EP3114073B1

EP3114073B1 - Equipment attaching device for vehicles

Info

Publication number: EP3114073B1
Application number: EP14872887.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Per Edvall
Original assignee: Ninepoint Holding AB
Current assignee: Ninepoint Holding AB
Priority date: 2013-12-22
Filing date: 2014-12-21
Publication date: 2019-06-12
Anticipated expiration: 2034-12-21
Also published as: PL3114073T3; WO2015094078A1; EP3114073A1; EP3114073A4; ES2745426T3; DK3114073T3

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns an equipment attaching device for loading equipment and heavy equipment in accordance with the claims.

Background of the Invention

In many situations there exists a need to move (transport) objects, goods and the like between a first position and a second position. Several different types of machines and equipment have been developed to lift and move objects in order to accomplish the transport of these objects. For example, tractors, loaders, forklifts and several other types of machines and equipment have been developed.
One problem with moving (transporting) objects, goods and the like is that the objects may vary greatly as to their type which requires the use of different loading devices to move the objects. The different types of objects and goods have led to the development of several different devices with different characteristics such as forks, buckets and the like. In order to facilitate the exchange of different loading devices, heavy equipment and vehicles are equipped with attachment brackets. Several different variants of attachment brackets have been developed such as the so called BM-bracket.
Another problem in conjunction with the transport of goods is that it is often difficult to move elongated goods. It is especially difficult to move elongated goods if the transporting vehicle's attachment bracket lifts the elongated goods in the transverse direction in relation to the vehicles normal direction of travel. This may make it very difficult to move goods with the transporting vehicle within an industrial area and virtually impossible to move goods in a safe manner along trafficked roads and the like.
A further problem in conjunction with the movement of goods is that it many times may be difficult to reach the goods and/or lift the goods because the goods are placed in an inaccessible location. During the handling of goods and the like, it may, in a similar way, be difficult to position the goods in conjunction with the goods or the like being set down.
One problem with the design of attachment brackets that include pivoting axles is that play occurs in the bearings of the pivoting axle. This is especially common if the bearings are exposed to stressful force and frequent use. Examples of designs exposed to heavy strains are designs such as the present invention and designs mentioned in the prior art, where relatively long lifting arms create powerful strains of the bearings of the pivoting axles. There exists a need of designs where play in bearing designs may be reduced in relation to the wear and tear in these bearings.
Another problem with known designs is that they exert strain on the bearings even when the design has been folded together (retracted). These designs create wear and tear on the bearings which leads to bearings being excessively dimensioned. There exists a need of a design which significantly reduces the strain that is placed on the bearings when the design is in an extended position and it thereby is not used.

Prior Art

A variant of an attachment device for forklifts is described in SE371994 . also published as GB 1 335 879 A . This document discloses the preamble of claim 1. The design consists of a first assembly (frame assembly) that is pivotally arranged in relation to a second assembly (frame assembly). The first assembly is suitable for connection to a vehicle's attachment bracket. The second assembly is pivotally arranged in relation to the first assembly. The design according to its description further includes a third assembly (frame assembly) which is pivotally arranged in relation to the second assembly. The design according to its description differs significantly from the design in accordance with the present invention.
In NL1300785 is described a variant of a device for the handling of loads with a lift truck. The device according to its description is comprised of at least one first assembly which via a first vertical rotating axle is pivotally arranged in relation to a second assembly that via a second vertical rotating axle is pivotally arranged in relation to the third assembly. The device's design differs significantly from the design in accordance with the present invention. For example, the device according to NL1300785 is limited to use in lift (forklift) truck applications.
The device in accordance with NL1300785 even has the problem that it can not easily be transferred from one vehicle to another vehicle. Further, it is not possible in a corresponding manner to switch between different types of equipment with a design in accordance with NL1300785 . A further problem with the device in accordance with NL1300785 is that the bearings of the design's rotating axles are still under strain when in a retracted position. In order for the bearings to be reliable, they are excessively dimensioned. It is likely that play will occur in the design's rotating axles after prolonged use.

