FR3053303A1 - MOTORIZED HANDLING TROLLEY - Google Patents

Abstract

Hand truck type devil having a frame with a backrest (40) and bottom, a shovel (41) and two wheels (71). The carriage has a motor unit (60) installed on the frame (10) and having an electric motor (61) connected to a differential transmission (62), two lateral output axes (621) and two crawler modules (50). ) each connected to an axis (521) of the motor unit and pivotally mounted about said axis independently between a position aligned with the frame and an extended position.

Description

© Publication no .: 3,053,303 (use only for reproduction orders)

©) National registration number: 17 55475 ® FRENCH REPUBLIC

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

COURBEVOIE © IntCI ⁸

B 62 B 1/08 (2017.01), B 62 B 5/02

A1 PATENT APPLICATION

©) Date of filing: 16.06.17. © Priority: 29.06.16 FR 1656067. (© Applicant (s): R.S.A. CONCEPT Société anonyme - BE. ©) Date of availability of the request: 05.01.18 Bulletin 18/01. @ Inventor (s): COLLIBAULT JOSEPH and LECOMTE GERARD. ©) List of documents cited in the preliminary search report: The latter was not established on the date of publication of the request. (© References to other related national documents: ©) Holder (s): R.S.A. CONCEPT Société anonyme. ©) Extension request (s): © Agent (s): CABINET HERRBURGER. © MOTORIZED HANDLING TROLLEY.

FR 3 053 303 - A1 (67) Trolley-type handling cart having a chassis with a backrest (40) and at the bottom, a shovel (41) and two wheels (71).

The carriage comprises a motor unit (60) installed on the chassis (10) and having an electric motor (61) connected to a differential transmission (62), with two lateral output axes (621) and two tracked modules (50 ) each connected to an axis (521) of the motor unit and pivotally mounted around this axis independently between a position aligned on the chassis and a deployed position.

_λ 30

i

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a trolley-type handling trolley having a chassis with a backrest and partly a base, a shovel and two wheels.

State of the art

Multiple types of handling carts are known, and in particular trolleys of the devil type, that is to say a stretcher, one end of which is provided with two wheels and the other of which constitutes the handles with which the carriage drives in a position in general relatively raised as opposed to a wheelbarrow which has a transport position, almost horizontal.

The devil's stretcher ends in the lower part with a return or shovel which is slipped under the edge of the load to be taken to transport it and then the load is tilted on the bearing surface formed by the front side of the stretcher. above the shovel.

The load is thus transported, generally by pushing it in front of you.

But a devil cannot pass irregular obstacles, for example irregular or loose ground, and above all he cannot pass one or a few steps.

There are certainly devils intended to pass the stairs and whose two wheels are each replaced by a combination of three wheels distributed at the vertices of a triangle so that the trolley rolling on a step can be tilted back to lift the first pair of wheels and pass it over the step to then tilt the stretcher with the load and pass the two highest wheels of this double triplet of wheels over the nose of the step to roll on top of the step and repeat this tilting movement of the two pairs of wheels around the nose of the step.

This trolley is certainly interesting but its ease of use is only apparent. Indeed, as the wheels of the two triplets of wheels are not locked in one direction of traffic, it is difficult to pass a stair nosing because the carriage, under the effect of a forward push, tends to to roll back the wheels of these triplets, which requires the application of an even greater effort to the carriage.

In general, there are currently no satisfactory solutions for moving a load using a cart on uneven ground such as an alley with gravel or a dirt track, or in general, a irregular rolling surface, with more or less raised obstacles, a curb, etc.

Purpose of the invention

The object of the present invention is to develop a truck-type handling trolley making it possible to easily pass obstacles or to travel on an irregular surface or to pass steps without requiring significant efforts on the part of the driver of the trolley.

Presentation and advantages of the invention

To this end, the subject of the invention is a trolley type handling trolley, characterized in that it comprises a motor unit installed on the chassis and an electric motor connected to a differential transmission, with two lateral output axes, two tracked modules, each connected to an axis of the engine group and pivotally mounted around this axis independently between a position aligned on the chassis and a deployed position for driving.

The trolley according to the invention is very compact since the two tracked modules provide a large bearing surface when the two modules are in the deployed circulation position while having a very compact shape and reduced width, practically equal to that of a classic devil. However, as the bearing surface of the two tracked modules is large, not only does the handling trolley circulate easily since the two modules are motorized, but also it operates more regularly given its greater bearing surface at ground, absorbing transient irregularities such as a raised obstacle on the traffic surface. Trolley operation is made significantly easier thanks to the differential transmission, the two output axes of which are the drive axes of the two tracked modules. The tracks can therefore turn at different speeds when cornering without slipping, that is to say loss of grip and also excessive wear of the tracks. The trolley can even turn on itself (on site) since one track can move forward and the other can back off thanks to the differential. The track also runs on the nose of the steps of a staircase, even if this staircase has a curved path since the caterpillars can follow this path without having to slide relative to one another thanks to the differential. It is thus easy to descend a staircase with a load in front of you or to climb a staircase in such a position. This arrangement is very useful in the case of a narrow staircase with a sharp turn and no intermediate landing because the maneuvering space is particularly reduced. While a hand truck for climbing steps must be pulled, the fact of pushing it does not allow the steps to be climbed, in the case of the trolley according to the invention, the driver advantageously places himself behind the trolley since the modules pull the trolley and make him go up the steps.

This is also true for the movement of the trolley on a surface other than steps since the trolley is pulled by the motorized tracks in front of the driver. He does not have to push the cart but simply hold the handles to stabilize the cart if necessary and above all guide it.

The trolley according to the invention is particularly advantageous for transporting bulky loads such as household appliances, the replacement of this equipment. Thus, to transport a load such as a washing machine or a refrigerator, simply slide the shovel under the load and then tilt the cart slightly so that the shovel is engaged under the load, which allows to extract it in reverse of the tracked modules, its cavity in an integrated installation such as a fitted kitchen. Then, once the load is released, it is tilted against the backrest to transport it easily through the house, go down the steps, even a staircase, and get into the transport vehicle and proceed under the same conditions with the equipment of substitution.

