Patent Description:
Industrial trucks are widely used, for example in storage facilities. An industrial truck may have an electric drive for moving the pallet truck along a travel path. An operator may further steer the industrial truck along the travel path. The industrial truck may have an electric drive for lifting goods to be transported along the travel path. The electric drive for moving the industrial truck and the electric drive for lifting goods may both be powered by a power source, which is arranged on the industrial truck. The electric drive and further operational components of the industrial truck may be covered with cover parts. <CIT> shows an industrial truck that comprises a front frame that is movable with respect to a rear frame, wherein the rear frame is covered by two rear frame covers, which are fixed to the rear frame. <CIT> describes an industrial truck that comprises a protective cover, which comprises a seam that is joined by a fastener. <CIT> describes an industrial truck that comprises a metal casing, which comprises doors for allowing access to a drive apparatus. <CIT> describes a cover that completely envelopes a battery, electrical components and a handle of a pallet jack. The arrangement and configuration of such cover parts may influence the work environment of the industrial truck, for example the operational safety of the industrial truck.

Accordingly, it is preferable that the invention at least addresses the foregoing. Preferable features and advantageous characteristics of the invention will become apparent from the general description, the detailed description of embodiments, the claims and the figures.

An object of the invention can be seen in providing an improved industrial truck as well as an improved cover system.

An aspect of the invention relates to an industrial truck, which comprises a first part and a second part. The second part is movable with respect to the first part. The industrial truck comprises a cover system. The cover system may be provided for at least partly covering the first part and the second part.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a cover system. The cover system may comprise a first cover, which is provided for at least partly covering a first part of an industrial truck. The first cover may be made from metal sheet or may be injection molded. The first cover may be any truck part cover, according to an exemplary embodiment a drive frame cover. The first part may be any truck component, according to an exemplary embodiment a drive frame. The cover system may comprise a second cover, which is provided for at least partly covering a second part of the industrial truck, which is movable with respect to the first part. The second cover may be made from metal sheet or may be injection molded. The second part may be pivotable and/or shiftable with respect to the first part. The second cover may be pivotable and/or shiftable with respect to the first cover. The second cover may be any truck part cover, according to an exemplary embodiment a load frame cover. The second part may be any truck component, according to an exemplary embodiment a load frame.

The first cover may comprise a curved portion, wherein the curved portion and the second cover may overlap one another. The second cover may overlap the curved portion and vice versa. The curved portion may comprise a curvature, which is aligned with a curved movement path of the second cover with respect to the first cover. The curvature may be functionally or geometrically adapted to the curved movement path. Accordingly, the curvature may reflect or follow the curved movement path or vice versa. According to an exemplary embodiment, the curvature may correspond to the curved movement path or vice versa.

A finding of the inventors, which is underlying the invention, can already be seen in that a relative movement of said parts of an industrial truck results in said curved movement path of the second cover. A further finding of the inventors, which is also underlying the invention, can be seen in that an overlapping arrangement of two cover parts provides an advantageous configuration for an alignment of a cover shape according to the invention. Said alignment may provide at least one of the following advantageous effects of the invention. Still another finding of the inventors, which is also underlying the invention, can be seen in that an alignment of a single cover shape of said two covers may already provide at least one of the following advantageous effects of the invention.

An advantageous effect of the invention may be seen in providing an adaptive cover system, which functionally and/or geometrically adapts to a relative moving state of the second part with respect to the first part. The adaptive cover system may comprise at least the first and second part. Accordingly, a functional or geometrical interrelation between the two parts may adapt to the moving state. The curved portion may thus be functionally or geometrically adapted to the curved movement path.

A further aspect of the invention relates to an industrial truck, which may be configured as a low-lift pallet truck. The industrial truck comprises a drive frame. The drive frame may be a base frame of the industrial truck. The industrial truck comprises a load frame, which is liftable with respect to the drive frame. The load frame may be a lift frame of the industrial truck. The load frame may be liftable with respect to the drive frame in a lifting direction. The lifting direction may be a substantially vertical direction in operation of the industrial truck. With respect to a driving direction of the drive frame, the lifting direction may be substantially perpendicular to the driving direction. The load frame may be supported on the drive frame. The industrial truck may comprise a linkage, which interconnects the drive frame and the load frame. The linkage may be pivotably connected to the drive frame and the load frame. The linkage may be a rigid connecting member.

Regarding all embodiments of the invention, the drive frame may correspond to the first part of the respective previous aspect, and vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, regarding all embodiments of the invention, the load frame may correspond to the second part of the respective previous aspect, and vice versa.

