WO2012143623A1

WO2012143623A1 - Retractable loading/unloading device for a vehicle, notably utility vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2012143623A1
Application number: PCT/FR2012/000145
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian Zignani
Original assignee: Amilcar
Priority date: 2011-04-18
Filing date: 2012-04-16
Publication date: 2012-10-26
Also published as: FR2974071A1

Abstract

A retractable loading/unloading device for a vehicle comprising a supporting chassis (1) in the form of a frame including two parallel side rails (1a, 1b), a U‑shaped support (2), each branch of the U (21, 22) being slidably engaged in one of the side rails. The support (2) comprises a loading/unloading platform (3) and an arrangement (4) for guiding the platform (3) and keeping it in a horizontal position over a loading/unloading travel between a position of rest, between the side rails, and a lowered position for loading/unloading the platform (3). A resource (5) is used for driving the support (2) and platform (3) assembly out and in over the loading/unloading travel. Application to the equipping of vehicles of all kinds.

Description

Retractable loading / unloading device for vehicle.

The invention relates to a retractable loading / unloading device for a vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle.

The loading / unloading devices for current vehicles essentially consist of devices called "tailgates".

These include, usually, a horizontal loading / unloading platform, movable and controlled between a low position, close to the ground, and a high position, flush with the loading platform of the vehicle, outside the latter. When the cargo loading / unloading operation has been executed, the loading / unloading platform can be lifted vertically against the rear wall of the vehicle, in order to reduce the overall bulk of the latter.

Such devices are generally satisfactory, insofar as they make it possible to substantially eliminate the vertical human cargo handling, between the low position and the outcrop position of the loading / unloading platform, and to reduce, significantly , the difficulty of the interventions of the agents or agents in handling operations mentioned above.

However, the unloading and handling operations to move the freight from the platform to the vehicle bed, then, conversely, handling and loading to move the freight from the vehicle bed to the platform, when unloading , are maintained.

Such a constraint affects the fluidity and flexibility of all handling operations and ultimately increases the length of the cargo loading / unloading cycle.

Finally, such devices appear mainly reserved for vehicles of the utility type (heavy goods vehicles), because the raising and maintaining of the platform loading / unloading in vertical position, outside the vehicle and on the outer wall of the vehicle. Lastly, they are incompatible with an application to personal vehicles and light commercial vehicles (LCVs).

The present invention aims to overcome all the disadvantages of the aforementioned handling tailgates. In particular, an object of the present invention is the implementation of a retractable vehicle loading / unloading device, by which all the cargo handling operations, from the loading / unloading platform to the platform of loading / unloading of the vehicle, or vice versa, are substantially eliminated.

Another object of the present invention is also the implementation of a fully retractable loading / unloading device in the useful loading / unloading zone of the vehicle, in order to allow the installation of the latter on any conventional series vehicle, including VUL.

Another object of the present invention is finally the implementation of a loading / unloading device, which, because of the completely retractable nature mentioned above, can be installed, either as a first-time vehicle during the construction of the vehicle or as a retrofit as auxiliary equipment reported, on any vehicle already in circulation, commercial or personal vehicle, equipped in the rear part of either a simple hatchback or doors to access the trunk and / or the useful volume of the vehicle.

The retractable loading / unloading device for a vehicle, object of the invention, is remarkable in that it comprises at least one frame-shaped support frame comprising at least two parallel longitudinal members a U-shaped end support, comprising two branches each slidably engaged in one of said longitudinal members, said end support comprising a loading platform and means for guiding and holding in substantially horizontal position of said platform in a loading / unloading stroke between a position of rest of the loading platform between said longitudinal members, the end of said support frame and a low loading / unloading position. Extraction / withdrawal drive means of the assembly formed by the end support and the loading / unloading platform according to said loading / unloading stroke are further provided.

The device which is the subject of the invention is also remarkable in that each of the longitudinal members is formed by a U-shaped profile, the opening of each U-shape being opposite one another, the U-shaped end support comprising two branches each slidably engaged by means of rollers in the opening of each U-shaped section. The device which is the subject of the invention is also remarkable in that said means for guiding and holding in a substantially horizontal position of said loading / unloading platform comprise at least:

an articulated upper arm pivotally articulated at the U-shaped end support;

an articulated lower arm pivotally articulated at the U-shaped end support, the point of articulation of each upper articulated arm being distant from the point of articulation of the corresponding lower articulated arm, on the same branch of U, a distance determined to form, after extraction of the assembly consisting of the end support and the platform loading / unloading, a parallelogram-shaped structure.