Such a cart is particularly interesting, also for transporting a load on a site, the access roads being generally irregular or difficult to use with a hand truck or a wheelbarrow. In addition, the load can thus be transported to the destination point even if there are stairs to pass.

Advantageously for the production of the carriage, the track module has a body pivotally mounted about the axis of the transmission carrying the drive wheel of the module, the module having a second free wheel, with an axis parallel to that of the wheel. drive and on which the track passes, as well as a locking mechanism connecting the module body to the chassis to block the two positions of each module relative to the chassis.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the module has a driving wheel and a free wheel as well as an intermediate support set back relative to the lower tangent to the two wheels so that when the track passes over a raised part such as a nose When walking, the track is held in the gap between the two wheels while being able to curve slightly to better wrap the obstacle to pass (such as a walking nose).

According to another advantageous characteristic, the module comprises a track provided on its inner face, with a guide rib and the two wheels of the module body and the intermediate support each have a guide groove receiving the rib of the track. The track is thus perfectly guided transversely on the drive wheel, the freewheel and the support in the form of a roller so that the transverse forces exerted on the track do not make it crazy.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the carriage comprises a rolling element formed by a pair of wheels mounted on an axis carried by two arms each connected to a pivot of the chassis, this pair of wheels being movable between a stable retracted position above track modules and a stable, lowered rolling position under the tracks, protruding from the outline of the tracks to roll on the ground without the tracks touching it.

According to another characteristic, the track module has a body pivotally mounted about the axis of the transmission carrying the drive wheel of the module, the module having a second free wheel with an axis parallel to that of the drive wheel and over which passes the track and a locking device connecting the body of the module to the chassis, this locking device being constituted by an electric actuator for adjusting the position of the module relative to the chassis, the movement of the actuators of the two modules being in synchronism.

This locking device making it possible to adjust the inclination of the chassis with the load relative to the support polygon formed by the two track modules facilitates the maneuvering of the truck and reduces the efforts that the operator must exert to hold the truck, drive it , by pushing or pulling it.

This maneuver is then particularly simple since the operator adjusts the tilt according to the forces he feels while holding the handle of the trolley.

To implement this inclination, the driver need only control the movement of the jacks. This movement is in synchronism so that the angle that each of the modules forms with the chassis is the same.

The electric cylinder allows continuous movement, making it easier to adjust the incline.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the chassis carries a telescopic handle whose fixed part integral with the chassis is oriented in the geometric axis thereof, its telescopic part being provided at its end with a guide and maneuvering handle. This makes it possible to adapt the handle, for example to the size or habits of the driver and also to compact the handle to reduce the size of the trolley in the storage position.

According to another characteristic, the handle is in the form of an arch protruding from each side of the end of the handle to form two lever arms making it possible to stabilize the driving of the carriage.

According to another characteristic, the handle is provided under the handle, with a high support carried by the telescopic part, completing the backrest and making it easier to stabilize a high load such as for example a refrigerator. This high support also allows the attachment of fasteners, straps or elastic cords.

According to another characteristic, the carriage comprises a retractable support at the base of the chassis constituted by a movably mounted foot sliding by a jack, this support being in particular housed in the fixed part of the handle. This retractable support constitutes a particularly advantageous safety device to prevent the truck from tipping over in the event of a false maneuver or operator's attention error or more generally of an incident occurring during the maneuver.

This retractable support is particularly simple to make and to integrate into the carriage. It is controlled from the handle.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the end of the telescopic part of the handle makes an angle relative to the support plane formed by the telescopic handle and the backrest to come under this plane on the other side of the part receiving the load, this which allows the handle to be conveniently held, even if the load transported is relatively high and is pressed closely against the surface of the backrest.

According to another characteristic, the backrest is formed by the fixed part of the handle and by two longitudinal arches on each side of the fixed part of the handle. This constitutes a simple realization of the backrest, light and nevertheless offering a large surface area to properly hold the load on the trolley.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the tracks of each module have transverse teeth so as to cling well to obstacles to pass, in particular to the stair nosings.

According to another characteristic, the carriage comprises an auxiliary module formed by at least a triplet of wheels carried by an arm connected to the chassis and by an electric actuator to pivot between a retracted position and a position unfolded substantially in the upward extension of the two track modules occupying a central symmetrical position relative to the plane of symmetry of the carriage.

The auxiliary module is a particularly interesting element for transporting heavy loads on the trolley in the pushed position, for going up or down steps.

The auxiliary module facilitates the maneuver for the operator since he will not have to support the chassis in an inclined position. In addition, the passage of steps in an inclined position constitutes a secure solution, since the center of gravity of the load, generally heavy and bulky, is very low. The triplet is maneuvered automatically in its pivoting by the thrust exerted by the track modules in the direction of ascent or by the braking restraint of the track modules in the direction of descent.

According to an advantageous characteristic, the carriage comprises a rolling module formed by a triplet of wheels carried by a star support with three branches, equiangular in an equilateral triangle distribution, the assembly being mounted to pivot freely around the passing axis. through the center of the support, a track ribbon passing over the three wheels.

According to another advantageous characteristic, the auxiliary module formed by a triplet of wheels and the wheel module provided with a track tape have their support mounted by a pivot axis in a bracket in the shape of an inverted U, connected to the arm for swing.

Alternatively, the auxiliary module is connected to the chassis of the carriage in an easily removable manner.

In general, the trolley according to the invention is simple and economical to manufacture. The various constituent elements of the trolley are, if necessary, easily replaceable such as tracked modules or electrical equipment or battery. All of these are very accessible. They are all located in the lower part of the carriage, which contributes significantly to the stability of the carriage in a standing position or close to a standing position which is, moreover, the position in which the carriage circulates on a flat surface, for example horizontal or slightly tilted.

