged to the central part and pivotally hinged to lifting mechanisms each provided in a pole, said stretcher being supported by support means, and said gangways are supported in inactive position by rests fitted to the posts and capable of being mechanically connected to the side members for the vertical displacement of the central part from the movement of the lifting mechanisms through the gangways.

 Thus, we find all the advantages of a mobile platform because vehicles of different sizes can occupy the lower loading level. The best use of templates provides exceptional flexibility and operating profitability.

 Furthermore, there are always ends with pivoting gangways which provide all the necessary clearance for circulation at the low level when the upper plane is loaded.

The following specific advantages should also be noted. the central part of the upper deck no longer needs
to be maneuvered under load. we have predetermined positions that correspond
tooth at typical loads. less manipulative work than for a
fully mobile tray. we arrive at the same overall mechanical rigidity of the
wagon despite its composite structure.

The technical characteristics and other advantages of the invention are set out in the description which follows, given by way of nonlimiting example on an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings in which. Figure 1 is an overall perspective view sim
of the multi-purpose car transporter according to
the invention showing more particularly the bridge
mobile upper vacuum. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the assembly
from the platform, raised end gangways; . Figure 3 is a perspective view of one end
of the upper deck showing the top of an adjoining post
cent and the lifting mechanism. Figure 4 is an elevational view of one of the posts
showing the lifting mechanism; ; . Figure 5 is a diagram showing in section the means
of support points for each of the walkways on the
vertical support structure at vertical levels
different variables or predetermined. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the worm means
rusting for lifting the upper plate by
the end walkways. the figures from 7 to 9 are simplified views of
profile respectively illustrating the different
following loading configurations
- loading higher level
- lower level loading
- empty or laden transport. Figures 10 to 12 are simplified views of
profile illustrating three characteristic modes of ex-
exploitation
- vans on upper deck, upper deck one
high level
- passenger vehicles of different sizes, bridge
higher than intermediate level
- truck or agricultural vehicles, bridge over one
low level.

 The general inventive idea consists in making a vertically movable upper bridge comprising on the one hand a central part forming an upper plate, bordered by two longitudinal members bearing at their ends on the posts each containing a lifting mechanism, the assembly constituting a stretcher and secondly two tilting end ramps. The upper plate is extended at each of its ends by one of the tilting ramps which is pivotally articulated with it. These ramps playing the role of walkways are maneuvered according to two operating regimes by the lifting mechanisms to which they are pivotally connected. According to a first regime, the gangways are coupled to the side members of the upper plate in order to move it in vertical movements to a loading position in which it is maintained by support means.

According to a second regime, they have an independent tilting operation in different rest positions under the effect of the lifting mechanisms while the upper plate is held in position by the support means.

 This configuration and this configuration make it possible to ensure the main functions necessary for the loading and unloading phases and to free up, on request, the space located above the axles or bogies so as to form a tunnel of sufficient cross section between the upper and lower decks to allow the movement of vehicles along the lower planes when the upper decks are loaded and in the transport position.

 The versatile vehicle wagon according to the invention consists of a chassis 1 supported by axles or bogies 2 and 3 delimiting between them a carrying plane 4 at low level between two raised ends 5 and 6 at the level of posts 7 , 8, 9 and 10.

 The assembly constitutes the lower loading level 11 used as an access path to other wagons and on which the vehicles to be transported park.

 This level comprises a central part which is the bearing plane 4 and two raised end planes 12 and 13 located near the crossing zones from one wagon to another.

 The low structure also comprises lower flanks 14 and 15 extending vertically by the posts to an upper bridge 16.

 According to the invention, this upper bridge 16 is formed of a central part called the upper plate 17 whose total length is less than the space available between the posts. The upper plate is bordered along each of its longitudinal sides by a spar 18 or 19 exceeding the length of said upper plate and the ends of which each rest on one of the posts. The assembly thus formed constituting a stretcher is carried by support means in several positions such as 20 secured to the posts. The upper plate continues longitudinally at each of its ends by two pivoting end ramps 21 and 22 playing the role of gangways, hereinafter called gangways. According to a preferred variant, these are connected by a pivoting articulation sliding 23 or 24 at each of the transverse ends of the upper plate thus constituting a composite upper bridge having a central movable element vertically bearing against the posts in the manner of a stretcher and two pivotally movable end elements.

 The pivoting-sliding joints 23 or 24 are produced for example in the form of an axis-25 movable longitudinally in a slot 26 as shown in FIG. 3.

 This pivoting-sliding is intended to split the longitudinal thrust force due for example to a buffering. In fact thanks to the sliding of the axes 25 of the joints 23 or 24 in the lumiere 26, part of the force can in fact be absorbed by the downstream post.

 According to another variant, the sliding necessary due to the tilting movement of the gangways is produced at the joint with the corresponding lifting mechanism by a corresponding lumen 27 (FIG. 4).

 As will be seen below, according to one mode of operation, these end elements have an alignment position in which they play a driving role by serving to transmit the lifting and lowering force of the mechanisms.

 The posts each contain a lifting and lowering mechanism - such as 28 in the form of a translation block 29 actuated by a muffled cable 30 by two pulleys 31 and 32, secured at one of its ends to the block of translation 29 connected by a pivoting articulation such as 33 with the gangway and, by its other end, to a non-represented winch driven by motor means with centralized control.

