EP3384102A1

EP3384102A1 - Device for helping a vehicle pass over an obstacle

Info

Publication number: EP3384102A1
Application number: EP16813094.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pierre BELMAN; Frédéric ENGLER
Original assignee: MYD L SAS
Current assignee: MYD L SAS
Priority date: 2015-12-01
Filing date: 2016-11-30
Publication date: 2018-10-10
Anticipated expiration: 2036-11-30
Also published as: EP3384102B1; ES2893612T3; WO2017093663A1; CA3006887A1; ZA201804160B; US10501941B2; US20180347202A1; FR3044271A1; FR3044271B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for helping a wheeled vehicle pass over an obstacle, in particular for a person with impaired mobility. It comprises: - a stationary frame (2) comprising a bottom and two symmetrical parallel side walls (9, 10); - a plate (3) provided with two ends, a first end being movable between a high position and a low position in which said plate constitutes an access ramp, and - an assembly for driving said first end between a low position and a high position, said first end being supported by said drive assembly in both the low position and the high position. Said drive assembly comprises: - a linear ram mounted under the plate (3), provided with a stationary end adjacent to said second end and rigidly connected to the bottom, and a mobile end, - a carriage that is movable in horizontal translation and driven by said ram, said carriage resting on guides mounted on the bottom of the frame. Said carriage comprises two tappets, - a pair of arms, the arms being symmetrical, each arm resting on one of the tappets of the carriage, each arm supporting the first end of the plate (3); in the retracted position of the actuator, the carriage is near said second end, the arms are in the low position and the first end is in the ramp position, and in the extended position of the actuator, the carriage is near said first end, the arms are in the high position and the first end is in the high position.

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 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.

The deployable and retractable ramps offer an appreciable service but suffer from a complex mechanics. Such ramps require a significant free deployment distance that limits the possibilities of implementation. The irregularities of sidewalk solicit their structure.

FR 2947224 discloses a tilting telescopic ramp.

There is a need for an obstacle clearance assistance device occupying a very small sidewalk space. The Applicant has realized that such a device would expand the market by increasing the variety of situations where the device would be appropriate. An assistance device to overcome an obstacle by a wheeled vehicle, particularly for persons with reduced mobility, comprises a stationary frame comprising a bottom and two symmetrical parallel side walls. The assistance device comprises a plate provided with two ends, a first end being movable between a high position and a low position in which said plate constitutes an access ramp. The assist device includes a drive assembly of said first end between a low position and a high position, said first end being supported by said drive assembly both in the down position and in the up position. Said drive assembly comprises a linear jack mounted under the plate, provided with a stationary end adjacent to said second end and integral with the bottom, and a movable end. Said driving assembly comprises a carriage movable in horizontal translation and driven by said jack, said carriage resting on slides mounted on the bottom of the frame, said carriage comprising two pushers. Said driving assembly comprises a pair of arms, the arms being symmetrical, each arm being supported on one of the pushers of the carriage, each arm supporting the first end of the plate; in the retracted position of the actuator, the carriage being close to said second end, the arms being in the low position and the first end being in the ramp position, and in the extended position of the actuator, the carriage being close to said first end; , the arms being in the up position and the first end being in the up position.

This provides a particularly robust and reliable non-erectile height-change ramp assistance device.

In one embodiment, the arms are pivotally mounted to the side walls of the frame on a substantially horizontal common axis

In one embodiment, each arm being housed in one side of the frame.

In one embodiment, each arm comprises a body made from a cut sheet blank. Swivel operation is reliable. Manufacturing costs are contained.

In one embodiment, each arm comprises a finger receiving the thrust of the push of the carriage and a finger supporting the first end of the plate. The arm is of simple construction and compact. Advantageously, the finger supporting the first end of the plate is provided with a bearing.

Advantageously, the finger in contact with the pusher is provided with a bearing.

In one embodiment, the finger comprises a base and a pin passing through a bore in the body of the arm, the base being welded to said body.

In one embodiment, the fingers of an arm are connected by their opposite ends to said body. The rigidity of the arm is improved.

In one embodiment, each arm is mounted between a side wall of the frame and a cover parallel to said side wall, at least one circular arc opening being formed in said cover, the fingers protruding through said opening, the pivot axis of the arm being supported bilaterally.

The torsional forces are avoided so the risk of veiling the side wall or the hood are very small.

In one embodiment, a single opening allows both fingers to pass.

In another embodiment, an opening is provided for each finger.

In one embodiment, each arm has a triangular shape, a vertex being located at the pivot axis. The arm can be manufactured by cutting sheet metal with complementary shapes reducing the loss of material.

In one embodiment, the triangle is isosceles.

In one embodiment, the angle formed between a line passing through the axis of pivoting of an arm and the pusher of the carriage, and a straight line passing through the axis of pivoting of an arm and the point of arm contact. -plateau, is between 50 and 70 °.

Preferably the straight line passing through the pivot axis of an arm and the plunger of the carriage, has an angular stroke, during pivoting, between 50 and 70 °. The horizontal displacement of the jack is transformed into a vertical component displacement for the plate with maximum effort in the low position.

In one embodiment, the line passing through the axis of pivoting of an arm and the pusher of the carriage, is inclined relative to the vertical, during pivoting, by an angle between -30 and + 30 ° .

