WO2021105136A1 - Telescopic handler - Google Patents

Abstract

A telescopic handler, which comprises at least one self-propelled vehicle (2) that supports at least one telescopic boom (5); the telescopic boom (5) is adapted to support at least one work tool (6), on the opposite end with respect to the self-propelled vehicle (2), and comprises at least two members (8). A first member (8) can translate with respect to the second member (8) between a first configuration, in which it is substantially contained within the second member (8), and a second configuration, in which it is extracted from the second member (8), in order to increase the longitudinal extension of the boom (5). At least one member (8) comprises a hollow profiled element which defines a lower wall (8a) directed toward the vehicle (2), an upper wall (8b) arranged opposite the latter wall, and two side walls (8c) interposed between the preceding walls; the transverse cross-section of the lower wall (8a) is constituted by a convex line with the convexity directed toward the vehicle (2).

Description

TELESCOPIC HANDLER

The present invention relates to a telescopic handler.

As is known, a telescopic handler is a works vehicle that is widely used for a disparate range of industrial activities, which all require interventions at considerable heights.

To this end therefore, according to a general arrangement that is now well-established, telescopic handlers are self-propelled vehicles that comprise a vehicle mounted on wheels or tracks, which supports (rigidly or rotatably) a cabin (fixed or rotatable) designed to accommodate an operator, and a first end of a telescopic boom, which at the opposite end supports the tool adapted to carry out the activity of interest. Moreover, sometimes the tool is actually a platform designed to accommodate an operator, who is lifted by the machine to the desired height, where he or she can operate on infrastructure that is otherwise inaccessible.

It is likewise known that the telescopic boom comprises two or more members that are mutually slideable, so as to pass from a configuration of minimum encumbrance, in which effectively the (proximal) first member contains all the others, to a configuration of maximum longitudinal extension, in which the other members are extracted from the first in order to enable the distal member, which directly supports the tool, to reach the desired height.

The members are substantially constituted by respective metallic hollow profiled members, which have mutually corresponding rectangular transverse cross-sections, so as to allow an optimal accommodation of each member within the preceding one, in the configuration of minimum encumbrance.

In this context, details of construction like the materials, the dimensions of each member (the transverse cross-section and also the longitudinal length), the thicknesses, etc., are the subject of careful evaluation by the manufacturers of such machines, in that only via a careful evaluation and proper dimensioning is it possible to give the telescopic boom the desired mechanical properties, in terms of strength and load capacity, without excessively increasing the weight of the assembly and the cost of the machine. The search for this delicate equilibrium is made more difficult every day by the challenges posed by the target market, in which customers demand (at low cost) high-performing and versatile machines that are capable of working at ever-greater heights and of supporting increasingly heavy strains and loads. The aim of the present invention is to solve the above mentioned problems, by providing a telescopic handler in which the telescopic boom is capable of supporting great loads, with reduced or zero risks of deformations.

Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a telescopic handler in which the telescopic boom ensures high mechanical strength.

Another object of the invention is to provide a telescopic handler in which the telescopic boom is, in its transverse cross-section, as homogeneous as possible in terms of mechanical behavior and resistance to strains. Another object of the invention is to provide a telescopic handler that ensures a high reliability of operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a telescopic handler that adopts an alternative technical and structural architecture to that of conventional telescopic handlers. Another object of the invention is to provide a telescopic handler that can be easily implemented using elements and materials that are readily available on the market.

Another object of the invention is to provide a telescopic handler that is of low cost and that is safely applied.

