Material or article handling – Self-loading or unloading vehicles – Having elevating load body
Patent
1997-11-04
1999-09-14
Werner, Frank E.
Material or article handling
Self-loading or unloading vehicles
Having elevating load body
280 4312, 280 4321, 280 4319, 188250R, 254 4R, 254 6R, 254 95, B66F 1900
Patent
active
059512342
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention concerns an improved pallet loader comprising an upright frame and a pair of horizontal lifting fork members projecting from the frame and being vertically displaceable together with said frame by means of a hoisting mechanism incorporated in the pallet loader. Each fork member is equipped at its free end opposite the frame with a support wheel in contact with a supporting surface.
Pallet loaders of this kind designed to lift and transport pallet loads are generally equipped with an hydraulically operated hoisting mechanism. This kind of mechanism is a versatile construction that is easy to manipulate, also when the loads are comparatively heavy.
The construction does, however, suffer from certain drawbacks. For instance, it is difficult to maintain its valves and couplings in a completely sealed condition for any length of time. Consequently, oil leakages occur from time to time, which is a considerable nuisance, particularly when the pallet loader is used in a "tidy" environment, for instance when driven on sensitive surfaces, such as wall-to-wall carpets and the like. In order to reduce the risk of soiling of or even damage to the supporting surface oil leakages may be prevented by ensuring frequent servicing of the pallet loader lifting mechanism hydraulics. As always, extensive servicing does, however, involve not insignificant expenses.
The subject invention suggests a purely mechanical lifting mechanism for use in pallet loaders, by means of which the problem outlined above is entirely eliminated while at the same time it provides an improved gear ratio for a given size of pallet loader than the hydraulic lifting mechanism, allowing the goods to be handled quicker and more efficiently. The characterizing features of the device in accordance with the invention will appear from the appended claims.
The invention will be described in closer detail in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein
FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view through a pallet loader in accordance with the invention, the loader being shown in a lower position,
FIG. 2 is a similar view but showing the pallet loader in a lifted position,
FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view on a larger scale of a part of the lifting mechanism, and
FIG. 4 shows the lifting mechanism in a perspective exploded view and on a larger scale.
The pallet loader consists of an upstanding frame portion 1 and a pair of horizontal lifting fork members 2 projecting from the frame. At its rear, the pallet loader is provided with a couple of larger support and steering wheels 3 and at its front, at the forward ends of the fork members, with a pair of smaller support wheels 4.
Intermediate the rear support and steering wheels 3 a vertical hollow cylinder 5 is mounted. Inside the latter, a rack 6 is arranged to be raised and lowered, and the frame portion 1 is supported against the upper end of the rack which projects past the cylinder 5. A couple of transverse stays 8 extend between the frame portion 1 and a locating bearing 7 surrounding the hollow cylinder 5.
In the version illustrated in the drawing figures, the rack 6 is configured as a pipe. From a lower point of attachment 9, below the rack 6, a cable, wire, chain 10 or the like extends through the rack to one end of a two-armed rocker arm 13, via a first pulley 11 and a second pulley 12. A traction rod 15 extends between the opposite end of the rocker arm 13 and an articulated arm 14 on which the support wheel 4 is mounted. The traction rod 15 is connected to the articulated arm 14 in a pivot 16 which is spaced somewhat from the pivot pin 17 on which the articulated arm 14 is pivotally mounted, in order to create a moment when a pulling force is exerted on the traction rod 15.
In addition, the pallet loader is provided with a lever 18 and with an operating handle 19 with a manually operated control means 20 thereon, by means of which the lifting mechanism may be actuated with the aid of an operating rod 21 extending through the lever 18. This arrangement will be described in c
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Kentruck AB
Werner Frank E.
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