The pushers are kept compact. The height requirement is low.

In one embodiment, the carriage comprises a frame made of folded sheet. In one embodiment, the frame comprises a base substantially parallel to the bottom of the stationary frame, a rear edge provided with an opening allowing the jack to pass, and a front edge comprising two zones forming the pushers. The trolley is reliable and robust.

In one embodiment, the front flange is substantially vertical.

In one embodiment, the amplification ratio of the arms is between 100 and 110%, preferably greater than 100 and less than 105%. The construction is compact. The stroke of the cylinder is limited.

In one embodiment, each arm is mounted on one side of the frame on an axis fixed to said frame. The attachment is robust.

In one embodiment, the link arms are hingedly mounted to the carriage and the tray.

In one embodiment, the tray includes a second end pivotally mounted to the rear of the frame about a horizontal axis.

The tray is tilting to form an easily negotiable access slope.

In one embodiment, the frame includes two pivot axis segments supporting the second end of the platen and two pairs of vertical platens, each pair of platens supporting a pivot axis segment, the platen of a pair being remote the other platinum of said pair, the plates extending to the bottom of the frame so that the compression forces are transferred to said bottom. In one embodiment, the linear jack is electric.

In one embodiment, the carriage has a generally rectangular shape longer than its width, the length of the carriage being perpendicular to the side walls of the frame.

In one embodiment, the carriage rests on four guide rails. Guide rails rest on the bottom of the frame. The carriage may be provided with pads or wheels bearing on the slides.

In one embodiment, the carriage comprises a front edge provided with cutouts forming a housing for a chassis of the tray in the low position.

In one embodiment, the frame comprises a mechanical stop limiting the stroke of the carriage, the arrival in abutment causing a current draw of the electric jack adapted to be detected by a driver of the cylinder. In one embodiment, the carriage and the movable end of the jack are connected to the vicinity of the edge of the carriage remote from the stationary end of the jack. The stability of the moving carriage is satisfactory.

In one embodiment, the frame of the carriage is made of sheet steel with a thickness of between 1 and 4 mm.

In one embodiment, the plate comprises a frame made of sheet steel with a thickness of between 1 and 4 mm.

In one embodiment, the frame is made of sheet steel with a thickness of between 1 and 4 mm.

In one embodiment, the arms are made of sheet steel with a thickness of between 1 and 4 mm.

In one embodiment, the flap is made of sheet steel with a thickness of between 1 and 4 mm.

Advantageously, the frame of the carriage, the frame, the flap, the cover and the arms are made of sheet steel of the same thickness of between 2 and 3.5 mm, for example 3 mm.

In one embodiment, the tray includes a frame and an upper plate. The top plate can be used for driving or supporting a pavement.

In one embodiment, the tray frame includes a lower surface bearing on the arms.

In one embodiment, the assistance device comprises a flap forming a front face of the device in the high position of the plate and forming a second access ramp in the low position of the plate, the flap being pivotally mounted on the plate at the first position. end of said tray.

In one embodiment, the assistance device comprises a mechanism for deploying the flap, comprising at least one connecting rod comprising a front end hinged to the flap, the hinge being distant from the top edge and the bottom edge of said flap, a rear end linked to a first slide slidably mounted in a linear slide formed in the plate, and a central portion connected to a second slide slidably mounted in a slideway in one side of the frame, the rod moving in a substantially vertical plane. The movement of the shutter slaved to the movement of the plate is provided by the same cylinder.

In one embodiment, the sliders are pawns. In one embodiment, the linear slide is substantially horizontal in the upper position of the plate

The shutter avoids the intrusion of foreign bodies under the tray.

In one embodiment, the slideway of the frame is in a circular arc with a substantially vertical lower end, preferably with a radius of between 30 and 280 mm. The mechanism is compact.

In one embodiment, the slideway of the frame has an upper end inclined at an angle of between 50 and 75 ° relative to the vertical. The movement of the shutter ensures a clearance to the front at the beginning of descent of the plate and a support on the ground of the free end of the shutter at the end of descent.

In one embodiment, the axis of articulation of the flap is disposed at a height of between 40 and 60% of the distance between the top edge and the bottom edge of said flap. In case of mounting higher, the torque exerted significantly decreases. If mounted lower, the joint may rub on the ground.

In one embodiment, the rod is inclined at an angle of between 10 and 35 ° relative to the horizontal in the high position of the plate and the connecting rod is substantially horizontal in the lower position of the plate. The mounting of the slide is simple.

In one embodiment, the connecting rod is made from a blank of cut sheet metal. The connecting rod is of economic manufacture.

In one embodiment, the connecting rod is a straight arm. The connecting rod is not very prone to bending.

The stroke of the connecting rod is less than the stroke of the free end of the flap. The connecting rod can be simple and robust form.

In one embodiment, the linear slide formed in the plate comprises an elongate plate in which is formed a rectilinear opening accommodating the slide. The slide takes the effort while avoiding the efforts of buckling.

In one embodiment, said dish is formed by folding an edge of the tray. In one embodiment, two symmetrical connecting rods are provided, one connecting rod per side of the frame. The risk of veiling of the shutter is reduced.

In one embodiment, the axis comprises a pin passing through a bore formed in the body of the arm, and a base of diameter greater than the diameter of the bore. The base can be welded to one side of the frame.