The industrial truck further comprises a drive frame cover, which is provided for at least partly covering the drive frame. The drive frame cover may be made from metal sheet, wherein the drive frame cover may be a stamped steel cover part. The drive frame may be at least partly covered by the drive frame cover. The drive frame cover may be provided for covering a top portion of the drive frame, which may cover the drive frame from above in an operational mode of the industrial truck. The drive frame cover may be provided for covering a lateral portion of the drive frame, which may cover the drive frame laterally in an operational mode of the industrial truck. The lateral portion of the drive frame may face away from a portion of the load frame on which a load handling device is arranged. In the operational mode, the industrial truck may be located on a substantially horizontal travel path. In the operational mode, the industrial truck may be operated for lifting goods in the substantially vertical direction. The industrial truck may further comprise a skirt, which is provided for additionally covering the drive frame. The skirt may be provided for covering a drive wheel support and/or a drive wheel, which may be pivotably supported on the drive frame. The skirt may be arranged below the drive frame cover in the operational mode. The skirt may provide a separate cover part to the drive frame cover.

The industrial truck further comprises a load frame cover, which is provided for at least partly covering the load frame. The load frame cover may be made from metal sheet, wherein the load frame cover may be a stamped steel cover part. The load frame may be at least partly covered by the load frame cover. The load frame cover may be provided for covering a lateral portion of the load frame, wherein the load frame cover may cover the load frame laterally in the operational mode of the industrial truck. The lateral portion of the load frame may face away from the portion of the load frame on which the load handling device is arranged. The load handling device may comprise a pair of forks for lifting a pallet.

Regarding all embodiments of the invention, the drive frame cover may correspond to the first cover of the respective previous aspect, and vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, regarding all embodiments of the invention, the load frame cover may correspond to the second cover of the respective previous aspect, and vice versa.

The drive frame cover comprises a curved portion. The curved portion may be provided for covering the lateral portion of the drive frame, which may cover the drive frame laterally in the operational mode of the industrial truck. The curved portion may extend along the lifting direction and the vertical direction, respectively. The curved portion may comprise at least one non-linear section. The curved portion may thus be a non-linear portion of the drive frame cover. The curved portion may comprise at least one of a concave portion of an outer surface of the drive frame cover and a convex portion of the outer surface of the drive frame cover. The curved portion may comprise at least one of an inwardly curved portion of the outer surface and an outwardly curved portion of the outer surface. The outer surface may be a surface of the drive frame, which faces the outer operational environment of the industrial truck. A respective inner surface of the drive frame cover may further be a surface of the drive frame, which faces operational components of the industrial truck, which may be covered. The curved portion may further be part of an elbow section of the drive frame, wherein the curved portion may form an extension of the elbow section. The elbow section may provide an elbow connection of the top portion of the drive frame with the curved portion.

The curved portion and the load frame cover overlap one another. The load frame cover may overlap the curved portion and vice versa. The curved portion may reach behind or step behind the load frame cover. In lifting direction, an upper edge of the curved portion may reach or step behind a lower edge of the load frame cover or vice versa. The curved portion and the load frame cover or the upper edge of the curved portion and the lower edge of the load frame cover may comprise a staggered overlapping arrangement. The curved portion comprises a curvature, which is aligned with a curved movement path of the load frame cover with respect to the drive frame cover. The curvature may be functionally and/or geometrically aligned with the curved movement path. Accordingly and in an advantageous manner, the lower edge of the load frame cover may be the outer step of the staggered overlapping arrangement providing further operational safety due to a low edge position on the cover system.

An advantageous effect of the invention may be seen in providing an adaptive cover system of an industrial truck, which functionally and/or geometrically adapts to a lifting state of the load frame with respect to the drive frame. The adaptive cover system may comprise the drive frame cover and the load frame cover. A functional or geometrical interrelationship between the drive frame cover and the load frame cover may adapt to the lifting state of the load frame with respect to the drive frame. The curved portion may thus be functionally or geometrically adapted to the curved movement path of the load frame cover with respect to the drive frame cover by providing the curvature, which is aligned with the curved movement path of the load frame cover with respect to the drive frame cover. Thus, the curvature may be functionally or geometrically aligned with a curved movement path of the load frame cover with respect to the drive frame cover.

