EP3092352A1

EP3092352A1 - Device for helping a vehicle travel over an obstacle

Info

Publication number: EP3092352A1
Application number: EP15702518.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pierre BELMAN; Frédéric ENGLER
Original assignee: MYD L SAS
Current assignee: MYD L SAS
Priority date: 2014-01-08
Filing date: 2015-01-05
Publication date: 2016-11-16
Also published as: FR3016150B1; FR3016150A1; FR3016149A1; FR3016149B1; WO2015104489A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for helping a wheeled vehicle, especially for people with reduced mobility, travel over an obstacle, said device comprising a frame (2), characterised in that it comprises at least one main platform (10) which can be deployed from a retracted position, said main platform carrying at least one secondary platform (20) that can be deployed substantially perpendicularly to a direction of deployment of the main platform, between a storage position wherein said secondary platform is retracted towards the main platform and allows the storage of said main platform inside the frame, and a deployed position wherein said secondary platform forms a ramp for accessing the main platform from the ground surface.

Description

Device for assisting an obstacle to be crossed by a vehicle

The present invention relates to a device for assisting the crossing of one or more steps or a threshold by a vehicle, in particular for persons with reduced mobility who move by means of a wheelchair, or for people moving a wheeled cart for the transportation of objects.

It is common for a shop or business, or even an entrance to a residential complex, to have street access with one or more steps.

Such a threshold has a height generally from one to several tens of centimeters and is an obstacle often impassable for a person with reduced mobility or delivery carts.

Of course, this problem does not only concern external accesses and such steps may also exist within these spaces, especially in old buildings. You can also find these steps for access to terraces.

One solution to allow the crossing of such a step by a vehicle or wheeled trolley is to set up an access ramp.

A major constraint on the implementation of such a ramp is a lack of permanent encroachment on public roads, sidewalks and / or roadways, passageways, etc.

Indeed, although essential for a person with reduced mobility, their general rate of use remains relatively low. It is therefore necessary to be able to completely release the passage when these ramps are not used.

Thus, there is a need for retractable ramps.

In general, the encroachment of these ramps in the service position must be as small as possible so as not to impede the circulation of the users of the sidewalk, the roadway or the passage on which the access gives access.

To do this, retractable removable ramp systems are known inside a chassis installed in the thickness of the step to be crossed. Such a device is described, for example, in the document FR 2 947 224, in the name of the applicant.

In such a device, the ramp is housed inside said frame (or box) and is deployed in a direction substantially normal to the step to be crossed.

Depending on the height of the step, the ramp should be longer or shorter to present, in service configuration, a slope low enough to be crossed by the vehicle or truck.

According to the practices, the maximum negotiable slope is 20% for a motorized wheelchair and from 10 to 15% for a manual wheelchair. Institutions receiving the public (ERP) within the meaning of Law 2005-1 05 of 11 February 2005 must even ensure a slope of less than 5%.

Thus, in the case of a step of 20cm and a slope of 10%, it will be necessary to provide an accessibility ramp of 2m long.

Of course, all sidewalks and passages are not wide enough to allow the deployment of such a ramp.

After deployment, it is also necessary to reserve a passage space to bring the chair in the alignment of the ramp (gyration space) for access. The width of this space is commonly set at 1 m20.

This gyration space also makes it possible to maintain a normal circulation space on the sidewalk during the entire deployment time of the ramp without pedestrians being forced to bypass it down the road.

The document FR 2 947 224 partially solves this problem by proposing a chassis comprising a tilting top plate which completes the retractable ramp itself projecting from the frame.

However, depending on the configuration of the place to be equipped, this may still be insufficient.

Furthermore, a retractable ramp device is confronted with the problem of irregularities of the sidewalk in front of the threshold (irregular slope when moving away from the threshold or along the threshold, steep slope of the street or sidewalk, ...) and it is difficult to compensate for these irregularities by the assistance device. In some locations, the solution of dividing the ramp into two independently adjustable half-ramps can be insufficient, especially in the case of heavily sloping streets and sidewalks.

Thus, there is a need for a retractable ramp assistance device taking these constraints into account.

The present invention aims to overcome these difficulties and proposes for this purpose a device for assisting the crossing of an obstacle by a wheeled vehicle, particularly for persons with reduced mobility, comprising a stationary frame, characterized in that it comprises the less a main plate deployable from a retracted position inside the frame, said main plate carrying at least one secondary plate adapted to be deployed in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of deployment of the main plate, between a storage position in which said secondary tray is retracted to the main tray and allows storage of said main tray within the frame, and an extended position in which said secondary tray constitutes an access ramp to said main tray from a ground surface.

Thus, by providing a deployable main tray carrying a folding ramp capable of being deployed in a direction perpendicular to that of said main plate, the ramp is deployed not perpendicular to the access and sidewalk, but parallel to it and in the axis of circulation of the sidewalk.

Access to the ramp is thus directly from the sidewalk in the direction of traffic and the main plate is a gyration platform allowing the vehicle to align in the axis of the access to be crossed.

The encroachment on the sidewalk or the public circulation space is greatly reduced. The congestion in a transverse direction of the sidewalk or the public circulation space is reduced to the deployment distance of the main plate.

In addition, the orientation of the ramp allows an excellent adaptation to steep streets, especially with a narrow sidewalk, and the case of high steps, while ensuring the stability of the vehicle running on the ramp.

According to a particular embodiment, the deployable secondary plateau forming a ramp is made from a plurality of sub-units. adjacent trays articulated successively between them and retractable on each other.

Depending on the required ramp length and the width of the main plate, the secondary plateau forming a ramp may consist of one or more sub-trays, themselves articulated to each other. Such a constitution makes the device particularly compact and adaptable to many configurations and heights of steps.

According to a first preferred embodiment, the articulated secondary plate, and / or where appropriate, at least one sub-plate, is telescopically mounted, for example by means of rail / slide links.

