Translifter for heavy tracked vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to a translifter for transferring tracked vehicles, comprising an elongated frame (1), which further comprises a load platform (la), a lifting rear section (lb) fitted to the rear part of the frame (1), and a drawbar (3) arranged at the front part of the frame (1). In connection with the lifting rear section (lb) there is arranged a lifting element, such as a lifting two-axle bogie structure (2), which comprises telescopic lifting actuators (2a) fitted to the lifting rear section (lb), lifting frames (2b) comprising axles (2bl) and mounting elements for connecting the lifting actuators (2a) and for attachment to the frame (1), as well as a wheel arrangement (2c). The lifting frames (2b) are connected to both ends of the lifting actuator (2a), whereby the lifting actuators engage both axles of the bogie structure. The lifting frames (2b) comprise axles (2bl) for mounting the wheels, a support portion (2b2) extending therefrom, and a mounting portion (2b3) extending obliquely from the support portion (2b2). The lifting actuators (2a), having a movement path arranged horizontally, are connected at one end to the lifting frame (2b) of the front axle and at the other end to the lifting frame (2b) of the rear axle, whereby the lifting frame (2b) attached to the frame (1) and the lifting actuators (2a) form an articulated structure enabling vertical movement of the lifting rear section (lb) of the translifter frame (1) upward and downward by means of the movement of the lifting actuator (2a) and the lever effect produced by the lifting frame (2b).

Description

[0001] TRANSLI FTER FOR HEAVY TRACKED VEHICLES

[0002] The invention relates to a transli fter, as defined in the preamble of the independent claim directed thereto , intended for the transport of tracked or other heavy vehicles by means of a terminal tractor or similar traction device .

[0003] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0004] Heavy, even over 60-tonne , tracked vehicles or other heavy vehicles are conventionally transported using various types of low loaders and trailers . In such cases , loading the vehicles for transport or trans fer usually requires either the ability of the vehicle itsel f to move independently onto the transport platform, such as a trailer or low loader, or alternatively, the use of another vehicle or a crane to li ft the vehicle onto the platform for trans fer . When a heavy vehicle is intended to be driven independently onto a low loader or similar platform, it is typical that the low loader is brought close to the heavy vehicle by means of a towing vehicle , such as a truck tractor or a terminal tractor, i . e . , a tugmaster, after which the vehicle is driven onto the platform under its own power for transport . I f , however, the heavy tracked or other vehicle is not drivable for example , due to a technical failure , or i f starting it is not possible or reasonable for other reasons , the only option is to li ft the heavy vehicle onto the low loader using a crane . The height of current low loaders or trailers does not allow driving underneath low vehicles , mainly due to the height of the trailer or low loader wheels .

[0005] It is possible to drive a special transli fter under the load to be moved by means of a towing vehicle , wherein the transli fter is typically provided with hydraulically operated actuators arranged in connection with the wheel arrangements of the translifter or its lifting rear frame, for lifting and lowering the translifter or its lifting rear frame when handling loads. In this context, the actuators are typically operating elements located in connection with the wheel arrangements of the translifter or its lifting rear frame, such as hydraulic cylinder arrangements, for changing the ground clearance of the translifter. When the translifter is used for moving loads, it is driven by the towing vehicle underneath the load to be transferred, and the load is lifted from the ground by means of hydraulic cylinders for transfer. A typical application for a translifter is the transfer of heavy containers or other heavy loads, particularly in terminal environments, where the loads are placed on special load platforms, such as cassettes, which allow the translifter to be driven underneath them for lifting.

[0006] Publication EP3992063A1 discloses a translifter for transferring heavy loads. In the invention disclosed in the publication, the load is arranged on a special platform elevated above ground level, under which the translifter, pulled or pushed by a towing vehicle, can be driven. The translifter has a hydraulic frame-lifting function, which allows the load to be raised onto the load platform of the translifter for transfer.

[0007] It is also known to use heavy-duty trailers for moving large loads, wherein a trailer intended to be pulled by a truck tractor is positioned near the tracked machine to be moved, and the machine is driven onto the trailer using its own power, which requires starting and operating the machine. However, driving the trailer under the machine between its tracks is not possible due to the height and size of the trailer wheels.

