Electric tracked trolley with adjustable chassis

Abstract

Title: Electric Tracked Cart with Adjustable Chassis The tracked cart (100) comprises: - a chassis (1) equipped with a battery-powered electric motor and a two-axis output transmission, as well as a load support; - two track modules (2), each having a drive wheel (21) carried by a drive axle (111) and articulated to the chassis (1); and - a control handle (4). The cart includes two support legs (3), each forming a rail (31), one end (3a) of which is articulated to a track module (2). The support leg (3) has a slide (32) carrying a movable joint (321) between a raised and a lowered position, and connecting the chassis (1) to the slide (32) to tilt the chassis (1) by controlled movement of the slide (32). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Electric tracked cart with adjustable chassis FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable chassis STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Multiple embodiments of the above-defined type of electric tracked trolley are known, including an electric tracked trolley comprising a chassis equipped with an electric motor powered by a battery and a two-axis output transmission, as well as a load support. The two track modules each comprise a drive wheel carried by one of the transmission axes, and each module is articulated to the chassis. Such a trolley also includes a control handle for managing its operation.

[0003] These tracked vehicles generally have the disadvantage of a relatively complex structure and are therefore heavy and expensive to manufacture and maintain.

[0004] PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention aims to develop a tracked electric trolley of the hand truck type, which has a very simple yet effective structure, is easy to manufacture and maintain, and is light and easy to maneuver to travel on surfaces not only flat and smooth, but also irregular or even over obstacles such as steps.

[0006] DESCRIPTION AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a tracked trolley comprising: a chassis with a load support, two track modules connected in an articulated manner to the chassis, and a control handle, trolley characterized in that it comprises a chassis connected by an articulation to the two track modules, a support leg forming a rail, one end of which is connected by an articulation to a track module, the support leg receiving a slider carrying a movable articulation between a high position and a low position, and the articulation connects the chassis to the slider to tilt the chassis by the controlled movement of the slider.

[0008] This electric trolley has the advantage of being a deformable articulated assembly comprising the chassis, track modules, and one or two support legs, achieved by controlled movement of the sliding joint connecting the support leg to the chassis. This allows the chassis carrying the load to be positioned from a very inclined position to a very upright position in which the electric trolley is folded and can be used like a hand truck for picking up or setting down loads.

[0009] Next, the trolley is tilted and its chassis is inclined according to the requirements of the transportation.

[0010] During transport, to maneuver the trolley on a small surface, for example, to take a turn in a very small space, it may be advantageous to fully straighten the trolley to group its surface on the ground and allow the maneuver.

[0011] According to an advantageous feature, the strut includes an electric actuator, controlled, connected to the slide and bearing on the strut.

[0012] The electric jack has the advantage of being self-locking so that the slide moved by the electric jack retains its position on the strut rail without requiring any other locking means.

[0013] According to another feature, the strut includes a shock absorber between the strut and the slider.

[0014] The shock absorber makes maneuvering the trolley more comfortable.

[0015] According to another advantageous feature, the lower end of the strut is connected to the track module by a lug, carrying the articulation axis, connecting the strut to the track module.

[0016] In one case, the lower end of the strut is connected to the track module by a joint to one arm of a rocker mounted pivoting on the back of the track module and whose other arm is connected to the back by a spring.

[0017] In another case, the articulation of the strut on the module coincides with the axis of the free wheel of the module.

[0018] The strut and the track module to which the strut is connected can constitute a pre-assembled component, simplifying the manufacture of the trucks.

[0019] According to an advantageous feature, the carriage comprises two twin support legs, connected by spacers and each carrying a slide associated with an electric cylinder, the cylinders being controlled to move the sliders in synchronicity, and the spacers being outside the sliding range of the sliders.

[0020] According to an advantageous feature, the twin struts are nevertheless connected independently of each other to their track module.

