EP4098540A1 - Logistics convoy - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a logistics convoy (1) comprising a barge (2), a pusher (11), at least one substantially horizontal platform (3) arranged in the barge (2) and able to accommodate vehicles (V) and a lifting means capable of mobilizing vertically, parallel to itself, said at least one platform (3) relative to the barge (2).

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a logistics convoy capable of mainly transporting motor vehicles for passenger cars, utility vehicles and/or heavy goods vehicles by river or coast.

Prior technique

It has long been known to use waterways to transport people or goods. This type of transport is coming back to the fore because of its economic interest: it is comparatively significantly cheaper and ecological: it makes it possible to significantly reduce the ecological footprint of transport.

The present invention addresses the problem of transport and logistics by river, particularly in high-density urban areas. This transport is intended to apply to utility vehicles, or in some cases even to low-height heavy goods vehicles. It can also apply to passenger vehicles, in that it offers an alternative, which can make it possible, particularly in built-up areas, to relieve congestion on the road networks. It can also transport containers or pallets loaded on the barge using handling equipment. This invention is also advantageous, in particular, in that it makes it possible to deposit, at a very short distance from a city, and/or directly in the city center, goods transport vehicles and passenger vehicles, which can then , on their own to cover the last kilometer.

Summary of the invention

In the present description and the claims to which it gives rise, the term platform will be used without distinction, whether it is a single platform or several platform parts.

The subject of the present invention is a logistics convoy capable of transporting commercial motor vehicles, passenger cars and/or heavy goods vehicles, and/or containers, by waterway, comprising at least one barge and one pusher, characterized in that a barge comprises at least one substantially horizontal platform arranged in the barge capable of receiving vehicles, lifting means capable of mobilizing vertically, parallel to itself, said at least one platform relative to the barge and at least one roof.

• le toit est solidaire de chacune des au moins une plateforme et recouvre sensiblement entièrement et exactement ladite au moins une plateforme, ce toit étant horizontal.
• le toit est divisé en autant de parties de toits que le nombre de parties de plateformes chacune de ces parties de toits étant solidaire de la partie de plateforme correspondante.
• ladite au moins une plateforme consiste en au moins deux plateformes mobilisables indépendamment l'une de l'autre et permettant le passage des véhicules d'une plateforme à l'autre.
• ladite au moins une plateforme consiste en deux ou trois plateformes mobilisables indépendamment l'une de l'autre et permettant le passage des véhicules d'une plateforme à l'autre.
• le moyen élévateur est préférentiellement apte à être piloté par un opérateur embarqué sur le convoi et comprend préférentiellement au moins un vérin hydraulique proportionnel.
• ladite au moins une plateforme est apte à accueillir au moins une dizaine, préférentiellement au moins une vingtaine, encore préférentiellement davantage de véhicules.
• des moyens sont prévus pour assurer l'étanchéité des parties extrêmes des plateformes avec la barge et avec les parties de plateforme adjacentes.
• au moins un toit est, au moins en partie, couvert de panneaux photovoltaïques, afin de produire de l'électricité.
• le toit est distant de la plateforme d'au moins une hauteur permettant le passage de véhicules.
• ladite au moins une plateforme comprend, sur au moins un bord latéral et préférentiellement sur les deux, au moins une bavette, sensiblement plane, articulée par son extrémité proximale relativement au bord latéral longitudinal afin d'être mobile entre deux positions: une position déployée où la bavette est sensiblement horizontale de manière à ce que son extrémité distale repose sur un quai disposé sensiblement parallèle au bord latéral de manière à permettre l'embarquement et/ou le débarquement autonome des véhicules et une position repliée où la bavette est sensiblement verticale avec son extrémité distale en haut, de manière à ne pas déborder de l'emprise de la plateforme et à former un garde-fou.
• encore au moins un actionneur est apte à mobiliser ladite au moins une bavette, préférentiellement est apte à être piloté par un opérateur embarqué sur le convoi, ledit au moins un actionneur comprenant préférentiellement au moins un vérin hydraulique proportionnel.
• le pousseur comprend une motorisation hybride, électrique et thermique, la partie thermique étant préférentiellement produite par un gaz : gaz naturel véhicule, gaz naturel comprimé ou hydrogène, pour la propulsion du pousseur.
• l'électricité produite au moyen des panneaux photovoltaïque disposés sur le toit ou les toits couvrant la ou les plateforme de la barge est utilisée pour les servitudes du convoi : moyens élévateurs pour la manoeuvre des plateformes, actionneurs pour la manoeuvre des bavettes, éclairage, signalisation, zone vie embarquée, alimentation externe pour certains véhicules, tel des véhicules frigorifiques, pendant une traversée.
• le nombre de plateformes est au moins égal à 2 et le nombre de toits équipés de panneaux photovoltaïques est au moins égal à 2.

