FR2945006A1 - TRANSIT VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH MEANS FOR ACCESSIBILITY OF A WHEELCHAIR USER - Google Patents

Abstract

The vehicle has a lifting platform (18) located in a plane of a floor pan (7) of a cab interior (H) of a motor vehicle and at a level of a lower border of a lateral passage in lower position so as to authorize an access to the platform by a user in a wheel chair. Partition transversal elements (35) are extended from a lateral wall (6a) of a body (6). Faces opposite to the transversal elements are equipped with chairs (36) with foldable bases, where the bases in unfolded position are extended above the platform. A detachable barrier forming unit is provided between the elements.

Description

The present invention relates to a land vehicle for the public transport of passengers, for example of the bus or bus type, equipped with means to facilitate access to its passenger compartment for disabled wheelchair users.

People with reduced mobility generally have difficulty accessing the passenger compartment of public transport vehicles. In some cases, it uses for this an inclined ramp which is interposed between the ground and the cabin floor. But this is not always appropriate, especially when the cabin floor of the vehicle is placed relatively high above the ground; this is particularly the case of transport vehicles of the bus type, which comprise a luggage compartment formed under the cockpit floor. In order to make possible the rise of wheelchair users, it is known to equip the chassis of these high passenger compartment vehicles, with a lifting platform that can be deployed horizontally and outside the vehicle, in front of the vehicle. a dedicated access door or not. In this external position, the platform is operable vertically to allow the ascent or descent of the user in a wheelchair, between the ground and a passage in the vehicle body for access to the cockpit floor.

In practice, the user is installed with his chair on the platform in the deployed position and low at ground level. This platform is then operated in the upper position, in the extension of the cockpit floor, to allow the movement of the chair and the access of the user to the interior of the vehicle. When not in use, the platform must be folded so that there is minimal space in the vehicle. However, the mechanical means adapted for the external deployment of such a lifting platform, and then for its maneuver height, are often complex and expensive. This deployment of the platform also poses safety problems for the user who is at certain times in height outside the vehicle. This situation is often embarrassing and uncomfortable for the user. On the other hand, if the platform in the deployed position breaks down, the vehicle can no longer circulate because of its size. In addition, the maneuvering operations of the platform between the deployed and folded positions, lengthen the rise and fall time of the wheelchair user.

To remedy these drawbacks, the Applicant has developed a new public transport vehicle structure, with means of access to wheelchair users that are simple in design, economical and secure. The public transport vehicle according to the invention, of the coach or bus type, comprises a chassis carrying a defined compartment - by a body having a roof and a side wall belt, and - by a floor in height with respect to the ground, said cockpit floor being associated with at least one stair structure located opposite a door equipping a first lateral access passage to the passenger compartment, formed in one of said side walls of the body.

This vehicle is still equipped with means of access to the passenger compartment for wheelchair users, comprising - a second lateral passage, provided in one of the side walls and equipped with a dedicated door, and - a suitable lifting platform receiving said wheelchair, which platform is associated with said frame by means for its maneuvering at said second lateral passage.

According to the invention, the lifting platform is located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and the maneuvering means ensure its vertical displacement, on the height and opposite the second dedicated lateral passage, between two end-of-travel positions, namely a high position, in which said lifting platform extends in the general plane of the cockpit floor so as to close off a complementary opening formed in this floor, said platform then constituting an integral part of said cockpit floor, and a low position, in which this platform is located under the general plane of said cockpit floor and at the lower edge of said second lateral passage, so as to allow access to said lifting platform by the wheelchair user, through said second lateral passage, possibly by means of an external access ramp. Such a mobile platform acts as a lift built into the vehicle (so it is not here a mechanical subassembly added to the body). It allows in particular to bring the user directly to its location in the cabin, without it being necessary to walk in this cabin. In the absence of a wheelchair user, the platform in the high position allows normal operation of the floor surface. If the maneuvering means of the platform do not work, the vehicle does not run the immobilization risks encountered with the outdoor deployment platforms.

On the other hand, the wheelchair passenger is safe inside the vehicle, during its ascent and descent. It is further transferred without being brought into an uncomfortable and stressful situation in height outside the vehicle.

