Charging platform for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a loading platform for a vehicle transporter for transporting a vehicle on the vehicle transporter, wherein the loading platform is adjustable in length to the wheelbase of a vehicle to be loaded, wherein the loading platform has a vehicle carrier frame with a first and a second telescopically extendable base support parallel to each other and at one end of the vehicle carrier frame a first and a second cross support spaced apart therefrom for receiving a first wheel axle, wherein the base supports are connected by means of at least one,are telescopically extendable in at least one of the base carriers by means of a lifting cylinder arranged in at least one of the base carriers, and wherein the base carriers are connected to each other at a second end of the vehicle carrier frame by means of an extendable cross member, and wherein a first and second pluggable and lockable wheel recess bracket with two longitudinal webs and a transverse web arranged between them for receiving two wheels of a wheel axle of the vehicle is arranged in the extendable cross member, wherein, depending on the wheelbase of a vehicle, the wheel recess brackets can be mounted in front of or behind the extendable cross member, and wherein the wheel recess brackets can be fixed in their position with respect to the extendable cross member by means of locking elements arranged in the cross-section of the extendable cross member.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a loading platform for a vehicle and is particularly applicable for the transport of vehicles on a vehicle transporter.

[0002] A single loading platform, particularly for car transporters, is known from German patent application DE 690 26 968 T2. The loading platform has two longitudinal beams between which two crossbars are arranged. The crossbars are spaced such that they form a wheel recess for accommodating two wheels of one axle. The wheels of the second axle are arranged on a running plate. A disadvantage of this design is its operation and the fixed basic size. The operator must manually adjust the wheelbase to the required dimension of the vehicle to be transported, which requires considerable physical effort, and can only adjust the wheel recess to the respective wheel size in the area of ​​the crossbars.

[0003] Furthermore, the size of the load carrier (due to the longitudinal beams) is fixed and cannot be adapted to the vehicle being loaded. This means that, especially with smaller vehicles, the bulky design can be a hindrance, preventing optimal use of the cargo space. As a result, the load factor is negatively affected.

[0004] Publication EP 3 293 048 B1 discloses a loading platform for a car transporter. The loading platform has a first and second platform section, the second of which is slidable along a guide by means of a drive device. The length of the loading platform is fixed regardless of the position of the second platform section due to the guides. In the retracted position, the guides extend beyond the second loading platform. Because the drive device is located outside the loading platform, the width of the loading platform is limited in relation to the track width of the vehicles.

[0005] The load carriers used are primarily designed for vehicles with a cab due to their curvature and differ significantly in their detailed construction. These longitudinal beams are not suitable for other positions on the transport vehicle. Furthermore, the size of the rear wheel well is only adjustable to a limited extent.

[0006] Publication EP 3 687 856 B1 describes another loading platform with a wheel mount adjustable via one or more lifting elements for the wheels of a vehicle axle. The wheels are arranged in wheel recesses, and the loading platform has mounts for four wheels. Due to the internal hydraulic drive of the wheel recesses, which is equipped with a transversely mounted hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic oil supply with at least two hydraulic lines is required, which must be taken into account during the design.

[0007] Another loading platform is described in publication EP 3 476 652 B1. This loading platform's length is adjustable via external, top-mounted hydraulic cylinders. These cylinders are positioned on the longitudinal beams, but during entry and exit, they can cause unintended contact with the door of the vehicle being transported. Furthermore, the loader / operator has no option but to step onto the hydraulic cylinders, which poses an unnecessary risk of accidents. Additionally, increased installation space is required to accommodate different wheel sizes.

[0008] A loading platform with four recesses is known from publication WO 2018 / 178 610 A1. The loading platform is intended for the interior of a semi-trailer for the arrangement of several vehicles within the trailer.

[0009] From publication EP 0 277 896 B1, a support element for supporting a vehicle at its wheels is known. The wheels are received in pivoting support arms, with the pivoting being effected via a pivot bolt.

