A support leg for trailers, semi-trailers and similar load transport vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a support leg (100) for trailers or similar load transport vehicles (TA), comprising an outer body (110) and an inner body (120) capable of moving telescopically relative to each other to allow a change in height; a load nut (121) fixed in the inner body (120); a threaded carrier shaft (122), fixed at one end to a center of a major conical gear (130), and coupled to the load nut (121); a minor conical gear (131) coupled to the major conical gear (130), with an end of a conical gear shaft (132) fixed to the center thereof.

Description

[0001] A SUPPORT LEG FOR TRAILERS, SEMI-TRAILERS AND SIMILAR LOAD TRANSPORT VEHICLES

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to a support leg, in particular to a support leg for supporting load transport vehicles such as truck beds, prime movers, trailers, semi-trailers.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Vehicles such as trailers and semi-trailers are load transport vehicles that are towed by a motor vehicle. Examples of such load transport vehicles also include prime movers and truck beds. Said load transport vehicles may be parked for a wide range of purposes, such as customs clearance, storage, or general parking. In order that the towing vehicle is not occupied during parking, the towing vehicle is separated from the load transporter. Load transporters are equipped with support legs so that the load transporter can be stabilized without a towing vehicle. It is required that the length of the support legs is shortenable and extendable. When the load transporter is connected to the towing vehicle, the support legs are shortened and lifted off the ground so that the movement is not hindered. In case the load transporter needs to be separated from the towing vehicle, the support legs are extended and lowered to the ground. This allows the support legs to support and stabilize the load transporter at the front side where the towing vehicle is attached. The braking systems on the load transporter also ensure that the load transporter remains stable in place.

[0006] Such shortening and extending features of the support legs may require different requirements. While the weight of the load transporter is on the support legs, the shortening and extending process must be operated at a slow revolution. In this case, the shortening and extending process can be easily performed under load while the number of revolutions required for the shortening and extending process increases. Conversely, while the weight of the load transporter is not on the support legs, the shortening and extending process must be operated at a fast revolution. In this case, the number of revolutions required for the shortening and extending process is reduced, enabling that the shortening and extending process is quickly carried out under load.

[0007] As the weight of the load transporter increases, transportation costs also increase with the increasing weight. In addition, there are weight quotas or maximum weight limits in many transportation legislation. The high weight of the support legs will result in the inability to carry the loads at the said limits, thereby affecting the quality of the transportation that can be carried out. Therefore, the consumers on one hand demand the support legs to be as light as possible, but also durable so that they can easily accommodate the weight of the load transporter and be used for a long period of time.

[0008] Due to the shortcomings of the prior art support legs, there is a need in the art for a light, compact and durable support leg.

[0009] Objects of the Invention

[0010] A main object of the present invention is to provide a support leg that is both light and durable so that it can easily accommodate the weight of the load transporter and allow long-term use. Another object of the invention is to provide a support leg with an outer cover in small size.

[0011] Another object is to provide a support leg comprising a major conical gear sized to be tangent to an inner wall of the outer body.

[0012] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0013] A support leg that is implemented to achieve the objects of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the details of the invention should be evaluated in view of the entire specification. Wherein;

[0014] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a support leg in an exemplary parked load transport vehicle in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0015] Fig. 2 is an isometric view of a support leg in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0016] Fig. 3 is an isometric view of an extended support leg in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0017] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a support leg in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the drive shaft is in a first position (fast revolution).

[0018] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a support leg in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the drive shaft is in a second position (slow revolution).

[0019] Fig. 6 is a schematic view of the outer cover in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0020] Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a connection of the second major gear, the first major gear, the minor gear, the conical gear shaft, the minor conical gear and the major conical gear when the drive shaft is in the first position (fast revolution), in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0021] Fig. 8 is a schematic view of the connection of the second major gear, the first major gear, the minor gear, the conical gear shaft, the minor conical gear and the major conical gear when the drive shaft in the second position (slow revolution), in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the connection of the second major gear, the first major gear, the minor gear, the conical gear shaft, the minor conical gear and the major conical gear when the drive shaft is in the first position (fast revolution), in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the connection of the second major gear, the first major gear, the minor gear, the conical gear shaft, the minor conical gear and the major conical gear when the drive shaft is in the second position (slow revolution), in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Fig. 11 is a schematic view of the connection of the drive shaft having a drive shaft sleeve and the second major gear, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Fig. 12 is an exploded view of the connection of the drive shaft having the drive shaft sleeve and the second major gear, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Fig. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the connection of the drive shaft having the drive shaft sleeve and the second major gear when the drive shaft is in the first position (fast revolution), in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Fig. 14 is an isometric cross-sectional view of the connection of the drive shaft having the drive shaft sleeve and the second major gear when the drive shaft is in the first position (fast revolution), in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Fig. 15 is an exploded view of the connection of the inner body, the threaded carrier shaft and the load table, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Fig. 16 is a schematic view of the two support legs connected to each other at the second ends of the conical gear shafts by a conical gear shaft connection axle in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein a crank is connected to a drive shaft.