 The ends of the supporting beams 18 and 19 of the upper plate rest on the vertical edges of the posts by means of the support means 20 with latch 34 for immobilization in several positions, for example with notches or in the form of a hook device tilting 35 (Figure 3) manually operated, the upper part of which is double formed by two hooks 36 and 37, one or the other coming to get caught on a retaining rod 38 placed on the corresponding edge of each post equipped with a guide section 39 along which the end of the corresponding spar slides.

 Thus, the vertical loading position of the upper deck is defined by the position of grip of the end of the hook on the retaining rod 38.

 In order to better slide on the profile guide 39, the side members are provided, at the end, with support shoes such as 40.

 The walkways each have on each of their sides a border profile such as 41 and 42 equipped on the underside with a support lock 43 (Figure 5) and a lifting lock 44 (Figure 6).

 The support bolt 43 has an end pin 45 which is caught in the structure for receiving rests, for example three in number, 46, 47, 48, provided on the inner face of each post.

 These rests allow the bearing support to be carried out in the rest position of each tipping end gangway, for example at three low, intermediate and high levels.

 They define for each rest position predetermined inclinations of the walkways.

 The lifting latches 44 provide the mechanical connection for pushing up or supporting downwards for the side members 18 and 19 or the arm of the stretcher formed by the upper plate. They have a pin 49 which comes to bear on a reinforcing plate 50 equipping on the underside the zone opposite the side members 18 or 19.

 We will now explain the different operating phases of the mobile upper deck, specifying the characteristic advantages.

 After unloading, in a conventional manner, the upper deck is in the configuration shown in FIG. 9. The walkways carried by the rests are in alignment with the upper platform.

Before a new load, it should be moved empty to a vertical level corresponding to the particularities of the intended load.

 It is important to observe and note that the upper plate is placed in the final vertical position in the unloaded state.

 The lifting latches 44 are put in the extended position to come into socket contact with the underside of the side members 18 and 19. Then the end gangways are actuated up or down by the lifting mechanisms so as to bring the upper plate lcv in the desired position. When the lifting bolts are in contact with the side members 18 and 19, the pivoting force of the gangways becomes the lifting lifting force for the stretcher, i.e. the upper plate and its side members to the vertical position corresponding to that of the load.

 The whole of the upper deck lifts under the driving effect of the lifting mechanism provided in the posts acting in thrust on the side members of the upper plate through the end gangways.

 The support hook is put in place or is automatically put in place on the retaining rod for retaining at the determined level, for example at a high level which constitutes the position of the upper deck for the type of loading in the figure. 10.

 The lifting locks are then retracted and the end gangway is lowered to the repository corresponding to the height and the inclination of access to the upper deck in extension of a gangway from an adjacent wagon (Figure 7).

 The upper decks are loaded by the adjacent wagon (s). We then raise all the end gangways with their load and lock them in the corresponding upper shelves.

 This high position of the gangways allows sufficient clearance between the elevation of the axle passage and the upper deck, that is to say the passage section for loading the lower deck (Figure 8).

 It is important to note at this level that only the end gangways are maneuvered under load, thereby significantly reducing the power and size of the lifting mechanisms.

 After loading the lower deck, the walkways are lowered onto the intermediate rests to put them in alignment with the upper deck so as to ensure the continuation of the loading plan.

 This is the loaded or unladen taxiing configuration (Figure 9).

 The files 10, 11 and 12 illustrate the various possibilities of composite loadings using the multi-purpose car transporter wagon equipped with the movable bridge according to the invention.

 The invention has been described above in detail.

It is understood, however, that various simple modifications, additions, direct variants, substitutions by equivalent means fall within the scope of this protection.

Claims (8)

 1. Upper deck for a car transporter with a movable upper deck along the posts (7, 8, 9, 10), characterized by a composite upper deck (16) consisting of a central part or upper plate (17) bordered ( e) two side members (18) and (19) forming a stretcher which rests at an adjustable height on the posts, and two end gangways (21) and (22) pivotally articulated, on the one hand at the central part and on the other hand to lifting mechanisms (28) each provided in a post, said stretcher being supported along the posts by support means (20) and said gangways resting in the inactive position on supports equipping the posts and being capable of coming to be mechanically coupled to the side members (18) and (19) for the vertical displacement of the central part from the movement of the lifting mechanisms (28) through the gangways.  2. Upper deck according to claim 1, characterized in that each gangway (21) or (22) is pivotally-slidably mounted on the stretcher and pivotally on the lifting mechanism.  3. Upper deck according to claim 1, characterized in that each gangway (21) or (22) is pivotally mounted on the stretcher and pivotally-sliding on the lifting mechanism.  4. Upper deck according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lifting mechanisms (28) are translation blocks (29) connected by a cable muffled to a winch.  5. Upper deck according to claim 4, characterized in that the side rails of the walkways are each equipped with at least two latches, a lifting latch (44) for mechanical coupling with the stretcher and a support latch (43 ) coming to engage, when engaged, in the structure of one of the supports or rests secured to the rear face of the posts for mechanical support.  6. Upper deck according to the preceding claims, taken as a whole, characterized in that the ends of the upper plate rest by a support mechanism (20) against the side edges facing the posts.  7. Upper deck as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the support means (20) are immobilization locks (34) immobilizing the ex ends of the stretcher at predetermined heights along the posts.  8. Upper bridge according to claim 7, characterized in that the latches are formed of a tilting hook (35) with several heads engaging on a retaining rod (38).