Tugger train trailer

Abstract

Tugger train trailer (2) with a chassis (5) and a transport device (6) for receiving at least one load carrier (LT) having rollers (R), wherein the tugger train trailer (2) is provided with a locking means (15) with which the received load carrier (LT) can be locked in the vehicle transverse direction (Q) of the tugger train trailer (2), characterized in that the locking means (15) has at least one blocking element (16a; 16b) which can be actuated between a locking position and an unlocking position, which is arranged in a vertical guide (17) of the tugger train trailer (2) so as to be adjustable between the locking position and the unlocking position and which cooperates with the received load carrier (LT) in the locking position, wherein the blocking element (16a; 16b) is actuated by a spring device (20) in the direction of the locking position and by means of at least one operating element (21a;21b) can be actuated into the unlocking position.;

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tugger train trailer with a chassis and a transport device for receiving at least one load carrier having rollers, wherein the tugger train trailer is provided with a locking means with which the received load carrier can be locked in the transverse direction of the tugger train trailer.

[0002] For the internal transport of loads, for example in the production area of ​​manufacturing companies, tugger trains are increasingly being used. These consist of a towing vehicle, for example a tractor, and a number of tugger train trailers attached to the tractor, on which load carriers with corresponding loads are transported.

[0003] EP 3 126 190 B1 discloses a tugger train trailer of this type, which is provided with a locking means that secures a load carrier in the transverse direction of the tugger train trailer. The locking means is formed by several mechanically actuated locking pawls and switching pawls that can be driven over by the load carrier. Corresponding pawls are arranged on the left side of the tugger train trailer and on the right side of the tugger train trailer, which are coupled to one another. When the load carrier is pushed onto the tugger train trailer, the load carrier drives over the pawls and is pressed downward into an unlocked position by the load carrier's external longitudinal beams.The load carrier mounted on the transport device is secured in the transverse direction of the tugger train trailer by means of the upwardly extended latches, which interact with the longitudinal beams of the load carrier.

[0004] The locking means known from EP 3 126 190 B1, which consists of several latches on the left side of the tugger train trailer and on the right side of the tugger train trailer, is complex to construct due to the large number of components. Furthermore, the locking means known from EP 3 126 190 B1 requires that the load carrier with its two outer longitudinal members be adapted to the dimensions of the latches of the trailer train in terms of their lateral spacing and their height above the roadway, in order to ensure that the load carrier held on the transport device of the tugger train trailer is securely locked against unintentional movement in the transverse direction of the tugger train trailer when the tugger train trailer is in operation.

[0005] The present invention is based on the object of providing a tugger train trailer of the type mentioned above which is improved with regard to the disadvantages mentioned.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention in that the locking means has at least one blocking element which can be actuated between a locking position and an unlocking position, which is arranged in a vertical guide of the tugger train trailer so as to be adjustable between the locking position and the unlocking position and which interacts with the received load carrier in the locking position, wherein the blocking element is actuated by a spring device in the direction of the locking position and can be actuated into the unlocking position by means of at least one operating element.The locking means comprises at least one locking element that can be actuated between a locking position and an unlocking position. The locking element is arranged in a vertical guide of the tugger train trailer so that it can be adjusted between the locking position and the unlocking position. In the locking position, the locking element interacts with the received load carrier to lock it, for example, it can be brought into engagement with the received load carrier. The locking element is actuated by a spring device in the direction of the locking position and can be actuated into the unlocking position by means of at least one operating element.Such a locking element, which is arranged in a vertical guide of the tugger train trailer so as to be adjustable between the locking position and the unlocking position, has a simple structure with few components and can be easily actuated by a spring device in the direction of the locking position and by means of at least one operating element into the unlocking position. In the locking position, the locking element, which is arranged so as to be adjustable in the vertical direction, can engage, for example, in a locking recess formed on the load carrier in order to lock the load carrier received on the receiving device of the tugger train trailer in the transverse direction of the vehicle. As a result, the load carrier can be easily adjusted and adapted to the tugger train trailer and its locking means by providing a corresponding locking recess.