[0021] Advantageously, the tracked module comprises a drive wheel mounted on the axle connecting to the chassis, a free wheel mounted on the articulation axle of the strut or in its vicinity and a roller between the two wheels, a bearing surface between the two wheels, formed by a pad between the drive wheel and the roller and an inclined bearing surface formed by a pad between the free wheel and the roller, the roller, the first intermediate pad and the drive wheel forming the main bearing surface of the track, the roller, the second pad and the free wheel forming the inclined bearing surface.

[0022] This structure of the tracked module allows the cart to be easily maneuvered, in particular, to turn without slipping by resting on one or the other support surfaces of the tracks or on the intermediate area between the support surfaces which represent a particularly small area, practically avoiding any slippage.

[0023] According to another feature, the drive wheel, the free wheel, the roller and the pads have a groove receiving and guiding the track whose inner surface has a longitudinal rib engaged in the succession of grooves.

[0024] This guidance of the track by the drive wheel, the free wheel, the roller and the pads ensures the proper functioning of the track module preventing the track from coming off the rim in extreme situations when the nature of the surface on which the trolley travels imposes a slippage on the tracks despite the support possibilities of the track modules.

[0025] According to another feature, the chassis has two arms forming rails for an auxiliary trolley carrying a support frame receiving the teeth of a fork, an electric cylinder linking the chassis and the auxiliary chassis to control the movement of the auxiliary chassis.

[0026] The auxiliary chassis not only facilitates the taking or setting down of the load, but also the positioning of the load on the chassis so that the center of gravity of the load falls well within the support polygon of the trolley whether it is supported on one or the other support surfaces of the tracks. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to an embodiment of a tracked vehicle according to the invention shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0028] [Fig-1] Isometric view of a tracked trolley in its operating position,

[0029] [Fig.1A] Schematic side view of the carriage of the [Fig.1],

[0030] [Fig.1B] Schematic geometric view of the trolley structure according to [Fig.1A],

[0031] [Fig.1C] shows the different possible deformations of the trolley schematically represented according to [Fig.1B],

[0032] [Fig.2] Detail view of a tracked module of the [Fig.1] trolley

[0033] [Fig.3] Detail view of the strut of the carriage of [Fig.1],

[0034] [Fig.4] Isometric view of the combination of the strut and the module to which It is connected.

[0035] [Fig.4A] Exploded detail view of the joint between the strut and the track module,

[0036] [Fig.4B] Detail view of the assembled joint of [Fig.4A],

[0037] [Fig.5] Front isometric view of the auxiliary chassis and guide rails,

[0038] [Fig.6] Rear isometric view of the auxiliary chassis and guide rails, the chassis carrying forks and wheeled arms,

[0039] [Fig. A] Rear isometric view of the auxiliary chassis equipped with the arms and the fork,

[0040] [Fig.7] View of the fork support frame and the two roller arms,

[0041] [Fig.7A] view of a fork tooth,

[0042] [Fig.7B] view of a wheeled arm,

[0043] [Fig.8] Isometric view of the trolley with the auxiliary chassis in the lowered position,

[0044] [Fig.9] Isometric view of the trolley with the auxiliary chassis in the raised position,

[0045] [Fig. 10] Side view of the upright trolley in the shape of a devil.

[0046] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT METHODS OF THE INVENTION

[0047] According to [Fig.1], the invention relates to an electric tracked cart 100, composed of a chassis 1 connected to two tracked modules 2 also connected each to the chassis 1 by a strut 3.

[0048] By convention, to facilitate description, the front AV is the side of the chassis and the load; the rear AR is the side where the driver of the cart stands.

[0049] The chassis 1 consists of a box 11 with a back 111 and a hood 112; it receives an electric motor, its battery and a differential transmission, (not detailed) with two motor shafts 211, each connected to the drive wheel 21 of a tracked module 2.

[0050] The housing 11 also houses the central management unit connected to the control integrated in the handle 4 to manage the drive motor and the actuators operating adjustable elements of the trolley.

[0051] The electrical connection between the control integrated in the handle and the central unit of the housing 11 is made, preferably, via the support leg 3 and the associated module 2, the cable entering near the two joints at the lower end of the support leg 3 and between the module 2 and the housing 11.