Such a hinge system remains relatively simple, inexpensive and ergonomic, especially for manual deployment of the device.

In the case of a plurality of sub-trays, it is thus possible to obtain a telescopic assembly whose slides interlock with each other and can both constitute a rail and a slide according to the plate and the articulation considered.

Alternatively or in a complementary manner, the articulated secondary plate, and / or, where appropriate, the sub-plates, is articulated by means of at least one deformable parallelogram type articulation.

Such articulation makes it possible to unfold and fold the tray while keeping it substantially parallel to itself during the movement. The sub-trays can thus be easily superimposed. The mounting points of the joint also make it possible to determine the slope of the plate.

Advantageously, the secondary plate, and / or where appropriate, at least one sub-plate, in the deployed position, abuts against an element of the main plate, respectively of the previous sub-plate, on which it is articulated.

The stop allows a plateau stop at the end of the deployment run.

In addition, in the case of sub-trays, the unfolded sub-tray may assist in the deployment of the previous sub-tray.

For example, for sub-trays slidably mounted within a slideway, traction exerted on a sub-plateau abutting will cause the deployment of the previous sub-platform. Similarly, for deformable parallelogram-type articulated sub-trays, the overlapping abutment, for example, of a rim of the preceding sub-tray, will assist the deployment of said previous sub-tray by leverage. .

Advantageously, at least one of the main plate, the secondary tray and the sub-trays where appropriate, comprises at least one lateral stiffener. Advantageously, the stiffener forms a flush wheel for guiding the wheels of the vehicle and thus avoid a ramp exit.

Advantageously, the joint is connected to at least one lateral stiffener of at least one of the plates that it articulates.

More particularly, in the case of a slide joint, said slide and / or the rail may be formed from the lateral stiffener.

In the case of a deformable parallelogram type joint, at least a portion of the attachment points of the joint can be fixed in a lateral stiffener.

Advantageously complementary, the articulation is associated with at least one deployment assistance and / or withdrawal. It may for example be an assistance cylinder, including the gas cylinder type, or a motorized assistance.

Preferably, the main plate comprises at least one support foot on the ground when in the extended position, preferably foldable during the retraction of said main plate. Advantageously, the foot comprises a crutch, preferably bistable. This type of foot further improves the ground support and the stability of the device in case of soil cant.

According to an alternative embodiment, the secondary plate is retractable inside and in the thickness of the main plate. Such a constitution makes it possible to house the means for deploying the secondary plate also inside the main plate and thus not to encumber an upper surface of the plate serving as a running surface.

According to another embodiment, the secondary plate is retractable on the main plate, in particular on a running surface of said main plate. According to a first preferred embodiment, the main plate is deployable in translation.

In a complementary manner, the chassis supports at least one upper cover plate.

Advantageously, the upper cover plate is articulated in height so as to form at least a portion of complementary ramp between the main plate and an upper plane of the frame.

Advantageously complementary, the device comprises at least one deployable intermediate plate capable of forming at least one portion of complementary ramp between the main plate and an upper plane of the frame, formed if necessary by the cover plate.

The presence of ramps or additional ramp portions depends on the remaining height between the main deck and the trade floor or space to which the vehicle is to enter.

The various complementary ramp elements may be used alone or in combination depending on the required additional ramp length.

Advantageously complementary, the main plate is telescopically mounted relative to the frame. Thus, the main plate can be deployed at a distance in line with the slope of a complementary ramp if necessary.

Preferably, the frame has at least one movable front panel movable between a folded position in which it at least partially masks at least the main plate in the retracted position and a position at least partially raised, when the main plate is in the deployed position, in which it is able to form at least a portion of complementary ramp between the main plate and an upper plane of the frame, formed if necessary by the cover plate, and possibly in the continuity of another complementary ramp.

According to a second embodiment, the main plate is deployable by pivoting. The retracted position corresponds to a folded position of said main tray.

The implementation of a deployable main plate makes it possible to implement a more compact device with simplified maneuvering. The implementation of a pivot axis (a hinge line for example) also brings advantages in terms of manufacturing cost and reliability of the device.

Alternatively, the main plate belongs to an upper wall of the frame. More specifically, the frame is openable in two parts, the upper part forming all or part of the main plate.

Advantageously, the chassis comprises a rolling surface wall disposed in the continuity of the main plate when it is deployed. Thus, the rolling surface formed by the wall ensures the transition of the vehicle from the running surface of the main plate.

Advantageously, the chassis has, on a side opposite to the axis of pivoting, an inclined wall constituting a rolling surface between the rolling wall of the frame and an upper plane. Where appropriate, the inclined wall may be the rolling wall of the frame or a part thereof or a separate wall reported. The inclined wall ensures continuity of the running surface to the ground level to be reached so as to avoid the formation of a projection. Advantageously, the main plate is equipped with at least one deployable operating lever, said lever having a housing along the main plate, said lever comprising a gripping end protruding from the main plate in the storage position. Thus, the deployment of the main shelf is greatly facilitated.

According to a preferred embodiment, the main plate, in the folded position, defines, with a wall of the frame, an interior space adapted to accommodate the secondary plateau ramp. In this way, elements to be moved manually, as for example, according to some embodiments, elements of the secondary plateau forming a ramp, can be stored inside the device.

Advantageously, the main plate is made of at least two parts, preferably in two half parts, deployable independently of one another. In this way, the individual weight of the elements to be deployed is greatly reduced. This is particularly interesting in the case of manual deployment and storage of the main shelf, when the operator does not have enough force to lift said main plate at one time. In the case of an automatic deployment, a motor can be dimensioned accordingly.

In a complementary manner, and in order to further lighten the displaceable elements, in particular the elements that can be moved manually, the main plate or other displaceable element can be made from a light and resistant material, in particular, for example, from aluminum sheet (eg EN AW 2017, AG3) or from extruded aluminum (eg AGS 6060T5).

