Bridge span and bridge span transportation vehicle

A system for transporting a span on a road vehicle capable of being transformed into an amphibious vehicle, enabling crossing of a dry or water-filled gap by any road vehicle. The vehicle for transporting the span is amphibious to allow any vehicle to cross a gap filled with water by transferring and transporting the vehicle on the span supported on the amphibious vehicle operating as a floating ferry. The invention is particularly applicable in the field of civil or military engineering.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for transport of at least one span by a road vehicle and for laying the span from the vehicle over a dry gap in order to enable any road vehicle to cross the dry gap by driving over the span laid over this gap.

BACKGROUND

Such systems are known, for example, from French Patent No. 2 666 772 and French Patent No. 2 683 837 in the name of the applicant.

However, these known systems are not suitable for crossing wet gaps, that is to say gaps filled with water, whose width is such that the span cannot cover them.

Also known is the use of modular floating bridges which can be put end-to-end in order to cover all widths of wet gaps and enable them to be crossed by any road vehicle. However, these floating bridges cannot be used for crossing dry gaps.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to eliminate the disadvantages above by proposing a system for transport of at least one span by an amphibious road vehicle so that it is used either for laying the span over a dry gap, or as a floating ferry or bridge for crossing a wet gap regardless of the width of the latter.

To this effect, according to the invention, the system for transport of at least one span by a road vehicle and for laying the span from the vehicle over a dry gap in order to enable any road vehicle to cross the gap is characterized by the fact that the vehicle for transporting the span is amphibious in order to enable any road vehicle to cross a gap filled with water by transferring and transporting this vehicle on the span resting on the amphibious vehicle functioning as a floating ferry.

The amphibious vehicle is preferably provided with one or more inflatable lateral ballasts, of the tubular type, making it possible to increase the floatability and stability of the amphibious vehicle.

The suspensions, hydraulic in particular, of the amphibious vehicle can be operated so as to raise the axles of the vehicle which has a turbine device for its aquatic propulsion.

The span extends longitudinally with respect to the transport vehicle and comprises two twinned parallel, roughly parallelepiped boxes defining two upper tracks and two ramps for access to the tracks, which are respectively articulated to the two ends of the boxes around a transverse pin, and a means is provided so as to make possible the pivoting of each ramp from an inactive position folded over the corresponding box to an active deployed position in extension of the box in which the access ramp is maintained when the span is used for crossing a dry gap or in which the access ramp can be adjusted to a determined angular position on either side of its position in extension of the box when the vehicle is used as floating ferry in such a way as to adapt the ramp to the profile of the bank of the gap filled with water when the ramp must rest on this bank for the transfer of any vehicle from the bank onto the span or the transfer of the vehicle from the span onto the bank.

Preferably, the means for pivoting of each access ramp comprises an actuating cylinder mounted in the corresponding box of the span and two connecting rods having two of their ends articulated together at the end of the rod of the cylinder and their opposite ends articulated respectively to the inner surface of the upper track wall of the parallelepiped box and to the inner surface of the lower wall of the box of the ramp.

The span of the vehicle functioning as floating ferry can be connected end-to-end in a removable manner by a connecting means to another identical span of another vehicle functioning as floating ferry in order to form a longer floating bridge.

The connecting means makes it possible to connect end-to-end the ends of the two deployed access ramps of a given end of the span of the amphibious vehicle respectively to the ends of the two deployed access ramps of a given end of the span of the other amphibious vehicle.

The connecting means comprises an articulating hinge of which the knuckles of the ends of one of the access ramps engage respectively in conjugate recesses of the end of the other opposite access ramp, a pin passing through the recesses and the knuckles so as to assemble the ends of the ramps together, and sets of connecting rods arranged on each side of the ramps put end-to-end, including a central connecting rod connected to a corresponding end of the pin while extending below the ramps and two lateral connecting rods connected, on one hand, to the end of the central connecting rod on the opposite side from the pin, and on the other hand, respectively to the corresponding sides of the ramps.

According to an embodiment variant, the connecting means makes it possible to connect end-to-end the ends of two access ramps of a given end of the span of the amphibious vehicle and occupying their position folded over the span respectively to the ends of the two access ramps of a given end of the span of the other amphibious vehicle and also occupying their position folded over this span.

According to yet another embodiment variant, the connecting means makes it possible to connect, by overlapping, the ends of the two deployed access ramps of a given end of the span of the amphibious vehicle to the ends of the two deployed access ramps of a given end of the span of the other amphibious vehicle.