[0052] The motorization can also be replaced by a respective electric motor associated with each axis 211 forming the pivot of the module 2 and carrying its drive wheel 21. The control of the two motors is done in electronic differential mode.

[0053] According to another variant, the chassis 1 is provided with two hollow axles 211 forming the pivots of each module 2, the drive wheel 21 of which integrates an electric motor controlled in electronic differential mode with the motor of the other module 2. Each module 2 is supplied by a link passing through the hollow axle 211.

[0054] The box 11 or its frame transmits the forces to the connecting pivots with the two modules 2; the chassis 1 has two arms 12 extending beyond the box 11 to be connected, each to a slide 32 carried by a rail 31 forming a respective strut 3, itself connected by a joint to the associated module 2. The arm 12 is connected at its other end to the joint 321 carried by the slide 32.

[0055] The frame 1 carries the load to be transported, either directly resting on or against the arms 12, the back 111 of the box 11 and, at the bottom, a shovel or a fork to take and retain the load on the inclined support surface, formed by the arms 12 and the back 111 of the box 11 or by an auxiliary frame 5 sliding on the arms 12 thus forming rails.

[0056] At its lower end, the auxiliary chassis 5 is equipped with the fork (not shown). The auxiliary chassis 5, connected to a hydraulic cylinder, allows the load to be moved to position its center of gravity according to the transport maneuvers to be performed. The load can thus be moved so that its center of gravity is directly above the support polygon formed by the track contact surfaces.

[0057] The assembly formed by the chassis 1, each module 2 and the strut 3, possibly doubled, is an articulated, adjustable assembly allowing the shape of the trolley 100 to be adapted to the conditions of use.

[0058] Figure [Fig. 1A] is a schematic side view of the carriage 100 by a simplified drawing limited to geometric elements:

[0059] - the modules 2 are represented by the drive shaft 211 of the drive wheel 21 and the shaft 221 of the free wheel 22 which respectively constitute the pivot of the chassis 1 with respect to the module 2 and the pivot of the strut 3 with respect to the module 2;

[0060] - the chassis 1 is represented by the straight line 15 directly connecting the pivot (axis 211 of the module 2) at the joint of the slider 32 carried by the strut 3 (rail 31);

[0061] - the strut 3 is schematically represented by its rail 31.

[0062] In the embodiment of figures 1 and 2, the branches 12 are offset from this straight line 15 since they are above the box 11 so that the load to be transported is not limited in width to the interval between the tracks 25 of the modules 2 and so that a long load does not encounter the rail 31.

[0063] Figure [1B] limits the diagram to the three sides of the articulated triangle forming the carriage 100:

[0064] - the straight line 15 representing the side of the chassis 1,

[0065] - the straight line (211-221) connecting the axes of wheels 21, 22 of module 2,

[0066] -rail 31.

[0067] - the joints of the triangle located at points 211, 221, 32.

[0068] The description of the deformation of the carriage 100 refers to:

[0069] - the length L1 of the chassis 1 between its articulation 211 to the module 2 and its arti culation 221 to slider 32,

[0070] - the length L2 which is the center distance of module 2,

[0071] - the length L3 of the rail 31 between the joint 221 and the position of the slide 32 on rail 31, given that:

[0072] - the lengths L1, L2 are fixed; the length L3 is variable.

[0073] Fig. 1C shows the deformation of the articulated triangle representing the trolley 100, to take on different inclinations and shapes.

[0074] The slider 32 moves on an arc of a circle Cl of center 211 and radius Ll, ​​imposed by the pivot 321 of the side 15 of fixed length.

[0075] In one operating mode of the trolley 100, the chassis 1 is vertical (VV) like a hand truck (shape 100B) so that its shovel is horizontal, for example, resting on the ground to pick up a load. The slide 32 is then in its limit position 321im2 on the rail 31B.

[0076] This 100B form of the carriage for this vertical position VV is a priori the limit forward tilting position AV.

[0077] Geometrically, the extreme rear tilt of the chassis 1 is the position of the rail 31 aligned with the line passing through the axes 211-221. This corresponds to the position 321hn0 of the slider 32; the rail 31 is then aligned with the line (211)-(221).

