FR2859437A1 - Platform truck for lifting and transporting load e.g. construction material, has frame with wheels and lifting unit moving case between lower transporting position and higher handling position - Google Patents

Abstract

The truck has a frame with wheels and a lifting unit (5a) moving a case (4) between a lower transporting position and a higher handling position. The unit has two pivoting arms movable with respect to a frame axis and carrying the case at one of their ends. Other ends are interconnected by a torsion rod with a nut receiving a worm. Rotation of a crank at a free end of the worm causes the rotation of the arms and the case movement.

Description

2859437 1

  ALL-TERRAIN ARRAY TROLLEY FOR TRANSPORTATION OF LOADS

  The present invention relates to an off-road carriage for transporting loads, this arm carriage having a chassis equipped with B-axis wheels and hooking means arranged to carry one or more loads.

  In known manner, this type of hand truck allows any type of user such as an artisan, a farmer, an individual, an industrialist, to lift and transport any type of load such as, for example, construction materials presented in bags, in buckets, in bulk, over distances ranging from a few meters to a few hundred meters, indoors and outdoors. This is particularly the case of arm carriages illustrated by publications 1R-2,745,255,1R-2,496,582 and FR-1,114,586. Nevertheless, these arm carriages do not make it possible to lift the load to a sufficient height, for example, to transfer it to the rear of a vehicle. Without this function, users have to put in a lot of effort in damaging their bodies. To overcome these disadvantages, some users use wheelbarrows that they ride on sloping boards, resting on the rear of the vehicle. The balance of the boards and the wheelbarrow being unstable, this operation is dangerous to achieve.

  The present invention aims to overcome this major disadvantage by providing a carriage with arms for lifting, transporting and lifting a load at a height sufficient for example, to tranship to the rear of a vehicle while providing only limited effort , this carriage arm is easy to use by any type of user, simple and inexpensive design. In addition, the carriage has a geometry that can easily be adapted to different applications to achieve multiple functions.

  For this purpose, the invention relates to an arm carriage of the type indicated in the preamble, characterized in that it comprises lifting means associated with the attachment means, these lifting means being arranged to move the attachment means between a low position said transporting the load and a high position said handling of this load.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the lifting means comprise at least one pivoting arm movable in rotation relative to an axis A secured to the chassis between the low and high positions, these attachment means being carried by this pivoting arm.

  Advantageously, the pivoting arm is coupled to at least one element connecting it to the frame, this element being chosen from the group comprising at least one worm coupled to a nut, a reel coupled to a flexible link, a rack, a rotary ratchet, a linear ratchet, a deformable parallelogram formed of articulated arms connected by at least one hinge.

  According to an advantageous embodiment, the arm carriage comprises a load support intended to carry said load and provided with lateral gripping lugs intended to bear on the hooking means and, the lifting means comprise two pivoting arms. . The pivoting arms are preferably rigidly connected to one another by a torsion bar.

  The load support is preferably selected from the group comprising at least one bar, a box.

  The chassis advantageously has an open structure defined in part by two parallel L-shaped sides, each of which comprises a said horizontal pillar carrying the axis B and a said vertical pillar carrying the axis A, the two sides being connected by at least one crosses.

  According to an advantageous embodiment, the arm carriage comprises inclined shims 5 arranged to bring, in the transport position, the box resting on the crosspiece.

  The connection between the wheels and the chassis is arranged to have a variable position.

  The frame, the wheels and the load support are preferably arranged so that in the transport position, the ground clearance of the load support is greater than 10 cm and preferably greater than 15 cm and that in maneuvering position the wheels and / or so-called horizontal amounts are located, up to the vertical passing through said attachment means, at a height less than about 50 cm and preferably less than about 30 cm.

  Advantageously, the frame comprises an operating arm provided with an operating handle.

  This operating arm can form a V whose first branch is connected to the chassis and whose base is preferably arranged to define a support foot of the carriage arm on the ground.

  The operating arm is advantageously arranged so that in the transport position the operating handle is located at a height between 70 and 110 cm from the ground and preferably equal to 90 cm.

  The frame is preferably arranged so that in the handling position, the base of the box is at a height greater than 50 cm and preferably greater than 60 cm from the ground to be able to transfer the load in vehicles, for example at the rear of commercial vehicles.

