Electric crawler with adjustable chassis

Abstract

The invention relates to a crawler (100) comprising: - a chassis (1) provided with an electric motor powered by a battery, and a transmission with two output shafts and a load support; - two track modules (2), each having a drive wheel (21) mounted on a motor shaft (111) and articulated to the chassis (1); and - a control handle (4). The crawler comprises two struts (3), each forming a rail (31), wherein one end (3a) of each rail is connected by a joint to a track module (2). The strut (3) has a slider (32) supporting a joint (321) that is movable between a high position and a low position, and connects the frame (1) to the slider (32) in order to tilt the frame (1) by the controlled movement of the slider (32).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title: Electric tracked trolley with adjustable chassis

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to an adjustable chassis

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Multiple embodiments of electric tracked trolleys of the type defined above are known, in particular an electric tracked trolley comprising a chassis equipped with an electric motor powered by a battery and a transmission with two output axes as well as a load support, the two tracked modules each comprising a drive wheel carried by one of the axes of the transmission and each module is connected in an articulated manner to the chassis. Such a trolley also comprises a control handle for managing its operation.

[0007] These tracked trucks generally have the disadvantage of a relatively complex structure and are therefore heavy and expensive both to manufacture and to maintain.

[0008] PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention aims to develop an electric tracked trolley of the handcart type, which has a very simple yet efficient structure, easy to produce and maintain and which is light and easy to maneuver to travel on surfaces that are not only flat and smooth, but also irregular or even over obstacles such as steps.

[0010] DISCLOSURE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a tracked trolley comprising: a chassis with a load support, two tracked modules connected in an articulated manner to the chassis, and a control handle, a trolley characterized in that it comprises a chassis connected by an articulation to the two tracked modules, a strut forming a rail, one end of which is connected by an articulation to a tracked module, the strut 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. This electric trolley has the advantage of constituting a deformable articulated assembly composed of the chassis, the tracked modules and one or two struts by the controlled movement of the slider connecting the strut to the chassis.This allows the chassis carrying the load to be positioned in a very inclined position up to a very upright position in which the electric trolley is grouped and is similar to a hand truck for picking up or dropping off loads.

[0012] Then the trolley is tilted and its chassis is inclined according to the transport requirements.

[0013] During transport, to maneuver the truck on a small area, for example, to take a turn in a very small space, it may be advantageous to completely straighten the truck to group its surface on the ground and allow maneuvering.

[0014] According to an advantageous characteristic, the strut comprises an electric, controlled cylinder, connected to the slide and resting on the strut.

[0015] The electric cylinder has the advantage of being self-locking so that the slide moved by the electric cylinder maintains its position on the strut rail without requiring any other locking means.

[0016] According to another feature, the strut includes a shock absorber between the strut and the slider.

[0017] The shock absorber makes maneuvering the cart more comfortable.

[0018] According to another advantageous characteristic, 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.

[0019] In one case, the lower end of the strut is connected to the track module by a joint to one arm of a balancer pivotally mounted on the back of the track module and the other arm of which is connected to the back by a spring.

[0020] In another case, the articulation of the strut on the module coincides with the axis of the freewheel of the module.

[0021] The strut and the track module to which the strut is connected can be a pre-assembled component, simplifying the manufacture of the trolleys. According to an advantageous feature, the trolley comprises two twin struts, connected by spacers and each carrying a slide associated with an electric cylinder, the cylinders being controlled to move the slides synchronously, and the spacers being outside the sliding range of the slides.

[0022] According to an advantageous feature, the twin struts are nevertheless connected independently of each other to their track module.

[0023] Advantageously, the tracked module comprises a drive wheel mounted on the axis of connection with the chassis, a free wheel mounted on the articulation axis 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.

[0024] This structure of the tracked module allows the truck to be easily maneuvered, in particular, to turn without slipping by leaning on one or other of the support surfaces of the tracks or on the intermediate zone between the support surfaces which represent a particularly reduced surface, practically avoiding any slipping.

