Truck with lowerable bed

Provided is a truck with a lowerable bed for reducing the height difference between the ground and a payload area to provide easy loading and unloading. A traction system for a truck with a lowerable bed is also provided.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention provides a truck with a lowerable bed, in particular a truck having a driver's cab and a cargo container as two independent compartments.

BACKGROUND

Currently used cargo trucks are mostly based on the body-over-frame construction in which a driver's cab is mounted on a frame towards the front of the vehicle and a cargo container is mounted on the frame and behind the driver's cab.

The frame is supported by a front and a rear axle with a suspension system incorporated into the connecting structure. An engine is mounted on the frame underneath the driver's cab, a transmission is attached to the rear surface of the engine, and a driveshaft connects the transmission to the differential on the rear axle.

In order to overcome the height difference between the ground and the cargo container, a tailgate lift is needed for a loading and an unloading. However, such a method increases the risk of a person falling off the tailgate lift or being crashed by the payload falling off the tailgate lift due to the limited working area on the tailgate lift.

The weight of the tailgate lift also decreases the load carrying capacity, as the tailgate lift is very heavy.

Aside from the added risk, operation of the tailgate lift is also very time consuming due to the limited speed;

Noise generated during operation could also result in noise complaints.

Hoist, fork lift, or loading dock can also be used instead of the tailgate lift.

Nevertheless, these equipment or infrastructure cannot be carried with the truck and is not available at all places.

There are attempts of using such trucks as a flatbed tow truck, in which a guide rail and a winch is installed to slide a flatbed rearward and onto the ground.

After loading and securing a vehicle being towed, the flatbed is then pulled back onto the truck.

Problem to be Solved

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a truck with a lowerable bed, in which the lowered bed can provide easy access to a cargo holding compartment without the use of a tailgate lift.

The secondary objective of the present invention is to provide a truck with a lowerable bed which minimizes the risk of personal injury due to a person falling off the tailgate lift or the risk of a person getting crashed by a payload falling off the tailgate lift.

It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a truck with a lowerable bed which allows the cargo holding area to be kept leveled throughout a bed lowering process.

It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a truck with a lowerable bed which does not occupy additional area when the bed is lowered.

It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a traction system design for a truck with a lowerable bed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided in the first embodiment is a truck with a lowerable bed, comprising: a driver's cab, a cargo container, a front axle, a rear axle, a lifting device, and a first guiding device.

Provided in the second embodiment is a truck with a lowerable bed, comprising: a driver's cab, a cargo container, a front axle, a rear axle, a first lifting device, a second lifting device, and a first guiding device.

Provided in the third embodiment is a truck with a lowerable bed, comprising: a driver's cab, a cargo container, a front axle, a rear axle, a first lifting device, a second lifting device, and a first guiding device.

Provided in the fourth embodiment is a truck with a lowerable bed, comprising: a driver's cab, a cargo holding flatbed, a front axle, a rear axle, a first lifting device, a second lifting device, and a first guiding device.

Traction system to be used as part of the rear axle of a truck with a lowerable bed is also provided.

Advantage of Invention

According to the present invention, a safe and efficient loading and unloading of the cargo container is enabled without the use of a tailgate lift, hoist, fork lift, or a loading dock.

The representative drawing isFIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIG. 1, a truck with a lowerable bed according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a front axle101, a driver's cab102, a rear axle103, a cargo container104, a first lifting device201, and a first guiding device202.

The front axle101is attached to the underside of the driver's cab102, the first lifting device201is attached to the driver's cab102, the cargo container104is attached to the first lifting device201, the first guiding device202is attached to the cargo container104, and the rear axle103is slidingly attached to the first guiding device202.

The first lifting device201enables a controlled sliding movement between the driver's cab102and the cargo container104in the vertical direction; when the first lifting device201is extended, the cargo container104is moved upward, and when the first lifting device201is retracted, the cargo container104is moved downward. The truck has three configurations which are referred as the driving mode, the side-loading mode, and the rear-loading mode.

The driving mode is used for the movement of the truck, the side-loading mode is used for loading and unloading through a hatch installed on the side of the cargo container104, and the rear-loading mode is used for loading and unloading through a hatch installed on the rear of the cargo container104.