Particular characteristics or embodiments, which can be used alone or in combination, are as follows:

• the roof is integral with each of the at least one platform and covers substantially entirely and exactly said at least one platform, this roof being horizontal.
• the roof is divided into as many roof parts as the number of platform parts, each of these roof parts being attached to the corresponding platform part.
• said at least one platform consists of at least two platforms which can be mobilized independently of each other and which allow vehicles to pass from one platform to the other.
• said at least one platform consists of two or three platforms that can be mobilized independently of one another and allowing vehicles to pass from one platform to another.
• the lifting means is preferably capable of being piloted by an operator on board the convoy and preferably comprises at least one proportional hydraulic cylinder.
• said at least one platform is able to accommodate at least ten, preferably at least twenty, even more preferably more vehicles.
• means are provided to seal the end portions of the platforms with the barge and with the adjacent platform portions.
• at least one roof is, at least partly, covered with photovoltaic panels, in order to generate electricity.
• the roof is separated from the platform by at least one height allowing the passage of vehicles.
• said at least one platform comprises, on at least one side edge and preferably on both, at least one flap, substantially planar, articulated by its proximal end relative to the longitudinal side edge in order to be movable between two positions: a deployed position where the flap is substantially horizontal so that its distal end rests on a platform arranged substantially parallel to the lateral edge so as to allow the autonomous embarkation and/or disembarkation of the vehicles and a folded position where the flap is substantially vertical with its distal end at the top, so as not to overflow the grip of the platform and to form a guardrail.
• still at least one actuator is capable of mobilizing said at least one flap, preferably is capable of being controlled by an operator on board the convoy, said at least one actuator preferably comprising at least one proportional hydraulic jack.
• the pusher comprises a hybrid, electric and thermal engine, the thermal part being preferably produced by a gas: natural gas vehicle, compressed natural gas or hydrogen, for the propulsion of the pusher.
• the electricity produced by means of photovoltaic panels placed on the roof or roofs covering the barge's platform(s) is used for the convoy's services: lifting means for maneuvering the platforms, actuators for maneuvering the flaps, lighting, signaling , on-board living area, external power supply for certain vehicles, such as refrigerated vehicles, during a crossing.
• the number of platforms is at least equal to 2 and the number of roofs equipped with photovoltaic panels is at least equal to 2.

Brief description of the drawings

• [Fig. 1] montre, en vue perspective, une vue d'ensemble d'un convoi logistique en cours de navigation,
• [Fig. 2] montre, en vue transversale coupée, une plateforme en position basse,
• [Fig. 3] montre, en vue transversale coupée, une plateforme en position haute,
• [Fig. 4] montre, en vue perspective, une vue d'ensemble d'un convoi logistique à quai,
• [Fig. 5] montre, en vue perspective, une vue de détail d'un embarquement/débarquement,
• [Fig. 6] montre, en vue perspective, le mode de réalisation de la figure 5, selon un autre point de vue.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and with reference to the appended figures in which:

• [ Fig. 1 ] shows, in perspective view, an overview of a logistics convoy being navigated,
• [ Fig. 2 ] shows, in cross sectional view, a platform in the low position,
• [ Fig. 3 ] shows, in cut transverse view, a platform in the high position,
• [ Fig. 4 ] shows, in perspective view, an overall view of a logistics convoy at the quay,
• [ Fig. 5 ] shows, in perspective view, a detail view of an embarkation/disembarkation,
• [ Fig. 6 ] shows, in perspective view, the embodiment of the figure 5 , from another point of view.