[0010] Document US 2022 / 0410789A1 describes another transport device in which the wheels are arranged between individual support arms. However, due to its large space requirement, this transport device is only conditionally suitable for use in a vehicle transporter.

[0011] From publication US 2017 / 0 217 354 A1, a loading platform with a receptacle for a wheel axle in the form of a recess is known, wherein different wheel diameters can be fixed in the receptacle by means of angled crossbars.

[0012] The described loading platform is not telescopic to the required extent and therefore cannot accommodate all wheelbases typical on the market. Furthermore, the loading platform only has a single-sided wheel recess system, meaning that only one axle can be inserted into the recess.

[0013] Further designs of loading platforms for transporting vehicles on a car carrier are known from publications WO 2018 / 178 441 A1 and EP 3 057 830 B1. In the loading platform according to EP 3 057 830 B1, the horizontal hydraulic cylinders are mounted next to the platform, preventing vehicles with a wide track from entering the wheel recess. The legally permissible vehicle width of 2.55 meters thus significantly restricts the track width.

[0014] The object of the invention is to develop a loading platform for a vehicle which has a simple structural design and offers maximum drive-through width and adaptability to different wheelbases and track widths of the vehicles being loaded. Furthermore, the physical strain on the operator during adjustment should be reduced.

[0015] This problem is solved using the features of the first patent claim.

[0016] Advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims.

[0017] The loading platform according to the invention for a vehicle transporter, for transporting a vehicle on the vehicle transporter, is adjustable in length to the wheelbase of a vehicle to be loaded, wherein the loading platform has a vehicle support frame with a first and a second telescopically extendable base support parallel to each other and at one end of the vehicle support frame a first and a second cross member spaced apart from it for receiving a first wheel axle. The base supports are telescopically extendable by means of at least one lifting cylinder arranged in at least one of the base supports.At a second end of the vehicle carrier frame, the base supports are connected to each other by means of an extendable crossbeam, wherein a first and second pluggable and lockable wheel recess bracket with two longitudinal webs and a transverse web arranged between them for receiving two wheels of a wheel axle of the vehicle is arranged in the extendable crossbeam, wherein, depending on the wheelbase of a vehicle, the wheel recess brackets can be mounted in front of or behind the extendable crossbeam and that the wheel recess brackets can be fixed in their position in relation to the extendable crossbeam by means of locking elements arranged in the cross-section of the extendable crossbeam.

[0018] Advantageously, adjustable insert crossbeams are arranged between the crossbeams to accommodate a wheel axle of a vehicle, with the wheels of a wheel axle resting between one of the crossbeams and the insert crossbeams.

[0019] Preferably, the locking element is designed in the form of a cassette system and inserted within the extendable traverse.

[0020] The cassette system is particularly preferred because it is replaceable within the extendable traverse.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the locking element has a first locking pin and a second locking pin opposite the first locking pin, wherein the locking pins are arranged within the extendable traverse pointing outwards from the locking element.

[0022] The locking pins are arranged in such a way that they fix the wheel well bracket at a first and second end.

[0023] The locking pins engage in bores on the inside and outside of the wheel well brackets, thus fixing the wheel well bracket.

[0024] Preferably, the locking pins of a locking element can be actuated simultaneously by means of a cable pull system.

[0025] Particularly preferred are the locking pins guided by means of bolts in longitudinal slots of a housing and / or a guide.

[0026] In one possible design, the locking pins can be reset by means of springs.

[0027] The present invention allows for adaptation to different wheelbases and track widths, as well as maximizing the passage width. A key requirement of this transport system is that the vehicle wheels can, in principle, be fully inserted into the wheel recesses of the loading platform, thus enabling the recesses to act as wheel chocks. Since, in this design, all four wheels of the vehicle being transported are located in wheel recesses, and loading must therefore take place by lowering the vehicle onto the lower roadway level, the design takes into account that all wheelbases of the passenger cars being transported can be accommodated.

[0028] The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment and accompanying drawings.