Purpose of the Invention

The main purpose of the present invention is to create an improved equipment attaching device (attachment bracket) which solves or lessens at least one of the above mentioned problems. This purpose is achieved with an equipment attaching device (attachment bracket) in accordance with the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the following detailed description of the present invention, reference and references to the following figures will occur. Each figure is briefly described in the following figure list Note that the figures are schematic and details may thus be omitted in these that are obvious to skilled professionals in the field of the invention.

Fig. 1A shows an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention seen in perspective from the front.
Fig. 1B shows an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention seen in perspective from the back.
Figs. 2A and 2B show the present equipment attaching device angled at 90 degrees in one direction and the connecting device for equipment in an upwardly tilted position and a downwardly tilted position.
Figs. 3A and 3B show present equipment attaching device angled at 90 degrees in one direction and the connecting device for equipment in an upwardly tilted position and a downwardly tilted position.
Fig. 4 shows an exemplifying equipment attaching device for attaching equipment.
Fig. 5 shows the first frame assembly in more detail.
Fig. 6 shows the second frame assembly in more detail.
Fig. 7 shows the third frame assembly in more detail.
Fig. 8 shows an exemplifying variant of a bearing arrangement for the axis of rotation.
Figs. 9A to 9C show an exemplifying application of the present equipment attaching device.
Fig. 10 shows the equipment attaching device in an extended position.
Figs. 11A to 11C show an exemplifying alternative application of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