The speed of setting up the user is further improved, the platform not performing indoor / outdoor movement. According to a particular embodiment, the chassis of the vehicle further comprises a cargo structure, extending in a plane located at a distance and under the plane of the cockpit floor; in this case, the lifting platform is advantageously located at the plane of said cargo structure when it is operated in the low position. According to a preferred embodiment, the maneuvering means of the lifting platform comprise, on the one hand, vertical endless screws whose ends are mounted on rotational bearings carried by the frame, said endless screws being driven around their respective axes by means ensuring their synchronous rotation, and secondly, complementary nuts equipping said platform and cooperating with said worm. The means for the synchronous rotation of the worms advantageously comprise, on the one hand, a toothed pulley equipping each of said screws on the side of one of their ends, and on the other hand, a single toothed belt associated with a motorization d drive and arranged to cooperate with each of said toothed pulleys. According to an alternative embodiment, the maneuvering means of the lifting platform comprise a system of braces interposed between the frame and said platform, which system of braces is controlled by means of the type jack (s) of maneuvering associated with a hydraulic central. The means of access for wheelchair users are advantageously arranged near the first lateral passage with stair structure; and the drive motor or the hydraulic unit is located directly below said stair structure. On the other hand, the maneuvering means of the lifting platform are advantageously associated with high and low position sensors, for example electric end-of-stroke type. According to another characteristic, the passenger compartment of the vehicle is equipped with two transverse partitioning elements which extend from the side wall of the bodywork adjoining the lifting platform and which are located on either side of the opening arranged in the cockpit floor. In this case, the facing faces of the partitioning elements are advantageously, for at least one, equipped with at least one foldable seat chair, which sitting in the deployed position extends above the lifting platform.

Always in this case, at least one of the partitioning elements is advantageously equipped, at its vertical edge opposite the adjoining body side wall, at least one barrier member between said partitioning elements, in particular to prevent access to the cockpit floor opening when the associated lifting platform is operated in the down position. According to other interesting features: - the cabin is equipped with means for anchoring the wheelchair in place on the lifting platform, when the latter is in the up position, and - the vehicle is equipped with a device for requesting stopping located in the cockpit, at the level of the lifting platform, and also a device for calling the driver, formed on the outer face of the door of the second lateral passage. The invention will be further illustrated, without being limited in any way, by the following description of a particular embodiment, given solely by way of example, and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. a part of the public transport vehicle in a perspective oriented on the side of the outer face of its body, showing the means of access for wheelchair users according to the invention; FIG. 2 corresponds to the part of the vehicle according to FIG. 1, in which certain elements of the bodywork are no longer shown to facilitate comprehension; - Figure 3 corresponds to the vehicle part according to Figure 1, seen from above; FIG. 4 is a front view of the vehicle part according to FIG. 1; FIG. 5 corresponds to the part of the vehicle according to FIG. 1, in which the elements of the bodywork and the floor of the passenger compartment are not shown to make the maneuvering means of the lifting platform visible; - Figure 6 still corresponds to the vehicle part of Figure 1, in a perspective oriented inside of the vehicle, so as to show certain components of the passenger compartment; FIG. 7 is a view of a part of a public transport vehicle according to a perspective oriented towards the outside face of its body, showing a variant of the means of access for wheelchair users in accordance with FIG. the invention, wherein the operating means of the platform are deformable parallelogram type; - Figure 8 corresponds to the vehicle part of Figure 7, in a perspective 35 oriented on the inside of the vehicle, so as to show a variant of certain components of the passenger compartment.

The structure shown in Figures 1 to 6, corresponds to the part 1 of the transport vehicle equipped with access means for wheelchair users. The vehicle in question, for example a coach, has a conventional general structure: it comprises a chassis 2 (only part of this chassis is shown here) which is mounted on at least two axles. The frame 2, partially illustrated in detail in Figure 5, consists of a frame formed of a set of welded metal profiles. This skeleton of the frame 2 here forms two superimposed support structures: an upper support structure 2a, extending in a first plane and intended to receive the passenger compartment floor, and a lower support structure 2b, extending in a second plane, located at a distance and in the foreground of the upper support structure 2a, to delimit with the latter a lower volume constituting for example a luggage compartment S. This frame 2 carries, in a conventional manner, a bodywork 6 comprising a roof and a belt of side walls. The latter is composed of a front wall (driver's side), a rear wall (opposite the conductor) and two longitudinal walls 6a (only a portion of one of said longitudinal walls 6a is shown in the drawings. ). The frame 2 still carries the cabin floor 7 at its upper support structure 2a, in height relative to the ground. The bodywork 6 and the floor 7 together define the passenger compartment H of the vehicle. In a conventional manner, this passenger compartment H contains in particular a set of seats distributed appropriately on the surface of the cockpit floor 7. As can be seen in FIG. 2, a stair structure 8 is located at this floor. passenger compartment 7, in the thickness of the frame 2 (between its upper support structures 2a and lower 2b). This staircase 8 is still facing a lateral passage 9 for the access of the passengers, formed in one of the longitudinal walls 6a of bodywork 6. This first lateral passage 9 is equipped with a dedicated door 10 constituting, in closed position, an integral part of the bodywork 6 (Figure 1). By staircase is meant a structure comprising a simple step, as well as several successive steps. This lateral access structure (stairway 8, passage 9 and door 10) may be provided anywhere along the length of one of the longitudinal walls 6a, in particular on the side of its front end, its rear end and / or in the middle of its length. The vehicle according to the invention is further equipped with means 15 to facilitate access to the passenger compartment H for wheelchair users, who access means 15 comprise a second lateral passage 16, equipped with a door of dedicated closure and constituting, in the closed position, an integral part of the bodywork 6. The second lateral passage 16 is also provided in the longitudinal wall 6a of the bodywork 6; it is here juxtaposed with the first lateral passage 9.

