Support device and draw hook self-loading and unloading module box

Abstract

The utility model discloses a supporting device and pull arm hook formula self loading and unloading module box. Supporting device includes: support subassembly is rotatably connected to the box body front portion through the hinged piece to switch between the unfolded position and the stowed position, drive holding assembly is connected between the box body and support subassembly, is used for providing the holding force for support subassembly in the unfolded position, and locking assembly is fixed on the box body, is used for locking support subassembly in the stowed position. The utility model discloses a set of support device that can be turned over and is retracted, effectively solved the problem that the lower door is unevenly stressed, easily deformed and damaged because of the low front and high back after the pull arm hook formula module box falls to the ground. The mechanism is simple in structure, convenient to operate, can realize the horizontal placement of the module box on the ground without changing the original main body structure of the module box, ensures the normal use and service life of the lower door, and does not affect the loading and unloading operation of the module box, and has very high practical value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of modular box supporting equipment, specifically to a support device and a hook-type self-loading and unloading modular box. Background Technology

[0002] Hook-lift fire trucks are widely used in emergency rescue operations due to their mobility, flexibility, and versatility. Their modular containers (such as equipment containers, pump sets, and logistical support containers) can be quickly unloaded from the vehicle and deployed to the work site.

[0003] However, existing hook-lift modular enclosures typically have rollers at the rear, while the front is directly above the bottom edge. When the enclosure is unloaded from the vehicle and placed on a level surface, the rear rollers cause the enclosure to tilt, with the rear higher than the front. This tilt presents a serious problem: if the front of the enclosure has a downward-opening door (usually used as a ramp or operating platform), during opening, due to the tilt, the leading edge of the door will touch the ground before the rest of the door. As the door continues to tilt downwards, the entire door will be subjected to uneven ground reaction forces, causing the door panel to twist and deform. In severe cases, this can even lead to permanent bending that cannot be corrected, affecting its airtightness, structural strength, and normal opening and closing. Currently, on-site operators often need to temporarily find bricks, wooden blocks, or other objects to cushion the front of the enclosure, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, unstable, and unsafe.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide a simple and effective solution to ensure that the module box remains horizontal after being placed on the ground is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and propose a support device and a hook-type self-loading and unloading modular box to solve the technical problem in the prior art where the front of the modular box is lower than the back, causing damage to the flip-down door.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, this application provides a support device applied to the front of the module box, including a support component, a drive holding component, and a locking component.

[0007] A support assembly is rotatably connected to the front of the housing via a hinge to switch between an extended position for supporting the front of the housing and a retracted position stored under the housing. A drive-holding assembly, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the housing and the support assembly, is used to provide a holding force for the support assembly in the unfolded position; A locking component, fixed to the housing, is used to lock the support component in the retracted position.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the support assembly includes a support tube and a pad, the upper end of the support tube is connected to the housing via the hinge, and the pad is fixed to the lower end of the support tube for contact with the ground.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the support tube is a telescopic structure, including at least two relatively sliding sleeves, and is provided with a positioning mechanism for fixing its telescopic length. The pad is connected to the lower end of the support tube through a universal joint.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the drive holding assembly is a gas spring, the cylinder of the gas spring is connected to the housing, the rod of the gas spring is connected to the support assembly, and the gas spring provides damping force when the support assembly moves from the unfolded position to the retracted position.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the drive holding assembly is an electric push rod, the cylinder of which is connected to the housing, and the rod of which is connected to the support assembly. The electric push rod drives the support assembly to rotate around the hinge member by extending and retracting the rod. The electric push rod has a built-in self-locking mechanism.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the locking assembly includes a spring pin, which is fixed to the housing, and the support assembly has a pin hole that mates with the spring pin.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the support device is also connected to a manually operated handle.

