Ground vehicle having at least one support wheel

Abstract

The invention relates to a ground vehicle comprising a drive part and a load part, the load part having a load support mechanism comprising at least one load wheel, the drive part having a vehicle frame in which steerable drive wheels and at least one support wheel are arranged, the at least one support wheel being arranged on the side of the drive wheels facing away from the load part and being pivotable about a vertical axis as an inertial follower wheel, the vehicle frame having a clearance corresponding to the at least one support wheel, the at least one support wheel protruding through the clearance in the inertial following facing away from the load part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ground transportation vehicle equipped with at least one support wheel. Background Technology

[0002] In ground transportation vehicles, and especially in passenger-carrying ground transportation vehicles, the load-bearing portion of the vehicle is supported by load rollers or load wheels. Load wheels are typically located at the ends of the load forks. The drive unit of the ground transportation vehicle is equipped with steerable drive wheels, which drive the vehicle and steer it. Additionally, support wheels are specified to be located on the drive unit to prevent the vehicle from tipping over laterally, for example, under strong acceleration and light load. In the event of a rearward tipping that may occur due to unfavorable total mass distribution, the load wheel at the fork tip is raised.

[0003] In passenger vehicles with sufficiently heavy batteries and / or heavy lifts, there is no issue with rearward tilting because the mass at the rear of the drive section is large enough to prevent the load wheels from lifting. In low-lift vehicles with correspondingly lighter batteries, and especially in passenger vehicles without lifts, load wheel lifting and rearward tilting may occur.

[0004] It is known that a support wheel is provided on the drive unit. However, this is disadvantageous because the structural space is limited and the distance between the support wheel and the drive wheel is too small to generate a sufficiently large counter-torque. Furthermore, it is known that an additional weight is provided at the tip of the fork teeth. However, only a small amount of structural space is available at the tip of the fork teeth. In addition, the additional weight incurs additional costs. Moreover, installing the additional weight in other locations on the vehicle (e.g., on or in the battery mount) requires a large weight due to the aforementioned spacing, thus creating additional costs. It has also been proposed to reduce the vehicle speed along the drive direction when unloaded to prevent the risk of rollover. However, such intervention in vehicle control reduces vehicle performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to prevent rearward tilting of the drive wheels in ground transportation vehicles using the simplest possible measures.

[0006] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a ground transport vehicle with advantageous features.

[0007] The ground transport vehicle according to the invention has advantageous features. The ground transport vehicle has a drive section and a load section. The load section is equipped with a load support mechanism, such as a pair of forks. The load support mechanism has at least one load wheel, which supports the load section and therefore also the drive section. The drive section of the ground transport vehicle has a vehicle frame in which a steerable drive wheel and at least one support wheel are arranged. The at least one support wheel is located on the side of the drive wheel opposite to the load section. The support wheel is pivotally arranged about a vertical axis as an inertial follower wheel. According to the invention, the vehicle frame has a gap corresponding to the at least one support wheel. Preferably, at least one frame member of the vehicle frame has a corresponding gap; more preferably, the frame member is configured as a plate, wherein the gap is preferably configured as a cutout in the frame member. The at least one support wheel protrudes through the gap in the vehicle frame during inertial follower motion opposite to the load section. In the prior art, in ground transport vehicles, the vehicle frame restricts the arrangement of the support wheels. The gaps in the vehicle frame according to the invention thus allow for a larger distance between the drive wheels and the support wheels, which generates a greater anti-tipping moment. Particularly advantageous here is that, without increasing the chassis space of the drive section, the at least one support wheel partially protrudes through the previously conventional limitations of the chassis.

[0008] In a preferred further extension, the at least one support wheel is equipped with a horizontal rotation axis and a vertical pivot axis as a vertical axis. The distance between the horizontal rotation axis and the vertical pivot axis forms an inertial follow-up space, the direction of which is opposite to the pivot axis.

[0009] In a preferred design, the distance between the vertical pivot axis and the vehicle frame is less than the sum of the inertial follow-up travel and half the diameter of the support wheel. Preferably, the distance is greater than the inertial follow-up travel. This means that the horizontal axis of rotation of the support wheel remains within the vehicle frame, while a further portion of the support wheel protrudes from the vehicle frame. Conversely, if the distance is greater than the inertial follow-up travel, then the horizontal axis of rotation of the support wheel also protrudes through the gap.

