WO2007116180A1

WO2007116180A1 - Swivelling and removable loading and unloading device for a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2007116180A1
Application number: PCT/FR2007/051065
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hubert Thimon
Original assignee: Hubert Thimon Et Associes
Priority date: 2006-04-04
Filing date: 2007-04-04
Publication date: 2007-10-18
Also published as: FR2899165B1; FR2899165A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a device for loading and unloading designed to be removably arranged on a platform (2) of a motor vehicle (3), said device comprising a container (5) and a stand (6) designed to be fixed on the platform (2) including an outer frame (7) comprising reversible fixing means on the platform (2) and an inner frame associated with the outer frame (7) mobile in translation between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein an extreme part (9) of the inner frame (8) projects outside the outer frame (7), the container (5) being associated with said inner frame in rotation between a stored position, wherein the container (5) rests on the stand (6) and an unloading position, wherein the container (5) is tilted relative to said stand.

Description

TILT-UP AND REMOVABLE LOADING AND UNLOADING DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE

The invention relates to a loading and unloading device that can be removably mounted in a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle in which such a device is mounted.

The device is for example intended to be removably mounted in motor vehicles of the pick-up type, van or van. This type of vehicle is equipped with a clear platform forming a large rear storage space extending behind the front seats of the vehicle. This space is used to store sometimes bulky objects or materials.

However, unloading the storage space can be complicated and take a lot of effort to lift the loads out of the storage space. Therefore, it may be useful, for example for professional uses of the vehicle, to have a rear space that can tilt to facilitate unloading.

It is known to transform the vehicle by replacing the rear plate by a container mounted pivotally on the vehicle body. However, such a transformation entails significant costs and requires specialized manpower.

On the other hand, documents DE-A-2,260,159, FR-A-2,109,109, FR-A-2,285,262 and G BA-1,168,902 are known from tipper systems which are complex and do not meet there is no need for tilting loading and unloading devices to be removably - and simply - connected to the rear deck of a motor vehicle. The invention aims to overcome these disadvantages by providing a tilting loading and unloading device that can be removably and simply associated with the tray forming a rear storage space of a motor vehicle.

For this purpose and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a loading and unloading device intended to be arranged, in a removable manner, on a tray forming a rear storage space of a motor vehicle, said device comprising a container and a support for said container intended to be fixed on the plate of the motor vehicle, characterized in that:

the support comprises, first of all, an external frame having a front upright and reversible fixing means on the plate such as clamping means, so that the external frame is fixed relative to the plate when the device is used with the vehicle and, secondly, an inner frame associated with the outer frame movably in translation in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, between a retracted position in which the inner frame (8) is completely disposed within the frame external and an extended position in which an end portion of the inner frame protrudes out of the outer frame, the container is associated with the inner frame, on the one hand, so as to be movable in translation with it between said retracted position and said position. deployed, on the other hand, when in the deployed position, in rotation around said end portion around hinges between a storage position, in which the container rests on the support, and an unloading position, in which the container is tilted with respect to said support,

said device comprising translational means such as a jack, comprising a part associated with the front post of the outer frame and a part associated with a cam mounted to rotate on the inner frame on the opposite side, the container resting on said cam on which it can slide, said cam being arranged to pivot and lift the container and bring it to its unloading position when the outer frame has reached the end of the translational movement of said rod, the same said means thus ensuring the translation of the external frame and the rotation of the container.

Thus, the loading and unloading device makes it possible to adapt a vehicle comprising a rear plate to use with a tilting container without modifying the vehicle body and without making the transformation permanent.

In addition, storage is not done on the floor of the tray, which keeps it clean, when the loading and unloading device is removed, for example for non-professional use.

According to another characteristic, the device comprises feet associated with the support, these feet being arranged to rest on the ground when they are deployed, these feet being retractable in said support and being adjustable in height so as to allow the device to be raised when the feet are deployed in order to release said device from the plate.

In particular, a first pair of feet is associated with the end portion of the inner frame and a second pair of legs is associated with the amount of the outer frame, so that these pairs of legs can be retracted inside respectively of the lateral uprights surrounding the extreme part of the internal frame and the amount of the external frame.