[0029] They show: Fig. 1 A general representation of the loading platform according to the invention in position for vehicles with a short wheelbase, Fig. 2. A representation of the loading platform in its maximum extension length for vehicles with a long wheelbase, Fig. 3 a representation of the lifting element inside the first base support, Fig. 4 a detailed representation of the wheel recess bracket in a first position, Fig. 5 a detailed representation of two wheel recess brackets in a first and opposite second position, Fig. 6. An extendable crossbeam with wheel recess brackets for large wheelbases and track widths, Fig. 7 the locking element in the extendable crossbeam, Fig. 8 the locking element in a view from below in the extendable cross member, Fig. 9 a closed locking element, Fig. 10 an open locking element, Fig. 11 a side view of the closed locking element, Fig. 12 a side view of the opened locking element, Fig. 13 a bottom view of the opened locking element.

[0030] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a loading platform according to the invention. The loading platform is designed to accommodate a vehicle with a short wheelbase. Fig. Figure 2 shows a loading platform extended to its maximum length to accommodate a vehicle with a long wheelbase.

[0031] The loading platform has a vehicle carrier frame 1 with a first and second telescopically extendable base frame 2, 3 parallel to each other, and at one end of the vehicle carrier frame 1 a first and a spaced-apart second crossbeam 4, 5 for receiving a first wheel axle. At the second end, the base frames 2, 3 are connected to each other by means of an extendable crossbeam 6. This crossbeam consists of the crossbeam 6.1 and the two lateral crossbeam extension profiles 6.2, 6.3.

[0032] The first base support 2 has a lifting cylinder 7 arranged within the base support 2, by means of which the first and second base supports 2, 3 are telescopically adjustable and thus the extendable crossbeam 6 is adjustable. The lifting cylinder 7 is designed according to Fig. 3 arranged in alignment with the extension direction of the telescopic base carrier and enables large parts of the required wheelbase adjustment.

[0033] An adjustable insert crossbeam 8 for receiving a first wheel axle of a vehicle is arranged between the crossbeams 4, 5, wherein the wheels of a wheel axle rest between one of the crossbeams 4, 5 and the insert crossbeam 8. The insert crossbeam 8 can be formed in one piece, or as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows that the assembly consists of two individual adjustable crossbeams. The insertion crossbeam 8 is adjustable in its distance from the length of the crossbeams 4, 5 by means of individual detents 8.1.

[0034] On the extendable crossbeam 6, a first and second reversible wheel recess bracket 9, 10 are arranged, which are designed to accommodate the wheels of a second axle of a vehicle. The wheel recess brackets 9, 10 are in Fig. 1. Mounted in an inward-facing position. In Fig. 2. The wheel recess brackets 9, 10 are mounted in an outward-facing position. The positioning of the wheel recess brackets 9, 10 can be adjusted depending on the wheelbase of the vehicle being loaded. Furthermore, the wheel recess brackets can be mounted closer together or further apart. This depends on the track width of the vehicle being loaded. The wheel recess brackets 9, 10 are each secured by a locking element 11, 12, which is arranged within the cross-section of the extendable cross member 6. For this purpose, the wheel recess brackets 9, 10 have bores into which the locking elements 11, 12 engage.

[0035] A wheel recess bracket 9, arranged in a extendable crossbeam 6, is in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shown.

[0036] The reversible wheel well bracket 9 according to Fig. 4 is inserted into the extendable crossbeam 6 in designated receptacles, pointing towards the crossbeams. The wheel recess bracket 9 has two longitudinal webs 9.1, 9.2 and a transverse web 9.3 arranged between them, and is positioned lying next to the base beam 2. In a position opposite to that shown, the wheel recess bracket 9 can be arranged with one longitudinal web 9.1 inside the base beam 2. This allows for a wider track width and longer wheelbases. The wheel recess bracket 9 is fixed in the extendable crossbeam 6 by means of the locking element 11. For this purpose, the locking element 11 engages in bores 9.4 in the longitudinal webs 9.1 and 9.2.

