Cab for ground conveyor

Abstract

The invention relates to a cab for a ground conveyor, comprising a driver protection roof supported by four struts, two of which are configured as A-pillars and two of which are configured as B-pillars, a side wall extending between one of the A-pillars and one of the B-pillars, an end wall extending between the B-pillars, and an entrance region extending between the A-pillars; the B-pillars are each made of a tubular profile and the at least one A-pillar is made of an angular profile having two legs arranged at an angle to each other.

Description

[0001] This divisional application is based on Chinese Invention Patent Application No. 201910065445.0, entitled "Cockpit for Ground Conveyor", filed on January 24, 2019. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a cab for a ground conveyor. A cab with a driver's position can be provided in ground conveyors of various structural types and usage methods. This position in the cab can be configured, for example, as a seat or a driver's standing position. It is known that such cabs are equipped with a driver protection canopy. This driver protection canopy serves to: on the one hand, ensure optimal visibility of the lifted goods, and on the other hand, protect the driver from falling objects. Therefore, the cab with the driver protection canopy must be constructed to be sufficiently stable. Background Technology

[0003] It is known from the prior art that two struts are provided on the side of the vehicle for the drive components. These struts may, for example, be slightly tilted forward, and the driver protection top is constructed as a crown with corresponding support. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective of this invention is to provide a cab for a ground conveyor that provides good visibility into the working environment while maximizing stability.

[0005] According to the present invention, the task is accomplished by a cab having the features described in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments constitute the technical solutions of the dependent claims.

[0006] The cab according to the invention is designed for ground conveyors, particularly for reach trucks, in which the operator is protected by a driver protection top. A feature of the cab according to the invention is that the driver protection top is supported by four pillars, two of which are configured as A-pillars and two as B-pillars. Since the roles of the front and rear sections, and therefore the A-pillars and B-pillars, are not directly defined in the ground conveyor, the cab according to the invention defines: the B-pillars face the load-bearing components of the ground conveyor and end walls are provided between the B-pillars, while an entrance area is provided between the A-pillars.

[0007] In the cab according to the invention, the B-pillar is constructed as a tubular profile, for example, a tubular profile with a circular or elliptical cross-section, or a double-circular profile with a waist-shaped constriction. At least one, preferably two, A-pillars are made of angular profiles having two legs angled relative to each other. The angular profiles are constructed as open profiles, having two angled, flattened legs. The advantages of the cab according to the invention are that, when using angular profiles, the field of vision from the cab to the ground conveyor's working area and environment is limited to a very small extent. Unlike cabs equipped with, for example, two wide-faced struts, angular profiles with angled legs impose far less restriction on the field of vision. Even with four pillars, the driver's required field of vision is ensured to be unobstructed. Furthermore, the rigidity of the angular profiles allows for less material usage, which also ensures a free field of vision. In addition, the angular profiles occupy very little space, thus making good use of the cab's interior space. Preferably, the angular profiles are positioned adjacent to the driver's seat or driver's position.

[0008] In a preferred extension, the outriggers of the angular profile are constructed as flat outriggers, connected to each other by a rounded transition region. This transition region forms the outer edge of the cab. The angular profile for the cab according to the invention is primarily made of flat material, having a rounded transition region approximately in the middle, from which the outriggers extend planarly and preferably form a constant angle with each other along the longitudinal direction of the profile. Preferably, the two A-pillars are constructed as angular profiles, although the A-pillars do not necessarily have to be identical.

[0009] In a preferred extension, a fixing device is provided for securing the cab to the frame. The cab itself is a pre-cast welded component, which is fixed to the ground conveyor frame as a pre-assembled unit. For this fixing, it is preferable to provide fixing devices, such as eyelets, rings, openings or the like, on the ends of at least one pair of struts opposite the driver's protective top, through which the cab is assembled and secured to the frame.

[0010] In another preferred embodiment, the driver protection roof is constructed with a U-shaped flat profile. An upright retaining profile is provided on each leg of this U-shaped flat profile, and the ends of a transverse profile extending between the legs are respectively held onto the retaining profiles. The retaining profiles can be formed by bending the edges of the flat profile. As is known in driver protection roofs, the transverse profiles are fixed to the upright retaining profiles at an angle relative to the vertical, so that the upward line of sight does not fall on the wide surface of the transverse struts, but rather the transverse struts only partially or preferably only on their narrow surface obstruct the upward line of sight.