[0029] The reference numbers used in the drawings are given below.

[0030] 100. Support leg

[0031] 110. Outer body

[0032] 111. First conical gear shaft opening

[0033] 112. Second conical gear shaft opening

[0034] 120. Inner body

[0035] 121. Load nut

[0036] 122. Threaded carrier shaft

[0037] 123. Foot connection member

[0038] 124. Inner body nut connection member

[0039] 125. Load nut connection member 130. Major conical gear

[0040] 131. Minor conical gear

[0041] 132. Conical gear shaft

[0042] 133. First end

[0043] 134. Second end

[0044] 135. First major gear

[0045] 136. Minor gear

[0046] 137. Second major gear

[0047] 138. Drive shaft opening

[0048] 139. Inner surface thread

[0049] 140. Drive shaft

[0050] 141. Outer surface thread

[0051] 142. Drive shaft sleeve

[0052] 143. Gear buffer

[0053] 144. Position retaining ring

[0054] 145. Retaining ring slot

[0055] 146. First retaining ring recess

[0056] 147. Second retaining ring recess

[0057] 148. Drive shaft connection element

[0058] 150. Outer cover

[0059] 151. Drive shaft cover opening

[0060] 152. Conical gear shaft cover opening

[0061] 153. First end cover

[0062] 160. First conical gear shaft opening frame

[0063] 161. Second gear shaft opening frame

[0064] 162. First conical gear shaft bearing

[0065] 163. Second conical gear shaft bearing

[0066] 164. Drive shaft bearing opening

[0067] 165. Drive shaft bearing

[0068] 166. Expansion bush

[0069] 170. Load table

[0070] 171. Load bearing

[0071] 172. Load washer

[0072] 180. Conical gear shaft connection axle TA. Transport vehicle DA. Support foot

[0073] DK. Crank

[0074] The invention relates to a lightweight, compact and durable support leg (100) for mounting on and providing support for load transport vehicles (TA).

[0075] In the embodiments of the invention, the term load transport vehicle refers to vehicles such as truck beds, prime movers, trailers, semi-trailers, etc.

[0076] The invention relates to a support leg (100) for trailers or similar load transport vehicles (TA), comprising an outer body (110) and an inner body (120) capable of moving telescopically relative to each other to allow a change in height; a load nut (121) fixed to the inner body (120); a threaded carrier shaft (122), fixed at one end to a center of a major conical gear (130), and coupled to the load nut (121); a minor conical gear (131) coupled to the major conical gear (130), with an end of a conical gear shaft (132) fixed to the center thereof. The support leg (100) also comprises at least one first conical gear shaft opening (111) disposed on a surface of the outer body (110), which allows a first end (133) of the conical gear shaft (132) to extend outward of the outer body (110); a concentric first major gear (135) and a minor gear (136) positioned outside the body (110), through the center of which the first end (133) is passed, and performing rotational movement together with the conical gear shaft (132); a second major gear (137) coupled to a minor gear (136) having a drive shaft opening (138) with an inner surface having inner surface threads (139), and at the center of which a drive shaft

[0077] (140) can be movably disposed; a drive shaft (140) having outer surface threads (141) on at least a part of its surface, and movable within the drive shaft opening (138) so as to be positioned in a first position and a second position, wherein the outer surface threads (141) engage with the inner surface threads (139) in the first position, and the outer surface threads

[0078] (141) engage with the first major gear (135) in the second position; and an outer cover (150) having a drive shaft cover opening (151) for receiving the drive shaft (140).

