Telehandler with improved cab

Abstract

A telescopic handler fork-lift truck is described, having a cab (1) equipped with a roof (10) defined by a transparent or translucent protective cover (11) containing one or more materials designed to withstand the fall of dangerous materials for the safety of the operator in the cab (1). The protective cover consists only of the following layers arranged in succession: a polycarbonate layer (111), a polyurethane layer (110), a polycarbonate layer (111), a polyurethane layer (110) and a glass layer (115). The solution of the present application maintains the protection standards in the event of objects and material falling, while allowing to improve the field of vision of the operator above the roof of the cab.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No. 202210243230.5, entitled "Telescopic boom forklift with improved cab", filed on March 11, 2022, with a priority date of March 19, 2021. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a telescopic forklift equipped with an improved cab.

[0003] More specifically, the present invention relates to a cab that provides better visibility for the operator of a telescopic forklift while ensuring a level of protection in accordance with industry regulations and the highest standards required by the market. Background Technology

[0004] Currently, telescopic forklifts have a protective grille installed on the cab roof (e.g., above or below the cab roof) to protect the operator's safety in the event of an object falling onto the cab due to gravity.

[0005] exist Figure 1 The prior art telescopic forklift T shown in the figure is provided with a cab C, and a grille G covers the top of the cab. The grille is designed to protect the operator in the event that the load or part of the load falls from the clamping device (such as fork F, etc.) carried by the boom B above the cab C.

[0006] More specifically, the protective grille has been designed to meet the international standard FOPS ("Falling Object Protective Structures"), which specifies that such protective structures must be able to pass tests.

[0007] The reason for using a grid G ​​instead of a continuous plate above the cab is to enable the operator to perform the work correctly. During the operation steps performed by the boom B above the cab C, the operator must be able to directly observe the load.

[0008] However, this solution is not entirely effective because the grille G is an element that obstructs the operator's view in any situation, even if the grille does not completely block the operator's view.

[0009] Therefore, for a long time to come, the market for self-propelled operating machines needs a solution that maintains the same standard of protection when objects and materials fall, while allowing for improved visibility for the operator above the cab. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The technical objective that forms the basis of this invention is to provide a telescopic forklift equipped with a cab that meets the above-mentioned requirements.

[0011] This technical objective is achieved by a telescopic forklift as described herein. The telescopic forklift has a cab equipped with a roof defined by a transparent or translucent protective cover, the protective cover comprising one or more materials, the protective cover being designed to withstand falling hazardous materials to protect the safety of the operator in the cab, the protective cover comprising multiple layers made of polymeric materials, including at least one polycarbonate layer or polyurethane layer. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the non-limiting description of the preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the telescopic forklift proposed as shown in the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 It is an isometric drawing of a telescopic forklift equipped with a cab, based on existing technology; Figure 2 This is an axonometric drawing of the driver's cab according to the present invention; Figure 3 It is possible to be with Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a protective cover that is integrated with the driver's cab; Figure 4 It is possible to be with Figure 2 Cross-sectional views of different embodiments of the protective cover with the cab mounted together; and Figures 5 to 7 These are three cross-sectional views of the protective cover according to three other embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0013] In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 indicates the cab included in the telescopic forklift according to the invention.

[0014] The proposed cab 1 is designed to be used with both fixed telescopic forklifts and rotary telescopic forklifts (i.e., equipped with a rotating platform mounted on a wheeled bracket (or frame).

[0015] The cab 1 according to the invention does not have a protective grille, but is equipped with a roof 10 defined by a transparent or semi-transparent (i.e., not completely opaque) protective cover 11, which is designed to withstand material falling into the cab 1, which would be dangerous for the safety of the operator.

[0016] In other words, the ceiling 10 is defined by a cover 11 that will not be damaged or completely destroyed by objects and materials falling on the ceiling 10, thereby preventing serious bodily injury to the operator.

[0017] More specifically, the protective cover 11 has been designed to meet Class II of the FOPS standard according to UNI EN ISO3449:2009, and under the maximum stress specified by the standard, the cover 11 may deform and / or break at most, but is not allowed to bend or allow heavy objects to pass through and thereby enter the space occupied by the operator.