With reference to the figures, an equipment attaching device (attachment bracket) 1 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The equipment attaching device 1 is connected as an attachment (intermediate assembly) between a vehicle's 2 attachment bracket 3 and at least one type of equipment 4. Preferably, the equipment attaching device is connected to a bracket 5, alternatively to several brackets, on the equipment 4. Alternatively, the equipment attaching device may be integrated into the vehicle's 2 attachment bracket 3 and/or be integrated into the bracket 5.
The equipment attaching device 1 is suitable for connection to several different types of vehicles 2 such as wheel loaders, different types of farm tractors, lift (forklift) trucks, compact loaders, telescopic loaders, so called reverse loaders and so on. The present invention may even be used in other applications where it is suitable.
The equipment attaching device 1 is suitable for use with several different types of equipment such as forks, pallet forks and different types of buckets such as concrete buckets, snow buckets and other types of buckets. It is further conceivable that equipment for garbage handling, cable (wire) reel equipment, work baskets, material handling arms, gripping forks or other types of equipment are connected to the equipment attaching device.
The equipment attaching device 1 is comprised of at least one first connecting device (bracket) 6, a first frame assembly 7 and a second frame assembly 8 and at least one third frame assembly 9. The first frame assembly 7 is via at least one pivot, bearing 10 (pivotally) arranged around at least one first axis of rotation 11 in relation to the second frame assembly 8. The second frame assembly 8 is via at least one bearing 12 arranged to pivot (turn, rotate, swing, swivel) around a second axis of rotation 13 in relation to the third frame assembly 9.
The first frame assembly's 7 and the second frame assembly's 8 mutual positions (pivot angle) are controlled by at least one first maneuvering device 14. The second frame assembly's 8 and the third frame assembly's 9 mutual positions (pivot angle) are controlled by at least one second maneuvering device 15.
In the exemplifying embodiment, the first maneuvering device 14 includes at least one hydraulic cylinder 16. In the exemplifying embodiment, the second maneuvering device 15 includes at least one hydraulic cylinder 17. The first hydraulic cylinder's 16 one end is attached to the first frame assembly 7. The hydraulic cylinder's other end is attached to the second frame assembly 8. Hydraulic hoses and other components obvious to skilled professionals are not shown in the figures for the purpose of clarity in the shown design's configuration. Such components are of course included to the extent necessary to achieve a proper and full function.
The angle of rotation between the first frame assembly 7 and the second frame assembly 8 are altered by the lengthwise extension and retraction of hydraulic cylinder 16. The angle of rotation between the second frame assembly 8 and the third frame assembly 9 are altered by the lengthwise extension and retraction of hydraulic cylinder 17.
The equipment attaching device 1 is comprised of at least one second connecting device 18 with which the equipment attaching device is attached to the vehicle's 2 attachment bracket 3.
Preferably, the equipment attaching device 1 includes a device (function) with which the attached bracket 5 may be tilted up and tilted down. Therefore, the first connecting device 6 is pivotally arranged around an axis of rotation 19 which allows the connecting device 6 to be tilted up and tilted down. In the exemplifying embodiment, the connecting device 6 is pivotally arranged around an axis of rotation 19, which is pivotally arranged in the first connecting device 6 and pivotally arranged to the first frame assembly 7. The mutual angle between the connecting device and the first frame assembly 7 is accomplished via at least one maneuvering device. In the exemplifying embodiment it includes at least one first hydraulic cylinder 20 and at least one second hydraulic cylinder 21 of previously known types. The angle of rotation of the connecting device 6 may be altered by the lengthwise extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinders.
Fig. 2A shows how the first frame assembly 7 and the second frame assembly 8 have been rotated (swung) out from the third frame assembly 9. The mutual change in positions of the first frame assembly 7 and the second frame assembly 8 in relation to the third frame assembly 9 is accomplished by at least one maneuvering device. The first frame assembly 7 and the second frame assembly 8 are in the exemplifying figure angled approximately 90 degrees in relation to the third frame assembly. This angle of rotation may however vary, larger or smaller, in relation to the angle shown in the figures.
The connecting device 6 is pivotally arranged around an axis of rotation 19 which allows it to be tilted up, such as is shown in Fig. 2A, and tilted down, such as is shown in Fig. 2B.
The equipment attaching device 1 includes at least one strain reducing device (assembly) 22 with which the strain on the bearings of the axis of rotation 13 are reduced when the frame assemblies 8 and 9 are folded (retracted) toward each other and/or a strain reducing device (not shown in the figures) which limits strain on the axis of rotation 11 when the frame assemblies 7 and 8 are folded (retracted) toward each other. The strain reducing device 22 includes at least one first pin (male) 23 suitable for insertion into at least one first hole (female) 24, recess or the like. In the exemplifying embodiment, the strain reducing device 22 includes at least one first pin 23 suitable for insertion into at least one first hole 24, recess or the like and preferably even at least one second pin (male) 25 suitable for insertion into at least one second hole (female) 26, recess or the like. In alternative embodiments of the design it even includes a second strain reducing device (not shown in the figures). The second strain reducing device (assembly) includes at least one first pin suitable for insertion into at least one first hole, recess or the like and preferably even at least one second pin (male) or similar suitable for insertion into at least one second hole (female), recess or the like. The dimensions of the pins and holes are adapted to fit each other.