Description of embodiments

The figure 1 shows a new generation logistics convoy 1, according to the invention, being navigated. This new generation logistics convoy 1 comprises at least one barge 2, able to accommodate the payload and a pusher 11 able to be docked to the barge 2 and comprising a motorization in order to mobilize the convoy 1.

According to one characteristic, the convoy 1 comprises, in the barge 2, at least one platform 3. This at least one platform 3 comprises a large substantially horizontal flat plate. It is arranged inside the barge 2 and is able to accommodate the payload, typically vehicles V and/or containers. Also, the platform 3 is designed to be strong enough to support the weight of the plurality of vehicles V that it accommodates and to allow the rolling of the vehicles V on its upper surface. The platform 3 can be divided into two or three platform parts, which are independent of each other. In case of plurality, they are arranged side by side along the width of the barge 2 and occupy substantially the entire width of the barge 2. The platform parts 3 are advantageously substantially rectangular in shape. All of the platforms 3 cover substantially the entire useful surface or footprint of the barge 2. The footprint here is the surface projected orthogonally onto a horizontal surface.

A platform 3 is horizontal means that it is substantially parallel to the barge 2, so as to be horizontal when the barge 2 floats. This is advantageous in that the vehicles V rest on a platform 3 under the effect of gravity. The vehicles V remain stationary subject to simple braking, in order to accommodate the slight lateral forces that may be caused by rolling or pitching. The proper braking, typically by means of the parking brake of the vehicle V, is sufficient to ensure its immobilization.

The convoy 1 further comprises lifting means 4 capable of mobilizing vertically, parallel to itself, said at least one platform 3, or each of the platform parts, independently of each other, relative to the barge 2. figure 2 and 3 show more particularly, in cut profile view, part of the platform 3 and its associated lifting means 4, the platform 3 being in the low position, respectively high. Each platform element 3 is independent in its mobility and includes its own lifting means 4. Each of the lifting means 4 can be driven individually, independently of the others.

Such elevation of a platform 3 allows it to be moved vertically. It is thus possible to place it in a low configuration, substantially at the bottom of the barge 2. In this storage position, the clearance is reduced to a minimum. This advantageously allows convoy 1 to pass under bridges, including low bridges and/or during floods.

It is still possible to place the platform 3 in at least one higher configuration. Thanks to a proportional lifting means 4, it is possible to precisely choose the elevation height of the platform 3. It is thus possible to adapt the elevation of the platform 3 until it is placed facing it, at the same height. , a dock 8 loading / unloading. The figure 1 shows a sailing barge 2 where all the platforms 3 are in the low position. The figure 4 shows a barge 2 at quay 8 where a platform 3 is in the high position aligned in height on the quay 8, the loading/unloading being in progress, and the two other platforms 3 being in the low position

According to another characteristic, the lifting means 4 is preferably able to be controlled by an operator on board the convoy 1. Thus the entire control device of the lifting means, therefore among others the man-machine interface, the control logic and energy supply are on board barge 2. It is therefore not dependent on any infrastructure available on quay 8. Also, barge 2 is completely independent and does not require any development of quay 8, which can most often be for shared use.

The lifting means 4 can be made by any means. According to a preferred characteristic, it comprises at least one proportional hydraulic cylinder. This proportionality makes it possible to precisely choose the height of elevation of a platform 3 to raise it to the height of a quay 8, this quay height being able to be variable from one quay 8 or from one port to another. .

The lifting means 4 advantageously allows a maximum amplitude, between the lowest position and the highest position of the platform 3, of the order of 4 meters.

According to another characteristic, a platform 3 has a surface, in the horizontal plane, extended so as to accommodate at least ten vehicles V. Preferably this surface is extended so as to accommodate at least twenty vehicles V and even preferably more extended to accommodate a greater number of vehicles. Such a characteristic is advantageous in that it makes it possible, by increasing their surface, to reduce the number of platforms 3. This makes it possible to reduce the number of lifting means 4 as well as the complexity of their operation and/or control. However, if it is advantageous to reduce the number of platforms 3, according to another characteristic, it is advantageous for a barge 2 to comprise at least two platforms 3. Indeed, if said at least one platform 3 equipping a barge 2 comprises at least two platforms 3, these platforms 3 being mobilized independently of each other, they can, in degraded mode, replace each other in the event of failure of one of them. This assumes that there is a means of passage from one of the platforms 3 to another, which can be taken by the vehicles V. Such a means of passage can be a simple proximity of the two platforms and an absence of obstacle at this place. , which when they are at the same height, allow vehicles V to roll from one platform 3 to the other and thus free up space to allow vehicles to maneuver in order to be able to exit the barge.

