Combination vehicle

The articulated vehicle uses a cable connection system with adjustable connection points to prevent separation of the towed vehicle from the towing vehicle during container transfer, improving safety and efficiency.

JP2025170878APending Publication Date: 2025-11-20KYOKUTO KAIHATSU IND +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024075708
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-05-08
Publication Date
2025-11-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing articulated vehicles lack a mechanism to prevent the towed vehicle from separating from the towing vehicle during container transfer, necessitating a dedicated structure or member for connection.

Method used

The articulated vehicle employs a cable connection system with a first and second cable connection portion on the towing and towed vehicles, respectively, allowing the cable to be connected at different positions based on the vehicle's state (traveling or transferring a container) to maintain connectivity.

Benefits of technology

This configuration ensures the towed vehicle remains connected to the towing vehicle during both travel and container transfer, enhancing safety and workability while reducing the number of parts.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a combination vehicle that can prevent a towed vehicle from separating from a traction vehicle when transferring a container from the traction vehicle to the towed vehicle.SOLUTION: A combination vehicle comprises a traction vehicle, a towed vehicle connected to the traction vehicle, and a cable which connects the traction vehicle and the towed vehicle. The traction vehicle comprises a first cable connection part to which the cable is connected, and the towed vehicle comprises a vehicle body, a towed device which connects the vehicle body and the traction vehicle, and a second cable connection part to which the cable is connected. The second cable connection part includes a first position and a second position where the cable can be connected thereto, and the cable is connected to the first position in the state that the towed device is connected to the traction vehicle, and is connected to the second position in the state that the towed device is not connected to the traction vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present specification relates to an articulated vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, articulated vehicles have been known that include a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle coupled to the towing vehicle. The towing vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a cargo handling vehicle that can transfer a container from the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle. However, when transferring a container from the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle, the towed vehicle is pushed by the container and separates from the towing vehicle. For this reason, it is necessary to connect the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle with a dedicated structure or member, but Patent Document 1 does not disclose such a structure or member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 62-115941 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a combination vehicle that can prevent the towed vehicle from separating from the towing vehicle when transferring a container from the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The combined vehicle is A towing vehicle, a towed vehicle coupled to the towing vehicle; a cable connecting the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle, The towing vehicle includes a first cable connection portion to which the cable is connected, The towed vehicle includes a vehicle body, a towing device that connects the vehicle body and the towing vehicle, and a second cable connection portion to which the cable is connected, the second cable connecting portion has a first position and a second position at which the cable can be connected, The cable is connected to the first position when the towed device is connected to the towing vehicle, and is connected to the second position when the towed device is not connected to the towing vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of an articulated vehicle according to an embodiment, showing a vehicle traveling state; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a side view of the articulated vehicle according to the embodiment, showing a state in which a container is attached or detached. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of a towed vehicle according to the embodiment; [Figure 4] 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3, showing a state in which the first abutment portion is located at the abutment position. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the first contact portion is located in a non-contact position; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a side view of the towed device, showing the coupling portion in the coupled position; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a side view of the towed device, showing the coupling portion in the uncoupled position; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the coupling portion between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle, showing the coupling portion in the coupled position. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a side view of the coupling portion between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle, showing the coupling portion in the coupled position. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a side view of the coupling portion between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle, showing the coupling portion in the uncoupled position. [Figure 11] 10 is a side view of a connection point between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle according to another embodiment; [Figure 12] 10 is a side view of a connection point between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle according to another embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In each drawing, the dimensions of the components may be enlarged or reduced relative to the actual dimensions, for example, to facilitate understanding, and the dimensional ratios between the drawings may not be consistent. Note that in each drawing, for example, to facilitate understanding, some of the components may be omitted.

[0008] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, but these terms are used only to distinguish one component from another, and the components are not particularly limited by these terms. The number of components including ordinal numbers is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, one. Furthermore, the ordinal numbers used in the following specification and drawings may differ from the ordinal numbers described in the claims.