  The attachment means are advantageously arranged to allow the pivoting of the load and / or the load carrier relative to the chassis.

  At least a portion of the frame is telescopic and / or removable.

  The lifting means advantageously comprise at least one actuator coupled to said element and arranged to pivot the pivoting arm about the axis A between the low and high positions, at least a portion of this actuator being advantageously selected from the group comprising at least one crank, a lever, a pedal, a cylinder, a motor.

  This actuator can be coupled to control means provided on said operating handle.

  The present invention and its advantages will become more apparent in the following description of several embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples, in which: FIGS. 1A, B are perspective views of the arm carriage according to FIG. invention respectively in the load taking position and in the transport position, - Figures 2A-D are side views of the arm carriage of Figure 1 illustrating the passage from the load taking position to the position of 3A-D are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the arm carriage according to the invention, and FIGS. 4A-D are side views of different modes of use of the arm carriage of FIG. 1. .

  Referring to the figures, the carriage arm 1 comprises in known manner a frame 2 equipped with two wheels 20 carried by a transverse axis B integral with the frame 2. The frame 2 comprises attachment means 3 arranged to carry a load.

  According to the invention, the arm carriage 1 comprises lifting means 5a-e arranged to move the hooking means 3 between a low position and a high position. The low position, called transport position, is the position in which the user moves the carriage 1 arm empty or carrying the load. The high position, called handling, is the position in which the user lifts the attachment means 3 in order to recover a load placed in height or to place this load at a certain height, for example to tranship it to the back of a truck. This trolley 1 can be used on any type of terrain to move any type of load, for example building materials, furniture, appliances, logs, rubble, liquids, sand, .. in bulk or in a bag, a box, a box 4.

  The frame 2 has an open tubular structure made of steel, aluminum, synthetic materials, composite materials or any other equivalent material. The frame 2 may also consist of profiles or any other suitable element. The sides of the chassis are defined by two parallel L, each of which comprises a said horizontal amount 21 carrying the axis B and a vertical said amount 22 bearing an axis A. In the illustrated examples, the vertical uprights 22 of the sides are interconnected. by two crosspieces 23 stiffening the frame 2.

  Referring to Figures 1, 2A-D, the frame 2 also comprises a tubular actuating arm 24a forming a V whose first leg 25 is fixed to the crosspieces 23 connecting the vertical uprights 22, for example by welding, gluing, pinning, screwing , riveting or by any other suitable means. The base of the operating arm 24a is bent and defines a support foot 27 of the carriage arm 1 on the ground. The free end of the second leg 26 of the V is provided with an operating handle 28 facilitating the handling of the arm carriage 1. The operating arm 24a may be formed of one or more pieces, for example assembled telescopically to adjust its length. This operating arm 24a is connected to the frame 2 removably or not.

  In these examples, the load is carried by the carriage arm 1 through a box 4 of substantially rectangular shape. This box 4 is formed of two vertical panels 4a connected by a horizontal platform 4b. It is formed of a single piece or several pieces assembled by welding, gluing, pinning, screwing, riveting or by any other suitable means. According to another alternative embodiment not shown, the box 4 may also include a front wall and / or a rear wall and / or a cover. The panels 4a, b may be made for example of steel, aluminum, synthetic materials, composite materials or any other equivalent material.

  Each side panel 4a is provided in its upper outer zone with a gripping lug 4c intended to be held by the attachment means 3. These gripping lugs 4c, integral with the casing 4, facilitate handling. They can also be adjustable in height and / or removable. These gripping ears 4c may be cylindrical to allow the rotation of the box 4 on the attachment means 3. Thus, during the inclination of the frame 2, the box 4 can rotate freely. The box 4 may be provided with locking means (not shown) limiting or blocking its pivoting. Each gripping lug 4c may also be provided at its free end with a shoulder and / or V guide. The open structure of the frame 2 allows the box 4 to fit between the two sides. The box 4 being independent of the frame 2, it can be used separately and independently, for example to store firewood.