[0008] The problem with the above-mentioned prior art solutions is their unsuitability, particularly for transferring heavy and low tracked vehicles, which cannot or are not reasonable to be lifted onto separate platforms such as cassettes, as this would require heavy cranes or other suitable machinery. Some existing solutions are intended for lighter loads, and therefore, they cannot handle the transfer of heavy tracked vehicles. Heavy loads also cause high surface pressure on the wheels of transfer equipment, which in turn stresses the transfer surface. This may damage the surface, such as a warm asphalt layer or the floor of a ship' s cargo hold, or on softer surfaces, movement may be prevented due to sinking into ground. Although existing solutions, such as translifters, may have sufficient load-bearing capacity for heavy tracked vehicles, their typical drawback is excessive load bed height in the lowered position and / or an insufficient hydraulic stroke length. Consequently, they cannot be driven under a tracked vehicle with limited ground clearance, and the lifting stroke is insufficient to raise the vehicle high enough to lift the tracks off the ground. In addition, when transferring heavy tracked vehicles or similar equipment, the transfer devices must be suitable in terms of axle design for ramp driving, so that they can be used when unloading or loading vehicles such as ships or aircraft .

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a decisive improvement to the problems described above and to significantly raise the prior art in the field. This objective is achieved by the features defined in the characterizing part of the independent claim directed to the invention .

[0010] PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates to a translifter, which can be towed by a towing vehicle, such as a tugmaster or a terminal tractor, to transfer, in a controlled manner and without causing damage to the surroundings or to the equipment being moved, low and heavy tracked vehicles or machines weighing up to and exceeding 60 tonnes in depots, storage areas, and terminal environments. Furthermore, the translifter according to the invention enables the unloading or loading of the aforementioned vehicles or machines from transport carriers, such as ships, without causing damage to their cargo holds.

[0012] The basic idea of the invention is a low-profile translifter suitable for transfer operations, having a lifting stroke sufficiently large to raise the machine and its tracks off the ground. The fundamental concept of the invention is enabled by the compact design of the lifting bogie structure of the translifter, which is allowed by telescopically operating lifting actuators capable of raising large masses. The short telescopic structure, combined with a specifically articulated lifting frame, allows the use of multiple axles and provides, relative to its overall size, a large lifting stroke for raising low and heavy loads. Furthermore, the lifting actuators of the translifter, such as hydraulic cylinders, and the lifting frames are arranged such that the lifting force obtained from the hydraulic cylinder is maximized. In practice, this means that the lifting motion of the lifting frame is arranged to correspond to the outward, pushing movement of the hydraulic cylinder rod, which allows the use of a single-acting hydraulic cylinder, or, alternatively, when using a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic pressure is higher during the pushing movement than during the pulling movement . In the transli fter of the invention, the load to be trans ferred is positioned between the li fting rear section and the drawbar . The telescopic li fting actuators of the bogie structure and the articulated li fting frame allow the transli fter to have a low construction height , as the li fting frame and wheels can be arranged, in the lowered position of the transli fter, at the same level as the frame structure in the vertical direction . For this purpose , the frame structure is designed to be open in the areas of the wheels and other components of the invention to enable movement up to the level of the frame . Owing to its low-profile structure , the translifter can be driven underneath the load to be trans ferred, such as a tracked vehicle , without the need to li ft the load, in such a manner that the load platform, central of the transli fter is positioned directly beneath the load . The above-mentioned properties of the bogie structure also allow for a short axle spacing, which makes it possible to equip the trans fer low loader with multiple axles . The li fting actuators of said bogie structure are preferably connected such that the li fting force of individual li fting actuators is equal . This can be achieved, for example , by hydraulically connecting the cylinders in parallel , so that the hydraulic pressure in each cylinder is the same , resulting in equal loading on all axle lines .

[0013] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The transli fter according to the invention comprises an elongated frame , the rear li fting section of which is , in the longitudinal direction, provided with a bogie structure comprising lifting means for raising the rear part of the translifter. The bogie structure includes lifting actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders, lifting frames pivotally connected both to the frame and to the actuators, wheel axles mounted to the lifting frames, and wheels attached thereto, which may be multiple in number. The lifting actuators are arranged in connection with the wheel axle arrangement to move the frame up and down, said arrangement further comprising at least one hydraulic cylinder to provide such movement. During transfer, the load to be moved is positioned on a load platform located between the drawbar and the lifting rear section of the translifter frame. The platform may include support structures for carrying the load, such as deck plates or a metallic frame. At the front end of the translifter, a drawbar is provided, designed to be coupled, at its coupling point, to the lifting table of a towing vehicle, such as a tugmaster. The lifting table of the towing vehicle can be moved vertically, enabling the front end of the translifter to be raised or lowered for transfer operations .