Advantageously, the pin is projecting relative to the arm and comes in a bore formed in a cover parallel to said side wall of the frame.

In one embodiment, the frame comprises at least one sheet disposed between said side wall and the cover. The sheet rigidifies said side. The sheet may be provided with bores equivalent to the bores of the bonnet and form an extra thickness offering a mounting set. Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a device according to an embodiment, in a low position,

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, in the high position,

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 without a plate, in the high position,

- Figure 4 is a schematic sectional view in a plane parallel to the side walls of the device of Figure 1 without a plate, in the upper position,

- Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view in a plane parallel to the side walls of the device of Figure 1 without a plate, in the low position,

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 without a plate, in the low position,

FIG. 7 is a schematic detail view in section in a plane parallel to the side walls of the device of FIG. 1, in the low position,

FIG. 8 is an enlargement of FIG. 7,

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 of the device in the high position,

- Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of an arm.

The attached drawings may not only serve to complete the invention, but also contribute to its definition, if any. The invention aims to allow the crossing of a difference in altitude resulting in walking. In the following, the two levels will be distinguished by the terms upper soil and lower soil. The entrance to a room, a shop, an office often has a height offset from the outside, whether it is a street open to traffic, a passage pedestrian, a place, etc. Wheelchair users must be able to access this type of building. Deliverymen equipped with trays or trolleys have the same need. To reach a height of one or two steps, heavy lift-type installations are not suitable. It should also respect the appearance of facades, often subject to protective regulations, and their alignment. The structure of the building must be preserved as much as possible, especially the supporting structure of the upper floor of the ground floor in which the entrance must be made easy. Moreover, a notable constraint comes from the frequent unavailability of the subsoil, used for other purposes or held by third parties. The space available in height is limited.

In a state of rest, it is requested to remain in the dimensions of the pre-existing structure. In service state, the footprint of the lower ground, for example a sidewalk, is low. The assistance device 1 aims to ensure the establishment of a ramp having a slope of less than 20%, or even less than 15, 10 or 5% depending on regulatory or environmental constraints. The assistance device 1 is intended to be inserted or embedded in the upper ground, in front of the ground below the level of the access to be crossed. The assistance device 1 comprises a frame 2 forming a box 7 inside which is housed the ramp. The ramp may have a lifting end, the ramp then being tilting as shown in the drawings.

The frame 2 has a generally parallelepipedal shape of dimensions adapted to the height of the step, the width of the access and the dimensions of the vehicle envisaged. For example, the box may have a height of the order of 5 to 30 centimeters allowing insertion in most floors and floors, such as a concrete slab, brick, or other.

The assistance device 1 comprises a plate 3 mounted in the frame 2. The upper plate constitutes a cover panel. The frame 2 is installed so that the upper plate forms a surface flush with the upper floor of the room. The plateau 3 can be made to be harmonized with the rest of the upper ground, for example by respecting the geometry, the coating, the decor, etc.

The assistance device 1 comprises a front flap 4 forming a front surface of the step. The front flap 4 is generally vertical in the high or rest position of the assistance device 1. The front flap 4 is inclined in the active or low position of the assistance device 1. The front face 4 of the device 1 may also have an appearance chosen for integration into the facade of the building.

The frame 2 is stationary in the sense that it forms a stationary structure of the assistance device 1 with respect to its installation environment such as the ground or the sidewalk. The frame 2 comprises a bottom 8, parallel side walls 9, 10 forming the sides, a rear wall 11 and support members of the plate 3. The term "rear" is used here, as opposed to the front of the device assistance 1 intended to come in the vicinity of a lower floor, for example in front of the building. The term "back" can also be seen as synonymous with "inside" in the case of a building. The rear wall 11 may be perpendicular to the bottom 8. The rear wall 11 is perpendicular to the side walls 9, 10. The side walls 9, 10 are perpendicular to the bottom 8. The box 7 may be made of sheet steel. The front ends of the bottom 8 and the side walls 9, 10 define a mouth of the box 7. During deployment, the flap 4 out of the box 7 by the mouth. The mouth is closed by the flap 4 in the rest position.

As a rule, the bottom 8 is mounted in a housing provided for this purpose in the upper floor of the room, slightly inclined outwards, for example by about 1 to 3 °. A slight inclination facilitates evacuation by gravity in case of accidental infiltration of liquid in the casing 7. In addition, the depth of the housing to dig to accommodate the assistance device 1 is reduced to the rear.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the assistance device 1 is in the low position. The rear end or second end of the plate 3 remains substantially at the same height as the top of the rear wall 11. The front end or first end of the plate 3 is lowered. The front end of the plate 3 rests on the bottom 8. The front flap 4 is in the erected position. The front flap 4 protrudes from the frame 2. The front flap 4 has a lower end protruding forwardly and an upper end adjacent to the front end of the plate 3. The side walls 9, 10 and the rear wall 11 comprise a substantially horizontal upper rim 12. Said upper flange 12 is continuous. Said upper flange 12 is obtained by folding. A weld can be provided in the corners.