[0009] An embodiment of an articulated vehicle will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 10. Note that the following embodiment is provided as an example to aid in understanding the configuration of the articulated vehicle, and is not intended to limit the configuration of the articulated vehicle.

[0010] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the combination vehicle 1 includes a towing vehicle 2 and a towed vehicle 10 coupled to the towing vehicle 2.

[0011] The towing vehicle 2 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a vehicle body 3 and a loading / unloading device 4 connected to the vehicle body 3 for loading and unloading the container 7. The vehicle body 3 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a driver's cab 3a arranged at the front, a vehicle body frame 3b arranged at the rear on which the container 7 is placed, and a plurality of wheels 3c.

[0012] In the following description and drawings, the first direction D1 is also referred to as the front-to-rear direction (also referred to as the "first lateral direction") D1, the second direction D2 is also referred to as the left-to-right direction (also referred to as the "second lateral direction") D2, and the third direction D3 is also referred to as the up-down direction D3. In other words, each of the directions D1 to D3 is a direction seen from the perspective of a person (driver) sitting in the driver's seat in the driver's cab 3a of the towing vehicle 2 (articulated vehicle 1).

[0013] Of the front-to-rear direction D1, the direction of the arrow in the figure is the front direction, and the direction opposite to the arrow direction in the figure is the rear direction. Furthermore, of the left-to-right direction D2, the direction of the arrow in the figure is the left direction, and the direction opposite to the arrow direction in the figure is the right direction. Furthermore, of the up-down direction D3, the direction of the arrow in the figure is the up direction, and the direction opposite to the arrow direction in the figure is the down direction.

[0014] The cargo handling device 4 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include an arm 4a rotatably connected to the vehicle body 3 and a hook 4b fixed to the tip of the arm 4a. As a result, by rotating the arm 4a relative to the vehicle body 3 with the container 7 hooked onto the hook 4b, the container 7 can be transferred between the towing vehicle 2 and the towed vehicle 10, or loaded or unloaded between the towing vehicle 2 and the ground.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the towed vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 11 on which a container 7 is placed, and a towing device 20 that connects the vehicle body 11 to the towing vehicle 2. The towed vehicle 10 may also include first to third stopping devices 30, 12, and 13 that stop the container 7 placed on the vehicle body 11, for example, as in this embodiment.

[0016] The vehicle body 11 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a vehicle body frame 14 on which the container 7 is placed, and a plurality of wheels 15 spaced apart in the fore-and-aft direction D1. This allows the towed vehicle 10 to support its own weight with the wheels 15. Therefore, the towed vehicle 10 is a vehicle generally called a full trailer.

[0017] 3, the second abutment device 12 may include, for example, a second abutment part 12a that abuts and stops the container 7 placed on the vehicle body 11, a second operating part 12b that is operated, and a second operating part 12c that operates the second abutment part 12a by operating the second operating part 12b. As a result, by operating the second operating part 12b, the second abutment part 12a moves between an abutment position (position shown in FIG. 3) where it abuts and stops the container 7 and a non-abutment position where it is separated from the container 7.

[0018] Although not particularly limited, for example, as in the present embodiment, the second operating unit 12b may be a handle, and the second acting unit 12c may be a rotation shaft fixed to the second operating unit 12b and the second abutment unit 12a. As a result, when the second operating unit 12b is operated and the second acting unit 12c rotates about an axis in the front-rear direction D1, the second abutment unit 12a is positioned at the abutment position or the non-abutment position.

[0019] For example, as in this embodiment, the second abutment portion 12a may be disposed forward of the container 7, and may abut and stop the container 7 in the front-rear direction D1 (specifically, from the front) when located at the abutment position. Although not shown, the second abutment portion 12a may be disposed below the vehicle body 11 when located at the non-abutment position.

[0020] The third abutting device 13 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a third abutting portion 13a that abuts and stops the container 7 placed on the vehicle body 11. For example, as in this embodiment, the third abutting portion 13a may be arranged rearward of the container 7 and fixed immovably to the vehicle body 11 so as to abut and stop the container 7 in the fore-and-aft direction D1 (specifically, from behind).