This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a telescopic handler, comprising at least one self-propelled vehicle that supports at least one telescopic boom, said telescopic boom being adapted to support at least one work tool on the opposite end with respect to said self-propelled vehicle, said telescopic boom comprising at least two members, a first said member being able to translate with respect to a second said member between a first configuration, in which said first member is substantially contained within said second member, and a second configuration, in which said first member is extracted from said second member, in order to increase the longitudinal extension of said boom, characterized in that at least one of said members comprises a hollow profiled element which defines a lower wall, directed toward said vehicle, an upper wall, arranged opposite said lower wall, and two side walls, interposed between said lower wall and said upper wall, the transverse cross-section of said lower wall being constituted by a convex line, with the convexity directed toward said vehicle.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the detailed description that follows of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the telescopic handler according to the invention, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a telescopic handler according to the invention;

Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of the telescopic boom of the handler of Figure 1, with the members respectively in the first and in the second configuration;

Figures 4 and 5 are side views of the telescopic boom of the handler of Figure 1, with the members respectively in the first and in the second configuration;

Figures 6 and 7 are respectively front and rear views of the telescopic boom of the handler of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the telescopic boom of the handler of Figure 1;

Figure 9 shows respective transverse cross-sections of the boom of the handler of Figure 1, side by side. With particular reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a telescopic handler, which comprises, first of all, at least one self-propelled vehicle 2, which is provided with the possibility to move over a supporting surface, which typically coincides with the ground, a road surface, terrain, a walking surface, etc. In the discussion below, where reference is made to vertical or horizontal elements (and to "high" and "low"), these terms are to be understood as referring to the supporting surface and to the only orientation that evidently the handler 1 can assume when it operates thereon.

The vehicle 2 can be of the conventional type and therefore can be constituted by any model of vehicle adapted for the task, for example provided with wheels 3, tracks or the like, in order to allow movement over ground. To ensure the capacity to support heavy loads, the vehicle 2 can likewise be associated with stabilization apparatuses of various nature. Furthermore, the vehicle 2 may or not be provided with a cabin 4, designed to accommodate an operator responsible for controlling the vehicle 2 and the handler 1 in general.

The handler 1 further comprises at least one telescopic boom 5, supported directly or indirectly by the vehicle 2. In the discussion below, where reference is made to a (single) boom 5 (the embodiment corresponding to the handler 1 illustrated in the accompanying figures), the concepts expressed are to be understood as being extended to solutions that involve any number of booms 5 (typically, in mutually pivoted pairs), at least one of which is provided with the peculiarities described below. According to per se known methods , the boom 5 is adapted to support at least one work tool 6, on the opposite end with respect to the vehicle 2. The work tool 6 can be of any type (purely for the purposes of example, Figure 1 shows a tool 6 constituted by a pallet fork), while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein. In more detail, the tool 6 preferably is interchangeable and in any case it may or not be comprised in the handler 1 and may or not be sold with it.

In addition to the possibility that the tool 6 is a device or an instrument, intended to be controlled remotely or simply moved by the boom

5, it should likewise be noted that the tool 6 can be constituted by a platform or by a basket designed to accommodate an operator, who will carry out in person the activities for which use of the handler 1 is required. Precisely in order to allow the support of the tool 6 (as mentioned, of any type), preferably the distal end of the boom 5 supports an additional beam 7 for supporting, which is provided with removable fastening elements for the tool

6.

It should be noted that in the present discussion the terms "proximal" and "distal" are intended to refer to the vehicle 2 ("proximal" will therefore be what is near to the vehicle 2 and "distal" will be what is the opposite end, and therefore spaced apart from the vehicle 2).

The telescopic boom 5 comprises at least two members 8 (in the sector these are also known as "stages"): a (distal) first member 8 is translatable (reversibly) with respect to the (proximal) second member 8 between a first configuration and a second configuration.

In the first configuration (of minimum space occupation, illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 4) the first member 8 is substantially contained within the second member 8 (the first member 8 protrudes with an end limb solely). In the second configuration (of maximum extension, Figures 3 and 5), the first member 8 is extracted from the second member 8 (it protrudes from the latter for most of its length), in order to increase the longitudinal extension of the boom 5.

It should be noted that the term "longitudinal" is understood to refer to the direction of relative translation between the members 8 (and/or to the predominant dimension of the boom 5). Up to this point, these aspects are well known in the background art.

It should likewise be noted that typically the movement of one member 8 with respect to the other is of the hydraulic type, but the scope of protection claimed herein includes any method of actuating and movement of the members 8.

