Arrangement for changing the size of a load space

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for changing the size of a load space of a load transport vehicle or a load transport trailer, each of which has a plurality of stanchions as lateral load supports, wherein the stanchions are each connected to a frame of a stanchion bank and at least some of the stanchions are movably mounted on the frame in such a way that a change in the position of the respective stanchion relative to the frame and thus a change in the distance between opposing stanchions can be realized, wherein the means for changing the distance between opposing stanchions are designed free of a linear or straight guide, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] US Pat. No. 8,388,284 B discloses a stanchion basket for a cargo space, which comprises a frame component with two ends and a support component. The support component is hinged to at least one end of the frame component. Two stanchion arms can be moved into different positions using hydraulics and a joint arrangement, with the distance between the open ends of the stanchion arms varying.

[0003] The forwarder for forwarding short or long timber according to DE 199 11 872 C2 comprises a vehicle with a stanchion basket at the rear end for holding the timber. The stanchion basket consists of stanchions arranged on both sides. The stanchion bank is adjustable in height above the ground. Furthermore, the stanchions are hinged to the stanchion bank. The stanchions are fixed to the stanchion bank via a bushing and an axle. The stanchion spacing can be varied by offsetting the aforementioned axle and the longitudinal orientation of the stanchion.

[0004] The generic DE 102 35 922 B4 is based on a method for changing the area of ​​a load space of a work machine.

[0005] To change the load space, for example, it is possible to extend the stanchions that define the load space telescopically. It is also mentioned that it is known to design stanchions that can be moved laterally.

[0006] Changing the area and height of a load compartment is necessary when it is necessary to utilize the entire capacity of a truck.

[0007] Known solutions are said to have the disadvantage that opening manual locks is difficult and detrimental to the necessary occupational safety.

[0008] According to DE 102 35 922 B4, the problem is to be solved by changing the width of the load space in a simple manner and without additional means. The weight of the supported load should not allow any shifting of the stanchion positions. In this case, the stanchions basically serve as lateral supports, preventing horizontal load shifting. In some cases, the frame section supporting the stanchions is curved, forming a U- or Y-shape, with the load being distributed vertically in the aforementioned Y-direction. The design of the corresponding stanchions and fastening means is selected such that tipping or tilting of the stanchion under load is effectively prevented. The previously known solution is based on a pendulum arm that is attached at its end to an output part and is arranged to rotate about a pivot axis by means of a joint.The pendulum arm is designed, for example, as a rod, a metal strip, or in the form of a hinge. The movement of the pendulum arm is converted into a change in the position of the corresponding stanchion by means of a linear guide. The length of the groove-like guide, in conjunction with the respective axle stubs, determines the stanchion position.

[0009] However, it is obvious that the creation of grooves, slots, or similar larger recesses in the frame or stanchion bank leads to a weakening of the material. Furthermore, dirt or wood debris can penetrate the respective guide groove, hindering the desired position adjustment in terms of stanchion spacing.

[0010] From the above, it is therefore an object of the invention to provide a further developed arrangement for changing the size of a load space of a load transport vehicle or a load transport trailer, which enables a change in the distance between stanchions that serve as lateral load supports in a simple manner and with little effort.

[0011] The object of the invention is achieved according to an arrangement of the combination of features according to claim 1, wherein the subclaims represent at least expedient embodiments and further developments.

[0012] The invention therefore involves an arrangement for changing the size of the load compartment of a cargo transport vehicle or cargo trailer. The cargo transport trailer or cargo transport vehicle has a plurality of stanchions as lateral load supports for load support, with each stanchion connected to a frame of a stanchion bank. At least some of the stanchions are movably mounted on the frame in such a way that a change in the position of the respective stanchion relative to the frame and thus a change in the distance between opposing stanchions is possible.

[0013] According to the invention, the means for changing the distance between opposing stanchions are free from any kind of linear or straight guide.

[0014] Due to this inventive concept, it is not necessary to create guide recesses in load-bearing elements, in particular the stanchion bank, which lead to a weakening of the material and are also subject to possible contamination.

[0015] According to the invention, a substantially vertically oriented bushing is provided at the stake-side end of the frame. This bushing accommodates an axle connected to a pair of lock plates.

