LIFT MAST MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR REMOVAL

Description

[0001] This invention relates generally to a mounting arrangement for pivotally connecting a lift mast to a frame, and more particularly to a work vehicle having a lift mast and a mounting arrangement for pivotally connecting the lift mast to a support flange and frame of the work vehicle, and a method for disconnecting the lift mast from the work vehicle.

[0002] Work vehicles for example, lift trucks, typically have a lift mast pivotally mounted on the front end of the vehicle. The lift mast is usually nested between the front wheels of the vehicle and closely adjacent to the vehicle so that the load carrying capacity of the vehicle for a given vehicle. US-A-3 915 324, US-A-3 999 873, US-A-4 126 209 and US-A-4 100 988 teach mounting arrangements for placing a lift mast between the front wheels of the vehicle and in close proximity to the front of the frames so that the load moment about the centre of gravity of the vehicle is kept at a minimim which maximizes the load carrying capacity of the vehicle.

[0003] None of the above-patents provide a mounting arrangement for connecting a high visibility mast to the vehicle. A high visibility mast is one which has substantially no obstructions disposed between the inner uprights of the mast at a location adjacent to the line of sight of the operator and one in which the inner uprights are tightly nested adjacent respective outer uprights and a substantial distance apart from one another. The reason that none of the above-mentioned patents employ a high visibility mast is that the space available between the vehicle wheels and the design and construction of the mast itself does not permit the use of the mounting arrangements disclosed in the above-noted references. Also, the mounting arrangements of the above-listed patents would not be readily accessible for installation and remowal purposes due to the limited amount of space available.

[0004] In order to be able to connect or disconnect the lift mast to and from the vehicle, it is necessary to have adequate access to the shaft or pin which pivotally connects the lift mast to the vehicle. None of the mounting arrangements of the prior art provide a mounting arrangement in which the mounting pin or shaft can be successfully removed in this environment. This is primarily due to the fact that the lift jack of the high visibility mast encroaches on the space which was previously usually open and accessible. None of the references make provisions for remowal of the mounting shaft in an environment wherein the lift jacks are nested closely adjacent the uprights and not centered between the spaced apart pairs of uprights.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a pivotal mounting arrangement for a high visibility mast wherein the envelope of the mounting arrangement is kept to a bare minimum and facilitates remowal of the mast pivot shaft from connection with the vehicle and/or lift mast.

[0006] GB-A-1 491 473 discloses a vehicle having a lift mast assembly pivotally connected to a frame member of the vehicle and comprising at least one lift mast upright guide member having a first end portion; a support flange having first and second opposed sides, and being connected to the frame member; a shaft having first and second spaced apart end portions, first and second ends, and a longitudinal axis extending between the shaft first and second ends; first means for pivotally connecting the first end portion of the lift mast upright guide member to the shaft; second means including an aperture extending through the support flange for coupling the first end portion of the shaft to the support flange and for closely guiding the shaft for slidable axial movement; and third means for connecting the second end portion of the shaft to the frame member and maintaining the shaft from slidable axial movement; and according to the invention, such a vehicle is characterised by a spindle having a first end, which is connected to the support flange second side so as to cover a cavity between the spindle first end and the first end of the shaft, and an axis, which is substantially parallel to the axis of the shaft and which defines an axis of a wheel of the vehicle.

[0007] In the accompanying drawings:-

Fig. 1 is a partial diagrammatic isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a front portion of a frame member, lift uprights of a lift mast assembly, portions of a drive axle assembly, and a mounting arrangement for pivotally connecting the lift mast assembly to the vehicle frame;

Fig. 2 is a partial enlarged diagrammatic top elevational view of Fig. 1 having portions broken away for clarity and showing in greater detail a portion of the lift mast assembly, the mounting arrangement, and the frame member, including the first support flange and a portion of the spindle;

Fig. 3 is a side view taken along lines III - III of Fig. 2 showing the mounting arrangement, one of the first lift mast uprights, the first support flange, and frame member, in greater detail; and,

Fig. 4 is a partially exploded diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along lines IV - IV of Fig. 1 showing the mounting arrangement, first and second passages in the first and second shafts, respectively, first and second fluid connections, and a fluid operated system connectable to the fittings for providing pressurized fluid flow to force the first and second shafts toward disconnected positions shown in phantom.

With reference to the drawings and particularly Figs. 1 and 2, a work vehicle 10 has a frame member 12 and a lift mast assembly 14 which is pivotally connected to the frame member. The work vehicle 10 is preferably a lift truck; however, other vehicles suitable for mounting a lift mast assembly thereon are to be considered within the field of usage. The lift mast assembly 14 is of the high visibility type and as first and second pairs of spaced apart upright guide members 16, 18. Referring to Fig. 2, the lift mast assembly 14 has a carriage 20, a pair of spaced apart lift jacks 22 (only one shown), and a pair of forks 24 (only one shown). The second pair of upright guide members 18 is mounted on and between the first pair of upright guide members by rollers 26 and elevationally mowable relative to the first pair of upright guide members 16. The carriage 20, upon which forks 24 are mounted in any conventional or suitable manner, is connected to the second pair of spaced apart upright guide members by rollers 28 and elevationally mowable relative to the second pair of upright guide members 18.