In such a configuration, the failure scenario and degraded mode are as follows. The at least two platforms 3 are in the low navigation position. During embarkation/disembarkation, the lifting means 4 of one of the platforms 3 is faulty and does not allow this platform 3 to be raised. It suffices that the lifting means 4 of at least one of the other platforms 3 be functional to achieve full embarkation/disembarkation of all the platforms 3 of the barge 2. The functional platform 3 is raised to the level of the quay 8 and can thus be disembarked. Once empty it is lowered to the low position. The vehicles V of the faulty platform 3 can then move, via the passage means, to come and place themselves on the functional platform 3. This functional platform 3 is then raised once again to the level of the platform 8 in order to allow the disembarkation of the vehicles V which were initially on the faulty platform 3.

It is then possible to carry out the boarding of the vehicles V having to go on the faulty platform 3 by boarding them on the functional platform 3 and by moving them, once said functional platform 3 has been lowered. Then, the functional platform 3 goes up to the level of the platform 8 in order to allow the boarding of “its” vehicles V, and goes down again one last time.

According to another characteristic, the logistics convoy 1 also comprises a roof 5 or roof parts 5 to cover at least one of the platforms 3 and preferably cover all the platforms 3. A roof 5 is integral with a platform 3 to which it is associated. Thus, a roof 5 follows in its elevation movement its platform 3, from which it is held at a distance by substantially vertical pillars. A roof 5 covers its platform 3. Its grip or projection on a horizontal plane is at least inscribed in the grip of the platform 3. Preferably, a roof 5 covers substantially entirely said at least one platform 3, following the outline . A roof 5 is preferably horizontal, in order to be parallel to its platform 3 and thus to reduce the clearance to a minimum. In other words, the footprint of the roof 5 is substantially superimposable, possibly in a slightly included manner, with the footprint of the platform 3.

The height of a roof 5 relative to its platform 3 can vary from one platform 3 to another. Thus a platform 3 can be dedicated to vehicles of low height, such as passenger vehicles, while another platform 3 can be dedicated to receiving vehicles of greater height, such as heavy goods vehicles.

According to another characteristic, at least one roof 5 is covered with photovoltaic panels 6. This coverage preferably concerns substantially the entire surface of the roof 5. These photovoltaic panels 6 are intended to produce electricity for the needs of the barge 2 and/or of the convoy 1. For this, the barge 2 carries all the means necessary for the operation of these photovoltaic panels 6: converters, regulators, batteries and wiring.

If the roof surface is sufficient to cover electrical needs, the roof 5 of at least one platform 3 can be devoid of photovoltaic panels 6. This makes it possible to reduce the height of said platform 3. This is advantageously applied to platform 3 the highest, accommodating heavy goods vehicles.

This characteristic allows the convoy 1 to be independent of any external assistance and in particular of an infrastructure which would be present on the quay, with regard to the power supply. However, if necessary, for example in the event of low sunshine, electricity can be obtained from a terminal provided on the quay, so as to recharge the batteries.

It has been seen that a roof 5 is integral with its platform 3. It is still advantageously parallel to the latter. According to another characteristic, a roof 5 is distant from its platform 3 by at least a height allowing the passage of vehicles V. Also, the height of the support pillars connecting a platform 3 to its roof 5 is substantially equal to the height of the highest vehicle V that one agrees to embark, increased by a guard of a few tens of centimeters, advantageously comprised between 30 and 70 cm.

According to another characteristic, said at least one platform 3 comprises, on at least one side edge 9 of the platform 3 and preferably on both, at least one flap 7. A side edge 9 is an edge of the platform placed on one of the sides of the barge, port or starboard, capable of coming along a quay 8. A flap 7 has the primary function of taking up the play existing between the lateral edge 9 of a platform 3 and the quay 8, when the barge 2 is docked and the side edge 9 is parallel and closer to the edge of the dock 8. Said play is mainly horizontal. A flap 7, due to its articulation relative to the platform 3 also makes it possible to take up a vertical play, by tilting slightly, upwards or downwards. The vertical play is normally very low due to the adaptation of the height of the platform 3 made possible by the lifting means 4.