The device which is the subject of the invention is also remarkable in that said loading platform is slidably engaged by means of rollers in each of the lower and upper articulated arms and maintained in a substantially horizontal position by the latter when the loading / unloading stroke, between the end of said frame and said lower position of loading / unloading.

The device which is the subject of the invention is furthermore remarkable in that said extraction / removal drive means comprise at least:

a jack for extracting the assembly formed by the end support and the loading / unloading platform, between the rest position of the loading / unloading platform and the end of the support frame;

- a mechanical drive by winch and traction cable of the loading / unloading platform, between the end position of the support frame and the lower position of the loading / unloading stroke.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one extraction cylinder consists of a control cylinder cooperating with an articulated connection pantograph type.

The device that is the subject of the invention is also remarkable in that the assembly formed by the support frame and the end support is mounted on the vehicle loading plane, the rest position of said platform of the vehicle. loading being superimposed on a given area of the loading platform. The device which is the subject of the invention is also remarkable in that, the loading platform of the vehicle being originally provided with a housing of dimension substantially corresponding to that of the loading platform, the assembly formed by the support frame and the end support is mounted as a first under the loading plane of the vehicle, said loading platform being accommodated, in its rest position, in said housing and mounted flush with the surface of the loading platform delimiting said housing.

The invention also relates to a remarkable loading / unloading device in that the upper and lower articulated arms comprise an elongation beyond the axis of rotation, the movement of the loading / unloading platform, during its displacement behind the respective axes of rotation, causing the rise of these articulated arms support.

The loading / unloading device which is the subject of the invention is furthermore remarkable in that it comprises a first motor and a rack-and-pinion drive, pinion, the starting of the motor ensuring the displacement in horizontal translation of the platform. loading / unloading.

The loading / unloading device of the invention is also remarkable in that it further comprises:

a second electric drive for descent / raising of the loading / unloading platform along the upper and lower articulated arms;

a drive shaft and gears meshing with racks each placed on at least one of the lower or upper articulated arms.

The loading / unloading device object of the invention is finally remarkable in that the first and the second electric motor are fed sequentially by the vehicle battery.

The retractable vehicle loading / unloading device, object of the invention, finds application in the automotive industry, in particular the construction and equipment of vehicles as diverse as, for example, commercial vehicles, light commercial vehicles or LCVs, personal vehicles, medical assistance vehicles, ambulances, assistance to the disabled or others.

It will be better understood from reading the description and from the following drawings in which: - Figure 1 represents, by way of illustrative, a perspective view of the retractable loading / unloading device object of the invention; - Figure 2 shows, for illustrative purposes, a perspective view of the device of the invention according to Figure 1, when the loading / unloading platform is in the rest position;

- Figure 3a shows, for illustrative purposes, a top view of the assembly, when the loading / unloading platform is in the rest position;

FIG. 3b represents, by way of illustration, in a sectional view of FIG. 3a, a view of the assembly formed by the frame-shaped support frame and the U-shaped support, when the platform of FIG. loading / unloading is in the rest position;

FIGS. 4a and 4b show an implementation detail of the assembly formed by the frame-shaped support frame and the U-shaped end support, as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, when the plate loading / unloading platform is in a low position, close to the ground;

- Figure 5a shows, in a perspective view, a detail of implementation of the loading / unloading platform to be fitted as a second accessory, auxiliary accessory;

FIG. 5b represents an exploded perspective view of the device that is the subject of the invention intended for an installation in original equipment;

- Figure 6 shows, for illustrative purposes, an alternative embodiment of the loading / unloading device object of the invention for simplification by removing shoulder parts of the articulated arms; - Figure 7a shows, for illustrative purposes, a top view of another embodiment of the loading / unloading device object of the invention in a simplified execution by sequential drive; FIG. 7b represents, by way of illustration, a side view of the embodiment of the device that is the subject of the invention represented in FIG. 7a;

- Figures 8a, 8b and 8c represent, for illustrative purposes, the sequencing of the displacement of the loading / unloading platform during an operation prior to the loading thereof.

