Lift truck upright

Abstract

Described is an upright (1) of a lift truck which comprises a fixed section (2) and a section (3) movable relative to the fixed section (2), a load gripping unit (4) connected to the telescopic movable section (3), first lifting means (5A) to move along a vertical direction (D) the load gripping unit (4) relative to the movable section (3) and second lifting means (5B) to move the movable section (3) relative to the fixed section (2); the first lifting means (5A) and the second lifting means (5B) comprise respective lifting chains (6A, 6B); each chain (6A, 6B) is supported by a supporting element (7) rotating about a respective axis of rotation (A7), an auxiliary hydraulic circuit (8), designed for the operation of at least one accessory user, comprising a plurality of pipes (9) for distributing a hydraulic fluid supported by respective supporting elements (7); a same supporting element (7) is configured for supporting a respective chain (6A, 6B) and one or more pipes (9); the element (10) for protecting the pipes (9) from the lifting chain (6) made of polymeric material, which extends circumferentially about the axis of rotation (A7) and which is interposed between the pipes (9) and the lifting chain (6) supported by at least a same rotary supporting element (7).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] LIFT TRUCK UPRIGHT

[0003] Technical field

[0004] This invention relates to an upright of a lift truck.

[0005] Background art

[0006] In order to be able to effectively transport and lift a load the upright of a lift truck is characterised by its telescopic structure and by the hydraulic system.

[0007] The hydraulic system is divided into a primary circuit designed to perform the movement of the load, lifting and lowering, and further auxiliary hydraulic circuits designed for operation of certain user devices such as, for example, translating devices, translating-positioning device, rotary grippers, and others.

[0008] The auxiliary hydraulic circuit has a plurality of pipes for distributing the fluid which are retained in predetermined positions and wound at least partly in respective supporting elements.

[0009] The upright normally comprises a fixed section, a section movable relative to the fixed section and a unit for gripping a load connected to the movable section.

[0010] The upright also comprises lifting means which generally comprise lifting chains for moving the movable section relative to the fixed section or for moving the pick up unit relative to the movable section.

[0011] The lifting means generally comprise at least one lifting chain which is substantially alongside the supporting means on which the pipes of the auxiliary hydraulic circuit are positioned.

[0012] The lifting means and the pipes positioned on the winding members define in the structure of the upright an overall size which is not insignificant.

[0013] This overall size is particularly significant when the upright is in use, both during driving of the truck and during movement of the loads, since this can result in a reduction of the field of vision of the operator driving the lift truck, especially in the zone above the upright. Alm of the Invention

[0014] In this scenario, in order to improve the upright both in terms of overall dimensions and in terms of greater visibility of the operator of the lift truck, the Applicant has felt the need to make an upright of a lift truck which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0015] In this context, the Applicant has developed an upright the features of which are set out in independent claim 1.

[0016] Brief description of the drawings

[0017] Further features and advantages of the invention are more apparent from the non-limiting description which follows of a preferred embodiment of an upright of a lift truck as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic prospective side view of a first embodiment of an upright of a lift truck according to the invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a detail of the upright of Figure 1 according to this invention;

[0020] Figures 3 and 4 are schematic perspective views of the detail of Figure 2 according to this invention with some portions cut away;

[0021] Figure 5 is a perspective exploded view of Figure 3 according to the invention with some portions cut away;

[0022] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a detail of the upright of Figure 1 in according to this invention;

[0023] Figures 7A, 7B are schematic views of a detail of Figure 6.

[0024] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0025] The reference numeral 1 , in Figure 1 , denotes an upright of a lift truck having a main extension along a vertical direction D.

[0026] The upright 1 comprises a fixed section 2 and a section 3, which is movable relative to the fixed section 2, and a unit 4 for gripping a load connected to the movable section 3.

[0027] According to the embodiment illustrated, the movable section 3 is telescopic. In particular, the movable telescopic section 3 comprises at least one pair of profiles.

[0028] In the case illustrated, the movable telescopic section 3 comprises two pairs of profiles.