Further advantageous effect of the invention may be seen in providing a dust-proof cover system, which adapts to a lifting state of the load frame with respect to the drive frame. An overlapping between the drive frame cover and the load frame cover may adapt to the lifting state of the load frame with respect to the drive frame for providing a dust-proof sealing of at least one of the load frame and the drive frame.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the curved movement path of the second cover may be effected by a kinematic system of the industrial truck, which interconnects the first cover and the second cover. The curved movement path of the load frame cover is effected by a kinematic system, which interconnects the drive frame and the load frame. The kinematic system may (pre-)set the curved movement path, wherein the curved movement path may be caused by the kinematic system. The kinematic system may comprise a lift actuator, which is configured and arranged to lift the second part with respect to the first part or the load frame with respect to the drive frame. The kinematic system may comprise at least one joint or linkage, which interconnects the second part and the first part or the load frame and the drive frame. The joint may be a hinge. Accordingly, the curvature may be functionally or geometrically adjusted to the kinematic system by an alignment of the curvature to the curved movement path.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the curvature may be aligned with the curved movement path of the second cover for providing a clearance between the curved portion and the second cover. The curvature is aligned with the curved movement path of the load frame cover for providing a clearance between the curved portion and the load frame cover. The curved portion may be arranged spaced apart from the second cover or the load frame cover. Alternatively or additionally, the curvature is aligned with the curved movement path for providing a guidance between the curved portion and the second cover or the load frame cover. Accordingly, the curvature may provide or support a predefined relative movement of the second cover or the load frame cover with respect to the first cover or the drive frame cover, wherein the relative movement may be defined by the curved movement path.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the curvature may be aligned with the curved movement path of the second cover for providing a clearance distance between the curved portion and the second cover, which does not exceed a predefined safety distance. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the curvature may be aligned with the curved movement path of the load frame cover for providing a clearance distance between the curved portion and the load frame cover, which does not exceed a predefined safety distance. The clearance distance and the safety distance, respectively, may be provided between an edge of the load frame cover and the curved portion. Accordingly and in an advantageous manner, operational safety of the industrial truck and the cover system may be increased by providing said distances.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the predefined safety distance may be defined by a gap width between the curved portion and the second cover. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the clearance distance or the predefined safety distance may be defined by a gap width between the curved portion and the load frame cover. The gap width may be defined between the edge of the second cover or the load frame cover and the curved portion. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the predefined safety distance may be defined by a diameter of a standardized test finger. The diameter may be derived from a known technical standard, for example ISO/TR <NUM>-<NUM>, ISO <NUM> or EN <NUM>. The diameter may be defined by every respective value between, for example <NUM> or <NUM>. Accordingly, operational safety with respect to a manual operation by an operator of the industrial truck and the cover system may be further increased by avoiding a pinch point for an operator's hand between the curved portion and the second cover or the load frame cover.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the curved portion may comprise an arcuate portion, which is aligned with an arcuate section of the curved movement path of the load frame cover with respect to the drive frame cover. The arcuate section may be aligned with or effected by an arching motion of the kinematic system, which propagates through a kinematic chain from the kinematic system to an arcuate movement path. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the curved portion may comprise a curved profile in a section of the drive frame cover, which spans a longitudinal extension of the industrial truck. The section may be spanned along a longitudinal axis of the industrial truck. The section may be further spanned in the lifting direction. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the curved profile may comprise an arcuate profile. The arcuate profile may be aligned with or effected by the arching motion of the kinematic system. Further, the arcuate profile may correspond to the arcuate movement path. Accordingly and advantageously, a gap width between the curved portion and the load frame cover may be for example limited according to a predetermined operating or manufacturing tolerance.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a curved profile of the curved portion may correspond to the curved movement path of the second cover. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the curved profile may correspond to the curved movement path of the load frame cover. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the curved portion may comprise a concave portion of an outer surface of the drive frame cover. Alternatively or additionally, the curved portion may comprise a convex portion of the outer surface of the drive frame cover.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the curved portion and the second cover may overlap one another in a first moving state and in a second moving state of the second cover with respect to the first cover. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the curved portion and the load frame cover may overlap one another in a low lift state and in a high lift state of the load frame cover with respect to the drive frame cover. The low lift state and the high lift state may span a movement of the load frame with respect to the drive frame. Accordingly, said respective covers may provide an adaptive cover system with an outer operational surface, which avoids an open gap between said respective covers. A dust-proof sealing of the cover system may thus be further enhanced.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the curved portion and the second cover overlap one another in a plurality of moving states between the first moving state and the second moving state of the second cover with respect to the first cover. The curved portion and the second cover may continuously overlap during the movement of the second cover with respect to the first cover. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the curved portion and the load frame cover may overlap one another in a plurality of lifting states between the low lift state and the high lift state of the load frame cover with respect to the drive frame cover. The curved portion and the load frame cover may continuously overlap during the movement of the load frame with respect to the drive frame. Accordingly and in an advantageous manner, the overlapping of the respective covers may be provided over an entire movement of the second cover or the load frame cover.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the curved portion may face an inner surface of the load frame cover. The curved portion may thus be a portion of the drive frame cover, which is at least partly covered by the load frame cover. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the curved portion may be accommodated in the load frame. The load frame may comprise a convex hull in which the curved portion may be arranged.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the curved portion may be intermitted over an extension of the first cover. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the curved portion may be intermitted over a transverse extension of the industrial truck. The curved portion may comprise a recess, which may be a mounting recess.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the cover system may comprise a supplementary cover, which is arranged at the first cover. The supplementary cover and the first cover may each comprise at least one attachment member, which may be configured for providing a toolless attachment of the supplementary cover to the first cover. The attachment members may be covered by the supplementary cover in an attached condition of the supplementary cover to the first cover. The supplementary overlap portion and the second cover may overlap one another. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the industrial truck may comprise a supplementary cover, which may be arranged at a recess of the drive frame cover. The recess may be the recess of the curved portion. The supplementary cover may comprise a supplementary overlap portion. The supplementary overlap portion may be curved and may be further configured as the curved portion. At least a part of the supplementary overlap portion and the load frame cover may overlap one another. The supplementary cover may be provided for covering the mounting recess. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the supplementary overlap portion may face an inner surface of the load frame cover. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the supplementary overlap portion and the curved frame portion of the load frame cover may overlap one another. Accordingly, the supplementary cover may thus provide a covered cable routing inside the drive frame and/or the load frame. Furthermore, the supplementary cover may supplement an alignment with the curved movement path and a dust-proofness of the cover system.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the load frame cover may comprise a curved frame portion. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the load frame cover may comprise a depression, which may be configured for providing a movement of a tiller of the industrial truck with respect to the load frame cover. The curved frame portion of the load frame cover may be configured as the curved portion of the drive frame cover.