[0008] In order for lift mast assembly 14 to be categorized as the high visibility type, the viewing window for the vehicle operator, which is defined by the space between the second pair of upright guide members 18, must be substantially clear of obstructions by other mast components. Therefore, lift jacks 22 are positioned substantially behind the upright guide members 16, 18 and in a location so that a line of sight of the vehicle operator is not obstructed by the lift jacks 22.

[0009] Lift jacks 22 are operatively connected to and between the first and second pairs of uprights in any suitable and customary manner. Telescopic movement of the lift jacks 22 will cause elevational movement of the second pair of uprights 18 relative to the first pair of uprights 16. A lift chain and sheave arrangement (not shown) is operatively connected to the lift mast assembly 14 in a usual and customary manner and to the carriage 20 and first pair of uprights 16. The aforementioned telescopic movement of the lift jacks 22 will also result in elevational movement of the carriage 20 through the chain and sheave arrangement, in a conventional manner. It should be noted that the chain and sheave arrangement as well as fluid carrying hoses, brackets, and the like (all not shown) must be spaced from the window of the lift mast and out of the line of sight of the vehicle operator. Thus, the chain and sheave arrangements, fluid carrying noses, and brackets and the like must be disposed at a location closely nested adjacent the first and second pairs of uprights 16, 18.

[0010] As best seen in Fig. 2, a tie member 30 serves as a connector and spacer for the first pair of upright guide members 16, and a support base for the lift jacks 22. It is to be noted that the placement of the lift jacks 22 behind the upright guide members 16, 18 reduces the amount of open and available space normally provided between the frame member 12 and the uprights of the lift mast assembly 14.

[0011] A mounting arrangement 32 is provided for pivotally connecting the lift mast assembly 14 to frame member 12. Specifically, the mounting arrangement 32 pivotally connects each of the upright guide members of the first pair 16 to frame member 12 at a location closely adjacent the frame member 12 and vehicle wheels 34. It is extremely important that each upright of the first pair of upright guide members is closely adjacent an end of the work vehicle (frame memoer 12) and a respective one of the pair of the vehicle wheels 34. The distance from the front of the ve- hide to the lift mast assembly 14 will determine the load moment, and the distance between the second pair of upright guide members 18, which is limited by the distance between the vehicle wheels 34, will determine the maximum amount of visibility for the vehicle operator. Placing the last assembly 14 in front of, over, or outside the wheels 34 is inappropriate since it will adversely affect vehicle maneuverability and operation.

[0012] As best seen in Fig. 2, the mounting arrangement 32 has a first support flange 36 which has first and second sides 38, 40, and a second support flange 42 which has first and second sides 44, 46 (see Fig. 1). The first support flange first side 38 is connected to a first end portion 48 of the frame member 12 and the second support flange first side 44 is connected to the second end portion 50 of the frame member 12 (see Fig. 1). Preferably, frame member 12 is a rectangularly shaped box like structure and the first and second end portions are at locations adjacent opposite sides of the vehicle 10. The frame member 12 is suited for mounting a differential 52 within the box like structure. A first jack shaft 54 extends from the differential 52 past the first end portion 48 of the frame member and through an aperture 56 disposed in an opening on the first and second sides 38, 40 of the support flange. Similarly, a second jack shaft 58 extends from the differential 52 past the second end portion 50 of the frame member 12 and through an aperture (not shown) disposed in the second support flange 42 and opening at the first and second sides 44, 46 thereof.

[0013] With reference to Fig. 2, a first wheel drive arrangement 60 has a ring gear 62 which is engaged with a pinion gear 64 mounted on the first jack shaft 54. The ring gear 62 is rotatably mounted on a first spindle 66 which is secured to the second side 40 of first support flange 36 in any suitable fashion, such as by fasteners 68. A pair of anti-friction bearings 70 support the ring gear 62 for rotation on the first spindle 66 in a conventional manner. The pinion gear 64 transmits rotary motion and power from the first jack shaft 54 to the ring gear 62. A cover 72 is secured to the second side 40 of the first support flange 36 in any suitable fashion such as by threaded fasteners 74. The cover overlies the ring gear 62 and includes a seal 76 for preventing lubricant from leaking from the area disposed between the cover 72 and first support flange 36. A brake drum 78 of conventional design is secured to the ring gear 62 for rotation therewith. Wheel 34 is secured to the brake drum 78 in a usual and customary manner. It is to be noted that an equivalent second wheel drive arrangement (not shown) is mounted on the second side 46 of the second support flange 42 for transmitting rotary motion from the second jack shaft 58 to the other wheel of the pair of wheels 34.

