Industrial truck

Abstract

The invention relates to a forklift truck (1) comprising a vehicle body (2) and a lifting mast (3) on which a load-handling device (4) is arranged for raising and lowering, wherein an electrical connection cable set (5) is provided, comprising at least one electrical connection cable (6) which is led from the vehicle body (2) to at least one electrical component arranged on the lifting mast (3) or on the load-handling device (4), wherein a cable storage unit (10) is provided on the lifting mast (3) for receiving the electrical connection cable (6). The cable storage unit (10) has a housing (11) that can be attached to the lifting mast (3), in which at least two spaced-apart winding elements (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d), on which the connection cable (6) can be wound, can be fixedly and rigidly attached.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an industrial truck having a vehicle body and a lifting mast on which a load-handling device is arranged so as to be raised and lowered, wherein an electrical connection cable set is provided which comprises at least one electrical connection cable which is guided from the vehicle body to at least one electrical component arranged on the lifting mast or on the load-handling device, wherein a cable storage device is provided on the lifting mast for receiving the electrical connection cable.

[0002] Industrial trucks have a lifting mast on which a load-handling device, usually a load fork with two forks, is arranged so that it can be raised and lowered. Electrical components are increasingly being used in industrial trucks. These components are arranged on the lifting mast and / or on the load-handling device, for example switches or sensors for determining the lifting height or the wear of the forks and / or lighting devices. In order to connect these electrical components arranged on the lifting mast and / or on the load-handling device to the vehicle body, an electrical connection cable set is provided as electrical cabling. This electrical connection cable set comprises at least one connection cable that is routed from the vehicle body to the electrical components arranged on the lifting mast or on the load-handling device.

[0003] However, in the case of industrial trucks, different lifting masts with different lengths (lift mast lengths) are used within a manufacturer's industrial truck series, so that a corresponding length variation in the electrical cabling is required.

[0004] In order to cover the length variations of the electrical wiring of the many different mast lengths within a forklift truck series, a separate connecting cable set can be provided for each mast length, adapted to the corresponding mast length. However, this results in a large number of connecting cable sets, each of which requires a small number of units and would have to be manufactured, assembled, and delivered in a vehicle-specific or vehicle-related manner, adapted to the forklift truck's equipment with a mast and electrical components. This leads to high manufacturing costs for the connecting cable set, significant logistical effort, and disadvantages during assembly of the forklift truck, as flexibility during assembly is lost due to vehicle-specific connecting cable sets.In addition, supplying spare parts for such vehicle-specific and vehicle-specific connecting cable sets is extremely complex, since in the event of a replacement of a vehicle-specific connecting cable set, this would have to be newly manufactured on a custom-made basis and is therefore time-consuming and therefore could not be provided as a spare part in a short time, for example within 24 hours.

[0005] The length variation of the electrical wiring for the many different mast lengths within a forklift truck series could alternatively be covered by a connecting cable set that is designed and matched to the longest-length mast. If this connecting cable set is used in a shorter-length mast, the connecting cable set with the excess length would have to be wound up at a suitable location on the forklift truck or the mast. If the wound connecting cable set is loosely attached to the mast, it is at risk of damage and being driven off. Furthermore, winding and securing the wound section of the connecting cable set during assembly of the forklift truck is very time-consuming.

[0006] In the case of such a connecting cable set with excess length of the connecting cable set, the unused length of the connecting cable set can alternatively be stored in a cable storage unit that is attached to the lifting mast.

[0007] EP 3 309 113 B1 discloses a generic industrial truck in which the excess length of the connecting cable can be stored in a cable storage unit located on the mast. The cable storage unit is designed as a telescopic protective device in which the unused excess length of the connecting cable can be stored, forming a loose loop. However, such a telescopic protective device is very complex to construct.

[0008] From DE102007016269A1 an industrial truck with the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known.

[0009] The present invention is based on the object of providing an industrial truck of the type mentioned at the outset, in which the cable storage device, which accommodates the excess length of the connecting cable set, has a simple and cost-effective design.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention in that the cable storage device has a housing which can be fastened to the lifting mast and in which at least two winding elements arranged at a distance from one another, on which the connecting cable can be wound, can be fixed and rigidly fastened.

[0011] The cable storage unit thus consists of a housing in which at least two spaced-apart winding elements can be fixed and rigidly mounted. Such a cable storage unit is easy to manufacture and requires little construction effort.