Referring toFIG. 1, when the truck is in the driving mode, the rear axle103moves to a position under the cargo container104along the first guiding device202, and the cargo container104is held in the highest position by extending the first lifting device201.

Referring toFIG. 2, when the truck is in the side-loading mode, with which loading and unloading through a hatch installed on the side of the cargo container104is desired, the rear axle103moves to a position rear of the cargo container104along the first guiding device202, and the cargo container104is lowered to the ground by the first lifting device201.

Referring toFIG. 3, when the truck is in the rear-loading mode, with which loading and unloading through a hatch installed on the rear of the cargo container104is desired, the rear axle103moves to a position above the cargo container104along the first guiding device202, and the cargo container104is lowered onto the ground by the first lifting device201.

A retractable side guard, not shown in the drawings, is also attached under the cargo container104to prevent cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists from going under the truck bed during a collision.

The retractable side guard will retract before the cargo container104is lowered onto the ground.

Referring toFIG. 4, a truck with a lowerable bed according to the second embodiment of the present invention comprises a front axle101, a driver's cab102, a rear axle103, a cargo container104, a first lifting device201, a first guiding device202, and a second lifting device203.

The front axle101is attached to the underside of the driver's cab102, the first lifting device201is attached to the driver's cab102, the cargo container104is attached to the first lifting device201, the first guiding device202is attached to the cargo container104, the rear axle103is slidingly attached to the first guiding device202, and the second lifting device203is attached to the rear of the cargo container104.

The first lifting device201enables a controlled sliding movement between the driver's cab102and the cargo container104in the vertical direction; when the first lifting device201is extended, the cargo container104is moved upward, and when the first lifting device201is retracted, the cargo container104is moved downward.

The first guiding device202enables a controlled movement of the rear axle103along the first guiding device202, and the second lifting device203is used for supporting the cargo container104during rear axle103movement and to keep the cargo container104leveled.

The truck has three configurations which are referred as the driving mode, the side-loading mode, and the rear-loading mode.

The driving mode is used for the movement of the truck, the side-loading mode is used when loading and unloading through a hatch installed on the side of the cargo container104, and the rear-loading mode is used for loading and unloading through a hatch installed on the rear of the cargo container104.

Referring toFIG. 4, when the truck is in the driving mode, the rear axle103moves to a position under the cargo container104along the first guiding device202, the cargo container104is held in the highest position by extending the first lifting device201, and the second lifting device203is in the retracted position.

Referring toFIG. 5, when the truck is in the side-loading mode, with which loading and unloading through a hatch installed on the side of the cargo container104is desired. The second lifting device203is first extended to bear the weight of the cargo container104, the rear axle103then moves to a position rear of the cargo container104along the first guiding device202, and the cargo container104is then lowered onto the ground by retracting the first lifting device201and the second lifting device203at the same rate.

Referring toFIG. 6, when the truck is in the rear-loading mode, with which loading and unloading through a hatch installed on the rear of the cargo container104is desired.

The truck is first configured into the side-loading mode, and the rear axle103moves to a position above the cargo container104along the first guiding device202.

A retractable side guard, not shown in the drawings, is also attached under the cargo container104to prevent cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists from going under the truck bed during a collision.

The retractable side guard will retract before the cargo container104is lowered onto the ground.

Referring toFIG. 7, a truck with a lowerable bed according to the third embodiment of the present invention comprises a front axle101, a driver's cab102, a rear axle103, a cargo container104, a first lifting device201, a first guiding device202, a second guiding device204, and a second lifting device203. The front axle101and the second guiding device204are attached to the underside of the driver's cab102, the first lifting device201is attached to the driver's cab102, the cargo container104is attached to the first lifting device201, the first guiding device202is attached to the cargo container104, the rear axle103is slidingly attached to the first guiding device202, and the second lifting device203is attached to the rear of the cargo container104.

The first lifting device201enables a controlled sliding movement between the driver's cab102and the cargo container104in the vertical direction.

When the first lifting device201is extended, the cargo container104is moved upward, and when the first lifting device201is retracted, the cargo container104is moved downward.

When the first lifting device201is in the most extended position, the first guiding device202and the second guiding device204are aligned, and the rear axle103can move back and forth between the first guiding device202and the second guiding device204.