[0007] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the vertical guide of the tugger train trailer is formed by a slotted hole arranged vertically on the tugger train trailer, in particular on the transport device, through which the locking element extends. Such a slotted hole allows a vertical guide for the locking element to be formed with minimal construction effort.

[0008] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking element is arranged substantially centrally in the transverse direction of the vehicle. This allows a load carrier to be easily locked in the transverse direction of the vehicle with the locking element in a transport device that can be loaded from both sides, i.e., from both sides of the vehicle. Furthermore, load carriers of different widths that are picked up on the transport device of the tugger train trailer can be easily locked with the locking element.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking element is designed as a locking bolt or a locking rod. The locking bolt or locking rod preferably extends with its longitudinal axis in the longitudinal direction of the tugger train trailer. The locking bolt preferably has a circular cross-section. The locking rod can preferably have a circular cross-section or a rectangular cross-section.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, an operating element is provided on each of the opposite sides of the tugger train trailer, with each of the two operating elements being able to actuate the locking element into the unlocking position. This allows for easy operation and actuation of the locking element into the unlocking position from both sides of the tugger train trailer.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking element is arranged on a locking frame, wherein a first pivot point for attaching the spring device is formed on the locking frame, and wherein a second pivot point for attaching the spring device is formed on the tugger train trailer, in particular on the transport device. A locking frame provided with the locking element, to which the spring device is pivoted, makes it possible to form a simply constructed locking means consisting of only a single movable assembly, namely the locking frame.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one operating element is arranged on the locking frame. This further reduces the construction complexity of the locking means, since the at least one operating element is formed directly on the locking frame. The operating element can preferably be manually actuated with the foot of an operator.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spring device comprises at least one spring, which is designed as a tension spring or a compression spring. With a spring device formed by at least one tension spring and / or compression spring, the locking frame provided with the blocking element can be easily biased into the locking position and actuated.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transport device is arranged such that it can be raised and lowered relative to the chassis by means of a lifting device and is designed as a platform for the rollers of the load carrier to roll onto. In the lowered position of the transport device, the transport device designed as a platform is preferably lowered onto the roadway, so that for loading the tugger train trailer, the load carrier can be moved on its rollers into the transport device designed as a platform, or for unloading the tugger train trailer, the load carrier can be moved on its rollers out of the transport device designed as a platform.In the raised position of the transport device, the transport device designed as a platform is preferably lifted off the roadway so that the load carrier standing on the transport device with its rollers can be transported over longer distances without moving with its rollers on the roadway.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transport device is provided with a securing device with which the picked-up load carrier can be secured in the transverse direction of the tugger train trailer. The securing device is actuated into a release position in the lowered position of the transport device and can be actuated into a securing position when the transport device is raised by means of the lifting device into the raised position of the transport device. The securing device can be used to achieve redundant securing of the load carrier located on the transport device against unintentional movements in the transverse direction of the tugger train trailer.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transport device has a vertical wall extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is provided with the vertical guide. The vertical guide can be easily formed in a vertical wall of the transport device without additional components.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the chassis is arranged substantially centrally in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and the transport device has a tunnel extending in the vehicle's transverse direction, within which tunnel the chassis is arranged, wherein the tunnel has a front vertical wall extending in the vehicle's transverse direction and a rear vertical wall extending in the vehicle's transverse direction, wherein the front vertical wall and the rear vertical wall are each provided with a vertical guide, wherein the locking means has a first locking element extending through the vertical guide of the front vertical wall, and a second locking element extending through the vertical guide of the rear vertical wall. Corresponding vertical guides for two locking elements can be easily formed in the two vertical walls of the tunnel.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking frame is arranged within the tunnel, with the operating elements arranged on opposite sides of the tugger train trailer being accessible at the tunnel openings. This enables the locking frame to be installed within the tunnel in a manner protected from damage, while ensuring good accessibility and ergonomic operation of the operating elements at the tunnel openings arranged on the opposite sides of the tugger train trailer.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the tunnel has a roof connecting the front vertical wall to the rear vertical wall, wherein the locking frame is biased by the spring device into contact with the roof. This allows a simple stop for the locking frame to be achieved, which defines the locking position of the blocking element.