[0012] The at least two winding elements are fixedly attached to the housing, i.e. cannot be moved, so that the two winding elements have a fixed, unchanging distance from one another when the industrial truck is in operation. An excess length of 1 to 2 meters of the connecting cable set can thus be wound up easily, safely and in an orderly manner and without falling below the minimum bending radii by appropriately winding the connecting cable onto the two spaced-apart winding elements, which have a fixed distance from one another in the housing. The at least two winding elements are rigidly and therefore non-rotatably attached to the housing. Since the length of the connecting cable set does not change when the industrial truck is in operation, the construction cost of the cable storage unit can be further simplified and reduced by a rigid, non-rotatable attachment of the winding elements to the housing.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the winding elements can be fixedly and rigidly fastened to at least two fastening points on the housing. At least one of the winding elements can thus be fixedly and rigidly fastened to a first fastening point or a second fastening point on the housing. This makes it possible to adjust the distance between the two winding elements by selectively fastening one of the winding elements to the first fastening point or to the second fastening point, so that different fixed distances between the two winding elements and thus different length ratios between the two winding elements can be achieved. These make it easy to wind the excess length of the connecting cable set in the housing onto the winding elements safely and in an orderly manner, depending on the design of the lifting mast.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least three spaced-apart winding elements, on which the connecting cable can be wound, are fixed and rigidly mounted in the housing. This also makes it easy to achieve different fixed distances between the winding elements and thus different length ratios between the winding elements. Depending on the design of the lifting mast, this allows the excess length of the connecting cable set to be wound safely and orderly onto the winding elements in the housing.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the winding elements are each designed as a winding roll onto which the connecting cable can be wound. The winding elements can be formed by full or half winding rolls. Such winding rolls, for example, plastic rolls, are simple and cost-effective to construct, thus reducing the construction costs of the cable storage system.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the winding elements are each designed as a half-shell onto which the connecting cable can be wound. Such half-shells, which can be formed from plastic components or sheet metal parts, are simple and cost-effective to construct, thus reducing the construction costs of the cable storage system.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the winding elements are each designed as a tab onto which the connecting cable can be wound. Such tabs, which can preferably be formed from simple sheet metal strips, are simple and cost-effective to construct, thus reducing the construction costs of the cable storage system.

[0018] The invention further relates to an industrial truck series comprising industrial trucks according to the invention with different mast lengths. In the industrial truck series according to the invention, several different masts with different lengths can be covered by a variant of the connecting cable set, the length of which is matched and designed to the mast of the industrial truck series with the longest length, and by a variant of the housing, which forms a cable storage unit for the connecting cable set and the unused excess length of the connecting cable. This means that only one version of the connecting cable set is required for several different masts with different lengths within a single industrial truck series.This results in a small number of connecting cable sets available, allowing the electrical wiring of various lift masts with different lengths within a single industrial truck series to be covered. Depending on the lift mast variant, the excess length of the connecting cable set can be easily wound onto the winding elements in the housing and thus stored neatly and safely on the lift mast, maintaining minimum radii.

[0019] Further advantages and details of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures. Figure 1 shows an industrial truck according to the invention in a side view, Figure 2 shows the cable storage of the Figure 1 in an enlarged view, Figure 2b side view of the Figure 2a , Figure 3a another embodiment of a cable storage, Figure 3b a side view of the Figure 3a, Figure 4a shows another embodiment of a cable storage device and Figure 4b shows a side view of the Figure 4a .

[0020] In the Figure 1 an industrial truck 1 according to the invention is shown in a side view.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the industrial truck 1 is designed as a counterbalance forklift. The industrial truck 1 can also be designed as a reach truck or high-lift truck.

[0022] The industrial truck 1 has a vehicle body 2 and a lifting mast 3 arranged on the vehicle body 2, on which a load handling device 4 is arranged so as to be raised and lowered.

[0023] The industrial truck 1 has an electrical connection cable set 5 comprising at least one electrical connection cable 6. The electrical connection cable 6 is routed from the vehicle body 2 to at least one electrical component (not shown in detail) arranged on the lifting mast 3 or on the load-handling device 4. The electrical component can be designed, for example, as a switch or as a sensor for determining the lifting height or the wear of the forks and / or as a lighting device. The connection cable 6 can be formed by several individual cables, a cable bundle, or a cable harness.

[0024] A cable storage 10 is provided on the lifting mast 3, which is intended to accommodate the electrical connection cable 6.

[0025] The connecting cable set 5 and its connecting cable 6 are preferably designed to match the length of a lift mast with the longest overall length. If the industrial truck 1 is equipped with a lift mast with a shorter overall length, the cable storage 10 serves to accommodate the unused excess length of the connecting cable 6.

[0026] The cable storage 10 has a housing 11 which can be fastened to the lifting mast 3 and in which at least two winding elements 12a, 12b arranged at a distance from one another, on which the connecting cable 6 can be wound, can be fixedly and rigidly fastened.