  In this example, the lifting means 5a comprise two pivoting arms 50, rotatable relative to the axis A of the frame 2 between the low and high positions. The first free ends of the pivoting arms 50 comprise the attachment means 3, formed for example of a bearing zone 51 provided with stops 52 or a simple notch 53 to block the load relative to the frame 2. The zone 51 can be provided with beveled shims to move the center of gravity of the box 4 relative to the frame 2. The attachment means 3 can be mixed and have on one side a beveled wedge used when taking the load and its transport and the other side of a notch 53 used during the handling of the load. These hooking means 3 can be oriented as needed. The notch 53 is preferably at most away from the axis A to facilitate the handling of the load and allow to lift it. The second ends of the pivoting arms 50 are rigidly or pivotally connected to each other by a torsion bar 73.

  The lifting means 5a also comprise an actuator 54a-e arranged to pivot the pivoting arms 50 about the axis A between the low and high positions. In this example, the actuator 54a is a worm 55 coupled to a nut 56. A first end of the worm 55 is connected to the operating arm 24a, for example by means of a pivot connection, d a ball joint or an elastic connection. The second end of the worm 55 is free and provided with an actuator, in this example a crank 57a. The worm 55 can also be provided with not shown quick coupling means for connecting for example the mandrel of a hand drill. The nut 56 receiving the worm 55 is coupled to the torsion bar 73 so that the rotation of the worm 55 causes the torsion bar 73 and the two pivoting arms 50 to pivot about the axis A. causing the load to move upwards.

  To move a box 4 loaded or empty, the user proceeds to the following steps: he raises, with the aid of the operating arm 24a, the frame 2 by tilting it upwards about the axis B des_roues 20 and engages them gripping lugs 4c of the casing 4 in the notches 53 of the gripping means 3 (see FIG. 2A), it lowers the chassis 2 by tilting it downwards by means of the operating arm 24a, the casing 4 is then in the levitation polygon, carried by its gripping ears 4c resting in the notches 53 (see Figure 2B). In this position, the operating handle 28 is located at a height between 70 and 110 cm from the ground and preferably equal to 90 cm. The ground clearance of the caisson 1 is greater than 10 cm and preferably greater than 15 cm.

  The frame 2 can be placed in abutment on the ground on the support foot 27. The whole load + carriage arm 1 is stable because the center of gravity is in the support polygon formed by the wheels 20 and the foot of 27. If necessary, the user can wedge the carriage 1 by acting, with his foot, on the support foot 27.

  - The user can then move the load by rolling the carriage arm 1. The frame 2 can be inclined to support the box 4 on the cross 23 of the frame 2, and the box 4 has no movement of rocking and transportation is facilitated.

  To lift the casing 4 to load it for example at the rear of a vehicle, the user proceeds to the following steps: - he actuates the crank 57a of the worm 55 so as to bring the nut 56, the torsion bar 73 and the second ends of the pivoting arms 50, the support foot 27 of the operating arm 24a. The pivoting arms 50 pivot relative to their axis A, bringing the box 4 to a height hl greater than 50 cm and preferably greater than 60 cm from the ground. This height hl (see Figure 2C) is sufficient to allow the loading of the box 4 on the back of a truck (not shown), a van or any type of commercial vehicle.

  - In vertical coupling means 3, the height of the wheels 20 and horizontal amounts 21 is less than about 50 cm and preferably less than about 30 cm. Thus, the user can, by rolling the carriage arm 1, insert it under the rear of the truck to approach the box 4 of its transhipment area in the vehicle.

  IO If necessary, it is then possible to lift the frame 2 by tilting it forward around the axis B of the wheels 20 to lift the box 4 at a height h2 (see Figure 2D).

  According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the elevation of the box 4 can also be obtained by using so-called vertical uprights 22 telescopic. The movement can then be achieved by a rack system, a linear ratchet, a rotating ratchet, a deformable polygon, a jack or any other suitable means.

  By following these steps in reverse, the arm carriage 1 can be used to unload a load, for example a box 4 of a truck.

