MODULAR FORKLIFT

Description

Title MODULAR FORKLIFT UR / SS / 19120 ITAB RACHEL Description of the invention entitled: “MODULAR FORKLIFT” Applicant: BALDI SRL DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to a modular forklift, in particular, a modular electric-powered forklift. The present invention relates to a modular approach to the design and manufacture, in particular an electronics module and a hydraulic and control module for a modular forklift, in particular, for a modular electric-driven forklift. In this description, a forklift refers to a land-based operating vehicle equipped with wheels (or tracks) and powered by electric, diesel or gas engines, which is used for lifting and moving goods within logistics warehouses or for loading and unloading goods from means of transport. Background and scope of the invention Forklifts are becoming increasingly complex and more difficult to maintain as the introduction of numerous accessories and aids increases their complexity and requires increasingly specific technical skills. It is well known that forklift maintenance requires specialized manpower and generally takes a long time to identify and repair faults. In particular, in the event of breakdowns in underdeveloped countries or remote locations with low-skilled labor, broken forklifts must be physically transported from their operating locations to specialized centers for maintenance and repair. One drawback of the known type of forklifts is that their repair requires highly specialized labor. Another drawback of conventional forklifts is that even with specialized personnel, troubleshooting and repairs can take a long time. This leads to increased maintenance costs. RACHELI and repair as well as machine downtime. Another drawback of popular forklifts is that before proceeding with the search and repair of the fault, it is necessary to proceed with thorough cleaning and preparation, as the internal parts of used forklifts are often very dirty. Another drawback of popular forklifts is that it is not always possible to ensure that original spare parts or those certified by the manufacturer are used during maintenance or repairs. Another drawback of popular forklifts is that, in the event of a breakdown and / or accident, it is not always possible to determine whether original or manufacturer-certified spare parts were used in previous repairs or maintenance. In some cases, popular forklifts are artificially complex and feature proprietary spare parts, designed to force the end customer to turn to the manufacturer or its network of authorized workshops. This increases and exacerbates the problems described above. In other cases, conventional forklifts are designed and built to minimize size, allowing them to operate even in confined spaces. This requirement requires design choices that hinder maintenance. The components fixed to the frame are difficult to reach, and the space for disassembly using standard wrenches is minimal, often forcing technicians to remove numerous components to reach the parts to be checked when troubleshooting. This requires significant specialized labor, lengthy response times, the need to operate in workshops equipped with lifting platforms and specialized equipment, increased transportation costs, and consequently, prolonged downtime. Some manufacturers create forklifts subject to planned obsolescence by design, implementing proprietary technologies that require special software even for simple diagnostic analysis in the event of a malfunction, effectively hindering extraordinary maintenance interventions and forcing customers to bear high maintenance costs. The object of the present invention is to provide a forklift truck RACHELI modular, in particular electric traction, which eliminates the drawbacks of the known technique and is innovative and advantageous compared to traditional methods. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a modular forklift that allows the removal and replacement of failed modules. Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular forklift that allows for quick, easy and safe removal and replacement of a failed module from the forklift frame. A further object of the present invention is to provide a modular forklift in which it is possible to replace a failed module with a new functioning module. Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular forklift that does not require highly specialized labor for repairs. This solution increases safety because each module has clearly highlighted anchoring points and lifting hooks, and thanks to quick couplings, it prevents the possibility of error even for maintenance technicians with little specialization. This solution avoids unnecessary and costly transfers to specialized workshops with specific equipment, facilitating intervention and replacement of the modules directly on site. This invention by design reduces the obsolescence of the entire machine, which, after years, will be easily upgradeable to future technologies simply by replacing the module with a more up-to-date one. Such an innovative approach, when analyzed over the entire product life cycle, is significantly less impactful from an environmental standpoint for several reasons. First, it's not necessary to move the entire forklift from the site of use to a specialized workshop for repair; simply deliver a replacement module and collect the defective one. Second, at the end of its life cycle, the obsolete modules can be removed and simply replaced with new, updated ones, leaving the frame unchanged, which then simply serves as a housing for the modules and a counterweight. RACHEL These and other objects are achieved by a modular forklift truck according to the invention having the features listed in the attached independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention appear from dependent claims 2 to 9. These and other purposes are achieved by a hydraulic and control module according to the invention having the characteristics listed in claim 10. These and other purposes are achieved by an electronic module according to the invention having the characteristics listed in claim 11. According to a first aspect, the present invention concerns a modular forklift comprising a frame capable of housing the traction module which includes the differential and the traction motor. Another module connected via quick couplings is the hydraulic steering, also in this case with removal and replacement features facilitated by mechanical devices and quick couplings. The forklift features a completely modular design. Specifically, the main modules are the hydraulic control module and the electronics module, each of which is fully removable from the chassis. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a hydraulic and control module that can be installed in a specially designed forklift chassis. The module itself consists of an external casing containing the oil tank, a steering motor, a hydraulic motor configured to move the lift mast, and all other hydraulic functions of the forklift. In a third aspect, the present invention relates to an electronic module installable in a forklift truck, comprising an external casing containing within it a plurality of electronic elements, such as inverters for controlling the motors, contactors, fuses, cooling fans and control units for all the functions of the forklift truck. Brief description of the drawings Further features of the invention will become clearer from the RACHELI detailed description that follows, referring to a purely exemplary and therefore non-limiting form of construction illustrated in the attached drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded view of a modular forklift truck according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the frame according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the hydraulic control module according to the present invention; Figure 4 is a front view of the hydraulic control module of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a side view of the hydraulic control module of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the electronic module according to the present invention; Figure 7 is a side view of the electronic module of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a front view of the electronic module of Figure 6: Figure 9 is a side view in section according to section BB of Figure 8. Detailed description of the invention A modular forklift truck according to the present invention will now be described in detail, with reference to the attached figures. The forklift 