[0015] When using the translifter according to the invention, it is not necessary to start the engine of the vehicle or machine being moved. This enables transfer operations also in environments where starting the machine's own engine is impossible or undesirable, such as in enclosed spaces or when the machine's engine cannot be started due to a technical fault.

[0016] The purpose of the translifter according to the invention is to provide an apparatus with a low cargo platform height in its lowered position, allowing it to be driven underneath the machine or vehicle to be moved without relocating the machine itself, and with a sufficiently large lifting stroke, achieved by hydraulic cylinders, to lift the load and its tracks off the ground. The lifting element, which comprises a hydraulic cylinder for lifting and is positioned in connection with the axle arrangement, enables a low cargo height in the lowered position, allowing the translifter to be driven under low tracked machines while they remain stationary. Furthermore, when lifting tracked vehicles or machines, their tracks hang partially suspended, requiring a sufficiently long lifting stroke to ensure that the tracks are fully raised off the ground for transfer. The length of the lifting stroke of the translifter according to the invention is sufficiently large owing to the lifting element, which comprises a hydraulic cylinder in connection with the axle arrangement, allowing the machine or vehicle being lifted to be raised high enough for transfer so that its tracks are completely off the ground.

[0017] The translifter according to the invention is also intended to reduce axle loads and thereby the surface pressure caused by the tires on the transfer surface. The translifter is advantageously equipped with four axles, thereby reducing the individual axle load compared with solutions having fewer axles. The hydraulic lifting element is arranged in connection with the axle arrangement for raising and lowering the translifter, the design of which allows a short axle spacing and, therefore, the installation of multiple axles in the translifter. Having more axles also reduces the surface pressure caused by each individual tire, thereby lowering the maximum pressure on the surface and enabling the translifter to be used on less load-bearing surfaces. Furthermore, the structure enables ramp drive on inclines up to approximately 8°, owing to the structure of the axle arrangement and the monitoring of the wheel-to-ground contact . To improve the maneuverability of the load being trans ferred, the drawbar of the transli fter is designed to be steerable . Steering is achieved by allowing the towing pin, arranged in connection with the drawbar, to deviate from the centerline of the transli fter . For this purpose , the drawbar includes a structure that permits the towing pin to move relative to the transli fter' s centerline , such as a bearing arrangement allowing rotational motion and / or a guide structure allowing linear motion and is advantageously provided with at least one actuator for controlling the steering motion . Here , the actuator is most preferably a hydraulic cylinder, linear guide , or another controllable actuator .

[0018] The main advantages of the transli fter according to the invention include the ability to trans fer heavy tracked machines or vehicles without the need to use the machine ' s own power source . The bogie structure of the transli fter allows the frame to be raised and lowered such that , in the lowered position, it is adapted to be suf ficiently low to be driven underneath the tracked machine or vehicle , while al so providing a suf ficiently large li fting stroke to raise the load vertically for trans fer operation .

[0019] LIST OF FIGURES

[0020] In the following description, the invention is illustrated in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings , in which :

[0021] Figure 1 shows a transli fter according to the invention in its lowered position, coupled to a towing vehicle in a side view; Figure 2 shows a transli fter according to the invention in its raised position, coupled to a towing vehicle in a side view;

[0022] Figure 3a shows the bogie structure of the transli fter according to the invention, with the transli fter in its raised position in a top view;

[0023] Figure 3b shows , in a perspective view, the li fting frame and wheel of the bogie structure of the transli fter according to the invention;

[0024] Figure 3c shows , in a perspective view, a li fting frame and the related oscillation axles according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0025] Figure 4 shows , in a perspective view, the steering arrangement ( 4 ) of the drawbar ;

[0026] Figure 5 shows , in a perspective view, the transli fter according to the invention in its raised position; and

[0027] Figures 6a and 6b show, in perspective views , adapter elements arranged in connection with the load platform of the translifter according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The invention relates to a translifter comprising an elongated frame 1, which further comprises a load platform la for supporting a load, a lifting rear section lb, and a drawbar 3 arranged at the front part of the frame. Referring to Figure 1, the lifting rear section lb is arranged at the rear part of the frame 1 in the longitudinal direction s, whereby the load platform la is arranged between the lifting rear section lb and the drawbar 3. The lifting rear section lb further comprises a lifting bogie structure 2, which in turn comprises a wheel arrangement 2c, at least one, preferably two, lifting actuators 2a, and lifting frames 2b arranged in connection with it.