[0025] According to another characteristic, the drive wheel, the free wheel, the roller and the shoes have a groove receiving and guiding the track, the inner surface of which has a longitudinal rib engaged in the succession of grooves.

[0026] This guidance of the track by the drive wheel, the free wheel, the roller and the pads guarantees the correct operation of the track module, preventing the track from coming off the rim in extreme situations when the nature of the surface on which the truck is traveling requires the tracks to slip despite the support possibilities of the track modules.

[0027] According to another characteristic, the chassis comprises two branches forming rails for an auxiliary trolley carrying a support frame receiving the teeth of a fork, an electric jack connecting the chassis and the auxiliary chassis to control the movement of the auxiliary chassis. The auxiliary chassis facilitates not only the taking up or the depositing 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 surface of the tracks.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The present invention will be described below in more detail with the aid of an embodiment of a tracked trolley according to the invention shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] [Fig. 1] Isometric view of a tracked trolley in its operating position,

[0031] [Fig. IA] Schematic side view of the trolley of Figure 1,

[0032] [Fig. IB] geometric schematic view of the structure of the trolley according to figure IA,

[0033] [Fig. IC] shows the different possible deformations of the trolley shown schematically according to figure IB,

[0034] [Fig. 2] Detail view of a tracked module of the trolley of Figure 1, [Fig. 3] Detail view of the strut of the trolley of Figure 1, [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] Assembled detail view of the articulation of Figure 4A, [Fig. 5] Front isometric view of the auxiliary frame and guide rails,

[0037] [Fig. 6] Rear isometric view of the auxiliary chassis and guide rails, the chassis carrying the forks and roller arms,

[0038] [Fig. 6A] Rear isometric view of the auxiliary chassis equipped with arms and fork,

[0039] [Fig. 7] view of the fork support frame and the two roller arms,

[0040] [Fig. 7A] view of a fork tooth,

[0041] [Fig. 7B] view of a roller arm,

[0042] [Fig. 8] Isometric view of the truck with the auxiliary chassis in the low position,

[0043] [Fig. 9] Isometric view of the truck with the auxiliary chassis in the high position,

[0044] [Fig. 10] Side view of the upright trolley in the shape of a handcart.

[0045] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION According to Figure 1, the invention relates to an electric tracked trolley 100, composed of a chassis 1 connected to two tracked modules 2 each also connected to the chassis 1 by a strut 3.

[0046] By convention, to facilitate description, the front AV is the side of the chassis and the load; the rear AR side is the one where the driver of the truck stands.

[0047] 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 axles 211, each connected to the drive wheel 21 of a tracked module 2.

[0048] The box 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.

[0049] The electrical connection between the control integrated in the handle and the central unit of the box 11 is preferably made by the strut 3 and the associated module 2, the cable entering near the two joints at the lower end of the strut 3 and between the module 2 and the box 11.

[0050] 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.

[0051] According to another variant, the chassis 1 is provided with two hollow axles 211 forming the pivots of each module 2 whose drive wheel 21 incorporates an electric motor controlled in electronic differential mode with the motor of the other module 2. Each module 2 is powered by a connection passing through the hollow axle 211.

[0052] The box 11 or its framework transmitting the forces to the connecting pivots with the two modules 2; the chassis 1 has two branches 12 rising beyond the box 11 to be each connected to a slider 32 carried by a rail 31 forming a respective strut 3, itself connected by an articulation to the associated module 2. The branch 12 is connected by its other end to the articulation 321 carried by the slider 32.

[0053] The chassis 1 carries the load to be transported, either directly resting on or against the branches 12, the back 111 of the box 11 and, in the lower part, a shovel or a fork to take and hold the load on the inclined support surface, formed by the branches 12 and the back 111 of the box 11 or by an auxiliary chassis 5 sliding on the branches 12 then forming rails.