When the second frame assembly is folded (retracted) in toward the first frame assembly, the pin or pins are inserted into the hole or holes in the first frame assembly. In a corresponding manner in alternative embodiments, the third frame assembly and the second frame assembly may include pins and holes with which strain reduction on the bearing 12 is achieved when the second frame assembly is folded (retracted) inward against the third frame assembly. In this manner, at least one of the bearings 10 and 12 will receive strain reduction when at least two of the frame assemblies 7 and 9 are mutually folded (retracted) into their inward positions. This strain reduction is achieved by the change in lever force (torque) or forces that affect each respective bearing.
In alternative embodiments, the pins and holes may be inverted (switched around) so that the pins in the second frame assembly may consist of holes and that the holes in the second frame assembly may consist of pins.
Fig. 3A shows how the first frame assembly 7 has been rotated (turned) out around the axis of rotation 11 from the second frame assembly 8 and the third frame assembly 9. The mutual change in positions of the first frame assembly 7 in relation to the second frame assembly 8 and the third frame assembly 9 is achieved with at least one maneuvering device. The first frame assembly 7 in the exemplifying figure is rotated 90 degrees in relation to the second frame assembly 8 and the third frame assembly 9. The angle of rotation may however vary in relation to that which is shown.
The connecting device 6 is pivotally arranged around axis of rotation 19 which allows the connecting device 6 to be tilted up, such as is shown in Fig. 2A, and tilted down, such as is shown in Fig. 2B.
With reference to Fig. 4, an exemplifying embodiment of the connecting device (bracket) 6 is shown. The embodiment shown in the figure is only exemplary. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the connecting device (bracket) 6 has another for the purpose suitable design. In the embodiment of the connecting device (bracket, equipment bracket) 6 shown in Fig. 4, it includes at least one first attaching member 27 and at least one second attaching member 28.
The connecting device 6 further includes through holes 29 for axles (not shown in the figures) which pivotally (rotationally) connect the bracket to the first frame assembly 7. The design further includes at least one first bracket 30 and preferably at least one second bracket 31 for a maneuvering device such as a hydraulic cylinder (not shown in Fig. 4) with which the bracket may be rotated (tilted) in relation to the first frame assembly 7.
With reference to Fig. 5, an exemplifying embodiment of the present first frame assembly 7 is shown to which the connecting device (bracket) 6 is preferably pivotally attached. In the exemplifying embodiment of the first frame assembly 7, it includes at least one first profile (alternatively pipe, joist, beam, bar, girder) 32 and at least one second profile (alternatively pipe, joist, beam, bar, girder) 33 which are interconnected to each other via at least one first transverse part 34 and at least one second transverse part 35. The design further includes at least one first bearing housing (alternatively bracket) 36 and at least one second bearing housing (alternatively bracket) 37 or similar. The number of bearing housings in alternative embodiments may be more or fewer than the stated exemplifying number. A suitable number of bearings appropriate for the purpose are mounted in the bearing housing. The design includes a bracket device 38 for hydraulic cylinders. In the exemplifying embodiment, the bracket device consists of a first ear bracket 39 and a second ear bracket 40. In alternative embodiments, these brackets may consist of another for the purpose suitable attachment bracket. The design further includes through holes 41 for axles (not shown in the figures) which pivotally (rotationally) connect the bracket to the first frame assembly 7. The design further includes at least one first bracket 42 and preferably at least one second bracket 43 for a maneuvering device such as a hydraulic cylinder with which the bracket may be rotated (tilted) in relation to the first frame assembly 7. Further, the design includes reinforcements to the extent necessary. The hydraulic cylinders are attached with pins or similar to the brackets 42 and 43.
With reference to Fig. 6, an exemplifying embodiment of the present second frame assembly 8 is shown. In the exemplifying embodiment of the second frame assembly, it includes at least one first pipe (alternatively profile, joist, beam, bar, girder) 44 and at least one second pipe (alternatively profile, joist, beam, bar, girder) 45 which are interconnected to each other via at least one first transverse pipe (alternatively profile, joist, beam, bar, girder) 46 and at least one second transverse pipe (alternatively profile, joist, beam, bar, girder) 47. The design further includes at least one first bearing housing 48 and at least one second bearing housing 49 or similar. In the exemplifying embodiment, the design further includes at least one third bearing housing and at least one fourth bearing housing or similar. The number of bearing housings in alternative embodiments may be more or fewer than the staled exemplifying number. A suitable number of bearings appropriate for the purpose are mounted in the bearing housing. The design further includes at least one bracket 50 for at least one first maneuvering device and at least one bracket 51 for one second maneuvering device. The maneuvering devices in the exemplifying embodiment consist of hydraulic cylinders.
With reference to Fig. 7, an exemplifying embodiment of the present third frame assembly 9 is shown. In the exemplifying embodiment of the third frame assembly 9, it includes at least one first profile (alternatively pipe, joist, beam, bar, girder) 52 and at least one second profile (alternatively pipe, joist, beam, bar, girder) 53 which are interconnected to each other via at least one first transverse stiffener (transverse beam) 54 and at least one second transverse stiffener (transverse beam) 55. The first transverse stiffener 54 in the exemplifying embodiment consists of a first connecting member 56 and the second transverse stiffener 55 consists of at least one second connecting member 57 incorporated in the first connecting device (bracket) 18. The design further includes at least one first bearing housing (alternatively bracket) 58 and at least one second bearing housing (alternatively bracket) 59 or similar. The design further includes at least one bracket 60 for at least one maneuvering device. In the exemplifying embodiment, the bracket 60 includes at least one first ear bracket 61 and at least one second ear bracket 62. The number of bearing housings in alternative embodiments may be more or fewer than the stated exemplifying number. A suitable number of bearings appropriate for the purpose are mounted in the bearing housing. In alternative embodiments the connecting device (bracket) 18 may be adapted to fit other types of brackets than the design shown in the figure. The design of the third frame assembly may deviate from the exemplified design. For example, the profiles and the transverse beams may be replaced with another for the purpose suitable design such as a plate or a combination of different designs.