[0078] This limit of the stroke of the slider 32 is theoretical because the chassis 1 and the strut 3 cannot overlap until they are aligned and this extreme position would not be of great interest in practice either.

[0079] It is therefore assumed that the handle 4 and the support leg 3 (rail 31) will remain in a limit position 321iml. The circular arcs centered at 221 transfer these limit positions: 321hn0, 321hnl, 321hn2, onto the rail 31 in its usual position 100 to visualize the possible stroke of the slider 32.

[0080] When the sides (31, 15) are pivoted to the limit position 32 liml, the carriage 100 is in its extreme lowered form 100A:

[0081] - the handle 4 is in its position 4A.

[0082] - chassis 1 is in its position 15A.

[0083] The other extreme position 100B, the one towards the front AV, corresponds to the upright shape 100B of the carriage 100,

[0084] - the line 15 is vertical VV; position 15B,

[0085] - the pivot 321 is in its position 3211im2.

[0086] - rail 31 in its position 31B,

[0087] - the position 32B of the slide 31 is imposed by the limit position (321 lhn2) of the pivot 321.

[0088] We thus obtain, on the rail 31, the limit positions: 321iml-321im2 which delimit the segment of path which the slider 32 must be able to travel on the rail 31, moved by the cylinder 34; this fixes the possible or necessary stroke of the cylinder 34.

[0089] Conversely, the restriction that the possible stroke of the rod 342 of the cylinder 34 may impose will limit the tilting angle between the extreme positions 100A-100B above to the detriment of:

[0090] - of the rear tilting (100A), or

[0091] - of the forward tilting (100B), or

[0092] - of the two tilting positions (100A-100B).

[0093] In more detail, according to the embodiment shown in [Fig.1], the two support legs 3 of the trolley are symmetrical, joined by one or more spacers such as spacer 381, while remaining independently connected either directly or by the legs 36 to the associated track modules 2.

[0094] In an unrepresented variant, the single strut 3 is connected by a double pivot 321 to the two arms 12 (or their extensions 121) of the chassis 1. The strut 3 is in a median position; it is connected to the two modules 2 by a single lug and a rocker arm in the form of a pivoting cross member, or by a cross member attached to the console 33 and whose ends are fitted with a respective lug for each of the two modules 2.

[0095] In this variant, the central position of the strut 43 also allows the end of the chassis 1 to be terminated by a single branch 12 with possibly a fork-shaped split to be connected to a pivot 321 on each side of the slide 32 of the strut 3.

[0096] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.1], the two branches 12 are connected to an extension 121 inclined with respect to the right direction of the branches 12 to reinforce the end of the frame 1 connected to the slides 32 and raise the direction of the branches 12 with respect to the slides 32; the extensions 121 are connected by a spacer 122 before the ends of the extensions 121 connected to the joints 321 of the slides 32.

[0097] The arms 12 are horizontal U-shaped profiles, forming rails for a sliding auxiliary frame 5 that facilitates the lifting of a load or its positioning (i.e., that of its center of gravity) relative to the support surface of the modules 2; this can be useful for balancing the assembly when passing over an obstacle or steps. For this same reason, the direction of the arms 12 is clear relative to the extensions 121 to allow the auxiliary frame 5, with its load, to be raised.

[0098] The control handle 4 is connected to the two fixings 39 of the ends of the struts 3 by adjustable pivots 392.

[0099] The handle 4 is composed of a central part 41 equipped with means for controlling the motor, cylinders and any accessories; it includes two hoops 42 for holding the handle.

[0100] Fig. 1 also shows an auxiliary chassis 5 and its support frame 52 receiving removable accessories such as a shovel or a fork 7 ( [Fig. 7]) in addition to the wheeled arms 6, for taking or setting down a load; the trolley 100 is, for this purpose, preferably in its upright position as shown in Fig. 10.

[0101] The support frame 52 can also receive special accessories, adapted to the load to be transported such as, for example, hoops or clamps to pick up and hold a cylindrical load such as a drum.