[0030] The bogie structure 2 comprises lifting actuators 2a, lifting frames 2b, and wheels 2c. The bogie structure 2 is attached to the lifting rear section lb of the frame part 1 of the translifter, and it comprises lifting actuators 2a that extend and retract linearly in the longitudinal direction s and are attached at both ends to the lifting frames 2b of the front and rear axles. The lifting frames 2b are arranged in connection with the bogie structure 2 such that, in the longitudinal direction s, one end of the lifting actuator 2a is attached to the front lifting frame 2b and the other end to the rear lifting frame 2b, so that both ends of the lifting actuator 2a are connected to the lifting frames, forming a two-axle structure. The lifting frames 2b are arranged such that one end is connected to said lifting actuators 2a and the other end to an axle 2bl . The bogie structure is further rotatably rl connected to the frame 1 from the middle part of the l i fting frames 2b . Elongated axles 2bl extending on both sides are further fitted to the li fting frames 2b, to which the wheels 2c are attached . The bogie structure 2 thus forms a two-axle structure connected to the frame 1 via the li fting frames 2b, where the height of the axles 2bl can be controlled for li fting and trans ferring the load .

[0031] Referring particularly to Figure 3a, in connection with the bogie structure 2 , are arranged at least one , preferably two , telescopically operating, linearly moving li fting actuators 2a, such as single- or double-acting hydraulic telescopic cylinders , which are arranged as part of the bogie structure 2 , and whose direction of movement i s arranged hori zontally with respect to the frame 1 longitudinal direction s . The li fting actuator 2a is connected at one end to the li fting frame 2b of the front axle and at the other end to the li fting frame 2b of the rear axle , thereby being connected to both axles of the bogie structure 2 . The li fting actuators 2a are further connected to the axles 2bl of the wheels 2c through the li fting frame 2b . Due to the telescopic operation, the stroke of the cylinder can be made long within a small longitudinal space , which also allows the axles to be placed close to each other .

[0032] Referring particularly to Figure 3b, the li fting frame 2b comprises , at one of its ends , an axle 2bl for the wheels 2c ; in its central part , a support portion 2b2 pivotally and rotatably rl connected to the frame structure 1 of the transli fter and extending substantially perpendicularly relative to the axle ; and, at its other end, a mounting portion 2b3 for the li fting actuator 2a, pivotally and rotatably r2 connected to the actuator 2a and extending advantageously obliquely upward from the support portion 2b2 , the aforementioned parts forming a fixed li fting frame 2b . The li fting frame 2b is articulated such that , when the transli fter is in its lowered position and viewed hori zontally, the wheel hub and the pivot point formed by the support portion 2b2 connected to the frame structure 1 of the middle part are arranged at the same vertical level . Preferably, at the pivot point , the li fting frame 2b is adapted to continue obliquely upwards so that the mounting portion 2b3 connected to the actuator 2a is arranged vertically above the pivot point 2b2 . Thus , relative to the pivot point 2b2 , the mounting portion 2b3 connected to the actuator 2a extends upward, and the axle 2bl is adapted to extend away from the pivot point 2b2 relative to the pivot point 2b2 and the mounting portion 2b3 . In this manner, a pivot structure is formed that allows the li fting of the frame structure 1 as shown in Figure 3b, to move the li fting rear section lb vertically up and down by the movement o f the li fting actuator 2a and the lever ef fect of the li fting frame 2b .

[0033] Referring to the above , when the transli fter is li fted, the movement of the li fting frame 2b is arranged such that the member attached to the frame structure 1 functions as a pivot point . When the transli fter is li fted, the telescopic structure of the actuator 2a extends with respect to the frame 1 of the transli fter, pushing the mounting portion 2b3 of the li fting frame 2b connected to the actuator 2a , allowing it to rotate r2 . The support portion 2b2 of the li fting frame 2b, attached to the frame structure 1 , allows rotational movement rl at the pivot point while remaining connected to the frame structure 1 , so that the hori zontal linear movement is transmitted through the pivot to the axle 2bl connected to the wheel hub . As a result , the rotational movement of the axle , relative to the pivot point 2b2 of the li fting frame 2b, generates at least partially vertical force that causes the li fting rear section lb of the frame 1 to rise relative to the wheels 2c, and thus li fting the transli fter and the load arranged on it for transport . When lowering the load, the movement direction of the actuator 2a is opposite as the cylinder retracts , and the movement of the li fting frame 2b is correspondingly reversed .