The design is comprised of at least one first axis of rotation 11 in at least one axle that is pivotally arranged in relation to first frame assembly 7 and the second frame assembly 9. The first axle in alternative embodiments may be divided into at least one first axle section and at least one second axle section which each are pivotally arranged in relation to the first frame assembly and the second frame assembly.
The design is comprised of at least one second axis of rotation 13 in at least one axle that is pivotally arranged in relation to second frame assembly 8 and the third frame assembly 9. The axle in alternative embodiments may be divided into at least one first axle section and at least one second axle section which each are pivotally arranged in relation to the second frame assembly and the third frame assembly.
The design allows for an adjustment in position of the transported goods relative to the vehicle without the vehicle needing to move. This is accomplished by a for the purpose suitable rotation of the first frame assembly 7 in relation to the second frame assembly 8 around the first axis of rotation 11 and/or one for the purpose suitable rotation of the second frame assembly 8 in relation to the third frame assembly 9 around the second axis of rotation 13.
With reference to Fig 8, an exemplifying embodiment of the bearings 10 and 12 for the axis of rotation 11 and 13 is shown. In the exemplifying embodiment, the bearing includes at least one first conical sliding bearing 62 and at least one second conical sliding bearing 63. Each respective sliding bearing 62 and 63 include at least one inner ring 64 and at least one outer ring 65 which during use are mutually rotationally arranged and mutually slide toward one another. Each bearing includes at least one axle 66, which in the exemplifying embodiment is divided into a first section (axle neck) 67 and a second section (axle neck) 68. In the exemplifying embodiment, the bearing design includes at least one joining screw 69.
The bearings 10 and 12 include an adjustment device (function) 70 with which play in the conical bearings may be adjusted. Adjustment with the adjustment device is accomplished by each axle neck being threaded and then being screwed up or down so that the bearing's position and play reach an increased level (appropriate level). After an adjustment of the bearing play has been accomplished, the design is locked with at least one lock nut (jam nut) 71, or with another for the purpose suitable technology.
In the exemplifying embodiment, the bearings consist of sliding bearings. In alternative embodiments, the bearings may consist of other types of bearings. Thus, it is conceivable that the bearings consist of conical cylinder bearings (roller bearings) or other for the purpose suitable types of bearings. The bearing designs include the required seals and other design details which are obvious for skilled professionals and these are therefore not further described in this patent application.
Figs. 9A and 9B show forks connected to the connecting device (bracket) 6 and the transport of elongated objects 72 occurring. In Fig. 8A the connecting device (bracket) 6 is rotated to the left in the vehicle's direction of travel. In Fig. 8B the connecting device (bracket) 6 via the attaching device 1 is rotated to the right in the vehicle's direction of travel. The figure shows the advantage of the present invention, i.e. that the elongated object 72 may be moved in its longitudinal direction which essentially corresponds with the vehicle's longitudinal direction.
Fig. 9 C shows an alternative piece of equipment 4 in the form of a bucket 73 that is attached to the bracket In further alternative embodiments, the equipment may consist of other types of equipment.
Fig. 10 shows the first frame assembly turned outward from the second frame assembly and the second frame assembly turned outward from the third frame assembly.
In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the present invention may be attached to equipment brackets with automatic quick coupling systems and the like.
In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the present invention may be used in other applications. Thus it is conceivable that the technology in accordance with the present invention be used for connecting together a first unit with a second unit where the need exists for the first unit and the second unit to be mutually pivotally arranged.
With reference to Figs. 11A to 11C it is shown how the equipment attaching device in accordance with the present patent application may for example be used to create variants of articulated steering vehicles. In the exemplifying embodiment, at least one first wheel equipped unit 74, including at least one first wheel pair 75, and at least one second wheel equipped unit 76, including at least one second wheel pair 77 is connected together with a variant of the equipment attaching device 1 in accordance with the present patent application. The dimensions and design of the components included in the equipment attaching device 1 may further be varied depending on the wheel equipped units' size. The first connecting device 6 is replaced in the embodiment of another for the purpose suitable connecting device or similar.
In the detailed description of the present invention, design details may have been omitted which are apparent to skilled professionals in the field of the invention. Such obvious design details are included to the extent necessary so that the proper and full performance of the present invention is achieved.
Even if certain preferred embodiments have been described in detail, variations and modifications of the method and device may become apparent for specialists in the field of the invention. All such modifications and variants are regarded as falling within the scope of the following claims. Thus it is conceivable that the design includes at least one further axis of rotation that allows for a mutual rotation of at least one first frame assembly and at least one second frame assembly included in the design.