The trolley according to the invention is of universal use making it possible to transport multiple types of load under difficult traffic conditions, with uneven surfaces or on an irregular circulation surface.

Drawings

The present invention will be described below in more detail with the aid of an embodiment of a cart of the trolley type according to the invention shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the trolley, FIG. 2 is a diagram of the chassis and of the equipment of the trolley chassis, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the chassis showing a track module, FIG. 4A is a view similar to FIG. 3 but with the detail of the module, external side, FIG. 4B is a view of the track module on the internal side, FIG. 4C is a side view of the carriage in the standing position, FIG. 5 is a view of above the carriage in the direction of the backrest, FIG. 6A is a detail view of the handle, FIG. 6B is a view in median section of the upper part of the handle, FIGS. 7A-7C are different perspective views of the carriage in its different states:

* Figure 7A is a front perspective view of the carriage in the standing position, * Figure 7B is a rear view of the carriage in the transport position with the tracks, * Figure 7C is a front perspective view of the carriage using its element bearing, FIGS. 8A-8C are different views of the carriage in the passage position on the steps, the load not being shown on the carriage, * FIG. 8A shows the carriage in the ascent position of a step, the driver located on the rear side, * FIG. 8B shows the carriage passing over two stair noses, * FIG. 8C shows the carriage in its downward movement, in front of the driver, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the carriage, FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the interior side of a track module, FIG. 11 is a side view of the loaded carriage showing the pivoting of the chassis relative to the track modules in the roll position ement on a flat surface, Figure 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a carriage, having a stop preventing overturning, Figure 13 is a side view of another embodiment of a carriage equipped with an auxiliary module, FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a carriage equipped with an auxiliary bearing module, the carriage being presented supported on its two tracked modules, the FIG. 15 shows the carriage of FIG. 14 in the supine position, FIG. 16 is a detail view of the rear part of the carriage of FIG. 14 in the upright position, FIG. 17 is another perspective view of the detail of the auxiliary module of the trolley of FIG. 14, the trolley resting on its tracked modules and on the auxiliary bearing module, FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a trolley equipped with an auxiliary module with kennel the, shown in a standing position bearing on the tracked modules, FIG. 19 is a view of the carriage of FIG. 18 in the lowered position, bearing on its tracks and on its auxiliary tracked module, FIG. 20 is a schematic view of detail of the wheel triplet provided with the track of the auxiliary module of figure 18.

ίο

Description of an embodiment of the invention

Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a truck-type handling cart consisting of a frame 10 with the various functional elements.

The chassis 10 is maneuvered with a telescopic handle 20 terminated by a handle 30 forming part of the backrest 40 and having at its base a shovel 41 for engaging under a load to be transported, lifting it and then retaining it in abutment against the backrest 40 .

The chassis 10 is flanked on two sides by a motorized track module 50 for driving on a regular or irregular surface and also for climbing the steps of a staircase in the upward and downward directions. The overall width of the carriage is preferably that of a hand truck for easily passing an opening such as a door, the load transported being able to exceed this width.

In addition to the track modules 50 driven by an engine group 60 composed of an electric motor 61 and a differential transmission 62, connected to the two track modules 50, the chassis 10 carries a rolling element 70 with an axis two wheels 71 connected by two arms 73 to the chassis, passing in the interval between the sides of the chassis 10 and each track module 50.

The rolling element 70 is pivotable between a stable retracted position and a stable deployed position like that shown, to serve as a rolling means protruding from the outline of the tracks to allow the carriage to roll without using the tracks and their engine.

The carriage generally presented with the aid of FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described in more detail below more particularly:

the chassis 10 using figures 3, 4A, the track module 50 using figures 3, 4A, 4B and 4C, the rolling element 70 using figures 3, 4A, the handle telescopic using Figures 1, 5, 6A, 6B, the control handle using Figures 1, 6B, 7A, the different configurations of the carriage will be presented in the overview of Figures 7A-7C, and particular operating situations will be described using FIGS. 8A-8C.

According to FIGS. 3, 4A, the chassis 10 is a structure, for example mechanically welded, formed on two sides 110 of folded sheet metal connected by crosspieces 120; it houses the power unit 60 and carries the tracked modules 50 as well as the rolling element 70.

According to Figures 2, 3, 4A, the motor unit 60 is in the transverse position; it is composed of an electric motor 61 powered by a control circuit 64 connected to the handle 30 from a storage battery 63, for example a Li-ion type battery. This battery is housed in chassis 10.

The motor 61 is connected to the differential transmission (or more simply a differential 62) composed of a reduction gear and at the output, a differential with two output axes 621, each connected to one of the tracked modules 50. The modules 50 are symmetrical, so their description will be limited to one of them with the same references for the two modules.

The track module 50 has a body 51 mounted to pivot freely by bearings 511 on the exit tax 621 of the differential 62. The body 51 houses the drive wheel 52 integral with the exit tax 621 and carries a free wheel 53 mounted on an axis 531 A track 54, preferably with transverse external ribs 541, passes over the two wheels 52, 53 of the module. The inner surface of the track, in contact with the two wheels has a longitudinal rib in the form of a V-belt and the two wheels 52, 53 have a peripheral groove homologous to this rib (by shape and position) so as to retain transversely the track 54 to prevent it from "going crazy" under the effect of transverse forces to which the track may be subjected during the maneuvers carried out with the carriage.

The body 51 of the module consists of two oblong plates 51a, 51b, Tune 51a on the outside of the carriage (FIG. 4A), the other 51b on the interior of the carriage (FIG. 4B); these two substantially identical plates are mounted on Tax output 621 of the differential 62 by means of rolling bearings 511. The two plates carry Tax 531 of the freewheel 53 by a double sliding assembly each formed by a bearing 532 associated with each plate 51a, 51b, guided in a slide 533 and associated with a screw 534, fixed in translation, the head 535 of which is accessible through a window 536 of the plate 51a or 51b. Each end of the axis 531 is thus carried by a bearing 532 adjustable by a separate screw 534. Only one of these two crews appears as well as its screw, each time in FIG. 4A and in FIG. 4B. The bearing 532 set, is blocked using a plate 537 like that appearing in FIG. 4B; it is screwed into the bearing 532 by two screws passing through slots 538 so as to be blocked by pinching the plate 5a, b.