[0018] Thus, the operator in the proposed cab 1 can directly (i.e., without obstruction) observe the load and / or equipment carried by the boom as it passes over the cab 1, while simultaneously providing protection against accidentally falling objects and materials (e.g., a portion of the load), to at least meet the market requirements described during the discussion of the prior art.

[0019] More specifically, the protective cover 11 is designed to withstand the impact of an object with approximately 11,600 joules of kinetic energy (e.g., the kinetic energy generated by an object weighing approximately 238 kg falling from a height of approximately 5 meters) in an environment with a temperature of approximately -18 degrees Celsius.

[0020] More generally, Gai 11 is designed to withstand impacts greater than 11,000 J in environments with temperatures of approximately -18 degrees Celsius, such as the impact of an object weighing at least 230 kg falling from a height of at least 4 meters.

[0021] The protective cover 11 is composed of multiple layers made of polymeric materials, including at least one layer made of polycarbonate or polyurethane.

[0022] Preferably, adjacent layers are bonded to each other by an adhesive. In the text of this specification, the term "layer" refers to a portion of the cab cover made of a material that contributes to its mechanical strength, rather than of an adhesive or treatment or pretreatment substance.

[0023] according to Figure 3 The cover of the non-limiting and preferred first embodiment of the present invention shown comprises only three layers, which consist of a middle polyurethane layer 110, an inner polycarbonate layer 111, and an outer polycarbonate layer 111. In this case, the outer layer 111 and the inner layer 111 are located on opposite sides of the middle layer 110.

[0024] More specifically, according to a preferred but non-limiting aspect of the invention, each polycarbonate layer 111 has a thickness of 14.5 to 15.5 mm, and more preferably has a thickness of about 15 mm.

[0025] Furthermore, preferably, the thickness of the polyurethane layer 110 is 1.25 to 1.27 mm, more preferably about 1.26 mm.

[0026] Other aspects of the dimensional features relating to this embodiment or other embodiments will be discussed below.

[0027] According to different embodiments of the present invention, the cover 11 is made into a cover similar to the one described above, except that the cover includes two additional layers on the outer side of the upper part or the inner side of the lower part: a polycarbonate layer 111 and a glass layer 115.

[0028] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Two exemplary forms of this embodiment are shown in the figure.

[0029] according to Figure 5 The cover, in the form of a glass layer, extends from the inside of the cab outwards and comprises five layers: a polycarbonate layer 111, a polyurethane layer 110, and a glass layer 115. According to... Figure 6 The cover, in the form of a glass layer 115, polyurethane layer 110, polycarbonate layer 111, and polyurethane layer 110, extends outwards from the inside of the cab and comprises the following five layers: glass layer 115, polyurethane layer 110, polycarbonate layer 111, and polycarbonate layer 111.

[0030] according to Figure 7 The third exemplary form shown, starting from the inside of the driver's cab and moving outward, includes the following seven layers: glass layer 115, polyurethane layer 110, polycarbonate layer 111, polyurethane layer 110, polycarbonate layer 111, polyurethane layer 110, and glass layer 115.

[0031] The thickness of the polyurethane layer 110 and the thickness of the polycarbonate layer 111 can be as described above and in Figure 3 In the first embodiment shown, the thickness of the polyurethane layer is the same as the thickness of the polycarbonate layer, while the thickness of the glass layer 115 can be 1 to 5 mm, preferably 2.5 to 3.5 mm, more preferably about 3 mm.

[0032] According to a further, but non-limiting, embodiment of the invention, the cover comprises at least two polyurethane layers 110 and two polycarbonate layers 112 arranged alternately with each other. In this case, the cover may include at least one hardened glass layer 113, which is preferably positioned more inner than the polycarbonate layers 112 and polyurethane layers 110 in the cab 1, and / or the cover may include a composite storm-resistant layer 114, which is also preferably located inside the cab 1 rather than outside.

[0033] More specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cover 11 comprises only seven layers arranged in the following order: polycarbonate layer 112, polyurethane layer 110, polycarbonate layer 112, polyurethane layer 110, glass layer 113, composite storm-resistant layer 114, and glass layer 113.