[0102] In its lower front (AV) part, the chassis 1 has sleeves 14 into which arms 6 can be engaged to retain the transported load; these arms, sketched in [Fig. 1A], have a wheel 61 at their end for maneuvering the trolley 100 in the upright position, which then rests on the two wheeled arms 6 and on the drive wheels 21 at the front of the modules 2, the rear of which is raised. The sleeves 14 are preferably spaced as far apart as possible, for example, in line with the downward extension of the arms 12.

[0103] Figure 2 is a detailed view of a tracked module 2 showing the drive wheel 21, the free wheel 22, the intermediate pads 24a, 24b, and the roller 24 defining the "horizontal 25a" support surface and the "inclined 25b" support surface used depending on the maneuvers to be performed. The horizontal support surface 25a is formed by the first pad 24a between the drive wheel 21 and the roller 24, which is the usual support position. The inclined support surface 25b of the track 25 formed between the roller 24 and the free wheel 22 with, in the interval, a second pad 24b allows the entire carriage to tilt around the pivot which is then formed by the intermediate roller 24. The forced inclination of the support surface 25a of the carriage can be useful for initiating the passage over a difference in level, for example, a step by raising the front of the modules 2.It can also be useful to support the module on the track 25 on either side of the roller 24 to turn and reduce slippage.

[0104] Module 2 shown without its outer side panel is formed of a back 26 which carries the bearing (not shown) of the drive wheel 21, that of the roller 24 and that of the free wheel 22. The axle 221 of the free wheel 22 is connected directly or indirectly to the end of the strut 3.

[0105] The drive wheel 21, the free wheel 22, the roller 24 and the pads 24a,b have a median groove 28, and the inner face of the track 25 has a longitudinal rib 251 which passes through this succession of grooves 28 of the drive wheel 21, the first pad 24a, the roller 24, the second pad 24b and the free wheel 22, so as to guide the track 25 so that it does not come off the rim when the module 2 is subjected to a transverse force, for example, during a pivoting maneuver if the differential does not prevent the slippage of the bearing surface of the modules 2.

[0106] The track tensioner 23 fitted to module 2 consists of a fork 231 holding the axle 221 of the freewheel 22; the fork 7 is adjusted and held by a screw 232 engaged in a block 233. The block 233 serves as a support for the screw 232 and also constitutes a spacer like the other spacers 29 used to fix the outer panel of the module. Adjusting the screw 232 allows the freewheel 22 to be moved and thus the tension of the track 25 to be adjusted. The block 233 is fixed to the back 26 which has a window 261 for accessing the screw 232 when the outer face of module 2 is covered by a plate (not installed here), fixed to spacers 29 themselves fixed to the back 26 as shown in [Fig.3].

[0107] The top of module 2 is covered by a U-shaped hood 27 covering and protecting the track 25. The hood 27 is fixed to the back 26 ([Fig.8]).

[0108] Figure 2 shows a lowered form of the frame 1 of the carriage 100, obtained by the controlled movement of the slides 32, reducing the length of the third side (that formed by the rail 31) of the assembly into a hinged triangle; the other two sides of the hinged triangle, corresponding to the distance between the joints of the frame 1 and the support leg 3 on module 2 and the frame 1, have fixed lengths. The downward movement of the slides 32 lowers the frame 1 onto the modules 2. In this maximum lowered position, stops 37 fixed to the support legs 3 limit any deflection of the rails 31 of the frame 1 that could result from the weight of the load in this particular position.

[0109] The construction of the trolley 100 is very simple and very quick because it consists of combining components made separately such as the modules 2, the chassis 1 with its box 11, the support legs 3 and the handle with its control 4 or pre-assemblies of certain components such as the support leg 3 and a module 2. The components themselves can be adapted to the types of loads to be transported to make a very diverse and suitable range of trolleys.

