FR2974374A1 - PLATFORM EQUIPPED WITH LOGISTIC SUPPORT MEANS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a platform (1) equipped with means (102) of logistical support comprising a frame (2) of rectangular shape, characterized in that the frame (2) comprises: - at least one housing (12) longitudinal opening on a first edge (8) of the frame (2) to allow the engagement of a fork of a handling machine; and - fastening elements (26a) provided with an orifice intended to cooperate with a rotating lock equipping a platform transport tray, these fastening elements (26a) being mounted at the four corners of the frame (2) and being displaceable in the direction of the width of the frame (2), between: • a retracted position in which the fastening elements (26a-26d) are housed inside the frame (2); and an extended position in which the fastening elements (26a-26d) protrude from the frame (2).

Description

The present invention relates to a platform equipped with logistical support means. Such a type of platform finds applications during sports events or during military operations, to provisionally equip a space with logistical support, such as a kitchen, sanitary facilities, laundry or other. To this end, various devices have already been proposed. It is for example known to equip the interior volume of a container with logistical support means. The walls of this container are generally deployable to facilitate access to said logistic support means. A disadvantage of this type of container is that because of their non-standard character, these containers have a high manufacturing cost.

In addition during their transport, they are subject to aggression. Especially during shipping, these containers are subject to corrosion. In addition, when loading or unloading by a crane, these containers are subject to repeated shocks. Consequently, maintenance operations must be carried out frequently on these containers, which represents a significant cost. Finally, these containers require significant means for their transport and their implementation at the place of use, which limits their scope of use. It is also known to equip a trailer with logistical support means. A trailer includes for example a frame mounted on axles with wheels, and a floor fixed on the frame. The logistical support means are fixed on the floor of this trailer. The trailer may further include a superstructure that can be deployed. Such a type of device has for example been previously described by the applicant in the patent FR2750089. A disadvantage of this device is that the logistic support means are inseparable from the trailer. Under these conditions, during a maritime transport, the devices are in a first case stored next to each other in the hold of a boat. In this case, the storage being horizontal, the amount of devices that can be shipped on a boat is limited.

In a second case, the devices are stored in containers so as to allow them to stack on the deck of said boat. Due to the presence of the trailer, the volume occupied by the device within a container is not optimal, and only a device can be stored in a container. Finally, in periods of non-use, these devices need to be stored in a shed provided for this purpose, which generates an additional cost. The purpose of the invention is therefore to provide a platform equipped with 10 logistic support means presenting a low maintenance cost, a small footprint and being easily transportable. For this purpose, the invention relates to a platform equipped with logistic support means comprising a rectangular frame and a floor fixed on the frame on which the logistic support means are mounted; characterized in that the frame comprises: - at least one longitudinal housing opening on a first edge of the frame to allow the engagement of a fork of a handling machine; and 20 - fasteners provided with an orifice intended to cooperate with a rotating lock equipping a platform transport tray, these fastening elements being mounted at the four corners of the frame and being displaceable in the direction of the width of the frame between: - a retracted position in which the fastening elements 25 are housed inside the frame; and - an extended position in which the fasteners project from the frame, the distance separating two adjacent fasteners in the width direction of the frame being equal to a predetermined distance. In a preferred embodiment, the platform is shaped so that: - the fasteners conform to the ISO 1161: 1964 standard; and when the fasteners are in the extended position, the distance between two adjacent fasteners in the width direction of the chassis is 2438 mm or less so that the platform is in accordance with ISO 20 feet. When the fasteners are in the retracted position, the platform can be housed within a standard container, for example of ISO type 20 feet. In addition, it is possible to lock the platform in the container by pressing the fasteners against the vertical walls of the container. Preferably, the length of the platform is less than or equal to half the length of the interior volume of a 20 foot ISO type container. Under these conditions, the use of the volume of the container is optimized since it is possible to store end-to-end two platforms according to the invention within said container. The platform can be easily positioned within the container by a handling machine equipped with a fork, which fork is received in the longitudinal housing of the platform. During transport, only the container is exposed to the aggressions mentioned above. Under these conditions, the maintenance related to the use of the platform is limited to the maintenance of a standard 20 feet ISO container and is therefore cheap. When the fasteners are in the deployed position, they are able to cooperate with turn locks mounted on a transport tray of a truck or the like. Under these conditions, the platform can be transported directly on said truck. Finally, because of the presence of the longitudinal housing on the chassis, once the platform is routed to a predetermined location by the truck, the platform is unloaded using a forklift equipped with a forklift. The platform of the invention may further include the following features. In a preferred embodiment, the frame comprises: - hydraulic jacks for moving the fasteners from their retracted position to their deployed position, and vice versa; and a hydraulic pump for deploying or folding these hydraulic cylinders. In these conditions, the fasteners are easily movable.