The axis 531 of the free wheel 53 carried by the two bearings 532 mounted adjustable each on the body in a slide 533 makes it possible to adjust the tension applied to the track 54 and the parallelism of the free wheel 53 along the axis of the wheel drive 52, to keep the track 54 in alignment with the wheels 52, 53.

The track 54 is preferably formed, in the direction of its thickness, by an inner part in contact with the wheels 52, 53 which is very slightly extensible to withstand the elongation forces which the track undergoes, and from an outer part with crampons which is very flexible to lie down on the wheels 52, 53 and conform to the shape of the obstacles, the irregularities of the ground, the nose of the steps, for the grip, or even the attachment of the caterpillar to the obstacles.

The module 50 also includes an intermediate support (FIG. 4B) for the track 54 between the drive wheel 52 and the free wheel 53. This support set back from the straight geometrical line, tangent below each wheel 52, 53, is formed by a roller 56 which allows the track 54 to sink slightly in the passage of a local obstacle such as for example a stair nosing, a curb or a large pebble while maintaining an important contact for the rest of the track with the surface on which the track rests (the wheels 52, 53 of the module roll on the track 54 which, itself, remains fixed relative to the surface on which the module circulates).

The lunule-shaped surface, left free between the straight line 54a of the rectilinear course of the track 54 and the concave shape 54b of the track 54 when it is in contact with the roller 56, when an obstacle is passed, is preferably closed by a retractable or deformable cover such as a brush or a flexible deformable strip of plastic or rubber or also a rigid blade, guided by slides or slides to retract.

The purpose of this cover is to prevent the entry of gravel or other small foreign bodies into the module when the caterpillar runs flat over a surface of gravel or other particles which could pass in this interval in the form of a lunula.

It should be noted that the plates 51a, 51b of the body 51 slightly overlap the thickness of the track so as to close the body of the module from the outside.

The plates 51a, 51b are covered by a cover 57 which closes the interior of the module 50 at the base of the track 54.

FIG. 4B shows the face, interior side of the module 50, facing the median plane of the carriage and provided with a locking lever 551 mounted by a pivot 552 on the module 50. The lever has a slide 553 for receiving a carried slide by the chassis 10. The slide 553 has a retaining notch 554 in the upper part to form a support for the slide when the module 50 is in the deployed position. The lever 551 is recalled by a spring (not shown) (direction D) attached to a spout 556 of the lever 551 and to the frame 10 to pivot the lever in the direction C and thus push the notch 554 on the slide. ²

The axis 552 is at the same time the axis of the support roller 56 for the track 54.

As already indicated in general, the module 50, aligned on the chassis 10 (FIGS. 4A, 4B), is deployed to pivot around the axis 621 of its drive wheel 52 and therefore relative to the chassis 10. For this, we simply press with the foot on the module 50 at the level of the track 54 surrounding the freewheel 53 so that the module pivots while the slide, not shown, carried by the chassis 10, rises (relative movement) in the curved slide 553 and finally is housed in the retaining notch 554 since the spring tends to rotate the lever 551 in the direction of the arrow C. The module 50 is thus blocked relative to the chassis 10. To unlock the module 50, it is enough to push back the lever 551 with the foot in the opposite direction (direction -C) to release its notch 554 from the slide and allow the module 50 to pivot in the opposite direction under the effect for example of an air spring, so that the module resume its position one aligned on the chassis 10.

The movement of a module 50 is independent of that of the other module since the modules rotate freely around their axis 621 of the drive wheel 52 and the only sign that appears is the pivoting of the free wheel 53 relative to the track 54 since the drive wheel 52 remains fixed, integral with the output axis 621 which, of course, does not rotate.

FIG. 3 shows the outer side of the module 50 with a cover 57 covering the bearing 532 of the free wheel 53 and its adjustment window 536 as well as the end of the axle of the drive wheel 52 and its bearing.

According to the diagram of FIG. 2 and the views of FIGS. 3, 4B, the electric motor 61 and its differential 62, due to the mounting of the modules on the output axes 621, are in the extreme low position, which is advantageous for the stability of the trolley, the center of gravity of the empty weight of which is thus very low.

The side view of FIG. 4C highlights the geometry of the carriage in the standing position, at equilibrium when empty and also under load (the load is not shown). The ground surface S is assumed to be horizontal. The direction ZI of the backrest 40 is inclined towards the rear (AR) opposite the front (AV) which is the side of the load, relative to the vertical direction Z.

The shovel 41 makes an angle greater than 90 ° with respect to the backrest 40 resulting in this inclination of the direction Zl. The carriage is thus supported on the ground by its shovel 41 and by the end of the track 54, on the drive wheel side 52. The components (engine, transmission, battery) are organized in the chassis 10 so that the center of gravity is also as low as possible and inside the lift polygon, that is to say between the support of the shovel 51 and the support of the track 54.

The inclined arrangement of the shovel 41 makes it possible to engage the shovel 41 under a load (package, machine such as washing machine, refrigerator) without, at this time, for this grip (or release) maneuver, ie the reverse maneuver), the backrest 40 does not touch the load (it corresponds to the vertical orientation Z), which considerably facilitates the maneuver. In addition, the handle is released from the load. After taking the load, it is tilted backwards (AR) against the backrest 40.

Figure 4C also shows on the left, two steps that can be attacked with the carriage thus oriented. The recall line indicates the place where the track 54 meets the stair nosing N1 which is located in the gap between the two contact areas of the track 54 and the two wheels 52, 53.

In this interval, the track 54 passes from its straight line 54a to the concave line corresponding substantially to the outline of the profile 54b and which is supported by the support roller 56.

FIG. 4C shows an example of a cover 58 closing each clearance in the form of a lunula of the plates 51a, 51b of the body 51 as has been described. The cover 58 is presented here as a broom.