[0027] The housing 11 is preferably formed by a plate-like cover which is fastened to an outer side of the lifting mast 3, for example to an outer side of a lifting mast profile of a stationary mast of the lifting mast 3, for example by means of one or more screw connections.

[0028] The winding elements 12a, 12b are arranged on an inner side of the housing 11, which in the assembled state faces the outer side of the lifting mast 3.

[0029] The housing 11 attached to the outside of the lifting mast 3 creates an installation space on the lifting mast 3 in which the winding elements 12a, 12b are arranged.

[0030] In the Figure 1 , 2a, 2b , in which a first embodiment of the cable storage 10 is shown, the winding elements 12a, 12b are each designed as a winding roller 13a, 13b, onto which the excess length of the connecting cable 6 that is not required can be wound.

[0031] The winding element 12a can be fixedly and rigidly fastened to at least two fastening points 15a, 15b, 15c of the housing 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the winding element 12a can be fixedly and rigidly fastened to the fastening point 15a or to the fastening point 15b or to the fastening point 15c by means of a fastening means 16a, for example, a fastening screw. The fastening interface 15a, 15b, or 15c can be formed, for example, by a through-hole in the housing 11 that accommodates the fastening means 16a.

[0032] The winding element 12b can be fixedly and rigidly attached to a fastening point 15d of the housing 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the winding element 12b can be fixedly and rigidly attached to the fastening point 15d by means of a fastening means 16b, for example, a fastening screw. The fastening interface 15d can be formed, for example, by a through-hole in the housing 11 that accommodates the fastening means 16b.

[0033] The fastening interfaces 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d are preferably arranged in a straight line, with the fastening interfaces 15a, 15d being arranged at the furthest distance from each other. The fastening interfaces 15b, 15c are arranged between the fastening interfaces 15a, 15d, with the fastening interface 15b being spaced from the fastening interface 15a by a first distance and the fastening interface 15c being spaced from the fastening interface 15a by a second distance that is greater than the first distance.

[0034] The winding elements 12a, 12b are arranged at the corresponding fastening interface 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d in a stationary manner, ie not displaceable, and rigid, ie not rotatable.

[0035] If the winding element 12a is fastened to the fastening interface 15a and the winding element 12b is fastened to the fastening interface 15d, a first fixed distance can be achieved between the two winding elements 12a, 12b. If the winding element 12a is fastened to the fastening interface 15b and the winding element 12b is fastened to the fastening interface 15d, a second fixed distance can be achieved between the two winding elements 12a, 12b that is smaller than the first distance. If the winding element 12a is fastened to the fastening interface 15c and the winding element 12b is fastened to the fastening interface 15d, a third fixed distance can be achieved between the two winding elements 12a, 12b that is smaller than the second distance.

[0036] The unused excess length of the connecting cable 6 is wound onto the two winding elements 12a, 12b, which are rigidly and fixedly attached to the housing 11. The connecting cable 6 can be wound around the winding elements 12a, 12b using the "O" winding technique or the "8" winding technique. Using the "8" winding technique, a longer length of the connecting cable 6 can be wound onto the winding elements 12a, 12b.

[0037] The winding elements 12a, 12b are preferably each provided with a front-side flange plate 14a, 14b, which prevents the wound connecting cable 6 from slipping off the winding elements 12a, 12b.

[0038] When the housing 11 is attached to the outside of the lifting mast 3, the winding elements 12a, 12b with the flange plates 14a, 14b preferably rest on the outside of the lifting mast 3.

[0039] By attaching the winding element 12a to the attachment interface 15a, 15b, or 15c and attaching the winding element 12b to the attachment interface 15d, and using the appropriate winding technique ("O" or "8"), the connecting cable 6 can be wound in loops of different sizes onto the two winding elements 12a, 12b. By appropriately winding the connecting cable 6, depending on the lifting mast to which the cable storage unit 10 is mounted, different unused excess lengths of the connecting cable 6 can be stored safely, orderly, and in compliance with minimum radii in the cable storage unit 10.

[0040] In the Figures 3a, 3b , in which a second embodiment of the cable storage 10 is shown, at least three, in the illustrated embodiment four, winding elements 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, on which the connecting cable 6 can be wound, can be fixedly and rigidly fastened in the housing 11.

[0041] The winding elements 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d are each designed as a half-shell 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, onto which the excess length of the connecting cable 6 that is not required can be wound.