[0011] As an alternative, a panoramic roof made of glass can also be placed flat on a U-shaped, flat profile.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment, end-cap profiles connect the free legs of the U-shaped flat profile. This forms a surrounding roof frame for driver protection. Preferably, this surrounding roof frame is connected to four pillars, for which another surrounding frame profile may also surround the roof frame formed by the U-shaped profile and end-cap profiles.

[0013] In a preferred extension, each of the two sidewalls includes a central plate that connects to pillars A and B at its ends. This central plate serves as the core for constructing the sidewalls, which form a sandwich structure with the centrally located central plate.

[0014] In a preferred extension, an upper cover plate, flush with the A-pillar, is installed on the side of the middle plate facing outwards from the driver's side. Specifically, on the angular profile, the upper cover plate is flush with one of the A-pillars and its support leg. Alternatively, the upper cover plate can also be integrally constructed with one of the support legs of one of the A-pillars. By mounting the middle plate on the inside of the support leg of the angular profile when it is fixed to the A-pillar, the middle plate is moved back, thereby making the upper cover plate flush with the A-pillar. Furthermore, a lower cover plate is installed on the side of the support plate facing the interior space of the driver's cabin, forming a seam relative to the upper cover plate. A particular advantage of the inwardly offset support plate (on which the lower cover plate is fixed) is that the support plate is installed further inwards, and the lower cover plate therefore has a deeper seam, especially relative to the upper cover plate.

[0015] Additionally, in the area leading to the driver's cab, an entrance panel may be provided on one of the A-pillars. This entrance area is preferably defined by one of the A-pillars and on its opposite side by an entrance panel mounted on the other A-pillar. In principle, an entrance area is also possible in which the entrance panels are mounted on both A-pillars.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the cab, the pillars are welded to the driver's protective roof and to the intermediate plates of the other side walls. The cab as a whole forms a welded structure, wherein only the two A-pillars in the entrance area are not directly connected to each other at their ends furthest from the driver's protective roof, but are connected by entrance brackets.

[0017] In a preferred extension, the end wall has a retaining section for the driver's protective glass. The end wall of the cab forms a transition from the drive unit to the load-bearing unit of the ground conveyor. Especially in reach trucks, but also in other ground conveyors with lifting booms, a driver's protective glass is provided that at least partially covers the area between the cab and the load-bearing unit, preventing penetration or other contact with the lifting boom from the cab.

[0018] To further improve driver visibility, an observation opening can be provided in at least one A-pillar. This observation opening is preferably located in the middle of the rounded transition area of ​​the A-pillar. If only one A-pillar is constructed with an angular profile, it is preferably located adjacent to the driver's position, particularly the driver's seat or driver's standing platform. Attached Figure Description

[0019] A preferred embodiment of the driver's cab according to the present invention is described in detail with reference to the following accompanying drawings. The drawings are as follows:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the driver's cab from an angle above.

[0021] Figure 2 A perspective view of the cab with a driver's protective roof that has not yet been installed;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a view of the driver's cab looking through the entrance area towards the inside of the side wall.

[0023] Figure 4a , 4b These are cross-sectional views of column A and column B, respectively. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Figure 1 A ground conveyor 10 configured as a reach truck is shown. The ground conveyor includes a mast 12, which is adjustable along the wheel arm 14.

[0025] The cab 16 includes a driver protection roof supported by four pillars 18a, 18b, 20a, 20b (in Figure 1 (Not fully shown). Regarding the gantry 12, the supports 20a and 20b are referred to as B-pillars. The B-pillars 20a and 20b are made of tubular profiles with a circular cross-section. The supports 18a and 18b that define the entrance area 20 are referred to as A-pillars below. The distinction between A-pillars and B-pillars is arbitrary for the ground conveyor 10 and does not relate to the direction of travel, as the vehicle moves in two directions, R and R', during its normal use. The two A-pillars are constructed as angular profiles with flat legs 19b and 19'b. The two legs 19b and 19'b are at least at right angles, preferably at an angle of 100° to 130° to each other. In this embodiment, both A-pillars are constructed as angular profiles, but if only one angular profile is provided, it is preferable to construct the A-pillar closer to the driver as an angular profile.