[0034] As a preferred embodiment of the invention, the li fting rear section lb of the frame comprises , in the longitudinal direction s , two adj acent and two longitudinal bogie structures 2 , thereby forming a four-axle structure , where at least one , preferably two , bogie structures are arranged for each axle . As a result , the axle load is smaller compared to a two-axle structure . As a further preferred embodiment of the invention, each axle 2bl comprises four wheels 2 c to reduce their surface pressure .

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the front part of the transli fter is provided with a drawbar 3 that can be steered by means o f rotational and / or linear motion, whereby the steering is arranged to occur as a deviation of the towing pin relative to the centerline of the transli fter . As a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drawbar 3 may be straight or of a so-called gooseneck type , wherein the towing point is arranged substantially above or upwardly inclined by means of a raised portion located above the load-supporting part of the frame structure 1 , thereby forming said gooseneck structure . The drawbar 3 further comprises means for connecting the transli fter to a towing vehicle T , such as a terminal tractor or an equivalent vehicle , and it further comprises a drawbar steering arrangement 4 . Referring particularly to Figure 4 , the steering arrangement 4 of the drawbar comprises steering actuators 4a, a drawbar j oint 4b, a towing pin 4c, and a towing plate 4e . The drawbar j oint 4b is a pivoting or linearly movable j oint , such as a linear guide or a bearing-mounted j oint , connected to the frame structure 1 of the transli fter . The drawbar j oint 4b is further movably connected to the towing plate 4e , for example by one or more drawbeams 4b2 . When viewed from above , the towing plate 4e is for instance a circular metal plate , to which connection members are arranged for the towing pin 4c, steering actuators 4a, and / or for connecting to the frame structure 1 . Referring to the above, at least one steering actuator 4a is fixedly connected at one end to the frame structure 1 adj acent and in connection to the rotation axis 4bl and movably connected at its other end to the towing plate 4e of the drawbar 3 steering arrangement 4 . As a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection point of the steering actuator 4a is located at the side portion of the towing plate 4e . As a further preferred embodiment o f the invention, the steering actuator 4a is a hydraulic cylinder or a similar linear actuator . The linear movement of the steering actuators 4a enables deviation of the towing pin 4c of the drawbar 3 steering arrangement 4 relative to the centerline of the transli fter, thereby allowing the steering of the drawbar 3 . The drawbar 3 is further connected through the steering arrangement 4 lockably to the fi fth wheel P of the towing vehicle T via the towing pin 4c, wherein the fi fth wheel P of the towing vehicle T i s advantageously height-adj ustable to balance the front and rear heights of the transli fter .

[0036] Referring to Figure 4 and as a preferred embodiment of the invention, the steering arrangement 4 comprises a sliding plate 4 f fixed immovably to the towing plate 4e , the sliding plate 4 f being preferably metallic and fixed above the towing plate 4e to act , in connection with the towing plate 4e , as a load-bearing structure for the transli fter, and wherein on the upper surface of the s liding plate 4 f there is , in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a guide groove for guiding and limiting the movement of the drawbar 3 by means of a corresponding pin arranged on the drawbar .

[0037] Referring to Figure 3a and as a preferred embodiment of the invention, two li fting actuators 2a, such as single- or double-acting telescopically operating hydraulic cylinders , are connected to the li fting frame 2b and arranged on both lateral sides of the li fting frame 2b .

[0038] As a preferred embodiment of the invention, the li fting actuator 2a is a single-acting hydraulic cylinder, whereby its pushing movement causes the l i fting frame 2b to li ft the transli fter, and lowering of the transli fter is achieved by reducing the pressure of the hydraulic cylinder acting as the li fting actuator 2a . As another preferred embodiment o f the invention, the li fting actuator 2a is a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, whereby the pushing movement of the hydraulic cylinder correspondingly causes the li fting frame to li ft the transli fter with a greater force compared to the pulling movement of the hydraulic cylinder, in which case the cylinder rod reduces the area on which the hydraulic fluid acts .

[0039] As a preferred embodiment of the invention, the li fting actuators 2a of the bogie structures 2 of the translifter, such as hydraulic cylinders , are arranged to operate under common control such that the li fting force of the li fting actuators is equal . When using hydraulic cylinders as the li fting actuators 2a, their hydraulic pressure is then equal , and the control of the cylinders can be implemented by connecting them hydraulically in parallel to balance the load between axle lines .