[0021] As a result, the second abutting device 12 and the third abutting device 13 sandwich the container 7 in the front-rear direction D1. Therefore, movement of the container 7 relative to the vehicle body 11 in the front-rear direction D1 can be suppressed.

[0022] The second abutment portion 12a is disposed forward of the container 7, and the third abutment portion 13a is disposed rearward of the container 7. As a result, when the container 7 is placed on the vehicle body 11, the outsides of the second abutment portion 12a and the third abutment portion 13a in the left-right direction D2 are open, i.e., are not covered by the container 7. Therefore, the second abutment portion 12a and the third abutment portion 13a are easily visible from outside the towed vehicle 10 (for example, when viewed in the left-right direction D2).

[0023] 3 to 5, the first abutting device 30 includes a first abutting section 31 that abuts against and stops the container 7 placed on the vehicle body 11, and the towed vehicle 10 includes a first operating section 40 that is operated. For example, as in this embodiment, the first abutting section 31 may be movably connected to the middle of the vehicle body 11 in the fore-and-aft direction D1.

[0024] Although not particularly limited, the number of first abutment devices 30 may be, for example, two as in this embodiment, or may be, for example, one, or may be, for example, three or more. Furthermore, although not particularly limited, the number of first abutment parts 31 included in the first abutment device 30 may be, for example, two as in this embodiment, or may be, for example, one, or may be, for example, three or more.

[0025] 4 and 5, the first abutment device 30 may include a first operating unit 32 that operates the first abutment unit 31, for example, by operating a first operating unit 40 (see FIG. 3). As a result, by operating the first operating unit 40, the first abutment unit 31 moves between an abutment position (position shown in FIG. 4) where it abuts and stops the container 7 and a non-abutment position (position shown in FIG. 5) where it is separated from the container 7.

[0026] There is no particular limitation on the configuration of the first operating unit 32. For example, as in this embodiment, the first operating unit 32 may include a drive source (not shown, e.g., a cylinder) and a link mechanism that transmits the drive of the drive source to the first abutment / stop units 31, 31.

[0027] The body frame 14 may include, for example, front and rear frames 14a, 14b extending in the front-rear direction D1 and left and right frames 14c extending in the left-right direction D2, as in this embodiment. Also, the container 7 may include, for example, a container frame 7a extending in the front-rear direction D1 at its lower end, as in this embodiment.

[0028] 4, the first abutment portion 31 may be configured to abut and stop the container frame 7a of the container 7 in the left-right direction D2 and the up-down direction D3. This makes it possible to prevent the container 7 from moving in the left-right direction D2 and the up-down direction D3 relative to the vehicle body 11.

[0029] Note that the container frame 7a of the container 7 may be placed on front and rear frames (hereinafter also referred to as "upper front and rear frames") 14a that constitute the upper end of the vehicle body frame 14 (specifically, the vehicle body 11), as in this embodiment. Then, for example, the upper end of the first abutting portion 31 (a portion that is arranged above the upper front and rear frames 14a) may be arranged inside the container frame 7a in the left-right direction D2 and may overlap with the container frame 7a when viewed in the left-right direction D2.

[0030] As a result, the first abutment portions 31 are covered from the outside in the left-right direction D2 by the container 7 (specifically, the container frame 7a) placed on the vehicle body 11. Therefore, the first abutment portions 31 are difficult to see in the left-right direction D2 from outside the towed vehicle 10.

[0031] For example, as in this embodiment, the container frames 7a and the upper front and rear frames 14a may each be provided in pairs lined up in the left-right direction D2, and the pair of first abutment portions 31 may be disposed between the pair of container frames 7a and the pair of upper front and rear frames 14a. The entire first abutment portion 31 may overlap with the container 7 placed on the vehicle frame 14 and the vehicle body 11 when viewed in the left-right direction D2, as in this embodiment.

[0032] Furthermore, the first abutment portion 31 may be covered from above by the container 7 placed on the vehicle body 11, as in this embodiment. This makes it difficult for the first abutment portion 31 to be seen from above the towed vehicle 10. Note that the entire first abutment portion 31 may overlap with the container 7 placed on the vehicle body 11 when viewed in the up-down direction D3, as in this embodiment.