For this, a flap 7 is substantially flat. It is articulated by its proximal end relative to the side edge 9. This makes it mobile between two positions of use. In a first position or deployed position, the flap 7 is substantially horizontal so that its distal end rests on the platform 8. This allows, the flap 7 forming a bridge between the platform 3 and the platform 8, to create continuity between platform 3 and platform 8 on which vehicles V can drive. This allows autonomous embarkation and/or disembarkation of vehicles V.

It is understood here by the term autonomous, that the vehicles V are automotive, namely autonomous for their mobility and therefore mobile thanks to their own motorization. This is the case for embarkation and disembarkation, but also for possible movements on a platform 3 or possibly from one platform 3 to another.

In a second position or folded position, the flap 7 is arranged substantially vertical with its distal end at the top, namely above and plumb with its proximal end. Thus positioned, the flap 7 is substantially inscribed in the grip of the platform 3. This corresponds to a navigation configuration in which the vehicles V are stationary relative to the platform 3. In this folded position, a flap 7 advantageously forms a guard -crazy along the side edge 9, opposing the possible passage of a freewheeling vehicle V and/or a possible pedestrian.

A flap 7 can cover the entire side edge 9 of a platform 3. Advantageously, however, several contiguous flaps 7 continuously cover the entire length of the side edge 9.

According to another characteristic, the logistics convoy 1 further comprises at least one actuator 10 able to mobilize said at least one flap 7. Said at least one actuator 10 is preferably able to be controlled by an operator on board the convoy 1. Said at least an actuator 10 can be made by any means. According to a preferred embodiment, it comprises at least one proportional hydraulic cylinder.

Several actuators 10 can be arranged on the same flap 7, especially if the latter has a great length. The various actuators 10 of the same flap 7 are advantageously controlled simultaneously.

Actuators 10 associated with different flaps 7 can advantageously be grouped together to be controlled with a single control. However, it is advantageous here to separate the flaps 7 into at least two continuous groups, each having its own independent control. This can, like the at least two platforms 3, allow a degraded mode in the event of failure of one of the controls, the other control if it works making it possible to lower at least one of the groups of flaps 7 so to carry out a disembarkation/embarkation by passing all the vehicles V through this group of flaps 7.

The logistics convoy 1 comprises at least one barge 2 and a pusher 11. Said at least one barge 2 is dedicated to the transport of freight, here the vehicles V and/or the containers. The pusher 11 is secured to the barge 2 by one of its short sides, namely a side which is not a longitudinal side edge 9, and ensures the movement of said at least one barge 2. For this, the pusher 11 comprises a motorization. According to another characteristic, this engine is advantageously hybrid, in that it is capable of operating with a electrical energy provided by a rechargeable battery pack and with thermal energy. This makes it possible to offer convoy 1 a greater variety of power source and to take advantage of the respective advantages of the two energy sources.

The thermal part is preferably gas and even more preferably a gas chosen from: vehicle natural gas or CNG, compressed natural gas or CNG and hydrogen.

Gas-powered thermal operation allows mobility with high power density, offering optimized autonomy in relation to the volume of fuel. This operation is preferred for longer journeys and outside built-up areas.

Electric operation allows silent mobility, without pollution by combustion residues and without the production of greenhouse gases.

This operation is preferred for journeys, which are generally shorter, in built-up areas, where it is desired to avoid both chemical and noise pollution.

According to another characteristic, the electricity produced by the photovoltaic panels 6 of the roofs of the barge 2 is used for the easements of the convoy 1. Said easements include all the electrical needs that may appear on a convoy 1, both on the barge 2 and on the pusher 11. By way of non-limiting example, the following easements may be cited.

An easement is the energy supply of the lifting means 4 for maneuvering the platforms 3. Included is the electricity used to supply the control and also the electrical power allowing, via an electro-hydraulic unit, to supply hydraulic oil under pressure to a possible hydraulic cylinder.