[0020] The invention further relates to a system comprising a tugger train trailer according to the invention, as described above, and at least one load carrier having rollers. The load carrier is provided with a locking recess that interacts with the locking element, and the locking element engages the locking recess in the locking position. The load carrier provided with the locking recess, into which the locking element engages in the locking position, can thus be easily secured against unintentional movement in the transverse direction of the vehicle when accommodated on the transport device on the tugger train trailer.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the load carrier is provided with actuating bevels adjacent to the locking recess for actuating the locking element. When the load carrier is inserted into the transport device, the locking element can thus be actuated downwards by means of the actuating bevels against the force of the spring device, so that when the load carrier is moved into the transport device, the locking element is actuated without any additional operating effort.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking recess is formed on a vertical plate arranged on the load carrier. Such a plate can be easily arranged or retrofitted on the load carrier in order to lock the load carrier with the locking means of the tugger train trailer.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the vertical plate is provided with the actuating bevels. The actuating bevels can be easily manufactured on the vertical plates.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the vertical plate is provided with at least one insertion bevel designed to interact with the vertical wall of the tugger train trailer. With such an insertion bevel, which interacts with the vertical wall, the load carrier can be easily guided and centered during insertion into the transport device.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the load carrier is provided with two vertical plates arranged parallel to one another on the load carrier, wherein the spacing of the vertical plates of the load carrier is matched to the spacing of the front vertical wall and the rear vertical wall of the tunnel of the tugger train trailer. Preferably, the spacing of the two vertical plates of the load carrier is slightly greater than the spacing of the front vertical wall and the rear vertical wall of the tunnel of the tugger train trailer. Thus, the two vertical plates can be used to easily secure the load carrier held on the transport device against unintentional forward and rearward movement in the direction of travel of the tugger train trailer. The invention offers a number of advantages:

[0026] The locking means comprises only a single movable assembly, the locking frame and the locking element and operating element arranged thereon, which enables the picked-up load carrier to be locked in the case of a tugger train trailer which can be loaded and unloaded with a load carrier from both sides of the vehicle.

[0027] The load carrier can be inserted onto the tugger train trailer from either side of the vehicle. With the tugger train trailer according to the invention, the loaded load carrier is locked automatically when the load carrier is inserted into the transport device. By operating the control element, the locking element and thus the locking mechanism can be moved into the unlocked position, allowing the load carrier to be unloaded from the tugger train trailer on either side of the vehicle.

[0028] Existing load carriers, for example trolleys, can be made compatible with the locking means of the tugger train trailer according to the invention with little construction effort by simply retrofitting one or more vertical plates, each of which is provided with a locking recess into which the locking element of the tugger train trailer can engage.

[0029] The locking device according to the invention makes it possible to transport load carriers of different widths, lengths, and heights (underride height) on the tugger train trailer and to lock them against unwanted movement in the transverse direction of the vehicle using the locking element. The locking element on the tugger train trailer, which engages in the locking recess on the picked-up load carrier to lock it, automatically centers and locks the picked-up load carrier.

[0030] The locking means according to the invention further reduces the movement of the load carrier mounted on the tugger train trailer.

[0031] The complexity of the locking means is reduced in the tugger train trailer according to the invention due to the small number of components.

[0032] Further advantages and details of the invention will be explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the embodiment shown in the schematic figures. Fig. 1 a tugger train with a tugger train trailer according to the invention in a perspective view, Fig. 2 shows the tugger train trailer according to the invention with the locking element of the locking means in the locking position in an enlarged view, Fig. 3 the tugger train trailer of the Fig. 2 with the locking element of the locking means in the unlocking position, Fig. 4 a section along the line AA of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 the locking frame of the tugger train trailer according to the invention in a perspective view.