[0033] 6 and 7, the towed device 20 includes a rear device section 21 whose rear end is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 11 around an axis in the left-right direction D2, and a front device section 22 whose rear end is rotatably connected to the front end of the rear device section 21 around an axis in the left-right direction D2. The front device section 22 includes at its front end a connecting section 22a that is connected to a connected section 3d that is arranged at the rear end of the towing vehicle 2.

[0034] Furthermore, the towed device 20 may include, for example, a towing operation unit 23 that operates the rear device unit 21 and the front device unit 22 by operating the first operation unit 40 (see FIG. 3), as in this embodiment. As a result, by operating the first operation unit 40, the coupling unit 22a moves between a coupled position (position shown in FIG. 6) that is away from the vehicle body 11 forward and a non-coupled position (position shown in FIG. 7) that is rearward of the coupled position.

[0035] There is no particular limitation on the configuration of the traction unit 23. For example, as in this embodiment, the traction unit 23 may include a drive source (for example, an inflatable / deflated bag) 23a, a pushing unit 23b that pushes the rear device unit 21 from behind by being driven by the drive source 23a, and an elastic body 23c that connects the vehicle body 11 and the front device unit 22.

[0036] 6, the driving source 23a expands, causing the pushing portion 23b to move forward and push the rear device portion 21. As a result, the rear device portion 21 rotates about an axis in the left-right direction D2 relative to the vehicle body 11, and the front device portion 22 rotates about an axis in the left-right direction D2 relative to the rear device portion 21, so that the towed device 20 assumes an unfolded posture. Therefore, the rear device portion 21 and the front device portion 22 each extend along the front-rear direction D1 when viewed in the left-right direction D2, and the connecting portion 22a is located at the connected position.

[0037] 7, when the driving source 23a is retracted, the pushing portion 23b moves rearward. As a result, the rear portion 21 rotates about an axis in the left-right direction D2 relative to the vehicle body 11, and the front portion 22 rotates about an axis in the left-right direction D2 relative to the rear portion 21, so that the towed device 20 assumes a stored posture. Therefore, the front portion 22 is bent relative to the rear portion 21 when viewed in the left-right direction D2, and the connecting portion 22a is positioned in the unconnected position.

[0038] Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, the front device section 22 extends in the front-rear direction D1 as viewed in the left-right direction D2 due to the elastic body 23c, and the rear device section 21 extends downward as it moves forward as viewed in the left-right direction D2. This allows the rear end of the towing vehicle 2 to approach the front end of the towed vehicle 10 so that the rear end of the body 3 of the towing vehicle 2 is positioned above the towed device 20 when the towed device 20 is in the stored position.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 8, the articulated vehicle 1 is equipped with cables 5 that connect the towing vehicle 2 and the towed vehicle 10. Although not particularly limited, the number of cables 5 may be, for example, two as in this embodiment, or may be, for example, one, or may be, for example, three or more. However, it is preferable that the cables 5 be arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides of the towing vehicle 2 and the towed vehicle 10. The cables 5 may be chains, wires, ropes, etc. The cables 5 may be equipped with hooks 5a, 5b on both ends, for example.

[0040] The towing vehicle 2 is equipped with a first cable connection portion 61 to which the cable 5 is connected. The first cable connection portion 61 is fixed to the vehicle body 3 by a fixing means such as welding or fastening. Although not particularly limited, the first cable connection portion 61 is fixed to the rear end portion of the vehicle body frame 3b.

[0041] The first cable connecting portion 61 is engaged with, for example, the hook 5a of the cable 5. The first cable connecting portion 61 may be a member having a D-shaped portion or a C-shaped portion that forms a ring shape together with the body frame 3b, as in this embodiment, or the first cable connecting portion 61 itself may be a ring-shaped member.