Advantageously, the two ramps of a given end of the span are provided with a plate arranged between the two ramps and whose free end is raised in the manner of a ski.

For laying the span over a dry gap, the system has a beam for support and launching of the span arranged approximately in the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, which can be moved relative to the vehicle according to this axis between an inactive position resting on the vehicle and a launching position projecting with respect to the vehicle in which the span is moved by translation guided on the launching beam also to a position projecting with respect to the launching beam which is supported by an underframe which can be oriented, while being able to translate in a guided manner on it, the underframe tilting around a fixed horizontal pin in order to enable the beam to pivot to the point that the span comes to rest first by its projecting end on the edge of the gap on the opposite side from that situated on the vehicle side, and then by its opposite end on the edge of the gap on the vehicle side, the launching beam then being disengaged from the span which is laid over the gap.

The system advantageously has at least one thrust cylinder situated at the rear of the vehicle under the beam and of which the body is attached to the chassis of the vehicle and the rod rests in a sliding manner under the beam, with it possible for the cylinder to be operated so as to make the beam tilt downward around the pivot pin of the titling underframe so as also to bring the end of the span to rest on the corresponding edge of the gap to be crossed.

The system also has a means for fastening of the beam to the chassis of the vehicle that comprises a rigid frame connected perpendicularly to the chassis and two jaws mounted articulated to the frame and controlled by a cylinder mounted on the frame in such a way that each jaw can squeeze a corresponding lower part of the beam.

The system can be transported by airplane.

The vehicle in its front has a stabilization foot which can come to rest on the ground during laying of the span over the dry gap and during which the vehicle rests on its axles.

The invention also relates to a process for transfer and transport of a vehicle on a span borne by an amphibious vehicle for crossing a gap filled with water and using the system as described in the preceding, and includes bringing the amphibious vehicle close to one of the banks of the gap, deploying the inflatable lateral ballasts of the amphibious vehicle, deploying the end ramps of the span in horizontal position in the extension of the two boxes of the latter, operating the hydraulic suspensions of the amphibious vehicle in order to raise its axles, orienting the two ramps of a given end of the span relative to the two boxes in order to bring them to rest on the bank of the gap where the vehicle to be brought on board is situated, bringing the vehicle on board the span in such a way that it is situated roughly in the middle of the span, raising the two ramps to their horizontal position, moving the amphibious vehicle towards the opposite bank, orienting the two ramps of the other end of the span relative to the two boxes in order to bring them to rest on the opposite bank of the gap, landing the transported vehicle on the opposite bank and of raising the two ramps to their horizontal position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In reference toFIGS. 1 to 15, reference1designates a road vehicle, such as a truck, enabling one to transport span2towards a gap that needs to be crossed by vehicles VT, for example, military vehicles.

Vehicle1has armored cab3extended in the rear by longitudinal chassis4which supports the system for laying span2over gap B.

This system has beam5for support and launching of span2arranged in resting position on chassis4of the vehicle in its longitudinal axis and which can be moved relative to the vehicle according to this axis between its inactive position resting on the vehicle and a launching position projecting with respect to the vehicle.

Beam5is made up of a strong structure with an I-shaped cross section and is mounted on an underframe in the form of girder6which can tilt around fixed horizontal pin7relative to the chassis of vehicle1in order to make possible the tilting of the beam from its horizontal position projecting with respect to the vehicle downward during laying of span2.

The tilting of underframe6around pin7is controlled by two lateral hydraulic jacks8, body9of each cylinder8being attached in an articulated manner to the chassis of the vehicle and rod10of the cylinder being connected in an articulated manner to tilting underframe6to the rear of the latter.

Beam5can move by translation along tilting underframe6, and for this purpose, beam5can be connected to tilting underframe6by a dove tail connection.

Although it is not represented, the means for moving beam5by translation relative to tilting underframe6can include an electric or hydraulic motor attached under the tilting underframe, a rack attached longitudinally under the launching beam and a drive gear driven by the rotating shaft of the motor, engaged with the rack.

Span2has a driving structure consisting of two twinned parallel, roughly parallelepiped boxes11defining two upper tracks and two access ramps12, each consisting of a box and articulated respectively at the two ends of a given side of the two boxes11of the driving structure around transverse hinge pin13. Each ramp12has a slope which enables any vehicle to access the tracks of boxes11and to leave them easily.