[0079] The inner body (120) can move telescopically within the outer body (110). The inner body (120) and the outer body (110) preferably have a tubular form with a square or rectangular cross-section. The movement of the inner body (120) relative to the outer body (110) is performed by the load nut (121) and the threaded carrier shaft (122). The threaded carrier shaft (122) is located in the load nut (121), and the threads of the load nut (121) are engaged with the threads of the threaded carrier shaft (122) extending along at least a part of its surface. The threaded carrier shaft (122) is rotatably fixed to the outer body (110) together with the major conical gear (130). The load nut (121) is fixed to the inner body (120), preferably around the entire circumference of the load nut (121) (e.g. at four sides for a load nut (121) with a square cross-section), to the inner wall of the inner body (120). The fixing of the load nut (121) to the inner body (120) can be performed by connecting at least one load nut connection member (125) in the load nut (121) with at least one inner body nut connection member (124) in the inner body (120). The load nut connection member (125) and the inner body nut connection member (124) may be in the form of an opening (see Fig. 15). The fixing of the load nut (121) to the inner body (120) can be performed by positioning the said load nut connection members (125) concentrically with the inner body nut connection members (124) and inserting at least one bolt therethrough. The load nut (121) can be fixed to the inner body (120) by means of a nut inserted into the bolt and tightened. The rotational movement of the threaded carrier shaft (122) in one direction (e.g. clockwise) brings the load nut (121) and thus the inner body (120) closer to the major conical gear (130) (the length of the support leg (100) is shortened). The rotational movement of the threaded carrier shaft (122) in another direction (e.g. counter clockwise) moves the load nut (121) and thus the inner body (120) away from the major conical gear (130) (the length of the support leg (100) is increased).

[0080] The rotational movement of the drive shaft (140) is transmitted to the conical gear shaft (132) and the rotational movement of the conical gear shaft (132) is transmitted to the major conical gear (130) by means of the minor conical gear (131). The minor conical gear (131), together with the major conical gear (130), forms a kind of bevel gear configuration. In an embodiment of the invention, the angle between an axis of rotation of the minor conical gear (131) and an axis of rotation of the major conical gear (130) is 90°. In other words, the axis of rotation of the minor conical gear (131) is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the major conical gear (130). The threads of the minor conical gear (131) and the major conical gear (130) can be straight, helical, or curved. In an embodiment of the invention, the angle between an axis of rotation of the threaded carrier shaft (122) and an axis of rotation of the conical gear shaft (132) is 90°. In other words, the axis of rotation of the threaded carrier shaft (122) is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the conical geared shaft (132).

[0081] The first end (133) of the conical gear shaft (132) is removed from the outer body (110) by means of the first conical gear shaft opening (111). The first end (133) extending outside the outer body (110) has a first major gear (135) and a minor gear (136). The first major gear (135) and the minor gear (136) perform rotational movement together with the conical gear shaft (132). The first major gear (135) and the minor gear (136) are concentric. At least one of the first major gear (135) and the minor gear (136) is fixed to the conical gear shaft (132) at its center. In the case where only one of the first major gear (135) and the minor gear (136) is fixed to the conical gear shaft (132), the first major gear (135) and the minor gear (136) must be fixed to each other. The term fixing here is used in the sense that they do not move relative to each other. Alternatively, the first major gear (135) and the minor gear (136) may both be fixed to the conical gear shaft (132) (the first end (133)) without a direct physical connection therebetween. The minor gear (136) is engaged with the second major gear (137). In other words, the minor gear (136) and the second major gear (137) form a wheel system. The rotational movement of the second major gear (137) in one direction causes the minor gear

[0082] (136) to rotate in the other direction. The diameter of the second major gear (137) is larger than that of the minor gear (136). The diameter of the first major gear (135) is larger than that of the drive shaft (140). The drive shaft opening (138) is located at the center of the second major gear (137). The drive shaft opening (138) has inner surface threads (139). The drive shaft (140) is positioned so that it is at least partially movable within the drive shaft opening (138) and is inserted through the drive shaft opening (138).