FIGS. 3, 4A, 4C show the rolling element 70 with its pair of wheels 71 mounted on an axle 72 carried by two arms 73 connected to pivots 74 on the sides 110 of the chassis, in the interval left with each module to track 50.

The arms 73 are connected to the chassis 10 by an air spring 75 which stabilizes them in the two end-of-travel positions and thus creates a metastable passage point so that the axis 72 with the two wheels is always led towards the either of these end positions. This arrangement also appears in the top view made in the direction of the handle in FIG. 5.

FIGS. 5, 6A, 6B show the structure of the telescopic handle 20, the fixed part 21 of which is a tube of rectangular section, fixed to the frame 10 and the telescopic part of which 22 engaged in the fixed part, is also a tube of open rectangular section, sliding in the fixed tube 21 and locking relative thereto by tightening by a screw 23 with a handle 231 (Figure 5, Figure 6A).

The tube of the telescopic part 23 has a longitudinal opening 222 to pass over the clamping screw 23 which has an internal wedge 232 blocking the telescopic tube 22 against the fixed tube 21.

FIG. 6B which is a perspective view of the telescopic part 23, cut longitudinally, shows its upper end 221, making an angle with respect to the direction ZI of the fixed part 21 and of the telescopic part 22 so that the handle 30 is below the plane of the backrest and allows the handle to be held, even if the object to be transported, pressed against the backrest 30, has a height (length) exceeding the length of the handle 20, adjusted for example according to the cart driver size.

As shown in Figure 1, the handle 30 has a double hoop 31 clearly protruding on each side of the plane of symmetry to have a sufficient lever arm on each side, facilitating the operation of the carriage.

The engine control buttons 32 (forward, 20 reverse, speed and stop) are carried by the handle 20 in a split manner on each side, within reach of the driver's fingers / thumbs.

The speed control button makes it possible to adapt the carriage drive, for example, to the difficulty of crossing an obstacle such as steps and / or to facilitate maneuvering in turns, at slow speed, while traffic on a even surface can be done at the driver's walking speed. In addition, on a downward sloping surface, the speed control will brake the loaded truck.

An emergency stop button 33 is fitted to the end of the handle so that, if pressed, the engine is immediately stopped.

Operation indicators such as the battery charge level can equip the handle or the top of the chassis.

According to Figure 1, the backrest 40 is a bearing surface formed in the middle, in the plane of symmetry, by the face of the rectangular profile of the fixed part 21 of the handle 20. This surface is enlarged transversely by two arches 42, longitudinal , tubular, integral with the chassis 10 and forming both a bearing surface and a means for hooking the straps.

In order not to limit the size of the carriage which must be reduced for its storage or by certain maneuvers, the hoops 42 of the backrest do not exceed the fixed part 21 of the handle 20.

In the upper part, the backrest 40 is completed by a high support 43 secured to the telescopic part 22 of the handle, directly below the arch 31 of the handle 30.

Figures 7A-7C show the carriage in its different configurations without the representation of the load.

FIG. 7A is a front view of the carriage in the standing position. The carriage is supported on its shovel 41 and on the end of the two track modules 50. The rolling element 70 is retracted, the wheels coming in high position in alignment with the chassis. The handle 20 is slightly extended.

Figure 7B shows the carriage in the transport position. The handle and the backrest are slightly inclined; the shovel 41 is raised. This inclined position corresponds to the deployed position of the two track modules 50, supported on the circulation surface.

In this position, the support polygon is defined by the bearing surface of the tracks 50. This surface is relatively long in the direction of circulation so that the center of gravity of the load is, except in very exceptional situations, always in the lift polygon formed by the two tracks 54 so that the driver can drive the carriage without having to make any particular effort to retain the load in tilting forwards or backwards.

FIG. 7C is a view of the carriage with the rolling element 70 deployed in the active position. The wheels 71 protrude from the outline of the tracks and the carriage can roll without using the tracks.

Figures 8A-8C show the passage of steps with the carriage. FIGS. 8A, 8B show the upward movement of the carriage, the driver occupying his natural position behind the carriage, on the track module side 50, and the load, not shown, being on the front side, supported on the backrest 40 and retained by the shovel 41. The carriage is tilted from its standing position with load as in FIGS. 7B, 7C by tilting around the wheels 53 of the two modules 50 to tilt the modules and pass over the nose NI of the first step. Then we maintain this inclination to arrive at the second stair nosing and the movement continues automatically (Figure 8B) for the following steps.

The inclined position shows that, even in this case, the center of gravity of the load is largely located in the support polygon formed by the tracked modules so that the driver will only have to provide a relatively reduced effect to maintain the position of the carriage.

FIG. 8C shows a reverse arrangement of the carriage, both for ascent and for descent. For the climb, the driver is in front of the track modules 50. This position can be advantageous to allow the driver to steer the trolley precisely in a narrow passage, for example a narrow staircase, less easy if the driver is at the rear as shown in Figures 8A, 8B.

This position is also interesting for going down stairs with a load because then the load will be in front of the driver.

The so-called handling cart, described above, is to be taken in a very general sense of means of transporting a load by rolling on a smooth and regular or irregular surface, or even steps. The surface can be horizontal or tilted.

Figures 9, 10, 11 show another embodiment of the handling trolley which differs from that described above by its tracked modules 50 whose locking mechanism 55 is replaced by a locking device 155 composed of a jack electric 1551 replacing the sliding lever 551. The electric actuator 1551 is controlled from the handle 30 and makes it possible to adjust the angle of inclination of the backrest 40 relative to the bearing surface of the tracks 50 on the ground. The jack 1551 is connected to the pivot 1552 (FIG. 10) of the track 50 and to the pivot 1553 (FIGS. 9, 10) of the frame 40. The track 50 pivots relative to the frame 40 around the pivot 511 of the axis 621. The two electric jacks 1551 of the two tracks 50 are installed in the gap between the tracks 50 and the side walls of the box of the chassis 40. The two electric jacks 1551 operate in synchronism. Non-detailed limit switches stop the movement of the jacks 1551 at the end of the pivoting when the tracks are unfolded / folded back relative to the chassis 40. The pivoting movement of the tracks according to the angle a (FIG. 11) makes it possible to place the center of gravity CG of a load CH transported so that it remains, if possible, in the support polygon of the tracks 50. For this, according to FIG. 11, the center of gravity CG must be placed between the limits L1, L2. In more detail, the vertical projection of the center of gravity CG on the horizontal plane must remain in the support polygon delimited by the tracks 50 which are the support points of the loaded carriage, on the horizontal plane.