Span2moreover has a set of rollers14and connecting arms15for boxes11, arranged transversely between boxes11and which make possible the positioning of span2on launching beam5and facilitate the translation of span2with respect to this beam. Connecting arms15and end rollers14also make it possible to retrieve and lay down span2.

Rollers14of connecting arms15can slide in guide rails16of launching beam5, and although it is not represented, the means for translating span2on launching beam5comprises an electric or hydraulic motor connected to beam5and a rack connected with the span, on which a drive gear engages, which is driven by the rotating shaft of the electric or hydraulic motor.

The system for laying a span over a gap and for retrieving it as described in the preceding corresponds to the system described in particular in French Patent No. 2 666 772 in the name of the applicant, and it is sufficient to refer to this patent in order to understand the details of its structure and functioning.

According to the invention, vehicle1is amphibious so as to enable any other road vehicle VT to cross a very wide gap filled with water as will be seen later on.

The suspensions of amphibious vehicle1can be operated, for example, by the driver of the vehicle, in such a way as to raise axles17of the vehicle which is moreover provided with an aquatic propulsion device, for example, a turbine or pump-jet device18, which is known in itself.

Amphibious vehicle1is also provided with one or more inflatable lateral ballasts19, of the tubular type, which increase the floatability and stability of the amphibious vehicle. As emerges more clearly fromFIG. 5, two lateral inflatable tubes19are provided on each side of the vehicle arranged under a chassis part forming lateral wing20of the vehicle.

Vehicle1moreover has a device for deployment of the ramps by tilting around their respective hinge pins13from their transport or driving position in which ramps12occupy a position folded over the driving structure with boxes11with the track of each ramp resting on the corresponding track of the box.

Preferably, this deployment device includes actuating cylinder21mounted in each box11of span2and two connecting rods22having two of their ends articulated together at A1at the end of rod23of cylinder21and their opposite ends articulated respectively at A2and A3to the inner surface of the upper wall forming the track of box11and to the inner surface of the lower wall of the box of ramp12. The end part opposite rod23of cylindrical body24of each cylinder21is connected in an articulated manner at A4to the corresponding box11of span2.

Of course, the four jacks21associated respectively with the four ramps12can be operated simultaneously or separately in pairs in order to make possible the pivoting of each ramp12from its inactive position folded over the corresponding box11to an active deployed position in extension of the box in which access ramp12is maintained when span2is used for crossing a dry gap or in which ramp12can be adjusted to a determined angular position on either side of its position in extension of box11when the vehicle is used as floating ferry in such a way as to adapt ramp12to the profile of the bank of the gap filled with water when the ramp has to rest on this bank for the transfer of any vehicle from the bank onto span2or the transfer of the vehicle from span2onto the bank. For this purpose, each cylinder21and its two connecting rods22make it possible for each access ramp12to perform rotations of 200° of angle around pivot pin13so that in a floating ferry or bridge mode of vehicle1, the angular position of ramps12can be adjusted to more or less 20° of angle with respect to the position of each ramp12in extension of the box. When span2is used for crossing dry gaps in such a way as to form a fixed bridge, once ramps12are positioned in extension of their respective boxes11, each cylinder21is immobilized in this position by a known complementary mechanical locking means, whereas in the floating ferry or bridge mode of this vehicle, each cylinder21is immobilized in the position for adjustment of ramp12in the range of more or less 20° of angle depending on the profile of the bank where the ramp is placed, quite simply by maintaining the pressure of the operating fluid in this cylinder.

The jacks housed in the driving structure of span2are operated hydraulically by an automatic connection embodied in this driving structure.

Span2of vehicle1functioning as a floating ferry can be connected end-to-end in a removable manner by a connecting means to another identical span of another vehicle functioning also as a floating ferry, in such a way as to form a longer floating bridge.

Preferably, this connecting means makes it possible to connect end-to-end the ends of the two deployed access ramps12of a given end of span2of the amphibious vehicle respectively to the ends of the two deployed access ramps12of a given end of span2of the other amphibious vehicle1.

For this purpose, as emerges more clearly fromFIGS. 10 and 11, this connecting means comprises articulating hinge25of which knuckles26of the end of one of access ramps12of the vehicle1engage respectively in conjugate recesses27of the end of the other opposite access ramp12of the other vehicle. This means moreover comprises pin28passing through knuckles26and recesses27in order to assemble together the ends of the two ramps12facing one another of span2, and two sets of connecting rods arranged on each side of the ramps put end-to-end and making it possible to absorb the bending moments. Each set of connecting rods has central connecting rod29connected to a corresponding end of pin28while extending below and roughly perpendicularly to ramps12when they are in extension of one another, and two lateral connecting rods30connected, on one hand, at A5to the end of central connecting rod29on the opposite side from pin28, and on the other hand, respectively to the corresponding sides of the two ramps12at A6. Pins28and connecting rods29,30are positioned and locked manually, and the connection is symmetrical so as to allow locking of two spans end-to-end regardless of the end of the floating ferry or bridge that is presented.