The second lifting device203is used for supporting the cargo container104during rear axle103movement and to keep the cargo container104level.

The truck has two configurations which are referred as the driving mode and the loading mode.

The driving mode is used for the movement of the truck, and the loading mode is used for loading and unloading of the truck.

Referring toFIG. 7, when the truck is in the driving mode, the rear axle103moves to a position under the cargo container104along the first guiding device202, the cargo container104is held in the highest position by extending the first lifting device201, and the second lifting device203is in the retracted position.

Referring toFIG. 8, when the truck is performing a mode change, from the driving mode to the loading mode, the second lifting device203is extended to bear the weight of the cargo container104, and the cargo container104is held in the top position by the first lifting device201so that the first guiding device202and the second guiding device204is aligned.

The rear axle103is then moved forward along the first guiding device202and onto the second guiding device204to a new position under the driver's cab102.

Referring toFIG. 9, the cargo container104is then lowered onto the ground by retracting the first lifting device201and the second lifting device203at the same rate.

A retractable side guard, not shown in the drawings, is also attached under the cargo container104to prevent cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists from going under the truck bed during a collision.

The retractable side guard will retract before the cargo container104is lowered onto the ground.

Referring toFIG. 10, a truck with a lowerable bed according to the third embodiment of the present invention comprising a front axle101, a driver's cab102, a rear axle103, a flatbed105, a first lifting device201, a first guiding device202, a second guiding device204, and a second lifting device203. The front axle101and the second guiding device204are attached to the underside of the driver's cab102, the first lifting device201is attached to the driver's cab102, the flatbed105is attached to the first lifting device201, the first guiding device202is attached to the flatbed105, the rear axle103is slidingly attached to the first guiding device202, and the second lifting device203is attached to the rear of the flatbed105.

The first lifting device201enables a controlled sliding movement between the driver's cab102and the flatbed105in the vertical direction.

When the first lifting device201is extended, the flatbed105is moved upward.

When the first lifting device201is retracted, the flatbed105is moved downward.

When the first lifting device201is in the most extended position, the first guiding device202and the second guiding device204are aligned, and the rear axle103can move back and forth between the first guiding device202and the second guiding device204. The second lifting device203is used for supporting the flatbed105during rear axle103movement and to keep the flatbed105leveled.

The truck has two configurations which are referred as the driving mode and the loading mode.

Driving mode is used for the movement of the truck, and the loading mode is used for loading and unloading of the truck.

Referring toFIG. 10, when the truck is in the driving mode, the rear axle103moves to a position under the flatbed105along the first guiding device202, the flatbed105is held in the highest position by extending the first lifting device201, and the second lifting device203is in the retracted position.

Referring toFIG. 11, when the truck is performing a mode change, from the driving mode to the loading mode, the second lifting device203is extended to bear the weight of the flatbed105, the flatbed105is held in the top position by the first lifting device201so that the first guiding device202and the second guiding device204is aligned.

The rear axle103is then moved forward along the first guiding device202and onto the second guiding device204to a new position under the driver's cab102.

Referring toFIG. 12, the flatbed105is then lowered onto the ground by retracting the first lifting device201and the second lifting device203at the same rate.

An extension device could also be fitted between the second lifting device203and the flatbed105for moving the second lifting device203transversely, so the second lifting device203does not hinder the loading and unloading.

A retractable side guard, not shown in the drawings, is also attached under the flatbed105to prevent cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists from going under the truck bed during a collision.

The retractable side guard will retract before the flatbed105is lowered onto the ground.

Referring toFIG. 13toFIG. 17, traction systems is also provided as part of the rear axle for a truck according to the first, second, third, or fourth embodiment; additional components, such as: suspension linkage, shock absorber, spring, and brake system, that are commonly known by the person of ordinary skill in the art are not within the scope of the present invention and therefore not mentioned.

Referring toFIG. 13, a first traction system for a truck with a lowerable bed, comprises: a motor301, a motor output shaft302, a first clutch311, a second clutch312, a first gear321, a second gear322, a third gear323, a fourth gear324, a fifth gear325, a pinion326, a first CV joint331, a second CV joint332, a first drive shaft341, a second drive shaft342, a first telescopic shaft351, a first drive wheel361, a second drive wheel362, a differential363, and a first rack371.