[0029] The fixed section 2 comprises a pair of profiles.

[0030] The upright 1 comprises first lifting means 5A for moving the load gripping unit 4 along the vertical direction D relative to the movable section 3.

[0031] The first lifting means 5A of the upright 1 comprise one or two primary cylinders 20 for lifting the load gripping unit 4 relative to the movable section 3.

[0032] According to this embodiment, the upright 1 comprises a pair of primary cylinders 20.

[0033] The first lifting means 5A comprise at least one chain 6A depending on the number of primary cylinders 20.

[0034] The supporting element 7 of a respective chain 6A is positioned above a respective primary lifting cylinder 20.

[0035] The rotary supporting element 7 of the chain 6A of the first lifting means 6A is positioned in a middle portion of the movable section 3.

[0036] The upright 1 comprises second lifting means 5B for moving, along the vertical direction D, the movable section 3 relative to the fixed section 2. The second lifting means 5B comprise at least a pair of chains 6B.

[0037] The upright 1 comprises at least one pair of rotary supporting elements 7, each intended to support a respective chain 6B of the second lifting means 5B.

[0038] As illustrated in Figure 2, each rotary supporting element 7 is configured to rotate about a respective axis of rotation A7.

[0039] It should be noted that there is no relative movement between the chain 6B and the respective rotary supporting element 7.

[0040] The second lifting means 5B comprise a pair of secondary cylinders 50 for lifting the movable section 3 relative to the fixed section 2 and each rotary supporting element 7 is connected to an upper end of a respective secondary cylinder 50.

[0041] In other words, the rotary supporting elements 7 which support the respective chains 6B of the second movement means 5B are connected to an upper portion of the movable section 3.

[0042] Looking in more detail, at the upper portion of the movable section 3, each rotary supporting element 7 rotates on pins welded to respective profiles of the movable section 3.

[0043] The upright 1 comprises a main hydraulic circuit, shown in Figure 1 with some parts visible labeled 40, designed for moving the movable section 3 relative to the fixed section 2 along the vertical direction, upwards and downwards.

[0044] The upright 1 comprises an auxiliary hydraulic circuit 8, designed for the operation of at least one accessory user, comprising a plurality of pipes 9 for distributing a hydraulic fluid.

[0045] Part of the pipes 9 for distributing a hydraulic fluid are supported by respective rotary supporting elements 7.

[0046] Advantageously, superposing the pipes 9 and the lifting chain 6 on the same rotary supporting element 7 allows the overall dimensions of the upright to be reduced.

[0047] Reducing the overall dimensions increases the field of vision of the operator driving the lift truck, in particular in the upper zone of the upright.

[0048] In other words, therefore, the pipes 9 and the lifting chain 6 are supported by the same rotary supporting element 7.

[0049] It should be noted that there is no relative movement between the pipes 9 and the respective rotary supporting element 7.

[0050] Preferably, the pipes 9 of the auxiliary hydraulic circuit 8 are flexible hoses. Preferably, at least one pair of pipes 9 is supported by a same rotary supporting element 7.

[0051] It should be noted that the pressure of the hydraulic fluid distributed in the circuit 8 can also reach the order of 200 bar up to 250 bar. For this reason, if there is an accidental breakage of the pipes 9 the hydraulic fluid at this pressure quickly contaminates the environment, posing a potential hazard for the operator.

[0052] It is therefore of fundamental importance to prevent wear of the pipes 9 and their accidental breakages.

[0053] According to the invention, the upright 1 comprises an element 10 for protecting the pipes 9 from the lifting chain 6.

[0054] The protective element 10 extends circumferentially about the axis of rotation A7 and is interposed between the pipes 9 and the lifting chain 6. Advantageously, the protective element 10, interposed between the pipes 9 and the lifting chain 6, protects the pipes 9 which could wear following contact and friction between lifting chain 6 and the pipes 9.

[0055] Advantageously, interposing the protective element 10 between the pipes 9 and the lifting chain 6 maintains the integrity of the pipes, compacting at the same time, as much as possible, the structure of the upright 1.