The implementation of the invention will be better understood with the aid of the detailed description which is set out below with reference to the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a device according to a first embodiment, in the fully retracted initial position,

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the device of FIG. 1 in a first step of its deployment,

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the device of FIG. 1 in a second step of its deployment, the main plate being extracted from the frame,

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the device of FIG. 1 in a third step of its deployment, the secondary plateau forming a ramp being deployed,

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the device of FIG. 1, in a fully deployed service configuration,

FIG. 6 is a schematic view from above of the device of FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic front view of the device of FIG. 5,

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of the device of FIG. 5 during a first folding step,

FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of the device of FIG. 8,

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the device of FIG. 5 during a second folding step, FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic front view of the device of FIG. 10,

FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of the device of FIG. 10,

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the first embodiment of the device in the deployed position,

- Figure 14 is an exploded schematic representation showing the constituent elements of a second embodiment of the device.

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of the device in the fully folded initial position,

FIGS. 16 to 20 are diagrammatic representations of the device during the various stages of its deployment,

FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 20.

- Figures 22 to 24 are schematic representations of an alternative embodiment of the second embodiment of the device, in various configurations.

A first example of implementation of an assistance device 1 is shown in Figures 1 to 1 2, is intended to allow the deployment of a retractable ramp between a floor or lower floor and a floor or upper floor, of which the delimitation forms one or more steps because of a difference in level between these two surfaces.

As explained above, this device essentially concerns, but not limited to, access to shops or businesses from the street that are frequently likely to present a walk.

In such a case, the lower ground is constituted by a pavement or sidewalk while the floor or upper floor is constituted by the floor of the store or shop.

The device relates in particular to steps having a crossing height greater than 10 cm, preferably greater than 20 cm. The device also applies to access in steep streets, including streets with a slope of 0 to 30%, particularly streets with a slope greater than 15%.

The device 1 aims to ensure the establishment of a retractable ramp having a slope of less than 20%, or even less than 1 5, 10 or 5% depending on regulatory or environmental constraints.

The device 1 is intended to be inserted or recessed in the upper ground, in front of the ground below the level of the access to be crossed, and comprises for this purpose a frame 2 forming a box inside which is housed the deployable ramp.

The frame 2 has a generally parallelepipedal shape whose dimensions are adapted to the height of the step, the width of the access and the dimensions of the vehicle.

For example, the box may have a height of the order of 10 to 50 centimeters allowing insertion in most floors and floors, such as a concrete slab, brick, or other.

The device 1 comprises, on the one hand, an upper wall mounted on the frame 2 and constituting a cover panel 3, and on the other hand, a front face 4 forming a facade surface the step.

The frame 2 is installed so that the cover panel 3 forms a surface belonging to the upper floor of the room.

The cover panel 3 may also be made to be harmonized with the rest of the upper floor. It will be more particularly to respect the geometry of the surrounding upper soil, the coating, decor, etc.

The front face 4 of the device 1 may also have a chosen aspect for integration into the facade of the building.

In the case of a step or a series of particularly important steps, for example of a height greater than 21 centimeters, it may also be useful to equip the device with a step nosing 5 in front of the front face 4 and forming an intermediate step to facilitate the crossing of this march by valid people. Indeed, the height of a step should normally be between 16 and 21 centimeters according to the regulations in force. In the service state, or deployed, the retractable ramp leaves the frame 2 and protrudes from the front.

In order to allow the exit of the ramp, the front face 4 and the step nosing 5 are movably mounted so as to open a passage for the extraction of the ramp.

To do this, the front face 4 is in the form of a hinged pivoting flap along an upper edge of the frame 2. The front face 4 may be hinged to an edge of the cover panel 3 for example around a hinge line (Figure 2).

The step nosing 5 is in turn mounted on an element of the extractable ramp and is moved with the latter (Figure 3).

The deployable ramp system will now be described.

According to the invention, the device 1 comprises a main plate 10 deployable from a retracted position inside the chassis 2.

The step nose 5 is fixed on a front end of the main plate 10 and moves with said main plate.

The main plate 10 carries an articulated secondary plate 20 capable of being deployed in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of deployment of the main plate 10.

The secondary plate 20 is deployed between a storage position in which it is retracted on the main plate 10 (FIG. 3) and allows the storage of said main plate inside the chassis 2, and an extended position (FIG. 4) in which it comes substantially in continuity with said main plate 10 and constitutes an access ramp to said plate from a ground surface.

Thus, while the main plate 10 is deployed in a substantially horizontal direction and perpendicular to the step, the access ramp formed by the secondary plate 20 is deployed substantially parallel to said step.

The main plate 10 thus forms an intermediate gyration tray between the lower ground and the upper ground. The turntable allows the chair, vehicle or trolley to change direction between the ramp and the top floor.

In this way, whatever the height of the step to be crossed, the encroachment of the device to the right of said step, that is to say in the case of a street access, the encroachment in the width of the sidewalk is limited to the deployment distance of the main shelf 10.

For safety, the main plate 10 is equipped with wheels

1 1, 1 2 lateral present along a front edge (flush wheel 1 2) of the main plate 10 and along the opposite edge (wheel flap 1 1) to the access ramp (secondary plate 20) to ground. The wheel chafers 11, 12 shown are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other.

These flares 11 1, 1 2 advantageously form reinforcements of the main plate 10.

The main plate 10 may comprise other reinforcements, for example, sleepers disposed on the underside of said plate (not visible).

Moreover, to guarantee its support on the ground, the main plate 10 is equipped with support legs 13.

The support legs 1 3 are foldably mounted on a lower face of the main plate 10.

Advantageously, the support legs 13 are able to unfold and fold automatically during deployment and storage of the main tray 10.

It is in particular possible to set up a traction cable system and / or folding (with or without referrals and pulleys).

It is also possible to set up a transverse cam arranged on the deployment path of the main plate 10.