[0033] In the Fig. 1 shows a tugger train 1 with a tugger train trailer 2 according to the invention for internal material transport.

[0034] The tugger train 1 comprises a towing vehicle 3 and at least one tugger train trailer 2 pulled by the towing vehicle 3.

[0035] The tugger train trailer 2 has - as shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, a chassis 5 and a transport device 6. The transport device 6 is designed to accommodate at least one load carrier LT having rollers R, for example a trolley.

[0036] The tugger train trailer 2 is thus designed to carry at least one load carrier LT.

[0037] The load carrier LT has several rollers R that allow the respective load carrier LT to be moved along the floor. The load carrier LT can be loaded with a load LG.

[0038] The transport device 6 of the tugger train trailer 2 is arranged so that it can be raised and lowered relative to the chassis 5 by means of a lifting device not shown in detail.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the transport device 6 of the tugger train trailer 2 comprises a platform 7 onto which the load carrier LT can drive with its rollers R. The platform 7 extends in the transverse direction Q of the tugger train trailer 2.

[0040] By means of the lifting device, the transport device 6 and thus the platform 7 can be lowered to the ground and lifted from the ground.

[0041] In the position lowered to the ground, in order to load the tugger train trailer 2 with a load carrier LT, the load carrier LT can be pushed or pulled with the rollers R from both sides of the tugger train trailer 2 in the vehicle transverse direction Q of the tugger train trailer 2 onto the platform 7, and in order to unload the tugger train trailer 2 from the load carrier LT, the load carrier LT can be pushed or pulled with the rollers to both sides of the tugger train trailer 2 in the vehicle transverse direction Q of the tugger train trailer 2 from the platform 7.

[0042] By means of the lifting device, the transport device 6 and thus the platform 7 can be raised from the ground. During operation of the tugger train 1, the transport device 6 is raised from the ground so that the load carriers LT standing on the platform 7 do not run along the ground with their rollers R.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment of the tugger train trailer 12, the chassis 5 is arranged essentially centrally - viewed in the longitudinal direction L of the tugger train trailer 2. The transport device 6 has a tunnel 8 extending in the vehicle transverse direction Q, within which the chassis 5 is arranged. The tunnel 8 has a front vertical wall 8a extending in the vehicle transverse direction Q and a rear vertical wall 8b extending in the vehicle transverse direction Q. In the vertically upper region, the two vertical walls 8a, 8b are connected by a roof 8c. In the vertically lower region, a front platform section 7a of the platform 7 is arranged on the front vertical wall 8a. In the vertically lower region, a rear platform section 7b of the platform 7 is arranged on the rear vertical wall 8b.

[0044] The chassis 5 has two wheels or rollers 10 arranged at a distance from one another in the vehicle transverse direction Q, which are arranged to rotate about a horizontal axis of rotation D extending in the vehicle transverse direction Q.

[0045] The transport device 6 thus comprises the vertical walls 8a, 8b and the roof 8c of the tunnel 8 and the two platform sections 7a, 7b of the platform 7 and can be raised and lowered as a whole relative to the chassis 5 by means of the lifting device.

[0046] The tugger train trailer 1 is - as in the Fig. 2 to 5 can be seen in more detail - is provided with a locking means 15 with which the picked up load carrier LT can be locked in the transverse direction Q of the tugger train trailer 1.

[0047] The locking means 15 has at least one locking element 16a, 16b which can be actuated between a locking position and an unlocking position, which is arranged in a vertical guide 17 of the tugger train trailer 2 so as to be adjustable between the locking position and the unlocking position and which interacts with the received load carrier LT in the locking position.

[0048] The locking element 16a, 16b is actuated by a spring device 20 in the direction of the locking position and can be actuated into the unlocking position by means of at least one operating element 21a, 21b.