A more detailed description of the retractable loading / unloading device for a vehicle, in accordance with the subject of the present invention, will now be given with reference to FIG.

In general, it is indicated that the device according to the invention is arranged symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal plane of symmetry P as shown in FIG. 1. Such an arrangement advantageously makes it possible, for example, to place the assembly of the device substantially in the plane of symmetry of the vehicle to which it is intended, for convenience.

As will be observed in the above-mentioned figure, the retractable loading / unloading device for a vehicle, according to the invention, comprises at least one support frame 1 in the form of a frame comprising at least two parallel longitudinal members 1a and 1b.

It also comprises a U-shaped end support 2 constituting in fact a moving assembly. The end support 2 comprises a base 20 and two branches 21 and 22 forming the end support 2. The branches 21 and 22 are each engaged in sliding in one of the longitudinal members 1a and 1b respectively.

In addition, the end support 2 comprises a loading platform 3 and an arrangement 4 for guiding and holding in a substantially horizontal position of the loading / unloading platform 3, according to a loading / unloading travel between a rest position of this platform, between the longitudinal members 1a and 1b, and a low loading / unloading position, such as a position close to the ground. In Figure 1, without limitation and in order not to impair the clarity of the drawing, the loading / unloading platform is shown in an intermediate position, between the rest position 2 and the lower position thereof.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 1 above, the device according to the invention comprises resources for driving the extraction / withdrawal of the assembly formed by the end support 2 and the platform 3 for loading / unloading. , depending on the loading / unloading run previously quoted.

As will be observed further in Figure 1, each of the longitudinal members 1a and 1b is formed by a U-shaped section, the opening of each U-shape of these profiles being vis-à-vis one from the other. The two longitudinal members 1a and 1b are interconnected, on the one hand, by an end cross member 1c, and on the other hand by the end support 2, in particular by the base 20 and the two branches 21 and 22 of the latter, to form the support frame 1 previously mentioned. It is thus understood that the U-shaped end support 2 comprises its two branches 21 and 22 each slidably engaged by means of rollers in the opening of each U-shaped section.

As can also be seen in Figure 1, the arrangement 4 for guiding and maintaining substantially horizontal position of the platform 3 comprises at least, for each spar 1a and 1b, an upper articulated arm 4s1 and 4s2 rotatably articulated at the U-shaped end support and in particular at the branches 21 and 22 of the latter. In addition, the aforementioned arrangement 4 likewise comprises, for each of the longitudinal members 1a and 1b, a lower articulated arm 4M and 4i2 rotatably articulated at the U-shaped end support.

According to a remarkable aspect of the device according to the invention, the aforementioned arrangement is such that the articulation point 40s of each upper articulated arm, 4s1 and 4s2, is distant from the articulation point 40i of the corresponding lower articulated arm, 4i1 and 4i2, on the same branch 21 or 22 of the U, a distance d determined to form, after extraction of the assembly constituted by the end support 2 and the platform 3 loading / unloading, a structure of parallelogram shape for each of the longitudinal members 1a and 1b and corresponding branches 21 and 22.

In FIG. 1, it will be possible to observe the two parallelogram structures thus formed, represented partially in the drawing, each upper articulated arm 4s1 and 4s2 being maintained parallel to the corresponding lower articulated arm, 4M and 4i2, through, on the one hand, the corresponding branches 21 and 22, and on the other hand articulated spacers 4t noted.

In the same FIG. 1, it can be seen that the platform 3 for loading / unloading is slidably engaged, by means of a support 30 and rolling rollers 31, 32 for example, in each of the lower articulated arms. 4M and 4I2 respectively higher 4s1 and 4s2 and maintained in substantially horizontal position by the latter, during the loading / unloading race between the end of the support frame 1, opposite the cross 1 c, and the low position of loading / unloading supra.