[0026] The driver's compartment includes a driver's seat 22 with pedals 24, a steering wheel 26, and an operation indicator 28. A manual operating device 30 is also located next to the driver's seat 22 on the side facing the mast. The driver's seat is accessible via a step 32, where a handrail 34 mounted on the side of the A-pillar provides assistance.

[0027] Figure 2 The diagram shows the driver's cab, not yet installed in the vehicle, looking towards the entrance area 20 defined by A-pillars 18a and 18b. The entrance area 20 is defined on the side by an entrance panel 36. The entrance panel 36 connects to the A-pillars 18b. Furthermore, [the diagram shows...] Figure 2 The entrance bracket, not shown, connects A-pillar 18b to A-pillar 18a or to entrance plate 36.

[0028] exist Figure 2 The detailed structure of the driver protection top 17 can be seen. Accordingly, two retaining profiles 38 and 40 are vertically arranged. Two transverse profiles 42 and 44 are clamped between the retaining profiles 38 and 40. The retaining profiles 38 and 40 are vertically bent upwards from the U-shaped flat plate 46. The flat plate 46 forms the edge members. The transverse profiles 42 and 44 are arranged obliquely relative to the vertical line within the retaining profiles 38 and 40.

[0029] exist Figure 2 Also visible is a retaining section 48, on which a protective glass for the driver can be installed. Also shown is a component area 50, used to separate components required for operating the ground conveyor relative to the interior space. Component area 50 extends from the rear wall of the cab into the interior space of the cab.

[0030] exist Figure 2 The structure of the sidewall 52, including a cover plate 54, is also visible, which is substantially flush with the A-pillar 18a. A support plate 56, in the illustrated embodiment, forms a sidewall below the cover plate 54. (Not shown) Figure 2 The lower cover plate is shown, which is fixed to the support plate 56. The upper cover plate 54 and the lower cover plate have a particularly deep joint with each other.

[0031] Figure 2 Also visible is the fixing device 58, through which the cab is secured to the frame. The fixing device is here constructed in the form of holes or rings.

[0032] Figure 3Another view of the driver's cab is shown. Regarding the driver's protective roof 17, a U-shaped flat profile 46 with bent retaining profiles 38, 40 can be seen. The free ends of the U-shaped flat profile 46 are connected to each other by end-sealing profiles 62. In a design configured as a panoramic sunroof, the U-shaped flat profile closes towards the strut 62 to provide support for the adhesive and panoramic glass. Regarding the sidewall structure, detail A shows the use of a center plate 64, which is planarly welded to the A-pillar 18a. Detail B shows only the center plate 64 in its welded position, where it is welded to a leg 66 of the angled profile. An upper cover 54 is externally fixed, preferably welded, to the center plate 64. The upper cover 54 may also be integrally constructed with a leg of the adjacent A-pillar. A support plate 56 is welded to the center plate 64 on the inside. The special effect of the inner support plate 56 is that the lower cover component, which is fixed to the support plate 56 and located below the upper cover component 54, can be moved further back when fixed, thus forming a particularly deep seam between the upper cover component and the lower cover component.

[0033] A series of effects are combined in the aforementioned cab to provide the driver with good visibility. On the one hand, the curved shape of the A-pillars 18a and 18b maximizes stability while only obstructing a small angle range in the driver's field of vision. On the other hand, the observation port 68 can be provided without sacrificing stability. It is also possible that, based on the stabilizing effect of the middle plate and the additional reinforcement of the support plate, the side walls are moved relatively far downward toward the frame, thereby also creating a wide field of vision.

[0034] Figure 4a The A-pillar 18a with an observation port 68 is shown. Furthermore, a cross-section along line AA is shown, in which two legs 66, 66' of the angled profile are visible. The legs extend substantially in a straight line from the rounded transition region 70.

[0035] Figure 4b The diagram shows a B-pillar 20a with section AA. The cross-section of the B-pillar 20a is hollow and has a generally figure-eight shape as a double-circular profile. This shape has two opposing waists 72, 72' that extend into a rounded section 74 and a flattened section 76. Sections 74 and 76 protrude relative to the waists.

