VEHICLE BODY

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle body having the features of the preamble of claim 1, a vehicle, in particular a transport vehicle for the transport of agricultural or forestry goods, having such a vehicle body and a method for emitting a warning signal in such a vehicle body.

[0002] Vehicles for the transport of agricultural or forestry goods, such as tree trunks, (pressed) bales, branches, and the like, have a vehicle body that typically includes a support structure extending in a longitudinal direction and a stanchion structure arranged on the support structure. Such a transport vehicle can be, for example, a truck or a forestry trailer, which can be equipped with a crane to load the agricultural or forestry goods onto the vehicle body or unload them from the vehicle body (see, for example, US 10,427,582 B2). The stanchion structure of a generic vehicle body has at least one pair of stanchions comprising two support rods in the form of stanchions arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction and spaced from one another for holding the agricultural or forestry goods.

[0003] When unloading tree trunks using a crane (e.g. a crane mounted on the vehicle itself or a wheel loader) with a grapple as a working tool in order to be able to grip the tree trunks and lift them over the stanchion structure, there is a risk with a conventional vehicle body, particularly with tree trunks stored laterally in the area of ​​the stanchions, that the vehicle body or devices attached to it (e.g. a subframe of the vehicle body or fenders or tool boxes attached to it) will be damaged when the grapple is closed, since the position of the grapple tip can often not be correctly seen or estimated by the crane operator.

[0004] The object of the invention is to counteract this danger or problem. In particular, it is to provide a vehicle structure that is improved compared to the prior art.

[0005] This object is achieved by a vehicle body having the features of claim 1, a vehicle having such a vehicle body, and a method having the features of claim 14. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0006] The invention provides that the vehicle body comprises at least one detection device, which is connected to a signaling device in a signal-conducting manner, for detecting a moving object in the vicinity of the stanchion structure. Sensor data from the at least one detection device can be reported to the signaling device, and a warning signal can be output by the signaling device depending on the sensor data. The moving object to be detected can, for example, be a working device attached to a crane or wheel loader (e.g., a grapple for gripping tree trunks), which is moved in the vicinity of the stanchion structure during the manipulation of agricultural or forestry goods.

[0007] This allows the operator of a lifting device, such as an articulated boom crane, to be issued a warning signal when a work tool attached to the lifting device for loading or unloading agricultural or forestry goods approaches the stanchion structure. This alerts the operator to an impending collision of the work tool with the vehicle body before any damage to the vehicle body occurs. The warning signal can be visual and / or acoustic.

[0008] Preferably, it can be provided that the at least one detection device has at least one predetermined or predeterminable detection range, wherein the sensor data reported by the at least one detection device to the signaling device comprise a detection signal when the at least one detection device detects an object within the at least one detection range. It can also be provided that a detection device has several predetermined or predeterminable detection ranges, and different detection signals are reported to the signaling device depending on which of the detection ranges an object is detected in. Accordingly, different warning signals can also be output.It is conceivable that the detection of an object, for example a gripper, in a first detection area causes a preliminary warning (for example a quiet beeping and / or the illumination of a yellow signal light) and the detection of the object in a second detection area, for example within the first detection area or closer to the stanchion structure, causes a critical warning (for example a loud beeping and / or the illumination of a red signal light).

[0009] The at least one detection device may be an optical sensor in which at least one detection area can be configured to correspond to the at least one detection area.

[0010] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one detection device comprises a distance sensor, wherein the sensor data preferably comprises distance information of an object detected by the distance sensor. The distance information can be of a discrete nature in that it only contains the information as to whether an object is detected or not. However, the distance information can also be data characterizing the respective distance of the object from the distance sensor detected by the distance sensor, for example, concrete distance values ​​that are continuously detected (continuously or discretely over time) by the distance sensor. It can be provided that the signaling device outputs a warning signal if the distance between the object and the distance sensor detected by the distance sensor falls below a predetermined or predeterminable value.