[0083] The transmission of the rotational movement of the drive shaft (140) to the conical gear shaft (132) is carried out in two ways: fast revolution (see Figs. 4, 7, 9) and slow revolution (see Figs. 5, 8, 10). The drive shaft (140) is movable within the drive shaft opening (138) such that it can move to the first position and the second position. The first position (fast revolution gear) and the second position (slow revolution gear) of the drive shaft (140) define the fast revolution and slow revolution gear shifts. In an embodiment of the invention, the drive shaft (140) is movable within the drive shaft opening (138) such that it can only move to the first position and the second position. Thus, the drive shaft (140) is prevented from being in a position other than the first position and the second position (a neutral gear other than slow revolution and fast revolution). At least a part of the surface of the drive shaft (140) is provided with external surface threads (141). When the drive shaft (140) is in the first position, the outer surface threads (141) are positioned to engage with the inner surface threads (139). At least some of the outer surface threads (141) that are close to the drive shaft opening (138) may have a tapered shape (with the height of the threads gradually increasing (as they move away from the drive shaft opening (138)). Thus, an easier engagement of the outer surface threads (141) with the inner surface threads (139) is achieved. A gap formed by both of the inner surface threads (139) to accommodate an outer surface thread (141) may be larger than the outer surface thread (141). Thus, an easier engagement of the outer surface threads (141) with the inner surface threads (139) can also be achieved in a different way. When the drive shaft (140) is in the first position, the rotational movement of the drive shaft (140) is transmitted to the minor gear (136) via the second major gear (137). Since the diameter of the second major gear

[0084] (137) is larger than that of the minor gear (136), the conical gear shaft (132) rotates faster than the rotational speed of the drive shaft (140). Thus, the support leg (100) operates at a fast revolution. When the drive shaft (140) is in the second position, the outer surface threads (141) are positioned to engage with the first major gear (135). Furthermore, when the drive shaft (140) is in the second position, the outer surface threads (141) are positioned so that they do not engage with the inner surface threads (139). When the drive shaft (140) is in the second position, the rotational movement of the drive shaft (140) is transmitted to the first major gear

[0085] (135). Since the diameter of the first major gear (135) is larger than the diameter formed by the outer surface threads (141), the conical gear shaft (132) rotates slower than the rotational speed of the drive shaft (140). Thus, the support leg (100) operates at a slow revolution. In the embodiments of the invention, the transitions of the drive shaft (140) between the first position and the second position are performed by reciprocating movement of the drive shaft (140) along the axis of the drive shaft (140). In an exemplary embodiment, when the outer surface threads (141) are positioned further away from the outer body (110), the drive shaft (140) is in the first position (see Figs. 4, 7, 9). When the outer surface threads (141) are positioned closer to the outer body (110), the drive shaft (140) is in the second position (see Figs. 5, 8, 10). In this embodiment, the first major gear (135) is positioned closer to the outer body (110) than the minor gear (136).

[0086] In the embodiments of the invention, the first major gear (135) and the minor gear (136) are positioned at the first end (133) of the conical gear shaft (132), which is positioned outside the outer body (110). Therefore, the first major gear (135) and the minor gear (136) are positioned outside the outer body (110). Therefore, it is only necessary to make a cut in the outer body (110) for the conical gear shaft opening (111). If the first major gear (135) and the minor gear

[0087] (136) are positioned within the outer body (110), it is necessary to make a cut in the surface of the outer body (110) which is at least equal to the diameter of the major conical gear (130). This significantly reduces the strength of the outer body (110). Furthermore, in view of the space occupied by the first major gear (135) and the minor gear (136) in the outer body (110), the threaded carrier shaft (122) has to be positioned asymmetrically in the outer body (110). This results in balance problems of the support leg (100). In addition, since the space to accommodate the major conical gear (130) is reduced, it is necessary to use a relatively small major conical gear (130). To achieve a strength similar to that of the invention, it should be used a major conical gear (130) being more powerful and therefore more costly to manufacture. By positioning the first major gear (135) and the minor gear (136) outside the outer body (110), a support leg (100) with high strength and lower cost can be manufactured. Furthermore, such positioning enables the use of a major conical gear (130) with a diameter sized to be tangent to the inner wall of the outer body (110). As the dimensions of the major conical gear (130) increase, the dimensions of the threads also increase. An increase in thread size allows the use of a major conical gear (130) manufactured from a lower-strength material and with less precision (and therefore less costly). In addition, it is ensured that the threaded carrier shaft (122) may be positioned on the center axis of the outer body (110).

[0088] In an embodiment of the invention, the first major gear (135), the minor gear (136) and / or the second major gear (137) are formed by cutting and stacking a plurality of sheet of metal materials. In other words, the first major gear (135), the minor gear (136) and / or the second major gear (137) comprise multiple layers of sheet metal. A single sheet metal can be cut quickly and without burrs, eliminating the need for deburring in gear production. In particular, the engagement of the minor gear (136) and the second major gear (137) is carried out smoothly.