  The frame 2 may or may not be removable. When removable, the chassis 2 is even easier to store, transport and can be sold as a kit. The elements constituting the frame 2 can be assembled for example by welding, by bolting, by clipping or by any other suitable technique. The frame 2 can also be foldable. In this case, the constituent elements are for example interconnected by pivot type joints. The frame 2 may further comprise telescopic elements. It may finally comprise different mounting positions of the axis B of the wheels 20, these wheels 20 may also be provided with rapid mounting and dismounting means and have different dimensions. It is preferred to use large wheels 20 for transporting loads and small wheels 20 for transhipping to the rear of a vehicle of the load, the small dimensions allowing the carriage 1 to be easily inserted under the vehicle. The frame 2 may also be provided with a complementary wheel, for example, designed to be retractable on the support foot 27.

  FIG. 3A illustrates a first embodiment in which the arm carriage 1, substantially similar to the previous one, is distinguished by its actuator 54b and the operating arm 24b. In this example, the operating arm 24b is supported on the torsion bar 73 connecting the two pivoting arms 50 and the actuator 54b comprises two jacks 58 arranged between the sides and the pivoting arms 50 so as not to interfere with the introduction of the box 4 in the frame 2. These cylinders 58 can be powered by a manual pump, pedal or electric (not shown). The action of the jacks 58 can be combined with that of the user on the operating arm 24. According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the operating arm 24b is connected to the torsion bar 73.

  FIG. 3B illustrates a second variant substantially similar to the previous embodiment in which the operating arm 24c forms an L whose small bar is coupled to the crosspieces 23 and whose end defines a support foot 27. The actuator 54c comprises two articulated arms 59 connecting the pivoting arms 50 to the horizontal uprights 21 with which they define a deformable polygon. The articulation 60 of the articulated arms 59 is for example connected to a cable 61 coupled to a winder 62 secured to the frame 2 and provided with a crank 57c. The displacement of the hinge 60 can be secured for example by a non-return catch (not shown). The deployment of the articulated arms 59 can also be controlled by a rack, a worm or other suitable means.

  FIG. 3C illustrates a third embodiment substantially similar to the previous embodiment in which the actuator 54d comprises two racks 65, each having a toothed sector 63 fixed on the pivoting arm 50 and meshing with a toothed wheel 64 that is rotatable relative to a fixed axis C secured to the frame 2 and coupled to a crank 57d or other suitable means. When the two pivoting arms 50 are rigidly connected by a torsion bar 73, the actuator 54d may have only one rack 65. The rack or racks 65 may be provided with a non-return system (no shown) preventing the load from falling down unexpectedly.

  FIG. 3D illustrates a fourth embodiment substantially similar to the first in which the operating arm 24e is pivotally mounted about the axis A. The operating arm 24e is provided with a coupling device with the pivoting arms 50 (FIG. not shown) to bind their rotations, for example a ratchet system. This coupling system can be in a disengaged position in which the operating arm 24e is no longer rigidly connected to the frame 2 but is connected in rotation to the pivoting arms 50 and in a disengaged position in which the actuating arm 24e is secured to the frame 2. The coupling device may comprise a force reduction system, for example by means of gears, allowing the lifting of the load by reciprocating movements of the operating arm 24e.

  In other embodiments not shown, the actuator is a winder coupled to a flexible link connected to the pivoting arms 50, a linear or rotary motor, a spring battery, a combination of these means or any other suitable means. When the actuator is motorized, it can be coupled to control means provided on the operating handle 28.

  With reference to FIGS. 4A-B, the arm carriage 1 is used as a devil. The frame 2 comprises only the sides carrying the pivoting arms 50 and the wheels 20 of axis B. These pivoting arms 50 can be locked in a horizontal position (Cf FIG. 4A) to ensure lateral support of the object 80 transported or blocked in a vertical position (see Figure 4B), for example to transport household appliances large template. In these two configurations, the total length of the arm carriage 1 is decreased.

  With reference to FIG. 4C, the arm carriage 1 is used as a devil tray carriage. The chassis 2 comprises only the sides and the wheels 20 of axis B. In this configuration, the chassis 2 does not carry a pivoting arm 50 and the horizontal arms 21 carry a plate 6.

  Referring to Figure 4D, the carriage arm 1 is used as a mobile worktop. The chassis 2 has only the sides and the wheels 20 of axis B. In this configuration, the pivoting arms 50 are locked in the horizontal position and carry two trays 6 serving as a worktop.

