Construction Vehicle

A construction vehicle includes a base vehicle and a skip superstructure with a tipping unit. The base vehicle comprises a driver unit, and an articulated steering system with an articulation. The vehicle comprises a coupling unit on the vehicle for coupling and uncoupling a demountable superstructure. The demountable superstructure comprises one or more coupling elements for coupling the demountable superstructure to the base vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a construction vehicle having with a base vehicle and a superstructure, in particular, a skip superstructure with a tipping unit.

2. Description of the Related Art

A wide variety of construction vehicles are known under the term dumper or skip dump truck. Such a construction vehicle is described, for example, in the publication EP 3 211 141 A2. The construction vehicle described there is to be used as a special vehicle with a so-called “articulated steering” only for use as a dumper or skip dump truck.

In addition, dumpers with stub axle steering, skid steering, rear-wheel steering, front-wheel steering or all-wheel steering are also known. Many trucks or alternatively so-called semi-trailers have a skip for tipping or alternatively unloading the construction material, some of which are demountable.

A so-called concrete mixer with a demountable concrete container is disclosed in the publication GB 2 440 675 A, wherein the trailer or vehicle frame comprises a hoisting/lifting mechanism for demounting the superstructure, which comprises, among other things, a lifting cylinder or alternatively a hydraulic cylinder.

The containers are secured to the trailer or vehicle frame for transport. For this purpose, four manual locking mechanisms are provided for secure locking of the superstructure, which mechanisms secure/lock/fasten the container or alternatively its securing pins on both sides of the vehicle frame or trailer and at the front and rear, respectively, with a latch. The manual locking at four points distributed about the vehicle is very costly and cumbersome.

In addition, securing mechanisms for superstructures with special actuating/lifting cylinders and, in some cases, various tension cables and return springs or similar have already become known for construction vehicles, so that semi-manual actuation by a control unit is feasible. The construction of these securing or alternatively locking systems are however complex and prone to failure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is, in contrast, to propose a construction vehicle with a base vehicle and a superstructure, which construction vehicle at least partially remedies the disadvantages of the state of the art, is, in particular, realized with less effort, and/or ensures safe operation or a safe working mode, and/or enables novel functionalities.

This task is solved, starting from a construction vehicle having a base vehicle and a skip superstructure with a tipping point. The base vehicle has two vehicle units with an articulation arranged therebetween so as to permit the two vehicle units to pivot relative to one another. The base vehicle comprises a driver unit, and an articulated steering unit for steering the base vehicle. The steering unit has at least one of, stub axle steering, skid steering, rear-wheel steering, front-wheel steering, and all-wheel steering. The base vehicle additionally comprises a coupling unit for coupling and/or uncoupling a demountable superstructure with one or a plurality of coupling elements on the base vehicle. A demountable superstructure is provided. which superstructure comprises one or a plurality of coupling elements for coupling the demountable superstructure to the base vehicle. The demountable superstructure can be rotated about a first axis of rotation with a first radius during coupling and/or uncoupling. A lifting device with a lifting drive is provided for lifting the demountable superstructure. The base vehicle further comprises 1) a linear drive unit which is configured in the form of an unlocking/locking and/or tensioning unit and 2) at least one first coupling element of the coupling unit on the base vehicle, the position of which can be changed by the drive unit. The linear drive unit is also configured as the lifting drive of the lifting device.

Accordingly, a construction vehicle according to the invention is characterized in that the drive unit includes a linear drive unit that is configured as an unlocking/locking and/or tensioning unit, is also configured as the lifting drive of the lifting device.

In this manner, on the one hand, at least an active lifting of the demountable superstructure and, on the other hand, at least an active unlocking or locking/tensioning is provided or alternatively realized according to the invention by the drive unit. With the aid of this dual function of the drive unit for unlocking/locking/tensioning and at the same time also for lifting/lowering, a significant reduction in expenditure for the design and financial aspects and also for control technology can be realized.

In addition, operational safety and susceptibility to faults are improved compared to the state of the art by reducing the complexity of the overall system and the dual use of the drive unit.

It is precisely the (active) locking/tensioning of the unlocking/locking and/or tensioning unit that is in stark contrast to many passive securing systems for securing or alternatively simply holding/positioning the demountable superstructure. This means that, in the state of the art, simple mechanical stops and in some cases, friction surface holders are often provided, which merely exhibit a securing/positioning by stops or alternatively by a shifting forward of the demountable superstructure during braking. In so doing, in a rearward direction, which is to say during acceleration, a simple friction surface is often provided, which is to say, the superstructure merely rests on the base vehicle/vehicle frame and generates a corresponding frictional force with its comparatively large weight, which prevents slippage to the rear at the comparatively low accelerations which can usually be realized by trucks, etc. In contrast, the disclosed manual latches of the publication GB 2 440 675 A mentioned at the beginning represent a real and safe mechanical locking, both to the front, to the rear and also to the top, which is to say, against unintentional lifting, for example, in the case of irregularities of the ground during driving.