Thus, during the storage of the main plate, the support legs 1 3 abut against the cam which forces their withdrawal under the main plate 10 and hold in this position.

Conversely, during deployment, after exceeding the cam the support legs 13 can fold by gravity, a deployment cable, of suitable length, attached to a bottom of the frame 2 can ensure the full deployment of the support legs 13 .

The secondary plateau 20 constitutes the ramp between the lower ground.

The secondary plate 20 is in the form of a telescopic plate comprising three sub-plates 21, 22, 23 adjacent.

The sub-plate 21 constitutes a first sub-plate through which the secondary plate 20 is mounted on the main plate 10. More specifically, the first sub-plate 21 is slidably mounted relative to the main plate 10.

To do this, a rail / slide system (non-visible) is arranged at a lower surface of said sub-plate 21.

The first sub-plate 21 is mounted slightly tilting end of deployment stroke, to give its slope to the secondary plate 20 and the ramp.

The sub-plate 23 constitutes a sub-plateau terminal that ensures contact with the ground. In order to facilitate access to the ramp, it has a beveled end 23a.

Of course, the number of sub-trays is given as a simple illustration and is not limiting. The number of sub-trays will be adjusted depending in particular on the distance of the main plateau 10 to the lower ground and the desired ramp slope.

The sub-trays 21, 22, 23 are hinged together by means of rail / slide links.

More specifically, each sub-plate 21, 22, 23 has lateral stiffeners 24, 25, 26 shaped so as to serve as a rail and / or slide relative to a lateral stiffener 24, 25, 26 of a previous sub-plate. or next.

Each sub-tray may also comprise complementary transverse stiffeners, arranged in particular at a lower surface of the corresponding sub-tray.

Thus, the first sub-plate 21 has two lateral stiffeners 24 each shaped to act as a slide cooperating with rails of the sub-plate 22 formed by the lateral stiffeners 25 of the latter.

The lateral stiffeners 25 of the sub-plate 22 also each serve as a slideway cooperating with a lateral stiffener 26 of the sub-plate 23 forming a rail.

Other configurations and arrangements may be considered.

Advantageously, the sub-trays 21 and 22 are equipped with an end stop (not visible) ensuring the stopping of the corresponding moving sub-tray in its deployed position. This limit stop also helps to deploy all the sub-trays 21, 22, 23, as will be explained below.

Depending on the total height of the step and the height at which the main plate 1 0 is located, it may remain a step to cross.

The crossing is then provided by a complementary ramp system deployed between the main plate 10 and the cover plate 3 located at the upper ground level.

In such a case, the main plate 10 is deployed at a sufficient distance from the frame 2 so that the complementary ramp has a fairly low slope.

To do this, the main plate 10 is telescopically mounted at the end of a drawer 6 of the frame 2.

The main plate is telescopically mounted via a rail system 7a / slide 7b and the drawer 6 is itself installed in the frame telescopically via a rail type system 8a / slide 8b.

Advantageously, the drawer 6 has a bottom wall 6a which serves as a cam support legs 13 and holds them in the folded position when the device 1 is in a row configuration.

Several means can be implemented to constitute the complementary ramp.

The complementary ramp may be made from an intermediate platform 30 deployable according to a system similar to that described in FR 2 947 224.

The intermediate plate 30 is slidably mounted in corresponding (not visible) slides of the chassis.

The slides are arranged so that the intermediate plate 30 slides over the main plate 10, between the latter and the cover plate 3.

In addition, the slides are arranged so that, in the deployed position, the intermediate plate 30 is inclined and has a front end bearing on the main plate 10. In this way, the intermediate plate forms, at least in part, a complementary ramp between the main plate 10 and the cover plate 3.

In order to facilitate the extraction, the slides of the intermediate plate 30 may be pivotally mounted around a transverse axis of the frame 2 so as to allow the extraction of the intermediate plate in a substantially horizontal direction before coming to put the intermediate plate 30 into position. support on the main board 10 once deployed.

According to an alternative embodiment, the intermediate plate 30 may be made in the form of half-plates 30a, 30b each forming a half-ramp, a complementary double slide (not visible) being installed substantially in the middle of the chassis 2.

The two half-plates 30a, 30b may be connected by a central longitudinal stiffener. Transverse stiffeners are also possible.

In addition, in the case where this complementary ramp formed by the intermediate plate would be insufficient, or alternatively, it is also possible to use the front flap 4 as part of complementary ramp between the intermediate plate 30 and the cover plate 3.

It is also possible to implement a movable cover plate 3 articulated in height, including tilting, as is also described in the document FR 2 947 224.

The intermediate plate 30, the flap 4 and the cover plate 3, can be used alone or in combination depending on the remaining operating height and the required additional ramp length.

The various elements of the device 1 can be made in whole or part, in various suitable materials. It may especially be shaped sheet metal for example by folding or stamping. It may also be extruded aluminum material to achieve lightweight and resistant structures.

In particular, the elements of the device intended for running the vehicle or trolley, namely in particular, the sub-trays 21, 22, 23 constituting the secondary plateau 20, the main plateau 10, the plateau intermediate 30 and the cover plate, will advantageously be made so as to have an upper surface capable of constituting a suitable raceway.

The operation of the device 1 will now be described in more detail with respect to the figures.

FIG. 1 shows the device 1 in the rest configuration, or row, in which the ramp is retracted inside the frame 2. The flap 4 of the front is folded down and the step nosing 5 comes in front of the flap 4.

Figure 2 shows a first deployment step in which the flap 4 is raised to open in the frame a passage for gripping the main plate 10 and for its extraction.

The step nosing 5, fixed to the front of the main plate 10 may constitute a gripping means for manually extracting the drawer 6 and the main plate 10.

Alternatively, handles may be arranged behind the flap 4, thus becoming accessible when the flap 4 is raised.

Figure 3 shows the device 1 with the main plate 10 extracted from the frame 2. The support legs 13 are deployed and allow the support of the main plate 10 on the lower floor.