As a variant, the connecting means can connect end-to-end the ends of the two access ramps of a given end of the span of the vehicle, which occupy their position folded over span2, respectively to the ends of the two access ramps12of a given end of span2of the other amphibious vehicle, also occupying their position folded over this span. Such a connecting means is described in French Patent No. 2 666 772 in the name of the applicant.

According to another variant, the connecting means enables one to connect, by overlapping, the ends of the two deployed access ramps12of a given end of span2of the amphibious vehicle to the ends of the two deployed access ramps12of a given end of span2of the other amphibious vehicle as described in French Patent No. 2 683 837 in the name of the applicant.

Advantageously, the two ramps12of a given end of span2are provided with plate31, visible inFIGS. 14B to 14I, which is arranged between the two ramps12and whose free end is raised in the manner of a ski. These ski plates31facilitate translation of span2in particular on an opposite bank on a lower level relative to the vehicle during laying of the span over dry gaps and enable one to rest the span on the two reinforced parts of the ends of access ramps12. These ski plates can be attached in a removable manner to ramps12just before laying of the span over the dry gap, and in any case, they are arranged so as not to disturb the boarding of any vehicle on the span in bridge mode laid over the dry gap.

Vehicle1is also provided with cylinder32, visible inFIG. 12, which is situated in the rear of the vehicle under beam5and makes it possible to absorb the forces, that is to say to distribute the loads between the front and the rear of the vehicle, loads which are connected with the assembly which includes launching beams5, span2and vehicle VT transported on span2when the vehicle functions in floating ferry or bridge mode. To this effect, body33of cylinder32is attached to chassis4of the vehicle, extending roughly perpendicularly to the body, and rod34of cylinder32rests with the ability to slide, by plate35forming a pad which is connected with the end of rod34, under beam5. Furthermore, cylinder32can be operated so as to make beam5tilt around pivot pin7of tilting underframe6downward in order also to bring the end of access ramps12to rest on the corresponding edge of the gap to be crossed, in addition to the adjustment of the relative angular position of ramps12relative to boxes11by the assembly consisting of jacks21and connecting rods22, in floating ferry or bridge mode of vehicle1. This thus facilitates access by the rear of the amphibious vehicle in floating ferry or bridge mode by inclining span2downward in a simultaneous action with tilting underframe6.

Vehicle1can also be equipped with means36for fastening beam5to chassis4of the vehicle and which can be seen more clearly inFIG. 13.

This fastening means comprises rigid frame37, generally H-shaped, whose lower feet37aare connected with chassis4, and two jaws38mounted, articulated to the upper end parts of two upper arms37bof H-shaped frame37and which can be controlled by cylinder39arranged essentially transversely above the transverse limb of H-shaped frame37, in such a way that each jaw38can be closed in order to squeeze a corresponding lower part of beam5which can consist of lower longitudinal rim5aof beam5.

Rod40of cylinder39is connected, articulated to the lower end of lever41mounted so as to pivot on one of arms37bof frame37around horizontal pin42, and its body43is connected, articulated to the lower end of second lever41mounted so as to pivot on the other opposite arm37bof frame37around pin42. The upper end of each lever41is curved and provided with jaw44which can come to face fixed jaw45connected with the upper end of the corresponding arm37bof frame37in order to immobilize, in the manner of a vise, the corresponding rim part5aof beam5which is therefore held rigidly on chassis4of the vehicle in transport mode.

Vehicle1, in front, has stabilization foot46which occupies an inactive position stowed under the vehicle and which can be deployed to its active stabilization position resting on the ground during laying of span2over a dry gap, during which vehicle1rests on its axles.

The dimensions and weight of vehicle1equipped with its span and system for laying it are such that this assembly can be transported by any airplane capable of receiving accommodating vehicle1.

Of course, vehicle1and its equipment can itself drive over a span in the form of a fixed bridge arranged over a dry gap or can be transported by another similar vehicle used in a floating ferry or bridge mode.