[0011] The distance sensor can be an acoustic or electromagnetic (e.g. optical) distance sensor, which in a conventional manner carries out a distance measurement to the object to be detected on the basis of a time-of-flight measurement of sound waves or electromagnetic waves (e.g. radio waves or light waves) emitted by the distance sensor and reflected back by the object.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the signaling device comprises at least one signal generator and a control device which is connected to the at least one signal generator in a signal-conducting manner and to which the sensor data of the at least one detection device can be reported, wherein the control device is configured to report a control signal to the at least one signal generator as a function of the sensor data of the at least one detection device, wherein the warning signal can be output by the at least one signal generator as a function of the control signal.

[0013] It can be provided that the at least one signal generator is designed as an optical signal generator, preferably a signal light, and / or as an acoustic signal generator.

[0014] Preferably, the at least one detection device can be arranged on the stanchion structure. Thus, the at least one detection device can be arranged on or in a stanchion.

[0015] The stanchion structure can comprise at least one stanchion bank arranged on the support structure and extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, at the ends of which the stanchions are arranged. The at least one detection device can be arranged on or in the at least one stanchion bank.

[0016] It is provided that at least one crossbeam extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is arranged on the support structure, wherein the at least one crossbeam is arranged in the longitudinal direction in front of or behind the at least one pair of stanchions, wherein the at least one detection device is arranged on the at least one crossbeam. By crossbeams arranged in front of or behind the pairs of stanchions, the risk of damage to the vehicle body can be reduced, for example, in that a gripper in the area between two stanchions spaced apart in the longitudinal direction would not collide with the stanchion structure or the support structure itself, but with the crossbeams provided as mechanical protection.By arranging the at least one detection device on or in at least one crossbeam, the risk of a collision with the crossbeams can also be reduced, since a warning signal can be issued when a gripper is detected in the detection range of the detection device.

[0017] It is provided that the at least one detection device is arranged in or on one beam end of the at least one cross beam, wherein preferably one detection device is arranged in each or on both beam ends. The detection devices can be arranged in recesses provided for this purpose at the beam ends, so that the detection devices are arranged essentially completely protected within the cross beams and only the (continued on page 6 the originally submitted description) parts of the detection devices necessary for detecting an object are exposed.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the stanchion structure can comprise at least one stanchion bank arranged on the support structure and extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, at the ends of which the at least one pair of stanchions is arranged, wherein the at least one crossbeam is arranged in front of or behind the at least one stanchion bank in the longitudinal direction. In such a stanchion structure, the support rods in the form of stanchions protrude vertically from the ends of the stanchions.

[0019] Preferably, the stanchion structure can comprise at least two stanchion banks spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, with a crossbeam being arranged between each pair of stanchions viewed in the longitudinal direction. In other words, a crossbeam can be arranged between all pairs of stanchions spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, both as a mechanical protection and for detecting objects that pose a danger to the vehicle body. In particular, the detection devices arranged on the crossbeams can detect the entry of an object between two pairs of stanchions.

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the supporting structure can comprise at least one subframe to be attached to or on a vehicle frame. The stanchion structure can be arranged at least partially on the subframe, as can any crossbeams between the pairs of stanchions. If crossbeams are arranged on the subframe, their ends can extend beyond the subframe.

[0021] Preferably, it can be provided that the vehicle body comprises a front wall, wherein the signaling device is arranged on the front wall.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that the vehicle body comprises a crane, preferably an articulated boom crane, with a working device arranged on a crane tip of the crane, preferably a gripper for gripping agricultural or forestry goods.

[0023] Protection is also sought for a vehicle, in particular a transport vehicle for the transport of agricultural or forestry goods, with a vehicle body according to the invention. Such a transport vehicle can be, for example, a truck or a forestry trailer.

[0024] Furthermore, protection is sought for a method for outputting a warning signal in a vehicle body according to the invention, wherein upon detection of an object moving in the vicinity of the stanchion structure of the vehicle body by the at least one detection device, a warning signal is output depending on the sensor data of the at least one detection device.