[0110] According to [Fig. 3], the strut 3 is composed of the rail 31, which is a profile tubular of rectangular section receiving the slide 32 connected by a joint 321 to the end of a branch 12 of the frame 1. The lower end 31a of the rail 31 is provided with a bracket 33 formed of two inverted T-shaped plates 331, fixed flat on both sides of the rail 31 to protrude from it and form on one side a support for the body 341 of an electric actuator 34 whose rod 342 is connected to the slide 32. Its right-angled motor 343 is connected by a right-angle drive 343 to the body 341 and fixed to the bracket 33. [YES] On the other side of the rail 31, a shock absorber 35 is connected by its body 351 to the console 33 and by its rod 352 to the slide 32. The body 351 is connected by a bolt to the two plates 331 of the console; the same is true of the body 341 of the cylinder 34 by means of its right-angle drive 344.

[0112] The extension of the console 33 carries or forms a stop 37 to protect the motor 343 of the cylinder 34.

[0113] The electric cylinder 34 is a screw cylinder with a self-locking principle and the damper 35 dampens the end of the stroke of the slide 3.

[0114] The slide 32 protrudes on each side of the rail 31 for the respective fixing of the end of the rod 342 of the cylinder and that of the 352 of the shock absorber 35.

[0115] The cylinder 34 and the shock absorber 35 are mounted on the strut 3 in a very accessible, allowing for easy intervention in case of breakdown.

[0116] On their opposite sides, the two slides 32 carry the axis 321b of the articulation 321 of the branch 12 or of its extension 121.

[0117] The lower end 31a of the rail 31 has a lug 36 fixed to the rail with a suspension link to the module 2. In one case, the lug 36 is connected to the rail by a suspension with a spring integrated into the rail 31; the lug 36 is connected to a pivot of the module 2, for example, the axle 221 of the free wheel 22.

[0118] In another case, that of the example shown in figures 4, 4A, 4B, the leg 36 is integral with the rail 31 and its articulation 361 is carried by the arm 381 of a rocker 38 connected by a pivot 382 to the back 26 of the module 2 and whose other arm 383 is connected by a spring 384 to an attachment point 262 of the back 26.

[0119] Fig. 4 shows the component formed by the combination of module 2 and strut 3 which, as such, is pre-assembled to be combined subsequently with a symmetrical component on chassis 1.

[0120] The upper end 31b of the rail 31 carries the fixing 39 for a spacer 391 connected to the upper end of the other rail 31 ([Fig.1] and 2).

[0121] Figures 4A, 4B show the detail of the track tensioner 23 on the inner side of the back 26:

[0122] - the fork 231, and

[0123] - the slide 263 of the back 26 crossed by the axle 221 of the wheel 22 and by the fork 231.

[0124] According to Figures 1, 5, 6, the housing 11 of the chassis 1 is formed from a plate 111 connected to the two arms 12 and carrying a cover 112 covering the fixed components, integral with the plate 111 and the removable ones such as the battery. The non-visible components are covered by the cover 112 of the housing 11.

[0125] The lower end of the rails 31 carries the sleeves 14 into which the removable arms 6 are engaged. The assembly of the branches 12 is reinforced in its upper part by the extensions 121 joined by a spacer 122 and by the fixing of the ends of the extensions to the slides 32, themselves held by the assembly of the rails 31 in the upper part and, where applicable, in the lower part, beyond the stroke required for the slides 32.

[0126] The extensions 121 are each formed of a blade 121a welded to the rail 31 and reinforced by a gusset 121b at right angles, welded to the blade 121a and to the spacer 122 as well as to the sleeve 321a of the joint 321 so that the assembly thus formed is rigid and combines easily with the joint axis of the slide 32.

[0127] The arms 12 support the auxiliary frame 5 formed by two angle brackets 51 constituting the long sides. Each angle bracket 51 overlaps a arm 12, coming onto it by one flange and against the opening of the arm 12 by the other flange. The flanges are connected at their lower part by two cross members 52a, 52b forming a support frame 52 for the two teeth 71 of the fork 7 ([Fig.6A]). The support frame 52 is bordered by two angle brackets 53, one wing of which is fixed flat on the crossbeams 52a,b and the other wing projects forward to form a location receiving and holding a tooth 71 of the fork 7; the crossbeams 52a,b are doubled on the rear side of the auxiliary frame 5 by tubular spacers 54 bearing on the outer sides ([Fig.6]), rollers 55 running in the rails formed by the arms 12.