[0042] The winding element 12a can be fixed and rigidly fastened to the fastening point 15a of the housing 11. The winding element 12b can be fixed and rigidly fastened to the fastening point 15b of the housing 11. The winding element 12c can be fixed and rigidly fastened to the fastening point 15c of the housing 11. The winding element 12d can be fixed and rigidly fastened to the fastening point 15d of the housing 11. The winding elements 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d can be fixed and rigidly fastened to the fastening point 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d by means of a fastening means, for example a fastening screw, or can be formed integrally with the housing 11.

[0043] The winding elements 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d designed as half-shells 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d each have end regions, wherein the two upper half-shells 20a, 20b are arranged on the housing 11 with downwardly pointing end regions and the two lower half-shells 20c, 20d are arranged with upwardly pointing end regions.

[0044] The connecting cable 6 can be wound around the two half-shells 20b, 20c to form a small loop, around the two half-shells 20a, 20c or 20b, 20d to form a medium-sized loop, or around the two half-shells 20a, 20d to form a large loop. By appropriately winding the connecting cable 6, different unused excess lengths of the connecting cable 6 can be stored in the cable storage 10, depending on the lifting mast to which the cable storage 10 is attached, safely, orderly, and while maintaining minimum radii.

[0045] In the Figures 4a, 4b , in which a third embodiment of the cable storage 10 is shown, at least three, in the illustrated embodiment four, winding elements 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, on which the connecting cable 6 can be wound, can be fixedly and rigidly fastened in the housing 11.

[0046] The winding elements 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d are each formed by a pair of tabs 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d having two tabs 25, onto which the excess length of the connecting cable 6 that is not required can be wound.

[0047] The winding element 12a can be fixed and rigidly fastened to the fastening point 15a of the housing 11. The winding element 12b can be fixed and rigidly fastened to the fastening point 15b of the housing 11. The winding element 12c can be fixed and rigidly fastened to the fastening point 15c of the housing 11. The winding element 12d can be fixed and rigidly fastened to the fastening point 15d of the housing 11. The winding elements 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d can be fixed and rigidly fastened to the fastening point 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d by means of a fastening means, for example a fastening screw, or can be formed integrally with the housing 11.

[0048] The winding elements 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d designed as tabs 25 each have open end regions pointing away from the housing 11, wherein the tabs 25 of the two pairs of tabs 25a, 25b are arranged on the housing 11 with upwardly open end regions and the tabs 25 of the two lower pairs of tabs 25c, 25d are arranged with downwardly open end regions.

[0049] The connecting cable 6 can be wound around the tabs 25 of the two pairs of tabs 25b, 25c to form a small loop, around the tabs 25 of the two pairs of tabs 25a, 25c or 25b, 25d to form a medium-sized loop, or around the tabs 25 of the two pairs of tabs 20a, 20d to form a large loop. By appropriately winding the connecting cable 6, different unused excess lengths of the connecting cable 6 can be stored in the cable storage 10 in a secure, orderly manner, and while maintaining minimum radii, depending on the lifting mast to which the cable storage 10 is attached.

Claims

1. Industrial truck (1) having a vehicle body (2), and having a lifting mast (3) on which a load-bearing means (4) is arranged so as to be raisable and lowerable, wherein provision is made of an electrical connecting-cable set (5) comprising at least one electrical connecting cable (6) which is routed from the vehicle body (2) to at least one electrical component arranged on the lifting mast (3) or load-bearing means (4), wherein, on the lifting mast (3), provision is made of a cable storage means (10) which is intended for holding the electrical connecting cable (6), wherein the cable storage means (10) has a housing (11) which is fastenable to the lifting mast (3), characterized in that at least two winding elements (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d) which are arranged spaced apart from one another and on which the connecting cable (6) is able to be wound are fastenable in a positionally fixed and rigid manner in the housing (11).

2. Industrial truck according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the winding elements (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d) is fastenable in a positionally fixed and rigid manner at at least two fastening points (15a; 15b, 15c) of the housing (11).

3. Industrial truck according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least three winding elements (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d) which are arranged spaced apart from one another and on which the connecting cable (6) is able to be wound are fastenable in a positionally fixed and rigid manner in the housing (11).

4. Industrial truck according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each of the winding elements (12a; 12b) is configured as a winding roller (15a; 15b) onto which the connecting cable (6) is able to be wound.

5. Industrial truck according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each of the winding elements (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d) is configured as a half-shell (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d) onto which the connecting cable (6) is able to be wound.

6. Industrial truck according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each of the winding elements (12a; 12b; 12c; 12d) is configured as a tab (25) onto which the connecting cable (6) is able to be wound.

7. Industrial-truck range comprising industrial trucks (1) according to one of the preceding claims with different structural lengths of lifting masts (3).

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