More generally, it should be noted that the implementation details relating to the vehicle 2, the cabin 4, the stabilization apparatus, the devices responsible for the movement of the vehicle 2, of the boom 5 and of the members 8, the electronic apparatus, and the like, is conventional.

The person skilled in the art can therefore choose in each instance the fitting and the form of implementation deemed most suitable based on the common general knowledge of the sector and according to the specific requirements, while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein.

It should likewise be noted that the methods of attaching the boom 5 to the vehicle 2 can also be any: typically it at least has the ability to rotate (with its proximal end) with respect to a horizontal axis in order to vary the inclination assumed (by the boom 5 and by all its members 8) with respect to the ground. Furthermore, the possibility is not ruled out of mounting the boom 5 (and optionally also the cabin 4) on a platform that can rotate about a vertical axis, so as to allow further movements of the boom 5 with respect to the vehicle 2 and to confer additional versatility on the handler 1.

According to the invention, at least one of the members 8 comprises a hollow profiled element that defines first of all a lower wall 8a, directed toward the vehicle 2 (or, in an equivalent manner, toward the ground or downward). Furthermore, the profiled element defines an upper wall 8b which is arranged opposite the lower wall 8a (and which therefore is directed upward) and two side walls 8c (the sides of the profiled element), which are interposed between the lower wall 8a and the upper wall 8b. For the sake of simplicity the reference numerals of the walls 8a, 8b, 8c have been indicated only Figures 8 and 9.

The transverse cross-section of the lower wall 8a is constituted by a convex line, with its convexity directed toward the vehicle 2 (or, in an equivalent manner, downward or toward the ground): in other words, the profiled element presents a kind of prominence or "bulge" that juts out toward the vehicle 2 or downward. “Transverse cross-section”, here and in the following , is any cross-section of the profiled element (of the member 8) obtained by cutting it ideally with a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal (a term already defined above) dimension.

In Figure 4 the dotted line indicated with "A" constitutes the path of a possible plane perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension, in conformance with what is described in the preceding paragraph (the plane extends from the line perpendicularly to the surface on which Figure 4 lies). The expression "convex line with the convexity directed toward the vehicle 2" should be understood to mean any line that has at least one prominence directed toward the vehicle 2 and which is such as to meet the condition that, if one takes any two points thereof, the segment that joins them belongs completely to that transverse cross-section (to the closed polygon defined by the shape of the walls 8a, 8b, 8c).

In particular, in a first embodiment of the invention, the transverse cross-section of the lower wall 8a is constituted by a polygonal line, which gives the appearance of a curve (preferably an arc of circumference) and is composed of a plurality of straight segments substantially of the same length.

More specifically, the straight segments of which the polygonal line is composed must be at least four in number and preferably are five or more in number.

In this regard, it should be noted that an appreciably higher number of segments (for example of the order of tens or hundreds), obtainable for example by adopting a length of a few millimeters or of a few centimeters for each segment, makes it possible to approximate a curved line (and an arc of circumference in particular) with greater precision.

This is found to be of extreme practical interest, because it is the curved line and the arc of circumference that are most associated with the mechanical properties that it is desired to confer on the boom 5, and which will be described below.

Precisely with reference to this latter aspect, the possibility likewise exists that the transverse cross-section of the lower wall 8a is constituted by a curved line (which can in any case be considered equivalent to a polygonal line composed of a number tending toward infinity of straight segments).

It should be noted that, although preferably the curved line extends, as in the accompanying figures, along the entire transverse dimension of the lower wall 8a (up to the side walls 8c), the scope of protection claimed herein comprises the possibility that the curvature affects only one portion of the lower wall 8a (for example a central portion), while the rest remains straight (and typically tangential to the line described by the curved portion).