Alternatively, this second passage 16 may be provided anywhere on one of the side walls of the bodywork 6. This second passageway 16 is delimited by a peripheral frame of square shape or at least approximately square, composed of two lateral edges. vertical 16a connected by two horizontal edges 16b, one lower 16b1 and the other upper 16b2. The lower edge 16b1 of this second passage 16 is here at or at least approximately at the level of the general plane of the cargo structure 2b. The upper edge 16b2 extends above the cabin floor 7 (and its associated upper support structure 2a). The second passage 16 thus extends on either side of the floor of the passenger compartment 7 (Figure 4). As an indication, this lateral passage 16 has a height of between 1400 and 1600 mm, and a width of between 1000 and 1300 mm. The access means 15 according to the invention also comprise an elevator platform 18, forming an elevator, whose upper face is adapted to receive the wheelchair of the user. The lifting platform 18 has here a contour of generally rectangular shape delimited by two longitudinal edges 19a connected by two transverse edges 19b. As represented in particular in FIGS. 1 to 3, this lifting platform 18 is located in the passenger compartment H, adjacent to the second passage 16. It is located more precisely in the vertical space of a complementary opening 20 formed in the cockpit floor 7. This opening 20 is here in the general U-shaped opening on the side of the longitudinal body wall 6a, at the second passage 16; it is delimited by a longitudinal edge 20a and two transverse edges 20b, respectively complementary longitudinal borders 19a and transverse 19b of the platform 18. The lifting platform 18 and its receiving opening 20 have for example a width of between 700 and 800 mm and a length of between 1000 and 1500 mm. This lifting platform 18 is still associated with the frame 2 by means 21 for its vertical maneuver in the passenger compartment H, the height and facing the second lateral passage 16; more precisely, this maneuver of the lifting platform 18 here takes place in a vertical sheath 2c formed on the height of the frame 2 in the extension of the opening 20, closed on its periphery by a sheath wall 2d (FIG. ). These operating means 21 further ensure a displacement of the lifting platform 18 so that its general plane always remains parallel to itself.

In practice, this platform 18 is controlled between two end-of-travel positions: a high position, in which it extends in the general plane of the cockpit floor 7 so as to close off the complementary opening 20, said platform then constituting a part of the cabin floor 7, and - a low position, in which it is located under the general plane of said cabin floor 7 and at the lower edge 16b1 of the second lateral passage 16, so as to allow its access by the wheelchair user, through said second lateral passage 16. In this case, the lifting platform 18 in the low position is at the level of the cargo hold 2b. The platform 18 is maneuvered vertically on the height of the chassis sheath 2c. A possible structure of the operating means 21 is shown in detail in Figure 5. These means here consist of a group of four vertical worm 22 whose upper ends 22a and lower 22b are mounted on rotational bearings 23a and 23b carried by the frame 2 (in this case by the floor support structures 2a and 2b). These screws 22 each cooperate with a complementary nut 18a of vertical axis, equipping said lifting platform 18 at each of its angles. These worm 22 are driven around their respective vertical axes by means ensuring their synchronous rotation. The corresponding means here consist, on the one hand, of a toothed pulley 24 equipping each of the endless screws 22 on the side of their lower end 22b, and on the other hand, into a single toothed belt 25 driven by a toothed toothed pulley ( not visible) associated with a dedicated motor 26. The toothed belt 25 is arranged to cooperate with each of the toothed pulleys 24 of the worm 22. It follows here for this a path of generally rectangular shape, seen from above, cooperating with a angular sector of each of the toothed pulleys 24; this belt 25 also performs a recess at the motor 26, to cooperate with the motorized toothed pulley. Non-toothed tensioning pulleys 27 are distributed over the bunker structure 2b in such a way as to optimally guide this toothed belt 25. In order to define the positions of the high and low end positions of the elevating platform 18, position sensors 30 are reported. respectively on the floor structures 2a and 2b. For example, electric limit switches are used. Electronic and / or computer means, equipping the vehicle, are associated with the engine 26 and the position sensors 30 so as to ensure proper management of the lifting platform 18. These means are also associated with an interface allowing the driver the piloting up and down this platform 18. In addition, to save space and optimize the arrangement of the cargo hold S of the vehicle, the engine 26 is here housed under the staircase structure 8 of the cabin H. Figure 6 shows a number of elements of the cabin H, complementing the functionality of the access means 15 for the wheelchair user. First, the platform 18 is advantageously equipped with means for locking and anchoring the associated wheelchair. These means are conventional in themselves, and consist for example of a set of straps, hooks and reels.