[0049] The vertical guide 17 of the tugger train trailer 2 is formed by an elongated hole 18 arranged vertically on the tugger train trailer 2, in the illustrated embodiment, on the transport device 6, through which the locking element 16a, 16b extends.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 16a, 16b is arranged essentially centrally in the vehicle transverse direction Q of the tugger train trailer 2.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 16a, 16b is designed as a locking bolt or locking rod. The locking element 16a, 16b extends with its longitudinal axis in the longitudinal direction L of the tugger train trailer 2.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, an operating element 21a, 21b is provided on each of the two opposite vehicle sides of the tugger train trailer 2, wherein the locking element 16a, 16b can be actuated into the unlocking position with each of the two operating elements 21a, 21b.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 16a, 16b is arranged on a locking frame 25, wherein a first articulation point AP1 for fastening the spring device 20 is formed on the locking frame and a second articulation point AP2 for fastening the spring device 20 is formed on the tugger train trailer 2, in particular on the transport device 6.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the second articulation point AP2 is formed on the roof 8c of the tunnel 8.

[0055] At least one operating element 21a, 21b is also arranged on the locking frame 25.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, two blocking elements 16a, 16b are provided, wherein the front vertical wall 8a and the rear vertical wall 8b of the tunnel 8 are each provided with a vertical guide 17, wherein the blocking element 16a extends through the vertical guide 17 of the front vertical wall 8a and the blocking element 16b extends through the vertical guide 17 of the rear vertical wall 8b.

[0057] The locking frame 25 has - as shown in the Fig. 5, the locking element 16a is fastened to a support 25a extending in the transverse direction Q of the vehicle, to which support the locking element 16a is fastened, and a support 25b extending in the transverse direction Q of the vehicle, to which support the locking element 16b is fastened. The two supports 25a, 25b are arranged parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another in the vehicle longitudinal direction L, the two supports 25a, 25b being connected to one another by means of connectors 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction L. The connectors 26a, 26d simultaneously form the operating elements 21a, 21b.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring device 20 comprises several, for example four, springs, whose first articulation points AP1 are formed on the supports 25a, 25b.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the springs of the spring device 20 are each designed as tension springs.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking frame 25 is arranged within the tunnel 8. The operating elements 21a, 21b arranged on opposite sides of the tugger train trailer 2 are accessible at the two lateral tunnel openings of the tunnel 8. In the illustrated embodiment, a recess 8d is formed in the roof 8c at each of the lateral ends of the tunnel 8, through which the operating element 21a or 21b is accessible from above and can be actuated by an operator, for example, by pressing down with the foot.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking frame 25 arranged within the tunnel 8 is acted upon by the spring device 20 vertically upwards into contact with the roof 8c.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the transport device 6 is provided with a securing device 30, with which the picked-up load carrier LT can be secured in the transverse direction Q of the tugger train trailer 1. The securing device 30 has a securing latch 31 on each side of the vehicle, which is arranged on the transport device 6 so as to be pivotable about a horizontal axis of rotation D1 extending in the transverse direction Q of the vehicle. Fig. 2, Fig. 3 shows the safety latch 31 located on the right side of the vehicle. A second identical safety latch 31 is located on the opposite left side of the vehicle. The safety latch 31 is in the position shown in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, the lowered position of the transport device 6 is actuated into a release position in which the securing pawl 31 is located below the level of the roof 8c. If the transport device 6 is raised by means of the lifting device, the securing pawl 31 is pivoted upwards by approximately 90° about the axis of rotation D1 into a securing position by means of a coupling lever 32 connected to the chassis 5, so that the upwardly pivoted securing pawl 31 projects upwards above the roof 8c and can come into contact with longitudinal struts 40a, 40b of the received load carrier LT.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the load carrier LT has a frame-like support structure comprising the two outer longitudinal struts 40a, 40b and a plurality of transverse struts 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d connected to the two longitudinal struts 40a, 40b. A roller R is arranged at each of the four corners of the frame-like support structure; these rollers can be designed as fixed casters and / or swivel casters.