[0040] As a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transli fter comprises sensors arranged in connection with the li fting frames 2b, such as inductive sensors , for controlling the height of the li fting frames 2b .

[0041] As a further preferred embodiment of the invention, and referring particularly to Figure 3c, the wheel axle 2bl of the li fting frame 2b comprises a lateral oscillation axle 2e enabling oscillatory movement in the lateral direction and / or a longitudinal oscillation axle 2d, whereby the longitudinal oscillation axle 2d i s movably connected to the li fting frame 2b, and the lateral oscillation axle 2e i s further connected to the longitudinal oscillation axle 2d by means of an intermediate portion 2 f , thereby enabling the wheels 2c to oscillate in the longitudinal and lateral directions relative to the longitudinal direction s of the transli fter and thus to maintain even contact with the surface .

[0042] As a preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame structure 1 comprises support structures for carrying the load on the load platform la, such as a deck structure or a metallic frame adapted to the dimensions of the load .

[0043] As a further preferred embodiment of the invention, and referring particularly to Figures 6a and 6b, the transl i fter according to the invention comprises removable adapter elements 6 and / or fixed adapter elements 5 intended for adapting the load to the load platform, the purpose of which is to adapt the lower surface of the load to be li fted and / or li fting points located thereon to the load platform la of the transli fter according to the invention, such that the upper surface of the adapter elements 5 , 6 is arranged, in the vertical direction, at a level higher than the upper surface of the load platform la of the frame 1 to form contact at desired points relative to the load to be trans ferred .

[0044] Referring to the above and particularly to Figure 6b, the removable adapter elements 6 are separate elements detachably fastened at appropriate locations on the load platform la of the transli fter, which locally raise the contact surface of the load platform la . In this way it is possible to adapt the li fting points of the load platform l a relative to the load to be li fted .

[0045] Referring further to the above , and particularly to Figure 6a, the fixed adapter elements 5 are parts attached to the side portion of the load platform la via a pivot point 5a and movable by rotation about the pivot point 5a . In this case , the fixed adapter element 5 is , for example , an elongated part , to one end of which the pivot point 5a is fitted, which is further positioned, in the vertical direction of the fixed adapter element 5 , of fset from the centerline of the fixed adapter element 5 to enable eccentric rotational movement . Thus , the pivot point 5a is arranged in the fixed adapter element 5 so as to allow eccentric rotation . Owing to the eccentric rotational movement , the fixed adapter element 5 can be brought into a ready position 5c against the load platform l a and, correspondingly, by rotating approximately 180 ° about the pivot point 5a, the adapter element can be brought into a loading position 5d against the load platform la such that its upper surface is higher than the upper surface o f the load platform la . In this connection, the load platform la is advantageously provided with a support lug 5b, which is arranged to stop the movement of the fixed adapter element 5 and to support it at the end opposite to the pivot point 5a . In this connection, as a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the fixed adapter element 5 comprises , at its end opposite to the pivot point 5a, a recess 5e that corresponds approximately to the shape of the support lug 5b . Within the scope of the basic idea of the invention, the shape of the support lug 5b and the corresponding recess 5e may vary, being, for example , round, angular, or triangular, depending on the need .

[0046] As a further preferred embodiment of the invention, said rotatable fixed adapter element 5 is provided with a power- assisted actuator, such as an electric, hydraulic, pneumatic and / or similar actuator, for controlling the movement o f the adapter element 5 power-assisted remotely and / or locally .

[0047] As a preferred embodiment of the invention, the load-carrying part of the frame structure 1 o f the transli fter can be lowered, at its upper surface , to a height of 400 mm or lower .

[0048] As a preferred embodiment of the invention, the li fting stroke enabled by the bogie structure of the transli fter is arranged to allow the load-carrying part of the frame structure to be raised to a height of at least 900 mm .

[0049] As a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bogie structure comprises sensors , such as inductive , resistive , or capacitive sensors ; contact , laser, or ultrasonic sensors ; limit switches ; and / or machine-vision elements or similar, by means of which the contact of the wheels with the surface is monitored, and / or signaling devices for transmitting the information produced by the sensors to the user of the towing vehicle T of the transli fter for adj usting the axle height and / or the height of the fi fth wheel P . As a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a control unit and means for transmitting the measurement signal to the control unit are arranged in connection with the sensors . The control unit further comprises means for processing the measurement signal and for forming a control signal for the li fting actuators 2a controlling the bogie structure 2 , in order to adj ust the axles automatically and / or manually during ramp drive .