<FIG> shows an industrial truck <NUM> in a perspective view. The industrial truck <NUM> may be configured as a low-lift pallet truck. The industrial truck <NUM> comprises a load frame <NUM>, which is liftable. The industrial truck <NUM> further comprises a pair of forks <NUM>, which is arranged at the load frame <NUM>. The pair of forks <NUM> is mounted on a bottom part of the load frame <NUM>. The pair of forks <NUM> is configured to engage a pallet. At a front portion of the pair of forks <NUM>, which is opposite to an attachment portion of the pair of forks <NUM>, carrying wheels <NUM> are arranged.

The load frame <NUM> may comprise lateral frame parts <NUM>, wherein the load frame <NUM> may have a horizontal section, which may have a U-shape. A lateral open side of the load frame <NUM> may be covered by a cover system <NUM>, which is arranged on the load frame <NUM>. The cover system <NUM> comprises a drive frame cover <NUM> and a load frame cover <NUM>, wherein the load frame cover <NUM> is liftable together with load frame <NUM> with respect to the drive frame cover <NUM>. The load frame <NUM> and the cover system <NUM> may enclose an inner mounting space <NUM>, which is shown in <FIG>. The cover system <NUM> may be arranged flush with the lateral frame parts <NUM>. The industrial truck <NUM> may further comprise a skirt <NUM>, which covers a drive unit of the industrial truck <NUM>. The skirt <NUM> may be arranged flush with the cover system <NUM>. The industrial truck <NUM> may further comprise an upper cover part <NUM>, which further covers the load frame <NUM> at a top open side of the load frame <NUM>. The upper cover part <NUM> may be arranged flush with the cover system <NUM> and the lateral frame parts <NUM>.

The industrial truck <NUM> further comprises a drive frame <NUM> shown in <FIG> on which a tiller joint <NUM> is arranged. The cover system <NUM> may further comprise a joint cover <NUM>, which may be arranged on the drive frame <NUM>, wherein the joint cover <NUM> at least partly covers the tiller joint <NUM>. The tiller joint <NUM> connects a tiller <NUM> for steering the industrial truck <NUM> with the drive unit. A tiller head <NUM> for manually steering the industrial truck <NUM> is attached to a distal end of the tiller <NUM> opposite to a proximal end of the tiller <NUM>, which is pivotably articulated with the tiller joint <NUM>. The industrial truck <NUM> further comprises a battery pack <NUM>, which is arranged at the load frame <NUM>. The battery pack <NUM> may be arranged in the inner mounting space <NUM> of the load frame <NUM>. The battery pack <NUM> may be arranged flush with the cover system <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the cover system <NUM> in an exploded view. The cover system <NUM> comprises the drive frame cover <NUM>, which covers the drive frame <NUM>. The drive frame cover <NUM> may be attached to the drive frame <NUM>. The cover system <NUM> further comprises the load frame cover <NUM>, which covers the load frame <NUM>. The load frame cover <NUM> may be attached to the load frame <NUM>. The drive frame cover <NUM> comprises a curved portion <NUM>, which comprises a curvature <NUM>. The curved portion <NUM> is intermitted by a recess <NUM>, which may divide the curved portion <NUM> in two parts. The outer surface <NUM> of the drive frame cover <NUM> being arranged on the drive frame <NUM> comprises a concave portion <NUM>. The curved portion <NUM> may thus be curved inwards. The load frame cover <NUM> comprises a depression <NUM>, which provides a movement of the tiller <NUM> with respect to the load frame cover <NUM>. The depression <NUM> may further provide the arrangement of the tiller joint <NUM>. The load frame cover <NUM> further comprises an inlet <NUM>, which may be arranged at the depression <NUM>. The inlet <NUM> may further provide the arrangement of the tiller joint <NUM>. The load frame cover <NUM> comprises a cover edge <NUM>, wherein the cover edge <NUM> may be a lower cover edge of the load frame cover <NUM> being arranged on the industrial truck <NUM>. The cover edge <NUM> may comprise an outer edge of the inlet <NUM>. The cover edge <NUM> may further comprise an outer edge of the depression <NUM>.