In the sense of the invention, such a “real” or safe and mechanical locking, which is to say, firm/secure fastening, of the demountable superstructure can be actively implemented in an advantageous manner with the drive unit.

The advantageous drive unit can also be used, among other things, to achieve secure locking or alternatively locking without play. This means that, in the tensioned or alternatively locked condition, there is no intermediate space or alternatively air/gap or tolerance between the two locking components of the base vehicle and of the demountable superstructure. In this manner, a so-called “deformation” or “deflection” of the locking can effectively be prevented, even in the event of locking or alternatively abrasion. Accordingly, a firm, wobble-free fastening of the demountable superstructure is achieved, even over long periods of time or alternatively even in the case of locking or abrasion. This is precisely important for the high forces or alternatively weights of such superstructures on construction vehicles, especially for operational safety and/or service life. The manual latches or return springs according to the above-mentioned state of the art either necessarily have a certain amount of play in order to be able to manually insert the latch into the retainer, and/or have only low retaining forces, for example, only the return spring force, potentially plus frictional forces.

The base vehicle comprises a coupling unit on the vehicle for coupling and uncoupling the demountable superstructure to the base vehicle, wherein a demountable superstructure is also provided which comprises one or a plurality of coupling elements on the superstructure side for coupling the demountable superstructure to the base vehicle. The base vehicle can thus be used without a superstructure or with a different superstructure. In so doing, this allows a more flexible use of the base vehicle for functionally different superstructures, for example, a tiltable skip, a so-called three-way tipper, a skip loader, a water or alternatively liquid container, a pressure vessel, an open or (partially) closed platform/superstructure and/or a concrete mixer, etc. Different skip superstructures can also be used flexibly according to the invention. In addition, a defective superstructure or a defective base vehicle can also be quickly switched out.

Advantageously, the base vehicle comprises the drive unit and at least one coupling element on the vehicle and/or the superstructure, the position of which can be changed by the drive unit. With such a drive unit, the adjustment of the coupling element on the vehicle and/or the superstructure makes it easier to uncouple and couple or alternatively securely lock the superstructure.

In a particular further development of the invention, it is provided that the drive unit is a linear drive unit, in particular a hydraulic lift cylinder, and/or that a distance between at least two coupling elements can be varied by the drive unit. With two coupling elements arranged at a distance from one another, a more stable anchoring of the superstructure to the base vehicle is possible, which is of particular advantage if, for example, the superstructure comprises a tilting function and the superstructure is thus to be held on the base vehicle in different load conditions.

By adjusting the distance between the two coupling elements, the elements can be actuated by a common drive element. Moreover, this also makes locking/tensioning of the superstructure possible, as will be explained further below. With tensioning, it is in turn also possible to realize an attachment without play, which can moreover be independent of the wear of the coupling elements.

If the one adjustment and/or drive direction of the linear drive unit and/or of the first coupling element on the vehicle is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis and/or direction of travel of the base vehicle, in particular in forward travel, which is to say, in the longitudinal direction of the base vehicle, then coupling elements on the vehicle and/or superstructure side arranged at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction must thereby also accordingly be actuated. In so doing, a good and secure fastening of the superstructure, as well as without play, is possible against changes in load in the longitudinal direction, in particular in the case of locking or abrasion of the coupling elements. Such changes in load occur not only during travel but rather also, for example, in the case of a skip superstructure, when the skip is tipped backwards.

Advantageously, the lifting device comprises at least one engagement element having a contact surface that is to be arranged on the demountable superstructure and/or for lifting the demountable superstructure in a lifting position, wherein, in particular, at least in the lifting position, the center of gravity of the demountable superstructure is arranged between the contact surface of the engagement element and the first axis of rotation and/or that the lifting device in the lifting position for lifting the demountable superstructure, with an engagement element in front of the center of gravity of the demountable superstructure, engages with this mounted superstructure with a driver unit and/or driver cab respectively arranged in front of the superstructure with respect to the first direction of travel, in particular with respect to the forward direction of travel.

In order to drive the base vehicle out from under an uncoupled demountable superstructure, the demountable superstructure should be raised relative to the base vehicle. The lifting device with a lifting drive for lifting the demountable superstructure is provided on the base vehicle for this purpose. In this manner, the demountable superstructure can be set down in an elevated position by the lifting device on the vehicle, for example, on at least two or three, in particular four, supports or the like, such that the base vehicle can then advantageously be driven out from under the demountable superstructure.

If necessary, the tipping axis of the demountable superstructure and/or the skip is also the first axis of rotation of the demountable superstructure or alternatively the skip. In an advantageous manner, a double function of the first axis of rotation is hereby realized or alternatively provided, namely for tilting and for demounting. This also supports the dual function of the drive unit. In this way, a constructively less complex and economically more favorable implementation can be realized.