In the preferred embodiment, shown in the accompanying figures for the purposes of non-limiting example, the boom 5 comprises a plurality of members 8, substantially arranged in series, which can move in pairs between respective said configurations. In other words, in the respective first configurations each member 8 can be accommodated in the adjacent member (nearer to the vehicle 2) and, in turn, can accommodate the next member 8 (further from the vehicle 2). When all the members 8 are in the first configuration, effectively the condition illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 4 is obtained, in which the overall length (longitudinal dimension) of the boom 5 is slightly longer than the length of the member 8 closest to the vehicle 2.

The total number of members 8 comprised in the boom 5 can be any, while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein. Obviously, apart from the specific aspects discussed here regarding the form of the profiled elements, their dimensions and the shape must be such as to ensure telescopic movement and therefore to allow the relative sliding (and the accommodation) of one member 8 within the next.

Whatever the number of members 8, preferably each one of them (or, optionally, also just one part of them) has the shape structure described above, and therefore comprises a respective hollow profiled element provided with a corresponding lower wall 8a, which has a corresponding transverse cross-section constituted by a convex line (in the meaning defined in the foregoing pages), with the convexity directed toward the vehicle 2. In this case, it must likewise be noted that the curvature or in any case the specific shape can substantially be the same or even differ between the various members 8 (obviously within the limits of the necessity to ensure the telescopic movement).

Usefully, the transverse cross-section of at least one side wall 8c of at least one member 8 is shaped like a broken line (and preferably will be thus for both of the side walls 8c). In this manner, the side wall 8c is composed of one or more vertical portions alternated with one or more inclined portions (or also by different, variously inclined portions), with consequent variations of the width of the profiled element, if measured at different vertical levels.

More specifically (and as already discussed for the lower wall 8a), the broken line can be configured so as to approximate (with greater or lesser precision as a function of the number of portions of which it is made up) a curve with its convexity directed outward (on the opposite side with respect to the cavity inside the profiled element).

This latter specific shape structure of the broken line is assumed by the side walls 8c of the three rightmost transverse cross-sections in Figure 9 (which correspond to the members 8 of greater transverse dimensions).

Conversely, the three leftmost transverse cross-sections in Figure 9 (which correspond to the members 8 of smaller transverse dimensions) have side walls 8c contoured like broken lines, which simply entail an inclined portion interposed between two practically vertical portions.

As an alternative to the implementation choice of the preceding paragraphs, it is likewise possible for the transverse cross-section of at least one side wall 8c of at least one member 8 to be curved with the convexity directed outward (in a similar manner therefore to the curve evoked by the broken line of the embodiment just described).

In any case, in each member 8 preferably the side walls 8c have a shape that is mutually mirror- symmetrical (with respect to a central vertical axis).

It should be noted that an object of the present discussion (and of the scope of protection that is claimed with it) is not only a handler 1 according to what is claimed up to this point, but also a boom 5 intended to be installed on such handler 1.

The operation of the telescopic handler according to the invention is per se similar to that of conventional handlers: the invention is distinguished in fact from them in the peculiar shape structure conferred on one or more of the members 8 of the boom 5.

In more detail therefore, according to the per se known methods, the vehicle 2 can be moved over ground in order to be brought to the site and to the exact point where it is necessary to carry out an operation at a given height from the ground, such that indeed the use of the handler 1 is required. During movements, the members 8 are normally kept in the first configuration with the boom 5 practically horizontal (or in any case such as to form a minimal angle with respect to the ground, as in Figure 1). After reaching the site and at the point of intervention (and obviously after equipping the handler 1 with the desired tool 6), the boom 5 is raised and rotated, while the members 8 extend progressively until they reach, with the tool 6, the required height (if necessary up until the second configuration, of maximum extension).

Once the intervention is concluded, the boom 5 and the members 8 can obviously be returned to the initial conditions.

In such context, the choice to shape the transverse cross-section of the lower wall 8a (of one, of some or, preferably, of all the members 8) like a convex line directed toward the vehicle 2 (downward), is of extreme practical interest. In fact, such shape (be it constituted by an arc of circumference, by another curve, by a polygonal line, or the like) guards against the danger of local deformations (i.e. buckling), which otherwise could arise as a result of compression stresses.