[0025] Further details and advantages of the present invention are explained in the following description of the figures. Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a proposed vehicle body on a vehicle in a side view, Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of a proposed vehicle body on a vehicle in a rear view, Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of a proposed vehicle body in a perspective view, Fig. 4 shows a crossbar and a signaling device of a proposed vehicle body in a perspective view, Fig. 5 shows the crossbar of the Figure 4 in a side view, Fig. 6 a crossbar and a further signaling device of a proposed vehicle body in a perspective view, and Fig. 7 a further embodiment of a proposed vehicle body on a vehicle in a side view.

[0026] Figure 1shows a side view of a vehicle 2 in the form of a transport vehicle designed as a truck for the transport of agricultural or forestry goods 3, which in the example shown are tree trunks.

[0027] A proposed vehicle body 1 is arranged on the vehicle 2. The vehicle body 1 comprises a support structure 4 extending in a longitudinal direction L and a stanchion structure 5 arranged on the support structure 4. In the example shown, the stanchion structure 5 comprises four pairs of stanchions 6 arranged at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction L, wherein each pair of stanchions 6 comprises two support rods 6a, 6b in the form of stanchions arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction L and spaced from one another for holding the agricultural or forestry goods 3. Due to the side view, only one support rod 6a of the respective pair of stanchions 6 is visible; the second support rod 6b of a pair of stanchions 6 is located behind the first support rod 6a in this view.

[0028] In the embodiment shown, the support structure 4 comprises a subframe 17 which is fastened to a vehicle frame 16 of the vehicle 2.

[0029] The vehicle body 1 further comprises a crane 19 in the form of an articulated boom crane. A working device 21 in the form of a grab for gripping the agricultural or forestry goods 3 is arranged on a crane tip 20 of the crane 19.

[0030] This grab represents the movable object 9 which is to be detected by the proposed vehicle body 1 when it approaches the stake structure 5 in order to issue a warning signal so that the operator of the crane 19 is alerted to an impending collision of the grab with the vehicle body 1 before any damage to the vehicle body 1 occurs.

[0031] For this purpose, the proposed vehicle body 1 comprises at least one detection device 8, which is connected to a signaling device 7 in a signal-conducting manner, for detecting the object 9 (here in the form of a gripper) moving in the vicinity of the stanchion structure 5. The detection device 8 is connected to the signaling device 7 in a signal-conducting manner via a sensor line 22.

[0032] The sensor line 22 for transmitting sensor data from the at least one detection device 8 to the signaling device 7 can be a wired connection (e.g., via a cable or wire) or a wireless connection (e.g., via WLAN or Bluetooth). The sensor data can be transmitted via the sensor line 22 in analog or digital form, preferably using conventional interfaces and data transmission protocols.

[0033] The detection device 8 can be designed as an acoustic sensor (e.g., an ultrasonic sensor), an optical sensor (e.g., a camera), or generally as a sensor operating with electromagnetic waves. Sensor data from the at least one detection device 8 are reported to the signaling device 7 via the sensor line 22. Depending on the sensor data, the signaling device 7 can output a warning signal. For example, if the signaling device 7 determines, based on the sensor data from the detection device 8, that the object 9 is approaching the stanchion structure 5, it can output a warning signal, which can be an optical and / or acoustic signal.

[0034] Figure 2shows a rear view of another exemplary embodiment of a proposed vehicle body 1 arranged on a vehicle 2. The vehicle 2 comprises a vehicle frame 16. The supporting structure 4 of the vehicle body 1 comprises a subframe 17 arranged on the vehicle frame 16. A stanchion structure 5 is arranged on the supporting structure 4, which stanchion structure comprises several pairs of stanchions 6 arranged at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction L (which, in the illustration shown, runs perpendicular to the plane of the page). Specifically, in the example shown, stanchion benches 15 extending essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L are arranged on the supporting structure 4, at the ends of which stanchion benches the holding rods 6a, 6b of a pair of stanchions 6 are arranged. The detection devices 8 are located on or in the stanchion benches 15.

