SE500169C2 - U-frame carriage structure - comprises two parallel longitudinal frame components and front cross frame component holding longitudinal components together - Google Patents

Abstract

The U-frame carriage comprises beams (2,3,4) arranged in the form of a U, two wheel units (5,6) arranged at the rear end of the carriage provided with screens (10) and at least three lifting devices (14,15) for lifting a container located within the U-shaped area. The screens comprise rear lifting devices (1) for raising the rear part of the container via engagement devices (13). A front lifting device (17,18,19) raises the front end of the container. The lifting devices are arranged to lift the container vertically so that it is parallel the whole time with the ground. The loading and unloading position for the container can be between its highest and its lowest position. The rear engagement devices (13) are each arranged on a lifting unit (10) comprising a U-shaped cross-section beam which extends parallel with the longitudinal frame components and above the wheel units (5,6) and is fixed to the longitudinal frame components via a pivotable connecting component (12).

Description

Ut Ci) I) 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 __. .fl 2 O * - vi) _ In the case of smaller lorries with canopy or covered cargo space, the height is often too low for an adult to stand upright on the fl. At these loads, the working position of the personnel who are to load and unload the goods immediately becomes unsuitable with consequent damage to the back etc.

In view of the above, it is realized that there is a need for a solution to the unsportsmanlike problem between terminals and consumers, ie the last stage in the distribution of the goods (and the first stage). One solution could be to use containers of smaller size, which could be transported by smaller trucks, so-called satellite cars.

Furthermore, a solution to the problem of loading and unloading the smaller trucks or containers transported by these smaller trucks is required, so that loading and unloading can take place without risk to the personnel and perhaps more or less mechanically. These problems have previously been addressed by the inventor of the present invention, proposed a truck built with a front power unit with driver's cab and engine, etc., as well as a rear load-bearing unit in the form of rm U-rarn, for cooperation with a load fl ak or a container. To enable loading and unloading of goods from loading docks of varying heights, the U-frame can be raised and lowered.

Swedish patent specification no. 7403485 describes a transport vehicle with a U-shaped frame, where the frame can be raised and lowered in that the rear part of the U-frame is foldable so that the rear wheel can be raised and lowered in relation to the rest of the U-frame. This construction works quite well but has some disadvantages, such as that the load on the front wheel axle becomes too great when driving with little or no load.

In special applications there are constructions which are expedient in that application, for example compare Swedish Patent Specification No. 8104988-4, which describes a U-frame structure for transporting a slag crucible. Due to the special shape of the slag crucible, the construction is specially adapted to fit the shape. Furthermore, only a short stroke is required for the rear lifting cylinders, since they only have to lift the slag crucible high enough to go free from the ground in a transport position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to propose a U-frame trolley, which is specially designed to fit and carry a container for loading piece goods. The U-frame trolley is equipped with devices for raising and lowering the container from a lowest position at ground level to a highest position, which can be selected to be 1400 mm, which corresponds to the highest commonly used loading berth height. Furthermore, the U-trolley is provided with a coupling device for a towing unit, which may be the front part of a conventional truck.

A U-frame carriage which fulfills these purposes is stated in the following claim 1 to which reference is made. Additional features and preferred designs are set forth in the subclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings which show an embodiment of the present invention for the purpose of explanation.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a U-frame carriage according to the invention where the splash guard over the right rear wheel has been removed and the left rear wheel has been omitted.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged side view of the lifting device according to the invention in three different positions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Fig. 1 shows a U-frame carriage 1, which is constructed according to the principles of this invention and consists of two longitudinal beams 2, 3 and a remote transverse beam 4. The beams are connected to each other by welding or other suitable means to form a self-supporting unit.

At the rear ends of the longitudinal beams 2, 3 there are rear wheels 5, 6, of which the rear wheel 5 is shown indicated by dashed lines. The rear wheels are attached to the beams in a suitable conventional manner.

The figure shows a fastening of the rear wheels consisting of two struts 7 fastened to the longitudinal beam 3 by means of a shaft or bolts 8. The struts are pivotable about the bolts 8 and are biased downwards, for example with a strong spring 9. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 the rear wheel 6 is arranged between the outer ends of the struts so that the rear wheel is supported by the struts on both sides of the wheel.

The rear wheel 6 is provided with a brake device and hydraulic line for the brake in a conventional manner. This hydraulic line extends forwards inside the beam 3. Identical devices are of course provided for the rear wheel 5.