1 comprises a frame or load-bearing module 10, a fork-carrying element 40, a driver's cabin 50, a battery 60, a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels. Preferably, the front pair of wheels are driven and the rear pair of wheels are steered. Preferably, the forklift according to the present invention is electric and is equipped with a removable electric battery, positioned in a special compartment of the frame, between the axles. The traction motor is an integral part of the traction module, which also includes the differential and is connected to it. The modular forklift 1 according to the present invention comprises a load-bearing frame 10, on which are mounted a traction module comprising a differential with a connected traction motor and a hydraulic steering module. The RACHELI forklift 1 comprises a hydraulic control module 20 and an electronics module 30, each of which is completely removable from the frame 10 and replaceable with a new one. Frame 10 is merely the support for the modules. The traction module interfaces with the differential and the traction motor. The power battery module is also easily removable. The rear hydraulic steering module also includes a series of mechanical features and quick-release couplings that facilitate replacement in the event of a fault. In particular, the frame 10 comprises a first compartment or housing 11 configured for the insertion or removal of the hydraulic control module 10 and comprises a second compartment 13 for the insertion or removal of the electronics module 30. The first compartment 11 is present in a front position of the frame 10 of the forklift 1. Advantageously, the second compartment 13, configured to house and interface with said electronics module 30, is located in a lateral and rear position with respect to said first compartment 11. In this way, it is easily accessible for replacement in the event of a fault. The hydraulic control module 20 comprises an external casing 21 comprising within it an oil tank 24, a motor for actuating the steering 22, a hydraulic motor 23 configured to move the lifting mast 40. The hydraulic control module 20 can be completely removed from the upper part of the first compartment 11 by disconnecting the special quick couplings. The hydraulic control module 20 comprises in its upper part a seat for the operator of the forklift truck 1, a steering wheel, a control panel 25 of the lifting mast 40 and, the accelerator pedal and a parking brake 26 connected in the upper part of the module 20. In this way, the intervention times and the interconnections with the other parts of the forklift truck 1 are minimized. In particular, the hydraulic control module 20 is completely removable RACHELI is mounted above said supporting frame 10 and includes hydraulic quick couplings with a valve sealing element. For example, push-pull couplings with a valve sealing system. This prevents any oil leaks during insertion and / or extraction of the hydraulic module 20. The module is so comprehensive and designed to minimize connections to other forklift parts. Once removed, every part is visible and easily accessible, facilitating fault identification and allowing the repair technician to perform a safe, troubleshooting operation while maximizing ergonomics, cleanliness, and component accessibility. The electronics module 30 comprises an external casing 31 containing all the electronic components. Specifically, it comprises the following electronic elements: inverters for motor control, contactors, fuses, cooling fans, and control units for all forklift functions. This module 30 is self-configuring and complete with remote diagnostics. Special slides guide the insertion of the coloured power connectors 32, which protrude from the lower bottom of the box-shaped casing 31. Two automotive-type quick connectors 33, 34, placed laterally, manage the low power via a specific wiring, towards the hydraulic and control module. Advantageously, the outer casing 31 comprises an electrical connection element 32 configured to transmit and receive electrical signals for the traction of the forklift 1, for the movement of the forks 41, for controlling the steering motor. Preferably, the electrical connection element 32 is arranged below said external casing 31, so as to facilitate its insertion into or removal from the second compartment 13 of the support frame 10. To facilitate the connection of the electronic module and avoid errors, the electrical connection itself is made up of a plurality of connectors, each for a specific connection, with a color coding. No specialization is required for the personnel who have to replace the RACHELI module. A special slide guides the electronics module into position, and the weight of the module itself facilitates the insertion of the power connections, avoiding any possibility of error. For example, but not limited to, the comb connector attached to frame 10 is composed of sections with different color codes: the connector that connects to the hydraulic control module 20 is red, the connector that connects to the traction module (electric motor and differential) is black. Furthermore, to receive electrical power from a battery mounted on said frame 10 there is a lateral connector 32, 34. Advantageously, the frame 10 includes an NFC tag that is associated with a unique identification code of the forklift 1. For example, it can be associated with the serial number of the forklift 1. The hydraulic control module 20 and the electronics module 30 also each include an NFC tag that is associated with a unique identification code of the forklift 1 on which they are installed. For example, they can be associated with the forklift's serial number. Each forklift module therefore has a unique code that describes its characteristics and is associated with the forklift's serial number, again via a blockchain registration. Every subsequent change and maintenance is tracked and recorded in a document that cannot be modified in any way. This allows the electronics to always self-configure optimally, without the need for intervention by specialized technicians. Furthermore, the entire history of the forklift, its evolution and maintenance over time, is always clearly identifiable and traceable. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a hydraulic control module 20 that can be installed in a compartment 11 of the frame 10 of a forklift 1 and comprises an external casing 21 comprising within it an oil tank 24, a steering motor 22, a hydraulic motor 23 configured to move the lifting mast 40. In a third aspect, the present invention relates to an electronics module 30 installable in a compartment 13 of a chassis 10 of a forklift and comprises a RACHELI external casing 31 containing the following electronic elements: inverter for motor control, contactors, fuses, cooling fans and control units for all forklift functions. The modular trolley according to the present invention has the following advantages. In the event of a breakdown, even in difficult countries with low-skilled labor, the damaged module can be removed and replaced with a similar one, minimizing downtime and eliminating the need to move the entire forklift from the construction site to authorized workshops. Maximizing safety, the modules are much easier to handle and safer to handle because they are balanced, with clearly identified and specifically designed anchor points. By disconnecting the Cintero module, the repair technician is not exposed to accidental forklift movements, both in terms of traction and accidental fork movement, effectively minimizing the likelihood of accidents due to defective or damaged machinery. Once a module has been removed, each component is easily accessible, without the bulk of the frame and cabin, simplifying any cleaning operations, fault identification and maintenance. It offers an environmental advantage as it is not necessary to move the entire faulty forklift with an equipped crane truck to reach the authorised workshop, but it is sufficient to move only the single faulty module with a simple van. It helps combat obsolescence; in the future, it will be possible to update the forklift to new technologies simply by replacing the obsolete module with a new, updated one. Naturally, the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiment previously described and illustrated in the attached drawings, but numerous modifications in detail can be made to it, within the reach of the person skilled in the art, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention itself, as defined in the attached claims.