According to other features, the cam comprises a roller on which the container rests and moves and the container comprises a flap on one of its side walls, this flap being movable between a closed position and an open position in which the container can be emptied. The container is made of molded plastic material, injected or thermoformed.

Thus, the device can be released from the vehicle very simply without having to make significant effort to carry the device and put it on the ground. To withdraw the device, the feet are deployed and placed on the ground then the device is raised, the vehicle can thus come out of under the device. Similarly, to put the device on the vehicle, it is placed under the device and the feet are retracted.

Such use makes it possible to store the elements loaded in the container without removing these elements from the container and leaving it on the storage location, the vehicle then being able to move freely without the device.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle of the pick-up type, comprising a rear plate forming a storage space, said plate being closed by a mobile sidewall between a raised position in which the sidewall extends substantially perpendicularly to the plate and a lowered position in which the sidewall extends in the continuity of said plate, said vehicle being characterized in that it comprises a loading and unloading device as just described, which device is associated with removable to said tray, said device being further arranged so that the end portion (of the inner frame is level with the end portion of the drop frame in the lowered position or exceeds it when the inner frame is in the deployed position.

Thus, the pickup does not have to be modified, especially at its side, because the device can be moved in translation along the plate.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle of the van or van type, comprising a rear storage space comprising a lower plate and a roof, said vehicle being characterized in that it comprises a loading and unloading device such as it has just been described, which device is removably associated with the lower plate, said device being arranged so that the end portion of the inner frame protrudes from the storage space when the inner frame is in the deployed position so as to allow the tilting of the container. Thus, as for the pickup truck, the van does not need to undergo modifications to receive the loading and unloading device according to the invention.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, given with reference to the appended figures.

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the loading and unloading device according to the invention, the container being in the unloading position.

Figure 2 is a partial schematic side view of a motor vehicle in which a device according to the invention is deposited, the frame being in the retracted position and the container being in the storage position.

Figure 3 is a partial schematic side view of the vehicle of Figure 2, the inner frame being in the deployed position and the container being in the storage position.

Figure 4 is a partial schematic side view of the vehicle of Figure 2, the inner frame being in the deployed position and the container being in the unloading position.

Figure 5 is a partial schematic side view, the device according to the invention resting on the ground and the vehicle being clear of said device.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are three schematic views in elevation, from the side, illustrating the device respectively mounted on a vehicle in the retracted position, in the intermediate position at the end of translation and before pivoting and, finally, in the rotated position.

Referring to the figures, there is described a loading and unloading device 1 intended to be arranged on a tray 2 forming a rear storage space of a motor vehicle 3 removably. In the description, the terms "front" and "rear" are defined with respect to the normal front-to-rear direction of a motor vehicle.

The motor vehicle 3 may be of the pick-up type. The plate 2 is then closed by a mobile side panel 4 between a raised position (FIGS. 2 and 5) in which the side wall 4 extends substantially perpendicular to the plate 2 and a lowered position (FIGS. 3 and 4) in which the side panel 4 s extends in the continuity of the plate 2. The side wall 4 is articulated in rotation at the rear end of the plate 2.

According to another embodiment, not shown, the vehicle 3 may be of the van or van type. The rear storage space is then delimited by a lower plate and a roof and is closed by one or two doors for example.

The device 1 comprises a container 5 associated with a support 6. The container 5 is for example made of molded plastic material, injected or thermoformed. This container 5 could also be metallic, for example as the body of the motor vehicle 3. The surface of the container 5 is for example adapted to fill substantially the entire free surface of the tray 2 and its shape can be adapted to that of the tray 2 as one can see it in Figure 1 in the case of a vehicle type pickup.

The support 6 is placed on the plate 2 of the motor vehicle 3, when the device 1 is used with the vehicle. The support 6 includes an external frame

7 comprising reversible fastening means (not shown) on the plate 2. The reversible fastening means comprise, for example, clamping means of the outer frame 7 on the plate 2. Any other type of suitable reversible fastening means could be provided. The outer frame 7 is fixed with respect to the plate 2 when the device 1 is used with the vehicle.