The cover system <NUM> further comprises a supplementary cover <NUM>, which is arranged at the recess <NUM> and/or the inlet <NUM> in a common arrangement on the industrial truck <NUM>. The supplementary cover <NUM> comprises a supplementary overlap portion <NUM>. The supplementary cover <NUM> may also comprises at least one hook member <NUM>, which is configured for providing a toolless attachment of the supplementary cover <NUM> to the drive frame cover <NUM>. The hook member <NUM> may be hooked into a hook-in member <NUM>, which is arranged on the drive frame cover <NUM>. In an attached condition of the supplementary cover <NUM> to the drive frame cover <NUM>, as for example shown in <FIG>, the supplementary cover <NUM> covers the hook member <NUM> and the hook-in member <NUM>, wherein the hook member <NUM> is hooked into the hook-in member <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the cover system <NUM> in a low lift state L, which may be a minimum lifting state of the load frame <NUM> of the industrial truck <NUM> with respect to the drive frame <NUM>. The load frame <NUM> may be supported on the drive frame <NUM> by a hydraulic lift cylinder <NUM>, which may interconnect the load frame <NUM> and the drive frame <NUM>. In the low lift state L, the hydraulic lift cylinder <NUM> may be in a retracted state, for example a fully retracted state. A stroke length of the piston rod <NUM> of the hydraulic lift cylinder <NUM> in the retracted state may be for example <NUM>. The load frame <NUM> is liftable with respect to the drive frame <NUM>, wherein a respective lifting of the load frame <NUM> is effected by the hydraulic lift cylinder <NUM>. A cylinder barrel <NUM> of the hydraulic lift cylinder <NUM> may be arranged to the drive frame <NUM>. A hinge <NUM> may pivotably interconnect the cylinder barrel <NUM> and the load frame <NUM>. The cylinder barrel <NUM> may comprise a cap end <NUM> being attached to the cylinder barrel <NUM>, wherein the hinge <NUM> may pivotably interconnect the cap end <NUM> and the load frame <NUM>. In the low lift state L, the curved portion <NUM> and the load frame cover <NUM> overlap one another. The curved portion <NUM> is accommodated in the load frame <NUM>. The curved overlap portion <NUM> engages behind the load frame cover <NUM>. Regarding the supplementary cover <NUM>, which is arranged on the drive frame <NUM>, the supplementary overlap portion <NUM> and the load frame cover <NUM> may overlap one another. The supplementary overlap portion <NUM> may engage behind the load frame cover <NUM>.

The drive frame <NUM> comprises a steering seat <NUM> on which the drive unit may be arranged. The hydraulic lift cylinder <NUM> may be supported on the steering seat <NUM>, wherein a piston rod <NUM> of the hydraulic lift cylinder <NUM> may extend downwards and may be accommodated in the steering seat <NUM>. The drive frame <NUM> may further comprise a connecting link <NUM>, which pivotably interconnects the drive frame <NUM> and the load frame <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a sectional view of the load frame cover <NUM> and the drive frame cover <NUM> in a section S5 - S5 indicated in <FIG>. The section S5 - S5 cuts the load frame cover <NUM> and the drive frame cover <NUM> in a longitudinal extension of the industrial truck <NUM>. The section S5 - S5 is cut with an offset to a longitudinal axis of the industrial truck <NUM>. The section S5 - S5 may be further defined by an upright axis of the industrial truck <NUM>. The curved portion <NUM> faces an inner surface <NUM> of the load frame cover <NUM> and comprises a concave portion <NUM> of an outer surface <NUM> of the drive frame cover <NUM>. The curved portion <NUM> comprises the curvature <NUM>, which is aligned with a curved movement path <NUM> of the load frame cover <NUM> with respect to the drive frame cover <NUM>. The curvature <NUM> may correspond to the curved movement path <NUM>. The curved movement path <NUM> indicated by a dashed line in <FIG> may be aligned with the movement path of the cover edge <NUM> in a lifting movement of the load frame cover <NUM> with respect to the drive frame cover <NUM>. The curved movement path <NUM> indicated by a dashed line in <FIG> may correspond to the movement path of the cover edge <NUM> in the lifting movement of the load frame cover <NUM> with respect to the drive frame cover <NUM>. The curvature <NUM> is aligned with or may correspond to the curved movement path <NUM> such that a clearance <NUM> is provided between the curved portion <NUM> and the load frame cover <NUM>. The clearance <NUM> results in that the cover edge <NUM> does not touch the curved portion <NUM> in the lifting movement of the load frame cover <NUM> with respect to the drive frame cover <NUM>. The curvature <NUM> is aligned with or may correspond to the curved movement path <NUM> of the load frame cover <NUM> such that a clearance distance <NUM> between the curved portion <NUM> and the load frame cover <NUM> is provided. The clearance distance <NUM> may not exceed a predefined safety distance <NUM> defined by the diameter of a standardized test finger. The predefined safety distance <NUM> is defined by a gap width <NUM> between the curved portion <NUM> and the cover edge <NUM> and the load frame cover <NUM>, respectively. The curved portion <NUM> comprises an arcuate portion <NUM>, which is aligned with or may correspond to an arcuate section <NUM> of the curved movement path <NUM> of the load frame cover <NUM> with respect to the drive frame cover <NUM>. The curved portion <NUM> comprises a curved profile <NUM> in the section of the drive frame cover <NUM>, wherein the curved profile <NUM> comprises an arcuate profile <NUM>. The curved profile <NUM> may be aligned with or may correspond to the curved movement path <NUM>. The curved profile <NUM> may be aligned with or may correspond to the curved movement path <NUM> of the load frame cover <NUM>. The load frame cover <NUM> may comprise a curved frame portion <NUM>, which may have an opposite curvature with respect to the curvature <NUM> of the curved portion <NUM> of the drive frame cover <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a further sectional view of the load frame cover <NUM> and the drive frame cover <NUM> in a section S6 - S6 further indicated in <FIG>. The section S6 - S6 cuts the load frame cover <NUM> and the drive frame cover <NUM> in the longitudinal extension of the industrial truck <NUM>. The section S6 - S6 is cut along a longitudinal axis of the industrial truck <NUM>. The section S6 - S6 may be further defined by the upright axis of the industrial truck <NUM>. The load frame cover <NUM> comprises the curved frame portion <NUM>, which is arranged at the depression <NUM>. The supplementary cover <NUM> comprises the supplementary overlap portion <NUM>, which overlaps the load frame <NUM>. The supplementary overlap portion <NUM> and the curved frame portion <NUM> overlap one another. The supplementary overlap portion <NUM> faces an inner surface <NUM> of the load frame cover <NUM>. The supplementary overlap portion <NUM> may be configured as the curved portion <NUM> for providing clearance <NUM> between the supplementary overlap portion <NUM> and the load frame cover <NUM>. Accordingly, the curved movement path <NUM> of the load frame cover <NUM> does not collide with the supplementary overlap portion <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the cover system <NUM> in a medium lift state M of the load frame <NUM> of the industrial truck <NUM> with respect to the drive frame <NUM>, for example a half lifting state of the load frame <NUM> of the industrial truck <NUM> with respect to the drive frame <NUM>. In the medium lift state M, the hydraulic lift cylinder <NUM> may be in a medium extracted state, for example a half-extracted state. A stroke length of the piston rod <NUM> of the hydraulic lift cylinder <NUM> in the medium extracted state may be for example <NUM>,<NUM>. In the medium lift state M, the curved portion <NUM> and the load frame cover <NUM> overlap one another. In between the low lift state L and the medium lift state M, the curved portion <NUM> and the load frame cover <NUM> may overlap one another in a plurality of intermediate lift states. The curved portion <NUM> is accommodated in the load frame <NUM>. The curved overlap portion <NUM> engages behind the load frame cover <NUM>. Regarding the supplementary cover <NUM>, which is arranged on the drive frame <NUM>, the supplementary overlap portion <NUM> and the load frame cover <NUM> may overlap one another. The supplementary overlap portion <NUM> may engage behind the load frame cover <NUM>. In the medium lift state M, the curvature <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the drive frame cover <NUM>, which comprises the concave portion <NUM> is partly exposed.