[0014] Secondly, this application also provides a hook-type self-loading and unloading modular box, including a box body and a support device as described in any embodiment of the first aspect, the support device being installed on the front bottom edge of the box body.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, a status sensor, a proximity sensor, and a tilt sensor are also included, with the status sensor facing the support device, the vehicle proximity sensor facing the pull arm hook at the front of the housing, and the tilt sensor mounted on the housing.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, two sets of support components are symmetrically arranged on the housing. Each set of support components includes a support tube and a pad. The two sets of support components are driven by the same drive and retaining component or by their own independent drive and retaining components.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial technical effects of the technical solution provided in this application include: By adding an integrated, foldable, and retractable support device to the front of the modular container, the front of the container is raised to the same height as the rear after unfolding, thus achieving horizontal placement of the modular container on the ground. This fundamentally solves the problem of damage caused by uneven force on the flip-down door due to container tilting. As an integrated component of the modular container, this mechanism requires no additional padding; it can be flipped down for use and locked securely when retracted, without affecting normal vehicle loading and unloading operations. It has the advantages of simple structure, ease of use, and high reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a support device in the unfolded position according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a support device in the retracted position according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a module box placed horizontally in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure label: 1. Support assembly, 2. Drive and retaining assembly, 3. Locking assembly, 4. Hinge, 5. Handle, 6. Housing; 11 Support tube, 12 Pad, 31 Spring pin, 32 Pin hole, 61 Roller. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0021] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in this specification, the term "comprising" is an open-ended expression, meaning that the stated feature is present but other features are excluded. Directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" refer to exemplary directions based on the accompanying drawings. Features specified as "first" or "second" implicitly include one or more of that feature. Singular expressions can also be used in plural forms. "Multiple" means two or more. The terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, and it can be a connection within two components. Furthermore, "linked" can include wireless connections.

[0022] The purpose of this application is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and propose a support device and a hook-type self-loading and unloading modular box to solve the technical problem in the prior art where the front of the modular box is lower than the back, causing damage to the flip-down door.

[0023] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: like Figures 1-3 As shown. In a first aspect, this application provides a support device applied to the front of the housing 6 of a module box, including a support component 1, a drive holding component 2, and a locking component 3.

[0024] The support assembly 1 is rotatably connected to the front of the housing 6 via a hinge 4, allowing it to switch between an unfolded position supporting the front of the housing 6 and a folded position stored under the housing 6. The support assembly 1 is also rotatably connected to the front bottom edge of the modular housing 6 via a hinge 4. This hinge allows the support assembly 1 to rotate around the axis of the hinge 4, enabling switching between two functional positions: one is an unfolded position, perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the ground, used to support the front of the housing 6 after the modular housing is placed on the ground; the other is a folded position, parallel to the bottom of the housing 6, stored under the housing 6 when the modular housing needs to be loaded onto a vehicle, without affecting loading and unloading.

[0025] The two ends of the drive-holding component 2 are respectively connected to the housing 6 and the support component 1, and are used to provide a holding force for the support component 1 in the unfolded position; one end of the drive-holding component 2 is connected to the housing 6, and the other end is connected to the support component 1. In this embodiment, the drive-holding component 2 can be a gas spring. When the support component 1 is manually flipped from the retracted position to the unfolded position, the gas spring provides an auxiliary thrust, making the operation easier. When the support component 1 reaches the unfolded position, the locking force inside the gas spring or its own supporting force can provide a stable holding force to prevent the support component 1 from accidentally retracting.

[0026] The locking component 3 is fixed to the housing 6 and is used to lock the support component 1 in the retracted position. In this embodiment, it can be a spring pin 31. When the support component 1 is fully flipped and retracted to the retracted position, the spring pin 31 automatically pops out and inserts into a preset hole on the support component 1, thereby firmly locking it and preventing it from accidentally falling due to bumps and vibrations during vehicle transportation.