Such a rear wheel suspension is preferred because it causes the least possible torque stress on the longitudinal beams because equal forces are transmitted by each of the struts 7.

It becomes somewhat more difficult to change the rear wheels, but it is relatively easy to arrange the outer strut detachably by means of bolts (not shown).

Of course, other rear wheel suspensions can be used according to the invention.

Normally the rear wheels are protected by a rear wheel guard, whose only function is to surround and protect the rear wheels and support rear lights, such as brake lights, turn signals etc. Often the screen is therefore made of the simplest possible materials, sometimes plastic, which means the screen breaks easily when it is particularly vulnerable when hacking against quays or other loading bays.

According to the present invention, the rear wheel guard constitutes a lighting device 10, which surrounds and protects the rear wheel 5, while supporting brake lights, turn signals etc. 11. The lifting device 10 is attached to the rear part of the longitudinal beam 2 by means of a shaft or bolts 12, so that the lifting device 10 is pivotable to a limited extent.

On the rear part of the lightning device 10 and facing inwards towards the U-shaped area there is an engaging device 13. The engaging device is intended for co-operation with a container located in the U-shaped area or the like, as described below.

The lifting device 10 is operated by a hydraulic cylinder 14 arranged in the longitudinal beam 2 and in front of the bolts 12, and cooperates with a special part of the lifting device 10 which settles inside the beam. Fig. 1 shows the lifting device 10 in a transport position, but can be lowered slightly by means of the hydraulic cylinder to a lower position and raised to an upper position.

At the center of the far transverse beam 4 there is a third hydraulic cylinder 15 with a stroke of approximately 1400 mm. Attached to the piston rod 16 of the cylinder is a yoke 17 from both ends of which extends downwards an engaging device 18, which is terminated by a loop 19. The loop 19 is intended to act with a hook or the like on a container located in the U-shaped area.

Alternatively, according to the invention, a telescopic hydraulic cylinder can be used, which can raise the front end of the container approximately 1400 mm.

On the front transverse beam 4 there is furthermore a coupling device 20 for coupling (II (ff) (I) 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 Ch Q 4 U-frame carriage to a doctrinal towing vehicle. The coupling is preferably of a fixed type which is welded fixed in the towing vehicle, but may also be of a detachable type.

It may also be possible to use a coupling of the caravan coupling type for coupling to a normal car.

The U-frame trolley described above is intended for cooperation with a container, which for example consists of a flat surface with edges on three sides, a so-called container bottom. The edges are preferably only as high as required to give the surface sufficient stability.

The container bottom can be made of carbon-coated plastic to be as light as possible or of other more conventional materials such as steel. Container bottrrerr is completely self-supporting and can be dimensioned for a load of about 2 tons. The container bottom thus described can then be provided with various superstructures as required, such as a canopy, higher limbs, lashing fittings, etc.

The container bottom according to the invention is provided with at least three engaging means for co-operation with the above-described three engaging devices on the trolley. These engaging means consist of two recesses on the rear end of each side and a hook at the center of the front transverse part of the container. The engaging means are thus complementary to associated engaging arrangements on the U-frame carriage. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the above combination of engaging devices and means but different types may be used.

The U-frame is connected via the coupling device 20 to a towing device, for example consisting of the front part of a conventional truck. The traction arrester ring may include an engine, wheels which are usually pivotable, and a source of hydraulic pressure. Furthermore, the towing device is equipped with a brake control which is connected to the brake device for the rear wheels.

The U-frame trolley according to the invention functions in the following way The U-trolley is tilted so that a container, which stands on the ground, is located in the U-shaped space between the beams 2, 3, 4. The rear lifting devices 10 are thereby lowered to their lowest position. in which the engaging devices 13 can cooperate with corresponding engaging means on the container when it is on the ground. The submarine trolley is backed until the said engaging devices 13 cooperate with the engaging engane on the container. At the same time, the engaging device 19 at the front hydraulic cylinder 15 cooperates with the corresponding device on the container. Furthermore, there is a sensing device which senses when the engaging devices and means have fully engaged.

When this is the case, the three hydraulic cylinders 14, 14, 15 are activated to lift the container substantially straight upwards, so that the container is always horizontal. This is important because otherwise the load can tip or shift inside the container. The container is lifted to a transport position which is approximately 350 mm above the ground and shown in fi g 1.