<FIG> shows a sectional view of the load frame cover <NUM> and the drive frame cover <NUM> in a section S9 - S9 indicated in <FIG>. The section S9 - S9 cuts the load frame cover <NUM> and the drive frame cover <NUM> in the longitudinal extension of the industrial truck <NUM>. The section S9 - S9 is cut with an offset to the longitudinal axis of the industrial truck <NUM>. The section S9 - S9 may be further defined by the upright axis of the industrial truck <NUM>. The medium lift state M differs from the low lift state L in <FIG> in that the load frame <NUM> together with the cover edge <NUM> has been moved along the curved movement path <NUM>. The cover edge <NUM> has followed the curved movement path <NUM> and is still located on the same. The relative configuration of the load frame <NUM> and lift frame <NUM> as described with respect to the low lift state L may still apply to the configuration of the relative configuration of the load frame <NUM> and lift frame <NUM> in the medium lift state M. The clearance distance <NUM> provided in the medium lift state M may correspond to the clearance distance <NUM> provided in the low lift state L. This results from the curved portion <NUM>, which is aligned with the curved movement path <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a further sectional view of the load frame cover <NUM> and the drive frame cover <NUM> in a section S10 - S10 further indicated in <FIG>. The section S10 - S10 cuts the load frame cover <NUM> and the drive frame cover <NUM> in the longitudinal extension of the industrial truck <NUM>. The section S10 - S10 is cut along the longitudinal axis of the industrial truck <NUM>. The section S10 - S10 may be further defined by the upright axis of the industrial truck <NUM>. The clearance <NUM> between the supplementary overlap portion <NUM> and the load frame cover <NUM> may still be provided as compared to the low lift state L. Accordingly, the curved movement path <NUM> of the load frame cover <NUM> does further not collide with the supplementary overlap portion <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the cover system <NUM> in a high lift state H of the load frame <NUM> of the industrial truck <NUM> with respect to the drive frame <NUM>, for example a maximum lifting state of the load frame <NUM> of the industrial truck <NUM> with respect to the drive frame <NUM>. In the high lift state H, the hydraulic lift cylinder <NUM> may be in an extracted state, for example a maximum extracted state. A stroke length of the piston rod <NUM> of the hydraulic lift cylinder <NUM> in the extracted state may be for example <NUM>. In the high lift state H, the curved portion <NUM> and the load frame cover <NUM> overlap one another. In between the low lift state L or the medium lift state M and the high lift state H the curved portion <NUM> and the load frame cover <NUM> may overlap one another in a plurality of intermediate lift states. The curved portion <NUM> is accommodated in the load frame <NUM>. The curved overlap portion <NUM> engages behind the load frame cover <NUM>. Regarding the supplementary cover <NUM>, which is arranged on the drive frame <NUM>, the supplementary overlap portion <NUM> and the load frame cover <NUM> may overlap one another. The supplementary overlap portion <NUM> may engage behind the load frame cover <NUM>. In the high lift state H, the curvature <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the drive frame cover <NUM>, which comprises the concave portion <NUM> is exposed, for example completely exposed.

<FIG> shows a sectional view of the load frame cover <NUM> and the drive frame cover <NUM> in a section S13 - S13 indicated in <FIG>. The section S13 - S13 cuts the load frame cover <NUM> and the drive frame cover <NUM> in the longitudinal extension of the industrial truck <NUM>. The section S13 - S13 is cut with an offset to the longitudinal axis of the industrial truck <NUM>. The section S13 - S13 may be further defined by the upright axis of the industrial truck <NUM>. The high lift state H differs from the low lift state L in <FIG> and the medium lift state M in <FIG> in that the load frame <NUM> together with the cover edge <NUM> has been moved further along the curved movement path <NUM>. The cover edge <NUM> has followed the curved movement path <NUM> and is still located on the same, for example at the end of the curved movement path <NUM>. The relative configuration of the load frame <NUM> and lift frame <NUM> as described with respect to the low lift state L and with respect to the medium lift state M may still apply to the configuration of the relative configuration of the load frame <NUM> and lift frame <NUM> in the medium lift state M. The clearance distance <NUM> provided in the high lift state H may correspond to the clearance distance <NUM> provided in the low lift state L and the medium lift state M. This results from the curved portion <NUM>, which is still aligned with the curved movement path <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a further sectional view of the load frame cover <NUM> and the drive frame cover <NUM> in a section S14 - S14 further indicated in <FIG>. The section S14 - S14 cuts the load frame cover <NUM> and the drive frame cover <NUM> in the longitudinal extension of the industrial truck <NUM>. The section S14 - S14 is cut along the longitudinal axis of the industrial truck <NUM>. The section S14 - S14 may be further defined by the upright axis of the industrial truck <NUM>. The clearance <NUM> between the supplementary overlap portion <NUM> and the load frame cover <NUM> may still be provided as compared to the low lift state L and the medium lift state M. Accordingly, the curved movement path <NUM> of the load frame cover <NUM> does further still not collide with the supplementary overlap portion <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> each shows a cover system <NUM>. Each cover system <NUM> comprises a first cover <NUM> and a second cover <NUM>. The first cover <NUM> may be the drive frame cover <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> may be the load frame cover <NUM>. The first cover <NUM> covers a first part <NUM> of an industrial truck <NUM> schematically shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The second cover covers a second part <NUM> of the industrial truck <NUM>, wherein the second part <NUM> is movable, for example pivotable, with respect to the first part <NUM>. The first part <NUM> may be the drive frame <NUM> and the second part <NUM> may be the load frame <NUM>. The curved portion <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> overlap one another in a first moving state X shown in <FIG> and <FIG> and in a second moving state of the second cover <NUM> with respect to the first cover <NUM>. The first moving state X may be a minimum moving state or a retracted state of the hydraulic lift cylinder <NUM> or the low lift state L. The second moving state may a maximum moving state or an extracted state of the hydraulic lift cylinder <NUM> or the high lift state H. The curved portion <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> overlap one another in a plurality of moving states between the first moving state X and the second moving state of the second cover <NUM> with respect to the first cover <NUM>.