[0034] In this case, the thickness of each polycarbonate layer 112 is preferably 11.5 to 12.5 mm, and more preferably about 12 mm. Furthermore, the thickness of the polyurethane layer 110 is preferably 1.25 to 1.27 mm, and more preferably about 1.26 mm.

[0035] Furthermore, preferably, each glass layer 113 has a thickness of 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm, more preferably about 6 mm.

[0036] Regarding the composite storm-resistant layer 114, its thickness can be 1 to 3 mm, preferably 1.5 to 1.9 mm, or even more preferably about 1.78 mm.

[0037] More generally, according to the two embodiments described above and other embodiments of the proposed inventive concept, the thickness of each polycarbonate layer can be 10 to 20 mm. More specifically, the thickness of the polycarbonate layer can be 11 to 16 mm, and more specifically, it can be 14.5 to 15.5 mm, and for example, about 15 mm. Alternatively, the thickness of each polycarbonate layer can also be 11 to 13 mm, more specifically 11.5 to 12.5 mm, for example, about 12 mm.

[0038] Regarding the polyurethane layer, its thickness can be 0.5 to 2.5 mm, more specifically 1.2 to 1.3 mm, and even more specifically 1.25 to 1.27 mm, such as about 1.26 mm.

[0039] If a glass layer is present, the thickness of each glass layer can be 4 to 8 millimeters, more specifically 5.5 to 6.5 millimeters, such as about 6 millimeters. If a storm-resistant layer is present, its thickness can be 1 to 3 millimeters, more specifically 1.5 to 1.9 millimeters, such as about 1.78 millimeters.

[0040] according to Figure 2 In the preferred embodiment shown, the protective cover 11 forms the roof 10 of the cab 1.

[0041] There are also alternative embodiments in which the cover 11 extends to the front of the cab 1 to form a windshield 12. In other words, according to this alternative form (not shown), the windshield 12 and the cab roof 10 are integrally formed in a single central and continuous cover 11, which is mounted on two suitably shaped side pillars 13, 14 at opposite edges.

[0042] The following describes a feasible method for manufacturing the cab of the proposed telescopic forklift.

[0043] A cab frame with frames 13, 14, 15, and 16 can be used, wherein these frames are designed to receive a cover 11 according to the invention, which is designed according to an embodiment described above or an embodiment falling within the present inventive concept. The frames are defined at the sides by the supports 13 and 14 of the cab 1.

[0044] A ring-shaped seat is formed along the inner edges (where corners are arranged) of the frames 13, 14, 15, and 16 to receive the peripheral edge of the cover 11, for example, through a groove or chamfer.

[0045] Another step of the method is to position a plurality of spacers designed to contact the cover 11 in the seat obtained in the previous step, thereby allowing the cover to be received in a predetermined position in the frame.

[0046] Subsequently, the cover is positioned in contact with the spacer in the seat, and a sealant is applied to secure the cover 11 to the frame.

[0047] After a partial polymerization time of the sealant, the spacer is removed, and the full polymerization time is waited for to obtain the cab 1 according to the invention.

[0048] The following describes further preferred steps of the method according to the present invention.

[0049] Before applying the spacer, clean and pre-treat the surface of the seat for receiving the cover.

[0050] In detail, a cleaning and degreasing agent (such as Simson Cleaner I or other similar products manufactured by Bostik) may first be applied, and then a pretreatment agent, such as Simson Prep G or other suitable products manufactured by Bostik, may be applied to prepare a surface for receiving the adhesive and to define a UV-protective coating.

[0051] This preparation sequence can also be performed multiple times, for example, twice. The process can then be concluded by applying a preparative suitable for increasing the adhesion of the sealant; this preparative can, for example, but must not be, SimsonPrep M manufactured by Bostik.

[0052] Before applying the pretreatment agent, allow the cleaning agent to remain on the surface of the seat for 1 to 20 minutes, preferably 3 to 7 minutes, and more preferably about 5 minutes.