The assistance device 1 comprises a pair of covers 13, 14 arranged parallel to the side walls 9, 10. The covers 13, 14 also form the sides. The distance between the cover 13, 14 and the corresponding side wall 9, 10 is of the order of 6 to 12 mm. The distance between the cover 13, 14 and the corresponding side wall 9, 10 can be determined by washers or preferably sheet metal spacers of shape close to the shape of the covers 13, 14. The spacers reinforce the cover and the side wall . Apertures are provided in the spacers for accommodating the parts arranged between the cover 13, 14 and the side wall 9, 10, in particular the arms below. The cover 13, 14 is fixed to the corresponding side wall 9, 10, for example by screws not shown. The covers 13 and 14 are arranged in the box 7. The covers 13 and 14 are arranged flush with the front end of the side walls 9, 10. The covers 13 and 14 extend between the bottom 8 and the upper flange 12 The covers 13 and 14 rest on the bottom 8. The covers 13 and 14 extend from the front end of the box 7 rearwards for a distance less than 50% of the distance between the mouth and the rear wall 11. The covers 13 and 14 have a rectangular envelope. Each cover 13, 14 is flat. Each cover 13, 14 is made from cut sheet metal. Each cover 13, 14 is provided with a notch 15 on a front edge. The notch 15 allows the articulation of the flap 4 to enter the box in the upper position of the plate 3.

Each cover 13, 14 is provided with a hole 16 adjacent to a rear edge of the cover. The bore 16 is close to the upper edge 13. The bore 16 serves to accommodate a pin 17 forming a hinge pin. The pin 17 comprises an enlarged base 18. The base 18 is fixed to the corresponding side wall 9, 10, for example by welding, on the outside of the side wall 9, 10. The pin 17 comprises a cylindrical body of revolution, see FIG. 10. The body is projecting in the bore 16. The body may be supported on the cover 13, 14.

Each cover 13, 14 is provided with an opening 19 in an arc. The opening 19 is concavity oriented upwards. The opening 19 is distant from the front and rear ends of the cover 13, 14. The opening 19 is distant from the upper ends and lower the cover 13, 14. The opening 19 extends over about 120 ° angle. The opening 19 is centered on the bore 16. The opening 19 has a substantially vertical front end. The opening 19 has a front end adjacent to the upper edge 13. The opening 19 has a rear end, obscured by the plate 3 in Figure 1, adjacent the bottom 8 and the rear end of the cover 13, 14. The lower zone of the opening 19 is located vertically to the bore 16.

Each cover 13, 14 is provided with an opening 20 in a circular arc forming a slide. The opening 20 is concavity oriented downwards. The opening 20 is distant from the front and rear ends of the cover 13, 14. The opening 20 is distant from the upper and lower ends of the cover 13, 14. The opening 20 extends over approximately 60 ° of angle. The opening 20 is centered on a geometric point located in the cover 13, 14. The opening 20 has a substantially vertical front end. The opening 20 has a front end adjacent to the bottom 8 and the front end of the cover 13, 14. The opening 20 has a rear end adjacent to the upper edge 13 and the front end of the opening 19. lower zone of the opening 19 is located vertically to the notch 15.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the assistance device 1 is in the high position. The rear end of the plate 3 remains substantially at the same height as the top of the rear wall 11. The plate 3 is substantially horizontal. The front flap 4 is substantially vertical. The front flap 4 is in the retracted position. The front flap 4 is flush with the mouth of the frame 2. The lower end of the front flap 4 is in contact with or in the immediate vicinity of the front end of the bottom 8. The front flap 4 comprises short sides in contact or in the immediate vicinity the front end of the side walls 9, 10. The upper end of the front flap 4 is close to the front end of the plate 3. The upper end of the front flap 4 is articulated to the front end of the plate 3.

The tray 3 may comprise a frame and an upper plate. The plate 3 is articulated about a horizontal axis adjacent to the rear wall 11 and located under the plate 3. The plate 3 comprises a substantially rectangular main surface with parallel elongated notches allowing the covers 13 and 14 to pass. The plate 3 comprises a flange 21 directed upwards. The flange 21 is peripheral to the main surface. The rim 21 has a constant of a few centimeters, for example 1 to 4 cm, allowing the plate 3 to receive a coating, for example stone slabs, a parquet, laminate, soft synthetic coating, etc. The plate 3 may be made of steel sheet with a thickness of between 1 and 4 mm, preferably between 2 and 3.5 mm. Figure 3 shows the assistance device 1 in the absence of tray. The assistance device 1 is in the high position. The assistance device 1 comprises a drive unit 6 visible here. The drive assembly 6 comprises a jack 61, a movable carriage 62 and a pair of arms 63. The jack 61 drives the movable carriage 62. The movable carriage 62 drives the arms 63. The jack 61 and the movable carriage 62 are arranged between the bottom 7 and the plate 3. The cylinder 61 is linear. The jack 61 is preferably electric. However, the mechanical jack variant manually operated, for example by crank, is possible. The jack 61 is parallel to the bottom 7. The jack 61 is parallel to the side walls 9, 10. The jack 61 comprises a stationary end facing the rear of the frame and a movable end facing the front of the frame, ie the mouth. The stationary end of the jack 61 is fixed to the bottom 8. The movable end of the jack 61 is fixed to the carriage 62, for example in the vicinity of the front edge of the carriage 62. The jack 61 is controlled by a driver not shown. The pilot can be equipped with current sensing.