[0056] Advantageously, the protective element 10 can be easily replaced as it can be removed as a single block without having to dismantle the various components.

[0057] The protective element 10 is made of polymeric material.

[0058] Advantageously, making the protective element 10 of polymeric material allows a flexible and resistant element to be obtained.

[0059] Preferably, the protective element 10 comprises elastomeric material. Advantageously, making the protective element 10 of elastomeric material gives it a high flexibility.

[0060] Preferably, as illustrated in Figure 3, the protective element 10 has a central through cut 11 which delimits a first portion 12 and a second portion 13 spaced from the cut 11.

[0061] In other words, the first portion 12 and the second portion 13 are spaced along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation A7. Despite the presence of the incision 11 , the first portion 12 and the second portion 13 guarantee at each point a spacing between the pipes 9 and between the lifting chain 6 which are never in contact.

[0062] According to an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 5, the first portion 12 and / or the second portion 13 of the protective element 10 comprise, respectively, a first plurality of cuts 22 and a second plurality of cuts 23 positioned transversely relative to the incision 11.

[0063] The plurality of cuts 22 and 23 extend, respectively, along the entire first portion 12 and along the entire second portion 13.

[0064] Advantageously, the first plurality of cuts 22 and the second plurality of cuts 23 give greater flexibility and deformability to the protective element 10, preventing the breakage.

[0065] Each cut of the first plurality 22 and / or of the second plurality 23 has a respective first end 22A, 23A in communication with the incision 11 and a respective second blind end 22B, 23B.

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment, illustrated for example in Figure 5, the second blind end 22B, 23B has an extension greater than an extension of the first end 22A, 23A.

[0067] In other words, the second blind end 22B, 23B has a greater extension along a direction parallel to the incision than an extension of the first end 22A, 23A along the same direction.

[0068] Advantageously, having a second blind end 22B, 23B which has a greater extension allows a better distribution of the forces along the cut.

[0069] Preferably, the second blind end 22B, 23B has a circular shape.

[0070] Preferably, each cut of the first plurality of cuts 22 is aligned with and facing each cut of the second plurality of cuts 23.

[0071] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the protective element 10 preferably has a first zone 14, wherein the lifting chain 6 determines a first crossing 14A of the incision 11 , and a second zone 15, wherein the lifting chain 6 determines a second crossing 15A of the incision 11. Preferably, the first zone 14 is substantially diametrically opposite the second zone 15 relative to the axis of rotation A7.

[0072] The first crossing 14A and the second crossing 15A are possible thanks to the polymeric material, and preferably elastomeric, with which the protective element 10 is made.

[0073] The cuts 22, 23 define in the first portion 12 and second portion 13 a plurality of flanges which can deform with the crossing 14A, 15A of the lifting chain 6.

[0074] The protective element 10 is therefore sufficiently flexible to be able to deform and allow the passage of the lifting chain 6.

[0075] Preferably, the upright 1 comprises a spacer element 16 interposed between the first portion 12 and the second portion 13.

[0076] With particular reference to the rotary supporting element 7, it rotates about a pin which is fixed relative to the axis of rotation A7.

[0077] The spacer element 16 is coupled to the pin in a lower portion 7A relative to the axis of rotation A7 of the rotary supporting element 7.

[0078] Preferably, the spacer element 16 is fixed to the pin by a bracket.

[0079] According to a preferred embodiment, the spacer element 16 is made of polymeric material.

[0080] Preferably, the spacer element 16 is made of elastomeric material.

[0081] The spacer element 16 is positioned between the first zone 14 and the second zone 15.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the spacer element 16 comprises a first end portion 16A and a second end portion 16B which have a greater size, along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation A7, than a central portion 16C of the spacer element 16.

[0083] Advantageously, the end portions 16A and 16B widen the spacing between the first portion 12 and between the second portion 13 at the first zone 14 and at the second zone 15 allowing the passage of the lifting chain 6.