Finally, with reference to the same FIG. 1 it is pointed out that the extraction / removal drive resources advantageously comprise at least one jack, such as gas jack or spring jack, for extracting the assembly formed by the support. end 2 and the platform 3 loading / unloading between the rest position of the platform and the end of the support frame 1. For reasons of execution and drive balance of the assembly formed by the end support 2 and the platform 3 loading / unloading, especially when the latter is in load, the cylinders can be placed substantially symmetrically with respect to the plane P of symmetry of the assembly. The active rods of each of the cylinders can be slidably mounted in the corresponding opening of each U-shaped section constituting the longitudinal members 1a and 1b. They make it possible to ensure the displacement of the whole of the rest position of the loading / unloading platform 3 to the end of the longitudinal members 1a and 1b.

In a nonlimiting preferred embodiment, as shown in the drawing of FIGS. 1, 2 and following, the cylinders can be replaced by a control cylinder 54, such as a gas cylinder or a spring cylinder, cooperating with a pantograph-type articulated connection, 51, 52, which deforms in thrust / traction by means of this control cylinder 54, to ensure the extraction / withdrawal of the end support 2, the upper articulated arms 4s1, 4s2 and lower 4M, 4i2 and platform 3 loading / unloading.

Furthermore, as will also be seen in the drawing, the extraction / withdrawal drive resources comprise a disengageable winch driven by a motor 50 and a wire rope, the end of which is mechanically connected to the wire. platform 3 loading / unloading. The cable, wire rope, 53 is slidably mounted in a suitable orifice 20a formed on the base 20 of the movable end support 2. It is understood, in particular, that the orifice 20a may comprise an anti-wear coating, in order to allow the movement of the cable 53 without critical wear, during the journey of the platform 3 loading / unloading, between its rest position and its low position in use. It is the same for the inner face of the longitudinal members 1a and 1b, which may be coated with a self-lubricating coating, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, to ensure the sliding without critical wear of the end support 2 and arms articulated upper and lower on the latter.

Finally, it will be noted, as shown in FIG. 1, the existence of deflection support pieces of the lower articulated arms 4M and 4I2, shoulder parts denoted 6a and 6b, placed in the vicinity of the free end of the longitudinal members 1a. and 1 b. These parts can be manually inclined by a given angle value, relative to the horizontal, longitudinal direction of the longitudinal members, to ensure the support and maintenance of the lower articulated arms 4i1 and 4i2, and upper articulated arms 4s1 and 4s2, via articulated spacers 4t, at an angle of inclination Â with respect to the vertical value determined. Each shoulder piece 6a and 6b is rotatably attached to the outer portion of each of the longitudinal members 1a and 1b. The angle of inclination value Â is determined by taking into account the height with respect to the ground of the loading platform of the vehicle, to form the parallelogram structures indicated previously in the description, as will be described below, in connection with Figures 2 and 3a, 3b.

FIG. 2 shows the retractable loading / unloading device, object of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, when the loading / unloading platform 3 is in its rest position, between the longitudinal members 1 a and 1 b. In this figure, L denotes the longitudinal dimension of the aforementioned beams, between the rest position of the platform 3 loading / unloading, I designates the withdrawal length of the latter in the rest position relative to the free end of the longitudinal members 1 a and 1 b. It will be understood, in particular, that the dimensional parameters L and I and the dimensions of the end loading / unloading platform 2 and LU of the end support 2 finally chosen, represented in FIG. 1, are established taking into account the model and the type of vehicle to be equip. FIGS. 3a and 3b show a top view of the assembly shown in FIG. 2, respectively a partial view in section along the sectional plane P of FIG. 1 of the arrangement 4 for guiding and holding in position. platform 3 in the retracted position of this platform.

FIG. 3b shows, in the retracted position, the superposition of the upper and lower articulated arms 4s2 and 4i2 slidably mounted, by means of rollers GS, Gl for example, in the U-shaped section constituting the spar 1 a. In a nonlimiting manner, the aforementioned rollers may advantageously be mounted on the side walls of the U-shape constituting the profile and placed at appropriate locations, in order to ensure the displacement of the aforementioned articulated arms by simple translation due to the fact that The action of the control cylinder 54 and the pantograph type mechanical connection 51, 52. The rollers GS, G1 can be mounted in addition to the aforementioned self-lubricating coating, to ensure the automatic handling of the heavier cargo loads.