Insofar as the load CH is in a position symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry of the carriage, the center of gravity CG must be between the vertical lines L1, L2 appearing the front and rear limit planes of the support polygon.

In practice, starting from the position of taking the load CH on the ground, for which the shovel 41 is supported on the ground under the load and in which the center of gravity CG does not project into the support polygon, the operator controls the opening of the angle a (a +) to tilt the chassis 40 and the load CH backwards until he perceives that he no longer has any retaining force to exert on the handle 30. This tilting will however be limited to a comfort inclination of the chassis 40 beyond which the handle 30 would be too low. In the case of a load CH of low height, the center of gravity CG may not arrive in the support polygon but approach it, which also reduces the effort that the operator must provide to keep the cart loaded and maneuver it.

On arrival at the destination, the operator controls the reverse tilting movement (a-) to straighten the chassis 40 and the load CH and unload it from the truck.

FIG. 12 shows another variant of the carriages according to the first or the second embodiment; this embodiment comprises a retractable support 80 at the base of the chassis 40 and in particular a support integrated in the telescopic handle 20 or associated with the latter.

The support 80 consists of a foot 81 controlled by an electric actuator 82 housed in the fixed part 21 of the handle 20, from the handle 30. The foot 81 is deployed by the operator when the loaded carriage is in phase climbing or descending a staircase, so that the trolley is prevented from tipping backwards in the event of an incident or incorrect operation. The support 80 is preferably controlled between a retracted position and a deployed position without an intermediate position. The deployed position depending on the geometry of the carriage is locked so as to secure the carriage.

The carriage is in an inclined position, but as soon as it is raised to tip it backwards, the foot 81 comes into contact with a step and blocks this pivoting movement: this lying position is for example shown in FIG. 13.

Another embodiment in addition to those described above is shown in FIG. 13. In this embodiment, the carriage is equipped with an auxiliary module 90 formed of a triplet 91, of three wheels 91a, b, c carried by a support with three equiangular branches 92. The support is mounted on a pivot 93 carried by an arm 94 shown bent for the purposes of the drawing. This arm 94 is a cantilever arm connected to the chassis 40 by an articulation; the end of the arm 94 is connected to an electric actuator 95 also connected by a pivot 96 to the chassis 40 so as to control the unfolding and the folding of the triplet of wheels 91.

The auxiliary module 90 shown, placed in front of (above) the tracks 50, in the plane of symmetry of the carriage, can be composed of a single triplet 91 or two twin triplets; in this der3053303 deny case, the arm 94 and the cylinder 95 are placed in the plane of symmetry, the arm 94 then being straight.

In the supine position of the loaded trolley, most of the load is supported on the chassis 40 at the level of the modules 50 so that the tracks 54 hook even better on the NI stair noses ...

The auxiliary module 90 completes the carriage for passing the noses N1-N4 of the steps M1 ... M4 of a staircase in the supine position, pushed by the track modules 50.

In the unfolded position as in FIG. 13, the module 90 constitutes a front support in the direction of ascent.

In the upward direction, the modules 50 push the carriage and cause the active wheel 91a to roll (in the position shown here) on the top of the step M2 and come into abutment against the riser CM3; the thrust then switches the triplet of wheels 91 so that the next wheel 91b passes over the nose N3 and rolls on top of the step M3 and so on.

During this maneuver, the operator does not have to pull on the handle 20 and the handle 30 since the modules 50 push the carriage.

When descending from the loaded carriage, lying down, the modules 50 slow down the movement and the auxiliary module 90 so that the pivoting of the triplet 91 is then produced by the weight applied by means of the pivot 93 which makes the triplets rotate in the opposite direction.

Figures 14-18 show a carriage with another embodiment of the auxiliary wheeled module 100, the basic structural elements of which have the same references as above and the description of which will not be repeated.

The auxiliary module 100 is detachably connected to the handle 20 of the carriage; it can be put in the deployed position or in the folded position.

The bearing module 100 is provided with a bracket 104 in the form of an inverted U, connected by a pivot 141 to an arm 105 in the form of an articulated quadrangle, connected in an articulated manner to a fixing piece 106, itself connected to the handle. 20.

The stirrup 104 is provided with a drawbar 142 for orienting and guiding the module 100 around the axis of the pivot 141. The drawbar 142 is connected to the stirrup 104 by a horizontal articulation 143.

The arm 105 consists of a lower arm 151 and a split upper arm 152; the arms are connected by pins 153. The fixing piece 106 is the interface for connecting the arm 105 to the carriage.

The arm 105 articulated to the fixing piece 106 is locked in pivoting relative to this piece.

Figures 14-18 schematically show the geometry of the rolling module 100 of the carriage, intended to facilitate the passage of an obstacle or a small relief such as a change in curb when the carriage is driven flat (Figure 15) or to pass a step or a series of steps.

In order not to complicate the description and taking into account the ternary symmetry of the bearing module 100, the references are not supplemented by an index associated with each of the elements of the ternary symmetry of the bearing module to simplify the presentation.

The bearing module 100 consists of a star support 101 with three branches 111 distributed equiangularly in an equilateral triangle distribution, the vertices of which correspond to the three axes 121 of the wheels 102 forming a triplet of wheels.

The center 112 of the support 101 constitutes the pivot 112.

