STABILIZING LEG TO SUPPORT AND STABILIZE A MOTOR VEHICLE

Abstract

 Stabilizing leg to support and stabilize a motor vehicle (11) suitable to transport and deliver construction material. The stabilizing leg comprises a box-like bearing structure (22) defined by at least one upper element (18), a lower element (19) distanced from the upper element (18), and by a first covering panel (23), and a second covering panel (24) both connected to the upper element (18) and to the lower element (19) in order to define with them at least one substantially closed compartment (21). In at least one of either the first panel (23) or the second panel (24) at least one access aperture (26) to the compartment (21) is made.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention concerns a stabilizing leg, used in particular, but not exclusively, on vehicles or motor vehicles linked to the transport of construction materials, such as a concrete pump truck, a concrete mixer truck, a crane truck or suchlike.

[0002] The stabilizing leg according to the present invention is used, together with further stabilizing legs, to support and stabilize a motor vehicle on the ground, for example a concrete pump truck with an articulated arm to transport and deliver construction materials, such as concrete, from a distance.

[0003] More precisely, the present invention concerns a stabilizing leg equipped with one or more tanks for liquids that can be inserted into compartments made in the stabilizing leg.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Motor vehicles dedicated to transporting and delivering construction materials, for example concrete, are known in the construction sector, such as concrete pump trucks, concrete mixer trucks or suchlike.

[0005] These motor vehicles normally have stabilizing elements, or legs, mobile between at least a resting position, adopted during the transport and transfer steps, and a working position adopted at least during the operating steps of delivering the construction material.

[0006] More precisely, in the resting position, the stabilizing legs are retracted, for example positioned against the frame of the motor vehicle and/or hidden, to allow to transfer the motor vehicle to the operating zone, or site, where the construction material is delivered.

[0007] Once the motor vehicle is in the delivery location, the stabilizing legs, normally four, two front legs and two back legs respectively, are opened and moved away from the frame of the motor vehicle, to support and stabilize the motor vehicle during the operating steps.

[0008] Typically, it is provided that a first pair of stabilizing legs, usually the front legs, is mobile from the closed to the open condition, or vice versa, by means of telescopic sliding, while a second pair of stabilizing legs, usually the back legs, are mobile from the closed to the open condition by means of rotation around a pivoting axis which is integrally fixed to the support structure of the motor vehicle.

[0009] Solutions are also known in which both the front and also the back stabilizing legs are pivoted with one of their ends to the motor vehicle, and are mobile from the open condition to the closed condition by means of rotation around the axis of rotation.

[0010] Specifically, the back stabilizing legs are pivoted with one end to the support frame of the motor vehicle in which they are installed, and actuators are associated with them, provided to make the back stabilizing legs rotate around the respective pivot pin.

[0011] It is also known that the operating step of delivering the construction material provides to open, that is, to extend, the articulated arm in order to locate its end in the correct position to deliver the construction material in directions and distances that vary with respect to the position of the frame of the motor vehicle. The function of the stabilizing legs is therefore to prevent the motor vehicle from tipping over during the movement of the articulated arm.

[0012] Each stabilizing leg normally has an oblong box-like shape made of steel, with a bearing structure defined by metal sheets.

[0013] The internal part of the stabilizing leg is hollow with the exception, possibly, of internal structural connection elements.

[0014] In the field in question, the European Patent EP 2 640 911 B1 is known, which describes a truck mounted pump to deliver concrete provided with a stabilizing leg. The stabilizing leg is provided with a transverse through perforation, defining one or more housings that can be closed by means of a cover.

[0015] It also indicates that an auxiliary unit can be inserted into one or more housings to operate a hydraulic unit, such as an oil dynamic pump.

[0016] Furthermore, as is also known from the state of the art, at least one of these housings can itself be suitable to contain the liquid directly in contact with the internal hollow part of the stabilizing leg.

[0017] One disadvantage of this known solution is that the liquid, if in direct contact with the internal steel structure of the stabilizing leg, can oxidize the steel with consequent rapid corrosion.

[0018] One consequence of this disadvantage is that the stabilizing leg must undergo constant maintenance and has a shorter duration than a stabilizing leg without compartments to contain liquids.

[0019] This also entails a consequent increase in maintenance and production times and costs, and possible replacement of worn parts.

[0020] This known solution, furthermore, requires complex operations to clean and decontaminate the compartments made in the stabilizing leg, if it is necessary to contain a liquid different from the one previously contained, for example the transition from using the compartment as a fuel container, to using the compartment as a water container.

[0021] In the known solutions, the motor vehicle usually requires further devices and/or means to transport and deliver the washing liquid and the fuel required for the normal activities of the operators. Consequently, a greater use of resources, energy and means, as well as an increase in the spaces, and management and logistic costs, are also necessary.