The motor output shaft302is rotatably attached to the motor301, the first clutch311and the second clutch322is attached to the motor output shaft302, the first gear321is coaxially attached to the first clutch311and is meshing with the second gear322.

The first CV joint331is attached to the second gear322, the first drive shaft341is attached to the first CV joint331, the first telescopic shaft351is attached to the first drive shaft341, the second drive shaft342is attached to the first telescopic shaft351, and the second CV joint332is attached to the second drive shaft342.

The third gear323is attached to the second CV joint332and is meshing with the differential363.

The first drive wheel361and the second drive wheel362are attached to the differential363.

The fourth gear324is attached to the second clutch312and is meshing with the fifth gear325.

The pinion326is attached to the fifth gear and is meshing with the rack371.

When the first clutch311is engaged and the second clutch312is released, torque output from the motor301is transmitted to the first drive wheel361and the second drive wheel362; the torque from the motor301is used to propel the truck.

Referring toFIG. 1,FIG. 4, andFIG. 13, when the first traction system is used in conjunction with a truck according to the first embodiment or a truck according to the second embodiment, the rack371is attached to the first guiding device202.

When the first clutch311is released and the second clutch312is engaged, torque output from the motor301is transmitted to the pinion326which cause the rear axle103to move along the first guiding device202.

Referring toFIG. 7,FIG. 10, andFIG. 13, when the first traction system is used in conjunction with a truck according to the third embodiment or a truck according to the fourth embodiment, the rack371is divided into two section in which a first section of the rack371is attached to the first guiding device202and a second section of the rack371is attached to the second guiding device204.

When the first clutch311is released and the second clutch312is engaged, torque output from the motor301is transmitted to the pinion326which cause the rear axle103to move along the first guiding device202or the second guiding device204.

Referring toFIG. 14, a second traction system for a truck with a lowerable bed comprises: a motor301, a motor output shaft302, a first clutch311, a first gear321, a second gear322, a third gear323, a fourth gear324, a fifth gear325, a pinion326, a first CV joint331, a second CV joint332, a first drive shaft341, a second drive shaft342, a first telescopic shaft351, a first drive wheel361, a second drive wheel362, a differential363, and a first rack371.

The motor output shaft302is rotatably attached to the motor301, the first clutch311and the first gear321is attached to the motor output shaft302, the first gear321is meshing with the second gear322. The first CV joint331is attached to the second gear322, the first drive shaft341is attached to the first CV joint331, the first telescopic shaft351is attached to the first drive shaft341, the second drive shaft342is attached to the first telescopic shaft351, and the second CV joint332is attached to the second drive shaft342.

The third gear323is attached to the second CV joint332and is meshing with the differential363.

The first drive wheel361and the second drive wheel362is attached to the differential363. The fourth gear324is attached to the first clutch311and is meshing with the fifth gear325. The pinion326is attached to fifth gear and is meshing with the rack371.

When the first clutch311is released, torque output from the motor301is transmitted to the first drive wheel361and the second drive wheel362; the torque from the motor301is used to propel the truck.

Referring toFIG. 1,FIG. 4, andFIG. 14, when the second traction system is used in conjunction with a truck according to the first embodiment or a truck according to the second embodiment, the rack371is attached to the first guiding device202.

When the first clutch311is engaged, torque output from the motor301is transmitted to the first drive wheel361, the second drive wheel362and the pinion326, which cause the rear axle103to move along the first guiding device202.

The gear ratio between the first gear321, the second gear322, the third gear323, the fourth gear324, the fifth gear325, the pinion326, the rack371and the differential363is matched with the dimension of the first drive wheel361and the second drive wheel362, so the movement of the pinion326on the rack371is at the same rate as the movement of the first drive wheel361and the second drive wheel362on the ground.

Referring toFIG. 7,FIG. 10, andFIG. 14, when the second traction system is used in conjunction with a truck according to the third embodiment or a truck according to the fourth embodiment, the rack371is divided into two section in which a section of the rack371is attached to the first guiding device202and a second section of the rack371is attached to the second guiding device204.

When the first clutch311is engaged, torque output from the motor301is transmitted to the first drive wheel361, the second drive wheel362, and the pinion326, which cause the rear axle103to move along the first guiding device202or the second guiding device204.