[0054] At its lower part, the auxiliary chassis 5 is equipped with the fork (not shown). The auxiliary chassis 5 connected to a jack, allows the load to be moved to position its center of gravity according to the transport maneuvers to be carried out. The load can thus be moved so that its center of gravity is vertical to the support polygon formed by the support surfaces of the tracks.

[0055] The assembly formed by the chassis 1, each module 2 and the strut 3, possibly split, is an articulated, adjustable assembly allowing the shape of the trolley 100 to be adapted to the conditions of use.

[0056] Figure 1A is a schematic side view of the carriage 100 by a simplified drawing limited to geometric elements:

[0057] - the modules 2 are represented by the motor axis 211 of the drive wheel 21 and the axis 221 of the free wheel 22 which respectively constitute the pivot of the chassis 1 relative to the module 2 and the pivot of the strut 3 relative to the module 2;

[0058] - the chassis 1 is represented by the straight line 15 directly connecting the pivot (axis 211 of the module 2) to the articulation of the slider 32 carried by the strut 3 (rail 31);

[0059] - the strut 3 is represented by its rail 31.

[0060] 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 that a long load does not encounter the rail 31.

[0061] Figure 1B limits the diagram to the three sides of the articulated triangle forming the carriage 100:

[0062] - the straight line 15 representing the side of the chassis 1,

[0063] - the line (211-221) connecting the axes of the wheels 21, 22 of module 2,

[0064] - rail 31.

[0065] - the joints of the triangle located at points 211, 221, 32.

[0066] The description of the deformation of the carriage 100 refers to:

[0067] - the length L1 of the chassis 1 between its articulation 211 to module 2 and its articulation 221 to slide 32,

[0068] - the length L2 which is the center distance of module 2, - the length L3 of rail 31 between articulation 221 and the position of slider 32 on rail 31, knowing that:

[0069] - lengths LI, L2 are fixed; length L3 is variable.

[0070] Figure IC shows the deformation of the articulated triangle representing the carriage 100, to take on different inclinations and shapes.

[0071] The slide 32 moves on an arc of circle C 1 with center 211 and radius Ll, ​​imposed by the pivot 321 on the side 15 of fixed length.

[0072] In one mode of use of the trolley 100, the chassis 1 is vertical (W) like a hand truck (shape 100B) so that its shovel is horizontal, for example, resting on the ground to take a load. The slide 32 is then in its limit position 321im2 on the rail 31B.

[0073] This 100B shape of the carriage for this vertical position W is a priori the limit tilting position towards the front AV.

[0074] Geometrically, the extreme rear tilt of the chassis 1 is the position of the rail 31 aligned on the line passing through the axes 211-221. This corresponds to the position 321im0 of the slide 32; the rail 31 is then aligned on the line (211)-(221).

[0075] This limit of the travel of the slide 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.

[0076] It is therefore assumed that the handle 4 and the strut 3 (rail 31) will remain at a limit position 321iml. The arcs of circle with center 221 report these limit positions: 321im0, 321iml, 321im2, on the rail 31 in its usual position 100 to visualize the possible travel of the slide 32.

[0077] When the sides (31, 15) are pivoted to the limit position 32 liml, the carriage 100 is in its extreme lowered form 100A:

[0078] - handle 4 is in its position 4A.

[0079] - chassis 1 is in its 15A position.

[0080] The other extreme position 100B, that towards the front AV, corresponds to the straightened shape 100B of the carriage 100,

[0081] - line 15 is vertical W; position 15B,

[0082] - pivot 321 is in its position 3211im2.

[0083] - the rail 31 in its position 31B, - the position 32B of the slide 31 is imposed by the limit position (321 lim.2) of the pivot 321.

[0084] We thus obtain, on the rail 31, the limit positions: 321iml-321im2 which delimit the segment of path that the slide 32 must be able to travel on the rail 31, moved by the jack 34; this fixes the possible or necessary stroke of the jack 34.