[0014] A second spindle 80 (Fig. 4) is connected to the second side 46 of the second support flange 42 in any suitable manner, for example, by threaded fasteners 68. The first and second support flanges 36 and 42 each have annular flanges 81 for mounting and sealing purposes with the first and second spindles 66 and 80. A first end surface 82 of the first spindle 66 is engaged with the second side 40 of the first support flange 36 at the annular flange 81 and connected thereto by fasteners 68 so that a tight seal is provided. Similarly, a first end surface 84 of the second spindle 80 is sealingly engaged with the second side 46 of the second support flange 42 at the annular flange 81 and connected thereto by fasteners 68. The first and second spindles 66 and 80 each have an axis 86 about which the wheels 34 rotate. The axis 86 is oriented transverse of a longitudinal vehicle axis 88 and preferably normal to the axis 88.

[0015] With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, a first shaft 90 having first and second spaced apart end portions 92, 94 and first and second ends 96, 98 and a longitudinal axis 100 extending between the shaft first and second ends is provided for pivotally connecting a first end portion 102 of one of the uprights of the first pair 16 to the frame member 12. Similarly, a second shaft 104 having first and second spaced apart end portions 106, 108 and first and second spaced apart ends 110.112 and a longitudinal axis 114 extending between the first and second ends 110, 112 is provided for pivotally connecting a first end portion 116 of the other upright of said first pair of uprights 16 to the frame member 12.

[0016] A first means 118 is provided for pivotally connecting the first upright end portion 102 to the first shaft 90 and the first end portion 116 to the second shaft 104. The first means preferably includes first and second blocks 120, 122 each having first and second spaced apart sides 124, 126 and a bore 128 opening at said first and second sides 124, 126. The first block 120 is rigidly secured at one end 129 to the first upright first end portion 102 and the second block 122 is rigidly secured at one end 129 to the first end portion 116 of the other upright guide member of the first pair 16. The first shaft 90 is disposed in bore 128 of the first block 120 so that the first and second ends 96, 98 of the first shaft 90 extend past the first and second sides 124, 126 respectively of the first block. In a similar manner, the second shaft 104 is disposed in the bore 128 of the second block 122 with the first and second ends 110, 112 of the second shaft extending beyond the first and second sides 124, 126 respectively of the second block 122. Preferably, a bearing 130 (Figs. 2 and 4) is disposed in bore 128 in each of the first and second blocks 122, 124. The bearings 130 engage the first and second shafts 90, 104 and enables the lift mast to be pivoted about the shaft axis 100, 114 without causing wear of the first and second blocks 120, 122 or first and second shafts 90, 104. It is to be noted that the bores 128 and shafts 90, 104 could be heat treated so that anti-friction bearings 130 would not be required.

[0017] As best seen in Fig. 4, a second means 132 is provided for connecting the first end portion 92 of the first shaft 90 to the first support flange 36 and for guiding the first shaft 90 for slidable axial movement along its axis 100 and in directions substantially parallel to the axis 86 of the first spindle 66 and for connecting the first end portion 106 of the second shaft 104 to the second support flange 42 and guiding the second shaft 104 for slidable movement along its axis 114 in directions substantially parallel to the axis 86 of the second spindle 80. Preferably, the second means 132 includes a first aperture 134 disposed in the first support flange 36 at a preselected radial location spaced from the axis 86 of the first spindle 66 and a second aperture 136 disposed in the second support flange 42 at a preselected radial distance spaced from the axis 86 of the second spindle 80. Preferably, the first and second apertures 134, 136 are located in front of the frame member 12 and between the frame member 12 and the lift mast assembly 14. The first aperture 134 preferably extends through the first support flange 36 and opens at the first and second sides 38, 40 thereof. Similarly, the second aperture 136 is disposed through the second support flange 42 and opens at the first and second sides 44, 46 of a second support flange 42. Each of the first and second apertures 134, 136 are defined by a cylindrical surface 138. The cylindrical surface 138 of the first aperture 134 supports the first end portion 92 of the first shaft 90 and preferably slidably guides the first end portion for axial movement relative to the spindle axis 86. Similarly, the cylindrical surface 138 of the second aperture 136 engages the first end portion 106 of the second shaft 104 and guides the second shaft 104 for slidable axial movements in directions parallel to the axis 86. The first end portion 92 of the first shaft has a cylindrical outer surface having a diameter of a preselected magnitude and the cylindrical surface 138 of the first aperture 134 has a diameter of a magnitude equal to or greater than the diameter of the first end portion 92 of the first shaft 90. Likewise, the diameter of the cylindrical surface 138 defining the second aperture 136 has a diameter of a preselected magnitude and the diameter of the cylindrical outer surface of the first end portion 106 of the second shaft 104 has a diameter equal to or smaller in magnitude than the magnitude of the second aperture 136. The fit between the first and second apertures 134,136 and the first and second shafts 90, 104, respectively, is important to the operation and life of the mounting arrangement 32 and also important to remowal of the first and second shafts 90,104 and the lift mast assembly 14.