Compared to a vertical lifting movement of the demountable superstructure, it is thereby sufficient and simpler to lift the demountable superstructure at an angle on one side. This can be achieved, for example, by the lifting device preferably engaging the demountable superstructure in the lifting position with an engagement element arranged in front of the center of gravity of the demountable superstructure in relation to the forward direction of travel. Through this arrangement of the point of engagement, the demountable superstructure is lifted at an angle to its front end upon the lifting device being actuated, such that the vehicle can advantageously then be driven out (forward) under the demountable superstructure.

For uncoupling and putting down the demountable superstructure, at least two rear supports can, for example, be fitted before lifting, on which supports the demountable superstructure is supported at the front during lifting. Subsequently, it is also possible that supports spaced further forward or distanced away from the rear supports, for example, at least two front supports, can also be fitted, on which supports the demountable superstructure is then supported when the lifting device is lowered, wherein a small distance to the chassis of the base vehicle remains and the chassis of the base vehicle can be moved out from under the demountable superstructure.

In an advantageous embodiment, the lifting device uses the linear drive unit provided as the unlocking/locking and/or tensioning unit, such that no separate drive is required for the lifting device. The linear drive for unlocking/locking and/or tensioning the coupling elements is accordingly also the lifting drive of the lifting device.

In an advantageous variant of the invention, the lifting device comprises a lever arrangement, in particular a toggle lever, wherein, in particular, the lever arrangement and/or the toggle lever comprises at least the contact surface and/or the engagement element. In order, for example, to derive an otherwise/differently aligned adjustment from the substantially horizontal and/or linear movement of the drive according to the invention, and/or at least partially vertically aligned transverse movement or lifting movement, the lifting device configured in a special embodiment is provided with the lever arrangement, which can in particular comprise the toggle lever. At the same time, a power transmission can also be realized in an advantageous manner with the toggle lever if appropriately dimensioned and arranged, since, depending on the embodiment, the power requirements for the lifting device may differ from those for the tensioning/locking of the coupling elements.

As an alternative to the lifting device described above, the lifting device could also be implemented independently of the drive of the coupling elements, for example, in the form of a height-adjustable running gear or one or a plurality of separate lifting cylinders on the demountable superstructure or on the base vehicle.

Advantageously, at least a first drive phase of the drive unit configured in particular as a lifting drive is configured as an unlocking/locking and/or tensioning phase, and in addition a second drive phase of the drive unit configured in particular as a lifting drive is configured as a lifting or lowering phase of the lifting device. Hereby, in an advantageous manner, a mechanical and/or temporal decoupling or temporally offset operation of the different operating or alternatively drive phases can be realized, in particular with the common drive or alternatively the common drive unit.

In an advantageous further development of the invention, an overrunning clutch is provided via a freewheeling section, in particular in the form of an elongated hole guide with a stop element connected to the lever arrangement. In this case, the freewheeling section should be greater than or equal to a change in distance provided for tensioning and/or locking between two coupling elements provided for tensioning and/or locking of the demountable superstructure. The use of such an overrunning clutch enables the unlocking/locking and/or tensioning and detensioning of the coupling elements without being influenced by the lifting device. This actuation of the coupling elements can be performed while the lifting device is in the overrunning clutch of the drive device.

In this way, the coupling elements can, for example, be directly connected to the drive, in particular to a lifting cylinder, whereas the lifting device is moved, for example, by an entrainment element/pin sliding in an elongated hole guide and remains in the rest position until the entrainment element/pin strikes against an end stop of the elongated hole guide. At this point in time, the demountable superstructure is already unlocked or released so that it can be lifted without difficulty, whereas the distance between the coupling elements is further reduced. In the opposite direction, the demountable superstructure is lowered, whereas the coupling elements move apart at the same time, but the tensioning/locking does not start until the demountable superstructure has reached its lowest position and the lifting device goes into the overrunning clutch.

In an advantageous design of the coupling unit, at least one of the coupling elements on the vehicle and/or superstructure side comprises an unlocking/locking and/or tensioning surface that runs obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis and/or direction of travel of the base vehicle. With such oblique unlocking/locking and/or tensioning surfaces, linear thrust can be used to generate unlocking/locking and/or tensioning forces that are oriented obliquely or orthogonally to the direction of thrust. Such a coupling element can thus be used to tension a superstructure on a chassis of the base vehicle. Such a construction has the further advantage that, in the event of wear of the unlocking/locking and/or tensioning surface or of the component abutting thereon, the desired locking/tensioning force is maintained by a tensioning/pressure in the direction of thrust. Such a coupling element can be configured, for example, as a linearly displaceable unlocking/locking and/or tensioning wedge.