[0085] Conversely, the restriction that the possible stroke of the rod 342 of the cylinder 34 can impose, will limit the tilting angle between the extreme positions 100A-100B above to the detriment of:

[0086] - rear tilting (100A), or

[0087] - forward tilt (100B), or

[0088] - two tilting positions (100A-100B).

[0089] In more detail, according to the embodiment presented in figure 1, the two struts 3 of the carriage are symmetrical, twinned by one or more spacers such as the spacer 381, while remaining connected independently directly or by the legs 36 to the associated track modules 2.

[0090] In a variant not shown, the single strut 3 is connected by a double pivot 321 to the two arms 12 (or to their extensions 121) of the chassis 1. The strut 3 is in the middle position; it is connected to the two modules 2 by a single lug and a balance in the form of a pivoting crosspiece, or by a crosspiece secured to the console 33 and the ends of which are provided with a respective lug for each of the two modules 2. In this variant, the central position of the strut 43 also makes it possible to terminate the end of the chassis 1 with a single branch 12 with possibly a fork-shaped splitting to be connected to a pivot 321 on each side of the slider 32 of the strut 3.

[0091] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the two branches 12 are connected to an extension 121 inclined relative to the straight direction of the branches 12 to reinforce the end of the frame 1 connected to the sliders 32 and raise the direction of the branches 12 relative to the sliders 32; the extensions 121 are connected by a spacer 122 before the ends of the extensions 121 connected to the articulations 321 of the sliders 32.

[0092] The branches 12 are U-shaped profiles lying down, forming rails for a sliding auxiliary chassis 5 which facilitates the taking 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 interesting for balancing the assembly when passing an obstacle or steps. For this same reason, the direction of the branches 12 is clear relative to the extensions 121 to allow the auxiliary chassis 5 to be raised with its load.

[0093] The control handle 4 is connected to the two fixings 39 of the ends of the struts 3 by adjustable pivots 392.

[0094] The handle 4 is composed of a central part 41 provided with means for controlling the motor, the jacks and any accessories; it includes two hoops 42 for holding the handle.

[0095] Figure 1 also shows a form of auxiliary chassis 5 and its support frame 52 receiving removable accessories such as a shovel or a fork 7 (figure 7) in addition to the roller arms 6, for picking up or dropping off a load; the trolley 100 is, for this, preferably in its upright position like that shown in figure 10.

[0096] The support frame 52 can also receive special accessories, adapted to the load to be transported, such as, for example, hoops or clamps for taking and holding a cylindrical load such as a barrel.

[0097] In its lower part at the front (AV), the chassis 1 comprises sleeves 14 in which arms 6 can be engaged to retain the transported load; these arms sketched in figure 1A have a roller 61 at the end to maneuver the carriage 100 in the upright position then resting on the two roller arms 6 and on the drive wheels 21 at the front of the modules 2 whose rear is raised. The sleeves 14 are preferably spaced as far apart as possible, for example, in the downward extension of the branches 12.

[0098] 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 delimiting the “horizontal 25a” support surface and the “inclined 25b” support surface used according to the maneuvers to be carried out. 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 bearing surface 25b of the track 25 formed between the roller 24 and the free wheel 22 with, in the interval, a second shoe 24b makes it possible to tilt the entire carriage around the pivot which then constitutes the intermediate roller 24. The forced inclination of the bearing surface 25a of the carriage may be of interest for initiating the passage of a difference in level, for example, of a step by raising the front of the modules 2. It may also be of interest to press the module on the track 25 on either side of the roller 24 to turn and reduce slippage.

[0099] The module 2 shown without its side panel on the outside 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 freewheel 22. The axis 221 of the freewheel 22 is connected directly or indirectly to the end of the strut 3.