[0037] In the Fig. Figure 5 shows a wheel recess support bracket 10 in a first position for smaller vehicles and track widths, inserted from the rear into the cross member 6.1, and a wheel recess support bracket 10* in a second position for larger vehicles and wider track widths, inserted from the front into the cross member 6.1. The illustration of the two wheel recess support brackets 10, 10* serves only to demonstrate the possible installation positions. Simultaneous use of the wheel recess support brackets 10 and 10* is not intended. The wheel recess support bracket 10, 10* has a longitudinal web 10.1, 10.1*, a second longitudinal web 10.2, 10.2*, and a transverse web 10.3, 10.3* connecting the longitudinal webs 10.1, 10.2, 10.1*, 10.2*.

[0038] When the wheel recess bracket 10* is inserted from the front, the longitudinal web 10.1* is inserted into the laterally located cross member extension profile 6.3. Since vehicles with a long wheelbase generally also have a particularly wide track width, this design offers an excellent way to provide the required track width with sufficient safety clearance. This allows 1 / 6 of the wheel to be inserted into the wheel recess of the wheel recess bracket 9, 10. Short vehicles (small vehicles) have a relatively short wheelbase and a narrow track width. In this case, inserting the wheel recess bracket 10 from the rear into the cross member 6.1 allows the wheel with the short wheelbase and narrower track width to be inserted. The wheel recess bracket 10, 10* is fixed by means of the locking element 12 arranged within the cross member 6.1 in conjunction with bores 10.4, 10.4* within the longitudinal webs 10.1, 10.2, 10.1*, 10.2*.

[0039] In Fig. Figure 6 shows an extendable crossbeam 6 with a transverse crossbeam 6.1 and a first and second crossbeam extension profile 6.2, 6.3 and with a first and second wheel recess bracket 9, 10, wherein the longitudinal webs 9.1, 10.1 of the wheel recess brackets 9, 10 project into the crossbeam extension profiles 6.2, 6.3. The wheel recess bracket 9 is fixed by means of the locking element 11 and the wheel recess bracket 10 by means of the locking element 12. With such an arrangement, large wheelbases and track widths can be represented.

[0040] The Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows a locking element 11 within a cross member 6.1. The locking element 11 has an outwardly pointing locking pin 13 and a further inwardly pointing locking pin (not shown), the locking pins 13 engaging in the bores of the wheel well bracket. A lever 14 is also provided for locking and unlocking the wheel well bracket. The locking element 11 is optionally designed as a cassette system to allow for easy replacement and repair if necessary.

[0041] The Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig. Figure 13 shows a locking element 11 that can be inserted into the cross member 6.1 of the extendable cross member 6 on a first and a second side. The locking elements 11 and 12 can be identical or mirror images of each other.

[0042] The locking element 11 has a housing 15 and locking pins 13 on both sides, which are arranged in a guide 16 with a longitudinal slot 17. The locking pins 13 have a radially oriented bolt 18 that moves within the longitudinal slot 17.

[0043] According to the Fig. 9 and Fig. 11. The locking pins are extended. Accordingly, the lever 14 is in a flat position. In the Fig. 10 and Fig. 12 are the locking pins 13 when the lever 14 is in a retracted position in a vertical position.

[0044] The locking pins 13 are retracted by lifting the lever 14 using a cable 19, which runs over vertically oriented pulleys 20 and horizontally arranged pulleys 21. For this purpose, one end of the cable 19 is mounted at each end of the locking pins 13 located in the locking element 11. The vertical pulleys 20 and the horizontal pulleys 21 are connected to and mounted on the housing 15. When the lever 14 is lifted, the cable is pulled upwards via a pulley 22 on the lever 14, thereby moving the locking pins 13 inwards. The locking pins 13 are returned to their original position when the lever 14 is lowered by a first and a second spring 23 arranged coaxially around the locking pins 13. The first end of each spring 23 rests against a corresponding stop 24, which is fixed to the housing 15.The second end of the springs rests against an annular disc 25, with the disc being arranged behind the bolt 18 and acting upon it.

[0045] For ease of use, the lever 14 has at least one detent position by means of a detent element 26 arranged in the lever 14.