[0128] The front side of the auxiliary chassis 5 has a tubular hood 56 parallel to the angle brackets, formed by a U-shaped profile closed at the front (AV) and open at the rear. The hood 56 is connected to the auxiliary chassis 5 by the intermediate cross member 52b fixed to the two angle brackets 51 and at its upper part to the upper cross member 52c of the auxiliary carriage 5.

[0129] The hood 56 covers an electric actuator 57 whose motor unit 571 and cylinder 572 are fixed to the panel 111 of the box or to its frame; the end of the rod of the actuator 573 is connected to the upper cross member of the auxiliary frame 5. The actuator 57 is the actuator of the auxiliary frame 5.

[0130] Figure 8 is an isometric view of the support frame 53 formed by the two flat cross members 52a, 52b connected by the two angle-shaped sides 53, whose forward-facing flanges border the location of the teeth 71 of the fork 7. The feet 72 of the teeth 71 form, at the rear, a hook 721 to cap the upper cross member 52b. The band 73 covering the edge of the vertical sides 72 and of the tooth 71 overlaps the flanges of the sides 53.

[0131] The feet 72 are pressed against the wings of the sides 53 and screwed in at the bottom. The teeth 71 have the same T-shaped cross-section as the vertical sides.

[0132] Fig. 7A shows the shape of a tubular arm 6 ending in a swiveling wheel 61.

[0133] Fig. 7B shows the detail of a tooth 71 of the fork 7.

[0134] The tooth 71 is a flat iron at right angles to the foot 72 whose edge is covered by the band 73, thus creating a rigid T-section assembly.

[0135] The [Fig.8] is an isometric front view of the trolley 100 with the auxiliary chassis 5 in the lowered position.

[0136] Fig. 9 is an isometric front view of the trolley 100 with the auxiliary chassis 5 in the raised position.

[0137] Figure 10 is a side view of the upright trolley 100. In this configuration of the frame 1 and support leg 3, the trolley can be considered a hand truck for picking up or setting down a load, with the fork at ground level. In this equipment variant, the fork 7 is supplemented by arms 6 which allow the trolley to roll on the ground using the drive wheels 221 of the two modules and the casters 61 of the arms 6, for example, to pass under a load such as a pallet. The dashed line in this figure shows the upper position 5A of the auxiliary frame 5. and position 7A of the fork 7 passing in front of the rails 31 of the struts 3 and the handle 4.

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[0173] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN COMPONENTS 100 Tracked Trolley 1 Chassis 11 Box 111 Back 112 Hood 12 Branch 121 Extension 122 Spacer 14 Sleeve 2 Track module 21 Drive wheel 22 Free wheel 221 Axle 23 Track tensioner 231 Tensioner fork 232 Adjusting screw 233 Block receiving the screw 24 Intermediate roller 24a First pad 24b Second pad 25 Track 25a Horizontal bearing surface 25b Inclined bearing surface 251 Rib 26 Back 261 Window 262 Spring attachment point 263 Tensioner slide 27 Top covering the track 28 Groove 29 Spacer 3 Strut 31 Rail 31a Lower end 31b Upper end.