[0027] By adding an integrated, foldable, and retractable support device to the front of the modular container, the support component 1 raises the front of the container 6 to the same height as the rear after unfolding, thus achieving horizontal placement of the modular container on the ground. This fundamentally solves the problem of damage caused by uneven force on the flip-down door due to the tilt of the container 6. As an integrated component of the modular container, this mechanism does not require additional padding; it can be flipped down for use and locked securely when retracted, without affecting normal loading and unloading operations of the vehicle. It has the advantages of simple structure, ease of use, and high reliability.

[0028] In some embodiments of this application, the support assembly 1 includes a support tube 11 and a pad 12. The upper end of the support tube 11 is connected to the housing 6 through the hinge 4, and the pad 12 is fixed to the lower end of the support tube 11 for contact with the ground.

[0029] The specific structure of the support component 1 is defined. The support component 1 includes a support tube 11 and a pad 12. The upper end of the support tube 11 is connected to the housing 6 via the aforementioned hinge 4, forming the main body of the support component 1. The pad 12 is firmly welded or bolted to the lower end of the support tube 11. Its function is to increase the contact area with the ground, distribute pressure, and prevent sinking on softer ground, such as mud or grass, thereby providing more stable support.

[0030] The structure of this embodiment is simple and clear, and the manufacturing cost is low. The design of the pad 12 enhances the adaptability of the device to different ground surfaces and the stability of the support.

[0031] In some embodiments of this application, the support tube 11 is a telescopic structure, including at least two relatively sliding sleeves, and is provided with a positioning mechanism for fixing its telescopic length. The pad 12 is connected to the lower end of the support tube 11 through a universal joint.

[0032] To adapt to uneven or sloping ground, the support assembly 1 has been further optimized. The support tube 11 is designed as a telescopic structure; for example, it consists of an outer tube and an inner tube that can slide within it. Multiple sets of aligned positioning holes are provided on the inner and outer tubes. A positioning pin passes through selected pairs of holes, allowing for step-by-step adjustment of the total length of the support tube 11. The pad 12 is no longer rigidly connected to the support tube 11, but rather connected to the lower end of the support tube 11 via a universal joint, such as a ball joint.

[0033] This embodiment combines a telescopic tube and a universal joint to give the support device dual self-adaptive capabilities. The operator can manually adjust the length of the support tube 11 according to the actual slope of the ground to ensure that the module box 6 is in a precise horizontal state; at the same time, the universal joint allows the pad 12 to automatically conform to the inclined ground, ensuring full-plane contact and making the support effect more stable and reliable.

[0034] In some embodiments of this application, the drive holding assembly 2 is a gas spring, the cylinder of the gas spring is connected to the housing 6, the rod of the gas spring is connected to the support assembly 1, and the gas spring provides damping force when the support assembly 1 moves from the unfolded position to the retracted position.

[0035] The specific implementation of the drive-holding assembly 2 is defined. The drive-holding assembly 2 is a gas spring. The cylinder end of the gas spring is connected to the bottom of the housing 6 via a lug, and its piston rod end is connected to the support assembly 1, such as the upper middle part of the support tube 11, via another lug. When the support assembly 1 flips from the unfolded position to the retracted position, the gas spring needs to be compressed. At this time, the gas spring provides a significant damping force, making the retraction process of the support assembly 1 smooth and controllable, avoiding impact and noise caused by sudden upward flipping into place due to gravity.

[0036] Using a gas spring as the drive and holding component 2 not only provides assistance during deployment but also offers damping and cushioning during retraction, enhancing operational safety and comfort while protecting the mechanism itself.

[0037] In some embodiments of this application, the drive holding assembly 2 is an electric push rod, the cylinder of which is connected to the housing 6, and the rod of which is connected to the support assembly 1. The electric push rod drives the support assembly 1 to rotate around the hinge member by extending and retracting the rod. The electric push rod has a built-in self-locking mechanism.