When the container is to be loaded or unloaded, the container can be adjusted in different heights from ground level to a height of 1400 mm (or the height chosen in the construction) depending on the height of the loading dock or similar eller 'river or to which it is to be loaded. The container is always horizontal or rather parallel to the ground.

In order to facilitate the carriage of the U-frame carriage to the cornainer, it is obligatory if the rear part of the lifting device 10 is slightly chamfered, as shown at 22 in ftg 1.

The advantages of the construction described above are many 1) The U-frame trolley can be connected to towing devices of different types of different makes, which means that the U-frame trolley is not limited by how a particular car factory considers their truck to be manufactured. The submarine trolley can be manufactured depending on the special conditions of the country in question, while the towing device can be designed separately. 2) The container according to the invention can be used as a conventional load fl ak, which is loaded and unloaded on site without being detached from the U-trolley. It is also possible to take advantage of the fact that the container is detachable from the U-frame trolley, so that the container is loaded on site and then only picked up and transported to the unloading location by the U-frame trolley. The container can then be placed in special storage to be located at the correct loading and unloading height and then picked up there by the U-frame trolley. 3) The container bottom according to the invention is possible to adapt for the most shiny assignments as it is manufactured with the smallest possible height and can be provided with desired extensions. Thus, it can be adapted for use in value transport and provided with strong protective sheet metal, or provided with a light canopy of woven plastic to handle the largest possible load weight. 4) No height-adjustable loading dock is required, but the workplace becomes much more work-friendly, which reduces injuries to personnel. 5) Because the rear wheel cutters are used as lifting devices and are constructed with great strength, the advantage is obtained that the lighting arrangement can withstand the stresses that are unavoidable in these applications. 6) As few moving parts as possible are used according to the invention, in principle only two moving parts.

The lifting device according to the invention must be designed in a special way in order to be adapted for application. In order to be free from the baldy wheel, it must be substantially U-shaped in cross section. Furthermore, the engaging device can be located as far down as possible. In addition, the pivot shaft 12 should be located in front of the center axis of the wheels. This leads to the construction shown in the drawings.

The Lying device screen 10 is made of a strong U-beam with reinforcements where space is provided in the form of trusses to make the construction light and strong.

The hydraulic cylinder 14 cooperates with the lifting device 10 closer to the bolts 12 than the engaging device. In this way a gear ratio is obtained, which enables the use of cylinders with a short stroke.

The hydraulic cylinders are driven in a preferred titration manner by a known valve device of constant fate type. The valve actuators of the three cylinders are connected to the same shaft, so that each revolution of this shaft causes the corresponding hydraulic cylinder to travel a predetermined distance, independent of the load on this hydraulic cylinder. In this way, the three hydraulic cylinders are driven completely synchronously so that the container, which rests on these three hydraulic cylinders, is always lifted parallel to the ground.

As can be seen from the above, the rear engagement points 13 move in a (JW CI) Cff.) 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 ... A 6 't \. «' Û _! eirketbage, while the anterior nyarautcynna moves linearly upwards. In order for the front engaging point not to come loose unintentionally, it is necessary for this engaging point to be able to move backwards and follow the circular arc-shaped movement. This is made possible by the lifting yoke 17, 18, 19 being pivotally attached to the piston rod 16, as indicated by a shaft 21.

Due to this pivoting movement, the posterior engaging points will also move more slowly in the vital plane of the two end positions than at the ridge position, while the fi entrance ly fi point will move linearly. The difference is not very large, but can in some cases mean that objects on the surface that are not yet oxidized grains in the mold.

Furthermore, it is known that a hydraulic system may well start to malfunction. Thus, the hydraulic cylinders and valves in the system can start to leak or operate seamlessly, but without a catastrophic fault. To rectify this, the hydraulic system is monitored by a microprocessor. Each hydraulic cylinder is equipped with a position sensor, preferably of the electromechanical type, which monitors the position of the hydraulic cylinder. There are also additional position sensors and switches for monitoring other functions. The signals from these sensors etc are transmitted to the microprocessor.

The microprocessor is preferably of the control computer or control processor type, such as INTEL 88Cl96KB, which is a 10-bit control processor with integrated A / D converter in 8 channels (or SIEMENS SAB 80Cl66 etc). There are also a large number of digital inputs and outputs.

The position sensors emit an analog electrical signal corresponding to the position of the respective hydraulic cylinders. These analog signals are converted to digital signals in the processor and then processed according to a control program stored in memory slots (which may be internal to the processor or external).