[0046] Fig. Figure 13 shows a bottom view of the locking element 11 according to the Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11 to Fig. 12. The locking pin 13 is retracted, and the locking element 11 is shown in the open position. The housing 15 also has longitudinal slots 27 on its underside, in which the bolts 18 are guided. The bolts 18 are designed such that they protrude through the locking pin 13 at both ends.

[0047] With the locking element 11 according to the Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12 to Fig.13 a flat design is possible, which can be installed as a cassette system within a retractable traverse. Reference symbol list 1 vehicle carrier frame 2 first basic support 3 second basic support 4 first crossbeam 5 second crossbeam 6 extendable crossbeams 6.1 Crossbeam 6.2 Crossbeam extension profile 6.3 Crossbeam extension profile 7 lifting cylinders 8 Insert crossbars 8.1 Resting points 9 first wheel well bracket 9.1 Longitudinal web 9.2 Longitudinal web 9.3 Crossbar 9.4 Bore 10 second wheel well bracket 10.1 Longitudinal web 10.2 Longitudinal web 10.3 Crossbar 11 Locking element 12 Locking element 13 locking pins 14 levers 15 cases 16 Leadership 17 longitudinal slots 18 bolts 19 cable pull 20 vertical pulleys 21 Horizontal pulleys 22 Pulley 23 spring 24 strikes 25 discs 26 locking element 27 longitudinal slots

Claims

Loading platform for a vehicle transporter for transporting a vehicle on the vehicle transporter, wherein the loading platform is adjustable in length to the wheelbase of a vehicle to be loaded, wherein the loading platform has a vehicle support frame (1) with a first and second telescopically extendable base support (2, 3) parallel to each other and at one end of the vehicle support frame (1) a first and a spaced-apart second cross member (4, 5) for receiving a first wheel axle, characterized in that the base supports (2, 3) are telescopically extendable by means of at least one lifting cylinder (7) arranged in at least one of the base supports (2, 3) and that at a second end of the vehicle support frame (1) the base supports (2, 3) are connected to each other by means of an extendable cross member (6) and that in the extendable cross member (6) a first and second pluggable and lockable wheel recess bracket (9, 10) with two longitudinal webs (9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2) and an intermediate crossbar (9.3, 10.3) for receiving two wheels of a wheel axle of the vehicle, wherein, depending on the wheelbase of a vehicle, the wheel recess brackets (9, 10) can be mounted in front of or behind the extendable crossbeam (6) and that the wheel recess brackets (9, 10) can be fixed in their position relative to the extendable crossbeam (6) by means of locking elements (11, 12) arranged in the cross-section of the extendable crossbeam (6). Loading platform according to claim 1, characterized in that adjustable insert crossbeams (8) for receiving a wheel axle of a vehicle are arranged between the crossbeams (4, 5), wherein the wheels of a wheel axle rest between one of the crossbeams (4, 5) and the insert crossbeams (8). Loading platform according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (11, 12) is designed in the form of a cassette system and is inserted within the extendable crossbeam (6). Loading platform according to claim 3, characterized in that the cassette system (11, 12) is interchangeable within the extendable traverse (6). Loading platform according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (11, 12) has a first locking pin (13) and a second locking pin (13) opposite the first locking pin (13), wherein the locking pins (13) are arranged within the extendable crossbeam (6) pointing outwards from the locking element (11, 12). Loading platform according to claim 5, characterized in that the locking pins (13) fix the wheel recess bracket (9, 10) at a first and second end. Loading platform according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that the locking pins (13) engage inside and outside in bores (9.4, 10.4) of the wheel recess brackets (9, 10) and fix the wheel recess brackets (9, 10). Loading platform according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the locking pins (13) of a locking element (9, 10) can be actuated simultaneously by means of a cable pull system. Loading platform according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the locking pins (13) are guided by means of bolts (18) in longitudinal slots (17) of a housing (15) and / or a guide (16). Loading platform according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the locking pins (13) can be reset by means of springs (23).

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