[0089] In the support leg (100) of an embodiment of the invention, the outer cover (150) surrounds at least a part of the first major gear (135), the minor gear (136), the conical gear shaft (132), the second major gear (137) and / or the drive shaft (140). This protects the first major gear (135), the minor gear (136), the conical gear shaft (132) and the second major gear (137) against external impacts. In an embodiment of the invention, the outer cover (150) comprises a conical gear shaft cover opening (152) through which an end of the conical gear shaft (132) that is outside the outer body (110) is passed. Thus, the end of the conical gear shaft (132) outside the outer body (110) is supported. The invention may comprise a first end cover (153) which covers an end of the conical gear shaft (132) that is outside the conical gear shaft cover opening (152) (see Figs. 4, 5). The drive shaft (140) is also supported by the drive shaft cover opening (151). The outer cover (150) may be made of metal. The drive shaft cover opening (151) and the conical gear shaft cover opening (152) may be formed by a deep drawing method.

[0090] The embodiments of the invention do not include a mechanical gear or gear wheel fixed to the drive shaft (140). Therefore, the need to create a gap in the outer cover (150) is eliminated, which would allow the mechanical gear or gear wheel fixed to the said drive shaft (140) to move during the movement of the drive shaft (140). So, the minimum dimensions of the outer cover (150) can be reduced by the combined thickness of the first major gear (135) and the minor gear (136). This reduction in the thickness and volume of the outer cover (150) reduces the volume and weight of the support leg (100). This reduction significantly reduces the logistics costs of the support leg (100). The reduced thickness of the outer cover (150) reduces resilience problems. In an embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the outer cover (150) is the combined thickness of the first major gear (135) and the minor gear (136).

[0091] In an embodiment of the invention, the support leg (100) comprises a minor conical gear (131) fixed to a second end (134) of the conical gear shaft (132), and located in the outer body (110) (see Figs. 4, 5, 7-10). The second end (134) is opposite to the first end (134). In other words, it is the end of the conical gear shaft (132) which is close to the surface of the outer body (110) opposite to that where the first major gear (135) is located. In a variant of this embodiment, the support leg (100) comprises a first conical gear shaft opening frame (160) extending from the first conical gear shaft opening (111) into the outer body (110). The minor conical gear (131) may be positioned in the outer body (110) close to the first conical gear shaft opening (111). In this case, since the minor conical gear (131) is closely positioned, it will not be possible to form the first conical gear shaft opening frame (160) extending into the outer body (110), in the first conical gear shaft opening (111). By positioning the minor conical gear (131) in the outer body (110) close to the surface of the outer body (110) opposite to that where the first major gear (135) is located, there is provided space for forming the first conical gear shaft opening frame (160). Thus, the first end (133) of the conical gear shaft (132) is additionally supported. The first conical gear shaft opening frame (160) may be an integral part of the outer body (110). The first conical gear shaft opening frame (160) can be realized by deep drawing the outer body (110).

[0092] The support leg (100) in an embodiment of the invention comprises a first conical gear shaft bearing (162) extending from the first conical gear shaft opening (111) into the outer body (110), and supporting the first end (133). Similar to the previous embodiment, by positioning the minor conical gear (131) in the outer body (110) close to the surface of the outer body (110) that is opposite to that where the first major gear (135) is located, there is provided space for forming the first conical gear shaft bearing (162). Thus, the conical gear shaft (132) is also supported in bearings at the first end (133).

[0093] In an embodiment of the invention, the support leg (100) comprises a second conical gear shaft opening (112) located opposite the first conical gear shaft opening (111), which allows the second end (134) to extend outward of the outer body (110). This supports the bearing of the conical gear shaft (132). In a variant of this embodiment, the support leg (100) comprises a second conical gear shaft opening frame (161) extending from the second conical gear shaft opening (112) outward of the outer body (110). This further supports the bearing of the conical gear shaft (132). The second conical gear shaft opening frame (161) may be an integral part of the outer body (110). The second conical gear shaft opening frame (161) can be realized by deep drawing the outer body (110).

[0094] In an embodiment of the invention, the support leg (100) comprises a second conical gear shaft bearing (163) extending from the second conical gear shaft opening (112) outward of the outer body (110), and supporting the second end (134). Thus, the conical gear shaft (132) is yet further supported in bearings at the second end (134).

[0095] In an embodiment of the invention, the support leg (100) comprises a drive shaft bearing opening (164) for providing extending one end of the drive shaft (140) into the outer body (110); and a drive shaft bearing (165) located in the drive shaft bearing opening (164). Thus, the drive shaft (140) is additionally supported in bearings.