[0010] In a preferred further extension, two support wheels are provided, the line connecting the two support wheels being transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Preferably, the two support wheels also have the same spacing as the drive wheels, so that the supporting torque of the support wheels on the left and right sides is equally large.

[0011] In a preferred further extension, a gap is provided in the vehicle frame for each of the two support wheels. The two spatially confined gaps only slightly weaken the vehicle frame, allowing the support wheels to protrude through the respective gaps.

[0012] In a preferred further extension, the vehicle frame has a limiting plate transverse to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the limiting plate has the at least one gap. The limiting plate can be configured as a sheet material inserted into the vehicle frame. In a vehicle frame that is generally constructed as a single piece, the limiting plate can also represent a portion of the vehicle space, rather than existing as a separate component. Other components adjacent to the vehicle frame can also have supplementary gaps to enable pivotability of the support wheels.

[0013] In a preferred further extension, the limiting plate is erected in the vehicle frame and has a lower edge near the bottom. This lower edge near the bottom may, for example, have a distance from the ground corresponding to the ground clearance of the drive unit.

[0014] In a preferred design, the vehicle frame has transverse plates with at least one gap in them. The transverse plates are preferably positioned on the side of the limiting plate opposite to the load-bearing portion. Specifically, the limiting plate and the transverse plates are perpendicular to each other, so that the gap extends across both plates. Alternatively, the transverse plates can be incorporated into the vehicle frame independently of the limiting plate and have corresponding gaps.

[0015] In a preferred further extension, the drive unit has a pedal platform that can pivot about a horizontal axis, with the limiting plate forming the end of the vehicle frame pointing towards the pedal platform. This relates to a passenger vehicle, providing the driver with the possibility of deploying the pedal platform and standing on it for passenger use.

[0016] In an alternative design, the drive unit has a driver standing surface. In this case, a limiting plate is positioned within the vehicle frame at the load-bearing end of the driver standing platform. The drive unit of the ground transport vehicle with the driver standing platform can be divided into two parts, such as a front chassis section and a rear standing section. The limiting plate forms the boundary between these two sections.

[0017] In a preferred further extension, the at least one support wheel is configured as a caster. One, two, or more support wheels may be used; in the case of two support wheels, these two support wheels may be mounted on a coupling link. The coupling link couples the movement of the two support wheels. Furthermore, the coupling link can also establish a laterally stabilizing supporting moment for the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The invention will now be explained in more detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 The previous perspective view shows a low-lift ground transport vehicle with a driver's standing platform;

[0020] Figure 2 Shown in side view Figure 1 The vehicle in the image has its drive wheels and support wheels exposed.

[0021] Figure 3 Shown in bottom view Figure 1 The vehicle frame of the vehicle in the picture;

[0022] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 The vehicle frame in which wheels are inserted;

[0023] Figure 5 A view showing the vehicle frame with a driver's standing platform;

[0024] Figure 6 The diagram shows a drive section for a low-lift ground transport vehicle, the drive section having a foldable pedal platform.

[0025] Figure 7 A perspective view of the vehicle frame is shown from the bottom;

[0026] Figure 8 Show Figure 7 The vehicle frame in the middle, which has wheels; and

[0027] Figure 9 The vehicle frame is shown, with the drive wheels also shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figure 1 A low-lift ground transport vehicle 10 is shown, including a drive unit 12 and a load unit 14. The load unit 14 has two parallel fork teeth 16a and 16b as a load support mechanism, each fork tooth having a fork tip 18a and 18b. The fork tips 18a are solid to avoid damage during load loading and unloading. Each fork tip 18a is fitted with a load roller 20a and 20b. The load rollers 20a and 20b (which may also be configured as load wheels) are used to raise the load fork 16 to its initial lift and then lower the load fork.

[0029] The drive unit 12 has a driver standing platform 22 on which the vehicle driver can stand. The driver uses an operating element 26 configured like a steering wheel from this platform. The operating element 26 is used to steer the vehicle. In addition to the operating element 26, the driver can also grip side grip elements 24.

[0030] Figure 2The ground transport vehicle 10 is shown in a side view, where the drive wheels 28 are exposed for better overview. The entire vehicle is supported about the longitudinal direction by load rollers 20 and drive wheels 28. Under unfavorable weight distribution and torques from external forces, such as on a slope, the vehicle may tip backward about the drive wheels 28, causing the load rollers 20 to lose traction. Such a tilting torque can be generated statically or dynamically.