[0018] A third means 140 is provided for connecting the second end portion 94 of the first shaft 90 to the vehicle frame member 12 and maintaining the first shaft from slidable axial movement in directions substantially parallel to the spindle axis 86 and relative to the first side 38 of the first support flange, and for connecting the second end portion 108 of the second shaft 104 to the vehicle frame member 12 and maintaining the second shaft 104 from slidable axial movement in directions substantially parallel to the spindle axis 86 and relative to the first side 44 of the second support flange 42. Preferably, the third means includes first and second support brackets 142, 144 each having first and second spaced apart sides 146, 148 and an aperture 150 opening at the first and second spaced apart sides 146, 148 of each of the support brackets 142, 144. As best seen in Figs. 1 and 3, the apertures 150 are defined by a surface 152 which is cylindrically configured. In addition to the aperture 150 opening at the first and second sides of the support brackets 142, 144, it also opens at an upper end portion 154 of the first and second support brackets 142, 144. The second end portion 94 of the first shaft 90 is disposed in the aperture 150 of the first support bracket and in contact with the surface 152 thereof. Similarly, the second end portion 108 of the second shaft 104 is disposed in the aperture 150 of the second support bracket 144 and engageable with the surface 152. It is to be noted that the second end portions 94, 108 are cradled by the cylindrical surface 152 and supported by the first and second brackets so that axis 100 and 114 of the first and second shafts 90, 104 are parallel to the axis 86 of the first and second spindles 66 and 80. Thus, pivotal movement of the lift mast about the first and second shafts 90, 104 will be free from undesirable loading caused by improper axial alignment of the shafts relative to one another.

[0019] As best seen in Fig. 4, the third means 140 also includes means 156 for fastening the second end portion 94 of the first shaft 90 to the first support bracket and for fastening the second end portion 108 of the second shaft 104 to the second support bracket 144. Preferably, the fastening means 156 includes a first fastener 158 which is disposed in a radially extending bore 160 in the second end portion 94 of the first shaft and screwthreadably engaged in a threaded aperture in the first support bracket and a second fastener 162 disposed in a radially extending bore located at the second end portion 108 of the second shaft 104 and screwthreadably engaged in a threaded bore disposed in the second support brocket 144. It is to be noted that each of the first and second shafts 90, 104 have a flat cutout surface 166 against which the first and second fasteners 158, 162 bear. Thus, the first and second fasteners 158, 162 maintain and prevent the first and second shafts 90, 104 from movement along axis 100, 114, respectively, and relative to first and second support flanges 36, 42. The distance between the first side 146 of the first support bracket 142 and the first side 38 of the first support flange 36 must be smaller in magnitude than the length of the first shaft 90 in order to mount the first shaft 90. Also, this distance must be greater in magnitude than the distance between sides 124 and 126 of block 120 to permit straddling thereof. For the same reasons, the distance between the first side 146 of the second support bracket 142 and the first side 44 of the second support flange 42 must be smaller in magnitude than the length of the second shaft 104 and greater in magnitude than the width of block 122.

[0020] Mounting arrangement 32 enables the lift mast assembly to be mounted closely adjacent the vehicle frame 12 at the front of the vehicle 10 and closely adjacent the first and second support flanges 38, 42 so that a high visibility lift mast assembly may be utilized.

[0021] Because the first block 120 is positioned between the first support flange 36 and the first support bracket 142 and the second block 122 is positioned between the second support flange 42 and the second support bracket 144, access to the first and second shafts 90, 104 for remowal purposes is extremely difficult. To facilitate ease of remowal of the first and second shafts from engagement with the first and second apertures 134, 136, respectively, means 168 is provided. Means 168 passes pressurized fluid flow into said first and second apertures 134, 136 at a location between the first end 96 of the first shaft 90 and the second side 40 of the first flange 36, and the first end 110 of the second shaft 104 and the second side 46 of the second support flange 42.