[0100] The driving wheel 21, the free wheel 22, the roller 24 and the shoes 24a, b have a central groove 28, and the inner face of the track 25 has a longitudinal rib 251 which passes into this succession of grooves 28 of the driving wheel 21, the first shoe 24a, the roller 24, the second shoe 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 support surface of the modules 2 from slipping.

[0101] The track tensioner 23 equipping the module 2 is composed 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. The adjustment of the screw 232 makes it possible to move the freewheel 22 and thus to adjust the tension of the track 25. The block 233 is fixed to the back 26 which has a window 261 for accessing the screw 232 when the outer face of the module 2 is covered by a plate (not installed here), fixed to spacers 29 themselves fixed to the back 26 like those shown in Figure 3.

[0102] The top of module 2 is covered by a U-shaped cover 27 covering and protecting the track 25. The cover 27 is fixed to the back 26 (figure 8).

[0103] Figure 2 shows a lowered shape of the chassis 1 of the trolley 100, obtained by the controlled movement of the sliders 32, reducing the length of the third side (that formed by the rail 31) of the articulated triangle assembly; the other two sides of the articulated triangle corresponding to the distance between the articulations of the chassis 1 and the strut 3 to the module 2 and the chassis 1 have fixed lengths. The downward movement of the sliders 32 produces the lowering of the chassis 1 onto the modules 2. In this position of maximum lowering, stops 37 fixed to the struts 3 limit the possible deflection of the rails 31 of the chassis 1 which could result from the weight of the load in this particular position.

[0104] The construction of the 100 trolley 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 struts 3 and the handle with its control 4 or pre-assemblies of certain components such as the strut 3 and a module 2. The components can themselves be adapted to the types of loads to be transported to create a very diverse and suitable range of trolleys.

[0105] According to Figure 3, the strut 3 is composed of the rail 31, which is a tubular profile of rectangular section receiving the slide 32 connected by an articulation 321 to the end of a branch 12 of the chassis 1. The lower end 31a of the rail 31 is provided with a console 33 formed of two plates 331 in an inverted T, fixed flat on the two sides of the rail 31 to protrude therefrom and form on one side a support for the body 341 of an electric jack 34 whose rod 342 is connected to the slide 32. Its motor 343 at the right angle is connected by an angle transmission 343 to the body 341 and fixed to the console 33.

[0106] 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 jack 34 via its angle transmission 344.

[0107] The extension of the console 33 carries or forms a stop 37 to protect the motor 343 of the jack 34.

[0108] The electric jack 34 is a screw jack by self-locking principle and the shock absorber 35 cushions the end of travel of the slide 3.

[0109] The slider 32 protrudes on each side of the rail 31 for the respective fixing of the end of the rod 342 of the jack and that 352 of the shock absorber 35.

[0110] The cylinder 34 and the shock absorber 35 are mounted on the strut 3 in a very accessible manner allowing easy intervention in the event of a breakdown.

[0111] 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. The lower end 31a of the rail 31 comprises a lug 36 secured to the rail with a suspension connection to the module 2. In one case, the lug 36 is connected to the rail by a suspension with a spring integrated in the rail 31; the lug 36 is connected to a pivot of the module 2, for example, the axis 221 of the freewheel 22.

[0112] In another case, that of the example shown in figures 4, 4A, 4B, the lug 36 is integral with the rail 31 and its articulation 361 is carried by the arm 381 of a balance 38 connected by a pivot 382 to the back 26 of the module 2 and the other arm 383 of which is connected by a spring 384 to an attachment point 262 of the back 26.

[0113] Figure 4 shows the component formed by the combination of module 2 and strut 3 which, as is, is pre-assembled to be subsequently combined with a symmetrical component on chassis 1.

[0114] The upper end 31b of the rail 31 carries the attachment 39 for a spacer 391 connected to the upper end of the other rail 31 (fig. 1 and 2).

[0115] Figures 4A, 4B show the detail of the track tensioner 23 on the inner side of the back 26:

[0116] - fork 231, and

[0117] - the slide 263 of the back 26 crossed by the axis 221 of the wheel 22 and by the fork 231.