[0050] As a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transli fter further comprises measuring, communication, and control means , such as speed sensors , GPS sensors , or equivalents , for measuring and / or limiting the driving speed of the towing vehicle T when the transli fter according to the invention is coupled to it .

[0051] As a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transli fter comprises measuring means for identi fying and / or measuring the mass to be trans ferred, such as a pressure sensor arranged in connection with an actuator, such as a cylinder, a pressure switch, load cells , or equivalents , and communication and control means for transmitting the signal from the measuring means to the towing vehicle T and / or its user to limit the driving speed o f the towing vehicle and / or to provide instructions to its user .

[0052] As a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the steering arrangement 4 of the drawbar comprises measuring means , such as inductive , capacitive , or resistive sensors ; contact , laser, or ultrasonic sensors ; limit switches ; a potentiometer ; a Hall sensor ; an angle sensor ; and / or machine-vision elements or s imilar for measuring the articulation angle between the transli fter and the towing vehicle , and wired and / or wireless communication means , such as an RF transmitter and receiver, and means for indicating the measurement signal , for limiting the articulation angle between the transli fter and the towing vehicle and / or for giving a signal to the user of the towing vehicle T and / or for automatically controlling the angle when the articulation angle exceeds its preset limit values , for example to avoid premature tire wear .

[0053] It is obvious that the invention is not limited to the applications set forth or described above , but it can be modi fied within the scope of the basic idea of the invention, depending on circumstances , by using, in each case , structural solutions best suited to the purpose , for example with regard to the lifting actuators or the number of axles .

[0054] It is clear to a person skilled in the art that , for example , the number of bogie structures or wheels or the geometry of the li fting frames can be changed without altering the basic idea of the invention . Furthermore, the li fting means may be hydraulic, electric, pneumatic, or similar solutions made according to the application . For example , the stroke length of the li fting actuators 2a can be arranged to be controlled independently of one another, whereby the height between the axles of the li fting rear section lb of the transli fter can be controlled independently .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A translifter for transferring heavy loads, particularly tracked vehicles, comprising an elongated frame (1) , which comprises a load platform (la) for supporting a load, a lifting rear section (lb) arranged at the rear part of the frame (1) in the longitudinal direction (s) , and a drawbar (3) arranged at the front part of the frame (1) , wherein in connection with the lifting rear section (lb) there is arranged at least one lifting element, such as a lifting two-axle bogie structure (2) , which comprises lifting actuators (2a) fitted to the lifting rear section (lb) of the frame (1) of the translifter, lifting frames (2b) comprising wheel axles (2bl) , and wheels (2c) , characterized in that the lifting actuators (2a) of the bogie structure (2) are linearly extending and retracting actuators in the longitudinal direction (s) of the frame, such that the lifting actuators (2a) are pivotally (r2) connected at one end to the mounting portion (2b3) of the lifting frame (2b) of the front axle and at the other end rotatably (r2) connected to the mounting portion (2b3) of the lifting frame (2b) of the rear axle, the lifting frames further comprising the wheel (2c) axle (2bl) , a support portion (2b2) extending substantially perpendicularly relative to the axle and rotatably (rl) attached to the frame (1) of the translifter, and a mounting portion (2b3) extending advantageously obliquely upward from the support portion (2b2) , whereby, relative to the pivot point (2b2) , the mounting portion (2b3) connected to the actuator (2a) is arranged to extend upward from the pivot point, and the axle (2bl) is arranged so that it extends away from the pivot point (2b2) relative to the pivot point (2b2) and the mounting portion (2b3) , whereby the lifting frame (2b) attached to the frame (1) and the lifting actuators (2a)form an articulated structure for moving the lifting rear section (lb) vertically by the movement of the lifting actuator (2a) and the lever effect of the lifting frame (2b) .

2. Translifter according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises removable adapter elements (6) and / or fixed adapter elements (5) for adapting the load onto the load platform (la) , for aligning the lifting points underside of the lifted load with the load platform (la) , wherein the upper surface of the adapter elements (5, 6) is arranged at a level higher, in the vertical direction, than the upper surface of the load platform (la) .

3. Translifter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the removable adapter elements (6) are separate elements detachably attachable onto the load platform (la) , which locally raise the contact surface of the load platform (la) .