[0084] In other words, therefore, the spacer element 16 defines an overall size for better widening the incision 11 and allowing the passage of the lifting chain 6.

[0085] The central portion 160 may define a narrow portion of the spacer element 16.

[0086] In other words, the spacer element 16 may substantially have a bone-like shape.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the rotary supporting element 7 comprises a first disc 71 and a second disc 72 parallel to and facing each other.

[0088] The first disc 71 and the second disc 72 therefore define an overall size of the rotary supporting element 7 along the direction of the axis of rotation A7.

[0089] The first disc 71 and the second disc 72 are free to rotate independently of each other about the axis of rotation A7.

[0090] The first disc 71 and the second disc 72 have the same shape.

[0091] The first disc 71 has a first groove 71 A which houses at least partly the first portion 12 of the protective element 10 and the second disc 72 has a second groove 72A which houses at least partly the second portion 13 of the protective element 10.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the upright 1 comprises a pair of plateshaped elements 31 , 32 coupled integrally to the same pin of a respective supporting element 7.

[0093] Preferably, the elements 31 , 32 have the same shape.

[0094] As illustrated in Figure 6, the plate-shaped elements 31 , 32 have, respectively, a first face 31 A and a second face 32A, each of which comprises a layer of polymeric material facing each other and facing towards the pipes 9 supported by the rotary supporting element 7.

[0095] Advantageously, the presence of a layer of polymeric material in the faces 31 A and 32A, in the event of relative sliding between plate-shaped elements 31 , 32 and the pipes 9, improves the friction conditions, avoiding an excessive wear of the pipes 9.

[0096] The plate-shaped elements 31 , 32 delimit a sliding space of at least one pair of pipes 9.

[0097] Advantageously, the plate-shaped elements 31 , 32 act as an anti-slipping of the pipes 9.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the upright 1 comprises at least one idle cylinder 33, configured to rotate about a respective axis of rotation A33, coupled above the first plate-shaped element 31 and the second plateshaped element 32.

[0099] Advantageously, the idle cylinder 33 prevents the pipes 9 from slipping.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the upright comprises a pair of idle cylinders 33.

[0101] According to an embodiment, illustrated for example in Figures 7A and 7B, each plate-shaped element 31 , 32 comprises at least one respective projecting portion 34, 35.

[0102] The projecting portions 34, 35 are positioned on a head portion of each plate-shaped element 31 , 32.

[0103] According to an embodiment, each plate-shaped element 31 , 32 comprises a respective pair of projecting portions 34, 35.

[0104] According to an embodiment, each idle cylinder 33 is coupled to each plate-like element 31 , 32 at the respective projecting portion 34, 35.

[0105] This invention relates to an upright comprising one or more of the features described above, wherein the pipes 9 are directly superposed on the lifting chain 6; in other words, the pipes 9 are located in direct contact with the lifting chain 6.

[0106] According to an embodiment, with reference to a respective rotary supporting element 7, the upright 1 comprises at least one insulation body configured to house at least one respective pair of pipes 9 of the plurality of pipes supported by the rotary supporting element 7.

[0107] Advantageously, the insulation body acts as a protective sheath towards the outside environment, since it prevents the escape of the pressurised hydraulic fluid contained in the pipes 9 in the case of their breakage, and, at the same time, towards the outside environment, since it minimises the risk of breakage of the pipes 9 by external agents during the movement of the upright.

[0108] The insulation body is preferably made of polymeric material.