[0096] In an embodiment of the invention, the support leg (100) comprises an expansion bush (166) having internal surface threads (139) extending concentrically with the drive shaft opening (138) from the surface of the second major gear (137), preferably not facing the first major gear (135), in order to expand the surface area of the drive shaft opening (138) (see Figs. 4, 5, 7-10, 12-14). The internal surface threads (139) on the drive shaft opening (138) and the internal surface threads (139) on the expansion bush (166) follow each other. This enlarges the surface area of the inner surface threads (139) with which the outer surface threads (141) must engage when the drive shaft (140) moves into the first position. This allows the drive shaft (140) to move into the first position in a smoother manner. Furthermore, a closer engagement of the outer surface threads (141) and the inner surface threads (139) is ensured. This ensures a closer engagement between the drive shaft (140) and the second major gear (137).

[0097] An embodiment of the invention comprises at least one drive shaft sleeve (142) surrounding at least a part of the drive shaft (140); a retaining ring slot (145) located on the inner surface of the drive shaft sleeve (142) facing the drive shaft; a position retaining ring (144), at least a part of which is positioned in the retaining ring slot (145); a first retaining ring recess (146) on an outer surface of the drive shaft (140), which is engaged with the position retaining ring (144) when the drive shaft (140) is in the first position; a second retaining ring recess (147) which is engaged with the position retaining ring (144) when the drive shaft (140) is in the second position.

[0098] In this embodiment, the drive shaft sleeve (142) surrounds at least a part of the drive shaft (140) and assists the bearing of the drive shaft (140). In an alternative embodiment of this embodiment of the invention, the drive shaft sleeve (142) extends from the drive shaft cover opening (151) to the outside of the outer cover (150) (see Figs. 4, 5). This allows the outer cover (150) to support the drive shaft sleeve (142) through the drive shaft cover opening (151). In an embodiment of the invention, the drive shaft sleeve (142) surrounds at least a part of the expansion bush (166). Therefore, the expansion bush (166) is supported in bearings by the drive shaft sleeve (142).

[0099] In this embodiment, the first position (fast revolution) and the second position (slow revolution) of the drive shaft (140) as well as the transitions between positions are supported. When the drive shaft (140) is in the first position, the position retaining ring (144) is engaged with the first retaining ring recess (146). In other words, when the drive shaft (140) is in the first position, at least a part of the position retaining ring (144) is positioned within the first retaining ring recess (146). This ensures that the position of the drive shaft (140) in the first position is not changed by small pushing and pulling forces applied to the drive shaft (140). At least a part of the position retaining ring (144) always remains in the retaining ring slot (145). The position retaining ring (144) may be in the form of a circle, ring. For the circular position retaining ring (144), the first retaining ring recess (146) and the second retaining ring recess (147) must also be in the form of a ring-shaped recess. To move the drive shaft (140) from the first position (fast revolution) to the second position (slow revolution), the drive shaft (140) must be pushed / advanced / moved towards the outer body (110). By pushing the drive shaft (140), the drive shaft (140) moves to the second position so that the outer surface threads (141) thereof are engaged with the first major gear (135). In order for the drive shaft (140) to be pushed, the opposing force exerted by the position retaining ring (144), at least a part of which is located in the first retaining ring recess (146), against the said pushing force must be overcome. When a pushing force being sufficiently strong is applied to the drive shaft (140), the drive shaft (140) starts to move towards the outer body (110). Here, the position retaining ring (144) is pulled into the retaining ring slot (145). As the drive shaft (140) is pulled, the position retaining ring (144) moves along and rubs on the surface of the drive shaft (140). When the drive shaft (140) is moved to the second position, the outer surface threads (141) are engaged with the first major gear (135). In the second position, the position retaining ring (144) moves from the retaining ring slot (145) towards a center axis of the drive shaft (140) such that at least a part of it is located in the second retaining ring recess (147). This ensures that the drive shaft (140) remains in the second position. By inserting a portion of the position retaining ring (144) into the second retaining ring recess (146), the user is tactilely informed that the drive shaft (140) is positioned in the second position. To move the drive shaft (140) from the second position (slow revolution) to the first position (fast revolution), the drive shaft (140) must be pulled / advanced / moved out of the outer body (110). By pulling the drive shaft (140), the drive shaft (140) moves to the first position so that the outer surface threads (141) thereof are engaged with the inner surface threads (139). In order for the drive shaft (140) to be pulled, the opposing force exerted by the position retaining ring (144), at least a part of which is located in the second retaining ring recess (147), against the said pulling force must be overcome. When a pulling force being sufficiently strong is applied to the drive shaft (140), the drive shaft (140) starts to move outward from the outer body (110). Here, the position retaining ring (144) is pulled into the retaining ring slot (145). As the drive shaft (140) is pulled, the position retaining ring (144) moves along and rubs on the surface of the drive shaft (140). When the drive shaft (140) is moved to the first position, the outer surface threads (141) are engaged with the inner surface threads (139). In the first position, the position retaining ring (144) moves from the retaining ring slot (145) towards a center axis of the drive shaft (140) such that at least a part of it is located in the first retaining ring recess (146). This ensures that the drive shaft (140) remains in the first position. When a portion of the position retaining ring (144) is inserted into the first retaining ring recess (146), the user is tactilely informed that the drive shaft (140) is positioned in the first position.