An internal frame 8 is associated with the outer frame 7 movably in translation relative to said outer frame between a retracted position (FIGS. 2, 5 and 6A), wherein the inner frame is completely disposed within the outer frame, and an extended position (Figs. 1, 3, 4 and 6C), in which an end portion 9 of the inner frame 8 protrudes. outside the external framework 7.

In an intermediate position (Figure 6B), the inner frame 8 is in the same deployed position as before, but the container 5 is still in a horizontal position, that is to say, it has not yet begun to rotate.

The end part 9 protrudes, in the deployed position, toward the rear of the plate, as shown in the figures and the translation is in the front-rear direction of the motor vehicle 3. In the case of the pick-up, the extreme part 9 of the inner frame 8 is level with the end portion of the side panel 4 in the lowered position or protrudes from it when the inner frame 8 is in the deployed position, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

The device 1 comprises means for translating the inner frame 8 relative to the outer frame 7. These means are for example formed by a jack 10 comprising a fixed portion 11, associated with the outer frame 7 and a rod 12, movable in translation relative to the fixed part 11, whose end is associated with the inner frame 8. The cylinder 10 is for example pneumatic, hydraulic or electric. It can be powered by a pump which can be mounted in a front post 13 of the outer frame 7.

The container 5 is associated with the inner frame 8 so as to be movable in translation with it. The container is associated in rotation around the end portion 9 of the internal frame 8, for example around hinges 14. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to the direction of translation of the internal frame 8. The container 5 is thus movable between a storage position (FIGS. 2, 3 and 5), in which the container 5 rests on the support 6, and an unloading position (FIGS. 1, 4 and 6C), in which the container 5 is tilted relative to said support 6. The unloading position is such that the objects loaded in the container 5 can slide towards the ground, as shown in FIG. 4. In order to allow the container 5 to rotate, the jack 10 is mounted in rotation on the external frame 7, on the front upright 13. In addition, the end of the rod 12 is hingedly associated at 12a to a cam 15 rotatably mounted on the inner frame 8 about a transverse axis 19, the container resting. on said cam 15, as it is exposed. The hinge 12a is spaced from the axis 19 so as to make lever arm for the pivoting movement of the container 5.

The free end of the cam 15 opposite its axis articulation 19 comprises for example a roller 16 on which the container 5 can slide with rolling on its underside, during the tilting pivoting movement. The cam 15 is arranged to pivot and lift the container 5 in its unloading position at the end of the translational movement of the rod 12, thus forming means for rotating the container 5. Thus, the translation means of the internal frame 8 and rotation of the container 5 are arranged to move the container 5 unloading position when the inner frame 8 is in the deployed position.

In addition, the cam 15 comprises an intermediate roller 20 located between its articulation 12a with the cylinder rod 12 and the roller 16. This roller 20 serves to support the container 5 in the retracted state and during the translational movement towards the back.

The operation is as follows. In the initial state (FIG. 6A), the internal frame 8 is retracted into the outer frame 7. The cam 15 is retracted in a horizontal position. The container 5 rests on an intermediate roller 20.

When the jack 10 is implemented by the pump, the rod 12 leaves the fixed part 11 and drives the inner frame 8 sliding backwards. In this situation, the weight of the container 5 rests on the roller 20 and this weight and such that in spite of the articulating lever arm of the rod 12 of the jack 10, the container 5 remains in a horizontal position, that is to say say that it does not rotate backward.

The sliding movement continues until the end of translational stroke towards the rear of the internal frame 8. The jack 10 continues to be solicited and thanks to the lever arm mentioned and taking into account the distribution of the weights, the deployment of the jack 10 causes its pivoting about its hinge axis on the front post 13.

The pivoting movement can be continued to the end position shown in FIG. 6C.

The container 5 may comprise a flap 17 on one of its side walls, for example the rear wall, as shown in the figures. The flap 17 is articulated in rotation so as to be movable between a closed position (FIGS. 2 and 3) and an open position (FIG. 4) in which the container 5 can be emptied.