[0042] The towed vehicle 10 is equipped with a second cable connecting portion 62 to which the cable 5 is connected. The second cable connecting portion 62 is configured to allow the cable 5 to be connected at a plurality of positions. Specifically, the second cable connecting portion 62 has at least a first position P1 and a second position P2 to which the cable 5 can be connected. The second cable connecting portion 62 may have an independent first fixing portion 62a and a second fixing portion 62b at the first position P1 and the second position P2, respectively.

[0043] The first fixing portion 62a is fixed to the towed device 20 by fixing means such as welding or fastening. Although not particularly limited, the first fixing portion 62a is fixed to the outer surface of the device front portion 22.

[0044] The first fixing portion 62a is engaged with, for example, the hook 5b of the cable 5. The first fixing portion 62a may be a member having a D-shaped portion or a C-shaped portion that forms a ring together with the towed device 20, as in this embodiment, or the first fixing portion 62a itself may be a ring-shaped member.

[0045] The second fixing portion 62b is fixed to the vehicle body 11 by fixing means such as welding or fastening. Although not particularly limited, the second fixing portion 62b is fixed to the front part of the vehicle body frame .

[0046] The second fixing portion 62b is engaged with, for example, the hook 5b of the cable 5. The second fixing portion 62b may be a member having a D-shaped portion or a C-shaped portion that forms a ring shape together with the body frame 14, as in this embodiment, or the second fixing portion 62b itself may be a ring-shaped member.

[0047] When the combination vehicle 1 is traveling, that is, when the towed device 20 is connected to the coupled portion 3d of the towing vehicle 2, one hook 5a of the cable 5 is engaged with the first cable connecting portion 61, and the other hook 5b is engaged with the first fixed portion 62a, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. As a result, even if the towed device 20 unintentionally separates from the coupled portion 3d of the towing vehicle 2 while the combination vehicle 1 is traveling, the cable 5 can maintain the towing vehicle 2 and towed vehicle 10 connected together.

[0048] Furthermore, when transferring the container 7 from the towing vehicle 2 to the towed vehicle 10, i.e., when the towed device 20 is not connected to the hitched portion 3d of the towing vehicle 2, one hook 5a of the cable 5 is engaged with the first cable connection portion 61, and the other hook 5b is engaged with the second fastening portion 62b, as shown in FIG. 10. As a result, when transferring the container 7 from the towing vehicle 2 to the towed vehicle 10, the cable 5 can prevent the towed vehicle 10 from separating from the towing vehicle 2. Although not particularly limited, by setting the length of the cable 5 in advance so that the distance between the towing vehicle 2 and the towed vehicle 10 is an appropriate distance for transferring the container 7 in the state shown in FIG. 10, it can be determined that the container 7 can be transferred if the cable 5 can be connected to the first cable connection portion 61 and the second fastening portion 62b.

[0049] The cables 5 shown in Fig. 9 and the cables 5 shown in Fig. 10 may be the same or different. When the cables 5 shown in Fig. 9 and the cables 5 shown in Fig. 10 are the same, the cables 5 may be configured such that, for example, the hooks 5a remain engaged with the first cable connecting portion 61 and the hooks 5b are switched between the first fixing portion 62a and the second fixing portion 62b.

[0050] As described above, the cable 5 serves both as a safety device while the combination vehicle 1 is traveling and as a safety device while the container is being transferred, which leads to improved workability and a reduction in the number of parts.

[0051] As described above, the articulated vehicle 1, as in this embodiment, Towing vehicle 2 and a towed vehicle 10 coupled to the towing vehicle 2; a cable 5 connecting the towing vehicle 2 and the towed vehicle 10; The towing vehicle 2 includes a first cable connection portion 61 to which the cable 5 is connected, The towed vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 11, a towed device 20 that connects the vehicle body 11 and the towing vehicle 2, and a second cable connection portion 62 to which the cable 5 is connected, The second cable connecting portion 62 has a first position P1 and a second position P2 to which the cable 5 can be connected, The cable 5 is connected to the first position P1 when the towed device 20 is connected to the towing vehicle 2, and is connected to the second position P2 when the towed device 20 is not connected to the towing vehicle 2. This configuration is preferable.