Usually, construction vehicles have a preferred so-called forward travel direction and a so-called reverse travel direction. In the so-called forward travel direction, the driver cab or alternatively the driver is usually located in front of the superstructure or alternatively the tipping unit, and in the so-called reverse travel direction, the driver cab or alternatively the driver is usually located behind the superstructure or alternatively the tipping unit. The same applies to the so-called rear of the vehicle and the corresponding so-called front of the vehicle.

In an advantageous manner, the construction vehicle, in particular a dumper or the like, can however have a driver console or driver cab that can be rotated in particular about an essentially vertically aligned axis of rotation, such that the driver can look “forward” in both directions of travel and there are no fixed, so-called “forward/reverse travel directions” or “front/rear sides”. In the sense of the invention, the vehicle moves “forward” in two different ways, one in which the superstructure is arranged behind the driver or the driver cab with respect to the direction of travel and one in which the superstructure is arranged in front of the driver or the driver cab with respect to the direction of travel.

In the following, however, the so-called reverse travel direction in the sense of the invention is to be understood as the travel or travel direction in which the superstructure is arranged in front of the base vehicle or alternatively the driver unit. Accordingly, the so-called forward travel direction in the sense of the invention is to be understood as the travel or travel direction in which the superstructure is arranged behind the base vehicle or alternatively the driver unit. Moreover, hereinafter, in the sense of the invention, the so-called rear side shall designate the side of the vehicle which is oriented/exposed to the rear or alternatively against the forward travel direction during the aforementioned so-called forward travel. In this sense, the front side faces forward during the aforementioned so-called forward travel.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if a coupling element on the vehicle comprises a receiving opening oriented towards a side of the base vehicle facing away from the driver unit and/or the driver cab, in particular towards a rear side, for receiving at least one coupling element on the superstructure. As a result, a suitable coupling element on the superstructure side can be accommodated by this coupling element on the vehicle via a rearward movement of the base vehicle.

If the coupling element on the vehicle with receiving opening comprises two guide surfaces running obliquely towards each other in a first direction of travel, in particular a forward travel direction with a driver unit and/or driver cab arranged in front of the superstructure, a V-shaped guide is configured in which the matching coupling element on the superstructure side is guided into its end position. At the same time, at least one of these guide surfaces can be provided as an unlocking/locking and/or tensioning surface for locking/tensioning the demountable superstructure to the base vehicle, for example, to its chassis, via the coupling element on the superstructure side.

Such a locking/tensioning can be brought about, for example, with a single linear drive if a rear coupling element on the vehicle side comprises a guide surface extending downward from the rear to the front and a front coupling element on the vehicle comprises an unlocking/locking and/or tensioning surface extending downward from the front to the rear. In this manner, it is possible that two coupling elements on the vehicle in the contracted position can be brought under two coupling elements on the superstructure that are fixedly attached to the demountable superstructure, and, in an expanded position, can engage under them, thereby mutually tensioning/locking the coupling elements on the superstructure and vehicle.

In this condition of the demountable superstructure that is tensioned/locked to the base vehicle, a rear coupling element on the superstructure thus engages under the downwardly extending guide surface of the rear coupling element on the vehicle and a front coupling element on the superstructure engages under the downwardly extending unlocking/locking and/or tensioning surface of the front coupling element on the vehicle.

Advantageously, at least one second axis of rotation is provided, about which the demountable superstructure can be rotated with a second radius during the coupling and/or uncoupling phase, wherein the demountable superstructure is rotatable about the first axis of rotation in a first rotational phase and rotatable about the second axis of rotation in a second rotational phase. In this, the first radius of the first axis of rotation is preferably other/different, in particular smaller than the second radius of the second axis of rotation.

In this manner, during the coupling and/or uncoupling phase, the demountable superstructure can be rotated in an advantageous manner about the first axis of rotation with a first radius, wherein in a second rotational phase, the demountable superstructure rotates in an advantageous manner about the second axis of rotation, wherein, in particular, the first radius of the first axis of rotation is configured smaller than the second radius of the second axis of rotation and/or wherein the first axis of rotation is configured as an unlocking/locking and/or tensioning element of the unlocking/locking and/or tensioning unit and/or wherein the second axis of rotation is configured as a supporting element of the demountable superstructure.

In an advantageous variant of the invention, the first axis of rotation is configured as a pin element of the demountable superstructure and/or as a unlocking/locking and/or tensioning element of the unlocking/locking and/or tensioning unit and/or in that the second axis of rotation is configured as a support element of the demountable superstructure. This results in a design or process engineering improvement and thus a financial improvement. Advantageously, an optional length adjustment unit for the second axis of rotation of the support element, in particular with a fastening option/element, can also be used either manually and/or semi-automatically. With this, an advantageous adaptation of the length of the support element to irregularities of the ground or the like can be realized.

In order to ensure that the demountable superstructure is reliably fastened to the base vehicle, it is possible that a sensor unit, in particular in the form of a mechanical button movable by a coupling element on the superstructure, can be provided for monitoring purposes to detect a coupled demountable superstructure.

Such a sensor unit can also be used in an advantageous manner to equip the control unit of the base vehicle with a safety system. By way of example, the base vehicle can have a control unit for a control of the driving speed that is dependent on the type of coupled demountable superstructure. It is also possible to control the driving speed depending on whether a demountable superstructure is coupled or not.

For easier operation when picking up and putting down the demountable superstructure, it is advantageous if a control element arranged outside the driver unit is provided for operating the unlocking/locking and/or tensioning unit.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the control unit comprises at least two operating modes that can be selected by the operator, for example, a driving mode and a demounting mode, wherein in the driving mode an activation of at least one travel function, such as the automatic retensioning of the unlocking/locking and/or tensioning unit and/or the control of the travel speed is provided. In the demounting mode, in turn, a deactivation of such a driving function and/or an activation of a demounting function, such as the release of the control element arranged outside the driver unit, can be provided.

In an advantageous variant of the invention, it is provided as a safety function that, for example, the construction machine or the base vehicle can drive in an advantageous manner only if the unlocking/locking and/or tensioning unit or the drive unit/hydraulic cylinder is actuated, which is to say, in particular, is subjected to tensioning energy/force or pressure. The unlocking/locking and/or tensioning unit is advantageously permanently tensioned or alternatively subjected to pressure/tensioning energy during operation. In this way, a permanent lack of play can also be achieved if the contact surfaces of the locking device wear over time. Accordingly, operational reliability is hereby further improved.

Moreover, in a particular further development of the invention, two actuating elements such as two switches or pushbuttons can be provided in an advantageous manner for actuating or operating the system. With an advantageous interconnection of these elements, it can, for example, be ensured that the driving function and/or also the demounting function is (only) enabled when the switches/buttons are in the correct combination or alternatively are actuated.

In general, the superstructure such as a skip, water/fluid/-container, platform, crate or the like of a construction vehicle, such as a dumper, concrete mixer, sprayer, etc., can be optimized in each case for the transport of the respective material such as of bulk material. In order to make the construction machine or alternatively base vehicle more versatile, a semi-automatic superstructure demounting system can be used.

In accordance with another aspect, a construction vehicle includes 1) a base vehicle having two vehicle units with an articulation arranged therebetween so as to permit the two vehicle units to pivot relative to one another, the base unit including a driver cab, and 2) a skip superstructure having a tipping unit. A lifting device is configured to lift the demountable superstructure relative to the base vehicle. A linear drive unit is provided on the base vehicle, the linear drive unit including a linear drive and a first coupling element that is movable with the linear drive unit to selectively 1) couple the first coupling element on the base vehicle to a first coupling element on the demountable superstructure to inhibit relative movement between the base vehicle and the demountable superstructure and 2) uncouple the first coupling element on the base vehicle from the first coupling element on the demountable superstructure to permit relative movement between the base vehicle and the demountable superstructure. The linear drive unit is also configured as a lifting drive of the lifting device. The coupling elements are configured such that the demountable superstructure can be rotated about a first axis of rotation with a first radius during coupling or uncoupling operations.

A construction machine system according to the invention, which is to say, for example, one or a plurality of common base vehicles with one or a plurality of, possibly different, tipping or skip bodies and/or with a liquid tank and/or a platform, etc., can fulfill the following requirements or advantages individually or in combination:The construction machine or alternatively base vehicle, such as a dumper should be able to continue to perform its main task, which is to say, transporting goods such as bulk materials without restriction.The superstructure should be able to be changed out by a single person without the use of additional machinery, such as a crane, and without the use of tools.The superstructure should be locked automatically and without play, in order to, for example, reduce additional dynamic force inputs into the system to a minimum.In the case of wear of the locking components, the connection without play can remain.The superstructure should be lifted automatically.The superstructure can be changed out within 20 minutes.Semi-automatic superstructure demounting system without play operated by only one hydraulic cylinder.Inclined lifting of the superstructure.

Also disclosed are a method of operating a construction machine of the type generally discussed herein, a base vehicle of the type generally discussed herein, and a demountable coupling of the type generally discussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1shows a base vehicle1for a demountable superstructure according to the invention. Vehicle1has a driver cab2, a vehicle frame or alternatively chassis3and wheels4. In the embodiment shown, the base vehicle1comprises articulated steering5, which is to say, the chassis3consists of two chassis parts6,7which are connected by an articulation8. However, the base vehicle1can of course also have all other, generally known, steering types such as stub axle steering, skid steering, rear-wheel steering, front-wheel steering or all-wheel steering, which in addition to wheels4also includes chain drives and/or swing axles or the like. Exclusively for reasons of clarity or streamlining, a more detailed illustration as well as further explanations of other steering types as well as chain drives have been omitted.

As can be seen in the enlargement according toFIG.2, a tensioning cylinder9is located centrally in the rear chassis part6, which carries a tensioning wedge10at the front and is attached to the chassis at the rear via a pin11. An operating button12is installed to the front chassis part7to operate the tensioning cylinder outside the driver cab2.

InFIG.3, the tensioning wedge10attached to the piston rod can be seen more clearly with its tensioning surface13extending downward from the front to the rear. The tensioning wedge10is flat on its top side14and slides along clamping plates15. The tensioning wedge10tensions a front locking pin16downward with the tensioning surface13, which belongs to a demountable superstructure and locks it to the chassis3of the base vehicle1.

FIG.3also shows a receiving jaw17with two guide surfaces18,19each extending from the rear to the front of each other behind the tensioning cylinder9. Without greater illustration, advantageously, there are however two receiving jaws17and two locking pins21which can be arranged on both sides or respectively on the left and right of a frame22and/or the chassis3.

These two receiving jaws17are preferably firmly installed to the chassis3and have a receiving opening20at the rear, through which a rear locking pin21of the demountable superstructure can respectively be received in the respective receiving jaw17and can be locked or alternatively tensioned there. In this illustration, only a frame22of the demountable superstructure itself, with front and rear brackets23,24for fastening the front and rear locking pins16,21is shown.

FIGS.4A-4Cshow with different positions10,10′,10″ of the tensioning wedge10. In the position of the upper representation ofFIG.4A, the tensioning wedge10tensions the front locking pin16of a demountable superstructure. In the position of the middle illustration (FIG.4B), the tensioning is released so that the locking pin16is released.

In the position illustrated inFIG.4C), the tensioning cylinder9is fully retracted and a toggle lever25, consisting of two individual levers26connected by an articulation28, is raised, wherein the toggle lever25or alternatively the front individual lever26also has an end face27. The entrainment of the front individual lever26during the retraction of the tensioning cylinder9is effected by an elongated hole guide, not shown in greater detail, which provides the toggle lever25with an overrunning clutch during the transition between the positions of the illustrations ofFIGS.4A and4B. In illustration ofFIG.4C, the front locking pin16is no longer illustrated, which corresponds to a demountable superstructure that has been removed. The end face27of the front individual lever26can thereby, in the particular variant of the invention shown inFIG.4c), advantageously form a support or alternatively a contact surface for a demountable superstructure and thereby a point of engagement of the lifting unit configured by the toggle lever25on the demountable superstructure.

Alternatively to the illustrated, aforementioned particular variant of the invention, the articulation28can have, for example, two rollers arranged on both sides (without further illustration), which form the support or contact surfaces for the demountable superstructure and thus the point of engagement of the lifting unit configured by the toggle lever25on the demountable superstructure, such that in an advantageous manner the demountable superstructure can roll off and/or rest on/against these advantageous rollers.

FIG.5shows an advantageous centering pin21which is mounted on the demountable superstructure. The centering pin41extends along the longitudinal axis of the demountable superstructure and is received on both sides by two stops42, which are fastened to the vehicle and wherein only one of the stops17is shown inFIG.5. In this way, lateral slippage of the demountable superstructure is prevented in an advantageous manner, among other things in the case of a large transverse inclination. The stops42on both sides of the vehicle frame prevent lateral slippage. At the same time, the centering pin serves as a trigger for a sensor29used to detect the locked position. A locking button29serves as the sensor29for detecting the locked position of a demountable superstructure and therefore to detect whether the base vehicle is fitted with a superstructure or not.

A demountable superstructure, in the form of a skip superstructure30is shown in part inFIG.6toFIG.8, and is shown in full in a perspective view inFIG.9andFIG.9. A tilt cylinder31is part of the demountable superstructure30and enables a skip32of the skip superstructure30to be tilted.

FIG.6toFIG.10serve to illustrate the attachment and detachment of the skip superstructure30to the base vehicle1. The lifting of the superstructure as well as its locking is realized with the hydraulically operated tensioning cylinder9. For this purpose, the driver in the cab can switch between a driving mode and a demounting mode by a switch. In driving mode, the tensioning cylinder is kept within a predefined pressure range by hydraulic retensioning. The operating button12is deactivated in the driving mode. In demounting mode, the base vehicle1can no longer be maneuvered. The automatic retensioning is deactivated and button12is activated.

In the driving mode, the tensioning cylinder9is pressurized. As a result, the tensioning wedge10is clamped between the clamping plates15and the front locking pin16. A force effect in the negative Z-direction is created on the demountable superstructure30due to the wedge shape, which is to say, downward, whereby the demountable superstructure30is also pressed forward in the X-direction. The demountable superstructure is thus tensioned without play between the two receiving jaws17on both sides and the tensioning wedge10. Were the locking pins16,21, the receiving jaws17or the tensioning wedge10to deflect over time, the entire system still remains without play inasmuch as the tensioning cylinder is under pressure and is automatically retensioned.

Upon switching to the demounting mode, the situation remains unchanged, the tensioning cylinder9is however no longer retensioned. In this situation, for the purpose of changing out the demountable superstructure30, the rear supports33are installed on the demountable superstructure30, for example, they are pushed into a receptacle not shown in more detail or folded out from the demountable superstructure if they are arranged directly on the demountable superstructure.

As shown inFIG.7, the operating button12is then actuated in the demounting mode, whereby the tensioning cylinder9is retracted. In so doing, the tensioning wedge10first releases the front locking pin16. As soon as the overrunning clutch of the toggle lever25has been passed through, the toggle lever is entrained by tensioning cylinder9and the demountable superstructure30is lifted as a result, which is shown in particular inFIG.8. Now, the front supports34are attached to the demountable superstructure30, for example, they are pushed into a receptacle not shown in more detail. This situation is shown inFIG.9.

In principle, it is advantageous to carry the supports33,34along on the base vehicle1and/or on the demountable superstructure30, for example, with a fastening mechanism such as a latch, etc., and/or in a storage space or alternatively in a slide-in compartment or the like that is not shown in greater detail. As an alternative to manually attaching and/or inserting the supports33,34, this can also be realized semi-automatically/automatically with a support drive, in particular with hydraulic and/or electric actuators, such as, for example, hydraulic cylinders or electric motors, etc. The same can also be implemented, either manually and/or semi-automatically, with an optional length adjustment with fastening option.

If the toggle lever25is now lowered by extending the tensioning cylinder, the demountable superstructure then rests on its rear supports33and front supports34and the base vehicle1after activation of the driving mode can be moved forward out from under the demountable superstructure30, as can be seen inFIG.10.

The accommodation of a demountable superstructure30takes place in the reverse order. The demountable superstructure30is set down on its supports33,34. The tensioning cylinder9is extended so far that the toggle lever25is in the lowest position. The base vehicle1can now be moved under the demountable superstructure30.

In an advantageous embodiment, the demountable superstructure can have lateral guide plates as well as front and rear stops (not shown in more detail). These lateral guide plates advantageously bring the demountable superstructure into the correct position in the lateral direction relative to the base vehicle1. The front and rear stops limit the entry depth of the base vehicle1and thus ensure the correct final position in the direction of reverse travel. Once the end position for accommodation of the demountable superstructure30is reached, it can be accommodated.

For this purpose, the operator switches to the demounting mode and then uses the operating button12to retract the tensioning cylinder, which raises the demountable superstructure30. The front supports34are now removed and the demountable superstructure is lowered by extending the tensioning cylinder9while simultaneously lowering the toggle lever25. When the tensioning cylinder9is extended further, the demountable superstructure30is locked to the base vehicle1by the tensioning wedge10and the locking pins16,21. The tilting movement of the demountable superstructure30that begins when the toggle lever25is lowered relieves the load on the rear supports33, allowing them to be removed as well.

The operator must now still establish the hydraulic connections, which are preferably configured as quick-release couplings, as well as the electrical connections, which are preferably configured as plug-in connections. It is now possible to switch back to the driving mode and the base vehicle1is ready for use with the accommodated demountable superstructure30.

More details of the demounting process, in particular the uncoupling process, or its individual process stages are moreover shown schematically inFIG.11toFIG.15and briefly described below in key words. The following explanations or alternatively descriptions refer to the embodiment example shown, which is to say, base vehicle1with articulated steering5and skip superstructure30as the demountable superstructure30. These explanations or descriptions are and are intended to, however, be of a general nature and can also be referred to (all) other base vehicles1and demountable superstructures30, which is to say, to front-wheel, rear-wheel, all-wheel or skid steering and/or skip superstructures, tank superstructures, concrete mixer superstructures or the like:FIG.11a) or alternativelyFIG.14Aor alternativelyFIG.4Aor alternativelyFIG.6: Setting down the demountable superstructure30(not shown in more detail) or platform/support frame49of the demountable superstructure30:The process substantially starts/occurs in a (lower) locked/tensioned/fastened base position of the demountable superstructure30, wherein two of the coupling elements21,10,16,17, which is to say, according toFIG.1A, the rear locking pins21and the tensioning wedge10comprise a distance A1,an optional or alternatively advantageous installation of the rear supports33to the demountable superstructure30or alternatively to support frame49thereof, unlocking, wherein the tensioning wedge10moves to the left along the arrow P with the aid of the drive9or alternatively hydraulic cylinder9along an overrunning clutch44or alternatively an elongated hole guide44, wherein, in particular,FIG.14Aillustrates that an entrainment element45or alternatively pin45is freely movable in the overrunning clutch44or alternatively elongated hole guide44, such that a carriage46or its base element47remains unadjusted or alternatively immovable.