[0022] The passing means 168 preferably includes a first passage 170 disposed in the first shaft 90 and opening at the first end 96 and opening at a location 171 spaced from the first end 96, and a second passage 172 disposed in the second shaft 104 and opening at the first end 110 and at a location 173 spaced from the first end 110. A pair of fittings 174, 176 each having an inlet end portion 178 and an outlet end portion 180 are adapted to pass fluid from the inlet end portion 178 to the outlet end portion 180. The outled end portion 178 of the first fitting 174 is connected to the first shaft 90 at the location of the opening 171 from the first end 96, and the outlet end portion 180 of the second fitting 176 is connected to the second shaft 104 at the location of the opening 173 spaced from the first end 110 of the second shaft 104. Fittings 174 and 176 are suitable for passing pressurized fluid delivered from a source of pressurized fluid flow 182, for example, a gear pump, piston pump, vane pump, grease gun, and the like to passages 170 and 172, respectively. Source 182 directs pressurized fluid flow to a selected one of the first and second fittings 174, 176 via a conduit 184 and a connector 186. The connector 186 is positionable on the inlet end portion 178 of either of the first and second fittings 174, 176 and retained thereon by a pair of jaws 188 which are biased in an inward direction. The first end 82 the first spindle 66 covers the first aperture 134 of the first support flange 36. Because of the tight seal between the spindle first end 82 and the support flange second side 40, fluid pressure at the first end 96 of pin 90 will be able to be built up. Similarly, the tight seal between the first end 84 of second spindle 80 and second side 46 will permit pressure to be built up at the first end 110 of the second shaft 104. Introduction of pressurized fluid flow to the sealed area at the first ends 96 and 110 will cause the first and second shafts 90, 104 to move in the direction towards one another, along their axis 100, 114, and towards the first and second support brackets 142, 144, respectⁱvely.

Industrial Applicability

[0023] With reference to the drawings, and particularly those of Figs. 1, 2, and 3, the mounting arrangement 32 provides a unique, simple, and efficient way of pivotally connecting the lift mast assembly 14 to the frame 12 of the vehicle 10. Because the first and second support flanges 36, 42 and the cylindrical surface 138 of the first and second apertures 134, 136 provide support and guidance for the first and second shafts 90, 104, the ability to utilize a high visibility mast and improve visibility for the vehicle operator is made possible. The first and second support brackets 142, 144 and the fastening means 156 retains the first and second shafts 90, 104 at the desired location with respect to the first and second support flanges 36, 42 and permits ease of release of the second end portions 94, 108 of the first and second shafts 90,104 for remowal purposes.

[0024] A method for disconnecting the lift mast assembly 14 from the work vehicle 10 is provided. First, the lift mast assembly is supported from tipping and elevational movement by an overhead hoist or the like. Then the first fastener 158 is screwthreadably removed from connecting the first shaft 90 to the first support bracket 142, and the second fastener 162 is screwthreadably removed from connecting the second shaft 104 to the second support bracket 144 in any suitable manner such as with a wrench. The source of pressurized fluid flow 182 is connected to the first fitting 174 mounted on the first shaft 90. Pressurized fluid flow from the source 182 is directed (such as by opening a valve, actuating the pump 182, or the like) to aperture 134 disposed in the first support flange 36 which urges the first shaft 90 to move along axis 100 toward the first support bracket 142, and to a location at which the first end portion 92 of the first shaft 90 is free from being disposed in the first aperture 134 and free from engagement with a surface 138. The source 182 is then connected to the second fitting 176 mounted on the second shaft 104. Pressurized fluid flow is then directed from the source 182 to the second aperture 136 disposed in the second support flange 42. The fluid pressure urges the second shaft 104 to move in a direction substantially along axis 114 towards the second support bracket 144, and to a location at which the first end portion 106 of the second shaft 104 is free from being disposed in the second aperture 136 and free from engagement with the surface 138 of aperture 136. The lift mast assembly 14 is then removed from the work vehicle 10 such as by the hoist.

[0025] It should be noted that the passing means 168 enables the first and second support flanges 36, 42 to be used to support the first and second shafts 90, 104. This is permitted because of the unique method by which the first and second shafts 90, 104 are removed. Without this unique remowal technique, one would not be able to find adequate space to remove the first and second shafts because of their close proximity to frame member 12, the lift mast uprights 16, 18, and the vehicle wheels 34.

[0026] Thus, it can be seen that the mounting arrangement 32 permits the use of a high visibility mast on a smaller and/or narrower vehicle than usual while maximizing the load carrying capacity of the vehicle due to the closeness of the lift mast to the frame 12 and wheels 34 of the work vehicle 10.

[0027] tt should be also noted that the fastening means 156 positively retains the first and second shafts 90, 104 and eliminates the potential of inadvertent loosening of the first and second shafts 90,104.

Claims

1. A vehicle (10) having a lift mast assembly (14) pivotally connected to a frame member (12) of the vehicle (10) and comprising at least one lift mast upright guide member (16) having a first end portion (102); a support flange (36) having first and second opposed sides (38, 40), and being connected to the frame member (12) ; a shaft (90) having first and second spaced apart end portions (92, 94), first and second ends (96, 98), and a longitudinal axis (100) extending between the shaft first and second ends (96, 98); first means (118) for pivotally connecting the first end portion of the lift mast upright guide member (16) to the shaft (90); second means (132) including an aperture (134) extending through the support flange (36) for coupling the first end portion (92) of the shaft (90) to the support flange (36) and for closely guiding the shaft (90) for slidable axial movement; and third means (140) for connecting the second end portion (94) of the shaft (90) to the frame member (12) and maintaining the shaft (90) from slidable axial movement; characterised by a spindle (66) having a first end (82), which is connected to the support flange second side (40) so as to cover a cavity between the spindle first end and the first end (96) of the shaft, and an axis (86), which is substantially parallel to the axis (100) of the shaft and which defines an axis of a wheel (34) of the vehicle. 2. A vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the spindle (66) seals the cavity and there are means (168) for passing fluid under pressure to the cavity for causing axial movement of the shaft (90) out of the aperture (134) upon disconnection of the mast assembly from the vehicle.