[0022] CN 102126459 A describes a support leg for concrete pump trucks inside which a water tank is inserted.

[0023] One purpose of the present invention is to provide a stabilizing leg which allows to house liquids that are auxiliary to the operation of the motor vehicle, without the disadvantages described above.

[0024] It is also a purpose of the present invention to transport a washing liquid, fuel, or other liquids such as release agents for concrete, using the smallest number of additional components and the smallest possible bulk, so as to optimize the operating times and reduce the costs, energy and spaces required.

[0025] Another purpose is to achieve simplicity and ease of sanitizing or cleaning the stabilizing leg without contaminating the steel structure, and without contaminating one liquid with another.

[0026] Lightening the metal structure of the stabilizing leg and a greater stabilization of the structure is also a purpose.

[0027] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0029] The present invention concerns a stabilizing leg which can be used on a motor vehicle to transport and deliver construction material, such as a concrete pump truck, a concrete mixer truck or suchlike.

[0030] The stabilizing leg can assume a first non-operating position, normally positioned against the frame of the motor vehicle and/or retractable, and an active stabilization position open with respect to the frame of the motor vehicle.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, the stabilizing leg comprises a box-like bearing structure defined by at least one upper element, a lower element distanced from the upper element, and by a first covering panel, and a second covering panel both connected to the upper element and to the lower element in order to define with them at least one substantially closed compartment.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, in at least one of either the first panel or the second panel at least one access aperture to the compartment is made, so as to define in the latter a respective housing seating.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the stabilizing leg comprises a tank to contain liquids inserted in the housing seating.

[0034] The tank, once inserted in the housing seating, can be connected, through hydraulic and/or electrical connections, to the respective equipment present on the motor vehicle.

[0035] The tank can contain a washing liquid, generally water, which is distributed through pipes, connected to said tanks, and to a distribution pump.

[0036] According to a variant, the tank can be used to store fuel, for example diesel, necessary to supply the motor vehicle.

[0037] According to possible variant embodiments, the stabilizing leg can comprise a plurality of apertures, each of which defines a respective housing seating in which a respective tank is inserted. The tanks each allow to contain a respective type of liquid.

[0038] The fuel can also be used to supply auxiliary devices necessary for the work in progress of the operators.

[0039] The solution described above, according to the present invention, allows to:

• prevent corrosion problems caused by direct contact of the liquid with the structural steel of the stabilizing leg;
• re-use the tanks, after suitable sanitization, to transport different liquids without risk of contamination;
• reduce the costs and time associated with the separate transport of the washing liquid and/or fuel;
• increase the efficiency of the motor vehicle providing direct availability of an auxiliary source of liquid, be it washing liquid or fuel for the motor vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

• fig. 1 is a perspective view of a stabilizing leg according to a formulation of the present invention, applied to a partly shown motor vehicle;
• fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a stabilizing leg, according to the present invention;
• fig. 3 is an assembled perspective view of fig. 2 in a possible embodiment;
• fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the stabilizing leg of fig. 2 without a covering panel;
• fig. 5 shows a section view along the line V-V of fig. 3;
• fig. 6 shows a rear perspective view of the stabilizing leg of fig. 2.

[0041] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0042] We will now refer in detail to the various embodiments of the present invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings. Each example is supplied by way of illustration of the invention and shall not be understood as a limitation thereof. For example, the characteristics shown or described insomuch as they are part of one embodiment can be adopted on, or in association with, other embodiments to produce another embodiment. It is understood that the present invention shall include all such modifications and variants.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows a stabilizing leg 10, associated with a partly illustrated motor vehicle 11.

[0044] According to the present invention, the stabilizing leg 10 is mobile to assume at least one closed operating position, in which it is positioned against the motor vehicle and an open operating position, shown in fig. 1, in which it protrudes from the motor vehicle 11 to exert a stabilizing action on the motor vehicle 11 itself.

[0045] The stabilizing leg 10 shown here is of the type with a flag-type opening, that is, of the type which in the transition from its closed to its open operating position, and vice versa, is rotated around one of its ends hinged/pivoted to the frame.

[0046] According to a possible solution, a linear actuator 29 is associated with the motor vehicle 11 and with the stabilizing leg 10 and is configured to rotate the latter around the pivoting end.

[0047] Specifically, the stabilizing leg 10 has a predominantly oblong development along a longitudinal axis X.

[0048] The stabilizing leg 10 is provided with a first end 12 connected, during use, to the motor vehicle 11, and a second end 13 opposite the first end 12.

[0049] The first end 12 is normally provided with pivoting elements 14 configured to allow the pivoting of the stabilizing leg 10 to the motor vehicle 11, for example by means of a pin 15.