[0038] Another implementation of the drive-holding assembly 2 is provided to achieve automated operation. The drive-holding assembly 2 is an electric actuator. The cylinder of the electric actuator is also connected to the housing 6, and the end of its telescopic rod is connected to the support assembly 1. By controlling the forward and reverse rotation of the electric actuator's motor, its telescopic rod can be extended or retracted, thereby precisely driving the support assembly 1 to rotate around the hinge point of the hinge, achieving automatic deployment and retraction. Preferably, the electric actuator has a built-in self-locking mechanism such as a worm gear or brake to ensure that the telescopic rod can be reliably locked in any position when power is lost or operation stops, thus providing a stable holding force for the support assembly 1.

[0039] The electric push rod with a self-locking mechanism enables the support device to be electric and automated. Operators can complete the deployment and storage by simply pressing a button, which greatly reduces labor intensity and improves work efficiency. It is especially suitable for large or heavy modular boxes.

[0040] In some embodiments of this application, the locking component 3 includes a spring pin 31, which is fixed to the housing 6, and the support component 1 has a pin hole 32 that cooperates with the spring pin 31.

[0041] The specific structure of the locking component 3 is defined. The locking component 3 includes a commercially available spring pin 31 with a pull ring. The base of this pin is fixed to the housing 6, and its pin faces the support component 1. At a corresponding position on the support component 1, such as the support tube 11, a pin hole 32 matching the diameter of the pin is provided. When the support component 1 is flipped to the retracted position, its pin hole 32 aligns perfectly with the pin of the spring pin 31, and the pin automatically inserts into the hole under the action of the spring force, completing the locking. To unlock, simply pull the pull ring manually and remove the pin.

[0042] The locking structure in this embodiment is simple, reliable, and inexpensive. It can achieve automatic locking and manual unlocking with clear actions, effectively preventing accidents during transportation.

[0043] In some embodiments of this application, the support device is also connected to a manually operated handle 5.

[0044] To facilitate manual operation, especially when using a gas spring system, a manual handle 5 is additionally connected to the support device. This handle 5 can be welded or screwed onto the outside of the support tube 11, positioned for easy gripping and force application. The operator can easily pull the support assembly 1 using this handle 5 to overcome the initial force of the gas spring or the assembly's own friction, thus easily completing the flipping operation.

[0045] The addition of handle 5 is designed in accordance with ergonomic principles, making manual operation more convenient and effortless, and improving the user experience.

[0046] Secondly, this application also provides a hook-type self-loading and unloading modular box, including a box body 6 and a support device as described in any embodiment of the first aspect, the support device being installed on the front bottom edge of the box body 6.

[0047] The support device is installed at the front bottom edge of the box 6 to ensure that it can effectively support the front end of the box 6 when it is unfolded, and can be completely contained within the bottom contour of the box 6 when it is retracted, without interfering with the loading and unloading mechanism of the hook-lift vehicle.

[0048] By using the support device as a standardized integrated component of the modular box, the modular box is equipped with self-supporting and leveling functions from the factory, which completely solves the pain points of end users and improves the overall functionality and market competitiveness of the modular box product.

[0049] In some embodiments of this application, a status sensor, a proximity sensor, and a tilt sensor are also included, with the status sensor facing the support device, the vehicle proximity sensor facing the pull arm hook at the front of the housing 6, and the tilt sensor mounted on the housing 6.

[0050] An intelligent sensing system was added to it. Specifically, status sensors, proximity sensors, and tilt sensors were installed on the module box. Status sensors, such as a microswitch or Hall effect sensor, are installed near the support mechanism to detect whether the support mechanism is in the extended or retracted position. Vehicle proximity sensors, such as an infrared or ultrasonic sensor, are installed near the hook of the boom hook at the front of the box 6, facing forward, to detect whether the boom hook of the vehicle has approached the predetermined operating distance. The tilt sensor is installed on the bottom plate of the box 6 to measure the horizontal tilt angle of the box 6 in real time.

[0051] By introducing a variety of sensors, the necessary information input is provided for the automated and intelligent control of the module box, which is the technical basis for realizing higher-level safety interlocking and automatic leveling functions.