Claims

1. Modular forklift (1) comprising a chassis (10) having a differential module with a traction motor and a hydraulic steering module, the forklift (1) is characterised by comprising a hydraulic control module (20) and an electronics module (30) each of which is completely removable from said chassis (10).

2. Forklift (1) according to claim 1, wherein said frame (10) comprises a first compartment (11) for the insertion or removal of said hydraulic control module (10) and a second compartment (13) for the insertion or removal of said electronic module (30).

3. Forklift (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said hydraulic control module (20) comprises an external casing (21) comprising inside it an oil tank (24), a steering motor (22), a hydraulic motor (23) configured to move the lifting mast (40).

4. Forklift truck (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said hydraulic control module (20) comprises in the upper part a seat for the operator of the forklift truck (1), a steering wheel, a control panel (25) of the lifting mast (40), an accelerator pedal, a parking brake (26) connected in the upper part.

5. Forklift (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said hydraulic control module (20) is completely extractable from above from said load-bearing frame (10) and includes quick couplings with valve sealing element.

6. Forklift truck (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said electronic module (30) comprises an external casing (31) comprising within it the following electronic elements: inverter for controlling the motors, contactors, fuses, cooling fans and control units for the forklift truck functions.

7. Forklift truck (1) according to claim 6, wherein said outer casing (31) comprises an electrical connection element (32) configured to transmit and receive electrical signals for the traction of the forklift truck (1), for the movement of the forks (41), for controlling the steering and for receiving electrical power from a battery mounted on said frame (10).

8. Forklift (1) according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said frame (10) comprises an NFC tag which is associated with a unique identification code of the forklift (1).

9. Forklift (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said hydraulic control module (20) and said electronics module (30) each comprise an NFC tag which is associated with a unique identification code of the forklift (1) on which they are installed.

10. Forklift (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said hydraulic steering module includes quick couplings that facilitate its replacement or repair.

11. Hydraulic control module (20) installable in a chassis (10) of a forklift (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, said hydraulic control module (20) comprising an external casing (21) comprising inside it an oil tank (24), a steering motor (22), a hydraulic motor (23) configured to move the lifting mast (40).

12. Electronic module (30) installable in a chassis (10) of a forklift (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, comprising an external casing (31) comprising within it the following electronic elements: inverter for controlling the motors, contactors, fuses, cooling fans and control units for the forklift functions.