There, the processor emits control signals, either in digital or analog form, which are supplied with hydraulic solenoid valves, which are connected in parallel with the corresponding hydraulic control valves. In this way, the pnocessom can compensate for any malfunctions in the hydraulic system. A number of additional monitoring functions can be performed using the signals supplied to the control computer. The control computer can be used to control the hydraulic cylinders so that all lifting points always move at the same speed. The processor reads via the position sensors the position of the positions of the hydraulic cylinders and then maneuvers magnetic vertebrae which control the fate and outlet of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic cylinders. This can in the present case be used to even out the differences between the pivoting movement of the rear lifting devices and the linear movement of the front hydraulic cylinder. The microprocessor calculates how much the rear (or front) cylinders should be compensated for in order for the movements to take place synchronously. The microprocessor is programmed to perform the ly movements automatically. This means that the driver, when he arrives at a place for unloading goods, operates a switch in the cab which states that the fl token must be lowered to, for example, ground level. When the driver then gets out of the car, closes the door and goes to the back of the vehicle, the lowering movement has already begun and may have already been completed.

Therefore, unloading can take place immediately without the normally occurring waiting times. Should loading or unloading take place 'from a loading dock, the U-frame trolley may be equipped with an infrared light shielding device which senses the height of the loading dock and automatically adjusts the container to a suitable height.

Of course, there is the possibility for the driver to adjust the height if it should become unsuitable, which can be done 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 7 Dana 169 with a remote control control of the type used in remote control of TV and video etc.

The microprocessor can also be programmed to enable the container to be intentionally tilted, for example: t 10 ', to compensate for whether the U-frame trolley is in a smaller slope.

If desired, it is also possible to tip the entire container by lowering the rear cylinders and raising the inner cylinder.

A special advantage is obtained by supporting the container at three points. In this way, the so-called drawer drawer effect is avoided, which occurs if the container happens to be slightly inclined laterally and thereby squeezes and sticks to the beam sides of the U-frame. It is of course important that the two rear hydraulic cylinders are always driven synchronously so that the corrector is not tilted.

The microprocessor does not allow the vehicle to run normally when the container is in a position other than the non-port position, which may be 350 mm above the lowest position. However, the vehicle can be moved in first gear or reverse gear at low speed forwards or backwards due to the position of the container.

Of course, it is necessary to provide the U-frame carriage with safety devices that work if the electronics or hydraulics should malfunction. Thus, there are four lugs arranged in connection with the longitudinal beams at their front and rear ends. These lugs are spring-locked to the unfolded position and can be retracted by means of hydraulic cylinders. The lugs are thus normally in the unfolded position, so that the container rests on these lugs if the hydraulic cylinders do not work.

This prevents it being possible to drop the container while driving. Of course, the rnihoprocessor controls the retraction of these lugs and prevents the vehicle from starting without these lugs being unfolded. The heels can also be retracted manually.

Furthermore, the longitudinal beams 2, 3 are provided with a prestressing device which presses on the sides of the container f1 'in each direction while driving. These biasing devices prevent the container from pivoting laterally while driving.

The container is constantly supported by the hydraulic cylinders, which provide the opportunity to weigh loads.

The pressure in the hydraulic cylinders is proportional to the load on the container. By measuring data pressure, an indication of the weight of the load is thus obtained.

An example of the use of the microprocessor is for an automatic fabrication system.

If the U-frame trolley according to the invention is used to transport goods between different customers, these customers can be stored in the microprocessor's memory in the form of mandatory codes. When goods are loaded on the container, the weight of the goods is read via the milaoprocessor by tare it before loading and read after loading. The microprocessor then notes how far this goods are transported by reading the vehicle's trip meter. Finally, the rnilrrn processor connects the weight and Engden on the transport auger and prints a facuna on the amount the transport costs. The invoice is delivered to the customer directly upon delivery of the goods. In this way, benefits are achieved that are immediately realized.

The microprocessor can also be used as a trip computer with the conventional functions it has.

The microprocessor can also be connected to a floppy disk drive, so that data can be transferred to an office computer after the day's runs by recording on a floppy disk, which is then read by the office computer. Then it is of course also possible to be in direct contact with the office computer via modem La 'Cl) CI) 10 15 20 os C) p 8 and car-telephone and / or fax.

Through the combination of hydraulics and electronics / computer technology, functions that are highly developed can be obtained, which will be appreciated by a skilled person.

Of course, it will be appreciated that the hydraulics may be engaged by pneumatic cylinders or electromechanical devices, such as electric motors.