[0035] The detection device 8 shown in the example has a detection area B indicated by dashed lines. The sensor data reported by the detection device 8 to the signaling device 7 include a detection signal when the detection device 8 detects an object 9 within the detection area B. Thus, as soon as, as shown in the example, a gripper tip of the gripper 21 enters the detection area B, a corresponding detection signal is reported via the sensor line 22 to the signaling device 7, and the signaling device can issue a warning signal.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the detection device 8 is designed as a distance sensor 10, and the sensor data can include distance information of the object 9 detected by the distance sensor 10. This makes it possible for a warning signal to be issued only when the distance detected by the distance sensor 10 between the object 9 (for example, the gripper tip of the gripper 21 in the illustrated example) and the distance sensor 10 falls below a predetermined or predeterminable value.

[0037] In this example, the signaling device 7 comprises a control device 12 and a signal generator 11. The detection device 8 in the form of the distance sensor 10 is connected to the control device 12 in a signal-conducting manner via a sensor line 22, and the control device 12 is connected to the signal generator 11 in a signal-conducting manner via a signal line 23. The signal line 23 can also be a wired (e.g., via a cable or wire) or wireless connection (e.g., via WLAN or Bluetooth). The control signals for the signal generator 11 reported via the signal line 23 can be transmitted in analog or digital form, preferably using interfaces and data transmission protocols known per se. Sensor data from the detection device 8 is reported to the control device 12.This is configured to report a control signal to the signal generator 11 depending on the sensor data of the detection device 8, wherein the warning signal can be output by the signal generator 11 depending on the control signal.

[0038] The signal generator 11 can be designed as an optical signal generator, preferably as a signal light, and / or as an acoustic signal generator.

[0039] Figure 3shows a further embodiment of a proposed vehicle body 1 in a perspective view. The vehicle body 1 comprises a support structure 4 extending in the longitudinal direction L. Several pairs of stanchions 6 are mounted on the support structure 4 and are arranged at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction L, forming a stanchion structure 5. The upwardly projecting support rods 6a, 6b of a pair of stanchions 6 are each arranged at the opposite ends of a stanchion bank 15 which extends essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. Crossbeams 13 are arranged between each two pairs of stanchions 6. These already offer mechanical protection against damage to the vehicle body 1 by a gripper when the gripper operates between two pairs of stanchions 6.At beam ends 14a, 14b of each crossbeam 13, detection devices 8 in the form of distance sensors 10a, 10b are arranged, which are connected to a signaling device 7 via sensor lines 22 shown schematically here. The signaling device 7 comprises a first signal generator 11a and a second signal generator 11b as well as a schematically shown control device 12. The control device 12 is connected to the two signal generators 11a, 11b in the form of warning lights via schematically shown signal lines 23. The two signal generators 11a, 11b are arranged at a left end region and a right end region of the vehicle body 1; in the example shown, they are arranged at a left edge region and a right edge region of an end wall 18 of the vehicle body 1.The control device 12 can be configured such that, depending on the sensor data of the first distance sensors 10a arranged in the first beam ends 14a of the cross members 13, a warning signal is output by the first signal generator 11a, and depending on the sensor data of the second distance sensors 10b arranged in the second beam ends 14b of the cross members 13, a warning signal is output by the second signal generator 11b. This is indicated in the figure by the dotted connecting lines within the control device 12.In other words, the first signal generator 11a arranged on the left side of the vehicle body 1 in the viewing direction opposite to the longitudinal direction L emits a warning signal when an object 9 (for example the gripper tip of a gripper) dangerously approaches the vehicle body 1 from the left side and the second signal generator 11b arranged on the right side of the vehicle body 1 emits a warning signal when an object 9 dangerously approaches the vehicle body 1 from the right side.