[0053] Preferably, the spacer is sized to facilitate cap positioning, and the thickness of the sealant can be 5 to 15 mm, preferably 8 to 11 mm, and more preferably about 10 mm.

[0054] The sealant may be applied at least 3 minutes after the above-mentioned preparation agent has been applied, preferably at least 4 minutes later, and more preferably at about 5 minutes later. The sealant may be Simson ISR 70-03 or other equivalent products.

[0055] Preferably, the complete polymerization time is at least 4 days, more preferably at least 6 days, and even more preferably at least 7 days.

[0056] It should be noted that it is preferable to perform the second application of sealant after the cap 11 has been positioned and after the full polymerization time has elapsed to prevent penetration.

[0057] The complete polymerization time of the second applied sealant can be the same as that of the previously applied sealant.

[0058] Therefore, it is clear that the telescopic forklift including the cab 1 according to the present invention has a performance level that cannot be obtained from telescopic forklifts of the prior art, and has significant advantages in terms of ease of operation and effectiveness, and is very safe for the operator.

Claims

1. A telescopic forklift having a cab (1) equipped with a roof (10) defined by a transparent or translucent protective cover (11), the protective cover comprising one or more materials, the protective cover being designed to withstand the falling of hazardous materials for the safety of an operator in the cab (1), the protective cover comprising a plurality of layers made of a polymeric material, the layers comprising at least one polycarbonate layer (111) or polyurethane layer (110), characterized in that, The protective cover consists of only the following layers arranged in sequence: a polycarbonate layer (111), a polyurethane layer (110), a polycarbonate layer (111), a polyurethane layer (110), and a glass layer (115).

2. The telescopic boom forklift according to claim 1, wherein, The protective cover (11) is aligned with the roof (10) of the cab.

3. The telescopic boom forklift according to claim 1, wherein, The protective cover (11) extends forward and thus also forms a windbreak (12).

4. The telescopic boom forklift according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, At least two adjacent layers of the protective cover (11) are bonded together by an adhesive.

5. The telescopic boom forklift according to claim 4, wherein, All adjacent layers of the protective cover (11) are fixed to each other by adhesive.

6. The telescopic boom forklift according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The thickness of each polycarbonate layer is 10 mm to 20 mm.

7. The telescopic boom forklift according to claim 6, wherein, The thickness of each polycarbonate layer is 11 mm to 16 mm.

8. The telescopic boom forklift according to claim 7, wherein, The thickness of each polycarbonate layer is 11 mm to 13 mm.

9. The telescopic boom forklift according to claim 8, wherein, The thickness of each polycarbonate layer is 11.5 mm to 12.5 mm.

10. The telescopic boom forklift according to claim 9, wherein, Each polycarbonate layer is approximately 12 millimeters thick.

11. The telescopic forklift according to claim 7, wherein, The thickness of each polycarbonate layer is 14 to 16 millimeters.

12. The telescopic boom forklift according to claim 11, wherein, The thickness of each polycarbonate layer is 14.5 mm to 15.5 mm.

13. The telescopic forklift according to claim 12, wherein, Each polycarbonate layer is approximately 15 millimeters thick.

14. The telescopic boom forklift according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The thickness of each polyurethane layer is 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

15. The telescopic forklift according to claim 14, wherein, The thickness of each polyurethane layer is 1.2 mm to 1.3 mm.

16. The telescopic forklift according to claim 15, wherein, The thickness of each polyurethane layer is 1.25 mm to 1.27 mm.

17. The telescopic forklift according to claim 16, wherein, Each polyurethane layer is approximately 1.26 mm thick.

18. The telescopic boom forklift according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of each glass layer is 4 to 8 millimeters.

19. The telescopic forklift according to claim 18, wherein, The thickness of the glass layer is 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm.

20. The telescopic forklift according to claim 19, wherein, The thickness of the glass layer is approximately 6 millimeters.

21. The telescopic boom forklift according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein, The thickness of the glass layer is 1 mm to 5 mm.

22. The telescopic forklift according to claim 21, wherein, The thickness of the glass layer is 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm.

23. The telescopic forklift according to claim 22, wherein, The thickness of the glass layer is approximately 3 millimeters.

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