[0064] The load carrier LT is provided with a locking recess 45 which interacts with the locking element 16a or 16b, wherein the locking element 16a or 16b engages in the corresponding locking recess 45 of the load carrier LT in the locking position.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking recess 45 is formed on a vertical plate 46a or 46b arranged on the load carrier LT.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the load carrier LT is provided with two vertical plates 46a, 46b, each of which has a locking recess 45 formed therein. The vertical plate 46a, with the locking recess 45 arranged therein, interacts with the locking element 16a. The vertical plate 46b, with the locking recess arranged therein, interacts with the locking element 16b.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical plates 46a, 46b are arranged on the cross struts 41c, 41d and extend in the longitudinal direction of the cross struts 41c, 41d.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical plates 46a, 46b are each provided with actuating bevels 49a, 49b adjacent to the locking recess 45 for actuating the locking element 16a or 16b.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical plates 46a, 46b are further provided with insertion bevels 50a, 50b, which are designed to interact with the vertical wall 8a or 8b of the tugger train trailer 2.

[0070] The two vertical plates 46a, 46b are arranged parallel to each other on the load carrier LT. The spacing of the vertical plates 46a, 46b on the load carrier LT is coordinated with the spacing of the front vertical wall 8a and the rear vertical wall 8b of the tunnel 8 of the tugger train trailer 2. Preferably, the spacing of the vertical plates 46a, 46b on the load carrier LT is slightly greater, for example, 1 cm to 5 cm, than the spacing of the front vertical wall 8a and the rear vertical wall 8b of the tunnel 8 of the tugger train trailer 2.

[0071] The locking means 15 of the tugger train trailer 2 according to the invention operates as follows.

[0072] In the non-actuated state of the operating elements 21a, 21b, the locking frame 25 is actuated vertically upwards by the spring device 20 in contact with the roof 8c of the tunnel 8 of the tugger train trailer 2 ( Fig. 4). The locking elements 16a, 16b arranged on the locking frame 25, designed as locking bolts, which are guided in the vertical guides 17 designed as elongated holes 18, are biased vertically upwards and are in the locking position.

[0073] To load the tugger train trailer 2 with a load carrier LT, the transport device 6 is lowered to the ground using the lifting device. By lowering the transport device 6, the safety latches 31 are also pivoted downwards into the release position ( Fig. 2).

[0074] The load carrier LT can then be pushed or pulled from the left or right side of the tugger train trailer 2 with its rollers R onto the platforms 7a, 7b lowered to the ground.

[0075] When pushing the load carrier LT onto the tugger train trailer 2, the insertion bevels 50a and 50b located at the front in the insertion direction enable easier threading of the load carrier LT with the vertical plates 46a, 46b on the vertical walls 8a, 8b of the tunnel 8. With the vertical plates 46a, 46b, the load carrier LT is further centered in the vehicle longitudinal direction L on the vertical walls 8a, 8b of the tunnel 8 and thus on the tugger train trailer 2.

[0076] When the load carrier LT is pushed onto the tugger train trailer 2, the corresponding locking element 16a, 16b is also pushed downwards against the force of the spring device 20 by the actuating bevel 49a or 49b located at the front in the insertion direction. If, with a corresponding insertion position of the load carrier LT, the locking recess 45 in the vertical plates 46a, 46b corresponds to the position of the locking elements 16a, 16b, the locking frame 25 and thus the locking elements 16a, 16b are pushed upwards into the locking position by the spring device 20, whereby the locking elements 16a, 16b engage in the locking recesses 45 and secure and lock the picked-up load carrier LT in the vehicle's transverse direction Q ( Fig. 2).