The secondary plate 20 intended to form the ramp between the lower ground and the main plate 10 is in storage configuration on the main plate 10, its telescopic sub-plates 21, 22, 23 being retracted on each other.

The sub-plateau terminal 23 is deployed first until it abuts the end of the sub-plate 22 intermediate. Thus deployed, the traction of the sub-plate 23 causes the deployment of the sub-plate 22 intermediate.

When the intermediate sub-plate 22 itself comes into abutment of the first sub-plate 21, the traction of the sub-plate 23 terminal causes the deployment of the first sub-plate 21.

When the sub-plate 21 reaches the end of the main plate 10, the secondary plate 20 is fully deployed.

The secondary plate 20 thus forms the access ramp to the main plate 10. The end of said secondary plate 20 rests on the lower ground. As seen in the particular embodiment shown in the figures, the main plate 10 is deployed substantially at half height of the frame 2. There remains a relatively large step height between the main plate 10 and the cover plate 3 .

In order to solve this problem, the device 1 comprises a complementary ramp.

As can be seen in FIG. 5 showing the device in fully deployed service configuration, this complementary ramp comprises an intermediate plate 30 deployed from the chassis 2 between the main plate 1 O and the cover plate 3.

The flap 4 ensures the ramp continuity between the intermediate plate 30 and the cover plate 3 if necessary.

It will be noted that the intermediate plate 30 has its own lateral wheel-guards, which can also constitute lateral reinforcements.

Thus fully deployed, the device 1 is a complete system of ramps for the circulation of a wheeled vehicle between the lower ground and the upper ground.

From the lower ground, the vehicle can easily take the ramp formed by the secondary plateau 20 and access the main plateau 10.

Once on the main plate 10, it will be necessary to rotate the vehicle by 90 ° to position it in the axis of access to the upper ground.

The vehicle can then take the complementary ramp formed by the intermediate plate 30 and the flap 4 to reach the cover plate 3 located at the upper ground level.

The descent from the upper ground to the lower ground will be done in the same way.

Figures 8 to 12 show storage steps of the device 1. In general, the storage of the device 1 is performed by reverse stages of the deployment.

As shown in the figures, the telescopic sub-plates 21, 22, 23 of the secondary plate 20 are arranged one on the other, and the assembly is stored on the main plate 10. The intermediate plate 30 forming complementary ramp is also stored inside the chassis 2.

Thus ready, the main plate 10 and its drawer 6 are pushed back inside the frame 2. The flap 4 can be folded down and closes the front panel of the chassis 2 above the nosing 5.

Figure 13 shows a device 100 according to an alternative embodiment of the first embodiment.

The device 100 differs from the device 1 essentially in that it comprises a secondary plate 200 comprising three sub-plates 201, 202, 203 hinged together by means of deformable parallelogram type links.

As for the device 1, the sub-platter 201 constitutes a first sub-platter by which the secondary platen 20 is mounted on the main platen 10.

More specifically, the first sub-plate 201 is mounted on the main plate 10 by means of lateral rods 204, 205 disposed on either side in pairs each forming a deformable articulated parallelogram.

The kinematics of deployment and folding of the sub-plate and its final position and inclination can be determined by adjusting the mounting points of the connecting rods on the main plate 10 and the sub-plate 201.

Advantageously, as shown, the connecting rods can be fixed in the lateral stiffeners 1 2 & 24 of the main plate 10 and the sub-plate 201.

Like the sub-plate 23, the sub-plate 203 constitutes a sub-plateau terminal which ensures contact with the ground.

The sub-plate 202 constitutes an intermediate sub-plateau. The sub-trays 201, 202, 203 are articulated to one another via deformable parallelogram type links similar to the link allowing the articulation of the first sub-plate 201 on the main plate 10. The connecting rods are advantageously fixed in the stiffeners 24, 25, 26 of the sub-plates 201, 202, 203.

The sub-trays 202, 203 and their articulation means are arranged so that the sub-trays come slightly in overlapping the sub-plate 201, 202 preceding when in the final deployed position.

The first sub-plate 201 itself comes in slight overlap of the main plate 10.

These overlaps constitute limit stops ensuring the stopping of the corresponding sub-plate 201, 202, 203 in its deployed position.

As for the first embodiment, this end stop also makes it possible to assist the deployment of all the sub-plates 201, 202, 203.

In folded configuration, the sub-trays 201, 202, 203 are arranged as the sub-trays 21, 22, 23, on each other on the main plate 10.

The sub-platen 203 is deployed first. Due to the deformable parallelogram-type articulation, the sub-plate is deployed in a circular translational movement until it abuts the end of the intermediate sub-plate 202 by overlapping.

Thus in abutment, the further deployment of the sub-plate 203 causes the deployment of the sub-plate 202, also in a circular translational movement, until it arrives itself in the deployed position in slight overlap with the first sub-platter 201, which he will then deploy.

When the sub-plate 201 comes to a stop of the main plate 10, the secondary plate 200 is fully deployed.

A second example of implementation of an assistance device 1000 is shown in FIGS. 14 to 21.

Like the device 1, the device 1000 is intended to allow the deployment of a retractable ramp between a floor or lower floor and a floor or upper floor, whose delimitation forms one or more steps due to a difference in level between these two surfaces.

The device 1000 is also intended to be inserted or embedded in the upper ground, in front of the ground below the level of the access to be crossed, and comprises for this purpose a frame 102 having a bottom wall 102b on which the deployable ramp is intended to be stowed. The deployable ramp system will now be described.

A main plate 1 10 is mounted deployable by pivoting about an axis January 1 located along a front edge of the frame 102.

In the retracted position, as can be seen in FIGS. 15 to 17, the main plate is thus folded down on the bottom wall 102b of the frame 102.

In the retracted position, the main plate 1 10 has an upper surface 1 10a, or recto, located substantially flush with the surface of the upper ground. Advantageously, this upper surface 1 10 comprises a coating intended to ensure an aesthetic harmonization with the surrounding soil.