[0118] According to figures 1, 5, 6, the box 11 of the chassis 1 is formed of a plate 111 connected to the two branches 12 and carrying a cover 112 covering the fixed components, integral with the plate 111 and those removable such as the battery. The non-visible components are covered by the cover 112 of the box 11.

[0119] The lower end of the rails 31 carries the sleeves 14 in 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 appropriate, in the lower part, beyond the travel necessary for the slides 32.

[0120] 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 articulation 321 so that the assembly thus formed is rigid and easily combines with the articulation axis of the slide 32. The branches 12 carry the auxiliary chassis 5 formed of two angles 51 constituting the long sides. The angles 51 each overlap a branch 12 by coming onto it by one wing and against the opening of the branch 12 by the other wing. The wings are connected in the lower part by two crosspieces 52a, 52b forming a support frame 52 for the two teeth 71 of the fork 7 (figure 6A).The support frame 52 is bordered by two angle irons 53, one wing of which is fixed flat on the crosspieces 52a, b and the other wing projects forward to form a location receiving and holding a tooth 71 of the fork 7; the crosspieces 52a, b are doubled on the rear side of the auxiliary chassis 5 by tubular spacers 54 bearing on the outer sides (fig. 6), rollers 55 circulating in the rails formed by the branches 12.

[0121] The front side of the auxiliary chassis 5 has a tubular cover 56 parallel to the angles, formed by a U-shaped section profile closed towards the front AV and open towards the rear. The cover 56 is connected to the auxiliary chassis 5 by the intermediate cross member 52b fixed to the two angles 51 and in the upper part to the upper cross member 52c of the auxiliary carriage 5.

[0122] The cover 56 covers an electric jack 57 whose motor group 571 and cylinder 572 are fixed to the panel 111 of the box or to its frame; the end of the rod of the jack 573 is connected to the upper crosspiece of the auxiliary chassis 5. The jack 57 is the actuator of the auxiliary chassis 5.

[0123] Figure 8 is an isometric view of the support frame 53 formed by the two flat crosspieces 52a, 52b connected by the two sides in the form of an angle iron 53 whose wings facing forward 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 cover the upper crosspiece 52b. The strip 73 covering the edge of the vertical sides 72 and of the tooth 71 overlaps the wings of the sides 53.

[0124] The feet 72 are pressed against the wings of the sides 53 and screwed in the lower part. The teeth 71 have the same T-section as the vertical sides.

[0125] Figure 7 A shows the shape of a tubular arm 6 terminated by a swivel caster 61.

[0126] Figure 7B shows the detail of a tooth 71 of the fork 7.

[0127] The tooth 71 is a flat iron at right angles to the foot 72, the edge of which is covered by the strip 73, thus creating a rigid T-section assembly. Figure 8 is an isometric front view of the carriage 100 with the auxiliary chassis 5 in the low position.

[0128] Figure 9 is an isometric front view of the carriage 100 with the auxiliary chassis 5 in the raised position.

[0129] Figure 10 is a side view of the upright trolley 100. In this form of the chassis 1 and the strut 3, the trolley is comparable to a hand truck for picking up or depositing a load, the fork being at ground level. In this equipment variant, the fork 7 is completed by the arms 6 which allow the trolley to roll on the ground by relying on 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 dotted line in this figure shows the high position 5A of the auxiliary chassis 5 and the position 7A of the fork 7 passing in front of the rails 31 of the struts 3 and the handle 4.