In addition, the observation of Figure 3b it is understood that the loading platform 3 is provided on its side faces, vis-à-vis the spar 1a and articulated arms upper and lower 4s1 and 4i1 corresponding, of studs provided with rollers at their end, denoted 31 respectively 32. Each of these rollers is slidably engaged in the U-shaped section constituting the upper articulated arm 4s2 respectively lower 4i2.

Thus, the aforementioned rollers 31 and 32 are offset by a distance dp_ substantially equal to the distance d between the hinge points 40s and 40i of the upper articulated arms 4s1 and lower 4i1 in the longitudinal direction of the spar 1a. In addition, the aforementioned rollers 31 and 32 are placed substantially at half height of each of the upper articulated arms 4s2 and lower 4i2 and thus offset, in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the spar 1a of the plane of the sheet containing the 3b, a distance h substantially equal to the half height of the U-shaped profile constituting the spar 1a. It is the same for articulated arms 4s1 and 4i1

Of course, with reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b, it is indicated that the shape and the dimensions of the platform 3 are established taking into account the offset parameters d and h mentioned above, in order to maintain the platform 3 of loading. / substantially horizontal unloading during loading / unloading stroke of the latter, in particular along the articulated arms upper and lower 4s1, 4s2 and 4i1, 4i2 when they are deployed to form the parallelogram structure shown in Figure 1 above.

The general procedure of the retractable loading / unloading device, which is the subject of the invention, is now described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3a and 3b.

When the winch is disengaged, the extraction cylinders or the extraction cylinder 54 can come into action from the rest position of the platform 3 loading / unloading, as shown in Figure 2. According to the embodiment shown in particular in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the control jack 54 pushes the control rods of the pantograph-type mechanical link 51, 52 mechanically integral with the end of the base 20 of the end support 2, at the level of FIG. longitudinal members Ta and 1b, thereby causing the latter to slide, and, of course, upper and lower articulated arms 4s1, 4i1 and 4s2, 4i2 along each of the longitudinal members 1a and 1b, within these latter. In this translational phase, the aforementioned upper articulated arms 4s1, 4s2 and lower 4i1, 4i2 remain integral with each other. When the end support 2, and in particular the end of the U-branch 21, 22 arrives near the end of the corresponding spar 1a and 1b, in the vicinity of the shoulder pieces 6a, 6b, the upper articulated arms 4s1, 4s2 and lower 4M, 4i2 above, and the platform 3 loading / unloading, are driven in extraction and deployed by gravity. The parallelogram structures formed by the deployed articulated arms thus constitute two parallel inclined planes, which make it possible to guide and maintain the loading / unloading platform 3 in a substantially horizontal position for the duration of the loading race. unloading the latter, until reaching the low position of loading / unloading thereof.

In order to optimize the movements of the assembly during the loading / unloading stroke, the winch 50 can be disengaged during the control of the cylinders 51 and 52, that is to say during the displacement in translation of the assembly along each of the longitudinal members 1a and 1b. During this phase of substantially horizontal displacement, the tension of the cable 53 can be maintained at a low value, not exceeding 10N for example.

During the extraction movement and deployment of the upper and lower articulated arms 4s1, 4i1 and 4s2, 4i2 and the platform 3 of gravity loading / unloading, for the descent of the latter to the low position, control of the motor and the winch 50, and consequently of the tension of the cable 53, can be executed to control the speed of movement of the platform. form 3 loading / unloading, depending on the actual cargo load of the latter. It is the same when the return of the latter.

In general, it is indicated that the loading / unloading device object of the invention can be dimensioned so as to ensure the handling of cargo loads that can reach between 200 and 300 Kg.

Different construction variants can also be introduced. As shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the end opposite the articulation of the upper articulated arm 4s1, 4s2 may be curved, or enlarged and shaped like an elephant leg, as shown in an enlarged view, so as to ensure better rigidity and ground stability of the whole. It is the same with respect to the number of articulated struts 4t, which can be advantageously distributed regularly on each of the parallelogram-shaped structures. Thus, with reference to Figures 4a and 4b above, it is understood that a better foundation of the assembly can be obtained. Thus, the loading height H may vary, depending on the model or type of vehicle, between 0.45 m and 1.10 m for example.