Advantageously, the hydraulic pump is a hydraulic hand pump comprising a removable lever, which can be secured and alternately disengaged from the pump, so that actuation of the lever causes the deployment or folding of the hydraulic cylinders.

This technical solution is advantageous in that it does not require an additional source of energy to operate the hydraulic pump. It is envisaged that the frame comprises at least one transverse housing opening on a second edge of the frame to allow the engagement of a fork of a handling machine. Such a conformation is advantageous in that a handling machine can manipulate the platform by engaging its fork in the longitudinal housing or in the transverse housing. Loading / unloading of the platform is therefore facilitated. Preferably, the frame is equipped with casters pivotally mounted about transverse axes. Under these conditions, when the chassis is disposed within a container, it is possible to roll the platform on the bottom of the container to manually position it. Advantageously, the platform comprises four lashing rings attached to the four corners of the frame. Thus, it is possible to fix the platform on a transport tray not equipped with latches, via a strap. It is also envisaged that the platform comprises removable feet 25 adapted to be secured, and alternately disengaged from the chassis. The feet allow to have the platform on a floor, whatever the relief of it. The feet being removable, the size of the platform during transport is minimized. It is also contemplated that the platform comprises retractable legs mounted on the frame, movable between a retracted position in which the feet are received within the frame without protruding from the frame, and an extended position in which the feet protrude. chassis, the feet being hydraulically actuated. In these conditions, the placement of the feet is facilitated.

In its preferred embodiment, the platform comprises a superstructure that can be deployed, this superstructure comprising: a lower part comprising at least one gangway pivotally mounted on the chassis between a substantially vertical raised position and a substantially horizontal position; - An upper part comprising a substantially horizontal roof mounted on at least one pillar and - lifting means for moving the roof in a substantially vertical direction.

Preferably, at least one awning is pivotally mounted on the roof between a substantially vertical lowered position and a substantially horizontal position. Advantageously, the platform comprises removable vertical uprights intended to keep each awning in a substantially horizontal position. The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows with reference to the attached schematic drawing showing, by way of non-limiting example, a form of execution of a platform equipped with logistic support means according to the invention: Figure 1 is a perspective view in a folded form; Figure 2 is a perspective view in a first partially deployed form; Figure 3 is a perspective view in a second partially deployed form; Figure 4 is a perspective view in an expanded form; Figure 5 is a perspective view of three-quarter front of a frame equipping the platform of Figures 1 to 4; Figure 6 is a rear three-quarter perspective view of the frame of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a bottom view of the frame of Figures 5 and 6; Figure 8 is a top view of a fastener in the retracted position; Figure 9 is a top view of the fastener of Figure 8 in the deployed position; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a hydraulic circuit for actuating the fasteners of the platform; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a pump for actuating the displacement of the fasteners of Figures 8, 9, and 10; and FIG. 12 is a variant of the frame of FIGS. 5 to 7 in which feet are hydraulically actuated.

Figures 1 to 12 are oriented in the same orthogonal reference, linked to the platform, and formed by x, y and z directions. The drawing represents a platform 1 according to the invention. The platform 1 comprises a chassis 2 and a superstructure 3 mounted on this chassis 2.

The frame 2 (more visible in FIGS. 5 to 7) is of substantially rectangular shape and has two lateral edges 4, 6, a front edge 8 and a rear edge 10. The frame 2 is provided with a longitudinal housing 12 opening on the front edge 8 to allow the engagement of a fork of a handling machine in a first direction. This housing 12 consists of two passages 14 formed in the frame 2. These passages 14 extend parallel to the yL direction and open on a rectangular opening 16 formed in the front edge 8 on the one hand, and on a rectangular opening 18 formed in the rear edge 10 on the other hand.