[0031] Figure 2 Also shown is a support wheel 30, which is supported on a coupling link 32. The support wheel 30 is configured as a caster, oriented by inertial follow-up according to the vehicle's direction of travel. If only one support wheel is provided, it may be sufficient in principle, depending on the vehicle's structure. If the vehicle moves towards its load-bearing portion, the inertial follow-up of the support wheel is oriented such that the support wheel has a large distance relative to the drive wheel with its horizontal axis of rotation. This increases the supporting torque applied through the support wheel. If the vehicle moves towards its driving portion, the inertial follow-up orientation changes, and the support wheel 34, shown in dashed lines, is closer to the drive wheel 28.

[0032] Figure 3 The vehicle frame is shown in a bottom perspective view. The vehicle frame has a front wall 36 that forms a transition to the load-bearing portion. Side walls 38 and 40 extend longitudinally along the vehicle and laterally restrict the drive portion. Side walls 38 and 40 can be constructed as a single piece, or, as in the aforementioned example, consist of two side wall sections 38a and 38b. The side walls are interconnected by a limiting plate 41, which is vertically positioned between side walls 38 and 40. The limiting plate 41 defines an opening 42 in which the drive wheels are disposed. Adjacent to the opening 42 are a side plate 44 and a bottom plate 46, which additionally stabilize the vehicle frame. On the load-bearing side of the limiting plate 41, a frame 48 is present, which accommodates a driver's standing platform.

[0033] Figure 3 Two openings in the limiting plate 41 are shown in the form of cutouts 50 and 52. Cutouts 50 and 52 have an elliptical shape, with each cutout having its maximum width on the lower edge of the limiting plate 41. Corresponding to the cutouts 50 and 52 in the vertical limiting plate, cutouts 54 and 56 are also provided in the horizontally arranged frame 48 for the driver's standing platform. Horizontal cutouts 54 and 56 also have an elliptical profile. The geometry of cutouts 50 and 54 or 52 and 56 is determined such that the support rollers can pivot in the corresponding pair of cutouts.

[0034] Figure 4The two support wheels 30a and 30b are shown, with a portion of each support wheel protruding into the cutout. Because the limiting plate 41 and the frame 48 for the driver's standing space collide at a right angle, the resulting gap corresponds to an elliptical shape, as if the ellipse were folded 90° along its major axis.

[0035] exist Figure 5 The geometry is also evident, in which the support wheel 30b can be seen, which partially protrudes from the gap.

[0036] Figure 6 A drive unit 58 for a low-lift vehicle is shown, the drive unit having a foldable pedal platform 60 that can be folded downwards for use by the driver. The drive unit 58 has drive wheels 62 and support wheels 64.

[0037] Figure 7 The structure of the vehicle frame is shown, the vehicle frame being structurally corresponding to... Figure 3 The construction described herein. A front wall 66 can be seen, which is configured for connection to the load-bearing portion. The outer frame walls 68 and 70 have a similar structure to those in vehicles including a driver's standing platform, however shorter in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The outer frame walls 68 and 70 are interconnected by a limiting plate 72. An opening 74 for (not shown) drive wheels is connected to the limiting plate 72. The opening 74 is laterally limited by side plates 76 and a bottom plate 78. Also visible are retainers 80 and 82 for (not shown) coupling links. A horizontal transverse plate 84 is connected at a right angle to the limiting plate 72. According to… Figures 1 to 5 In this implementation, the horizontal transverse plate is part of the frame supporting the driver's standing platform. According to... Figures 6 to 9 In this design, there is no driver's standing platform; instead, a horizontal transverse plate 84 is provided for stability reasons. Furthermore, the horizontal transverse plate 84 simplifies the installation of the foldable pedal platform 60.

[0038] Figure 7 and 8 The corresponding gaps in the limiting plate 72 and the horizontal transverse plate 84 are shown. The gaps 86 and 88 are elliptical in shape as cutouts, and a portion of the support wheel protrudes from said gap. Support wheels 90 and 92... Figure 8 It is shown in a prominent position in the middle, where the inertial follower is facing away from the drive wheel.

[0039] Figure 9 A vehicle frame with a baffle 94 is shown. The baffle 94 has two cutouts 96, 98 through which the pedal platform 60 is foldably hinged to the vehicle frame.