[0052] According to this configuration, even when the towing device 20 is not connected to the towing vehicle 2, the towing vehicle 2 and the towed vehicle 10 can be connected by the cable 5, so that when the container 7 is transferred from the towing vehicle 2 to the towed vehicle 10, the towed vehicle 10 can be prevented from separating from the towing vehicle 2.

[0053] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the articulated vehicle 1 is The second cable connecting portion 62 includes a first fixing portion 62a and a second fixing portion 62b that are independent of each other at the first position P1 and the second position P2, The cable 5 is selectively fixed to the first fixing portion 62a and the second fixing portion 62b. This configuration is preferable.

[0054] According to this configuration, when transferring the container 7 from the towing vehicle 2 to the towed vehicle 10, the rope 5 that was fixed to the first fixing portion 62a while the combination vehicle 1 was traveling is fixed to the second fixing portion 62b, thereby preventing the towed vehicle 10 from separating from the towing vehicle 2.

[0055] Furthermore, in the articulated vehicle 1, as in this embodiment, The first fixing portion 62a is disposed on the towed device 20, and the second fixing portion 62b is disposed on the vehicle body 11. This configuration is preferable.

[0056] According to this configuration, when the articulated vehicle 1 is traveling, the first fixing portion 62a can be positioned near the first cable connection portion 61 of the towing vehicle 2, and on the other hand, when the container 7 is being transferred, the second fixing portion 62b can be positioned near the first cable connection portion 61 of the towing vehicle 2, so that the cable 5 can be shortened and workability is improved.

[0057] Furthermore, in the articulated vehicle 1, as in this embodiment, The towed device 20 includes a rear device part 21 whose rear end is rotatably connected to the front part of the vehicle body 11 around an axis in the left-right direction D2, and a front device part 22 whose rear end is rotatably connected to the front end of the rear device part 21 around an axis in the left-right direction D2, The second cable connection portion 62 is disposed at the front of the towed vehicle 10. This configuration is preferable.

[0058] According to this configuration, when transferring the container 7, the work is easy because it is only necessary to connect the cable 5 to the front of the towed vehicle 10.

[0059] The articulated vehicle 1 is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above, nor is it limited to the effects and advantages described above. Naturally, various modifications can be made to the articulated vehicle 1 without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it is of course possible to arbitrarily select one or more of the configurations, methods, etc. relating to the various modified examples described below and adopt them in the configurations, methods, etc. relating to the embodiment described above.

[0060] (A) In the articulated vehicle 1 according to the above embodiment, the second cable connecting portion 62 is provided with an independent first fixing portion 62a and second fixing portion 62b at the first position P1 and the second position P2, respectively, and the cable 5 is selectively fixed to the first fixing portion 62a and the second fixing portion 62b. However, the articulated vehicle 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0061] (A-1) For example, the second cable connecting portion 62 may include a third fixing portion that is slidable between the first position P1 and the second position P2. With this configuration, the third fixing portion can be moved to the first position P1 or the second position P2 while the cable 5 remains fixed to the third fixing portion.

[0062] (A-2) For example, the second cable connecting portion 62 may include a third fixing portion to which the cable 5 is fixed, and a guide rail disposed between the first position P1 and the second position P2 to guide the third fixing portion. The guide rail may be disposed on the outer surface of the towed device 20.

[0063] (B) In the combination vehicle 1 according to the above embodiment, the first fixed part 62a is arranged on the towed device 20, and the second fixed part 62b is arranged on the vehicle body 11. However, the combination vehicle 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, both the first fixed part 62a and the second fixed part 62b may be arranged on the towed device 20. Furthermore, for example, both the first fixed part 62a and the second fixed part 62b may be arranged on the vehicle body 11.