[0040] Figure 4 shows a crossbeam 13, as it can be used in a proposed vehicle body 1, in a perspective view and Figure 5shows a view of a first beam end 14a of the crossbeam 13. A detection device 8 in the form of a first distance sensor 10a is arranged in the first beam end 14a. For this purpose, a recess is formed in the first beam end 14a, into which the first distance sensor 10a can be inserted. In the illustration shown, the first distance sensor 10a is not yet in its fully inserted position. Correspondingly, a detection device 8 in the form of a second distance sensor 10b is also located in the second beam end 14b. The crossbeam 13 can be fastened to the support structure 4 using screw connections 24 known per se.

[0041] It is schematically shown that the first distance sensor 10a and the second distance sensor 10b are each connected to a control device 12 of a signaling device 7 via a sensor line 22. A signal transmitter 11 of the signaling device 7 is connected to the control device 12 via a signal line 23. Depending on the sensor data of the distance sensors 10a, 10b, the signaling device 7 can thus output a warning signal via its signal transmitter 11.

[0042] Figure 6 shows a crossbeam 13 according to Figure 4 . In contrast to, for example, the Figure 4The signaling device 7 comprises a first signal generator 11a and a second signal generator 11b. The two signal generators 11a, 11b can be arranged, for example, at a left end region and at a right end region of the vehicle body 1, for example at a left edge region and at a right edge region of an end wall 18 of the vehicle body 1. The control device 12 can be configured such that, depending on the sensor data of the first distance sensors 10a arranged in the cross members 13, a warning signal is output by the first signal generator 11a and, depending on the sensor data of the second distance sensors 10b arranged in the cross members 13, a warning signal is output by the second signal generator 11b. This is indicated in the figure by the dotted connecting lines within the control device 12.In other words, a first signal generator 11a arranged, for example, on the left side of the vehicle body 1 emits a warning signal when an object 9 dangerously approaches the vehicle body 1 from the left side, and a second signal generator 11b arranged on the right side of the vehicle body 1 emits a warning signal when an object 9 dangerously approaches the vehicle body 1 from the right side.

[0043] Figure 7shows a further embodiment of a proposed vehicle body 1 in a side view. The vehicle body 1 is located on a vehicle frame 16 of a vehicle 2 in the form of a truck. The stanchion structure 5 of the vehicle body 1 comprises, in this example, four stanchion banks 15 spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction L, arranged on the supporting structure 4 of the vehicle body 1 and extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, at the ends of which a pair of stanchions 6 is arranged. Viewed in the longitudinal direction L, a crossbeam 13 is arranged between each two stanchion banks 15. The crossbeams 13 can be arranged as in Figure 4 or Figure 6, and be equipped with detection devices 8 arranged in their beam ends 14a, 14b. The detection devices 8 are connected in a signal-conducting manner via sensor lines 22 to a signaling device 7 arranged on an end wall 18 of the vehicle body 1. The signaling device 7 comprises a control device 12 and a signal generator 11, which is connected in a signal-conducting manner to the control device 12 via a signal line 23, for outputting a warning signal. List of reference symbols:

[0044] 1Vehicle body 2Vehicle 3Agricultural or forestry asset 4Supporting structure 5Stake structure 6Pair of stanchions 6a, 6bGrip poles 7Signaling device 8Detection device 9Object 10Distance sensor 10aFirst distance sensor 10bSecond distance sensor 11Signal transmitter 11aFirst signal transmitter 11bSecond signal transmitter 12Control device 13Crossbeam 14aFirst beam end 14bSecond beam end 15Stake bank 16Vehicle frame 17Subframe 18End wall 19Crane 20Crane tip 21Working device 22Sensor cable 23Signal cable 24Screw connection LLongitudinal direction BEtectivity