The movable end of the jack 61 and the carriage 62 are movable in horizontal translation between a forward position, cf. FIGS. 3, 4 & 9, and a rear position, cf. FIGS. 5 to 8. The front position determines a high position of the plate 3 The rear position determines a low position of the plate 3.

The carriage 62 rests on slides 81 mounted on the bottom 8. The slides 81 are horizontal. The slides 81 are parallel. Here, the slides are four in number. Embodiments with two or three slides are provided. The slides 81 may be in the form of a metal section with a smooth and hard sliding upper surface. The carriage 62 is provided with two runners by slide. The pads arranged under the carriage 62 are not visible. The pads can be made of synthetic material with a low coefficient of friction, for example based on PTFE. The carriage 62 has a generally rectangular shape. The length of the carriage 62 is oriented between the side walls 9, 10, parallel to the rear wall 11. The width of the carriage 62 is oriented parallel to the side walls 9, 10. The length is greater than the width. The carriage 62 comprises a cut sheet metal chassis and folded. The frame includes a rectangular bottom and longitudinal and lateral edges. The chassis of the trolley is made of sheet steel with a thickness of between 1 and 4 mm, preferably from 2 to 3.5 mm. The longitudinal and lateral edges are substantially vertical. The longitudinal and lateral edges are bent upwards. The longitudinal and lateral edges extend to a height of 1 to 4 centimeters. The rear longitudinal edge comprises an opening in which the cylinder 61 passes. The movable end of the jack 61 is fixed to the bottom of the frame 2 in the vicinity of the front longitudinal edge, ensuring stability of the carriage. Depending on the diameter of the jack, the opening can also extend in the bottom to reduce the overall height. The front longitudinal edge comprises a plurality of cutouts, here four, housing, in the lower position of the plate 3, sections forming beams in the underside of the plate 3. A cut is provided by profile. The front longitudinal edge comprises end regions adjacent lateral edges and can be supported on the side edges. The end regions form pushers 67 for the arms 63. The pushers 67 are here vertical. The carriage 62 is symmetrical with respect to a plane parallel to the side walls 9, 10.

The frame 2 comprises at least one mechanical stop 82 limiting the stroke of the carriage, the arrival in abutment causing a current draw of the electric jack detected by the driver of the jack 61. Here four mechanical stops 82 are arranged on the bottom 8. Each mechanical stop 82 is mounted at the end of a slide 81, the front side, the other side back.

As shown in Figure 3, the articulation of the plate on the frame 2 can be performed as follows. The frame 2 comprises two pairs of plates 22, 23 vertical. Each plate 22, 23 is in the form of a rectangular flat piece, for example sheet metal. Each plate 22, 23 rests on the bottom 8 by a small side. Each plate 22, 23 is in contact with the rear wall 11 by a long side or edge. The plates 22, 23 may be welded to the bottom 8 and / or to the rear wall 11. A horizontal axis drilling is provided in an upper zone of each plate 22, 23. The frame 2 comprises a pivot axis segment 24 for each pair of plates 22, 23. Each end of a pivot axis segment 24 is projecting into the piercing of a plate. Each pivot pin segment 24 can be held in the bores by circlips, snap rings or internal teeth washers. Each axis segment pivoting 24 is supported by a pair of plates. The pivot pin segments 24 are adjacent to the upper end of the rear wall 11. The pivot pin segments 24 are spaced apart to provide good stability. The plate 3 rests on the pivot pin segments 24. The plate 3 can be secured to the pivot pin segments 24 by flanges. The plate 3 is pivotally mounted relative to the frame 2. The pivoting takes place over a limited angle, for example less than 15 °, so that the distance between the rear end of the plate 3 and the rear wall 11 remains negligible. for example less than 3 mm.

The arms 63 are symmetrical. Each arm 63 is disposed between the side wall 9, 10 and the cover 13, 14 neighbor. Thus, the arm is housed in one side of the frame 2. Each arm 63 is articulated on a pin 17 forming a tilting axis. The pin 17 is supported by the side wall 9, 10 and the cover 13, 14. The pin 17 is disposed in the upper region of the cover 13, 14. The pin 17 is disposed in the rear region of the cover 13, 14. The pins 17 are coaxial. The pins 17 are perpendicular to the side walls 9 and 10. The pins 17 are horizontal.

Each arm 63 has a generally triangular shape or in a portion of a circle. Each arm 63 comprises a plane body 63a. The body 63a is made from a cut sheet blank. Avoid folding or stamping. The body 63a may be between 1 and 4 mm thick. The body 63a is articulated on the pin 17. The pin 17 is disposed near a vertex of the triangle, the base of the triangle being closer to the bottom 8. Said vertex has an angle of between 50 and 70 °. Each arm 63 comprises a first finger 65 receiving the thrust of the pusher 67 of the carriage. The first finger 65 comprises a base 65a and a pin 65b. The pin 65b passes through a hole in the body of the arm 63. The base 65a is welded to said body on the opposite side to the projection of the pin 65b. The base 65a has a solid disc shape. The base 65a has a thickness of between 1 and 3 mm. The pin 65b has a cylindrical shape of revolution. The pin 65b may include a bearing to reduce friction. The pin 65b may have a diameter of between 8 and 20 mm, preferably between 8 and 12 mm. The first finger 65 is disposed in the vicinity of a second vertex of the triangle.