On the back, that is to say on the side folded on the bottom wall 1 02b, the main plate 1 10 has a surface 1 1 0b intended to serve as a running surface and turntable when said main plate 1 10 is deployed (FIGS. 17 to 20). On the side of this surface 1 10b, the main plate 1 10 is also equipped with wheel flaps 1 1 2, 1 1 3 lateral present along a front edge (flush wheel 1 1 3) of the main plate 1 1 0 and along the side edge (wheel washer 1 12). The wheel chafers 1 12, 1 1 3 shown are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other. The wheel guards 1 1 2, 1 1 3 advantageously form reinforcements of the main plate 1 1 0. The main plate 1 10 may comprise other reinforcements, for example, sleepers disposed in the thickness of said plate (not visible) between the surfaces 1 1 0a, 1 1 0b. Opposite the axis 1 1 1, the main plate 1 10 carries a step 105.

Furthermore, to ensure its support on the ground, the main plate 1 10 is equipped with a support leg in the form of a stand 1 06 mounted under a step nose 105, in the deployed position.

The stand 106 is a bistable stand that can be tilted between a folded position on the step nose 105 (FIGS. 1 5, 1 6) and an active position (FIGS. 17 to 20).

By bistable means that in the manner of crutches for motorcycles, said stand 106 is equipped with a return mechanism tending to bring it back to the active position or in the folded position according to its position relative to a transition position . The stand 106 is in the form of a wall, made for example of sheet metal.

In the folded position on the step nose, the stand 106 is designed to have a flat surface in continuity with the surface 1 1 0b of the main plate 1 10. In this way, the stand 106 extends the circulation surface of the device in storage configuration.

In the active position, the stand 106 is then substantially perpendicular to the step nosing 105 and the main plate 1 10 and is able to constitute a support foot on the lower floor.

The main plate 1 carries a hinged secondary plate 1 capable of being deployed in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of deployment of the main plate 1 10.

More specifically, the secondary plate 120 is retractably mounted inside the main plate 1 10 in the thickness of said main plate 1 10. The secondary plate 1 20 is mounted deployable on a lateral side of the main plate 1 10 opposite the bearing side hunting wheel 1 1 2.

The secondary plate 120 is deployed between a storage position in which it is retracted inside the main plate 10 and allows to fold down said main plate 1 10 on the frame 102.

In the deployed position (FIG. 20), the secondary plateau 1 20 comes substantially in continuity with the main plateau 1 10 and constitutes an access ramp to said main plateau 1 10 from a ground surface.

Thus, while the main plate 1 10 is deployed in a substantially horizontal direction and perpendicular to the step, the access ramp formed by the secondary plate 1 20 is deployed substantially parallel to said step.

According to the embodiment shown, the secondary plate 120 is made from two half ramps 1 20a, 1 20b. The secondary plate 1 20 is also equipped with lateral wheel flaps 1 21.

Thus, in deployed configuration, the secondary plate 1 20 forms an access ramp between the lower ground and the main plate 1 10.

The main plate 1 10 forms an intermediate gyration tray between the secondary plate and the bottom wall 102b of the frame 102. The bottom wall 102b of the frame 102 forms a rolling surface disposed in the continuity of the main plate 1 1 0 deployed.

Depending on the thickness of the main plate 1 1 0, the bottom wall 1 02b of the frame 102 may be sufficiently far from the upper ground to be reached so that there is a residual projection may constitute an inconvenience to crossing. In order to overcome this difficulty, the frame 1 02 comprises, on a side opposite to the pivot axis 1 January, an inclined wall 1 constituting a rolling surface between the bottom wall.

102b and the soil to reach.

The inclined wall 1 25 is attached to the bottom wall 1 02b of the frame 102 and extends substantially along the width of said frame 102 so as to ensure continuity of rolling.

The inclined wall 1 25 extends the bottom wall 1 02b rearwardly and projects from the frame 102.

More specifically, an end portion of the inclined wall 1 comes to rest on an inclined surface complementary to the recessing cavity.

In this way, the inclined wall 1 25 can be easily adapted to the installation environment without requiring adaptations of the chassis 1 02 itself.

In the embodiment shown, the main plate 1 10 has a length substantially equal to the length of the bottom wall 102b of the frame 102. As a result, when the main plate 1 1 0 is folded down on the frame 1 02, the run nose 105 extends towards the rear of the device above the inclined wall 1 25.

To allow the complete storage of the main plate, the tread 105 has a tapered front portion 105a, complementary to the inclined wall 25.

In order to facilitate the deployment of the main tray 1 1 0, said main tray 1 1 0 is equipped with a lever 1 1 8 deployable maneuver.

Lever 1 1 8 is pivotally mounted on one side of the main board so that it can be stowed along main board 1 1 0.

In addition, said lever 1 1 8 is designed to have a gripping end 1 1 8a projecting from the main plate 1 1 0 in storage position. The operation of the device 1000 will now be described in more detail with respect to the figures.

FIG. 15 shows the device 1000 in the rest configuration, or row, in which the secondary plate 120 is retracted in the thickness of the main plate 110, itself folded down on the bottom wall of the frame 102.

The stand 106 is folded against the step nose 105 and forms a circulation surface completing the upper surface 110b of the main plate 110. The lever 118 is stored along the main plate 110. The grip end 118a projects towards the before. The body of the lever 118 is retracted.

FIG. 16 shows a first deployment step in which the lever 118 is straightened, to be brought substantially vertically to the device 1000.

Figure 17 shows the deployment of the stand 106 upwards.

Thus, the main plate 110 is ready to be deployed. A pull on the lever 118 causes the lifting of the main plate 110 by pivoting about the pivot axis 111.

The main plate 110 is thus pivoted until the stand 116 comes to rest on the lower floor. The lever 118 is stored along the main plate 110.