Similarly, with reference to FIG. 5a, the loading / unloading platform 3 can be provided with accessories such as cargo attachment rings 33 placed on the edge of the platform, grooves 34 constituting roughness on the surface of the latter, in order to avoid any slippage of the freight put in the final loading / unloading position.

Other accessories or variants can of course be provided. In particular, when the device which is the subject of the invention is intended to be retrofitted on the vehicle's PC loading platform, as represented in FIG. 5a, the assembly formed by the support frame and the end support can - Be configured according to an attached block partially covering the entire PC loading platform, the loading / unloading platform 3 being superimposed on a specific area of the PC loading platform. This arrangement can be adapted to maintain, for the vehicle, a substantially flat loading tray.

Particularly advantageously, the shoulder parts 6a, 6b can be rotatably mounted between a locked position V and an unlocked position DV, symbolized by the dashed arrow, to abut on a stud stop 60a, 60b and thus ensure the support of the lower articulated arms 4i1, 4i2 and higher 4s1, 4s2 in tilted position of the selected angle value Å with respect to the vertical and thus form the parallelogram-shaped structure . The end of the shoulder pieces 6a, 6b is provided with a bracket 61, itself equipped with a guide wheel 61a, 61b, which are connected by an axis of rotation 61c.

Thus it is understood that in the locked position V platform 3 loading / unloading in its rest position is blocked by the shoulder parts 6a, 6b. In this situation, the guide wheels 61a, 61b can be placed in abutment against the internal face of the access door to the loading platform PC of the vehicle, when this door is in the closed position. On the contrary, in the unlocked position, DV, the shoulder pieces 6a, 6b make it possible to ensure, by means of the guide wheels 61a, 61, the free deployment of the lower articulated arms 4i1, 4i2 and the upper ones 4s1, 4s2 and 1b. extraction of the platform 3.

Finally, in the case of the construction of vehicles originally equipped with a loading / unloading device according to the subject of the invention, the loading platform of the vehicle is advantageously provided at the origin, as shown in Figure 5b, a housing of dimensions corresponding to those of the platform 3 loading / unloading. Under these conditions, the assembly formed by the frame and the end support can be mounted as a first under the loading plane of the vehicle. The platform 3 loading / unloading is then accommodated in its rest position in the housing and mounted flush with the surface of the loading tray PC defining this housing.

A more detailed description of a variant of non-limiting implementation of the retractable loading / unloading device, object of the present invention, will now be given with reference to FIG.

The aforementioned figure is a view of the device of the invention, comparable, on the upper part of this figure, in view of Figure 3b, the device being substantially in the rest position, and in the deployed position of the articulated arms upper 4s1, 4s2 and lower 4i1, 4i2 on the lower part.

In this embodiment, the rotational joints 40s, 40i of the upper articulated arms 4s1, 4s2 and lower 4i1, 4i2, at the U-shaped end support are separated, in the sliding direction of the articulated arms. upper and lower, a distance dg substantially equal to the distance dr between the rollers 31, 32 of the platform 3.

The aforementioned rotational joints 40s, 40i are placed opposite the end of the U-shaped support so as to allow, after the end-of-travel sliding of the rollers 31, 32 and the articulated arms, the deployment complete upper articulated arms 4s1, 4s2 and lower 4i1, 4i2.

This measurement is achieved by positioning the rotational joints 40i of the lower articulated arms 4i1, 4i2 so as to allow the free rotation of the set of lower articulated arms 4i1, 4i2 and higher 4s1, 4s2 by simple gravity, when the support shaped U and the articulated arms are at the end of the race.

The formation of the parallelogram is then obtained, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 6, by means of the lower articulated arms 4M, 412 and upper 4s1, 4s2, rotary joints 40s and 40i and rollers 31. , 32.

The embodiment described above makes it possible to eliminate all of the rotatably mounted shoulder pieces ensuring, in the unlocked position, the support of the upper and lower articulated arms, ie the parts 60b, 6b, 6a, 61b, 61b. a, 61c shown in Figures 5a and 5b.

A simplified implementation of the loading / unloading device object of the invention is now described in connection with Figures 7a and 7b.