[0077] The transport device 6 with the load carrier LT located thereon can then be lifted from the ground using the lifting device. By lifting the transport device 6, the securing latches 31 are pivoted upward into the securing position. The securing latches 31 pivoted into the securing position can engage the outer longitudinal struts 40a, 40b of the picked-up load carrier LT, so that the securing latches 31 limit the movement of the picked-up load carrier LT in the transverse direction Q of the vehicle if the locking elements 16a, 16b do not engage correctly in the locking recesses 45 during loading of the load carrier LT.

[0078] When loading the tugger train trailer 2 with the load carrier LT, the locking elements 16a, 16b require no operation. The locking elements 16a, 16b are automatically activated when loading the tugger train trailer 2 with the load carrier LT and automatically engage the locking recesses 45 of the load carrier LT.

[0079] When the locking elements 16a, 16b are engaged in the locking recesses 45 of the load carrier LT, the received load carrier LT is secured against undesired movements in the transverse direction Q of the tugger train trailer 2, wherein the vertical plates 46a, 46b, which are located adjacent to the vertical walls 8a, 8b, continue to minimize the movement play of the received load carrier LT in the longitudinal direction L of the tugger train trailer 2.

[0080] To unload the tugger train trailer 2 with a load carrier LT, the transport device 6 is lowered to the ground using the lifting device. By lowering the transport device 6, the safety latches 31 are also pivoted downwards into the release position ( Fig. 2).

[0081] By selectively actuating one of the two operating elements 21a or 21b downwards, for example by pressing the operating element 21a or 21b with the foot, the locking elements 16a, 16b guided in the vertical guides 17 can be actuated downwards against the force of the spring device 20 into the unlocking position, in which the locking elements 16a, 16b are disengaged from the locking recess 45 in the vertical plates 46a, 46b and the load carrier LT is unlocked ( Fig. 3).

[0082] The load carrier LT can then be pushed or pulled out of the tugger train trailer 2 to the left or right side of the vehicle, respectively, with its rollers R from the platforms 7a, 7b lowered to the ground.

[0083] The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in the figures.

[0084] Instead of the spring device 20 being designed with tension springs, compression springs can be used which engage the locking frame 25 at the bottom and push it upwards.

[0085] Furthermore, a different number of springs of the spring device 20 can be provided and / or the mounting position of the springs can be varied.

[0086] The transport device 6 of the tugger train trailer 2 can alternatively be formed by lifting lips or a lifting platform or by liftable / lowerable forks that interact with the frame-like support structure of the load carrier LT.

[0087] The tugger train trailer 2 can alternatively have as chassis 5 a front axle module with front wheels and a rear axle module with rear wheels, between which the transport device 6 is arranged, preferably arranged so as to be liftable and lowerable. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 126 190 B1 [0003, 0004]