The cabin H is further equipped with two partitioning elements 35 which each extend from the longitudinal body wall 6a adjacent to the platform 18. These partitioning elements 35 are located on either side of the opening cockpit floor 20, in the extension each of one of its transverse edges 20b. The facing faces of these partitioning elements 35 are each equipped with two foldable seat armchairs 36. The seats in the deployed position of these chairs 36 extend here above the lifting platform 18. In addition, the free vertical borders 35a of these two partitioning elements 35 are provided with removable connecting members 37 which are able to form a barrier between said two partitioning elements 35. This barrier device 37 is constituted here by a pair of belts with reels, located at distance from each other in height. This device 37 is primarily intended to prevent access from the passenger compartment H, to the floor opening 20, when the lifting platform 18 is operated in the low position. In Figure 6, there is still the presence of a handrail 38 along the inner face of the body wall 6a, which is equipped with a driver stop request device 38a. In operation, the driver of the vehicle 1 is warned that a wheelchair user wishes to board. The user can use for this purpose a driver call device 17a formed on the outer face of the door 17 of the second lateral passage 16.

The driver then sets up the barrier device 37 between the partitioning elements 35, he controls the lifting platform 18 to its lower position and he opens the door 17. A ramp 40 can be put in place opposite the passage 16, for facilitate access to the elevating platform 18 in the down position. This access ramp 40 may be of the manually removable type; the driver is then responsible for mounting / dismounting platform 40. Alternatively, this access ramp 40 may be of the automatic deployment type. The wheelchair user thus accesses the elevating platform 18 while traveling on the access ramp 40 and then passing through the passage 16. Once the user's chair is in position on the platform 18, the ramp 40 can be removed and the door 17 closed. The driver then pilot the elevator platform 18 to ensure its return to the high position. The user on the platform 18 passes vertically through the floor opening 20. The platform 18 is then positioned in the general plane of the floor of the passenger compartment 7 so as to close its complementary opening 20; it then constitutes an integral part of the cabin floor 7. The user is then properly installed directly in the passenger compartment H of the vehicle, between the two partitioning elements 35. It does not need to move 20 to another location. The driver finishes the operations by anchoring the wheelchair on the platform, by activating the appropriate means. Inverse operations are carried out to allow the wheelchair user to exit the vehicle (for this he warns the driver by means of the stop request device 38a). In essence, it is sufficient for the driver to maneuver the lifting platform 18 to its lower position; then he opens the door 17 and sets up the ramp 40 so as to allow the exit by simply rolling the chair. In the absence of a wheelchair user, the platform 18 is held in the up position. Passengers can install vis-à-vis on the armchairs 36, this by deploying their respective seats. The structure shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 shows a variant of the vehicle part 1 described above in relation with FIGS. 1 to 6. In these FIGS. 7 and 8, there is a chassis 2 comprising - a superior support structure 2a receiving the cabin floor 7, and a lower support structure 2b delimiting the lower part of the luggage compartment S.

The frame 2 carries the bodywork 6, with here only a portion of one of its longitudinal walls 6a. The two lateral passages 9 and 16 are formed in this longitudinal wall 6a, next to each other, and are each equipped with a door 10 and 17.

The means 15 for wheelchair users' access are similar to those described above in relation to FIGS. 1 to 6: there is mainly an elevating platform 18 operated vertically in the passenger compartment and opposite the second passage of FIG. access 16. As can be seen in FIG. 7, these means 15 are distinguished from the preceding embodiment by the structure of the operating means 21 of the platform 18, which here consist of a system of braces 41 (forming a deformable parallelogram or compass) interposed between the frame 2 (in particular its hold structure 2b) and said lifting platform 18. This system of braces 41 is driven by at least one hydraulic cylinder 42 suitably mounted, and connected to a hydraulic unit 43; the latter is preferably located under the stair structure facing the first access passage 9 (as shown in Figure 8). In practice, the platform 18 is operated in a manner identical to that described above in relation to FIGS. 1 to 6.