Each arm 63 comprises a second finger 66 supporting the plate 3 in the vicinity of its first end. The second finger 66 receives the thrust of the plate 3 and causes the pivoting the plate 3. The second finger 66 comprises a base 66a and a pin 66b. The pin 66b passes through a hole in the body of the arm 63. The base 66a is welded to said body on the opposite side to the projection of the pin 66b. The base 66a has a solid disc shape. The base 66a has a thickness of between 1 and 3 mm. The pin 66b has a cylindrical shape of revolution. The pin 66b may include a bearing to reduce friction. The pin 66b may have a diameter of between 8 and 20 mm, preferably between 12 and 16 mm. The second finger 66 is disposed in the vicinity of a third vertex of the triangle. The angle between a line passing through the pin 17 and the pusher 67 of the carriage, corresponding to the contact surface of the first finger 65, and a straight line passing through the pin 17 and the contact surface of the second finger 66 with the plate 3 is between 50 and 70 °, preferably between 55 and 65 °.

In an embodiment not shown, the ends of the pins 65b and 66b opposite the bases 65a and 66a are connected together by a spacer. The thickness of the body of the arms can be reduced.

The first finger 65 and the second finger 66 are parallel axes. The first finger 65 and the second finger 66 pass through the opening 19. The first finger 65 and the second finger 66 project in the space between the bottom 8 and the plate 3. The first finger 65 and the second finger 65 The fingers 66 are arranged at different distances from the pins 17. An amplifier is thus formed. In the embodiment shown, the distance pion 17 - first finger 65 is smaller than the distance pion 17 - second finger 66. There is amplification of movement: the linear stroke of the second finger 66 is greater linear than the stroke of the first finger 65. The vertical stroke of the front end of the plate 3 is greater than the horizontal stroke of the cylinder, for example 4%. For this purpose, the opening 19 has a recess 31 substantially in the middle. The opening 19 comprises a first portion for the stroke of the first finger 65 and a second portion for the stroke of the second finger 66. Here the portions are contiguous forming a single opening. However, the first and second portions may be disjoint, hence two openings, for example for a higher amplifier effect.

In the low position, the first finger 65 is located at the rear end of the opening 19 and the second finger 66 is located at the rear end of the second portion in the vicinity The first finger 65 and the second finger 66 are substantially at the same distance from the bottom 8.

In the high position, the first finger 65 is located at the front end of the first portion of the opening 19 in the vicinity of the recess 31 and the second finger 66 is located at the front end of the opening 19 in the vicinity of the edge upper cover 13, 14. The first finger 65 and the second finger 66 define a line inclined to the horizontal of about 50 to 70 °.

The line passing through the pin 17 and the pusher 67 of the carriage, corresponding to the contact surface of the first finger 65, pivots from -30 ° to + 30 ° during the movement of the arm. It follows that the distance between the first finger 65 and the bottom 8 varies by at most l-cos30 °, ie 13.4% of the radius between the pin 17 and the contact surface of the first finger 65 with the pusher 67 of the cart. The vertical stroke of the first finger 65 on the pusher 67 of the carriage is low. Thus the pusher 67 of the carriage may have a small vertical dimension.

By construction, the straight line passing through the pin 17 and the point of contact between the second finger 66 and the plate 3 pivots at the same angle during the movement of the arm. The horizontal stroke of the second finger 66 on the plate 3 is small, of the order of 50% of the radius between the pin 17 and the contact surface of the second finger 66 with the plate 3.

In an alternative not shown, the pivoting arms are replaced by sliding rods.

The flap 4 is articulated on the front end of the plate 3. To this end, a hinge 46 of substantially horizontal axis is provided. The hinge 46 is fixed on the one hand to the flap 4 near an upper edge of said flap 4, and on the other hand, to the plate 3. The attachment 3 can be made to the flange 21.

In a preferred embodiment, the assistance device 1 comprises a mechanism 40 for deploying the shutter 4. The mechanism 40 indexes the position of the shutter 4 on the position of the plate 3. The mechanism 40 closes the shutter 4 in position high of the plate 3 and the deployment of the flap 4 in the low position of the plate 3. Here means "mechanism" a member without an electric actuator. The mechanism 40 may optionally be provided with a sensor. In the mode shown, the mechanism 40 is devoid of sensor. The mechanism 40 ensures an amplified displacement at the beginning of the descent of the plate 3. Indeed, a given vertical displacement of the front end of the plate 3 requires a vertical displacement at least equal to the lower edge of the flap 4 to avoid coming into contact with the ground too soon. The flap 4 being articulated at its upper edge, the required angular pivoting is high, the vertical displacement following a law H x (1-cos □□, with □ the flap angle relative to the vertical and H the flap height The mechanism 40 ensures a game at the end of the descent of the plate 3. In fact, it is desirable that the shutter 4 come into contact with the ground and be able to adapt to soils of different levels. The flap 4 is articulated at its upper edge, the required angular pivoting is small, the vertical displacement following the same law but □ being close to 90 °.

The mechanism 40 comprises a pair of symmetrical connecting rods 42, one connecting rod per side of the frame 2. Each connecting rod 42 is an elongated piece. Each rod 42 may be formed by a cut sheet blank and arranged in one or more thicknesses.