As in the case of Figure 6 this implementation mode appears simplified insofar as the parts 61 and 61a are deleted. On the contrary, in this embodiment they are replaced by an elongation A articulated upper arms 4s1, 4s2 and lower 4M, 4i2 as it appears in the drawing of Figures 7a and 7b above.

Thanks to the presence of the elongation beyond the axis of rotation 40i, articulated arms mentioned above, the movement of the loading / unloading platform 3 during its movement behind the respective axes of rotation, in particular when the raising of the loading / unloading platform -3 causes the raising of the upper support articulated arms 4s1, 4s2 and 4M, 4i2. It is thus understood that this embodiment advantageously makes it possible also to remove parts 61 and 61a without harming the stability of the assembly. In addition, in order to ensure the execution of the aforementioned mode of implementation and to allow a sequential movement of the loading / unloading platform 3, the device which is the subject of the invention as represented in FIGS. 7b advantageously comprises a first drive motor 7 in translation represented by the double arrow T in Figure 7a, the first motor of course allowing the translation of the assembly according to a displacement parallel to the vehicle loading platform. In addition, the device according to the invention, in this embodiment, is equipped with a rack and pinion drive 8 and pinion 9 driven by the translation engine 7. This motor being integral with the entire chassis support of the loading / unloading platform 3, the whole is also driven in translation T pa relative to the support plate of the vehicle to clear the entire platform loading / unloading 3, as will be described of in more detail later in the description.

In addition, the device that is the subject of the invention comprises a second electric motor 10 for driving downwards / upwards from the loading / unloading platform 3 along the upper articulated arms 4s1 and 4s2 and lower 4i1, 4i2. In addition, a drive shaft 1 1 and pinions 11a and 11b are provided, the latter meshing with racks 12a and 12b each placed on at least one of the lower articulated arms 4i1, 4i2 or, where appropriate, upper 4s1 , 4s2. In FIG. 7d, the racks 12a and 12b are shown are placed in a nonlimiting manner on the lower articulated arms 4M and 412.

When the entire crew, that is to say the chassis and the loading / unloading platform 3 arrived at the end of the translation travel, as shown in FIG. 7a, the second electric motor 10 and the aforementioned rack and pinion system then make it possible to perform the descent of the loading / unloading platform 3 according to the descent path represented by the arrow D in dashed line. It will of course be understood that in order to reassemble the loading / unloading platform 3, the reverse operations are then performed.

Preferably, the second electric motor 10 is powered by the vehicle battery and located under the loading / unloading platform for example. This electric motor 10 drives a shaft 11 which, by means of a two-pinion gear sill 13, makes it possible to move along the lowering D or, as the case may be, the rise of the loading / unloading platform 3. It is thus understood that the implementation of the first motor 7 and the rack 8 and the pinion drive 9 respectively of the second electric motorelO of the shaft 1 1 and the pinions 1 1a and 1 1b can advantageously replace the winch 50 and execute the displacement of the platform loading unloading sequentially.

The sequential displacement of the loading / unloading platform 3 is shown in FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c.

In Figure 8a the loading / unloading platform 3 is completely folded and placed on the support platform of the vehicle for transport. The loading / unloading platform is in the rest position in the latter.

An operator actuates a descent control button and thus the first electric motor 7 and the loading / unloading platform 3 move in translation T to reach the end of the vehicle support platform as shown in FIG. 8b. .

The control of the second electric motor 10 then makes it possible to carry out the descent D of the loading / unloading platform towards the low position of unloading, that is to say on the ground, as shown in a nonlimiting manner in FIG. 8c. To ensure the passage of the moving equipment from the stop position to Figure 8b to the lowering position, a blocking system by slider or sequentially controlled locking / unlocking lugs can be provided. When the loading / unloading platform has reached the ground at the end of travel, the entire device and the electric motor 10 stops.

It is understood that for the raising operation of the loading / unloading platform 3, the reverse operations are executed.

Thus described a retractable loading / unloading device that can be installed in any type of utility vehicle or standard equipment, this device, because of the great flexibility and flexibility of its use , which can be applied to vehicles as diverse as commercial vehicles, LCVs, ambulances, auxiliary medical vehicles enabling the movement of a disabled person and the easy handling of a wheelchair of the latter, or personal vehicles.