[0016] The pair of lock plates merges into a stanchion socket, whereby the pair of lock plates, together with the stanchion socket, can be pivoted around the respective axis. This pivoting is achieved by means of the aforementioned vertically oriented socket provided at the stanchion end of the frame. Furthermore, the upper side of the socket features a locking crown, which complements a locking crown on the underside of a lock plate of the pair of lock plates, allowing locking in different pivoting positions.

[0017] To unlock the respective locking position, the locking crown pair is lifted. The locking position is automatically held by gravity.

[0018] The locking crown is a sequence of essentially meandering, rectangular projections and recesses, the width of which determines the angular steps of the possible pivoting positions.

[0019] A stanchion tube, which can also be telescopic and thus adjustable in length, can be fixed in the respective stanchion socket in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner.

[0020] In an alternative of the same invention, a parallelogram joint is provided at the stake-side end of the frame, which has two substantially horizontally spaced frame axes and two substantially horizontally spaced eccentric arm axes.

[0021] The aforementioned axles are each operatively connected to a pair of joint plates.

[0022] At the outer end, the eccentric arm merges into a stake socket, whereby the eccentric arm is movable in one go, guided by the parallelogram joint, from a first horizontal position to a second horizontal position spaced apart from the first.

[0023] In the area of ​​the eccentric arm axes, at least one protective collar is formed on the eccentric arm, which at the same time forms a gripping aid for pivoting or tilting to change the position.

[0024] Additionally, a gripping hook can be formed at the inner end of the eccentric arm.

[0025] In a further development of the invention, locking means are provided on the frame and the eccentric arm. Corresponding locking tabs can be formed for this purpose, which include a receptacle for a bolt or, for example, a snap hook for locking the position.

[0026] In a further development of the invention, a dirt wiper is provided between the frame of the stanchion bank and the eccentric arm, which is capable of removing dirt adhering to the adjustment or pivoting area when the eccentric arm changes position and moves.

[0027] In the second embodiment, it is also possible for the stake socket to accommodate not only fixed-length pipes, but also correspondingly telescopic stakes.

[0028] Likewise, the relevant stake socket and the respective stake can form a structural unit and be designed as a single piece.

[0029] In the first embodiment of the invention, the desired change in the distance between opposing stanchions is first achieved by lifting the locking mechanism and then pivoting it around the axis, which is received by the bushing at the end of the frame.

[0030] By lowering, an effective locking and locking action is achieved again, which is maintained due to the mass of the pair of lock plates together with the stanchion socket and the stanchion held in place.

[0031] In the embodiment of the invention using a parallelogram joint, the desired distance change can be carried out in one go, for example with machine support by a crane gripper arm, which, using the gripping aids or the gripping hook, exerts a force on the eccentric arm or the respective stanchion connected to the eccentric arm. When the desired end position is reached, i.e. when the distance between opposing stanchions has increased to its maximum, the eccentric arm rests with its corresponding surface completely in the area of ​​the corresponding frame end and is thus in a position safely outside the over-center of the parallelogram joint. For resetting, the corresponding stanchion is again grasped by means of a crane gripper, for example, and moved in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the corresponding load transport trailer or load transport vehicle, limited by the pivoting movement of the parallelogram joint.Even in this position, contact occurs between the opposing surfaces of the stanchion or frame and the eccentric arm. Additionally, mechanical locking can be achieved using the aforementioned locking elements.

[0032] In particular, the first embodiment of the invention with a locking crown is suitable for retrofitting existing technology.

[0033] The invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and with the aid of figures.