Advantages of the Invention

At least one of the above mentioned disadvantages is eliminated or at least reduced with the present invention.

Claims

Equipment attaching device (1) for vehicles (2) comprised of at least one connecting device (18), with which the equipment attaching device (1) attaches to the vehicle's attachment bracket (3), and at least one connecting device (6) to which at least one exchangeable piece of equipment (4) may be attached, said equipment attaching device (1) being comprised of at least one first frame assembly (7) which via at least one bearing (10) is pivotally arranged around a first axis of rotation (11) in relation to at least one second frame assembly (8) which via at least one second bearing (12) is pivotally arranged around a second axis of rotation (13) in relation to at least one third frame assembly (9) characterised in that the connecting device (6) is pivotally arranged around an axis of rotation (19) which allows equipment attached to the connecting device (6) to be tilted up or down and in that the bearings (10, 12) include at least one adjustment device for adjustment of the bearings (10,12) play and that the design includes at least one strain reducing device (22) to reduce the torque affecting the bearing (10) at the first axis of rotation (11) and/or bearing (12) at the second axis of rotation (13).
Equipment attaching device (1) in accordance with claim 1 characterized by that the strain reducing device (22) consists of at least one first pin (23) and at least one first hole (24), recess or the like which during strain reduction are connected with each other.
Equipment attaching device (1) in accordance with claim 1 characterized by that the strain reducing device (22) consists of at least one first pin (23) and at least one first hole (24), recess or the like and at least one second pin (25) and at least one second hole (26) which during strain reduction are connected with each other.
Equipment attaching device (1) in accordance with one of the previous claims characterized by that the bearings (10, 12) are comprised of at least one first conical sliding bearing connected to one first axle neck and at least one second conical sliding bearing connected to one second axle neck whose mutual distance may be adjusted and mutually locked whereby the play in the sliding bearings may be adjusted.
Equipment attaching device (1) in accordance with claim 4 characterized by that adjustment is achieved with screws that include a lock nut which when maneuvered in the one direction reduces the play in the bearing and when maneuvered in the other direction increases the play in the bearing.
Equipment attaching device (1) in accordance with one of the previous claims characterized by that the first frame assembly (7) is comprised of at least one first profile (32), alternatively pipe or beam, at least one second profile (33), alternatively pipe or beam, which are interconnected with each other via at least one first transverse part (34) and at least one second transverse part (35).
Equipment attaching device (1) in accordance with at least one of the previous claims characterized by that the second frame assembly (8) is comprised of at least one first pipe (44), alternatively profile or beam, and at least one second pipe (45), alternatively profile or beam, which are interconnected to each other via at least one first transverse pipe (46), alternatively profile or beam, and at least one second transverse pipe (47), alternatively profile or beam.
Equipment attaching device (1) in accordance with at least one of the previous claims characterized by that the third frame assembly (9) is comprised of at least one first profile (52), alternatively pipe or beam, and at least one second profile (53), alternatively pipe or beam, which are interconnected to each other via at least one first transverse stiffener (54), or transverse beam, profile or pipe and at least one second transverse stiffener (55), transverse beam, profile or pipe.
Equipment attaching device (1) in accordance with one of the previous claims characterized by that the maneuvering device consists of a dual-acting cylinder.
Use of the equipment attaching device (1) in accordance with at least one of the previous claims connected to vehicles with articulated steering.