[0174] 32 Slide

[0175] 321 Articulation

[0176] 321a Sleeve

[0177] 321b Axis

[0178] 33 Console

[0179] 331 Plate

[0180] 34 Jack

[0181] 341 Cylinder body

[0182] 342 Cylinder rod

[0183] 343 Engine

[0184] 344 Angle return

[0185] 35 Shock Absorber

[0186] 351 Shock absorber body

[0187] 352 Shock absorber rod

[0188] 36 Paw

[0189] 361 Articulation

[0190] 361a Articulation eyelet

[0191] 361b Hinge pin

[0192] 37 Stop

[0193] 38 Balance Wheel

[0194] 381 Arms

[0195] 382 Pivot

[0196] 383 Arms

[0197] 384 Spring

[0198] 39 Fixing the upper end of the arm

[0199] 391 Spacer

[0200] 392 Adjustable pivot

[0201] 4 Control handle

[0202] 41 Central part

[0203] 42 Arch

[0204] 5 auxiliary chassis

[0205] 51 Corner

[0206] 52 Support frame

[0207] 52a Lower crossbar

[0208] 52b Intermediate traverse

[0209] 52c High crossbar

[0210] 53 Corner

[0211] 54 Tubular spacer

[0212] 55 Roller

[0213] 56 Hood

[0214] 57 Electric actuator

[0215] 571 Motor unit

[0216] 572 Cylinder

[0217] 573 Rod

[0218] 6 Roller arm

[0219] 61 Roller

[0220] 7 Fork

[0221] 71 Tooth

[0222] 72 Foot

[0223] 721 Hook

[0224] 73 Band

Claims

Demands

1. Electric tracked trolley (100) comprising: - a chassis (1) with a load support, - two track modules (2) articulated to the chassis (1), and - a control handle (4), trolley characterized in that it comprises - a chassis (1) connected by a joint (211) to the two track modules (2), - a strut (3) forming a rail (31) one end (3a) of which is connected by a joint to a track module (2), - the strut (3) receiving a slide (32) carrying a joint (321) movable between a high position and a low position, and - the joint (321) connects the chassis (1) to the slide (32) to tilt the chassis (1) by the controlled movement of the slide (32).

2. Electric tracked trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that the strut (3) comprises an electric cylinder (34), controlled, connected to the slide (32) and bearing on the strut (3).

3. Electric tracked trolley according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the strut (3) includes a shock absorber (35) between the strut (3) and the slider (32).

4. Electric tracked trolley according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lower end (3a) of the strut (3) is connected to the track module (2) by a lug (36), carrying the articulation axis (361), connecting the strut (3) to the track module (2).

5. Electric tracked trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower end (3a) of the strut (3) is connected to the track module (2) by a joint (361) to an arm (381) of a rocker arm (38) pivotally mounted on the back (26) of the track module (2) and whose other arm (383) is connected to the back (26) by a spring (384).

6. Electric tracked trolley according to claim 4, characterized in that the articulation (361) of the support leg (3) on the module (2) coincides with the axle (221) of the free wheel (22) of the module (2).

7. Electric tracked trolley according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises two twin support legs (3), connected by spacers and each carrying a slide (32) associated with an electric cylinder (34), - the cylinders (34) being controlled to move the slides (32) in synchronicity, and - the spacers being outside the sliding range of the slides (32).

8. Electric tracked trolley according to claim 7, characterized in that the support legs (3) are connected independently of each other to a respective tracked module (2).

9. An electric tracked vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the track module (2) comprises: - a drive wheel (21) mounted on the axle (211) connecting it to the chassis (1), - a free wheel (22) mounted on or near the pivot axle of the strut (3), and - a roller (24) between the two wheels (21, 22), - a support surface (25a, b) between the two wheels (21, 22), formed by a pad (24a) between the drive wheel (21) and the roller (24), and an inclined support surface (25b) formed by a pad (24b) between the free wheel (22) and the roller (24), - the roller (24), the first intermediate pad (24a), and the drive wheel (21) forming the main support surface of the track, - the roller (24), the second pad (24b) and the free wheel (22) forming the inclined support surface (24b).

10. Electric tracked trolley according to claim 9, characterized in that the drive wheel (21), the free wheel (22), the roller (23) and the pads (24a,b) have a groove (28) receiving and guiding the track (25) whose inner surface has a longitudinal rib (251) engaged in the succession of grooves (28).

11. An electric tracked cart according to claim 1, characterized in that the chassis (1) comprises two arms (12) forming rails for a auxiliary carriage (5) carrying a support frame (53) receiving the teeth (71) of a fork (7), - an electric actuator linking the chassis (1) and the auxiliary chassis (5) to control the movement of the auxiliary chassis.

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