[0100] In an embodiment of the invention, the drive shaft (140) comprises a gear buffer (143) buffering an end of the outer surface threads (141) when it moves from the second position to the first position. The gear buffer (143) can be located on an edge of the drive shaft opening (138) facing the outer cover (150), or in embodiments where an expansion bush (166) is provided, on an edge of the expansion bush (166) facing the outer cover (150). The gear buffer (143) can be an integral part of the drive shaft opening (138) or the expansion bush (166). Alternatively, the gear buffer (143) can be split, in the form of a washer, and a ring (see Figs. 5, 7-10, 13, 14). In the embodiments where the expansion bush (166) is not provided, the gear buffer (143) prevents the outer surface threads (141) from engaging into the drive shaft opening (138) in the direction of the outer cover (150). In the embodiments where the expansion bush (166) is provided, the gear buffer (143) prevents the outer surface threads (141) from engaging into the expansion bush (166) in the direction of the outer cover (150). In the embodiments where the drive shaft sleeve (142) is provided, the gear buffer (143) prevents the outer surface threads (141) from striking the drive shaft sleeve (142) and damaging the drive shaft sleeve (142) (see Figs. 5, 9, 10, 13, 14).

[0101] In an embodiment of the invention, the support leg (100) comprises a conical gear shaft connection axle (180) for coupling the two support legs (100) to each other at the second ends (134) of the conical gear shaft (132) extending outward of the outer cover (110) (see Fig. 16). In this embodiment, both of the support legs (100) can be extended and shortened simultaneously by means of the conical gear shaft connection axle (180). By turning the drive shaft (140) of one support leg (100), both of the support legs (100) can be extended and shortened simultaneously.

[0102] In an embodiment of the invention, the support leg (100) comprises a load table (170) located under the major conical gear (130) for supporting the major conical gear (130) and the threaded carrier shaft (122), and which surrounds at least a part of the threaded carrier shaft (122). Thus, the load exerted by the load transport vehicle (TA) on the support leg (100) is transferred to the threaded carrier shaft (122) and the inner body (120).

[0103] In an embodiment of the invention, the support leg (100) comprises a load table (170) made of a sheet bar material. The sheet bar material may contain steel and / or iron.

[0104] In an embodiment of the invention, the support leg (100) comprises a load bearing (171) located between the load table (170) and a load washer (172) for supporting the threaded carrier shaft (122), and which surrounds at least a part of the threaded carrier shaft (122).

[0105] In an embodiment of the invention, the support leg (100) comprises a drive shaft connection element (148) at one end of the drive shaft (140) for connection to a manual or motorized crank (DK). The drive shaft connection element (148) may be in the form of an opening. The connection of the drive shaft (140) and the crank (DK) can be realized by co-centering a connection opening of the drive shaft connection element (148) and the crank (DK) in the form of an opening and inserting a bolt through the openings. The bolt can be tightened with a nut to secure the connection. The support leg (100) may comprise a crank (DK).