[0034] Here we show: Fig. 1a a perspective view of a first embodiment with a stanchion swivel extension and locking crown in a maximum swiveled-out position; Fig. 1b a representation similar to that according to Fig. 1a, but in side view; Fig. 1c a principle representation of the stanchion swivel widening with indicated swivel angle and resulting widening dimension; Fig. 2a a side view of a stanchion bank with frame and two opposing stanchions in the basic state of the solution according to the principle of the stanchion swivel widening; Fig. 2b a representation similar to that according to Fig. 2a , but in plan view; Fig. 3a a representation of the solution based on a stanchion swivel widening in the swung-out state; Fig. 3b a representation similar to that according to Fig. 3a , but in plan view; Fig. 4a - c a representation of the basic state in the swung-in position with locked locking crown ( Fig. 4a ), a representation during the swinging out to increase the distance with the locking crown lifted and unlocked ( Fig. 4b ) and a representation in the fully swung-out state with the locking crown locked again as a result of a lowering process ( Fig. 4c); Fig. 5 a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention with a change in the distance between opposing stanchions based on the use of a parallelogram joint, with an exemplary maximum swung-out state of the stanchion in question being illustrated on the left side and the swung-in state being illustrated on the right side, and the possibility of forming a length adjustment of stanchions by means of a telescopic tube; Fig. 6a a side view of the embodiment with a parallelogram joint in a basic state, i.e. swung-in position; Fig. 6b a view similar to that according to Fig. 6a , but in perspective view; Fig. 7a a side view of the embodiment with parallelogram joint pivoting possibility in the maximum pivoting position, in which the maximum extension dimension is reached; Fig. 7b a perspective view similar to that according to Fig. 7a, but with visible dirt wiper; Fig. 8a a representation of the embodiment with parallelogram joint and a normal, non-widened loading space profile, defined by a distance between the stanchions of the respective stanchion bank; Fig. 8b a representation similar to that according to Fig. 8a , but with an enlarged, i.e. widened, loading space profile due to the maximum distance between the opposing stanchions; Fig. 8c a representation similar to that according to Fig. 8b, but with telescopic extension of the stanchions to increase the loading space profile; Fig. 9 two different views of the design of a telescopic stanchion in a basic position with the stanchion head retracted; Fig. 10 two different views of a telescopic stanchion in an upper locking position with a recognizable principle of the necessary fixation of the telescopic stanchion, i.e. the positionally fixed telescopic stanchion insert at the corresponding maximum extension length; Fig. 11a a perspective detailed view of the embodiment for changing the distance by means of a parallelogram joint with activated locking element; and Fig. 11b a representation similar to that according to Fig. 11a , but unlocked and the locking element in park position.

[0035] It should be noted at this point that the figures are self-explanatory for a person skilled in the art and can be understood without additional explanation. All approaches and details apparent to a person skilled in the art are therefore part of the disclosure essential to the invention.

[0036] In the embodiment based on a stanchion swivel extension according to the Figures 1a to 4c Firstly, a stanchion bank 1 comprising a stanchion frame 2 is assumed.

[0037] At the end of the stake frame 2, according to the illustrations, Figures 1a and 1b a substantially vertically oriented bushing 3 is provided, which receives an axis 4.

[0038] The axle 4 is operatively connected to a pair of lock plates comprising the lock plates 5 and 6. The axle 4 is further connected to the pair of lock plates via a lock plate 7, with the pair of lock plates 5; 6, the axle 4, and the bushing 3 itself being designed such that it can be lifted vertically upwards.

[0039] The lock plate pair 5; 6 merges into a stake socket 8, which receives a corresponding stake 9.

[0040] The lock plate pair 5; 6 together with the stanchion socket 8 form a stanchion swivel extension.

[0041] The extension length L and the swivel angle α are in the Figure 1c illustrated.

[0042] The Figures 4a to 4c now make clear how the locking crown 10 is realized.

[0043] The locking crown 10 is realized by a locking crown part on the top side of the socket and a complementary locking crown part on the underside of the upper lock plate.

[0044] This is done in such a way that a locking in different pivoting positions is possible, whereby to unlock the respective locking position, the stanchion pivot extension is lifted in such a way that the locking crown pair is canceled. This is also in the sequence of Figures 4a to 4c clearly illustrated.

[0045] The representation according to the Figures 2a to 3b show the basic state of a stanchion bank with two spaced stanchions and the widened, fully swung-out state with maximum distance between the opposite stanchions.

[0046] The locking crown 10 or the locking crown pair consists of a sequence of meander-like projections and recesses, the width of which determines the angular increments of the possible pivoting positions. A sequence of crenellated projections and recesses with a rectangular shape is preferred here.

[0047] The Figures 5 to 11a and 11b now show an embodiment with a change in distance based on the use of a parallelogram joint.

[0048] In addition, the Figure 5 the possibility of forming a telescopic, i.e. length-adjustable, stake tube 9.

[0049] In particular, using the Figures 6a , 6b , 7a and 7b The design and function of the adjustment using a parallelogram joint is understandable.

[0050] Thus, the aforementioned parallelogram joint is realized on the stanchion frame 20 of the stanchion bench 100. This joint consists of two horizontally spaced frame axes 11 and two horizontally spaced eccentric arm axes 12. The axes 11; 12 are each operatively connected to a pair of joint plates 13.