Such choice therefore makes it possible to fully achieve the set aim, in that the telescopic boom 5 thus formed is capable of supporting great loads, with reduced or zero risks of deformations.

The advantage indicated above is further increased if, for the transverse cross-section of one or (preferably) both of the side walls 8c, a broken line is adopted (in particular if it is such as to approximate a curve with its convexity directed outward) or indeed a curve with its convexity directed outward is adopted.

In fact, in this manner a stiffening is obtained of the side walls 8c of the respective member 8, which is useful once again for limiting or guarding against the danger of local deformations, which could otherwise occur in the presence of offset loads, such as those generated by the adoption of some types of tools 6 (for example baskets) or by accentuated accelerations and decelerations.

More generally, the choice to adopt adapted curves (or broken/polygonal lines evoking the latter) both for the lower wall 8a and for the side walls 8c makes it possible to appreciably bring the shape of the transverse cross-section of each member 8 closer to that of an oval or of a circle, in order to have the same moment of inertia (or in any case minimal variations thereof) throughout and therefore prevent or reduce stresses that tend to make the boom 5 deviate laterally.

In this manner therefore, the telescopic boom 5 ensures high mechanical strength and is, in its transverse cross-section, as homogeneous as possible in terms of mechanical behavior and resistance to strains.

It should be noted that the transverse cross-section of the upper wall 8b is, for each member 8, preferably but not exclusively (straight) horizontal, while not ruling out the possibility of also curving this wall or of adopting different profiles.

Lastly, it should be noted that such results, of undoubted practical interest, are obtained with a modification of the shape of the members 8, with respect to conventional solutions, without requiring other and more costly contrivances, thus ensuring the reliability and economy of the invention, which moreover can easily be carried out with elements and materials readily available on the market.

The invention, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be substituted with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments. In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102019000022251 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference. Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A telescopic handler, comprising at least one self-propelled vehicle (2) that supports at least one telescopic boom (5), said telescopic boom (5) being adapted to support at least one work tool (6) on the opposite end with respect to said self-propelled vehicle (2), said telescopic boom (5) comprising at least two members (8), a first said member (8) being able to translate with respect to a second said member (8) between a first configuration, in which said first member (8) is substantially contained within said second member (8), and a second configuration, in which said first member (8) is extracted from said second member (8), in order to increase the longitudinal extension of said boom (5), characterized in that at least one of said members (8) comprises a hollow profiled element which defines a lower wall (8a), directed toward said vehicle (2), an upper wall (8b), arranged opposite said lower wall (8a), and two side walls (8c), interposed between said lower wall (8a) and said upper wall (8b), the transverse cross-section of said lower wall (8a) being constituted by a convex line, with the convexity directed toward said vehicle (2).

2. The telescopic handler according to claim 1, characterized in that said transverse cross-section of said lower wall (8a) is constituted by a polygonal line, which gives the appearance of a curve and is composed of a plurality of straight segments substantially of the same length.

3. The telescopic handler according to claim 2, characterized in that said straight segments are at least four in number and preferably are five or more in number.

4. The telescopic handler according to claim 1, characterized in that said transverse cross-section of said lower wall (8a) is constituted by a curved line.

5. The telescopic handler according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said boom (5) comprises a plurality of said members (8), arranged substantially in series, which can move in pairs between respective said configurations.

6. The telescopic handler according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each one of said members (8) comprises a respective said hollow profiled element provided with a corresponding said lower wall (8a), which has a corresponding transverse cross-section constituted by a convex line, with the convexity directed toward said vehicle (2)·

7. The telescopic handler according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transverse cross-section of at least one said side wall (8c) of at least one of said members (8) is shaped like a broken line.

8. The telescopic handler according to claim 7, characterized in that said broken line is configured so as to approximate a curve with the convexity directed outward.

9. The telescopic handler according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transverse cross-section of at least one said side wall (8c) of at least one of said members (8) is curved with the convexity directed outward.

10. A telescopic boom for telescopic handlers (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims.