Transport vehicle

Abstract

This is a transport vehicle (1) comprising: - a platform (2) comprising a transverse loading side (6); - at least one movable side barrier (3) arranged along a longitudinal side of said platform (2) and configured to move between a raised and a lowered configuration; - at least one ramp (4) arranged along the transverse loading side (6) of said platform (2) and hinged to it so as to be able to pass from a raised to a inclined configuration by rotating around a first transverse axis (T1); - a support structure (5) arranged along the side opposite said transverse loading side (6); it being provided that the movable side panel (3) is supported by a first and a second arm (7, 8), at least one of which is motorized; one end of the first arm (7) being hinged to the support structure (5) and the other end being hinged to the movable side barrier (3) so as to allow its rotation around a longitudinal axis (L); one end of the second arm (8) is hinged to the ramp (4) while the other end is hinged to the movable side barrier (3) by means of a joint (9) capable of allowing the rotation of said movable side barrier (3) around the longitudinal axis (L) and, with the movable side barrier (3) in the lowered configuration, of the second arm (8) around a second transverse axis (T2) which coincides with the first transverse axis (T1).

Description

Transport vehicle

[0001] This invention relates to a transport vehicle, according to claim 1.

[0002] In the agricultural sector, vehicles with movable side barriers are essential tools for transporting hay bales. Hay bales, which are bulky and relatively light, require a transport system that ensures stability and safety, especially on uneven or rough terrain, typical of rural areas. In this context, movable side barriers play a crucial role, providing a physical barrier that prevents the bales from shifting, rolling, or falling during travel. This aspect is essential for keeping the load stable, preventing the risk of accidents or material loss during transport.

[0003] Movable sidewalls greatly facilitate loading and unloading operations. During loading, the side barriers are lowered to allow access to the platform and stacking of the bales, often performed with agricultural equipment such as tractors equipped with forks. Once loading is complete, the side barriers are raised to retain the bales, ensuring they remain in place even on rough roads. This flexibility is also particularly useful during unloading, when the side barriers can be lowered to allow for the rapid release of bales in the fields or barns.

[0004] Furthermore, movable side barriers can protect the load during travel, especially in windy conditions or on difficult terrain, preventing shifting or loss of hay bales.

[0005] Logistically, these vehicles, often in the form of trailers, optimize transport, allowing farmers to load a greater number of bales in a single trip. The ability to stack bales securely and transport them without the risk of unexpected shifts increases operational efficiency, reducing the number of trips required between fields and storage warehouses. This is crucial for improving time and resource management during harvest seasons.

[0006] Vehicles with movable side barriers are extremely useful not only for transporting hay bales, but also for a wide range of other bulky and heavy materials, such as big bags, pallets, or pallet stacks.

[0007] Movable side barriers offer a significant advantage over traditional transport methods, such as using straps or belts to secure the load. Thanks to the ability to quickly lower and raise the side barriers, loading and unloading operations are much faster and more efficient. With movable side barriers, there's no need to waste time tying down and securing hay bales, bags, or pallets with straps to secure the load. Once raised, the movable side barriers automatically contain the material, reducing the risk of shifting during transport and increasing operating speed. This optimizes work time and improves productivity, especially in agricultural or industrial settings where goods are regularly and intensively transported.

[0008] In the agricultural and industrial sectors, vehicles equipped with ramps or platforms are also widely used to load other vehicles or machinery for transport purposes. These vehicles, thanks to the integration of sturdy, inclined ramps, allow easy access for tractors, excavators, agricultural machinery, or other heavy vehicles directly onto the platform. Ramps can be fixed or removable, depending on operational needs, and are designed to withstand heavy loads, ensuring safe onboarding and offboarding of vehicles.

[0009] The use of ramps and platforms is particularly useful for reducing the need for external lifts or cranes, simplifying loading and unloading operations. These systems are essential for the efficient transport of vehicles or equipment between fields, construction sites, or work areas, optimizing transfer times and reducing operating costs.

[0010] There is a growing need, especially in the agricultural and industrial sectors, for a vehicle that combines movable side barriers and ramps, thus combining the advantages of both solutions in a single vehicle.

[0011] Integrating these two features into a single vehicle would offer a complete and versatile solution, capable of efficiently meeting the diverse needs of transporting goods and vehicles, optimizing work times and improving productivity.

[0012] The state of the art includes a vehicle that combines both solutions: movable side barriers and ramps. However, on this type of vehicle, ramps cannot be used when the movable side barriers are mounted, as the side barriers, especially their support structure, interfere with the access to the ramps. To use the ramps, the side barriers and the support structure must be removed from the vehicle, an operation that requires time and specific skills. This process is complex, as the sides are generally heavy and bulky, making their removal and reinstallation difficult and impractical. Consequently, the combined use of movable side barriers and ramps is limited and suboptimal in terms of operational efficiency.

[0013] The state of the art also includes vehicles with side barriers hinged to their longitudinal sides. This solution is not suitable for transporting tall goods, because the sides are low; otherwise, they would hit the ground when rotating downward.

[0014] For the purposes of this invention, the term "vehicle" refers to any type of vehicle suitable for transporting materials and other vehicles, without limitations on the specific configuration or traction mode used.

[0015] The most significant State of the Art document is EP 3686055 A1, which describes (the references cited refer to the aforementioned document): a transport vehicle 16 comprising:

[0016] - a platform 28 comprising a transverse (rear) loading side;

[0017] - at least one movable side barrier 30, 32 arranged along a longitudinal side of said platform 28 and configured to move between a raised and a lowered configuration (see Figures 2, 3A and 3B);

[0018] - at least one ramp 38 arranged along the transverse loading side of said platform 28 and hinged to it so as to be able to pass from a raised to a lowered configuration by rotating around a first transverse axis;

[0019] - a structure (front bulkhead – see Fig. 3A) arranged along the side opposite said transverse loading side;

[0020] - it being provided that the movable side barrier (30, 32) is supported by at least a first and a second arm (34), at least one of which is motorized;

[0021] - one end of the first arm being hinged to the support structure and the other end being hinged to the movable side barrier (30, 32) so as to allow its rotation around a longitudinal axis (see fig. 3B).

[0022] Other prior art documents to be cited are:

[0023] DE 10 2020 132067 B3; GB 2 219 258 A; DE 20 2015 106894 U1; DE 20 2015 004275 U1.

[0024] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vehicle that allows the movable side barriers and ramps to be used with maximum efficiency, avoiding the need to dismantle the side barriers and / or their support structure to use the ramps.

[0025] According to one aspect of this invention, a transport vehicle comprises a platform which includes movable side barriers on its longitudinal sides, configured to move between a raised and a lowered configuration, and which includes a transverse loading side.

[0026] With the movable side barriers in the raised configuration, the vehicle's cargo is securely held and cannot fall during transport. The side barriers can apply pressure to the load to hold it in place.

[0027] With the side barriers in the lowered configuration, vehicle loading and unloading operations are easy.

[0028] At least one ramp is provided on the transverse loading side of the platform, usually the rear side of the platform (viewed from the normal direction of travel of the vehicle). This ramp allows for the loading and unloading of vehicles such as tractors, bulldozers, etc.

[0029] The ramp can be divided into multiple sections to facilitate vehicle loading and unloading.

[0030] A support structure is provided on the opposite transverse side of the platform.

[0031] For its movement, each side barrier is operationally connected to a first and second arm.

[0032] At least one of these arms is motorized, for example hydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically.

[0033] It is provided that the ramp is hinged to the platform at the transverse loading side so it can rotate around a first transverse axis. This allows for switching from a raised to a sloped configuration, allowing vehicles to be loaded above the vehicle by sliding their wheels / tracks / etc… along the ramp.

[0034] One end of the first arm is hinged to the support structure, and the other end is hinged to the movable side barrier, allowing it to rotate around a longitudinal axis.

[0035] The simultaneous use of ramps and side barriers is possible because one end of the second arm is hinged to the ramp and the other end is hinged to the movable side barrier via a joint that allows the movable side barrier to rotate around the longitudinal axis and, with the movable side barrier in the lowered configuration, the second arm to rotate around a second transverse axis that coincides with the first transverse axis.

[0036] It is specified that the above and other aspects, features and advantages of the inventive concept will be apparent from the following description of embodiments provided in conjunction with the attached drawings. However, the inventive concept is not limited to the embodiments described herein and it can be implemented in various forms. In this document, the embodiments are described to provide a complete disclosure of the inventive concept and to provide a comprehensive understanding of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art to which the inventive concept pertains, and the scope of the inventive concept should be limited only by the attached claims.

[0037] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing embodiments only and are not intended to limit the inventive concept. As used herein, singular forms are intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the features, components, and / or operations indicated, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, and / or operations. It should be understood that, although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, a first component could be defined as a second component without going away from the teachings of the inventive concept.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical-scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the inventive concept pertains. It should also be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

[0039] Spatially relative terms, such as "below," "under," "lower," "above," "upper," "longitudinal," "transverse," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of a component or feature to another component(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation beyond the orientation illustrated in the figures. For example, if the component in the figures is turned upside down, components described as "below" or "under" other components or features would then be oriented "above" the other components or features. Therefore, for example, the term "below" may encompass both an above and a below orientation. The component may be oriented differently and the spatially relative descriptive elements used here may be interpreted accordingly.

[0040] The features of the invention will become more evident from the description of one possible embodiment, provided by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the attached drawings where:

[0041] -represents a perspective view of a vehicle according to the invention with the movable side barriers in the raised configuration and the ramp in the raised configuration;

[0042] -represents a side view of the vehicle of;

[0043] -represents a rear view of the vehicle of;

[0044] -represents a perspective view of a vehicle according to the invention with the movable side barriers in the lowered configuration and the ramp in the raised configuration;

[0045] -represents a side view of the vehicle of;

[0046] -represents a rear view of the vehicle of;

[0047] -represents a perspective view of a vehicle according to the invention with the movable side barriers in the lowered configuration and the ramp in the inclined configuration;

[0048] -shows a side view of the vehicle shown in;

[0049] -shows a rear view of the vehicle shown in;

[0050] -shows an enlarged view of a coupling included in a vehicle according to the invention, with the movable side barriers in the lowered configuration and the ramp in the inclined configuration;

[0051] -shows an enlarged view of a coupling included in a vehicle according to the invention, with the movable side barriers in the raised configuration and the ramp in the raised configuration;

[0052] -shows a perspective view of a transport vehicle according to the invention, transporting bales of hay.

[0053] The attached figures show a transport vehicle 1, in this case in the form of a trailer, comprising a platform 2, which has a transverse loading side 6 on which vehicles such as tractors, bulldozers, or any type of heavy vehicle to be transported are suitable for being loaded.

[0054] For the purposes of this invention, the transport vehicle 1 may be, for example, a trailer, a truck, a freight car, a boat, or any other vehicle suitable for transporting products, goods, heavy vehicles, motorized vehicles, machinery, etc.

[0055] The platform 2 is laterally delimited by a pair of movable side barriers 3 arranged along the longitudinal sides of said platform 2 and configured to move between a raised () and a lowered () configuration by varying their height relative to the platform 2.

[0056] For the purposes of this invention, it is also possible to envisage the presence of only one movable side barrier 3 along one longitudinal side of the platform 2. In one embodiment of this type (not illustrated), loading, for example, bales of hay can only occur through one of the longitudinal sides.

[0057] The embodiment with a pair of movable side barriers 3 offers the greatest flexibility and efficiency of use.

[0058] A ramp 4 is arranged along the transverse loading side 6 of said platform 2 and hinged to it so that it can switch from a raised configuration (Figs. 1 and 4) to a inclined one (), rotating around a first transverse axis T1.

[0059] In the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the ramp 4 comprises a pair of ramp sections 4', 4''. It should be understood that the ramp may comprise one or more ramp sections, which may also be separated from each other by empty spaces.

[0060] In the embodiment illustrated by way of example, a support structure 5 is arranged along the side opposite said transverse loading side 6.

[0061] Each movable side barrier 3 is supported by at least a first and a second arm 7, 8, at least one of which is motorized.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the arms 7, 8 is hydraulically motorized. An electric motor or any other motor suitable for the purpose of the invention may also be provided.

[0063] One end of the first arm 7 is hinged to the support structure 5 and the other end is hinged to the movable side barrier 3 so as to allow rotation around a longitudinal axis L.

[0064] The rotation of the movable side barrier 3 around the axis L allows it to always remain orthogonal to the ground on which the vehicle rests, thus ensuring a raising and lowering that prevents the side barrier from moving or protruding excessively outward.

[0065] It is also provided that one end of the second arm 8 is hinged to the ramp 4 while the other end is hinged to the movable side barrier 3 by means of a joint 9 capable of allowing rotation of said movable side barrier 3 around the longitudinal axis L and, with the movable side barrier 3 in the lowered configuration, of the second arm 8 around a second transverse axis T2 which coincides with the first transverse axis T1.

[0066] Thanks to this latter feature of the joint 9, it is possible, without any assembly / disassembly intervention on the main mechanics of the system by an operator, to lower the ramp 4 once the movable side barriers 3 are in their lowered configuration (Figs. 7, 8, and 9).

[0067] If the axes T1 and T2 do not coincide, lowering the ramp 4 would cause deformation of the second arms 8 and the movable side barriers 3, resulting in their breakage.

[0068] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the joint 9 is advantageously designed with an "L" shape comprising a first portion 9' and a second portion 9''.

[0069] The first portion 9' is hinged to a movable side barrier 3, while the second portion 9'' is hinged to a second arm 8.

[0070] The first portion 9' can rotate with respect to the movable side barrier 3 around the transverse axis T2 when said side barrier is in the lowered configuration.

[0071] The second portion 9'' includes a rotary coupling that allows the movable side barrier 3 to rotate around the longitudinal axis L during the movement phases between the raised and lowered configurations.

[0072] Alternatively, the joint 9 could be a ball joint.

[0073] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, there are first hydraulic pistons 10. For each of them, a first end is hinged to the relevant arm and the second is hinged to the support structure 5 (for the pistons 10 connected to the first arms 7) and to the ramp 4 (for the pistons 10 connected to the second arms 8).

[0074] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, second hydraulic pistons 11 are also present for operating the ramp 4.

[0075] Advantageously, first and second tie rods 12, 13 can also be provided, which allow the movable side barriers 3 to be held firmly orthogonal to the ground, forming a articulated parallelogram with the respective arms 7, 8.

[0076] For each first tie rod 12, one end is hinged to the support structure 5 and the other end is hinged to the movable side barrier 3.

[0077] For each second tie rod 13, one end is hinged to the ramp 4 and the other end is hinged to the movable side barrier 3.

[0078] The tie rods 12, 13 may, for example, consist of telescopic rods, flexible rods, cardan rods, or ropes, preferably made of steel.

[0079] If tie rods 12 and 13 are present, an operator may need to remove them before operating the system for simultaneous use of ramps and sides, but this is not necessary if, for example, they are in the form of telescopic rods, flexible rods, cardan rods, or ropes.

[0080] The ability to raise and lower the side barriers 3 relative to the platform 2 allows even tall or stacked goods to be secured for transport.

[0081] While the inventive concept has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limiting, but illustrative. The invention is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Transport vehicle (1) comprising:- a platform (2) comprising a transverse loading side (6);- at least one movable side barrier (3) arranged along a longitudinal side of said platform (2) and configured to move between a raised and a lowered configuration;- at least one ramp (4) arranged along the transverse loading side (6) of said platform (2) and hinged to it so as to be able to pass from a raised configuration to a sloped one by rotating around a first transverse axis (T1);- a support structure (5) arranged along the opposite side to said transverse loading side (6);it being provided that the movable side barrier (3) is supported at least by a first and a second arm (7, 8) at least one of which is motorized;one end of the first arm (7) being hinged to the support structure (5) and the other end being hinged to the movable side barrier (3) so as to allow its rotation around a longitudinal axis (L);characterized in thatone end of the second arm (8) is hinged to the ramp (4) while the other end is hinged to the movable side barrier (3) by means of a joint (9) capable of allowing the rotation of said movable side barrier (3) around the longitudinal axis (L) and, with the movable side barrier (3) in the lowered configuration, of the second arm (8) around a second transverse axis (T2) which coincides with the first transverse axis (T1).

2. Transport vehicle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the joint (9) has an “L” shape comprising a first portion (9’) and a second portion (9’’); the first portion (9’) being hinged to the movable side barrier (3), while the second portion (9’’) is hinged to the second arm (8).

3. Transport vehicle (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the first portion (9’) is able to rotate with respect to the movable side barrier (3) around the transverse axis (T2), when said side barrier (3) is in the lowered configuration, while the second portion (9’’) comprises a rotary coupling that allows the movable side barrier (3) to rotate around the longitudinal axis (L) during the movement phases between the raised and lowered configurations.

4. Transport vehicle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises first and second tie rods (12, 13) that identify an articulated parallelogram with the respective arms (7, 8); each first tie rod (12) having one end hinged to the support structure (5) and the other end hinged to the movable side barrier (3); each second tie rod (13) having one end hinged to the ramp (4) and the other end hinged to the movable side barrier (3).

5. Transport vehicle (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the tie rods (12, 13) consist of telescopic rods, flexible rods, cardan rods or ropes.

6. Transport vehicle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the ramp (4) comprises a plurality of ramp sections (4’, 4’’).

7. Transport vehicle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one movable side barrier (3) and the ramp (4) are motorised hydraulically, pneumatically and / or electrically.

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