Claims

1. A vehicle superstructure (1) for a vehicle (2), in particular a transport vehicle for the transport of agricultural or forestry goods (3), with a support structure (4) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) and a stanchion structure (5) arranged on the support structure (4) with at least one pair of stanchions (6) comprising two holding rods (6a, 6b) arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) and spaced from one another in the form of stanchions for holding agricultural or forestry goods (3), wherein the vehicle superstructure (1) comprises at least one detection device (8) connected in a signal-conducting manner to a signaling device (7) for detecting an object (9) moving in the vicinity of the stanchion structure (5), wherein sensor data from the at least one detection device (8) can be reported to the signaling device (7), wherein a warning signal can be output by the signaling device (7) depending on the sensor data, characterized in that at least one crossbeam (13) extending essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) is arranged on the support structure (4), wherein the at least one crossbeam (13) is arranged in the longitudinal direction (L) in front of or behind the at least one pair of stanchions (6), wherein the at least one detection device (8) is arranged on the at least one crossbeam (13), wherein the at least one detection device (8) is arranged in or on a beam end (14a, 14b) of the at least one crossbeam (13).

2. The vehicle superstructure according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one detection device (8) has at least one predetermined or predeterminable detection range (B), wherein the sensor data reported by the at least one detection device (8) to the signaling device (7) comprise a detection signal when the at least one detection device (8) detects an object (9) within the at least one detection range (B).

3. The vehicle superstructure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one detection device (8) comprises a distance sensor (10, 10a, 10b), wherein the sensor data preferably comprise distance information of an object (9) detected by the distance sensor (10, 10a, 10b).

4. The vehicle superstructure according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the signaling device (7) comprises at least one signal transmitter (11, 11a, 11b) and a control device (12) which is connected to the at least one signal transmitter (11, 11a, 11b) in a signal-conducting manner and to which the sensor data of the at least one detection device (8) can be reported, wherein the control device (12) is configured to report a control signal to the at least one signal transmitter (11, 11a, 11b) depending on the sensor data of the at least one detection device (8), wherein the warning signal can be output by the at least one signal transmitter (11, 11a, 11b) depending on the control signal.

5. The vehicle superstructure according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one signal transmitter (11, 11a, 11b) is designed as an optical signal transmitter, preferably a signal light, and / or as an acoustic signal transmitter.

6. The vehicle superstructure according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one detection device (8) is arranged on the stanchion structure (5).

7. The vehicle superstructure according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a detection device (8) is arranged in or at both beam ends (14a, 14b).

8. The vehicle superstructure according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the stanchion structure (5) comprises at least one stanchion bank (15) arranged on the support structure (4) and extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L), at the ends of which the at least one pair of stanchions (6) is arranged, wherein the at least one crossbeam (13) is arranged in the longitudinal direction (L) in front of or behind the at least one stanchion bank (15).

9. The vehicle superstructure according to claim 8, characterized in that the stanchion structure (5) comprises at least two stanchion banks (15) spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction (L), wherein a crossbeam (13) is arranged between each two stanchion banks (15) when viewed in the longitudinal direction (L).

10. The vehicle superstructure according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the supporting structure (4) comprises at least one auxiliary frame (17) to be fastened to or on a vehicle frame (16) of the vehicle (2).

11. The vehicle superstructure according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the vehicle superstructure (1) comprises a front wall (18), wherein the signaling device (7) is arranged on the front wall (18).

12. The vehicle superstructure according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the vehicle superstructure (1) comprises a crane (19), preferably an articulated boom crane, with a working device (21), preferably a gripper for gripping agricultural or forestry goods (3), arranged on a crane tip (20) of the crane (19).

13. A vehicle (2), in particular a transport vehicle for the transport of agricultural or forestry goods (3), with a vehicle superstructure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method for outputting a warning signal in a vehicle superstructure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, when an object (9) moving in the vicinity of the stanchion structure (5) of the vehicle superstructure (1) is detected by the at least one detection device (8), a warning signal is output depending on the sensor data of the at least one detection device (8).