The gear ratio between the first gear321, the second gear322, the third gear323, the fourth gear324, the fifth gear325, the pinion326, the rack371and the differential363is matched with the dimension of the first drive wheel361and the second drive wheel362, so the movement of the pinion326on the rack371is at the same rate as the movement of the first drive wheel361and the second drive wheel362on the ground.

Referring toFIG. 15andFIG. 16, a third system for a truck with a lowerable bed comprises: a motor301, a motor output shaft302, a first gear321, a second gear322, a third gear323, a first CV joint331, a second CV joint332, a first drive shaft341, a second drive shaft342, a first telescopic shaft351, a first drive wheel361, a second drive wheel362, and a differential363.

The motor output shaft302is rotatably attached to the motor301, the first gear321is attached to the motor output shaft302and is meshing with the second gear322.

The first CV joint331is attached to the second gear322, the first drive shaft341is attached to the first CV joint331, the first telescopic shaft351is attached to the first drive shaft341, the second drive shaft342is attached to the first telescopic shaft351, and the second CV joint332is attached to the second drive shaft342.

The third gear323is attached to the second CV joint332and is meshing with the differential363.

The first drive wheel361and the second drive wheel362is attached to the differential363.

A first actuator381is attached to the motor301for a controlled movement of the motor301.

Referring toFIG. 7,FIG. 10,FIG. 15andFIG. 16, when the third traction system is used in conjunction with a truck according to the third embodiment or a truck according to the fourth embodiment, the motor301is slidingly attached to the first guiding device202, and a locking device, not shown in the drawings, is fitted inside the first guiding device202.

The locking device can be clamps, locking pins, or retractable bump stops.

During the driving mode, the locking device inside the first guiding device202locks the motor301in a position under the cargo container104or the flatbed105, and the torque output from the motor301is transmitted to the first drive wheel361and the second drive wheel362.

The torque from the motor301is used to propel the truck.

When the truck is performing a mode change, from driving mode to loading mode, the second lifting device203is extended to bear the weight of the cargo container104or the flatbed105, the cargo container104or the flatbed105is held in the top position by the first lifting device201so that the first guiding device202and the second guiding device204are aligned.

The brake is applied on the front axle101, and the locking device inside the first guiding device202releases, allowing the rear axle103to move freely.

The torque output from the motor301is then transmitted to the first drive wheel361and the second drive wheel362, causing the rear axle103to move forward. The rear axle103then moves forward along the first guiding device202and onto the second guiding device204to a new position under the driver's cab102.

The first lifting device201and the second lifting device203are then retraced in the same rate.

Referring toFIG. 17, a fourth traction system for a truck with a lowerable bed comprises: a motor301, a motor output shaft302, a first gear321, a second gear322, a third gear323, a first CV joint331, a second CV joint332, a first drive shaft341, a second drive shaft342, a first telescopic shaft351, a first drive wheel361, a second drive wheel362, a differential363, and a first actuator381.

The motor output shaft302is rotatably attached to the motor301, the first gear321is attached to the motor output shaft302and is meshing with the second gear322.

The first CV joint331is attached to the second gear322, the first drive shaft341is attached to the first CV joint331, the first telescopic shaft351is attached to the first drive shaft341, the second drive shaft342is attached to the first telescopic shaft351, and the second CV joint332is attached to the second drive shaft342.

The third gear323is attached to the second CV joint332and is meshing with the differential363. The first drive wheel361and the second drive wheel362are attached to the differential363. The first actuator381is attached to the motor301for a controlled movement of the motor301.

When the motor301is held in place by the first actuator381, torque output from the motor301is transmitted to the first drive wheel361and the second drive wheel362; the torque from the motor301is used to propel the truck.

Referring toFIG. 1,FIG. 4,FIG. 7,FIG. 10, andFIG. 17, when the fourth traction system is used in conjunction with the truck according to the first embodiment, the truck according to the second embodiment, the truck according to the third embodiment, or the truck according to the fourth embodiment, the first actuator381is attached to the first guiding device202, enabling a controlled movement of the rear axle103.

The first actuator381can be a hydraulic actuator, a linear motor, a sprocket and a chain, or a rack and a pinion.