The first cover310 comprises a curved portion <NUM>. The curved portion <NUM> may be configured as the curved portion <NUM> of the drive frame <NUM>. The curved portion <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> overlap one another. The curved portion <NUM> comprises a curvature <NUM>, which is aligned with a curved movement path <NUM> of the second cover <NUM> with respect to the first cover <NUM>. The curvature <NUM> may correspond to the curved movement path <NUM>. Wherein a curved profile <NUM> of the curved portion <NUM> corresponds to the curved movement path <NUM> of the second cover <NUM>. The curved profile <NUM> may be configured as described with respect to the invention. The curved movement path <NUM> may be configured as the curved movement path <NUM> of the load frame cover <NUM> with respect to the drive frame cover <NUM>. The curvature <NUM> is aligned with the curved movement path <NUM> such that a clearance <NUM> or guidance <NUM> between the curved portion <NUM> and the second cover <NUM> is provided. A respective alignment or guidance <NUM> may be configured as described with respect to the invention. The curvature <NUM> is aligned with the curved movement path <NUM> such that a clearance distance <NUM> or a guidance distance <NUM> is provided between the curved portion <NUM> and the second cover <NUM>, which does not exceed a predefined safety distance <NUM>. The clearance distance <NUM> and the safety distance <NUM> may be configured as described with respect to the invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the predefined safety distance <NUM> is defined by a gap width <NUM> between the curved portion <NUM> and the second cover <NUM>. In a further exemplary embodiment, the predefined safety distance <NUM> is defined by a diameter of a standardized test finger. Wherein a curved profile <NUM> of the curved portion <NUM> corresponds to the curved movement path <NUM> of the second cover <NUM>. The curved profile <NUM> may be configured as described with respect to the invention.

The curved movement path <NUM> of the second cover <NUM> is effected by a kinematic system <NUM>, which interconnects the first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM>. The kinematic system <NUM> comprises a hinge <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the kinematic system <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the hinge <NUM> interconnects a hydraulic lift cylinder <NUM> and the second part <NUM>, wherein the second part <NUM> is movable, for example pivotable, with respect to the first part <NUM>, or vice versa, based on a retraction or extraction of a piston rod <NUM> of the hydraulic cylinder <NUM> with respect to a cylinder barrel <NUM> of the hydraulic lift cylinder <NUM>. The cylinder barrel <NUM> may be arranged to the second part <NUM> and the piston rod <NUM> may be arranged to the first part <NUM>, or vice versa. The hinge <NUM> may interconnect the cylinder barrel <NUM> and the second part <NUM>. A free end <NUM> of the piston rod <NUM> may be attached, for example fixed, to the first part <NUM>. The first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> may be further interconnected, for example pivotably interconnected, with a connecting link <NUM>. The connecting link <NUM> may be comprise a rigid connecting member. According to the embodiment of the kinematic system <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the curved portion <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> comprises an outer surface <NUM> of the first cover <NUM>, which has a concave portion <NUM>. According to a further embodiment of the kinematic system <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the hinge <NUM> interconnects a hydraulic lift cylinder <NUM> and the first part <NUM>, wherein the first part <NUM> is movable, for example pivotable, with respect to the second part <NUM>, or vice versa, based on a retraction or extraction of a piston rod <NUM> of the hydraulic cylinder <NUM> with respect to a cylinder barrel <NUM> of the hydraulic lift cylinder <NUM>. The cylinder barrel <NUM> may be arranged to the second part <NUM> and the piston rod <NUM> may be arranged to the first part <NUM>, or vice versa. The hinge <NUM> may interconnect the piston rod <NUM> and the second part <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> may interconnect the piston rod <NUM> and the second part <NUM> at a free end <NUM> of the piston rod <NUM>. The cylinder barrel <NUM> may be attached, for example fixed, to the second part <NUM>. The first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> may be further interconnected, for example pivotably interconnected, with a connecting link <NUM>. The connecting link <NUM> may be comprise a rigid connecting member. According to the embodiment of the kinematic system <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the curved portion <NUM> of the first cover <NUM> comprises an outer surface <NUM> of the first cover <NUM>, which has a convex portion <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An industrial truck (<NUM>), comprising:
a drive frame (<NUM>),
a load frame (<NUM>), which is liftable with respect to the drive frame (<NUM>),
a drive frame cover (<NUM>), which is provided for at least partly covering the drive frame (<NUM>),
a load frame cover (<NUM>), which is provided for at least partly covering the load frame (<NUM>),
characterized in that the drive frame cover (<NUM>) comprises a curved portion (<NUM>),
wherein the curved portion (<NUM>) and the load frame cover (<NUM>) overlap one another,
wherein the curved portion (<NUM>) comprises a curvature (<NUM>), which is aligned with a curved movement path (<NUM>) of the load frame cover (<NUM>) with respect to the drive frame cover (<NUM>) for providing a clearance (<NUM>) and/or a guidance between the curved portion (<NUM>) and the load frame cover (<NUM>), and,
wherein the curved movement path (<NUM>) of the load frame cover (<NUM>) is effected by a kinematic system (<NUM>), which interconnects the drive frame (<NUM>) and the load frame (<NUM>).