Another easement is the power supply to the actuators 10 for operating the flaps 7. Here again, both the control and the supply of power are included.

Another easement is the lighting of the various places in convoy 1, both on barge 2 and on pusher 11.

Another easement is signage. This includes powering any traffic or safety signals present on barge 2 and/or pusher 11.

A barge 2 advantageously comprises an on-board living area. The function of this zone is to accommodate vehicle drivers during a crossing. This living area includes, for example, a cafeteria, a rest room, toilets, etc. Another easement is the supply of electricity to all this living area equipment.

Another easement is the supply of an external power supply for certain vehicles which require a permanent supply. An example of such a need is for vehicles refrigerators, which must maintain the operation of their refrigerator, so as not to break the cold chain, even though the engine of vehicle V is stopped during the crossing. All the vehicles V preferably have their engine stopped during a crossing.

This is applicable to any vehicle V requiring a permanent or at least maintained power supply, in order to replace that produced by the heat engine stopped during the crossing.

This is still applicable to the recharging of electric vehicles V.

If the production capacity of the photovoltaic panels 6 is sufficient, part of the electricity produced can be assigned to the motorization of the pusher 11.

According to another characteristic, as illustrated in the figures, the number of platforms 3 is at least equal to 3. Similarly, the number of roofs 5 equipped with photovoltaic panels 6 is at least equal to 2.

The invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description. This must be considered as illustrative and given by way of example and not as limiting the invention to this description alone. Many variant embodiments are possible.

List of reference signs

1:

convoy,

2:

barge,

3:

platform,

4:

medium riser,

5:

roof,

6:

solar panel,

7:

bib,

8:

platform,

9:

side edge,

10:

flap actuator,

11:

pusher,

V:

vehicle

Claims (8)

Logistic convoy (1) suitable for transporting utility motor vehicles, passenger cars and/or heavy goods vehicles, and/or containers, by waterway, comprising at least one barge (2) and one pusher (11), characterized in that ' a barge (2) comprises at least one substantially horizontal platform (3) arranged in the barge (2) capable of accommodating vehicles (V), a lifting means (4) capable of mobilizing vertically, parallel to itself, said at least one platform (3) relative to the barge (2) and at least one roof, in that the roof is divided into as many roof parts as the number of platform parts (3), each of these roof parts being secured to the corresponding platform part and in that means are provided to seal the end parts of the platforms with the barge and with the adjacent platform parts. Logistics convoy (1) whose roof(s) (5) are integral with each of the at least one platform (3) and cover(s) substantially entirely and exactly said at least one platform (3), the roof(s) being horizontal. Logistic convoy (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said at least one platform (3) consists of at least two platforms (3) that can be mobilized independently of each other and allow the passage of vehicles (V) from one platform (3) to another. Logistics convoy (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one platform (3) is able to accommodate several dozen vehicles (V). Logistic convoy (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said at least one platform (3) comprises, on at least one lateral edge (9) or on both of them, at least one flap (7), substantially flat, articulated by its proximal end relative to the longitudinal lateral edge (9) in order to be movable between two positions: a deployed position where the flap (7) is substantially horizontal so that its distal end rests on a platform (8) arranged substantially parallel to the lateral edge (9) so as to allow autonomous boarding and/or disembarking of the vehicles (V) and a folded position where the flap (7) is substantially vertical with its distal end at the top, so as not to not overflow the grip of the platform (3) and to form a guardrail. Logistics convoy (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising at least one actuator (10) capable of mobilizing said at least one flap (7) and capable of being piloted by an operator on board the convoy (1), said at least one actuator (10) comprising at least one proportional hydraulic jack. Logistics convoy (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one roof (5) is at least partly covered with photovoltaic panels (6), in order to produce electricity, the electricity produced being used for the services of the convoy (1): lifting means (4) for maneuvering the platforms (3), actuators (10) for maneuvering the flap(s) (7), lighting, signaling, on-board living area, external power supply for certain vehicles, such as refrigerated vehicles, during a crossing. Logistic convoy (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the pusher (11) comprises hybrid, electric and thermal motorization, the thermal part being produced by a gas: vehicle natural gas, compressed natural gas or hydrogen.

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