In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 18 have a smaller dimension than the openings 16, so that the fork of a standard handling vehicle, of the pallet truck type, can be engaged in the housing 12 only through the openings 16 but not it can not be engaged by the openings 18. Thus shaped, the openings 18 provide the keying function, allowing the engagement of a frame in a container in only one direction. The frame 2 is further provided with a transverse housing 20 to allow engagement of the fork of the handling machine in a second direction. This housing 20 is formed of two passages 22 formed in the frame 2. These passages 22 extend parallel to the x direction and open on rectangular openings of the same dimension formed in the side edges 4 and 6. At each corner of the frame 2 are secured lashing rings 24 (more visible in Figure 6) to allow the attachment of the platform 1 to a transport tray by straps.

In addition, at each corner of the frame 2 are mounted fasteners 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d. The fastening elements 26a-26d take the form of hollow housing whose side and bottom walls are each provided with an oval orifice. In known manner, the orifice in the bottom wall is shaped to allow the introduction and rotation of a rotating lock (more commonly called "twist lock") in the fasteners 26a-26d. In the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners 26 are in accordance with ISO 1161: 1964.

The fastening elements 26a-26d are movable parallel to the x direction between: a retracted position (illustrated in FIG. 8) in which the fastening elements are received inside the chassis 2 without protruding from the chassis 2 or exceeding very little of it; and an extended position (illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9) in which the fastening elements project from the frame. The fastening elements 26a-26d are identical, so subsequently only the fastening element 26a is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. The fastening element 26a is mechanically connected to the chassis 2 via a hydraulic cylinder 27 with double effect. This hydraulic cylinder 27 consists of a piston 28 slidably mounted within a cylinder 34, which is integral with the frame 2. The piston 28 comprises a head 28a and an axis 28b mechanically connecting the head 28a to the element fixing 26a. For this purpose, the axis 28b is provided with a thread 30 on its end facing the fastening element 26a, and the fastening element 26a is fixed to the axis 28b by means of a screw 32 or the like. The head 28a divides the cylinder 34 into two chambers 36a and 36b. The chambers 36a and 36b are fluidly connected to a hand hydraulic pump 38 (shown in FIGS. 10 and 111) via tubings, 40 and 42, respectively. The pump 38 comprises: - an oil reservoir 44 ; a cylinder C (not shown) fluidically connected to the reservoir 38 on the one hand and to the pipes 40, 42 on the other hand; and a piston P (not shown) mounted to move inside this cylinder C.

The pump 38 further comprises a tip 46 pivotally mounted about an axis 48 parallel to the direction x, designed so that a pivoting of the nozzle 46 about the axis 48 causes the displacement in translation of the piston P to The tip 46 comprises a housing shaped so that a lever 50 can be secured and alternately disengaged with the tip 46. In use conditions, the tip 46 is flush with the edge 8 (such as shown in Figure 5). The pump 38 finally comprises an inverter 52 for mechanically controlling the direction of flow of the oil within the tubes 40 and 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the inverter 52 is pivotally mounted about an axis parallel to the direction x between a first and a second position. To move the fastener 26a from its retracted position (shown in FIG. 8) to its extended position (shown in FIG. 9), the inverter 52 is positioned in its first position. Under these conditions, when the lever 50, integral with the nozzle 46, is actuated downwards, the piston P translates into the cylinder C creating a depression in the cylinder C. In response, a volume of oil from the reservoir 44 is sucked into the cylinder C. When the lever 50 is actuated upwards, the piston P represses the oil previously sucked through the pipe 40.

The reprocessed oil is conducted inside the chamber 36a creating an overpressure within it. In response the piston 28 slides within the cylinder 34 and the fastener 26a moves to its deployed position. The sliding of the piston 28 within the cylinder 34 creates an overpressure within the chamber 36b. In response, a portion of the oil stored within this chamber 36b is discharged to the reservoir 44 by the tubing 42. The user reiterates the previous sequence (successive actuation of the lever downwards then upwards) to that the fastener reaches its extended position. Conversely, to move the fastener 26a from its deployed position (shown in FIG. 9) to its retracted position (illustrated in FIG. 8), a user positions the inverter in its second position.