[0051] Furthermore, a stake socket 80 is provided at the outer end of the eccentric arm 14, wherein the eccentric arm 14 is guided in one go by the parallelogram joint from a first horizontal position ( Figure 6a ; 6b ) into a second horizontal position spaced from the first ( Figure 7a ; 7b ) is movable.

[0052] In the area of ​​the eccentric arm axes 12 on the eccentric arm 14, protective collars 15 are provided, which can serve as gripping aids. Furthermore, it is possible to form a gripping hook 16 on the inner end of the eccentric arm 14.

[0053] Figure 7ashows the tilt angle β and the maximum extension dimension M.

[0054] A dirt wiper 17 prevents dirt from adhering in the movement area of ​​the eccentric arm 14.

[0055] The Figures 8a to 8c demonstrate the different positions of the stanchions in the adjustment solution using a parallelogram joint as well as the possibility of extending the stanchions using telescopic inserts ( Figure 8c ).

[0056] In this regard, reference should also be made to the Figures 9 and 10 These show an exemplary possibility of a telescopic extension with the possibility of locking the telescopic insert 18 of a stanchion 9 designed for this purpose with a guide groove 19.

[0057] The Figures 11a and 11bshow an embodiment for the formation of locking means between the frame and the eccentric arm, for example by a locking tab 21 on the frame of the stanchion bank and the arrangement of a locking tab 22 on the stanchion receiving bush.

[0058] The locking is effected here by corresponding recesses in the tabs 21 and 22, by inserting a bolt or a locking element 23, for example in the form of a snap hook.

[0059] The adjustment solution using a parallelogram joint offers the advantageous possibility of simultaneously adjusting the position of several stanchions. This can be achieved, for example, by using a log suspended horizontally from the crane grab, which, after releasing the corresponding locking elements, exerts a lateral pressure force on several of the stanchions simultaneously.

Claims

1. Arrangement for changing the size of a cargo space of a cargo transport vehicle or a cargo transport trailer, which each have a plurality of stanchions (9) as lateral load supports, wherein the stanchions (9) are each connected to a frame (2; 20) of a bunk (1; 100) and at least a part of the stanchions (9) is movably mounted on the frame (2) such that a position change of the respective stanchions (9) in relation to the frame (2; 20) and therefore a distance change of opposing stanchions (9) is implementable, wherein the means for the distance change of opposing stanchions (9) are formed free of a linear or straight guide, characterized in that a vertically oriented bushing (3) is provided at the stanchion-side end of the frame (2), which accommodates an axis (4) connected to a lock plate pair (5; 6), which merges into a stanchion socket (8), wherein the lock plate pair (5; 6) is pivotable together with the stanchion socket (8) around the mentioned axis (4), furthermore the bushing upper side includes a detent crown (10), which is complementary to a detent crown on the lower side of a lock plate of the lock plate pair (5; 6) such that locking is implementable in different pivot positions, wherein to unlock the respective detent, the detent crown pairing is canceled and the locking position is held due to gravity, or a parallelogram joint is provided at the stanchion-side end of the frame (10), which includes two frame axes (11) spaced apart essentially horizontally and two eccentric arm axes (12) spaced apart essentially horizontally, which are each operationally connected to a pair of joint plates (13), furthermore the eccentric arm (14) merges into a stanchion socket (80) at its outer end, wherein the eccentric arm (14) is movable in one step, guided by the parallelogram joint, from a first horizontal position into a second horizontal position spaced apart from the first.

2. Arrangement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the respective detent crown (10) includes a sequence of meandering projections and indentations, the width of which defines the angle steps of the possible pivot positions.

3. Arrangement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a stanchion tube (9), which can also be telescoped, is fixable in a friction-locked and / or formfitting manner in the respective stanchion socket (8; 80).

4. Arrangement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that at least one protective collar (15) is formed in the area of each of the eccentric arm axes (12) on the eccentric arm (14), which at the same time forms a gripping aid for executing the pivoting or tilting for the position change.

5. Arrangement as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that a gripping hook (16) is formed at the inner end of the eccentric arm (14).

6. Arrangement as claimed in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that locking means are provided on the frame (20) and on the eccentric arm (14).

7. Arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 4 to 6, characterized in that the respective stanchion socket (80) includes a stanchion (9), which can also be telescoped.

8. Arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective stanchion socket (8; 80) and stanchion (9) form a structural unit.