In this embodiment, the wheels 102 have the same radius and the axis 121 of a wheel 2 is at the same distance from the center 112 forming the pivot. The support 101 is formed of two flanges, for example secured by a sleeve receiving the pivot 112.

In FIG. 14, the module 100 is in the position ready to be lowered onto the ground by pivoting the handle 20 which carries it around the pivot of the tracks 50 to arrive at the position of FIG. 15.

In this "flat" position, the carriage can be guided by its drawbar 142 in combination with the split controls on the drawbar or those of the carriage. This position of the trolley is exceptional for passing through a difficult, narrow, low-rise area and especially for passing flat on the steps of a staircase.

FIG. 16 shows the auxiliary module 100 in the folded position against the handle 20, the drawbar 142 being lowered and its end handle housed against the chassis between the tracked modules 50. This position of the module 100 with its drawbar is locked in order to be stationary and not interfere with the normal driving of the truck using the track modules 50 or the rolling equipment 70 with the two wheels 71.

FIG. 17 shows another form taken by the carriage and its auxiliary modular 100. The carriage is not upright or flat but inclined while resting here, at the rear, on the two tracked modules 50 and on the before, on the module 100. The module 100 is deployed by its arm 105 and the jack 154 (electric jack) arcbouté between its arm 151 and the part 106.

In this position, the weight of the load remains mainly supported on the tracked modules 50 and driving is done with the drawbar 142 to steer the carriage.

Figures 18-20 show another embodiment of the module which is a triplet module of crawler wheels 200. As previously, the details of the carriage bearing the same references as above will not be described again.

The module 200 differs from the module 100 previously described by its rolling elements constituted by the triplet of wheels 202 carried by the support 201 with three branches 211 whose center 212 is connected to a stirrup 204, itself pivotally mounted by the articulation 241 to an arm 205. The arm 205 connected to a fixing part 206 to be fixed to the carriage, that is to say to its handle 20.

The arm 205 is in the shape of an articulated quadrangle with a lower arm 251 and a split upper arm 252. The arms are connected by articulations 253 to the pivot 241 and to the fixing piece 206. The arm 205 is provided with an electric actuator between the lower arm 251 and the fixing piece 206 for deploying and folding the arm 205 as in the previous example.

The detail of the track bearing element of the module 200 is shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 20 schematically shows the geometry of the rolling element of the module 200 of a carriage.

In the figure, the references are supplemented by an index associated with each of the elements of the ternary symmetry of the bearing module for understanding.

The rolling element of the module 200 consists of a star support 201 with three branches 211 distributed equiangularly in an equilateral triangle distribution, the vertices of which correspond to the three axes 221 of the wheels 202.

The center 212 of the support 201 constitutes the pivot for its pivoting mounting on the arm 205 of the carriage.

The wheels 202 have the same radius (R) and the axis 221 of a wheel 202 is at the distance (d) from the center 212 forming the pivot of the support 1.

The axis 221 (2211) of one of the wheels 202 (20221) is mounted adjustable in the radial direction of the support to adjust the tension of the track tape 203 and / or allow or facilitate the mounting / dismounting of the tape or its replacement . For this, the bearing of the axis 22 li is carried by a slide 223 housed in a slide 213 of the support. The slide 223 is carried by a threaded rod 224 pressing on the slide to adjust and lock the slide 223 in the slide 213.

As in this example, the support 201 is formed of two flanges, for example secured by a sleeve 214 receiving the pivot 212, each flange will have a slide 213 receiving a slide 223 carrying the bearing of the corresponding end of the axis and a threaded rod 224 for adjusting and locking the bearing of the corresponding end of the axis 22 li.

This tensioning can also be done with an eccentric.

Depending on the obstacles encountered by the rolling module 200 on the surface S on which it rests and moves, the module does not automatically pivot around the axis 211 and rolls on the segment Z2-3 of the ribbon 203 between the wheels 2022 and 2023 shown in the support position.

When the module 200 encounters an obstacle, it passes over the obstacle like a traditional caterpillar, without tipping around the pivot 212 or by tipping around it; it depends on a certain number of parameters, some specific to the module 200 and others, depending on the shape and height of the obstacle as well as the components of the pushing or pulling force (angular orientation and intensity) and of the transported load which are applied to the pivot 212.

If the obstacle is of low height, less than the radius R of the wheel 2022 encountered, the curved part of the track 203 which is also that of the wheel 2022, and for a driving force parallel to the ground surface S will allow the module 200 to pass over the obstacle without pivoting, especially since the module 200 is also subjected to the transported weight so that the axis 212 on which the weight of the load and the driving force apply not rise to pivot around the axis 2212 of the wheel 2022 encountering this obstacle.

In the case of an obstacle of a certain height such as a step, the wheel 2022 remains locked against the obstacle and the module 200 can only cross it by pivoting.

The choice of the radius R of the wheels 202 will be made according to the applications of the bearing module 200 and of the templates (radius of the envelope curve) possible or desired.

The tension of the track 203 and its positioning on the triplet of wheels 202 are advantageously made by the device for adjusting the tension of the track 203 associated with one of the wheels, for example the wheel 2021.

According to a variant not shown, the ribbon 203 and the track has a raised rib in the middle of its inner face and the wheels 202 have a groove in their middle in position homologous with the rib to receive this rib, guide it and center the ribbon track 203.

Depending on the destination of the trolley for transporting bulky, heavy or light loads, the mechanical characteristics will be adapted. This is particularly the case with the design of the chassis and the power of the drive motor.