In Figure 8, we can see a variant for the interior of the passenger compartment H around the platform 18, compared to that described above in connection with Figure 6. There are two partitioning elements 35 which s extend each from the longitudinal body wall 6a adjacent to the platform 18.

The face of one of these partitioning elements 35 is equipped with two folding-seat armchairs 36. The free vertical border 35a of the other partitioning element 35 is equipped with a pivoting barrier 37 to block the passage to the floor opening 7.

Claims (1)

CLAIMS 1.- A land vehicle for the public transport of passengers, for example of the bus or bus type, which vehicle comprises a chassis (C) carrying a passenger compartment (H) delimited by a bodywork (6) having a roof and a belt of side walls (6a), and - by a floor (7) in height with respect to the ground, said cockpit floor (7) being associated with at least one stair structure (8) implanted opposite a door (10) equipping a first lateral passage (9) for access to said passenger compartment (H), formed in one of said body side walls (6a), which vehicle is equipped with means (15) for access to the passenger compartment (H) for a wheelchair user, comprising - a second side passage (16) for access to the passenger compartment (H) formed in one of said side walls (6a) and equipped with a door (17); ), and - a lifting platform (18) adapted to receive said wheelchair, associated with said chassis (C) by the bias means (21) for its maneuver at said second lateral passage (16), characterized in that said lifting platform (18) is located in said passenger compartment (H), and in that the maneuvering means (21) ) provide for the vertical displacement of said lifting platform (18), on the height and facing said second lateral passage (16), between two end-of-travel positions: a high position, in which said lifting platform (18) is extends in the general plane of said cockpit floor (7) so as to close off a complementary opening (20) formed in this cockpit floor (7), said platform (18) then constituting an integral part of said cockpit floor ( 7), and a low position, in which said lifting platform (18) is located under the general plane of said cabin floor (7) and at the lower edge (16b1) of said second lateral passage (16), to allow access to said lifting platform (18) by the wheelchair user, through said second lateral passage (16). 2. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame (C) further comprises a cargo structure (2b), extending in a plane located at a distance and under the plane of the cabin floor (7), and in that the lifting platform (18) is placed at the plane of said cargo structure (2b) when it is operated in the low position. 3. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuating means (21) of the lifting platform (18) comprise, firstly, vertical worm (22) whose ends (22a, 22b) are mounted on rotational bearings (23) carried by the frame (C), said worm (22) being driven about their respective axes by means (24, 25) ensuring their synchronous rotation and on the other hand, complementary nuts (18a) equipping said lifting platform (18) and cooperating with said worm (22). 4. Vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that the means for the synchronous rotation of the worm comprises, on the one hand, a toothed pulley (24) equipping each of the worm (22) on the side of the one of their ends (22b), and secondly, a single toothed belt (25), associated with a drive motor (26) and arranged to cooperate with each of said toothed pulleys (24). 5.- vehicle according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuating means (21) of the lifting platform (18) comprise a system of braces (41) interposed between the frame (2) and the lifting platform (18), which system of braces (41) is controlled by means of the actuating cylinder (s) (42) associated with (s) a hydraulic power unit (43). 6. Vehicle according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the means (15) for access for the wheelchair user are formed near the first side passage (9) with stair structure (8), and in that the drive motor (26) or the hydraulic unit (43) is located directly below said stair structure (8). 7. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that its cockpit (H) is equipped with two transverse partitioning elements (35) extending from the side wall (6a) of bodywork (6) adjacent to the lifting platform (18) and which are located on either side of the opening (20) formed in the cockpit floor (7). 8.- Vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that the facing faces of the partitioning elements (35) are, for at least one, equipped with at least one foldable seat chair (36), which sitting in deployed position extends above the lifting platform (18). 9.- vehicle according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that at least one of the partitioning elements (35) is equipped at its vertical edge (35a) opposite the wall lateral arrangement (6a) of adjoining bodywork (6), at least one member (37) capable of forming a barrier between said partitioning elements (35), in particular to prevent access to the passenger compartment floor opening ( 20) when the associated lifting platform (18) is operated in the down position. 10. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is equipped with a device (38a) stopping request located in the passenger compartment, at the platform (18) , and a device (17a) for calling the conductor formed on the outer face of the door (17) of the second lateral passage (16).