[0036] List of reference numerals

[0037] 10 Ground Conveyor

[0038] 12 gantry

[0039] 14-wheel boom

[0040] 16. Driver's cab

[0041] 17 Driver protection top

[0042] 18a, 18b A-pillar

[0043] 19b, 19'b outriggers

[0044] 20 Entrance Area

[0045] 20a, 20b Column B

[0046] 22 Driver's Seat

[0047] 24 pedals

[0048] 26 Steering Wheel

[0049] 28. Operation Indicator

[0050] 30 Manually operated equipment

[0051] 32 steps

[0052] 34 Handrails

[0053] 36 entrance plate

[0054] 38. Maintain profile

[0055] 40. Maintain profile

[0056] 42 Horizontal profiles

[0057] 44. Horizontal profiles

[0058] 46 U-shaped flat profile

[0059] 48. Maintain section

[0060] 50 dividing area

[0061] 52 Sidewall

[0062] 54 Upper cover plate

[0063] 56 Support plate

[0064] 58 Fixture

[0065] 62 End-sealing profile

[0066] 64 Intermediate Plate

[0067] 66, 66' outriggers

[0068] 68 observation ports

[0069] 70 Transition Zone

[0070] 72, 72' waist

[0071] 74 rounded sections

[0072] 76 flattened sections

Claims

1. A driver's cab for a ground conveyor (10), comprising: - A driver protection roof (17) supported by four pillars, two of which are configured as A pillars (18a, 18b) and two of which are configured as B pillars (20a, 20b). -Among them, a sidewall (52) extends between one of the A pillars (18a, 18b) and one of the B pillars (20a, 20b), an endwall extends between the B pillars (20a, 20b), and an entrance area (20) extends between the A pillars (18a, 18b). - The B pillars (20a, 20b) are each made of tubular profiles and at least one of the A pillars (18a, 18b) is made of angular profiles having two legs (66) arranged at an angle to each other. An observation port (68) is provided in at least one of the aforementioned A columns (18a, 18b). - Both A-pillars are constructed as angular profiles, each of which has two legs angled to each other. The legs of the angular profiles are constructed as flat legs (66), which are connected to each other by a rounded transition area that forms the outer edge of the cab. The entrance area (20) is bounded on one side by one of the A-pillars (18a, 18b) and on the other side by an entrance plate (36) mounted on the other A-pillar (18a, 18b). The two A-pillars are not directly connected to each other at their ends away from the driver's protective roof based on the entrance area. The cab can be fixed to the frame as a pre-assembled welded component, and a fixing device is provided on the ends of at least one pair of pillars opposite to the driver's protective roof, by which the cab can be fixed to the frame.

2. The driver's cab according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one fixing device (58) is provided for fixing the cab to the frame.

3. The driver's cab according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The driver protection top (17) has a U-shaped flat profile (46), the legs of which respectively form an upright retaining profile (38, 40), and the ends of the transverse profiles (42, 44) extending between the legs are respectively held on the retaining profile.

4. The driver's cab according to claim 3, characterized in that, The end cap profile (62) connects the free legs of the U-shaped flat profile (46) to each other and forms a surrounding roof frame.

5. The driver's cab according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each sidewall (52) includes an intermediate plate connected at the end to the A-pillars (18a, 18b) and B-pillars (20a, 20b), on which a support plate (56) is mounted on the side facing the interior space of the cab.

6. The driver's cab according to claim 5, characterized in that, An upper cover plate (54) flush with the A-pillar is installed on the outer side of the middle plate facing the cab.

7. The cab according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lower cover is installed on the side of the support plate (56) facing the outside of the cab, with a seam formed relative to the upper cover plate (54).

8. The driver's cab according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support is welded to the driver protection top (17).

9. The driver's cab according to claim 6, characterized in that, The A-pillar is welded to the middle plate (64) of the side wall, and the B-pillar is welded to the upper cover plate (54) and the support plate (56).

10. The driver's cab according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The end wall has a retaining section (48) for the driver protection glass.

11. The driver's cab according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The A-pillar, constructed of angular profiles, is positioned adjacent to the driver's position.

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