[0052] In some embodiments of this application, two sets of support components 1 are symmetrically arranged on the housing 6. Each set of support components 1 includes a support tube 11 and a pad 12. The two sets of support components 1 are driven by the same drive holding component 2 or by their respective independent drive holding components 2.

[0053] The layout of the support device has been optimized. Two sets of support components 1 are symmetrically arranged along the width direction at the front bottom edge of the housing 6. Each set of support components 1 includes a support tube 11 and a pad 12. These two sets of support components 1 can be synchronously driven by a centrally located drive-holding component 2 with a connecting rod, such as a high-power electric actuator, or they can be driven separately by their own independent drive-holding components 2, such as two small electric actuators.

[0054] The two sets of support components 1 arranged symmetrically form a more stable three-point or four-point support. Combined with the rear rollers 61, this greatly improves the anti-overturning ability and overall stability of the module box after it is placed on the ground. It is especially suitable for loading heavy equipment or for working on uneven ground.

[0055] Based on any of the above embodiments, the geometric positional relationships between the hinge 4, the connection point between the drive holding assembly 2 and the housing 6, and the connection point between the drive holding assembly 2 and the support assembly 1 are precisely designed. This ensures that when the support assembly 1 moves to the unfolded position, the axis of the drive holding assembly 2, such as a gas spring or electric push rod, exactly crosses the rotation axis of the hinge 4, forming an "over-center" mechanical self-locking state. In this state, the support reaction force from the ground generates a torque through the support assembly 1 that tends to further stretch or compress the drive holding assembly 2, thereby firmly locking the support assembly 1 in the unfolded position without relying entirely on the locking force of the drive holding assembly 2 itself. Utilizing the over-center mechanical self-locking principle greatly improves the safety and reliability of the support. Even if the locking mechanism inside the drive holding assembly 2 fails, this mechanical self-locking structure ensures that the support will not retract unexpectedly, preventing safety accidents.

[0056] This embodiment provides an intelligent modular box with a safety interlock function. A control system is installed on the box body 6, which is connected to an electric push rod, a status sensor for detecting the deployment status of the support mechanism, and an electric lock for the box body 6's flip-down door. The control system is programmed to only allow the electric lock to unlock after the status sensor confirms that the support mechanism is fully deployed. This safety interlock design fundamentally prevents operators from opening the flip-down door due to negligence without deploying the support, thus avoiding damage to the door, achieving a foolproof design, and ensuring equipment safety.

[0057] This embodiment provides an intelligent modular box capable of automatically retracting its support. The control system is connected to both an electric push rod and a vehicle proximity sensor. When the modular box is on the ground and a hook-lift vehicle is reversing to prepare for loading, once the vehicle proximity sensor detects that the vehicle's hook-lift has entered a preset safe distance, the control system automatically issues a command to drive the electric push rod to retract the support mechanism from the extended position to the retracted position and lock it. This function achieves fully automated preparation before loading, requiring no manual intervention. This not only improves the efficiency of loading and unloading operations but, more importantly, avoids the risk of collision damage between the support mechanism and the vehicle due to forgetting to retract the support.

[0058] This embodiment provides an intelligent modular box with a one-button automatic leveling function. The extension and retraction adjustment of the support tube 11 is driven by an additional telescopic motor. The control system is connected to the main drive electric push rod, the telescopic motor, and the tilt sensor. The operator only needs to press an "automatic leveling" button, and the control system will execute a preset program: first, it drives the electric push rod to unfold and lower the support mechanism to the ground; then, it reads the value of the tilt sensor in real time, and through closed-loop control, it precisely drives the telescopic motor to adjust the length of the support tube 11 until the tilt sensor reading shows that the box 6 has reached a level state. The one-button automatic leveling function raises the convenience of operation to a new level, eliminating the tedious process of manual observation and repeated adjustments, and realizing rapid and accurate deployment. It is particularly suitable for application scenarios with high requirements for levelness (such as as a command platform or precision equipment operating table).