Under these conditions, when the lever 50, integral with the nozzle 46, is actuated downwards, the piston P translates into the cylinder C creating a depression in the cylinder C. In response, a volume of oil from the reservoir 44 is sucked into the cylinder C. When the lever 50 is actuated upwards, the piston P represses the oil previously sucked through the pipe 42. The discharged oil is conducted inside the 36b chamber creating an overpressure within it. In response the piston 28 slides within the cylinder 34 and the fastener 26a moves to its retracted position. The sliding of the piston 28 within the cylinder 34 creates an overpressure within the chamber 36a. In response, a part of the oil stored within this chamber 36a is discharged to the reservoir 44 via the tubing 40. The user repeats the preceding sequence (successive actuation of the lever downwards then upwards) to that the fastener reaches its retracted position. In the preferred embodiment, rollers 45 (illustrated in Figure 7) are pivotally mounted on the frame 2 about transverse axes, on the face of the frame 2 facing the ground conditions of use. These rollers 45 are movable between a retracted position (not shown) in which the rollers 45 are housed inside the frame 2 and an extended position (illustrated in FIG. 7) in which the rollers 45 project under the frame 2. The movement of the rollers 45 between their retracted and deployed positions is preferably hydraulically actuated. The frame 2 is also equipped with removable feet 60. These feet 60 are adapted to be secured, and alternately disconnected from the frame 2. The feet 60 are illustrated for example in Figures 5 and 6 in their disassembled form and housed in storage 62 provided for this purpose formed in the frame. In a variant 200 of the frame 2 (shown in FIG. 12), the feet 60 are omitted and are replaced by feet 600. These feet 600 are mounted under the frame 200 and are movable between a retracted position (not shown) and a deployed position (shown in Figure 12). The displacement of the feet 600 is actuated hydraulically by a mechanism identical to the mechanism described for the displacement of the fastening elements 26a-26d.

Superstructure 3 is now described. This is substantially identical to the superstructure described in patent FR2750089, so it is not described in detail. The superstructure 3 comprises a lower part and an upper part.

The lower part has four bridges: two side bridges 72 and two front and rear gangways74. Each bridge 72, 74 is articulated along the frame 2 by means of a hinge and is pivotable between a vertical raised position (shown in FIG. 1) and a horizontal extended position (illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4).

The front and rear gangways 74 have, at each of their ends, a triangular-shaped corner element 76 designed to connect the front and rear gangways 74 to the side gangways 72. Each corner element 76 is hinged to the edge of the a bridge 74 using two hinges and can rotate about 180 °.

Stair steps 71 are also provided to facilitate access to the gangways 72, 74. These are mounted on the corner elements 76. In the folded position, (illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2), the elements The angle 76 and the steps 71 are flat on the corresponding bridges 74. In the deployed position (illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4), the corner elements 76, connect two adjacent gangways 72, 74 and the stair steps 71 are operational. When the gangways 72,74 are in the folded position, they are held by a lock 75 (shown in Figure 1). The latter is held in the locking position by a pawl 77. The latch 75 is pivotally mounted on a bridge 72 or 74 and engages with a striker 70 fixed on a bridge 74 or 72 neighbor. By acting first on the pawl 77, then on the corresponding latch 75, the gateways 72, 74 are released. The upper part of the superstructure 3 has a rectangular roof 80. On each of its four edges is articulated an awning 82. Each awning 82 can rotate about 90 ° relative to the roof 80. In the folded position (shown in Figures 1 to 3), the awnings 82 are substantially vertical and below roof 80 while in the deployed position (shown in Figure 4), they extend substantially in the plane of the roof 80.