[0064] (C) In the combination vehicle 1 according to the above embodiment, the towed device 20 includes a rear device section 21 whose rear end is rotatably connected to the front part of the vehicle body 11 around an axis in the left-right direction D2, and a front device section 22 whose rear end is rotatably connected to the front end of the rear device section 21 around an axis in the left-right direction D2, and the second cable connection section 62 is arranged at the front of the towed vehicle 10. However, the combination vehicle 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the first fixed section 62a of the second cable connection section 62 may be arranged at the front of the towed vehicle 10, and the second fixed section 62b of the second cable connection section 62 may be arranged at the rear of the towed vehicle 10. In this case, the container 7 may be transferred from the rear of the towed vehicle 10.

[0065] (D) The towed device 20 may be detachable from the vehicle body 11.

[0066] (E) The first cable connecting portion 61 may be the coupled portion 3d disposed at the rear end of the towing vehicle 2. In other words, the coupled portion 3d may also serve as the first cable connecting portion 61.

[0067] (F) As shown in Figure 11, one end of the cable 5 may be made non-detachable from the first fastening part 62a, and when transferring the container 7, the hook 5a at the other end of the cable 5 may be passed through the second fastening part 62b and then engaged with the first cable connecting part 61. By making one end of the cable 5 non-detachable from the first fastening part 62a, there is no risk of losing the cable 5. This prevents the towing vehicle 2 and the towed vehicle 10 from being forgotten to be connected by the cable 5 when the combination vehicle 1 is traveling, thereby improving safety.

[0068] (G) In the articulated vehicle 1 according to the above embodiment, the cable 5 is configured such that both ends thereof are connected (via hooks 5a, 5b) to the first cable connection portion 61 and the second cable connection portion 62. However, the articulated vehicle 1 is not limited to this configuration. The cable 5 may be connected to the first cable connection portion 61 and the second cable connection portion 62 at its middle portion.

[0069] (H) For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the cable 5 may have its middle portion connected to the second fixing portion 62b by an openable / closable locking member (such as a carabiner). [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1... Articulated vehicle, 2... Towing vehicle, 3... Vehicle body, 3a... Driver's cab, 3b... Vehicle body frame, 3c... Wheels, 3d... Coupled portion, 4... Cargo handling device, 4a... Arm, 4b... Hook, 5... Cable, 5a... Hook, 5b... Hook, 7... Container, 7a... Container frame, 10... Towed vehicle, 11... Vehicle body, 12... Second stop device, 12a... Second stop portion, 12b... Second operating portion, 12c... Second operating portion, 13... Third stop device, 13a... Third stop portion, 14... Vehicle body frame, 14a, 14b... Front and rear frames frame, 14c...left and right frames, 15...wheels, 20...towed device, 21...rear part of device, 22...front part of device, 22a...connecting part, 23...traction operating part, 23a...driving source, 23b...pushing part, 23c...elastic body, 30...first abutment device, 31...first abutment part, 32...first operating part, 40...first operating part, 61...first cable connecting part, 62...second cable connecting part, 62a...first fixing part, 62b...second fixing part, D1...front-rear direction, D2...left-right direction, D3...up-down direction, P1...first position, P2...second position

Claims

1. A towing vehicle, a towed vehicle coupled to the towing vehicle; a cable connecting the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle, The towing vehicle includes a first cable connection portion to which the cable is connected, The towed vehicle includes a vehicle body, a towing device connecting the vehicle body and the towing vehicle, and a second cable connection portion to which the cable is connected, the second cable connecting portion has a first position and a second position at which the cable can be connected, The cable is connected to the first position when the towed device is connected to the towing vehicle, and is connected to the second position when the towed device is not connected to the towing vehicle.

2. the second cable connection portion includes a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion that are independent of each other at the first position and the second position, The articulated vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the cable is selectively fixed to the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion.

3. The articulated vehicle according to claim 2 , wherein the first fixed portion is disposed on the towed device, and the second fixed portion is disposed on the vehicle body.

4. The towed device comprises a rear device part whose rear end is connected to the front device of the vehicle body so as to be rotatable about an axis in the left-right direction, and a front device part whose rear end is connected to the front end of the rear device part so as to be rotatable about an axis in the left-right direction, 4. The articulated vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the second cable connection portion is disposed at a front portion of the towed vehicle.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • JP1987115941U