To allow the release of the device 1 from the plate 2, the device 1 comprises feet 18 associated with the support 6. These feet 18 are arranged to rest on the ground when they are deployed, as shown in FIG. 5, and are retractable in the support 6. In addition, the feet 18 are adjustable in height so as to raise the device 1 when the feet 18 are deployed. Thus, when the feet are deployed and their height is increased, the vehicle 3 can move and exit from under the device 1, as shown in FIG. 4. A pair of feet 18 is for example associated with the end portion 9 of the device. internal frame 8 and another pair of feet can be associated with the amount 13 of the outer frame 7. These feet can be retracted inside the upright 13 and inside the side uprights. 19 when the feet 18 are out, they are arranged to tilt towards the ground to rest on it and allow adjustment in height.

Claims

Loading and unloading device intended to be removably arranged on a tray (2) forming a rear storage space of a motor vehicle (3), said device comprising a container (5) and a support (6). ) of said container intended to be fixed on the plate (2) of the motor vehicle (3), characterized in that:

the support (6) comprises, in the first place, an external frame (7) having a front post (13) and reversible fixing means on the plate (2) such as clamping means, so that the external frame (7) is fixed relative to the plate (2) when the device is used with the vehicle and, secondly, an inner frame (8) associated with the outer frame (7) movably in translation in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, between a retracted position in which the inner frame (8) is completely disposed within the outer frame (7) and an extended position in which an end portion (9) of the inner frame (8) projects out of the outer frame (7),

the container (5) is associated with the inner frame (8), on the one hand, so as to be movable in translation with it between said retracted position and said deployed position, on the other hand, when in the deployed position in rotation around said end portion (9) around hinges (14) between a storage position, in which the container (5) rests on the support (6), and an unloading position, in which the container (5) ) is tilted with respect to said medium,

said device comprising translational means (10) such as a jack, comprising a portion (11) associated with the front pillar (13) of the external frame;

(7) and a portion (12) associated with a cam (15) rotatably mounted on the inner frame (8) opposite, the container (5) resting on said cam (15) on which it can slide, the said cam (15) being arranged to pivot and lift the container (5) and bring it into its unloading position when the outer frame (7) has reached the end of the translational movement of the rod 12, the same means ( 10) thus ensuring the translation of the outer frame (7) and the rotation of the container (5).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises feet (18) associated with the support (6), the feet (18) being arranged to rest on the ground when they are deployed, said feet being retractable in said support and being adjustable in height so as to allow to raise the device when the feet (18) are deployed in order to release said device from the plate (2).

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that a first pair of feet (18) is associated with the end portion (9) of the inner frame (8) and a second pair of legs (18) is associated with the amount ( 13) of the outer frame (7), so that these pairs of legs (18) can be retracted inside respectively of the lateral uprights (19) surrounding the end portion (9) of the inner frame (8) and the upright 13 the outer frame (7).

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cam comprises a roller (16) on which rests and moves the container (5).

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the container (5) comprises a flap (17) on one of its side walls, said flap being movable between a closed position and a position of opening in which the container (5) can be emptied.

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the container (5) is molded plastic material, injected or thermoformed.

7. A motor vehicle of the pick-up type, comprising a rear tray (2) forming a storage space, said plate being closed by a side panel (4) movable between a raised position in which the side wall (4) extends substantially perpendicular to the tray (2) and a lowered position in which the side wall (4) extends in the continuity of said tray, said vehicle being characterized in that a loading and unloading device (1) according to any one of claims 1 at 6 is removably associated with said tray (2), said device being arranged so that the end portion (9) of the inner frame (8) is flush with or protruding from the end portion of the frame (4) when the internal frame (8) ) is in the deployed position.

A van or van type motor vehicle, comprising a rear storage space comprising a lower plate (2) and a roof, said vehicle being characterized in that a loading and unloading device (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 6 is releasably associated with the lower plate (2), said device being arranged so that the end portion (9) of the inner frame (8) protrudes from the storage space when the inner frame (8) is in position deployed so as to allow the tilting of the container (5).