[0059] Building upon all embodiments involving electrical components, an independent power module is configured for the module box. This module can be a set of rechargeable lithium batteries, and a solar charging panel can be installed on the top of the box 6 for supplemental power. Simultaneously, a waterproof aviation plug interface is provided on the exterior of the box 6, allowing for rapid charging via cable connection to the vehicle's power supply system when the module box is mounted on a vehicle. This independent power module ensures that all electrical and intelligent functions of the module box remain operational when detached from the vehicle and deployed independently in the field, achieving energy self-sufficiency and significantly expanding the module box's application scenarios and autonomous operating time.

[0060] Building upon all embodiments involving electric control, a wireless remote control function has been added to the control system. The control system incorporates a wireless receiver, and a portable wireless remote control is provided to the operator. The operator can control all electric operations—including the deployment, retraction, and leveling of the support mechanism—from any location within a certain range of the module housing. This wireless remote control function allows the operator to leave the housing 6 and choose a location with the best and safest view, facilitating observation of the entire process and handling potential obstacles, further enhancing operational safety and convenience.

[0061] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial technical effects of the technical solution provided in this application include: By adding an integrated, foldable, and retractable support device to the front of the modular container, the support component 1 raises the front of the container 6 to the same height as the rear after unfolding, thus achieving horizontal placement of the modular container on the ground. This fundamentally solves the problem of damage caused by uneven force on the flip-down door due to the tilt of the container 6. As an integrated component of the modular container, this mechanism does not require additional padding; it can be flipped down for use and locked securely when retracted, without affecting normal loading and unloading operations of the vehicle. It has the advantages of simple structure, ease of use, and high reliability.

[0062] Those skilled in the art will understand that the steps, measures, and schemes in the various operations, methods, processes, and procedures discussed in this application can be alternated, modified, rearranged, decomposed, combined, or deleted.

[0063] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made based on the technical concept of this application should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A support device applied to the front of a modular box, characterized in that, include: A support assembly is rotatably connected to the front of the housing via a hinge to switch between an extended position for supporting the front of the housing and a retracted position stored under the housing. A drive-holding assembly, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the housing and the support assembly, is used to provide a holding force for the support assembly in the unfolded position; A locking component, which is fixed to the housing, is used to lock the support component in the folded position.

2. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support assembly includes a support tube and a pad. The upper end of the support tube is connected to the housing via the hinge, and the pad is fixed to the lower end of the support tube for contact with the ground.

3. The support device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support tube is a telescopic structure, including at least two relatively sliding sleeves, and is provided with a positioning mechanism for fixing its telescopic length. The pad is connected to the lower end of the support tube through a universal joint.

4. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive holding assembly is a gas spring, the cylinder of which is connected to the housing, and the rod of which is connected to the support assembly. The gas spring provides damping force when the support assembly moves from the unfolded position to the retracted position.

5. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive and holding assembly is an electric push rod. The cylinder of the electric push rod is connected to the housing, and the rod is connected to the support assembly. The electric push rod drives the support assembly to rotate around the hinge by extending and retracting the rod. The electric push rod has a built-in self-locking mechanism.

6. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking assembly includes a spring pin, which is fixed to the housing, and the support assembly has a pin hole that mates with the spring pin.

7. The support device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support device is also equipped with a manually operated handle.

8. A hook-type self-loading and unloading modular box, characterized in that, It includes a housing and a support device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the support device is installed on the front bottom edge of the housing.

9. The hook-type self-loading and unloading modular box according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a status sensor, a proximity sensor, and a tilt sensor. The status sensor faces the support device, the proximity sensor faces the pull arm hook at the front of the housing, and the tilt sensor is mounted on the housing.

10. The hook-type self-loading and unloading modular box according to claim 8, characterized in that, Two sets of support components are symmetrically arranged on the housing. Each set of support components includes a support tube and a pad. The two sets of support components are driven by the same drive and holding component or by their own independent drive and holding components.

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