NOMENCLATURE

Frame

110 Side 120 Traverse

Telescopic handle

Fixed part / fixed tube

Telescopic part / telescopic tube

221 Upper end

222 Longitudinal opening

Locking screw

231 Joystick

232 Wedge

Handle

Hoop

Left / right control button

Emergency stop

Folder

Shovel

Hoop

High support

Track module

Module body 5 la, b Plate

511 Landing

Driving wheel

521 Landing

Freewheel

531 Axis

532 Landing

533 Backstage

534 Screw

535 Head

536 Window

537 Brochure

538 Slot

Caterpillar

544 Cross rib

Locking mechanism

551 Lever

532 Pivot

553 Curved runner

554 Retainer notch

555 Operating leg

Support roller

Hidden

Retractable cover

Engine group

Electric motor

Transmission / differential

621 Axis

Drums

Control circuit

Rolling element

Wheel

Axis

Arms

731 End of arm

Pivot

Air spring

Support

Foot

Electric cylinder

Auxiliary module

Wheels triplet 91a, b, c Wheels

Support with three branches

Pivot

Arms

Electric cylinder

Pivot

155 Locking device

1551 Electric cylinder

1552 Pivot

1553 Pivot

100 Auxiliary wheeled module

101 Support

111 Branch

112 Center / pivot

104 U-shaped bracket reversed

141 Pivot

142 Drawbar

143 Drawbar articulation

105 Arms

151 Lower arm

152 Split upper arm

153 Articulation

106 Fastener

200 Auxiliary module with tracked wheels

201 Support

211 Branch

212 Center / pivot

213 Backstage

202 Wheel

2021, 2022, 2023, Wheels 221

221i, 221a, 221 ₃

223

224

Wheel axle Wheel axle Slider Threaded rod

203 Track tape

204 U-shaped bracket reversed

241 Pivot

242

243

205 Arms

251

252

253

206 Fastener

Timon

Drawbar articulation

Lower arm

Split upper arm

Joint

CG Center of gravity of the load

CH Load transported

L1, L2 Limits of the support polygon to Angle between the plane of the chassis and the bearing surface of the tracked modules

R Radius of the wheel d Distance between the center of a wheel and the pivot

S Rolling surface / ground

Z2-3 Support surfaces of the module

Claims (15)

1 °) Handling cart of the devil type having a chassis with a backrest and at the bottom, a shovel and two wheels, cart characterized in that it comprises: a motor unit (60) installed on the chassis (10) and having an electric motor (61) connected to a differential transmission (62), with two lateral output axes (621), two tracked modules (50), connected each to an axis (521) of the motor unit (60) and pivotally mounted about this axis independently between a position aligned on the chassis and a deployed position. 2 °) handling trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that the track module (50) has a body pivotally mounted around Tax (621) of the transmission (62) carrying the drive wheel (52) of the module (50 ), the module having a second free wheel (53), with an axis parallel to that of the drive wheel (52) and over which the track (54) passes, as well as a locking mechanism (551, 552, 553, 554, 555) connecting the body (51) of the module to the chassis (10) to block the two positions of each module (50) relative to the chassis (10). 3) handling trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that the module (50) has two wheels, the driving wheel (52) and the free wheel (53) as well as an intermediate support (56) recessed relative to at the lower tangent to the two wheels (52, 53). 4 °) handling trolley according to claim 3, characterized in that the track module (50) comprises a track (54) provided on its inner face with a guide rib and the two wheels (52, 53) of the module body and the intermediate support (56) each have a guide groove receiving the rib of the track. 5 °) handling trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a rolling element (70) formed of a pair of wheels (71) mounted on an axis (72) carried by two arms (73) connected each with a pivot (74) of the chassis (10) and movable between a stable retracted position above the track module (50) and a stable lowered rolling position under the tracks (54), the wheels protruding from the tracks to roll on the ground without the caterpillars touching it. 6 °) handling trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that the track module (50) has a body pivotally mounted around the axis (621) of the transmission (62) carrying the drive wheel (52) of the module (50), the module having a second free wheel (53) with an axis parallel to that of the drive wheel (52) and over which the track (54) passes, as well as a locking device (155) connecting the body ( 51) from the module to the chassis (10), this locking device being constituted by an electric actuator for adjusting the position of the module (50) relative to the chassis, the movement of the actuators of the two modules (50) being in synchronism. 7 °) handling trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame (10) carries a telescopic handle (20) whose fixed part (21) is integral with the frame and the telescopic part (22) is provided at its end a guide and maneuvering handle (30). 8 °) handling trolley according to claim 7, characterized in that the handle (30) is in the form of a hoop (31) projecting on each side of the end of the handle (20) to form lever arms. 9 °) handling trolley according to claim 7, characterized in that the handle (20) is provided, under the handle (30), a high support (43) carried by the telescopic part (22). 10 °) handling trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a retractable support (80) at the base of the frame (40) constituted by a foot (81) mounted movably sliding by a jack (82). 11 °) Handling cart according to claim 10, characterized in that the support is housed in the fixed part (21) of the handle (20). 12 °) handling trolley according to claim 7, characterized in that the end of the telescopic part (22) of the handle (20) makes an angle relative to the support plane formed by the telescopic handle (20) and the backrest (40) to come under this plane, on the other side of the part receiving the load. 13 °) handling trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that the backrest (40) is formed by the fixed part (21) of the handle (20) and by two arches (42) longitudinal on each side of the fixed part of the handle. 14 °) handling trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an auxiliary module (90) formed by at least one triplet of wheels (91) carried by an arm (94) connected to the chassis (40) and by an electric jack (95) to pivot between a retracted position and an unfolded position substantially in the upward extension of the two track modules (50) while occupying a central symmetrical position relative to the plane of symmetry of the carriage. 15 °) handling trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a rolling module formed by a triplet of wheels (202) carried by a support (201) in star with three branches (311), equiangular according an equilateral triangle distribution, the assembly being mounted to pivot freely around the axis (212) passing through the center of the support (201), a track strip (203) passing over the three wheels (202). 5) handling trolley according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the auxiliary module (90) formed by a triplet of wheels (91) and the module (200) on wheels provided with a track tape ( 203) have their support (101, 201) mounted by a pivot pin (112, 212) in a stirrup (104, 10 204) in the shape of an inverted U, connected to the arm (105, 205) to pivot. ³ ° ^S3 303 ¹⁷ 19 ^Ρί 9 · 1 73.