Each connecting rod 42 comprises a front end hinged to the flap 4, a rear end slidably mounted relative to the plate 3 and a central portion slidably mounted relative to the frame 2. The front end of the connecting rod 42 is connected to a hinge 43 remote from the high edge and the low edge of said flap 4. Here, the hinge 43 is mounted substantially midway between the top edge and the bottom edge of said flap 4. More generally, the hinge 43 is mounted between 1/3 and 2/3 of the height of the flap 4. The stroke of the rod 42 is less than the stroke of the bottom edge of the flap 4. The hinge 43 is disposed on the rear face of the flap 4, forming the lower face in the deployed position of the flap 4. The notch 15 of the cover 13, 14 forms a housing for the hinge 43 in the high position of the plate 3.

The rear end of the rod 42 is connected to a first slider 44 slidably mounted in a linear slide 32 of the plate 3. The rod 42 can move in rotation and in translation relative to the plate 3. The translation travel is limited by the length of the linear slide 32. The linear slide 32 is substantially horizontal in the upper position of the plate 3. The linear slide 32 is parallel to the plate 3. The linear slide 32 comprises an elongate plate in which a rectilinear opening 33 is formed. The linear slide 32 may comprise a piece of U-folded sheet metal symmetric with respect to a central plane, each branch of the U being provided with a rectilinear opening 33. The bottom of the U is fixed to the plate 3 in the underside, for example by welding. Each branch of the U is directed down. Each branch of the U is parallel to the covers 13, 14. Preferably, a chamfer 34 is formed in each branch of the U to allow reaching the low position of the tray shown in Figure 7. The lower edge of the U branches is likely to come to rest on the bottom 8.

Two parallel elongated slots are provided in the linear slide 32. Each slot 35 is formed between a U-leg and the bottom in the folding zone. Each slot 35 is of greater length than the length of the straight opening 33. Each slot 35 extends forward and backward of the rectilinear opening 33. The slots 35 favor the folding of the branches of the U from a flat blank sheet by reducing the risk of deformation in the vicinity of the rectilinear openings 33. Advantageously, said sheet is of the same thickness as the other main parts.

Between the linear slide 32 and the connecting rod 42 is mounted a slide 44. The slide 44 is in the form of a pin. The slider 44 comprises a base attached to the connecting rod 42, a cylindrical body of revolution disposed in the rectilinear aperture 33 and a head of diameter greater than the diameter of the body disposed on the side of the body opposite the connecting rod 42.

The slider 44 may be symmetrical relative to the connecting rod and comprise two bodies and two heads to cooperate with the two straight openings 33. The body may be provided with a bearing so that the slider 44 rolls on the edges of the rectilinear openings 33 The rear end of the connecting rod 42 is thus pivotable with respect to the plate 3. The rear end of the connecting rod 42 is translational sliding along the length of the rectilinear openings 33. In the high position of the plate 3, the linear slideway 32 is located above the opening 20. The linear slide 32 is located between the opening 19 and the mouth of the frame 2.

The central portion of the rod 42 is pivotally and slidably mounted relative to the frame 2. The opening 20 forms a slide for this purpose. Between the opening 20 and the connecting rod 42 is mounted a slider 45. The slider 45 is in the form of a pin. The slider 45 comprises a base attached to the connecting rod 42, a cylindrical body of revolution disposed in the opening 20 and a head of diameter greater than the diameter of the body disposed on the side of the body opposite to the connecting rod 42. The body may be provided with a level of way that the slider 45 rolls on the edge of the opening 20. The central portion of the connecting rod 42 is thus pivotable relative to the frame 2 and sliding in translation on the opening 20.

In the upper position of the plate 3, the slide 45 is located at the upper end of the opening 20. The slide 44 is located substantially at the rear of the linear slide 32. The rod 42 has an angle of the order of 10 to 30 ° to the horizontal. The shutter 4 is closed, i.e. substantially vertical. At the beginning of the descent movement of the plate 3, the rear end of the rod 42 descends as well as the front end, the slide 45 to follow said descent is forced to move forwards in the opening 20 which leads to the connecting rod 42 towards the front, in particular towards the front of the linear slide 32. The amplification of the horizontal movement of the connecting rod 42 towards the front, at this stage, is obtained, in particular, by the inclination of the upper end of the opening 20. The amplification of the horizontal movement of the lower end of the flap 4 is also obtained by the positioning of the hinge on the flap 4. The reciprocal applies at the end of the movement of the plateau 3.

In the lower position of the plate 3, the slider 45 is located at the lower end of the opening 20. The slider 44 is located substantially at the front of the linear slide 32. The connecting rod 42 is substantially horizontal. The flap 4 is open, i.e projecting forwardly from its lower end with an inclination depending on the configuration of the ground. At the end of the descent movement of the plate 3, the rear end of the rod 42 descends. The front end of the rod 42 descends more slowly because the pivoting of the flap 4 forward decreases the amplitude of this movement. The slide 45 is located towards the front end of the opening 20, on a portion close to the vertical. The horizontal movement of the rod 42 forward is reduced compared to the vertical movement of the plate 3. Said portion close to the vertical of the opening 20 offers the flap 4 a large clearance to adapt to different floors without special setting. At the beginning of the upward movement of the plate 3, the flap 4 can remain in support of the ground. The horizontal movement of the rod 42 is very small because of the inclination of the front end of the opening 20.