  It is of course possible to combine these different configurations and even others. Similarly, the carriage arm 1 of Figures 4A and 4D can be equipped with a large capacity bag and used for example to pick up green waste. In this case, the bag may be provided with an upper frame forming a U whose ends are fixed at the level of the attachment means 3 of the frame 2.

  The hand truck 1 can also be towed by a bicycle or hitched to the rear of a vehicle such as a car, a van to move the load a greater distance. The hand truck 1 can also be used as a supermarket trolley to facilitate the transfer of races in the rear for example of a car.

  It is clear from the description that the carriage arm 1 according to the invention can meet the goals and in particular that it limits the effort required to lift a load to transfer to the rear of a vehicle.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described but extends to any modification and variation obvious to a person skilled in the art while remaining within the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims (19)

claims   1. Hand truck (1) for the transport of loads, this arm carriage (1) comprising a frame (2) equipped with wheels (20) of axis B and hooking means (3) arranged for carry a load, characterized in that it comprises lifting means (5a-e) associated with the hooking means (3), these lifting means (5a-e) being arranged to move said hooking means (3). ) between a low position said transporting the load and a high position said handling of this load.   2. Hand truck (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said lifting means (5a-e) comprise at least one pivoting arm (50) movable in rotation relative to an axis A secured to said frame (2 ) between said low and high positions and in that said hooking means (3) are carried by said pivoting arm (50).   3. Hand truck (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said pivoting arm (50) is coupled to at least one element connecting it to said frame (2), this element being selected from the group comprising a worm (55) coupled to a nut (56), a reel (62) coupled to a flexible link (61), a rack (65), a linear ratchet, a rotatable ratchet, a deformable parallelogram formed of articulated arms (59) and at least one hinge (60).   4. Hand truck (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a load carrier for carrying said load and provided with gripping lugs (4c) side intended to be supported on said means of hooking (3) and in that said lifting means (5a-e) comprise two pivoting arms (50).   5. Hand truck (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said pivoting arms (50) are interconnected rigidly by at least one torsion bar (73).   6. Hand truck (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said load carrier is selected from the group comprising a bar, a box (4).   7. Hand truck (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said frame (2) has an open structure defined in part by two sides in parallel L, each of which comprises a said horizontal amount (21) bearing said axis B and a so-called vertical amount (22) carrying said axis A, said sides being connected by at least one cross member (23).   8. Hand truck (1) according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that it comprises inclined shims arranged to bring, in the transport position, said box (4) bearing on said crossbar (23).   9. Hand truck (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection between said wheels (20) and said frame (2) is arranged to have a variable position.   10. Hand truck (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said frame (2), said wheels (20) and said load support are arranged so that in the transport position, the ground clearance of said load support is greater than 10 cm and preferably greater than 15 cm and that in maneuvering position, said wheels (20) and / or said horizontal uprights (21) are located, to the vertical passing through said hooking means (3) at a height of less than about 50 cm and preferably less than about 30 cm.   11. Hand truck (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said frame (2) comprises an operating arm (24a-e) provided with an operating handle (28).   12. Hand truck (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that said operating arm (24a-e) forms a V whose first branch is connected to said frame (2) and whose base (27) is arranged to defining a support foot (27) of said arm carriage (1) on the ground.   13. Hand truck (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that said operating arm (24a-e) is arranged so that in transport position said operating handle (28) is located at a height between 70 and 110 cm from the ground and preferably equal to 90 cm.   14. Hand truck (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said frame (2) is arranged so that in the handling position, the base of said box (4) is at a height greater than 50 cm and preferably greater than 60 cm from the ground.   15. Hand truck (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said hooking means (3) are arranged to allow the pivoting of said load and / or said load carrier relative to said frame (2).   16. Hand truck (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of said frame (2) is telescopic.   17. Hand truck (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of said frame (2) is removable.   18. Hand truck (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said lifting means (5a-e) comprise at least one actuator (54a-e) arranged to pivot said pivoting arm (50) about said axis A between said low and high positions, at least a portion of said actuator (54a-e) being selected from the group comprising a crank (57a-d), a lever, a pedal, a jack (58), a motor.   19. Hand truck (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that said actuator 5 (54a-e) is coupled to control means provided on said operating handle (28).