[0040] The dimensions of the slits 86 and 88 distinguish whether the support wheel is spring-loaded or non-spring-loaded. If it's a spring-loaded support wheel, the clearance must be correspondingly larger so that the support wheel, when pivoting into the clearance, can still travel its predetermined spring stroke. In a non-spring-loaded support wheel, the slits can be made smaller, just enough to allow the support wheel to freely enter and pivot out of the slits.

[0041] List of reference numerals

[0042] 10 Low-lift vehicles

[0043] 12 drive section

[0044] 14 Load Section

[0045] 16a, b fork teeth

[0046] 18a, b Fork tips

[0047] 20a, b load rollers

[0048] 22 Driver Standing Platform

[0049] 24 gripping elements

[0050] 26 operating elements

[0051] 28 drive wheels

[0052] 30 support wheels

[0053] 30a, b support wheels

[0054] 32-coupled link

[0055] 34 support wheels

[0056] 36 Anterior Wall

[0057] 38 sidewalls

[0058] 40 sidewalls

[0059] 41 Restriction Plate

[0060] 42 openings

[0061] 44 side panels

[0062] 46 base plate

[0063] 48 frame

[0064] 50 incisions

[0065] 52 incisions

[0066] 54 incisions

[0067] 56 incisions

[0068] 58 driver section

[0069] 60-degree foldable pedal platform

[0070] 62 drive wheels

[0071] 64 support wheels

[0072] 66 Anterior Wall

[0073] 68 Frame Outer Wall

[0074] 70 Frame Outer Wall

[0075] 72 Limitation Plate

[0076] 74 openings

[0077] 76 side panels

[0078] 78 base plate

[0079] 80 retainer

[0080] 82 retainer

[0081] 84 horizontal plate

[0082] 86 incisions

[0083] 88 cut

[0084] 90 support wheel

[0085] 92 support wheels

[0086] 94 baffle

[0087] 96 incisions

[0088] 98 incisions

Claims

1. A ground transport vehicle (10) comprising a drive section (12) and a load section (14), the load section having a load support mechanism including at least one load wheel (20), the drive section (12) having a driver standing platform or pedal platform and a vehicle frame (48), wherein a steerable drive wheel (28) and at least one support wheel (30) are arranged in the vehicle frame, the at least one support wheel (30) being disposed on the side of the drive wheel (28) opposite to the load section (14) and pivotally supported about a vertical axis as an inertial follower wheel, characterized in that, The vehicle frame (48) has a gap corresponding to the at least one support wheel (30), which protrudes at least partially through the gap into the vehicle frame (48) provided for accommodating the driver standing platform or mounting pedal platform during inertial follow-up of the load-reverse portion (14). The vehicle frame (48) has a limiting plate (41) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and has at least one gap in the limiting plate. The vehicle frame (48) has a transverse plate (84) that has at least one gap in the transverse plate and is disposed on the side of the limiting plate (41) away from the load-reverse portion (14). The gap is formed by the transverse plate (84) and the limiting plate (41).

2. The ground transportation vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one support wheel (30) has a horizontal rotation axis and a vertical pivot axis, which are spaced apart from each other for the purpose of inertial follow-up.

3. The ground transport vehicle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The distance between the vertical pivot axis and the vehicle frame (48) is less than the sum of the inertial follow-up travel and half the diameter of the support wheel.

4. The ground transport vehicle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The vehicle is provided with two support wheels, and the line connecting the two support wheels is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

5. The ground transport vehicle (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, Two gaps are provided in the vehicle frame (48) for the two support wheels.

6. The ground transport vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting plate (41) stands upright in the vehicle frame (48) and has a lower edge near the bottom.

7. The ground transport vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive unit (12) has a pedal platform (60) that can be folded around a horizontal axis, and the limiting plate (41) forms the end of the vehicle frame (48) pointing towards the pedal platform (60).

8. The ground transport vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive section (12) has a driver standing surface, and the limiting plate (41) is disposed in the vehicle frame (48) on the end of the driver standing platform (22) pointing to the load section (14).

9. The ground transport vehicle (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one support wheel is configured as a caster.

10. The ground transport vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, There is exactly one support wheel (30).

11. The ground transport vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It is equipped with a pair of support wheels.

12. The ground transportation vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that, The support wheel is mounted on the coupling link (32).

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