The tensioning wedge10moves further along the overrunning clutch44or alternatively elongated hole guide44to the left along the arrow P with the aid of the drive9or alternatively hydraulic cylinder9until, as is illustrated inFIG.12BorFIG.14D, the entrainment element45or alternatively pin45strikes the end of the overrunning clutch44or elongated hole guide44and from then on is no longer movable therein, wherein the carriage46or its base element47continues to remain without having been displaced or alternatively immovable, wherein the respective two coupling elements21,10,16or alternatively the rear locking pin21and the tensioning wedge10or alternatively (not drawn) comprise a distance A2to the front pin16, wherein the distance A2about the (previous) stroke of the drive9or alternatively of the hydraulic cylinder9is smaller than the distance A1, the demountable superstructure30or alternatively its support frame49is now unlocked.

The tensioning wedge10or alternatively a piston rod of the drive9or alternatively cylinder9moves further along the arrow P, the entrainment element45or alternatively the pin45, which is attached to the overrunning clutch44, entrains a base element47of a carriage46, wherein the carriage46is connected to the toggle lever25by an articulation48, such that the toggle lever25can be rotated relative to the carriage46, the toggle lever25or alternatively its components lift off partially in vertical direction H, in particular an end surface27, which is configured as end surface27and/or engagement element27, the demountable superstructure30or alternatively its support frame49rotate about an axis of rotation D1having a first radius R1, the rear support or alternatively supports33are likewise rotated about the axis of rotation D1and lower downwards in the direction of the ground43, wherein optionally the support33can also have a length adjustment with fastening possibility (not shown), for example, clamping and/or latching, in order, in an advantageous manner, to be (roughly) adaptable to the height or the distance to the ground43, which is to say, that the wedge10had arrived at the end of the elongated hole guide44and from this point/condition subsequently moves the carriage46with the toggle lever25to the left or alternatively along arrow P, wherein the toggle25now moves upwards until it strikes against a contact surface of the demountable superstructure30or alternatively of its support frame49, such that it rotates or alternatively is tilted about the axis of rotation D1.

The tensioning wedge10or alternatively the piston rod of the drive9or alternatively cylinder9moves further along the arrow P,
the entrainment element45or alternatively the pin45attached to the overrunning clutch44further entrains the base element47of the carriage46, the ground supports33touch the ground43or alternatively are supported on the ground43,
such that the demountable superstructure30or alternatively its support frame49rotates from now on about a second axis of rotation D2having a second radius R2,
which is to say, by a rocker foot42or ground contact surface, the pin21is cantilevered out of the receptacle21or alternatively lifts off in vertical direction H, wherein optionally or as an advantageous alternative, the rocker foot42can also be configured without a free-swinging separate foot (cf. illustration) and wherein in an advantageous manner in its place, for example, a fixedly attached, in particular, curved base plate of the rocker foot42is arranged on the support33, wherein hereby a rolling out movement or alternatively a rotation about a corresponding existing axis of rotation D2arranged on the ground43will also result, which is to say, on the (bent) base plate or its contact surface (not shown),

The tensioning wedge10or alternatively the piston rod of the drive9or alternatively cylinder9moves further along the arrow P,
the entrainment element45or alternatively pin45attached to the overrunning clutch44further carries the base element47of the carriage46, which is to say, the lifting mechanism lifts the superstructure to the end position.
FIG.13CtoFIG.13Dor, alternatively,FIG.15CtoFIG.15Dor, alternatively,FIG.9:
The front supports34are inserted laterally or brought into the supporting position, subsequently, the lateral supports34are brought/adjusted to the correct length and fastened, for example, clamped and/or latched,
subsequently, the tensioning cylinder9can once again travel forward, which is to say, against the arrow P, wherein the superstructure30lowers (without closer illustration) until the lateral supports34are in full contact with the ground,
from this point on, the superstructure30can be said to be put down, the base vehicle1can move away or drive away.

The picking-up of the demountable superstructure30takes place in the corresponding reverse order. Further details such as an electrical contact protection or verification of the presence of the demountable superstructure30and/or the locking in, etc. by sensors, switches12or alternatively actuators or the like are not explained in more detail here, but can be supplemented or provided in an advantageous manner.

It is moreover of great advantage in the demounting system according to the invention that there are no active or energy-consuming components on the demountable superstructure30, such that the power for the demounting, which is to say, uncoupling and coupling, or alternatively the drive can be realized not only jointly with a single drive, but also exclusively on the base vehicle. Accordingly, it is, for example, possible that the hydraulic system and/or electric drive system of the base vehicle1is used.