In the beams in the U-frame, there is plenty of space for spare equipment of various kinds. Thus, there are hydraulic units for operation of the hydraulic cylinders. Furthermore, there is a car battery as a backup source. There can also be a petrol tank etc. Furthermore, the truck according to the invention can be designed for gas operation, whereby the bulky gas tanks can be placed in the U-beams.

Because the hydrant unit and power source are located in the U-frame, it can theoretically operate completely independently and independently of the driving unit.

From the above it appears that a U-frame carriage is provided which solves the problems stated in the introduction. The U-frame carriage is connected to the technology already started with horse and carriage in that the U-frame carriage according to the invention functions in principle independently and together with any towing unit, also a horse or a tractor. Furthermore, the container technology developed in connection with long-distance spacers is used, but it has been adapted to the small scale that is necessary for so-called satellite trucks. Finally, the U-frame trolley according to the invention is constructed in the simplest possible way with basically only two moving parts, the screens / lifting device 10. By using modern computer technology that is integrated with hydraulic technology, a very flexible and robust solution is obtained, which enables many years of trouble-free use of the U-frame trolley.

Claims (10)

10 15 20 25 30 35 40 N 0 V9 0 -. 5 G PATENTKRAV '~ U-frame carriage comprising beams (2, 3, 4) arranged in the form of a U, two wheel units (5, 6) arranged at the rear end of the U-frame carriage provided with screens (10) and at least three lifting devices (14, 15) for lifting a container located within the U-shaped area, characterized in that the screens are constituted by rear lifting devices (10) intended to lift the rear part of said container via engaging devices (13), and that a front lifting device (17, 18 , 19) is arranged to lift the front end of the container, the lifting devices being arranged to lift the container substantially vertically and so that the container is at all times substantially parallel to the base between a lower position in contact with the base to a transport position and further to an upper position. , whereby the loading and unloading position of the container can be anywhere between the highest and the lowest position. U-frame trolley according to claim 1, for transporting a container bottom and intended for interconnection (20) with a towing unit, wherein the U-frame trolley consists of two substantially parallel longitudinal frame elements (2, 3) and a distant transverse frame element (4), connecting the longitudinal frame members adjacent their front ends to form a U-shaped open area therebetween, wheel assemblies (6, 7, 8, 9) at the rear ends of the longitudinal frame members to support the lower parts of the frame members a coupling device (2) for supporting the front ends of the frame elements, which coupling device is connected to a pulling unit at least three engaging devices (13, 19) for co-operation with complementary designed engaging devices on the container bottom, which engaging devices can be raised and lowered relative to the frame elements, two of which are located at the engaging devices (13). rear ends of the respective longitudinal frame members, characterized in that said rear engaging devices (13) are each arranged on and a lifting device (10) consisting of a cross-section U-shaped beam, which extends parallel to the longitudinal frame elements and above said wheel unit (5, 6) and is attached to the longitudinal frame elements via a pivotable connecting element (12), and said pivotable connecting element (12) is located in front of the axle of said wheel unit, and that the engaging device (13) is arranged behind the axle of said wheel unit. U-shaped rear axle according to pile 1 or 2, characterized by two rear engaging devices (13), which are arranged to conform along a circular arc in a circular arcuate movement, a front engaging device (19), which is driven by a substantially vertical hydraulic cylinder, and a control device for smoothing the difference between the circular arc distorted motion and the linear motion. U-frame trolley according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the U-frame trolley has only two moving parts, namely the lifting devices (10) at the rear engaging devices. (j I Cff) CL) ._ .x CJ \ 10 15 10 i U-frame trolley according to claim 2, 3 or 4, characterized by said lifting device (10) is located at the rear of the U-frame trolley and is designed so strong that: it can withstand minor collisions without deformation. U-frame trolley according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container bottom is inclined in the longitudinal direction. 7. U-trolley according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container bottom is supported at three points, two rear and one fi änire, and that the rear support points are always driven synchronously, to avoid clamping. U-frame carriage according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lying devices are each maneuvered by a hydraulic cylinder. 9. U-frame carriage according to claim 8, characterized in that the functions of the U-frame carriage are monitored by a microprocessor which is arranged so that it can take over or correct the function of the hydraulic cylinders. U-frame carriage according to claim 4, characterized in that the microprocessor is arranged to decelerate the load on each hydraulic cylinder in order thereby to be able to determine the weight of the load on the load platform.