There is amplification of the horizontal movement of the connecting rod 42 on the upper portion of the opening 20 inclined at less than 45 ° with respect to the horizontal and reducing the horizontal movement of the connecting rod 42 on the lower portion of the opening 20 inclined more than 45 ° relative to the horizontal.

With the flap 4 and its deployment mechanism, the flap maneuver is safe, reliable and easy while being driven by the maneuvering of the tray.

Thanks to the invention, the assistance device is reliable and robust while being able to adapt to various configurations of existing constructions.

Claims

claims

1. Device (1) for assisting the crossing of an obstacle by a wheeled vehicle, in particular for persons with reduced mobility, characterized in that it comprises: - a stationary frame (2) comprising a bottom (8) and two symmetrical parallel side walls (9, 10),

- a plate (3) provided with two ends, a first end being movable between a high position and a low position in which said plate constitutes an access ramp, and

a driving assembly (6) of said first end between a low position and a high position, said first end being supported by said drive assembly (6) both in the low position and in the high position, said set of training comprising:

- A linear cylinder (61) mounted under the plate (3), provided with a stationary end adjacent to said second end and secured to the bottom (7), and a movable end,

- A carriage (62) movable in horizontal translation and driven by said cylinder, said carriage resting on slides (81) mounted on the bottom of the frame, said carriage comprising two pushers (67),

- A pair of arms (63), the arms being symmetrical, each arm being supported on one of the pushers (67) of the carriage, each arm supporting the first end of the plate (3); in the retracted position of the actuator, the carriage being close to said second end, the arms being in the low position and the first end being in the ramp position, and in the extended position of the actuator, the carriage being close to said first end; , the arms being in the up position and the first end being in the up position.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the arms (63) are pivotally mounted to the side walls (9, 10) of the frame on a substantially horizontal common axis, each arm being housed in one side of the frame, each arm comprising a body (63a) made from a blank of cut sheet metal.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each arm (63) comprising an arm finger (65) receiving the thrust of the push of the carriage and an arm finger (66) supporting the first end of the plate.

4. Device according to claim 3, wherein each arm (63) is mounted between a side wall of the frame and a cover (13, 14) parallel to said side wall, at least one arm opening (19) arcuate being formed in said cover, the fingers being projecting through said opening, the pivot axis of the arm (63) being supported bilaterally.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each arm (63) has a triangular shape, a vertex being located at the pivot axis.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle formed between a straight line passing through the pivot axis of an arm (63) and the pusher of the carriage, and a straight line passing through the pivot axis. of an arm (63) and the point of contact arm-plate, is between 50 and 70 °, preferably the straight line passing through the axis of pivoting of an arm (63) and the pusher of the carriage, having a stroke angular, during pivoting, between 50 and 70 °.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the straight line passing through the pivot axis of an arm (63) and the arm pusher (67) of the carriage, is inclined relative to the vertical, during the pivoting at an angle between -30 and + 30 °.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the arm carriage (62) comprises a frame made of folded sheet, the frame comprising a base substantially parallel to the bottom of the stationary frame, a rear rim provided with an opening passing through the cylinder, a front edge comprising two zones forming the pushers.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the amplification ratio of the arms (63) is between 100 and 110%, preferably greater than 100 and less than 105%.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each arm (63) is mounted on one side of the frame on an axis fixed to said frame.

11. Device according to claim 1, wherein the arms (63) forming rods are mounted articulated to the carriage and the plate.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the arm plate (3) comprises a second end pivotally mounted at the rear of the frame about a horizontal axis.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising:

a flap (4) forming a front face of the device in the high position of the plate and forming a second access ramp in the lower position of the plate, the flap (4) being pivotally mounted on the plate (3) at the first end of said plate; plateau, and

- A deployment mechanism (40) of the flap (4), comprising at least one connecting rod (42) comprising a front end hinged to the flap (4), the hinge being distant from the top edge and the bottom edge of said flap (4) a rear end connected to a first slider (44) slidably mounted in a linear slide (32) in the tray, and a central portion connected to a second slider (45) slidably mounted in a slider (20) provided in one side of the frame, the connecting rod (42) moving in a substantially vertical plane.

14. Device according to claim 13, wherein the sliders (44, 45) are pins and the linear slide (32) is substantially horizontal in the upper position of the plate (3).

15. Device according to one of claims 13 to 14, wherein the slide (20) of the frame is in a circular arc with a substantially vertical lower end, preferably with a radius of between 30 and 280 mm and the slide (20). frame has an upper end inclined at an angle between 50 and 75 ° relative to the vertical.

16. Device according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the axis of articulation of the flap (4) is disposed at a height between 40 and 60% of the distance between the high edge and the low edge of said flap. (4), the rod (42) being inclined at an angle of between 10 and 35 ° relative to the horizontal in the upper position of the plate and the connecting rod (42) being substantially horizontal in the lower position of the plate.

17. Device according to one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the rod (42) is made from a cut sheet blank and the connecting rod (42) is a straight arm.

18. Device according to one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the linear slide (32) formed in the plate comprises an elongated plate in which is formed a rectilinear opening (33) accommodating the slide.

19. Device according to one of claims 13 to 18, comprising two connecting rods (42) symmetrical, one connecting rod per side of the frame.