The roof surface 80 and louvers 82 in the deployed position corresponds substantially to that of the chassis 2 and 72.74 expanded bridges. The lower and upper parts of the superstructure thus form a floor and a ceiling and define a covered space. To keep the awnings 82 in the open position, removable uprights 84 are provided. The latter are nested on feet 86 5 mounted on the gangways 72, 74. The upper part of the superstructure 3 is movable relative to the lower part. The roof 80 has a tubular central pillar (not shown), designed to slide in a chimney 88 mounted in the center of the frame 2. Hydraulic lifting means allow the displacement of the pillar relative to the chimney 88. By way of example two cylinders (not shown), powered by a hydraulic hand pump 90, are mounted on the frame 2 and drive the pillar and by the same the roof 80 in translation. The pillar comprises on a longitudinal face a rack 15 cooperating with a ratchet security system. In known manner and not described in detail here, the security system is engaged in the notches of the rack, preventing the pillar and the roof 80 to fall in case of failure of the pump 90 or cylinders. To hoist the roof 80, it is sufficient to actuate the hand pump 90. The security system and its holding device automatically lock the roof 80 in the high position. To lower the roof 80, it is necessary to act simultaneously on the security system to unlock it and on a discharge valve built into the pump 90 to lower the pressure in the cylinders.

The platform is equipped with logistic support means 102 mounted around the chimney 88 on a floor 100 fixed to the frame 2. It may be for example a water heater for supplying showers, refrigerating cabinets, a washing machine and tumble dryer, hotplates and an oven, etc.

The embodiment of the invention described above is not limiting in nature. Improvements can be made in alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. 35

Claims (12)

REVENDICATIONS1. Platform (1) equipped with means (102) for logistical support comprising a frame (2) of rectangular shape and a floor (100) fixed on the frame (2) on which are mounted the means (102) for logistical support; characterized in that, the frame (2) comprises: - at least one housing (12) longitudinal opening on a first edge (8) of the frame (2) to allow the engagement of a fork of a handling machine; and fastening elements (26a-26d) provided with an orifice designed to cooperate with a rotating lock equipping a platform transport tray, these fastening elements (26a-26d) being mounted at the four corners of the chassis (2 ) and being displaceable in the direction of the width of the frame (2), between: - a retracted position in which the fastening elements (26a-26d) are housed inside the frame (2); and an extended position in which the fastening elements (26a-26d) protrude from the frame (2), the distance separating two adjacent fastening elements (26a-26d) in the width direction of the frame (2) being equal at a predetermined distance. 2. Platform (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: - the fastening elements (26a-26d) are in accordance with the ISO 1161: 1964; and when the fastening elements (26a-26d) are in the extended position, the distance separating two fastening elements (26a-26d) adjacent in the width direction of the frame (2) is less than or equal to 2438mm so that the platform complies with the ISO 20 foot standard. 3. Platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the frame (2) comprises: - hydraulic cylinders (27) for moving the fastening elements (26a-26d) from their retracted position to their deployed position, and vice versa; and - a hydraulic pump (38) for deploying or folding these hydraulic cylinders (27). 4. Platform according to claim 3, characterized in that the hydraulic pump (38) is a hydraulic hand pump comprising a lever (50) removable, can be secured and alternately disengaged from the pump (38), so that actuation of the lever (50) causes the deployment or folding of the hydraulic cylinders (27). 5. Platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the frame (2) comprises at least one transverse housing (20) opening on a second edge of the frame (4) to allow engagement a fork of a handling machine. 6. Platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the frame (2) is equipped with casters pivotally mounted about transverse axes. 7. Platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the platform (1) comprises four lashing rings (24) attached to the four corners of the frame (2). 8. Platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the platform (1) comprises feet (60) removable adapted to be secured, and alternately disengaged from the frame (2). 9. Platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the platform (1) comprises retractable feet mounted on the frame (2) movable between a retracted position in which the feet are received at the the interior of the frame (2) without protruding from the frame (2), and an extended position in whichthe feet project from the frame (2), the feet being hydraulically actuated. 10. Platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the platform (1) comprises a superstructure (3) which can be deployed, this superstructure (3) comprising: - a lower part comprising at least a bridge (72, 74) pivotally mounted on the frame (2) between a substantially vertical raised position and a substantially horizontal position; - An upper part comprising a roof substantially horizontal (80) mounted on at least one pillar and - lifting means (90) for moving the roof (80) in a substantially vertical direction. 11. Platform (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one awning (82) is pivotally mounted on the roof (80) between a substantially vertical lowered position and a substantially horizontal position. 12. Platform (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 1 1, characterized in that it comprises removable vertical uprights (84) intended to maintain each awning in substantially horizontal position.