3. A vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the aperture (134) is a cylindrically shaped bore having a diameter of a preselected magnitude, the shaft first end portion (92) having a cylindrical outer surface and an outer diameter of a preselected magnitude, and the bore diameter being at least equal in magnitude to the magnitude of the outer diameter of the shaft first end portion (92).

4. A vehicle according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the passing means (168) includes a passage (170) disposed in the shaft (90) and opening at the shaft first end (96) and at a location spaced from the shaft first end (96).

5. A vehicle according to claim 4, including a fitting (174) having an inlet end portion (178) and an outlet end portion (180) and being adapted to pass fluid from the inlet end portion (178) to the outlet end portion (180), the outlet end portion (180) being connected to the shaft (90) at the opening spaced from the shaft first end (96) and open to the passage (170).

6. A vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third means (140) includes a support bracket (142) having first and second spaced apart sides (146, 148) and an aperture (15) opening at the bracket first and second sides (146, 148), the support bracket aperture (150) being defined by a surface (152) and the support bracket surface (152) being engaged with the second end portion (94) of the shaft (94) of the shaft (90), the support bracket surface (152) being at a preselected location relative to the first side (28) of the support flange (36) and at a location at which the surface (152) of the support bracket (142) and the aperture (138) of the support flange (36) support the shaft 990) so that the axis (100) of the shaft is maintained parallel to the axis (86) of the spindle (66); and fastening means (156) for connecting the second end portion (94) of the shaft (90) to the support bracket (142).

7. A vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the support bracket (142) has an upper end portion (154) extending between the first and second bracket sides (146, 148) and the support bracket aperture opening (150) at the upper end portion (154), the shaft (90) having an aperture (160) disposed in and extending through the shaft second end portion (94), and the fastening means (156) including a fastener (158) positioned in the aperture (160) at the shaft second end portion (94) and screwthreadably connected to the support bracket (142).

8. A vehicle according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the first means (118) includes a block (120) having first and second spaced apart sides (124, 126) and a bore (128) opening at the first and second sides (124, 126), the block (120) being rigidly secured to the first end portion (102) of the upright guide member (16) and the shaft (90) being disposed in the bore (128) of the block (120), the block (120) being positioned on the shaft (90) at a location between the support flange (36) and the support bracket (142).

9. A vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the first means (118) includes a bearing (130) disposed in the bore (128) of the block (120), the shaft (90) being rotatably disposed in the bearing (130).

Ansprüche

1. Ein Fahrzeug (10) mit einer Hubmastanordnung (14) schwenkbar verbunden mit einem Rahmenglied (12) des Fahrzeugs (10) und wobei folgendes vorgesehen ist: mindestens ein aufrechtes Hubmastführungsglied (16) mit einem ersten Endteil (102); ein Tragflansch (36) mit ersten und zweiten entgegengesetzt liegenden Seiten (38, 40) und verbunden mit dem Rahmenglied (12); eine Welle (90) mit ersten und zweiten im Abstand angeordneten Endteilen (92, 94), ersten und zweiten Enden (96, 98) und einer Longitudinalachse (100), die sich zwischen den ersten und zweiten Enden (96. 98) der Welle erstreckt; erste Mittel (118) zur Schwenkverbindung des ersten Endteiles des aufrechten Hubmastführungsglieds (16) mit der Welle (90); zweite Mittel (132) einschließlich einer Öffnung (134), die sich durch den Tragflansch (36) erstreckt zum Kuppeln des ersten Endteils (92) der Welle (90) mit dem Tragflansch (36) und zum engen Führen der Welle (90) für gleitbare Axialbewegung; und dritte Mittel (140) zur Verbindung des zweiten Endteils (94) der Welle (90) mit dem Rahmenglied (12) und zum Halten der Welle (90) gegenüber gleitender Axialbewegung; gekennzeichnet durch eine Spindel (66) mit einem ersten Ende (82), welches mit der zweiten Seite (40) des Tragflansches verbunden ist, um so einen Hohlraum zwischen dem ersten Ende der Spindel und dem ersten Ende (96) der Welle abzudecken und ferner gekennzeichnet durch eine Achse (86), die im wesentlichen parallel zur Achse (100) der Welle verläuft und die eine Achse des Rades (34) des Fahrzeugs definiert.

2. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 1 wobei die Spindel (66) den Hohlraum abdichtet und Mittel (168) vorgesehen sind, um unter Druck stehendes Strömungsmittel zu dem Hohlraum zu leiten, um eine Axialbewegung der Welle (90) aus der Öffnung (134) zu bewirken, und zwar bei Trennung der Mastanordnung vom Fahrzeug.

3. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Öffnung (134) eine zylindrisch geformte Bohrung ist mit einem Durchmesser einer vorgewählten Größe, und wobei ferner der erste Endteil (92) der Welle eine zylindrische Außenoberfläche besitzt und einen Außendurchmesser von einer vorgewählten Größe, und wobei schließlich der Bohrungsdurchmesser in seiner Größe mindestens gleich der Größe des Außendurchmessers des ersten Endteils (92) der Welle ist.

4. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, wobei die Durchlaßmittel (168) einen Durchlaß (170) aufweisen, und zwar angeordnet in der Welle (90) und sich am ersten Ende (96) der Welle öffnend und an einer Stelle mit Abstand gegenüber dem ersten Ende (96) der Welle.

5. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 4 mit einem Fitting (174) mit einem Einlaßendteil (178) und einem Auslaßendteil (180), und zwar geeignet zum Durchleiten von Strömungsmittel von dem Einlaßendteil (178) zum Auslaßendteil (180), wobei letzterer mit der Welle (90) an der Öffnung verbunden ist, die mit Abstand gegenüber dem ersten Ende (96) der Welle angeordnet ist und zum Durchlaß (170) offen ist.

6. Fahrzeug nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die dritten Mittel (140) einen Tragbügel (142) aufweisen mit ersten und zweiten mit Abstand angeordneten Seiten (146, 148) und einer Öffnung (15), sich an ersten und zweiten Seiten (146, 148) des Bügels öffnend, wobei die Tragbügelöffnung (150) definiert ist durch eine Oberfläche (152) und die Tragbügeloberfläche (152) in Eingriff steht mit dem zweiten Endteil (94) der Welle (90), wobei die Tragbügeloberfläche (152) sich an einer vorgewählten Stelle relativ zu der ersten Seite (28) des Tragflansches (36) befindet und an einer Stelle, an der die Oberfläche (152) des Tragbügels (142) und die Öffnung (138) des Tragflansches (36) die Welle (90) derart tragen, daß die Achse (110) der Welle parallel zur Achse (86) der Spindel (66) gehalten wird, und wobei schließlich Befestigungsmittel (156) vorgesehen sind, um den zweiten Endteil (94) der Welle (90) mit dem Tragbügel (142) zu verbinden.

7. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 6, wobei der Tragbügel (142) einen oberen Endteil (154) aufweist, der sich zwischen den ersten und zweiten Bügelseiten (146,148) und der Tragbügelöffnung (150) im oberen Endteil (154) erstreckt, wobei die Welle (90) eine Öffnung (160), angeordnet in und sich durch den zweiten Endteil (94) der Welle erstreckend, aufweist, und wobei schließlich die Befestigungsmittel (156) einen Befestiger (158) aufweisen, der in der Öffnung (160) am zweiten Endteil (94) der Welle positioniert und schraubgewindemäßig mit dem Tragbügel (142) verbunden ist.

8. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 6 oder 7, wobei die ersten Mittel (118) einen Block (120) aufweisen, mit ersten und zweiten mit Abstand voneinander angeordneten Seiten (124, 126) und mit einer Bohrung (128), die sich an den ersten und zweiten Seiten (124, 126) öffnet, wobei der Block (120) starr am ersten Endteil (102) des aufrechten Führungsglieds (16) befestigt ist und die Welle (90) in der Bohrung (128) des Blocks (120) angeordnet ist, wobei schließlich der Block (120) auf der Welle (90) an einer Stelle zwischen dem Tragflansch (36) und dem Tragflansch (142) positioniert ist.

9. Fahrzeug nach Anspruch 8, wobei die ersten Mittel (118) ein Lager (130), angeordnet in der Bohrung (128) des Blocks (120), aufweisen, und wobei die Welle (90) drehbar in dem Lager angeordnet ist.