FIGS. 14A to 14Ishow the different steps for laying span2over a dry or wet gap, but whose length is somewhat less than the length of the span intended for forming a fixed bridge for crossing gap B, whose edge or bank on the opposite side from where vehicle1is situated is in this case at a lower level, with it understood that it can be at the same level or at a higher level.

The sequence for launching and laying of span2takes place as follows.

First of all, vehicle1equipped with its span2positions itself on the launching bank (FIG. 14A).

Then, stabilization foot46is deployed so as to rest on the ground in the vicinity of the bank of gap B, ramps12are deployed from their position folded over their respective boxes11(FIG. 14B) and are locked in horizontal position in extension of the driving structure consisting of boxes11(FIG. 14C).

Span2is then moved by translation, on one hand, by beam5moving relative to vehicle1, and on the other hand, by the means for moving span2relative to beam5to the position represented inFIG. 14D. Tilting underframe6is operated so as to tilt beam S and span4[sic] in such a way as to lay the end of ramp12on the opposite bank at a lower level (FIG. 14E), the translation of span2being facilitated by the use of plate31in the form of a ski.

Span2is then moved towards the front of the vehicle relative to beam5in order to hook rear connecting arm15at the end of beam5(FIG. 14F).

Tilting underframe6is operated so as to pivot again around its pin17and to lay the end of ramps12on the bank situated on the vehicle1side (FIG. 14G).

Launching beam5is then disengaged by rotation of tilting underframe6in the reverse direction around pin7and movement backward of beam5(FIG. 14H).

Finally, stabilization foot46is retracted in the front of vehicle1, and the assembly consisting of beam5and titling underframe6is returned to its transport position on the chassis of the vehicle (FIG. 14I).

Thus, the vehicles can drive over span2in order to cross gap B, and vehicle1finally itself crosses the gap in order to retrieve span2on the opposite bank.

These different steps for laying and retrieving span2are already described in detail in the prior art consisting, for example, of French Patent No. 2 666 772 and French Patent No. 2 683 837 in the name of the applicant.

FIGS. 15A to 15Jillustrate the different steps enabling vehicles VT to cross gap B filled with water from one bank to the other, and whose width is greater than the length of span2occupying its deployed position.

As represented inFIG. 15A, vehicle1approaches the bank of gap B in reverse, but the vehicle can just as well approach these banks in forward.

Inflatable lateral ballasts19are operated so that they are inflated and provide additional floatability and stability for the amphibious vehicle in the water (FIG. 15B).

FIGS. 15C and 15Dshow that the amphibious vehicle forming a floating bridge has entered the water of gap B. It should be noted that from this stage, there are two operators who come out of the armored cab of vehicle1, for example, through trap doors on the roof of the cab, and they board the pedestrian walkways arranged in the upper part of the ballasts as emerges more clearly fromFIG. 3. These people then direct the following actions using an exterior control box.

Thus, as shown byFIG. 15E, access ramps12are deployed so that they are arranged horizontally in the extension of the driving structure consisting of boxes11.

The axles of floating vehicle1are raised by operation of its hydraulic suspensions, and access ramps12situated on the side of the bank where vehicle1is situated are oriented angularly relative to boxes11around their respective hinge pins13so as to come to rest on this bank situated at a lower level with respect to ramp12(FIG. 15F).

Vehicle VT to be transported can then board floating vehicle1by driving first over access ramps12and then over the driving structure until coming approximately to the middle of the latter (FIGS. 15G and 15H). At this stage, articulated ramps12are immobilized in position, and the whole pivots around the end support of these ramps on the bank, while keeping a regulation freeboard distance, thanks to the additional floatability provided by inflatable ballasts19. The length of the ramps makes it possible to have a sufficient water level without risking grounding, even once vehicle VT has boarded.

Once vehicle VT is on board in the middle of the floating bridge, boarding ramp12is raised to its horizontal position (FIG. 15I), and amphibious vehicle1crosses gap B (FIG. 15J) so that ramps12on the opposite side of2can be laid in the direction of the opposite bank, and transported vehicle VT can land with orientation of the corresponding ramps12so that they come to rest on the bank, ramps which are returned to their horizontal position once vehicle VT has landed.

If necessary, two similar amphibious vehicles1can be used for putting two spans2end-to-end and thus forming a floating bridge which is long enough to cover the whole width of a gap filled with water as represented inFIG. 4.

Of course, it is possible to assemble as many amphibious vehicles as are necessary for covering any width of wet gap B.