[0050] The pivoting elements 14 can comprise, by way of example only, pivoting seatings 16 made in the first end 12.

[0051] According to a possible solution, the pivoting elements 14 have an axis of rotation which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X.

[0052] According to possible solutions, the stabilizing leg 10 comprises a positioning member 17 configured to position itself resting on a surface, for example the ground, and define the stabilizing action of the stabilizing leg.

[0053] According to a possible solution, the positioning member 17 extends in a transverse direction, preferably orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X.

[0054] According to a possible solution, the positioning member 17 is coupled with the second end 13 of the stabilizing leg 10.

[0055] According to possible solutions, the positioning member 17 comprises a linear actuator, such as by way of example only a hydraulic actuator.

[0056] According to possible solutions, the positioning member 17 comprises a first end which is connected to the second end 13 of the stabilizing leg 10 and a second end opposite the first end which positions itself resting on the ground, or on a support surface.

[0057] According to the present invention, the stabilizing leg 10 comprises a bearing structure 22 with a box-like conformation.

[0058] The bearing structure 22 is defined by an upper element 18 and a lower element 19 distanced from the upper element 18, and by a first covering panel 23, and a second covering panel 24 both connected to the upper element 18 and to the lower element 19.

[0059] The upper element 18, the lower element 19, the first panel 23, and the second panel 24 together define at least one substantially closed compartment 21.

[0060] According to some embodiments of the invention, the upper element 18 and the lower element 19 are located facing each other.

[0061] The reciprocal distance between the upper element 18 and the lower element 19 defines the height of the cross-section of the bearing structure 22.

[0062] According to some solutions of the invention, the upper element 18 and the lower element 19 have an oblong development in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0063] According to possible embodiments (fig. 4), the upper element 18 and the lower element 19 can be defined by at least one bearing or structural metal plate.

[0064] According to a variant embodiment, not shown, the upper element 18 and the lower element 19 can be defined by tubular section bars, for example with a rectangular cross-section.

[0065] According to some embodiments of the present invention, and not shown in the drawings, the upper element 18 and the lower element 19 can be connected to each other by structural elements disposed transversely to the oblong development of the upper element 18 and of the lower element 19, and which keep them reciprocally distanced apart from each other by a predefined distance.

[0066] The first covering panel 23 and the second covering panel 24 are integrally connected, for example by welding, with the upper element 18 and with the lower element 19.

[0067] The reciprocal distance between the first panel 23 and the second panel 24 defines the width of the cross-section of the bearing structure 22.

[0068] The upper element 18, the lower element 19, the first panel 23 and the second panel 24 are reciprocally connected to each other to define a rectangular-shaped cross-section of the bearing structure 22.

[0069] The first panel 23 and the second panel 24 can be defined by metal plates welded to the upper element 18 and to the lower element 19.

[0070] According to some embodiments of the invention, the first panel 23 is located, during use, on the side facing toward the inside of the motor vehicle 11, when the stabilizing leg 10 is in its closed condition.

[0071] The second panel 24 is opposite and parallel to the first panel 23.

[0072] The first panel 23 and the second panel 24 can be located parallel to each other and define, during use, the width of the stabilizing leg 10.

[0073] According to some embodiments of the invention, the first panel 23 and the second panel 24 are connected to lateral edges of the upper element 18 and of the lower element 19.

[0074] According to a further aspect of the present invention, in at least one of either the first panel 23 or the second panel 24 at least one access aperture 26 to the compartment 21 is made, so as to define in the latter a respective housing seating 27.

[0075] At least one tank 28 to contain liquids is inserted in the housing seating 27.

[0076] The tank 28 can be made of a polymeric material such as for example polyethylene, polyamide, polycarbonate, or a non-oxidizable metal material not subject to corrosion.

[0077] According to possible solutions, the at least one aperture 26, in the case shown in figs. 1-3 two apertures 26, is made in the first panel 23 facing during use toward the motor vehicle 11. In particular, it is advantageous to provide that the second panel 24 has, substantially, no apertures, to provide an action of protection of the tank 28 for example when the motor vehicle 11 is in a moving condition.

[0078] According to possible solutions, it is provided that the aperture 26 is made blind, that is, not through, through the width of the bearing structure 22 (figs. 4 and 5). In this way it is possible to give the stabilizing leg 10 an effective structural resistance, and define an action of protection of the tank 28 which, instead, is located in the aperture 26.

[0079] According to possible solutions, the at least one aperture 26 to receive the tank 28 is made solely in the first panel 23, and the second panel 24 has no apertures.

[0080] The tank 28 has a shape and size mating with the aperture 26 to allow it to be inserted through the latter.

[0081] According to a possible solution, the stabilizing leg 10 comprises at least a bracing body 30 inserted through the aperture 26, fixed in the compartment 21 and with a shape mating with that of the tank 28. The bracing body 30 has a structural function to resist the stresses exerted by the at least one tank 28.