Claims

[1] Route train trailer (2) with a chassis (5) and a transport device (6) for receiving at least one load carrier (LT) having rollers (R), wherein the route train trailer (2) is provided with a locking means (15) with which the received load carrier (LT) can be locked in the transverse direction (Q) of the route train trailer (2), characterized by, that the locking means (15) has at least one locking element (16a; 16b) that can be actuated between a locking position and an unlocking position, which is adjustably arranged in a vertical guide (17) of the tugger train trailer (2) between the locking position and the unlocking position and which interacts with the load carrier (LT) in the locking position, wherein the locking element (16a; 16b) is actuated by a spring device (20) in the direction of the locking position and can be actuated into the unlocking position by means of at least one operating element (21a; 21b). [2] Route train trailer (2) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the vertical guidance (17) of the tugger train trailer (2) is formed by an elongated hole (18) arranged in a vertical direction on the tugger train trailer (2), in particular on the transport device (6), through which the locking element (16a; 16b) extends. [3] Route train trailer (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the locking element (16a; 16b) is arranged substantially centrally in the transverse direction (Q) of the vehicle. [4] Route train trailer (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the locking element (16a; 16b) is designed as a locking bolt or as a locking rod. [5] Route train trailer (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that on opposite sides of the vehicle of the tugger train trailer (1) a control element (21a, 21b) is provided, wherein with each of the two control elements (21a, 21b) the locking element (16a; 16b) can be actuated into the unlocking position. [6] Route train trailer (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that the locking element (16a; 16b) is arranged on a locking frame (25), wherein a first pivot point (AP1) for attaching the spring device (20) is formed on the locking frame (25) and wherein a second pivot point (AP2) for attaching the spring device (20) is formed on the tugger train trailer (2), in particular on the transport device (6). [7] Route train trailer (2) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the locking frame (25) has at least one operating element (21a; 21b) arranged. [8] Route train trailer (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the spring assembly (20) has at least one spring, which is designed as either a tension spring or a compression spring. [9] Route train trailer (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by, that the transport device (6) is arranged to be raised and lowered relative to the chassis (5) by means of a lifting device and is designed as a platform (7; 7a, 7b) for driving the rollers (R) of the load carrier (LT) onto it. [10] Route train trailer (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the transport device (6) is provided with a securing device (30) with which the received load carrier (LT) can be secured in the transverse direction (Q) of the tugger train trailer (2), wherein the securing device (20) is actuated into a release position in the lowered position of the transport device (6) and can be actuated into a securing position when the transport device (6) is raised by means of the lifting device into the raised position of the transport device (6). [11] Route train trailer (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by, that the transport device (6) has a vertical wall (8a; 8b) extending in the transverse direction (Q) of the vehicle, which is provided with the vertical guide (17). [12] Route train trailer (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by, that the chassis (5) is arranged substantially centrally in the longitudinal direction (L) of the vehicle and the transport device (6) has a tunnel (8) extending in the transverse direction (Q) of the vehicle, within which the chassis (5) is arranged, wherein the tunnel (8) has a front vertical wall (8a) extending in the transverse direction (Q) of the vehicle and a rear vertical wall (8b) extending in the transverse direction (Q) of the vehicle, wherein the front vertical wall (8a) and the rear vertical wall (8a) are each provided with a vertical guide (17), wherein the locking means (15) has a first locking element (16a) extending through the vertical guide (17) of the front vertical wall (8a) and a second locking element (16b) extending through the vertical guide (17) of the rear vertical wall (8b). [13] Route train trailer (2) according to claim 12, characterized by, that the locking frame (25) is arranged inside the tunnel (8), wherein the operating elements (21, 21b) arranged on opposite sides of the tugger train trailer (1) are accessible at tunnel openings of the tunnel (8). [14] Route train trailer (2) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by , that the tunnel (8) has a roof (8c) connecting the front vertical wall (8a) with the rear vertical wall (8b), wherein the locking frame (25) is acted upon by the spring device (20) in contact with the roof (8c). [15] System comprising a tugger train trailer (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a load carrier (LT) having at least one roller (R), wherein the load carrier (LT) is provided with a locking recess (45) cooperating with the locking element (16a; 16b), wherein the locking element (16a; 16b) engages in the locking recess (45) in the locking position. [16] System according to claim 15, characterized by , that the load carrier (LT) is provided adjacent to the locking recess (45) with actuating ramps (49a; 49b) for actuating the locking element (16a; 16b). [17] System according to claim 15 or 16, characterized by , that the locking recess (45) is formed on a vertical plate (46a; 46b) arranged on the load carrier (LT). [18] System according to claim 17, characterized by , that the vertical plate (46a; 46b) is provided with the actuating ramps (49a; 49a). [19] System according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by , that the vertical plate (46a; 46b) is provided with at least one insertion ramp (50a; 50b) designed to interact with the vertical wall (8a; 8b) of the route train trailer (2). [20] System according to claim 19, characterized by, that the load carrier (LT) is provided with two vertical plates (46a, 46b) arranged parallel to each other on the load carrier (LT), wherein the distance between the vertical plates (35a, 36b) of the load carrier (LT) is matched to the distance between the front vertical wall (8a) and the rear vertical wall (8b) of the tunnel (8) of the tugger train trailer (2).

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