[0109] The insulation body is configured to withstand an internal pressure above 110 bar.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An upright (1) of a lift truck comprising a fixed section (2) and a section (3), which is movable relative to the fixed section (2), and a unit (4) for gripping a load connected to the movable section (3), first lifting means (5A) to move the load pickup unit (4) along a vertical direction (D) relative to the movable section (3) and second lifting means (5B) to move the movable section (3) relative to the fixed section (2) along a vertical direction (D); the first lifting means (5A) and the second lifting means (5B) comprise respective lifting chains (6A, 6B); each chain (6A, 6B) is supported by a supporting element (7) rotating about a respective axis of rotation (A7), an auxiliary hydraulic circuit (8), designed for the operation of at least one accessory user, comprising a plurality of pipes (9) for distributing a hydraulic fluid supported by respective supporting elements (7); a same supporting element (7) is configured for supporting a respective chain (6A, 6B) and one or more pipes (9); the upright (1) is characterised in that it comprises an element (10) for protecting the pipes (9) from the lifting chain (6) made of polymeric material, which extends circumferentially about the axis of rotation (A7) and which is interposed between the pipes (9) and the lifting chain (6) supported by at least a same rotary supporting element (7); the protective element (10) has a central through incision (11) which delimits a first portion (12) and a second portion (13) spaced from the incision (11) itself.

2. The upright according to claim 1 , characterised in that the protective element (10) comprises elastomeric material.

3. The upright according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the protective element (10) has a first zone (14), wherein the lifting chain (6) determines a first crossing (14A) of the cut, and a second zone (15), wherein the lifting chain (6) determines a second crossing (15A) of theincision (11), preferably the first zone (14) being substantially diametrically opposite the second zone (15).

4. The upright according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a spacer element (16), interposed between the first portion (12) and the second portion (13), with reference to the rotary supporting element (7) it rotates about a pin fixed relative to the axis of rotation (A7), and the spacer element (16) is coupled to the pin in a portion lower than the axis of rotation (A7) of the rotary supporting element (7).

5. The upright according to claim 4, characterised in that the spacer element (16) is made of polymeric material.

6. The upright according to claim 4 or 5 and according to claim 3, characterised in that the spacer element (16) is positioned between the first zone (14) and the second zone (15).

7. The upright according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that the spacer element (16) comprises a first end portion (16A) and a second end portion (16B) which have a greater size, along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation (A7), than a central portion (16C) of the spacer element (16).8 The upright according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the rotary supporting element (7) comprises a first disc (71 ) and a second disc (72) parallel and facing each other, which have, respectively, a first groove (71 A) which houses at least partly the first portion (12) of the protective element (10) and a second groove (72A) which houses at least partly the second portion (13) of the protective element (10).

9. The upright according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first portion (12) and / or the second portion (13) of the protective element (10) comprise, respectively, a first plurality of cuts (22) and a second plurality of cuts (23) positioned transversely relative to the incision (11).

10. The upright according to claim 9, characterised in that each cut of the first plurality (22) and / or of the second plurality (23) has a respective firstend (22A, 23A) in communication with the incision (11) and a respective second blind end (22B, 23B).

11. The upright according to claim 10, wherein the second blind end (22B, 23B) has an extension along a direction parallel to the incision (11) greater than an extension of the first end (22A, 23A) along the same direction.

12. The upright according to any of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that each cut of the first plurality of cuts (22) is aligned with and facing each cut of the second plurality of cuts (23).

13. The upright according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises, with reference to a respective rotary supporting element (7), at least one insulation body configured to house at least one respective pair of pipes (9) of the plurality of pipes supported by the rotary supporting element (7).

14. The upright according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a pair of plate-shaped elements (31 , 32) coupled integrally to the same pin of a respective rotary supporting element (7); the plate-shaped elements (31 , 32) have, respectively, a first face (31 A) and a second face (32A), each of which comprises a layer of polymeric material facing each other and facing towards the pipes (9) supported by the rotary supporting element (7).15 The upright according to claim 14, characterised in that it comprises at least one idle cylinder (33), configured for rotating about a respective axis of rotation (A33), coupled above to each plate-shaped element (31 , 32).

16. The upright according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first lifting means (5A) comprise one or two primary cylinders (20) for lifting the load pickup unit (4) with respect to the movable section (3) and the supporting element (7) of a respective chain (6A) is positioned above a respective primary lifting cylinder (20).

17. The upright according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second lifting means (5B) comprise a pair of secondary cylinders (50) for lifting the movable section (3) relative to thefixed section (2) and each rotary supporting element (7) is connected to an upper end of a respective secondary cylinder (50).

Images