The secondary plate 120 can then be deployed essentially in translation. The deployment can be manual or automatic, or motorized if necessary.

Thus deployed, the device 1000 is a complete set of ramps for the circulation of a wheeled vehicle between the lower ground and the upper ground.

From the lower ground, the vehicle can easily take the ramp formed by the secondary plateau 120 and access to the main plateau 110.

Once on the main plate 110, it will be necessary to rotate the vehicle by 90 ° to position it in the axis of access to the upper ground. The vehicle can then pass from the main plate 1 10 to the bottom wall 102b of the frame 102 before taking the inclined wall 1 25 to reach the upper ground.

The descent from the upper ground to the lower ground will be reversed.

The storage of the device 1000 is performed by performing the reverse operations of those described for deployment.

Thus, the device 1000 constitutes a device for assisting the crossing of an obstacle by a wheeled vehicle, in particular for persons with reduced mobility, comprising a frame 102, characterized in that it comprises at least one main plate 1 10 deployable from a retracted position on the chassis, said main plate carrying at least one secondary plate 1 20 adapted to be deployed in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of deployment of the main plate, between a storage position in which said secondary plate is retracted to the main tray and allows the storage of said main tray inside the frame, and an extended position in which said secondary plate constitutes a ramp to access the main plate from a ground surface.

Figures 22 to 24 show a device 2000 in various configurations. The device 2000 is an alternative embodiment of the device 1000 described above.

The device 2000 differs from the device 1000 essentially in that it comprises a main plate 1010 made in two half-parts 1010a, 1010b.

Like the device 1000, the device 2000 comprises a frame 102 having a bottom wall 102b on which the deployable ramp is intended to be stowed.

The deployable ramp system comprises a main plate 1010 made in two half portions 1010a and 101 0b, the half portions 1010a, 1010b being deployable independently of each other (Figure 24).

More specifically, each half portion 1010a, 101 0b is mounted deployable by pivoting about an axis located along a front edge of the frame 102 in the manner of the main plate 110 in one piece previously described.

In the retracted position, each half portion 1010a, 1010b is folded down on the bottom wall 102b of the frame 102.

In the retracted position, each half-portion 1010a, 1010b has a top surface, or front surface, substantially flush with the top soil surface. Advantageously, this upper surface comprises a coating intended to ensure an aesthetic harmonization with the surrounding soil.

On the back side, i.e. on the bottom side of the bottom wall 102b, each half-portion 1010a, 1010b has a surface 110b to serve as a running surface and a turntable when said main plate 1010 is deployed. (that is, both half-parts

1010a, 1010b are deployed).

On the side of this surface 110b, the main plate 1010 is furthermore equipped with lateral wheel flaps 112, 113 present along a front edge (wheel flap 113) of the main plate 1010 and along the lateral edge (flush wheel 112).

More specifically, each half-portion 1010a, 1010b has a wheel flap 113 along a front edge while only the half-portion

1010a has a wheel flapper 112 present along a side edge.

Opposite the axis 111, each half portion 1010a, 1010b of the main plate 1010 carries a step 105.

Furthermore, to ensure its ground support, each half portion 1010a, 1010b is equipped with a support leg in the form of a stand 106 mounted under a step nose 105, in the deployed position.

The main platen 1010 carries a secondary platen 120 deployed in a direction substantially perpendicular to a deployment direction of the main platen 1010 (Fig. 22). The deployed secondary plateau 120 substantially follows the main plateau 1010 and constitutes an access ramp to said main plateau 1010 from a ground surface.

According to the embodiment shown, the secondary plate 120 is removable and manually movable. Said secondary plate 120 is made from two half-ramps 120a, 120b independently removable and movable. The secondary plate 1 20 is also equipped with lateral wheel flaps 1 21.

In storage configuration, the secondary plate 1 20, and more specifically, the half-ramps 20a, 1 20b, are housed inside a space defined between the bottom wall 102b of the frame and the half-parts 101 0a, 1010b of the main plate 1010 in the folded position (FIGS. 23 and 24).

Lateral flares 121 can then come to help maintain the main plate 1010 and prevent it from sagging. Specifically, the flushes 121 serve as a spacer between the frame 1 20 and the main tray 1010 folded. Advantageously, a game is maintained between the wheel-lifters 1 21 and the main plate 1010. In this way, the wheel-lifters 1 21 are only stressed if the weight passing on the main plate 1010 is important. The game can be for example about 1 mm.

As shown in Figures 23 & 24, the half-ramps 20a, 1 20b are oriented so that their respective flares January 21 are located substantially in the middle of the housing. It is indeed at such a median line that parts 1010a, 1010b are most likely to bend under load.

In order to facilitate the deployment of each half-portion 1010a, 1010b of the main plate 1010, each half-portion 1010a, 1010b is equipped with a deployable operating lever similar to that described for the main plate 1 10.

The lever is pivotally mounted on one side of the half-part

101 0a, 1010b corresponding such that it can be stored along said half-portion 1010a, 1010b.

As for the device 1000, depending on the thickness of the main plate 1010, the bottom wall 102b of the frame 102 may be sufficiently far from the upper ground to be reached so that there is a residual projection that may be an obstacle to crossing. . To overcome this difficulty, the frame 102 comprises, on a side opposite to the pivot axis 1 1 1, an inclined wall 1025 constituting a rolling surface between the bottom wall 102b and the ground to be reached.

The inclined wall 1025 is attached to the bottom wall 102b of the frame 1 02 via a rearward return 102c of the frame 102. The inclined wall 1025 extends substantially over the width of said frame 1 02 so as to ensure continuity of rolling.

The inclined wall 1025 is pivotally mounted on the rear return 1 02c. In this way, and as visible in FIG. 24, the inclined wall 1025 can be raised to allow the flap of the main tray 1 01 0. In storage configuration, said inclined wall 1025 partially overlaps with said main tray 1010. so as to count a possible space between the main tray 1 01 0 folded and the ground to reach. The inclined wall 1025 thus ensures a continuity of rolling surface between the device and the ground to be reached.