[0082] According to some embodiments of the invention, the bracing body 30, with a structural function, comprises a metal sheet suitably shaped and inserted in the compartment 21.

[0083] The bracing body 30, therefore, defines the housing seating 27 to contain/house the tank 28.

[0084] In particular, the bracing body 30 covers the perimeter of the tank 28.

[0085] Embodiments of the present invention can provide that at least one of either the housing seating 27 or the tank 28 is provided with positioning or connection elements 31, for example protruding portions, configured to define a correct positioning of the tank 28 in the housing seating 27, and prevent unwanted movements thereof.

[0086] The positioning elements 31 can be positioned inside the housing seating 27, for example on the surface of the second panel 24 which is internal during use.

[0087] According to further solutions, the housing seating 27 can be provided with attachment elements 32 configured to fix the tank 28 in the housing seating 27.

[0088] According to some solutions of the invention, the attachment elements 32 can be made in a lateral flap of the bracing body 30 positioned in correspondence with the aperture 26.

[0089] The tank 28, in its turn, can be provided with fixing elements 35 which can be connected to the attachment elements 32 to allow the tank 28 to be fixed in the housing seating 27.

[0090] The fixing elements 35 can comprise at least a belt, or a plate which is positioned transversely to the development of the aperture 26 in order to constrain the position of the tank 28 in the housing seating 27.

[0091] According to a possible solution, the second panel 24 is provided with at least a slit 36 (fig. 6) made through the thickness of the second panel 24 and located in correspondence with the housing seating 27 in which the tank 28 is installed. The slit 36 allows to visually check the filling level of the tank 28 which is positioned in correspondence with the slit 36.

[0092] According to possible solutions, the at least one tank 28 can be provided with a filling element 33, that is, an aperture through which the liquid, such as washing liquid or fuel, can be introduced.

[0093] According to a possible solution, not shown, the bearing structure 22 can be provided with rapid connection means at least partly disposed in the housing seating 27 and connectable to respective connection means provided in the respective tank 28 which is inserted in the housing seating 27.

[0094] The rapid connection means can comprise rapid connection couplings, connected for example to pipes to feed the liquid which are provided in the bearing structure 22. The feed pipes can be connected in turn to means to pump the liquids.

[0095] According to possible variant embodiments, the rapid connection means can also comprise electric connection elements.

[0096] Furthermore, the tank 28 can be provided with at least one pipe 34 to connect to liquid distribution plants, in this case a plurality of connection pipes 34 through which the liquid is discharged from the tank 28 and distributed.

[0097] According to variant embodiments, the tank 28 can be provided with level sensors provided to detect the filling level of the tank.

[0098] It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the stabilizing leg 10 as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.

[0099] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of stabilizing leg 10, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

Claims

1. Stabilizing leg to support and stabilize a motor vehicle (11) suitable to transport and deliver construction material, said stabilizing leg comprising a box-like bearing structure (22) defined by at least one upper element (18), a lower element (19) distanced from said upper element (18), and by a first covering panel (23), and a second covering panel (24) both connected to said upper element (18) and to said lower element (19) in order to define with them at least one substantially closed compartment (21), characterized in that in at least one of either said first panel (23) or said second panel (24) at least one access aperture (26) to said compartment (21) is made, so as to define in the latter a respective housing seating (27), and in that said stabilizing leg comprises a tank (28) to contain liquids inserted in said housing seating (27), and in that the housing seating (27) is provided with attachment elements (32) configured to allow to fix the tank (28) in the housing seating (27).

2. Stabilizing leg as in claim 1, characterized in that the tank (28) is provided with fixing elements (35) connectable to said attachment elements (32) to allow to fix the tank (28) in the housing seating (27).

3. Stabilizing leg as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that at least one of either the housing seating (27) or the tank (28) is provided with positioning or connection elements (31) configured to define a correct positioning of the tank (28) in the housing seating (27).

4. Stabilizing leg as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said aperture (26) is made blind, that is, not through, through the width of said bearing structure (22).

5. Stabilizing leg as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that the at least one aperture (26) to receive the tank (28) is made only in the first panel (23), and the second panel (24) has no apertures.

6. Stabilizing leg as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises at least a bracing body (30) inserted through said aperture (26), fixed in said compartment (21) and having a shape mating with that of said tank (28).

7. Stabilizing leg as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that the bearing structure (22) is provided with rapid connection means at least partly disposed in the housing seating (27) and connectable to respective connection means provided in the respective tank (28).

8. Motor vehicle to transport and deliver construction material, comprising at least a stabilizing leg (10) pivoted to said motor vehicle as in any claim hereinbefore.

Drawing