Claims

1 / device loading / unloading retractable vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least:

a frame-shaped support frame (1) comprising at least two parallel longitudinal members (1 a, 1 b);

a U-shaped end support (2), comprising two branches each slidably engaged in one of said longitudinal members, said end support comprising a loading platform (3) and means (4) for guiding and maintaining a substantially horizontal position of said platform (3) in a loading / unloading stroke between a rest position of the loading platform between said longitudinal members, the end of said support frame (1) and a position low loading / unloading;

- Drive means (5) for extracting / removing the assembly formed by the end support and the loading / unloading platform according to said loading / unloading stroke.

21 Device according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the longitudinal members (1a, 1b) is formed by a U-shaped profile, the opening of each U-shape being opposite one of the other, the U-shaped end support comprising two branches (21, 22) each slidably engaged by means of rollers in the opening of each U-shaped section.

3 / Apparatus according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said means for guiding and maintaining in substantially horizontal position of said loading / unloading platform comprise at least:

- An upper articulated arm (4s1, 4s2) rotatably articulated at the U-shaped end support;

- A lower articulated arm (4i1, 4i2) rotatably articulated at the U-shaped end support, the point of articulation of each upper articulated arm

(4s1, 4s2) being distant from the point of articulation of the corresponding lower articulated arm (4i1, 4i2), on the same branch of U, by a determined distance to form, after extraction of the assembly constituted by the support of end and platform loading / unloading a parallelogram-shaped structure. 4 / Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said loading platform (3) is slidably engaged by means of rollers in each of the lower articulated arms (4i1, 4i2) and upper (4s1, 4s2 ) and maintained in a substantially horizontal position by the latter, during the loading / unloading stroke, between the end of said frame and said lower loading / unloading position.

5 / Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said drive means (5) extraction / removal comprise at least:

6 / Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one extraction cylinder is constituted by a control cylinder (54) cooperating with an articulated connection pantograph type (51, 52).

11 Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said loading / unloading platform is provided with cargo attachment means. 8 / Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the assembly formed by the support frame and the end support is mounted as a second step on the vehicle loading platform, the rest position of said Loading platform being superimposed on a specific area of the loading platform.

9 / Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, the loading platform of the vehicle being originally provided with a housing of dimension corresponding substantially to that of the loading platform the whole formed by the support frame and the end support is mounted under the loading plane of the vehicle, said loading platform being accommodated, in its rest position, in said housing and mounted flush with the surface of the loading tray defining said housing. 10 / Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the free end of said side members is equipped with shoulder pieces rotatably mounted between a locked position, ensuring the locking and locking of the loading platform / unloading in its rest position, and an unlocked position, supporting the lower and upper articulated arms by means of guide wheels.

1 1 / Device according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the articulated joints of the articulated arms upper and lower at the U-shaped end support are separated in the direction of sliding of the articulated arms upper and lower, a distance substantially equal to the distance separating the rollers from said platform and placed, vis-à-vis the end of the U-shaped support, so as to allow, after the end slip stroke of the rollers and articulated arms, the complete deployment of said articulated arms and the formation of said parallelogram, through said upper and lower articulated arms, said rotational joints and said rollers.

12 / Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that said upper articulated arms (4s1, 4s2) and lower (4i1, 4i2) comprise an elongation beyond rotation axis (40i, 40i), the movement of the platform form of loading / unloading (3) during its movement behind the respective axes of rotation (40i, 40i) causing the rise of said articulated support arms.

13 / Apparatus according to claims 3 and 12, characterized in that it comprises a first motor (7) and a rack drive (8), pinion (9), the start of the motor (7) ensuring the displacement in horizontal translation of the loading / unloading platform (3). 14 / Apparatus according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that it further comprises:

- a second electric motor (10) for driving down / up the loading / unloading platform (3) along the upper articulated arms (4s, 4s2) and lower (4i1; 4i2);

- a drive shaft (1 1) and pinions (1 1 a, 1 1 b) meshing with racks (12a, 12b) each placed on at least one of the lower articulated arms (4i1, 4i2) or higher ( 4s1, 4s2). 15 / Apparatus according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the first (7) and second (10) electric motor are fed sequentially by the vehicle battery.