The operation of the device 2000 is as follows.

In the folded configuration, the half parts 1 01 0a, 1 01 0b forming the main plate 1010 are folded on the frame 1 02. The half-ramps 1 20a, 1 20b are housed in an interior space defined between said half-parts 1 010a , 1 01 0b folded down and the bottom wall 102b of the frame 102.

During the deployment (FIGS. 24 to 22), the inclined wall 1025 is raised and each half part 1010a, 1 010b is deployed individually, using its lever 1 1 8. The corresponding stand 1 06 is also deployed.

Once the two parts 1 01 0a, 1 010b deployed, the operator can access the ramp elements 1 20a, 1 20b and manually set up between the half portion 101 0b and the ground.

The inclined wall is lowered so as to ensure the continuity of rolling surface between the bottom wall 102b and the ground to be reached.

The storage of the device 2000 is performed by performing the reverse operations of those described for the deployment (Figures 22 to 24).

Although the invention has been described with particular examples of embodiment, it is obvious that it is not limited thereto and that it includes all the technical equivalents of the means described and their combinations if they fall into the scope of the invention.

In particular, elements described for the first embodiment can be implemented in the second embodiment in reciprocally. So, for example, the secondary plateau system telescopic described for the first embodiment can also be used for the secondary tray of the second embodiment.

The device may notably comprise one or more means of assisting the deployment and / or folding of all or part of the mobile elements, and more particularly the ramp formed by the secondary plate. It may be, among others, assistance cylinders type gas cylinder or a motorized assistance.

Claims

1. Device (1, 100) for assisting an obstacle over a wheeled vehicle, in particular for persons with reduced mobility, comprising a chassis (2), characterized in that it comprises at least one main plate (10, 1 10) deployable from a retracted position, said main plate carrying at least one secondary plate (20, 200) adapted to be deployed in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of deployment of the main plate, between a storage position in which said plate secondary is retracted to the main tray and allows storage of said main tray inside the frame, and an extended position in which said secondary tray constitutes a ramp to access the main tray from a ground surface.

2. Device (1, 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the secondary plateau (20, 200) deployable ramp is made from a plurality of sub-trays (21, 22, 23, 201, 202 203) which are articulated successively between each other and retractable on one another.

3. Device (1) according to any one of the claims

1 or 2, characterized in that the articulated secondary plate (20), and / or where appropriate, at least one sub-plate (21, 22, 23), is telescopically mounted.

4. Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the secondary plate (200) articulated, and / or where appropriate, at least one sub-plate (201, 202, 203), is articulated by means of at least one deformable parallelogram type articulation.

5. Device (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the secondary plate (20, 200), and / or where appropriate, at least one sub-plate (21, 22, 23, 201, 202, 203), in the deployed position, abuts against an element of the main plate (10), respectively of the sub-plate (21, 22, 201, 202) above, on which it is articulated.

6. Device (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one of the plateau the main plate (10), the secondary plate (20, 200) and the sub-plates (21, 22, 23, 201, 202, 203), if appropriate, comprises at least one lateral stiffener (1 1, 1 2, 24, 25, 26).

7. Device (1, 100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the joint is connected to at least one lateral stiffener (1 2, 24, 25,

26) of at least one of the plates (10, 20, 21, 22, 23, 200, 201, 202, 203) that it articulates.

8. Device (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the joint is associated with at least one assist deployment and / or folding.

9. Device (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the main plate (10) comprises at least one foot (1 3) of ground support when in the deployed position, of folding preference during the retraction of said main plate.

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the foot comprises a crutch, preferably bistable.

1 1. Device according to any one of claims 1 to

10, characterized in that the secondary plate is retractable inside and in the thickness of the main plate.

1 2. Device according to any one of claims 1 to

1 0, characterized in that the secondary plate is retracted on the main plate, in particular on a running surface of said main plate.

1 3. Device according to any one of claims 1 to

1 2, characterized in that the main plate is deployable in translation.

14. Device (1, 100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the frame (2) supports at least one upper cover plate (3).

15. Device (1, 100) according to claim 14, characterized in that the upper cover plate (3) is articulated in height so as to form at least a portion of complementary ramp between the main plate (10) and a upper plane of the frame (2).

16. Device (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 3 to 1 5, characterized in that it comprises at least one expandable intermediate plate (30) capable of forming at least a portion of complementary ramp between the tray principal (1 0) and a plan upper frame (2), formed if necessary by the cover plate (3).

17. Device (1, 100) according to any one of claims 13 to 1 6, characterized in that the main plate (10) is telescopically mounted relative to the frame (2).

18. Device (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 3 to 17, characterized in that the frame (2) has at least one facade flap (4) movably mounted between a folded position in which it masks at at least partially at least the main plate (10) in the retracted position and a position at least partially raised, when the main plate is in the extended position, in which it is capable of forming at least a portion of complementary ramp between the main plate and a upper plane of the frame, formed if necessary by the upper cover plate (3), if necessary in the continuity of another complementary ramp.

19. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 1 2, characterized in that the main plate is deployable by pivoting.

20. Device according to claim 19, characterized in that the frame comprises a wall forming a rolling surface and disposed in the continuity of the main plate when it is deployed.

21. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that the frame has, on a side opposite to the axis of pivoting of the main plate, an inclined wall constituting a rolling surface between the rolling wall and an upper plane.

22. Device according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the main plate is equipped with at least one deployable operating lever, said lever having a housing along the main plate, said lever comprising a gripping end protruding from the main tray in the storage position.

23. Device according to any one of claims 1 9 to 21, characterized in that the main plate, in the folded position, defines with a wall of the frame, an inner space adapted to accommodate the secondary plateau ramp.

24. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the main plate is made of at least two parts, deployable independently of one another.