4. Translifter according to any of the preceding claims 1-3, characterized in that the fixed adapter elements (5) are parts attached to the load platform (la) of the frame (1) by means of a pivot point (5a) , the fixed adapter elements (5) being rotatable about the pivot point (5a) , wherein the fixed adapter element (5) is an elongated part having the pivot point (5a) adapted at one end, which is positioned, in the vertical direction of the part, offset from the centerline of the fixed adapter element (5) to enable eccentric rotational movement.

5. Translifter according to any of the preceding claims 1-4, characterized in that the load platform (la) is provided with a support lug (5b) , which is arranged to stopthe movement of the fixed adapter element (5) and to support it from its end.

6. Translifter according to any of the preceding claims 1-5, characterized in that the wheel axle (2bl) of the lifting frame (2b) comprises a lateral oscillation axle (2e) enabling lateral swinging movement, which connects to the lifting frame (2b) to allow the wheels (2c) to oscillate laterally relative to the longitudinal direction (s) of the translifter .

7. Translifter according to any of the preceding claims 1-6, characterized in that the lifting frame (2b) further comprises a longitudinal oscillation axle (2d) , wherein the longitudinal oscillation axle (2d) is movably connected to the lifting frame (2b) .

8. Translifter according to any of the preceding claims 1-7, characterized in that the lifting actuator (2a) is a telescopically operating and linearly moving hydraulic cylinder .

9. Translifter according to any of the preceding claims 1-8, characterized in that each bogie structure (2) comprises, in the longitudinal direction (s) , two lifting frames (2b) , each provided with a lifting actuator (2a) on both sides of the lifting frame (2b) , wherein wheels (2c) are arranged to be connected to the lifting frames (2b) , the bogie structure (2) thereby forming a two-axle structure.

10. Translifter according to any of the preceding claims 1-9, characterized in that the lifting rear section (lb) of the frame (1) comprises two bogie structures (2) arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (s) andtwo bogie structures (2) arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction (s) , thereby forming the translifter as a four-axle structure.

11. Translifter according to any of the preceding claims 1-10, characterized in that in the front part of the translifter there is a steerable drawbar (3) for coupling the translifter to a towing vehicle (T) , said drawbar (3) comprising a steering arrangement (4) comprising steering actuators (4a) , a drawbar joint (4b) , a towing pin (4c) , and a towing plate (4e) , the steering being arranged in connection with the towing plate (4e) and configured to being steered by deviating the towing pin (4c) relative to the centerline of the translifter.

12. Translifter according to any of the preceding claims 1-11, characterized in that the steering actuator (4a) is a linearly moving actuator, adapted to be connected at one end to the frame structure (1) in connection with the drawbar joint (4b) and at its other end movably to the towing plate (4e) , such as to its side portion, the drawbar joint (4b) being a movement-allowing structure connected to the frame structure (1) of the translifter by means of a rotation axis and further connected to the towing plate (4e) , for example by one or more drawbeams (4b2) , wherein the towing plate (4e) is being provided with connection means for the towing pin (4c) , steering actuators (4a) , and / or connection to the frame structure (1) for actuating the steering arrangement (4) of the drawbar (3) and for deviating the towing pin (4c) relative to the centerline of the frame structure (1) of the translifter by means of the actuators13. Translifter according to any of the preceding claims 1-12, characterized in that as a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bogie structure (2) comprises sensors for monitoring the contact of the wheels with the surface and / or signaling devices for transmitting the information produced by the sensors to the user of the towing vehicle (T) of the translifter for adjusting the height of the lifting rear section (lb) and / or the fifth wheel (P) , and / or means for transmitting a measurement signal to a control unit which further comprises means for processing the measurement signal and forming a control signal for the lifting actuators (2a) controlling the bogie structure (2) for adjusting the axles automatically and / or manually.

14. Translifter according to any of the preceding claims 1-13, characterized in that the translifter comprises measuring means for identifying and / or measuring the transferred mass and communication and control means for transmitting the signal provided by the measuring means to the towing vehicle (T) for limiting its driving speed.

15. Translifter according to any of the preceding claims 1-14, characterized in that the steering arrangement (4) comprises measuring means for measuring the articulation angle between the translifter and the towing vehicle, and wired and / or wireless communication means and means for indicating the measurement signal for limiting the articulation angle between the translifter and the towing vehicle and / or for giving a signal to the user of the towing vehicle (T) and / or for automatically controlling the angle when the articulation angle exceeds its predefined limits.

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