[0106] In an embodiment of the invention, the support leg (100) comprises a support foot (DA). The support foot (DA) can be a pivotable, motion compensating support foot (DA). The support foot (DA) is for attachment to the threaded carrier shaft (122) and / or the inner body (120). The support leg (100) may comprise a foot connection member (123) for providing a connection to the support foot (DA). The foot connection member (123) may be fixed to the support leg threaded carrier shaft (122) and / or to the inner body (120). The foot connection member (123) may have a cylindrical form.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A support leg (100) for trailers or similar load transport vehicles (TA), comprising an outer body (110) and an inner body (120) capable of moving telescopically relative to each other to allow a change in height; a load nut (121) fixed to the inner body (120); a threaded carrier shaft (122), fixed at one end to a center of a major conical gear (130), and coupled to the load nut (121); a minor conical gear (131) coupled to the major conical gear (130), with an end of a conical gear shaft (132) fixed to the center thereof, characterized by at least one first conical gear shaft opening (111) disposed on a surface of the outer body (110), which allows a first end (133) of the conical gear shaft (132) to extend outward of the outer body (110); a concentric first major gear (135) and a minor gear (136) positioned outside the body (110), through the center of which the first end (133) is passed, and performing rotational movement together with the conical gear shaft (132); a second major gear (137) coupled to the minor gear (136) having a drive shaft opening (138) with an inner surface having inner surface threads (139), and at the center of which a drive shaft (140) can be movably disposed; the drive shaft (140) having outer surface threads (141) on at least a part of its surface, and movable within the drive shaft opening (138) so as to be positioned in a first position and a second position, wherein the outer surface threads (141) engage with the inner surface threads (139) in the first position, and the outer surface threads (141) engage with the first major gear (135) in the second position; and an outer cover (150) having a drive shaft cover opening (151) for receiving the drive shaft (140).

2. A support leg (100) according to claim 1, comprising the outer cover (150) surrounding at least a part of the first major gear (135), the minor gear (136), the first end (133), the second major gear (137) and / or the drive shaft (140).

3. A support leg (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the minor conical gear (131) disposed in the outer body (110), and fixed to a second end (134) of the conical gear shaft (132).

4. A support leg (100) according to claim 3, comprising a first conical gear shaft opening frame (160) extending from the first conical gear shaft opening (111) into the outer body (110).

5. A support leg (100) according to claim 3 or 4, comprising a first conical gear shaft bearing (162) extending from the first conical gear shaft opening (111) into the outer body (110), and supporting the first end (133).

6. A support leg (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the second conical gear shaft opening (112) located opposite the first conical gear shaft opening (111), which allows the second end (134) to extend outward of the outer body (110).

7. A support leg (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second conical gear shaft bearing (163) extending from the second conical gear shaft opening (112) outward of the outer body (110), and supporting the second end (134).

8. A support leg (100) according to claim 6 or 7, comprising a second gear shaft opening frame (161) extending from the second conical gear shaft opening (112) outward of the outer body (HO).

9. A support leg (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a drive shaft bearing opening (164) providing for extending one end of the drive shaft (140) into the outer body (110); and a drive shaft bearing (165) located in the drive shaft bearing opening (164).

10. A support leg (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an expansion bush (166) having inner surface threads (139), extending concentrically with the drive shaft opening (138) in order to expand the surface area of the drive shaft opening (138).

11. A support leg (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one drive shaft sleeve (142) surrounding at least a part of the drive shaft (140); a retaining ring slot (145) located on the inner surface of the drive shaft sleeve (142) facing the drive shaft (140); a position retaining ring (144), at least a part of which is positioned in the retaining ring slot (145); a first retaining ring recess (146) on an outer surface of the drive shaft (140), which is engaged with the position retaining ring (144) when the drive shaft (140) is in the first position; a second retaining ring recess (147) which is engaged with the position retaining ring (144) when the drive shaft (140) is in the second position.

12. A support leg (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a gear buffer (143) buffering an end of the outer surface threads (141) when the drive shaft (140) moves from the second position to the first position.

13. A support leg (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a conical gear shaft connection axle (180) for connecting two support legs (100) to each other at their second ends (134) extending outward of the outer body (110).

14. A support leg (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a load table (170) located under the major conical gear (130) for supporting the major conical gear (130) and the threaded carrier shaft (122), and which surrounds at least a part of the threaded carrier shaft (122).

15. A support leg (100) according to claim 14, comprising the load table (170) made of a sheet bar material.

16. A support leg (100) according to claim 14 or 15, comprising a load bearing (171) which is located between the load table (170) and a load washer (172) for supporting the threaded carrier shaft (122), and which surrounds at least a part of the threaded carrier shaft (122).

17. A support leg (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a drive shaft connection element (148) located at one end of the drive shaft (140) for connection to a manual or motorized crank (DK).

18. A support leg (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a support foot (DA).

19. A support leg (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a foot connection member (123) for providing a connection to the support foot (DA).

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