[0130] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN ELEMENTS

[0131] 100 Tracked trolley

[0132] 1 Chassis

[0133] 11 Box

[0134] 111 Back

[0135] 112 Hood

[0136] 12 Branch

[0137] 121 Extension

[0138] 122 Between heights

[0139] 14 Sleeve

[0140] 2 Tracked module

[0141] 21 Drive wheel

[0142] 22 Freewheel

[0143] 221 Axis

[0144] 23 Track tensioner

[0145] 231 Tensioner fork

[0146] 232 Adjustment screw

[0147] 233 Block receiving the screw

[0148] 24 Intermediate roller

[0149] 24a First skate

[0150] 24b Second skate

[0151] 25 Caterpillar

[0152] 25a Horizontal support surface

[0153] 25b Inclined support surface

[0154] 251 Rib

[0155] 26 Back

[0156] 261 Window

[0157] 262 Spring attachment point

[0158] 263 Tensioner slide

[0159] 27 Top covering the caterpillar

[0160] 28 Antlers

[0161] 29 Between heights

[0162] 3 Strut

[0163] 31 Rail

[0164] 31a Lower end

[0165] 31b Upper end

[0166] 32 Slider

[0167] 321 Articulation

[0168] 321a Sleeve

[0169] 321b Axis

[0170] 33 Console

[0171] 331 Plate

[0172] 34 Jack

[0173] 341 Cylinder body 342 Cylinder rod

[0174] 343 Engine

[0175] 344 Angle drive

[0176] 35 Shock absorber

[0177] 351 Shock absorber body

[0178] 352 Shock absorber rod

[0179] 36 Paw

[0180] 361 Articulation

[0181] 361a Hinge eyelet

[0182] 361b Articulation axis

[0183] 37 Stop

[0184] 38 Balance wheel

[0185] 381 Arms

[0186] 382 Pivot

[0187] 383 Arms

[0188] 384 Spring

[0189] 39 Fixing the upper end of the arm

[0190] 391 Spacer

[0191] 392 Adjustable Pivot

[0192] 4 Control handle

[0193] 41 Central part

[0194] 42 Arch

[0195] 5 auxiliary chassis

[0196] 51 Corner

[0197] 52 Support frame

[0198] 52a Low Traverse

[0199] 52b Intermediate Traverse

[0200] 52c High Traverse

[0201] 53 Corner

[0202] 54 Tubular spacer

[0203] 55 Pebble

[0204] 56 Hood

[0205] 57 Electric cylinder

[0206] 571 Engine group

[0207] 572 Cylinder

[0208] 573 Stem

[0209] 6 Caster Arms

[0210] 61 Roulette

[0211] 7 Fork

[0212] 71 Tooth

[0213] 72 Foot

[0214] 721 Hook

[0215] 73 Band

Claims

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

3. Electric tracked trolley according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the strut (3) comprises 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 tracked module (2) by a lug (36), carrying the articulation axis (361), connecting the strut (3) to the tracked 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 tracked module (2) by an articulation (361) to an arm (381) of a balancer (38) pivotally mounted on the back (26) of the tracked module (2) and the other arm (383) of which 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 strut (3) on the module (2) coincides with the axis (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 struts (3), connected by spacers and each carrying a slider (32) associated with an electric jack (34), - the jacks (34) being controlled to move the slides (32) synchronously, and - the spacers being outside the sliding range of the sliders (32).

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

9. Electric tracked trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that the tracked module (2) comprises - a drive wheel (21) mounted on the axis (211) connecting it to the chassis (1), - a free wheel (22) mounted on the articulation axis of the strut (3) or in its vicinity and - a roller (24) between the two wheels (21, 22), - a bearing 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 bearing surface (25b) formed by a pad (24b) between the free wheel (22) and the roller (24), - the roller (24), the first intermediate shoe (24a) and the drive wheel (21) forming the main support surface of the track, - the roller (24), the second shoe (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 shoes (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. Electric tracked trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that the chassis (1) comprises two branches (12) forming rails for an auxiliary trolley (5) carrying a support frame (53) receiving the teeth (71) of a fork (7), - an electric cylinder connecting the chassis (1) and the auxiliary chassis (5) to control the movement of the auxiliary chassis.

Images