Revendications

1. Véhicule (10) comportant un ensemble de mat élévateur (14) fixé de manière pivotante à un élément de châssis (12) du véhicule (10) et comprenant au moins un élément de guidage de montant de mat élévateur (16) avec une première partie d'extrémité (102) ; une bride de support (36) avec des premier et second côtés opposés (38, 40) et gui est fixée à l'élément de châssis (12) ; un arbre (90) des première et seconde parties d'extrémité distantes (92, 94), des première et seconde extrémités (96, 98), et un axe longitudinal (100) s'étendant entre les première et seconde extrémités d'arbre (96, 98) ; un premier moyen (118) servant à fixer de manière pivotante la première partie d'extrémité de l'élément de guidage de montant de mat élévateur (16) à l'arbre (90) ; un second moyen (132) avec une ouverture (134) s'étendant à travers la bride de support (36) servant à coupler la première partie d'extrémité (92) de l'arbre (90) à la bride de support (36) et à guider étroitement l'arbre (90) pour un déplacement axial coulissant, et un troisième moyen (140) servant à fixer la seconde partie d'extrémité (94) de l'arbre (90) à l'élément de châssis (12) et à empêcher l'arbre (90) d'effectuer un déplacement axial coulissant ; caractérisé par une broche (66) comportant une première extrémité (82) gui est fixée au second côté de la bride de support (40) de sorte à recouvrir une cavité entre la première extrémité de broche et la première extrémité (96) de l'arbre, et un axe (86) gui est sensiblement parallèle à l'axe (100) de l'arbre et qui définit un axe d'une roue (34) du véhicule.

2. Véhicule selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la broche (66) assure l'étanchéité de la cavité et dans lequel il existe un moyen (168) servant à envoyer un liquide sous pression vers la cavité pour provoquer un déplacement axial de l'arbre (90) hors de l'ouverture (134) lors du démontage de l'ensemble du mât du véhicule.

3. Véhicule selon la revendication 2, dans lequel l'ouverture (134) est un alésage de forme cylindrique comportant un diamètre d'une grandeur présélectionnée, la première partie d'extrémité de l'arbre (92) comportant une surface extérieure cylindrique et un diamètre d'une grandeur présélectionnée, et le diamètre d'alésage étant au moins égal en grandeur à la grandeur du diamètre extérieur de la première partie d'extrémité de l'arbre (92).

4. Véhicule selon la revendication 2 ou la revendication 3, dans lequel le moyen de passage (168) comprend un passage (170) disposé dans l'arbre (90) et s'ouvrant au niveau de la première extrémité de l'arbre (96) et en un emplacement distant de la première extrémité de l'arbre (96).

5. Véhicule selon la revendication 4, comprenant un raccord (174) avec une partie d'extrémité d'orifice d'entrée (178) et une partie d'extrémité d'orifice de sortie (180) pour envoyer un liquide depuis la partie d'extrémité d'orifice d'entrée (178) vers la partie d'extrémité d'orifice de sortie (180), la partie d'extrémité d'orifice de sortie (180) étant fixée à l'arbre (90) au niveau de l'ouverture distante de la première extrémité d'arbre (96) et ouverte vers le passage (170).

6. Véhicule selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le troisième moyen (140) comprend une patte d'attache (142) avec des premier et second côtés distants (146, 148) et une ouverture (15) s'ouvrant au niveau des premier et second côtés de la patte (146, 148), l'ouverture de la patte d'attache (150) se trouvant définie par une surface (152) et la surface de patte d'attache (152) se trouvant mise en prise avec la seconde partie d'extrémité (94) de l'arbre (94) de l'arbre (90), la surface de patte d'attache (152) se trouvant en un emplacement présélectionné par rapport au premier côté (28) de la bride de support (36) et en un emplacement auquel la surface (152) de la patte d'attache (142) et de l'ouverture (138) de la bride de support (36) supporte l'arbre (90) de sorte que l'axe (100) de l'arbre est maintenu parallèle à l'axe (86) de la broche (66), et un moyen de fixation (156) servant à fixer la seconde 10 partie d'extrémité (94) de l'arbre (90) à la patte d'attache (142).

7. Véhicule selon la revendication 6, dans lequel la patte d'attache (142) comporte une partie d'extrémité supérieure (154) s'étendant entre les premier et second côtés de patte (146, 148) et l'ouverture de patte d'attache s'ouvrant (150) au niveau de la partie d'extrémité supérieure (154), l'arbre (90) comportant une ouverture (160) disposée dans et s'étendant à travers la seconde partie d'extrémité d'arbre (94), et le moyen de fixation (156) comprenant une fixation (158) placée dans l'ouverture (160) au niveau de la seconde partie d'extrémité de l'arbre (94) et étant fixée de manière engageable par filetage par vis à la patte d'attache (142).

8. Véhicule selon la revendication 6 ou la revendication 7, dans lequel le premier moyen (118) comprend un bloc (120) avec des premier et second côtés distants (124, 126) et un alésage (128) s'ouvrant au niveau des premier et second côtés (124, 126), le bloc (120) étant fixé de manière rigide à la première partie d'extrémité (102) de l'élément de guidage de montant (16) et l'arbre (90) se trouvant disposé dans l'alésage (128) du bloc (120), le bloc (120) étant placé sur l'arbre (90) en un emplacement entre la bride de support (36) et la patte d'attache (142).

9. Véhicule selon la revendication 8, dans lequel le premier moyen (118) comprend un palier (130) disposé dans l'alésage (128) du bloc (120), l'arbre (90) étant disposé de manière à pouvoir pivoter dans le palier (130).

Drawing